Fiza paused on the threshold, considering. “I think she is afraid. She is in a demon’s house, after all.”
Caspian chewed on this.
As she turned to leave, he called out, “Fiza. Wait.”
Chapter 37
Witch Crystals
The forest was shrouded in fog. The crisp smell of rain from the night before made everything seem lush and fresh, the dirt turning to mud underneath their horses’ hooves.
When Elizabeth and Fiza finally made it to Veridas, the hem of their skirts were caked in mud.
“Now I can see why you always return in need of a bath,” Fiza said, dismounting and taking stock of her skirts with a grimace.
Elizabeth grinned.
About to part ways in the city’s main square, as they usually did, Fiza held up a hand, “Lady … we will not have as much time today. You will be expected earlier than usual tonight.”
“May I ask why?” she asked, bewildered.
“I am forbidden to say.” Fiza’s face was impassive.
Elizabeth’s expression softened. “Thank you, Fiza. I apologize if sometimes your friendship with me conflicts with your duties to your master.”
“It is nothing, Lady. I’ll leave you to it, but we only have an hour in the city before we must return.”
Elizabeth went to the witch’s shop and practiced, or rather, failed at magic for an hour. It was strange that the levitating spell came to her so easily, but every other corner of magic eluded her. Many times, she would exhaust herself in effort. Her magic seemed reluctant to cooperate, snapping back into the well of green fire in her chest after a moment of hesitation.
Risna, to her credit, was patient with her while she struggled and failed to produce a sphere of either light or darkness.
“Risna, why does my magic not work like yours?” Elizabeth asked as Risna demonstrated once more, creating a glowing violet sphere of light.
Risna pursed her lips. “I’ve never taught a human mage, but the principles of magic should remain the same.” Risna paused, tilting her head. “The letter asked me to help you learn how to use magic, but since you’re a human and not a witch … I think it best to try and teach you the same as I would any other student and see what your magic can do. I wouldn’t worry if it takes a while for you to master, or if there are a few spells that remain beyond your grasp.”
She nodded and gave Risna a wry smile. “I understand. Thank you for your patience.” She paused, her cheeks warming. “Sorry if it’s taking me a while to pick things up.”
“Nonsense. You could still have very powerful magic, dear. It’s just not used to showing itself.” Risna said, smiling encouragingly. “Shall we try again?”
Nasera, who was reshelving things in the back of the shop, muttered snarkily, “Even a witch babe can summon light or darkness, but sure, tell the human how she could still have powerful magic running in her veins.”
Risna chuckled, and upon seeing Elizabeth’s look of confusion, she explained, “Witch babies are often found playing with shadow puppets on the wall or summoning balls of light to amuse themselves. That’s usually the first sign that a child will grow to become an exceptional witch.” Risna nodded at her kindly. “But that is not to say you can’t master a handful of spells and use magic as well as a witch one day. Your magic is just going to be—a little harder to learn.”
If it weren’t for a desire to please the angel, Elizabeth would have quit long ago. She stared off into space, looking at the walls and trying to piece together why she had bothered to step into a world where she did not belong.
A few failed attempts at summoning light later, her attention snagged on the different crystals displayed around the shop.
“What are those for?” Elizabeth asked. She had never seen raw crystals kept in such a way, their surfaces all rough and uneven. Why not increase the stones’ value by polishing and cutting them?
“You are easily distracted,” Risna chided.
It was hard not to be when she failed repeatedly.
Risna sighed, as if reading her thoughts.
“Crystals are the type of stone that holds magic best. Each crystal has natural properties. We impregnate the stone with power to amplify its effect. For slightly better sleep or better health, things like that. We sell lots of them to people who want protection, especially against demons.” Risna gave her a knowing smile.
“Can you teach me how to make them? Fill them with a spell?”
