Origin (Scales 'n' Spells 1)

Alric could have told her that. Cameron was both astute and observant. There wasn’t much that went over his head. “But he believes it now?”

“I think it’s still settling in. He’s at least open to the idea and was reading over the primer book I gave him with great attention. Considering all that he has been through in the past few days, I wasn’t willing to beat him over the head with it.”

“That’s wise. I fear we’ve overwhelmed him in many ways.”

“Yes, quite. He keeps coming back and asking more questions, though.” Lisette gave a half-laugh, her eyes crinkling up into charming crow’s feet. “So, we haven’t done too badly. I’m very curious to meet the rest of his family. I have a feeling they’ll be just as keen as he is.”

“I hope so. More mages are always a blessing to any clan.”

“It is always our delight to be part of a clan, for that matter.” Lisette got that look again, as if she were going to scold or encourage him. Her mouth was open, framing the words, but fortunately a knock at the door interrupted her.

It wasn’t a knock he knew, but Alric recognized the scent. Cameron smelled of magic, yes, but also of citrus and sun. Alric’s dragon might like Cameron’s scent just a tad too much.

“Enter!”

The door swung open, and Cameron’s head popped around the frame, his hair brushing against his cheek at the movement. “Hey, sorry to interrupt. I had a question for Lisette.”

She turned and gestured him in. “What is it?”

“I, uh, okay this may be jumping the gun.” Cameron stepped fully in and eyed her uncertainly. “I read the first three chapters, and I have a grasp on what all is entailed for basic spells, but I wondered if I could maybe try something? Really basic, just a little spell. I think I need to prove to myself one way or another if I can actually work magic.”

Alric’s eyes shot to Lisette, praying she said yes. He hated this uncertainty he saw in Cameron. He wanted only confidence and an open path for the man.

Fortunately, Lisette smiled and immediately stood. “Of course. There are several simple spells you can do that only require one element to work. I can teach you the invocation for it. You said the first three chapters, so you covered invocations?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Excellent, then let’s work an invocation. Less prep that way.”

Alric felt a flash of something in his chest. It was a mix of selfish impulse and a desire to break down Cameron’s mental block. He stood and stepped around his desk, moving in closer to both mages. “How about a wind spell?”

“Oh?” Lisette knew him too well. She was already suspicious, and her eyes studied him, waiting for the other shoe to fall. “Yes, I suppose. We can light a candle, put it in front of an open window. Less chance of damage that way.”

Cameron followed this logic with a nod. “Sure, if I can blow out the candle, that’s pretty good evidence. Um, what element do I use to power the spell?”

“Why not dragon’s breath?” Alric pointed to himself with a genial smile. “Since I’m here and available.”

“That’s an element? Then sure, thanks.” Cameron looked nervous about this idea, but his shoulders were set. He was game to try.

If this took the worry and stress off of Cameron, Alric would be happy to supply him with dragon’s breath all night. Hopefully a single spell would be enough to settle the question, though.

Lisette lost no time in setting up a candle in the window, the glass panes swung outward. She lit the candle with a quick spoken word before pulling Cameron about to stand in front of it. “Now, I’m sure the primer covered this, but let me reiterate it. Spells aren’t just words. They’re directions. You are speaking to the element you want to use and directing it in the path of your making. In this case, you are calling on wind—vente—directing it forward—anti—and closing the spell—gev adi.”

“Vente anti gev adi,” Cameron repeated carefully.

“Close. Put more emphasis on the ‘v’ in vente. It’s not a soft sound.”

“Vente anti gev adi.”

“There you go.” With a supportive smile, Lisette asked, “Ready?”

“Yeah, I think so. Um, how do I draw dragon’s breath?”

Alric didn’t know what possessed him. Mischief, maybe, as he certainly felt mischievous. But despite all his internal admonishments, he wanted to touch this sweet-natured, brilliant man. Just a little. He was moving before he could re-think it. He caught Cameron’s head in a light but steady hand and tilted his face down, leaning in to kiss soft lips. He lingered there for a moment, unable to help himself. Damn, kissing this man was too sweet. Cameron was obviously startled, he didn’t kiss back, and still all Alric wanted to do was kiss him more. To stay like this, just a little longer.