Eremis stared in awe at the book for several minutes before thanking Alex for the gift. He skimmed through the pages of the tome, impressed with all the information it contained. The book would become like a mentor to him. It was nice to know he would now have someplace to turn to for answers about herbs and surgical procedures unfamiliar to him. Of course, such a tome could never replace a fantastic teacher like Valhorek, but it would aid him immensely at times like this when he had only himself to rely on.
Taking care not to hurt Alex, he embraced him gently then pulled back to meet his eyes. "Thank you again. I'll study the book as often as I can, and send it home to you as quickly as possible. It will be a tremendous aid to me."
He paused to swallow the lump that formed in his throat. Why did he have to get so emotional all the time? No wonder most people viewed him as a wimp. After blinking back tears of happiness, he placed the book in his pack then hurried off to retrieve Jeremy as per Alex's request.
Jeremy spit the gum from his mouth and stuck it to the bottom of the kitchen table before following Eremis into the bedroom. "Hey, you look a lot better this morning," he quipped, sitting down beside Alex. He had looked forward to getting to know Alex better, but knew that couldn't happen now since he'd be returning home soon to recuperate from his injuries.
Shrugging off his regret, he focused on Alex's words. His eyes widened in surprise when he learned the youth and his friend, Quinn were willing to use magic on him that would enable him to continue his archery lessons without the help of a teacher. The things that could be accomplished by magic on this Tolkien-like world never ceased to amaze him.
Shock coursed through him once Alex announced he'd be able to open a portal to his world with the aid of some friends. All this time, Jeremy had been anxious to return home, but now that he was offered the opportunity to do so, he balked. He had a hell of a lot more freedom on this world since he didn't have to answer to any parental figure. At sixteen, he could visit brothels, drink alcohol, and party all night long without having to worry about getting grounded. And, they don't MAKE you go to stupid school here!
He stared at Alex. It was a damn shame that he and his friends could accomplish so much with their magic but were unable to heal someone completely and quickly. It they were capable of that, Alex wouldn't have to go home now to spend several days in bed, waiting for his wounds to mend.
"I would suggest you take part...if not all...of this day...to consider things," Alex said.
Jeremy didn't need any time to think because he already made his decision. "It's great knowing that I now have a way back to my world should I want to take it. But, I'd like to stick around here for a while yet. When I do decide it's time for me to return home, I'll seek you out since you're the only one I know right now who can open that portal. Before you leave I really would like it if you worked the magic that will help me learn archery on my own though."
