Lord of Small Magics – 23

“Well you’ll have to work something out. The only other way is for the prince to take you in as one of his wizards. Now I’ve only heard rumors but I don’t think the prince takes very good care of his wizards.” Anders had not actually heard anything about the prince’s care of his people one way or another but Meck seemed to need some encouragement. He refused to lose his wonderful wizard to an unworthy royal.

Meck sighed. “Maybe I could try to teach them a few things.” He fidgeted with the hem of his shirt as he mumbled while looking down.

“What is that? Did the shirt do something to offend you?” Anders asked.

“I said I could try. I can’t guarantee anything, but I don’t want to work for the prince either.”

“I could work for the prince,” Vedder offered, a wide smile on his face.

“Do you know protection spells?” Anders had no problem throwing Vedder at the prince as long as Farlon didn’t think they were a package deal and try to nab Meck later.

Vedder groaned. “I don’t know spells that will make armor almost impenetrable.”

“I didn’t mean to,” Meck defended.

“That’s what makes it all the more impressive,” Anders interjected before sitting down at the table. “I don’t want to put pressure on you Meck but the prince said you could teach his wizards and I’m afraid if you refuse he will have you grabbed against your will.”

“He would do that?” Meck paled.

“Meck, the prince isn’t one of those politicians who waits around for someone to make the move he likes to plan ahead. If he saw you weren’t sharing your secret or techniques or whatever he will decide to keep you for his own.”

“Why don’t we worry about that when he comes? Until then I will continue to meet with his wizards and try to find one of them who can match my technique. It isn’t elaborate or difficult.”

Still, Vedder didn’t seem appreciative of the prince’s new goal of acquiring Meck. “I will keep focus on teaching the new wizards and see if they can learn. The other men nodded.

“Fine, if you won’t seek emergency escape for the future I wash my hands on you.” A disgusted expression crossed his handsome face as he folded his arms and glared.

“Fine. Be that way.” Meck frowned back at his friend.

“I’m trying to be supportive,” Vedder frowned.

“By telling me I can’t teach anything and that I’ll end up conscripted to a future king.”

“You will handle this fine. I’m just worried for the future,” Anders said. “You didn’t see the gleam in his eyes.”

“That’s probably for the best I don’t appreciate people collecting me,” Meck said, his eyes flashing annoyance.

“I don’t like people collecting you either. I haven’t known you long but I want to keep you for more than a few days.” Anders didn’t get attached, not usually. The fact his inner wolf wanted to wrap around Meck like a furry coat and keep him safe from all other predators was highly unusual.

“If the prince becomes push I know how to push back.”

An electric charge filled the air and Vedders’ eyes widened. “Meck pull it in.”

“I don’t want to. Maybe I can fry the prince.” Meck scowled.

“You are getting ambitious. I approve,” Vedder said, grinning like a beserker.

“If you do that they will throw you in prison and never let you see the light of day,” Anders said. “Now behave. I won’t let anything happen to you. You are mine.” He had nothing further to say on the matter. Meck was his and he’d fight tooth over claw to keep him by his side.