Chapter 790: To the Future

Chapter 790: To the Future

What do you mean if we didnt have to abandon it? Mrs. Lu asked.

What if you could start each day herein paradiseand then go to the inn from here in the morning, Alex suggested. What if you had help, like an innkeeper who could manage the inn in the evening, while you came back here?

Well, there's an idea, Mr. Lu chuckled, taking a long sip of wine. He was beginning to look a little flushed. But we can't have you teleporting us between here and Alric every morning and every night.

And besides, I like taking care of the inn, Mrs. Lu said.

I also like baking, Aex said. But I have someone to run the bakery when I'm not there, so I'm not chained to it. If you want to be hands-on, of course you can be, its your choice, but wouldn't it be nice to have more time to yourselves? To have time for family, to visit your sons, your daughter, me and Selina. Not to mention, Brutus!

It does sound nice, I must say, Mrs. Lu said. But we can't have you teleporting us to and from Thameland every day.

I wouldn't have to, Alex said. Not with what I have in mind. He said, putting his knife and fork down and leaning forward. At the university and Greymoor, Baelin set up a teleportation circle for us to use. It's a permanent way to teleport folk from Generasi to Greymoor and back. Well, the Cave of the Travellerand the thieves guild in the Irtyshenan Empireprovide access to those types of portals for travelling to different places. Think about it like a permanent doorway that you can use to get to certain places, places that you want to get to.

That sounds usefulso, do you mean to arrange for one for us to use? Mrs. Lu asked.

I think I could do it: if Hannah and Kelda could, then I don't see why I wouldn't be able to figure it out. I think it'd be great for all of us: itd let us see each other as often as we liked, and also give us a permanent connection to Alric.

II don't know what to saywhere would we live in Generasi? We couldn't afford anything here,Mr. Lu said, his face flushing redder.

Alex smiled. Not that long ago, Selina and I needed a home, and you gave us one, if you hadnt, the church would have taken us to an orphanage. You gave us a home and you gave us a family, so, I'd like to give you a new home in return.

Mrs. Lu's eyes began to shine.

Mr. Lu looked up at the ceiling. Best son-in-law alive. But honestly, Alex, you don't have to do anything like that.

I want to do it. I know I don't have to, the young wizard said.

Oh, Alex, Theresa smiled, her hand going to her heart.

I'd like it if we were all together, Selina said, smiling at the Lus. I've missed you all a lot.

Mr. and Mrs. Lu fell silent, looking at one another, their sons and their daughter, and finally, at the siblings theyd raised as their own. They reached for each others hands.

We'll have to talk about this as a family, Mr Lu said. But thank you for such a wonderful offer, Alex. It truly is wonderful.

Your parents would be so proud of you, Mrs. Lu smiled.

A beautiful moment, Khalik said, swirling wine in the bottom of his glass. A beautiful moment for a beautiful reunion. Times like these make the heart sing, and bring it much joy. They are much appreciated, especially after the dark times you have been through for so many months, my friend. He raised his glass to Alex.

Butforgive me for my burning curiosity in this fine moment. Theresa has told me of what you learned and I was wondering how your meeting with the king went.

The Lus looked at the prince in surprise.

The king? Mr. Lu asked.

Alex turned his attention to Theresa, she nodded.

What's going on? Selina asked.

I have lots to tell everyone, Alex said. It's a long story, and it's not a pleasant one, but its one you need to hear.

Alex went into the story, telling them all hed learned since hed come back from the Empire. He told them everything; about Uldars death, his treachery, and that hed created the Ravener.

The room grew quieter as Alex spoke, recounting what hed learned.

Selina gasped when she heard Uldar had planned to kill almost everyone, nor was she alone.

To the future! Everyone at the table raised their glasses, with Claygon raising his left fist.

The family and cabal drank deeply.

When Selina put her glass on the table, she looked at Alex, her expression grave. Don't die. Okay? You promised me before that you wouldnt, and you kept your promise, but things are getting more dangerous now. I don't want to lose you like we lost mum and dad, so promise me again that youll be careful.

I'm going to be around for a long time, Alex promised his sister. I won't tell you not to worry, but I can promise you I'm going to do my best to beat this thing and come back home.

Good. She frowned. I wish I could actually do something to help. Its frustrating that I have a fire affinity, but I'm not even strong enough to help with this.

That's not your job, Theresa said. We're making a better life for all of us. You just need to grow up and enjoy it.

Theresas right, Mr. Lu said.

Selina shook her head. But if I was stronger, I could make sure that you're there with me when I'm growing up. It was terrifying staying here, just waiting for news, news that couldve been terrible. It's terrifying staying home, waiting for bad news. I'd like to be there with you, protecting all of you. I'd burn the Ravener to ashes. Or take its heat away to freeze it, she said. Things stop moving when they freeze. Maybe I could paralyse it or something.

Something in what Selina had just said sparked a hint of something in Alex's mind. But he couldn't put his finger on exactly what it was. It was there, playing at the tip of his brain, but wouldnt come any closer. Hed have to file away what shed said for later.

Speaking of fire she paused, looking shy. I've gotten a lot better with spellcraft, Alex. I've learned so much since you were gone, and I really want to show you. Can we go to school tomorrow? Id like to show you everything I can do now, and I also want to see my friends againit's been too long.

Alex smiled. Well get you back to your classes after I speak to the registrar. Im sure hell have paperwork to do. As for tomorrow? Tomorrow we can go to campus, and you can show me all the spells you've learned.

Especially the fire spells, Selina said. I'm best at those. I guess that's not really surprising, right?

I can hardly wait to see them, Alex said. I've learned some good fire spells too.

Why dont we all go together? Khalik said. I am curious to see what magic you both can do now. What tier have you reached, Alex?

In summoning? Alex asked. Ninth.

Thundar nearly spit his drink across the table. Are you serious?

Yeah, man! Alex grinned. Ninth-tier!

Khaliks jaw dropped. So you, my friend, are now an archwizard!

According to an astral engeli I summoned, I am! the young wizard rubbed his hands together with glee.

That is so unfair, Isolde sniffed.

Mr. Lu looked at Theresa. I take it that ninth-tier is impressive?

Yes, father, she said.

Well, congratulations! Mr. Lu beamed. And speaking of congratulations. Show us that fancy new Mark of yours! Wellmaybe not at the dinner table. Show it to us in the morning. I'm curious to see what it looks like.

I will, Alex promised. Right before we go to campus.

Here, here! Thundar cheered. Now, let's get back to eating and drinking! He raised his glass. It's celebration time, after all. Then, tomorrow you can show us what a monster you've become.

Oh, don't worry, my plan is to make you all monsters, Alex grinned at his cabal. With sometraining, that is. I am a General, after all.

Thundar flinched. Easy training?

Alexs grin turned evil. Quite the opposite. Easy training does not a Proper Wizard make!

Isolde shuddered. Professor Jules was right. The chancellor is a bad influence on you.