The Blue Mage Raised by Dragons

Chapter 12

Michelle, get dressed and come downstairs. Rudolph returned to the city last night, a muffled voice called out. If you get dressed fast enough, you might be able to eat breakfast with him.

Michelle sat up in bed and rubbed the crust out of her eyes. She washed her face with the bucket of water in the corner of her room and changed into a white robe. She clipped on her silver cross necklace and skipped down the stairs. You forgot to comb your hair, her mother said. Are you that excited to see him?

Michelle giggled and ran her fingers through her hair, smoothing out the tangles. Her mother looked at her and smiled, ever since Rudolph had his coming of age ceremony Michelle always wanted to see him. At least, if they got married, the church and state would be united. With that, the two headed outside towards the royal castle.

They soon arrived and saw Rudolph riding Johann towards his parents. You were gone for three weeks; I missed you so much, Michelle said. She ran from her mothers side and hugged Johann on the snout. Michelle giggled as Johann snorted and licked her face.

I dont get a hug? Rudolph asked as he dismounted Johann. He opened his arms and waited.

Of course not, you stink, Michelle said and pinched her nose.

Rudolph frowned and dropped his arms. Its not my fault. I just emptied Johanns poop bag; Alistar wouldnt let me for the whole journey, he said. Michelle stuck her tongue out at him.

Cmon, Johann. Lets go to the gardens, Michelle said and tugged on Johanns reins.

Wait for me, Rudolph said as he chased after them. The queen smiled and this. Its good to see you again, Marissa. Come inside, were about to have breakfast, she said to Michelles mother.

Marissa curtsied. Dont mind if I do, she said.

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This is strange, Claire said and raised her staff to her chest. Its too quiet.

Are there any traps, Zul? Aran asked. The man wearing a blue robe shook his head. Its all clear. I detect traces of magic, but its faint, he replied.

I dont like it, Sophie said. Should we turn back?

We already came all this way and now you want to turn back? Wheres that fearless ogre spirit? Zeke asked with a smile.

The man with the black vest shook his head. Stay vigilant, he said. Too many adventures have died here.

Zeke snorted. Isnt that why youre here, Ross? To rez us when we die? Zeke asked.

Dyings painful; lets not do that please, Sophie said.

Zul raised his hand and the group stopped. The concentration of magic is a lot higher here; its most likely the mini boss or boss room, he said.

Already? We havent even done anything yet though, Claire said.

Group buffs, Aran said, and dont forget antipetrify. Rumors have it that a basilisk is the mini boss. A white light encircled the group and faded as Claire raised her staff to cast shield: physical, shield: magical, and antipetrify. Aran pushed open the door with his foot while wielding his red greatsword. The group inched in with their weapons raised and checked their surroundings. Its empty? Zeke asked, but didnt lower his daggers.

It looks like it; look, the stairs going down already appeared, Claire said.

Uh, guys Look up, Sophie said as she stared at the ceiling.

Are those human shaped holes? Zul asked with wide eyes. The group stared at the ceiling without moving.

Should we keep going? Ross asked, breaking the silence.

Aran nodded. It seems like something happened; if were lucky, well be able to get to the fountain without a hassle, he said. The group proceeded down the stairs and continued to travel with their weapons still raised.

I think we reached the boss room, Zul said. There was a giant crater in the middle of the room with a few inches of liquid at the bottom.

This is the fountain of youth? Aran asked. Whys it so empty? Did it relocate?

Claire raised her staff and pointed it at the puddle. Scan, she said. Its definitely the fountain. That water is the water of life. Restores age, boosts health recovery, and increases magic resistance when drunk.

I think thatd be of most use to me, Zeke said with a grin, cause Im always drunk.

Claire smacked his head. Not that kind of drunk. Drank, she said. Theres enough for 7 cups, just enough for all of us and the quest. It refills one cup every day, so it drained a week ago.

Aran nodded. Lets clear it and leave, he said. I dont want to stay here any longer than we have to.

Guys, theres still a door over there in the corner, Zeke said.

Ignore it, Aran said. We got what we came for.

Zeke frowned, but he turned around and followed the group as they headed back out.

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Are we there yet? Vur asked. He was holding Snuffles and sitting in front of Lindyss as they rode the basilisk. A cloud of bats followed behind.

Almost, Lindyss said as she braided Vurs hair.

You said that yesterday, Vur said while pouting.

And Ill say it again tomorrow when you ask, Lindyss replied with a smile. The past week had been spent traveling towards the desert in the south west while visiting monster habitats on the way. Lindyss insisted on having Vur fight all kinds of beasts to learn their skills. She even fed him to a miroa treelike beast with fangs.

Is it fine to leave the fountain for so long, Master?

What if adventurers invade?

Shouldnt you have left some of us behind?

Hush, Master is all knowing and wise.

Masters the best.

She didnt help me when I was drowning though.

Second best?

Its fine, Lindyss said. This brat drank it all. You guys couldnt stop adventurers if they came anyway. Whats it matter if a few drops are taken?

Master cares for us.

As I thought, shes the best.

But

Quiet, its your fault for not knowing how to swim.

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How many towns do you think theyll burn this time? Prika asked.

Leila sighed. At least eighty. You know how Grimmy gets when hes mad.

Prika nodded. The dragons had spent five days searching for Vur or a sign of his aura, but none of them were able to find anything. Prika and Leila were guarding the hoard, while Sera, Grimmy, and Vernon were taking out their anger on nearby human and demon villages. Sera uprooted the remains of the sacred tree and them on fire when she heard Vur went missing, but she didnt hurt any of the elves because of her promise to her father.

I hope hes alright, Prika said and rested her head on her paws.