A Slave to Magic

by Lana Axe

  “This will get you started,” he said, grabbing one last book. Heading for the attached study area, he paused and asked, “You can read the runes, right?”

  “Yes, Master,” Kwil replied.

  “Good,” Rili said. “It will save us some time.”

  Eager to begin his lessons, Kwil took a seat and laid the books on the table before him. Rubbing his hand over their covers, he inhaled deeply, basking in the scent of the aging pages. Euphoric, he realized that this was the true beginning of his studies as a wizard. With proper training, he felt sure that one day he would become a master of the arcane. Opening his eyes, he looked upon his master. “I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity,” he said. “This means everything to me.”

  Standing above his student, Rili crossed his arms. “You speak eloquently for a slave,” he said with a frown.

  “My former mistress insisted on it,” Kwil replied. “She’s the one who taught me to read.”

  Still frowning, Rili replied, “That will serve you well in life, but while you’re here you must pose as a slave. At least when someone comes to visit.” Though Rili would have preferred to send Kwil away to a land inhabited by humans, he knew the boy might have difficulties finding a teacher. After all, he was of low birth—the same as Rili himself. “The punishment for training you would be severe,” he added. “I’m sure you realize this.”

  Kwil nodded.

  “What of your servants?” Nera asked, concerned that one of them might be willing to turn Kwil in.

  With a dismissive wave of his hand, Rili said, “My two servants are sympathetic to the cause. I have entrusted them with my life, and you can as well.”

  Nera was satisfied with Rili’s answer. The rumors she had heard about him were true. Master Rili was one of the few Gatans out there willing to help slaves escape to freedom. He was likely the only person in a thousand miles who would be willing to help Kwil learn magic. She smiled to herself, her heart full of hope for her friend. He had earned his place as an apprentice, and now he would live his dream.

  As Kwil and Rili settled in for what appeared to be a long lesson, Nera decided to make herself useful. Since she’d be taking advantage of Rili’s generosity, the least she could do was tend to a few chores around the house. With no talent for laundry or gardening, she decided she could help most by running errands in the nearby town. Though its citizens had proved themselves cruel and heartless in their treatment of Kwil, Nera would have to deal with them. It was the closest town to obtain supplies, the next being more than fifty miles away.

  “Can I fetch you anything from town?” she asked, not bothering to wait for a break in their conversation. She knew they would likely be discussing magic until sunset, and it would be too late for her to travel.

  “Yes, yes,” Rili said, annoyed by the interruption. From the pocket of his robe, he produced a small bit of parchment. “These are the things I’ll be needing.” He handed the list to Nera without looking at her.

  Nera’s eyes scanned the list. She recognized most of the items and assumed the town’s apothecary would know the rest. “Do you have a horse I could borrow?”

  “Only one of them takes a saddle,” he replied. “The black one.” He flipped through the pages of an old tome, anxiously pointing to a passage he wished to share with his student.

  Silently exiting the room, Nera felt a sense of relief. She had no desire to sit around all day listening to them discuss magic. Instead, she would spend an hour or two in town before returning home to work on her music. She would surprise Kwil with a song of his triumph against the cockatrice. Humming to herself, she strolled toward the stable.

  Nera smiled at the sight of the black horse, its mouth shoved full of alfalfa. “Snack time’s over,” she said, rubbing her hand along the horse’s neck. Reaching for the saddle that hung on a nearby post, she positioned it onto the horse’s back. Luckily, Master Rili was not a large man. His stallion was a perfect size for Nera to ride.

  Climbing into the saddle, she nudged the horse forward. His gait was smooth and easy, giving Nera the opportunity to enjoy the countryside rather than hanging on for her life. She didn’t have a lot of experience with horses, her father having declared it unladylike, but she had a love of all creatures and found horses to be quite beautiful. They served her kind in return for food and affection. From what she’d seen, most horses were treated far better than human slaves.

  Banishing the negativity from her mind, Nera pressed forward. If she couldn’t let go of her resentment of the townspeople, she would have trouble dealing with them on Rili’s behalf. She didn’t have to like them, but she had to be civil, even though she would have preferred to take revenge on those who had wronged her friend. But Kwil would not want that, and Nera was trying her best to put her own feelings aside.

