“It’s what the queen did,” I said. “I wasn’t ready…” I trailed off, hoping I did not sound ungrateful or as if I were complaining, especially not to a subject of the great Queen Iris.
Donia’s eyes hardened just the slightest bit, but she stepped back, covering her subtle reaction. “It is the way of Queen Iris. She is a powerful sorceress, the most adept in magic. Hence, why she is queen.”
I scratched my head, unsure how to reply, and yet I had a feeling Donia was sharing a secret with me.
“You are unaware of the use of mind magic, and that is what I will teach you first, to guard your heart and soul against such intrusions.”
A thrill of excitement went through me. “Will I be able to hide my magic from those who follow its trail? I have no control over when it flares up, and it has attracted…evil.” I trailed off, thinking of Jezebel’s sharp knife and cruel whip.
“Aye.” Donia nodded. “I sense a powerful swell of magic within you, unused, untapped, perhaps even blocked. Usually, magic is passed through a bloodline, but occasionally there are outliers, such as yours.”
I wondered if she sensed the blood of the gods and not of humans, but it was a secret I would share with no one.
“This,” she gestured to the stone door, “is the gate to the Hall of Magic, and it requires magic to open. Once you have learned to access your magic, we will pass through, but today we will meditate, listen, and discover what awakens inside you. Come.” She moved away from the door, out into a wooded area.
I followed her down a pebbled path to a glade where rich green grass grew in intricate patterns and a creek bubbled by, gracing the air with its music. Birds called to each other and the scents of lavender and sage hovered around us. Other elves were in the glade, sitting with their eyes closed, palms open.
“Here is the Meadow of Meditation,” Donia whispered reverently. “I would like you to sit, close your eyes, and listen.”
Donia sat cross-legged in the grass and I mirrored her actions. “Magic is pure energy, and yet it has its limits. For most, the extent of magic can be drawn from your own strength, and you have to understand the limits lest you draw a fatal consequence from expending too much. Right now, I want you to find the source within you by listening. Quiet your mind. Listen to the wind in the trees, the song of the creek, the life growing around you. Let the worries of past, present, and future fade away. Breathe in, breath out, slowly, evenly. Let go of control and feel.”
Her words soothed me and I followed her guidance, hands resting on my knees, breathing slowly in and out as she led me deeper into the realm of meditation. At first, it was difficult to empty my thoughts and simply listen, but when I did, I felt it. All around me was life, energy, a force. I listen to the rhythm of it pulse around me, and as I did, my mind was awakened to a deeper understanding of Labraid, the balance all living things created, and the sacred duty to honor and respect the land. But beyond that, I was reminded of my purpose, why I was born: to protect the land.
As that truth resonated, I saw it. My magic sat within me. A bright ball of color, ebbing and flowing, existed, unused, untouched. A flare of blue shot out and when I opened my eyes it glowed in my fingertips, sending a shiver down my spine.
I glanced up at Donia, who smiled at me, her golden eyes shining with admiration. “That, Aofie Mor, is your magic.”
Chapter Forty-One
Magic awoke within,tingling through my body, awakening with a restless pressure, a need to use, to drain, to see, to experiment, to relish the sleeping power that lay within me. I wondered why I’d never felt it before, and yet under the instruction of Donia, I flourished like a budding flower, awakening to all that could be. Under her instruction, I went to the Meditation Meadow to still my thoughts every morning and to dwell on the power within. It was beautiful, addictive, vibrant, and drove out all other thoughts and desires. I wanted nothing more than to be one with my magic and use it to defend, protect…and most of all, the dark stirring awoke within me for revenge.
Seven days of awareness passed, and on the eighth, after a morning spent with Donia, I ran into Romulus on my way back to my room for the midday meal. Tiwyn had agreed to take me to train, and I decided to make good on my offer to instruct her in the ways of archery. I hadn’t seen either Romulus or Takari since we’d entered the kingdom, and the sight of him made my heart beat faster.
He held up a hand, and I smiled, pleasantly surprised to see him clean-shaven and well dressed, his silver hair pulled back in the style of the elven.
“Romulus.” My face flushed as our paths crossed. “I was beginning to think I wouldn’t see you again.”
He cocked his head and raised his eyebrows as he studied me. “Ah, the elven realm is vast, but my days have been busy as I’ve been reporting my travels to the council. You look…different. I believe the elven way of life suits you."
I bit my bottom lip, heat coming to my face. “I’ve been learning magic.”
Romulus appraised me, his eyes traveling the length of my body. “It must be why you look so alive. There’s a glow coming off of you.”
I shrugged. “I haven’t noticed.” But I had. The mirror in my room was enticing, and I’d seen that the fear behind my eyes had faded. I was safe in the kingdom of a great sorceress, and no one would harm me.
Romulus grunted. “Join me?”
“I…” I paused, thinking of Tiwyn. But Romulus took my arm and steered me away. “Come eat with me; there’s something I want to discuss with you.”
He led me outside to a sunny courtyard, where platters of food overflowed and light hung like jewels. Elves gathered in small groups, conversing in low tones. A few looked up when we walked in but went back to their conversations as we loaded our plates with food and sat on a stone bench. Romulus ate slowly, seemingly with no need to explain further. I hesitated, thinking of Tiwyn, waiting for me.
“Do you like it here?” Romulus asked.
“It is beautiful,” I said, unsure why he wasted words with pleasantries. “Is this where the defenders dwell?”
Romulus dropped his tone. “Listen. I know what the queen said when she granted you clemency, but there’s something I want to show you. Meet me tonight at midnight.”
I frowned. “Romulus,” I said cautiously. “What are you up to?”
