Page 40 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
“And half-shifters,” Auslin added, having healed more of them than just Kio.
Jaega huffed in amusement. “If more humans werelike you, we would not have had war between our people for so many centuries.”
He blushed at the praise. “It would be nice if more people practiced acceptance rather than tolerance or hatred.”
“I must say, I was mystified when my brother said he had accepted a human mage into our clan.” Jaega studied Auslin with an assessing gaze. “I could not fathom what you must have done to convince him to do such a radical thing, but I think I understand now.”
“Oh?”
Jaega rubbed the back of his now unblemished hand. “I have never met another human who was not only capable but willing to heal a shifter of a Divine weapon injury. You are most intriguing, Vanra. Kitaro was right to bring you here.”
He bowed his head. “For that, I am most grateful.”
“Now that I know the extent of your powers, I can better plan for your training. I suggest we start with twice a week, then build up to three times a week as your powers grow stronger.”
“I will do my best.” Auslin didn’t want to disappoint Jaega or waste his time.
“Of that, I am confident,” Jaega replied with a kind look that made Auslin feel better. “I believe your protector is here to collect you.”
Kitaro reappeared with a blank look that was ruined by the wrinkle of concern in his eyebrows. His gaze shifted between the two men.
“Worried?” Jaega teased his nephew. When the only response he got was a scowl, Jaega laughed. “Fear not. Vanra did well. We will continue our lessons in the future. You may take Vanra to rest now.”
Realizing that was his cue to leave, Auslin stood up and tried not to sway as his head swam a little from being weakened by overusing his powers. “Thank you for today…uhm,” Auslin said, although he hesitated at the end because he wasn’t entirely sure how to address the shifter who had agreed to be his teacher.
Jaega stood up, clasping Auslin on the shoulder. “You are clan, Vanra. You may call me Uncle Jaega.”
“Thank you, Uncle Jaega,” he said shyly, causing the older shifter to smile down at the human.
“Go rest now. You’ve more than earned it.”
Chapter 18
Kitaro
As soon as they arrived at their room, Vanra collapsed onto the bed to take a nap after expending so much energy during practice. Kitaro waited until he was certain Vanra was completely asleep before leaving the bedroom to seek his uncle to talk.
“Is Vanra resting now?” Jaega asked when Kitaro entered the training hall.
“He is.” Kitaro once again took notice of the fact that his uncle’s once-damaged hand was now healed. He had seen it earlier but hadn’t been able to ask about it.
The shifter general paused his practice. “You certainly brought home an interesting stray.”
“Did his training go well?” Kitaro hadn’t gotten much of an answer out of Vanra before he fell asleep.
“I have never in my life met a human with so much power.” Jaega shook his head in disbelief as he put his weapon back on the wall before returning to Kitaro’s side. “Let alone a mage who would willingly heal a shifter.”
“He is responsible for healing your hand?”
Jaega looked down as he wiggled the fingers on his now healed hand. “Somehow.”
“That is astounding!” Kitaro wished he had been there to watch.
The older shifter made a noise of agreement. “It is miraculous, especially given that he is a mere human. Somehow, he restored full mobility back to my hand and healed it of all the physical damage.”
“Amazing.” Kitaro was in awe of Vanra and his exceptional abilities.
“He truly is. I still cannot summon magic with that hand, but it is a small sacrifice for having my hand work normally after a century.”
