Belvedor and the Four Corners (Belvedor Saga Book 1) by Ashleigh Bello Page B

soul and waited there for you grasp it. And so you did!”
    His infectious excitement made Arianna smile, but the story was ridiculous. How could this be true?
    “The light blessed your body and healed you inside and out.”
    Arianna let her fingers graze her stomach where she remembered Grinda stabbing her with the sword. Although faint, she could feel the scar there.
    “You must be flowing with the magical blood of your ancestors,” he said. “I would guess you’re a descendent of someone very powerful for the spell to work so miraculously. Like I said before, Solomon was right to put his faith in you.” He took another sip of his tea.
    She raised a curious eyebrow at this last statement and decided to veer the topic off track once more. “Tell me, Master Churry, what faith has Solomon stored in me? You’ve mentioned this several times.”
    Talis looked up from his tea and stared into space for a moment. Arianna wondered what he saw in his mind’s eye as a wounded expression flickered across his face.
    “Another day, perhaps,” he said in a masked tone. “You’ve had enough wonderment for one night, I take it.” The expression wiped from his face.
    Before Arianna could form the next question on her lips, the door to the Well Room swung open. Arianna’s body clenched at the sudden intrusion. It took an interruption for her to remember that this discussion committed an act of treason. They had violated so many rules.
    She relaxed. It’s only Solomon. He had just returned from escorting Cyn back to her home.
    “Please sit,” said Talis, gesturing to a chair as Solomon strode across the room.
    He nodded, removed his cloak and sat down. “So, what’ve we learned?” he asked, turning to Arianna. A wary expression settled on his face as he crossed his legs.
    “Too much,” she said, shaking her head. “Solomon, how can any of this be true? It’s all very overwhelming. Have you heard his explanation? Do you believe him?” She placed her head in her lap as her hands tried to massage at the headache her mind suffered from.
    She glanced up, waiting for an answer. She wished that someone would tell her exactly what to believe. In the end, she knew she would have to make the decision on her own, but she wanted Solomon’s trusted insight.
    “Yes, I know,” he said, his voice solemn. “I’m sorry. You must be shocked at all of the information, but don’t bid it unwelcome. Just give it time to settle.
    Solomon turned to Talis who finished his last drops of tea.
    “We need to get you back to your district before anyone misses you,” he said. “I can never thank you enough for your help.”
    “Consider my debts paid,” said Talis with a low bow to Solomon. He flashed him a smile.
    Solomon returned a sincere nod and Arianna wondered what kind of relationship these two once shared.
    “Take care of her, Solomon. She may have swayed my stance on rekindling my old ways.” He chuckled and his belly shook beneath his cloak.
    Solomon joined in on the laughter, gently embracing Talis in a warm hug.
    “It only takes a little faith,” said Solomon, flashing a huge grin Arianna’s way.
    The two looked like long lost brothers.
    “Be safe and mind that storm,” said Solomon.
    Arianna glanced towards the small window on the far wall. Wind pounded large snowflakes against the glass, demanding entrance. She shivered, looking away.
    “Farewell, Arianna of Warrior’s District. I enjoyed breaking the law with you this night. Until we meet again.” Talis winked.
    “Goodbye,” she said as he walked to the door. “Oh, and Master Churry, I’ve decided that I do have you to thank for my life… so thank you.”
    He smiled. “Call me Talis,” he said with a bow. The door shut behind him, and she frowned. She realized all the information he gave her only led to a thousand more questions. Sorcerers. Magic. Healing lights? She struggled to understand Talis’ words. None of it had any place in her world.
    She felt a