"Great One," Ren and Cellon said in unison while executing a small bow.
But the old man didn't bother to look at them. He was still looking at me. Okay I'm really creeped out now.
"I'm Amalric Frostryder, the current head of the Council of the Mages. You are?"
"Ahm, I'm Nina. Nina Brooks."
"Alas! Such a short name for a beautiful lady. And how, pray tell, did you defeat that manticore?"
I looked at Ren for rescue. I fear that I might say something that might incriminate us all. But Ren just nodded at me. That would probably be a go signal to say whatever I wanted to say.
"Uhm, seeing that my companions are quiet, I'll narrate everything to you, good sir."
I then went on explaining the whole event, everything from the beginning. I only omitted the ones I dreamt about, because I don't think it's going to help us now.
The three mages just nodded at my story. If they believed me or not, I don't even know.
When I was done, the three looked at each other, as if communicating with their minds. Well, on this magical situation, anything is possible.
"Nina," Amalric called me. I looked at him and waited for what he is about to say. "What are your parents' name?"
"Is it necessary?"
Cellon pinched my arms and whispered, "Just answer the question. We don't want to mess the situation more, okay?"
I gulped. What have I gotten myself into? If I could face palm right now, I already would have.
"They go by Elina and Joshua Brooks."
"Nothing," said the beautiful woman.
Amalric's eyes shone, "And your grandparents?"
"I only knew one but I don't even know his full name. He lets me call Grandpa Bo though."
Ren stepped forward, like a kid showing off that he knows the right answer to his teacher. "I beg your pardon Great Mage Amalric, but when I went by her house I saw a picture of your predecessor."
"Oborin?" Amalric exclaimed with longing. Ren nodded in answer.
"Tell me, Nina," Amalric said. "What did your grandfather teach you."
"Oh, just some martial arts, handling different kinds of weapons and yeah that's all."
"Just that? Didn't he teach you something you thought weird or impossible?" He was waving his hands and I'm thinking he's getting agitated or excited.
I recalled the things he taught me. But something weird? I don't really remember. "I'm sorry. But it was so long ago. I was just a child back then."
"He's not teaching you anymore?" the beautiful lady asked me.
"No. He passed away when I was seven years old."
All five of them were shocked of that piece of news, which I found very intriguing.
"Do you know my Grandpa?"
Amalric sighed. "We knew him very dearly. Come now child, we have a lot to talk about but rest should be your priority. Ren, Cellon, take her to the Life House. We'll meet the Council to update them of these developments. Await for my summons."
Amalric waved his hand and another Warp Gate appeared in front of him. "Use this gate immediately so that no one would know your destination. We'll fix everything here."
Ren and Cellon nodded and bowed before dragging me towards the gate.
Passing through the Warp Gate was beyond my expectation. There was nothing. There was no static, or goosebumps, or anything. It was just like passing or walking in a park. The books I read lied to me.
The other side of the Gate was a miracle. As soon as we stepped in, I felt my whole being relax. It was as if the air itself contained some magic that could cure every illness you have, known or unknown.
"Where are we?" I asked them both.
"We are at the Life House," Cellon answered me. "It's like a hospital where all the mages go to cure them of any of our afflictions. And this is my home."
"You live in a hospital?" I asked him, bewildered.
Cellon's cheeks reddened. "Well, sort of. Our family dedicated our whole life here to serve the mages. We have the healing magic that enables us to do so."
Well of course, they could heal so therefore they should be doing just that. "Well, if you put it that way..." I shrugged and let my voice trail off because I was beginning to feel lightheaded.
"Uhm guys, could we rest for a little bit?"
Cellon looked at me and noticed my distress. "Lean onto me. We're heading to a ward right now."