The Missing Mage by Robyn Wideman

books of his sister’s. It did not surprise Verin, he was used to being surrounded by smart woman. His sister Avera was the smartest person he knew.
    As they walked deeper into the forest, a dull roaring noise filled the air. The normal forest sounds of birds and wind-swept branches were drowned out by the sound. Curious, Nathan and Ava glanced at each other. Where was Verin taking them? they both wondered.
    Verin smiled as he watched the two teens draw closer to the mysterious noises. The group followed a small path, which dropped them into a large ravine. As they walked through a thick patch of cedars, source of the mysterious roaring sounds was revealed.
    Ava’s jaw dropped in awe. A large waterfall stood before her. The rushing water cascaded down in three dramatic drops. The first drop ran down to a ledge of rock about five feet from the top. There the water widen out, transforming from a roaring, narrow funnel of rushing water into a wider torrent. From there the falls dropped another twenty feet into a small pool the size of a bathtub. Here, it foamed and bubbled before spilling over onto an outcropping of rocks which spread the dropping water even further. By the time the water hit the large pond at its base, it fell in one wide blanket, gently touching down into the deep waters. It was a breathtaking sight. She turned to Verin. “It’s so beautiful. “
    Verin smiled. He knew how much time Nathan and Ava had spent together at their special spot, the pond outside Elderwood. This place was secluded, majestic, and, once the mind got used to the constant dull roar of the rushing water, it was a peaceful place. In truth, it was one of his favorite places to come when he needed to think. He’d been positive that Nathan and Ava would find the place as comforting as he did; a location that would remind them of home in a small way. “I’ve spent many a summer afternoon swimming in that pond, it’s cool but refreshing. And if you are look carefully there is a small cave behind the bottom set of falls, you can swim right into it.”
    The banks of the pond rose sharply along the far edge directly into the rocks and trees of the ravine, but on this side there was a wide, flat strip of grass before the ground sloped up again. It was a perfect area for picnicking or playing in the sun before taking a dip in the water. Ava ran down onto the grassy flats, twirling as she went spinning and spinning before she fell to the ground dizzy. Her infectious laughter caught Verin and Nathan and soon they were laughing along with her. 
    “Come on. You two can come back and explore more another day. I have more I want to show you before we head back into Balta,” said Verin as he turned to head back up the steep ravine.
    While Verin headed up the ravine, Nathan and Ava stood for a moment longer soaking up the view. Nathan had always found the water to be comforting. It was why the pond back at Elderwood had been his favorite place, it was also why he knew this was going to be his new favorite place. “We are coming back here very soon, okay?” said Nathan as he glanced over at Ava to gauge her response.
    “Are you kidding me? This place is amazing; I am coming back here every chance I get.” Ava punched him in the arm. “You are not the only who loves the water. “ She laughed when he pretended her light hit had hurt his shoulder. then continued. “Let’s keep this place to ourselves for a while. Just like our old spot.”
    Nathan beamed, “I’d like that a lot, now let’s hurry before our guide decides we are lost.”
    When they caught up to Verin he acted as if they had been with him the whole time. Nathan appreciated the subtle ways of his uncle. Silently, the group walked together through the forest, occasionally Verin stopped and pointed out a plant for them to identify, Ava got almost all of them right away. Nathan had to admit to himself he was impressed, they had not been in Mithbea long and already Ava was familiar