Page 20 of Taken By the Blood God

I frowned down at him. He was paler than before, and there was a sheen of sweat on his face.

“Where?”

He pointed down the street in front of us. “Follow this road for half a mile. The inn is on the left.”

I wanted to ask him how he’d done it, but he looked like he was moments away from passing out.

“All right. I can’t carry your heavy ass, and I can’t leave you here,” I said. “I’m going to give you a boost using a spell. Then, we’re going to walk there.”

I waved a hand over his face, whispering an incantation. As my spell washed over him, I saw the color return to his face. He sighed.

“Better?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“Well, you’d better get your ass up so we can get moving. It’ll only last a half hour or so.”

He got to his feet, shouldered his bag, and tried to reach for mine. I slung the backpack over my own shoulder, sidestepping him.

“You can carry my bag when you don’t need a spell to keep you on your feet.”

I didn’t wait for him to respond, just turned on my heel and headed down the street. I knew he would follow.

Chapter

Ten

Talant

I had no choice but to follow Minerva as she strode off without me, the long red braid of her hair swinging behind her.

I took off, feeling the unnatural spring to my legs. Her spell was a good one, but I could feel the difference between her magic and mine. Her energy was calmer, smoother. Cooler.

My power burned and twisted within me when it was at its peak—a volcano ready to erupt.

Minerva’s magic was like a wide river. It moved quickly, but the surface was smooth, belying the power of the water rushing beneath it.

I quickly caught up to Minerva and fell in step beside her. We made the half-mile trek in less than ten minutes.

As soon as we walked in, the man at the front desk smiled and greeted me by name, just as I suggested when I used my magic to arrange our stay at the inn.

“Mr. Talant,” he said. “So nice to see you again.”

I saw the sideways glance Minerva shot me, but she didn’t say anything.

“Hello, Gerald,” I answered. “I believe I have a reservation.”

“Of course. I was delighted when I saw your name on the list for today.” He turned and took a set of two keys from a hook on the wall. “I have your regular suite for you and your wife.”

Minerva’s body tensed next to mine. From the corner of my eye, I saw her hand tighten on the strap of her backpack until her knuckles were white. But she kept her silence.

“Thank you, Gerald.” I stepped forward and took the keys. Hanging from the ring was a small wooden tile with the number eight etched into it. “Is the room stocked with the items I requested?”

He smiled broadly, his wrinkled face beaming. “Oh, yes. There is bottled water, wine, bread, cheese, and fruit. I believe there are also some sandwiches and other items in the mini fridge. You should have plenty to eat for the duration of your stay.”

“Wonderful. We traveled a long way today. I believe my…” My tongue tripped over the word for a moment. “My wife and I will head upstairs now.”

“I hope you enjoy your stay,” he said. “And please call the front desk if you need anything else.”

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