“What does that mean for you?” She asked.
Ambrose smiled softly at her concern for him. “It makes my job tricky. But it changes nothing. I don’t want you using the Main Portal in London or Paris,” he said. “I’ll escort you myself.”
That was against the rules. Rules the Orator’s Office made.
Maeve’s eyes shot to him. “But I wanted to stop by Starlight Seams in London and purchase that broach I saw in the window the other day, before heading to the portals.”
“You already have that,” said Ambrose.
“No, I don’t,” said Maeve simply. “I have the broach that matches Aunt Madrigold’s pin, but not this pin. I know they do look similar.”
“I know the difference,” said Ambrose, smiling mischievously. “I am saying you already have that pin.”
“Oh,” sighed Maeve, realizing her father must have gone behind her back and purchased it.
“It’s already packed for you.”
Ambrose pushed of the balcony ledge and strode towards her. He tucked his hands behind his back and kissed the side of her head.
“Thank you. You didn’t have to do that,” said Maeve reaching for his hand.
“Have a wonderful term. Don’t forget to write me.”
He squeezed her hand.
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” she promised.
He pulled her out of the seat and guided her onto the clearing on the balcony. Spinel jumped into her arms, granting her a swift kiss on the nose.
Ambrose held out his right hand, palm flat. From it shot a bright white light that began circling up and down, creating an oval shaped mass of Magic.
She dreaded the feeling to come, as she did each time she passed through a portal.
Ambrose squeezed his daughters hand tightly and nodded in confidence. He pulled her close, and together they stepped into the swirling blue and black void.
As if they were moving through syrup, the air around them melted to a halt, the very breaths she took became long and exaggerated. The blue iridescent light twisted into yellows and orange, growing deeper and deeper in shades of color until the red became violet.
The balcony behind them lagged and stretched out of vision.
Then came the part every Magical hated. The air around her compressed, rapidly slamming around her body from every angle, squeezing her until she felt completely flattened.
And then, as though a switch flipped, the violet light brightened back to the calm blue white light, and the world around her shot into full speed.
Maeve didn’t loose her footing as she stepped out of the light, but she ran her hands across her face and let out a shiver, shaking her hands slightly.
Spinel jumped from her arms and took off through the gates ahead.
Golden light flooded her eyes. She breathed deeply as they stepped out into the misty morning light of the mountains. The black gates of Vaukore were swung wide open, welcoming students.
Students arrived in droves through one giant portal near the gates. Maeve was the only student not forced to travel to and from school in such a way. Though, once, before the war, everyone who was able made their own portal to Vaukore. Some used fire to travel.
But magic was being disrupted, and Magical travel, which moved through time and space, was dangerous if they were not strong enough. Deadly even.
The massive portal which students were excitedly filing through was held up by multiple British Magical Militia. Her father’s soldiers.
They had bright golden S’s on their breast pockets. Supreme Magicals. Stronger than all the rest.
Ambrose took her shoulders and turned towards her.
