The Missing Mage by Robyn Wideman Page A

with almost all the local vegetation. I am going to have to take another look at the books in my room, he thought to himself. Obviously, Ava had learned much from hers. The path became steeper as they continued their climb through the forest.
    “What is next on our list to see today?” asked Nathan.
    Verin said nothing, walking towards a small rise ahead. When they reached the rise, the trees open up. They were on top of a large hill overlooking the valley below. From this point they could see for miles. To the north, the forest went onwards all the way to the coast. A few miles to the east they could see the beginning of the badlands, the vast desert that spanned between Balta and Morthon. The desert formed a rough triangle with the kingdoms of Balta and Morthon at two corners and the port city of Pailtar forming the third. To the south of the forest they could see a change in vegetation.
    Ava recognized this from her books. “Is that the jungle down there?” she asked excitedly. Her books had warned of many dangers but also an exorbitant number of exotic plants like nothing they had back in Solotine.
    Verin nodded. “Yes. Beyond the river is the jungle, it is a vast and dangerous area. I know you’re curious to explore it, but never go alone and never go too far from the river. If you get lost in the jungle you may never return, it is even more dangerous than northern Solotine.
    Nathan thought back to the vraber attack that he and Verin had barely survived. If Verin thought that area was more dangerous than the north, then he wanted nothing to do with it.
    Verin turned his attention to Nathan. “As a ranger, much of my time is spent in these woods. The Hocton Forest goes from the coast north of Balta all the way to the coastal mountains on the far southwest. The desert and jungle is a natural barrier between Balta and the other kingdoms of Mithbea, but it doesn’t stop rivals from trying to attack our kingdom. As rangers we are the first line of defense, always scouting and protecting the woodland communities that surround the kingdom. Soon I will be resuming my duties and my time with you will be limited.”
    Nathan was not surprised that Verin would be leaving the city soon; Aunt Avera had mentioned that Verin had been on an extended leave to find him. Nathan would miss having his uncle around. His uncle’s guidance and calm, logical way of doing things had taught Nathan a great deal. “How long will you be gone for?”
    “Usually a few weeks at a time or longer, but I will be coming to the city frequently to check in on you…so no slacking on your studies or training. I don’t want to come back to find you have turned into a lazy, no-good prat while I’m gone.”
    Nathan laughed. “Oh I doubt that could happen under Aunt Avera’s supervision.” He was glad and relieved that Verin planned to keep tabs on him, he welcomed the opportunity spend more time with his uncle.
    “True, your aunt will keep a good eye on you, on the both of you for that matter. Ava, I’m trusting you to keep this boy out of mischief while I am gone.” Verin gave Ava a small wink; he knew she was more likely to drag him into adventure than caution against it.
    Ava gave her most innocent and pious look. “I will do my best, but you know how these boys are, always running from one adventure to the next. It will be difficult but I shall try to keep him out of trouble.”
    Nathan’s head swiveled back and forth as Verin and Ava talked, Ava in charge of keeping me out of trouble? Talk about a recipe for disaster... “I’m standing right here, you two can stop any time now, and besides, I have no intentions of finding trouble.”
     
     

Chapter twelve
    SHARON AND ROSE WERE sitting in the common area talking about Rose’s first few days of school when they heard a knock on their door. Nathan and Ava were getting magic lessons with Balthazar so they were not expecting anyone. Curious as to who was knocking, Sharon got up from the