Nature Mage (51 page)
They slept in their own houses that night, Gaspi and Jonn lighting lanterns in their kitchen and bedroom; but it seemed clear to Gaspi that neither of them felt particularly attached to the old place. Both he and Jonn had found more of a home in Helioport than they’d had in Aemon’s Reach, and though it remained unspoken, Gaspi was sure that Jonn was thinking the same thing. They didn’t linger that night, and went to bed fairly early.
The next morning they gathered in Martha’s house for breakfast, and after wolfing down bacon and eggs, Taurnil was keen to go out exploring. Lydia said she wanted to stay with Emmy and Martha, so Gaspi and Taurnil would have the day to themselves.
“What are we going to do, then, Taurn?” Gaspi asked.
Taurnil scratched his head. “Go hunting, maybe?” he said. “I wish it was winter.”
“How come?” Gaspi asked.
“So we could play Koshta,” Taurnil answered, as if it was obvious. “The pond’s not frozen.”
Gaspi rapped Taurnil round the side of the head. “There’s something I can do about that!” he said sarcastically. Taurnil looked at him blankly. “I’m a Nature Mage, you idiot!” he said.
Taurnil’s face lit up, as realisation dawned. “Let’s go,” he said, and they sprang up out of their chairs, rushing out of the door without a backwards glance.
Emmy shared an exasperated glance with Lydia. “Boys!”
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