The First Life of Tanan

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Book: Read The First Life of Tanan for Free Online
Authors: Andrew Riley
of fishermen. “Pemmy!”, he called and waved her over.
    Pemmy nodded and said her goodbyes to the men at the table.  She walked over and sat down at the table with Jelak and Kirkik.  “Good Morning, Jelak,” she said, resting an affectionate hand on Jelak’s forearm.  She looked over at Kirkik.  “Who’s your handsome friend?”
    Kirkik was surprised to find himself blushing slightly.  The women in Panna were certainly not this forward.
    “This is Kirkik,” said Jelak. “Constable Kirkik, I should say.  He’s come to replace me so I can spend more time chasing women.”
    Pemmy arched one eyebrow and gave the old man a gentle slap on his shoulder.
    “Kirkik is going to need a place to stay.  Do you know if Anin would rent the room behind his shop to our new Constable?”
    “I’m sure he would,” she replied.  She turned to Kirkik.  “If it doesn’t work out, you’re welcome to stay with us until you find a place.  We’d be happy to have you.”
    “Thank you, Pemmy,” said Jelak.
    Pemmy patted his arm again, nodded to Kirkik and left.
    Jelak looked at Kirkik. “Anyone in the village will make you that same offer, Constable.  That’s the kind of people you’ll be dealing with here in Port Billen.”
    They finished their meal.  Jelak pulled three small silver coins out of his pocket and laid them on the table.  “Come on,” he said to Kirkik, “Let’s go talk to Anin about that room.”

CHAPTER TWELVE
    Tanan walked with Soama through the woods near the Abbey.  They often took walks in the afternoon and talked about various things.
    “Cold summoning is the magic that most people are able to do,” said Soama.  “It’s not the easiest, but for some reason it’s the one that most people can do first.”
    “But I thought you said most people can only do one kind of magic,” said Tanan.
    “Most people can’t do any magic. Of the few of us who do have the gift, very few are able to master more than one kind of magic. Most can do a little elemental magic, but it’s not good for much. Even those who are able to reach some level of mastery in elemental magic can’t do much more than light a campfire or cool a drink.”
    “Do you know anyone who has mastered two kinds of magic,” asked Tanan?
    “A few, yes.”
    Tanan had only known two people who were able to do magic; his father and his grandfather.  And now Soama, which made three.  All healers.
    “Maybe I will be able to do healing magic like you,” said Tanan.
    “It is possible that healing with be your gift.  But no child has ever shown the ability for magic at such a young age. I suspect it will take years for your talents to fully reveal themselves.”
    “Would it help if I read books about magic?” he asked.  “Abbot Sweelin would never let me read magic books at the Port Billen Abbey.”
    “He was right to keep that information from you.  One of the main missions of the Brotherhood of Abbots is to protect magical knowledge.  There are people in this world who would use magic for great harm.”
    Tanan picked up a stick as they walked and began breaking small pieces off and throwing them into the woods.  “I would never use magic for harm,” he said.  Then he realized he already had. “Not on purpose, anyway.”
    Soama patted Tanan affectionately on the shoulder.  “I have received a letter from your grandfather. You will be returning to Port Billen in time for your birthday next week. I will send a message to Sweelin and ask him to allow you access to the books on magic. You will be coming back to study with me again so you may as well start reading up on magic.”
    “Thank you, Soama.”
    “You are welcome, Tanan.  Now, let’s head back to the Abbey.  It’s my turn to cook isn’t it?”
    Tanan shrieked ‘no!’ and started running up the path.
    Soama laughed.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
    Kirkik rented the room from Anin and officially took over as Constable of Port Billen the next morning.  News of

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