  Thanks to the quick stride of the stallion, Nera arrived in the town much faster than she expected. Apparently she and Kwil had been more lost than she realized when looking for Rili’s home. The path was easy to follow, and it was less than an hour’s journey by horse.

  Stopping first outside the bookseller, she tethered the horse near a trough. With a whinny, he bid her not to take too long, which brought a smile to the girl’s face. Stepping inside she was nearly overwhelmed by the scent of books. Unlike her friend, she did not enjoy the smell. To her it was the odor of dust and mold.

  The elderly Gatan behind the counter peered at her over his spectacles. “Yes?” he asked.

  “I’m here to retrieve Master Rili’s special order,” Nera said.

  “Ah,” the man replied, rising from his seat. He fiddled for several moments with something beneath the counter before producing a bundle of books. “Here they are,” he said.

  “Thank you,” she replied, taking the bundle. It was heavier than it looked. Returning outside, she tied the bundle to the horse, which snorted. “I don’t know either,” she said to the horse. “What could he possibly need with more books?” Laughing, she looked around to see if anyone had noticed her speaking to the animal. One woman was staring at her from across the path, but Nera didn’t mind. She flashed a smile and continued about her business, while the woman shook her head.

  Entering the apothecary’s shop, she was immediately taken in by his selection of lute strings. At home she had been lucky to find three varieties. This shop carried seven—each with their own unique set of musical properties. She wondered how the strings would feel under her fingers and which would produce the purest tones. Choosing strings was a personal matter, and many well-known lute players would travel long distances to find their perfect match.

  “Do you play?” a voice asked.

  Jumping at the sound of his voice, Nera pressed her hand to her heart.

  “I didn’t mean to startle you, Miss,” the man said, smiling. He was a tall Gatan with a brown pelt and long white whiskers.

  “Yes, I do play,” Nera replied. “You have quite a selection of strings here. I wasn’t expecting that.”

  The man laughed. “I wanted to be a luthier when I was young, but alas I had no talent for woodwork.” Opening the case, he added, “Thankfully, I’m quite good at fashioning the strings.” Retrieving a set of strings, he stretched out one and extended it toward Nera. “Feel,” he said.

  Nera pressed the string between her fingers. It was soft but strong, and she could already hear it singing to her. Her eyes sparkling with wonder, she said, “I’d love to try them.”

  “These strings will take your music to new heights,” the apothecary promised. Disappearing into a back room, the Gatan soon returned with a lute. “Mind you, these will sound different on your particular instrument,” he said.

  With a smile, Nera took the lute from him and began to play. Her fingers flew over the strings as she strummed a cheerful melody. Pausing a moment, she said, “These are wonderful!” They felt like velvet beneath her fingertips, and her heart yearned to try them on her own lute. “How much do they cost?” she dared to ask. Though s
he had some money, she wasn’t sure how she would obtain more. She had planned only for emergencies, not luxury items.

  “For a pretty girl like you?” the man replied. “Five silver.” He grinned, his white teeth glistening.

  Nera bit her bottom lip as she tried to rationalize the expensive purchase. The strings she was currently using were in fine condition, and there was no need to change them. But they were student quality, not at all like the ones the apothecary crafted. Knowing she would probably regret spending so much, she nodded. “I’ll take them.”

  “Splendid,” the man replied.

  “Oh, and these items on Master Rili’s account,” she said, producing the list form her pocket.

  The apothecary took the list and busied himself preparing Rili’s order. Meanwhile, Nera continued to strum at the lute, her heart swelling with musical joy. She wasn’t sure how much time had passed when the man finally handed her a box full of pouches and bottles. Wrapping the strings in brown paper, he placed them on top of the box.

  “You’re all set,” he said.

  Fishing out five silver pieces, she handed them to the apothecary. “Thank you,” she said.

  “Enjoy the strings,” he replied as she stepped out the door.

  Eager to return to the manor and restring her lute, Nera rushed to the stallion and secured the box behind her saddle. The horse licked her hand as she untethered him and prepared to climb aboard. A flash of green and yellow caught her eye, and she halted in her motion to see a familiar sight. The Orva family colors and crest stood out among the townspeople, and she froze on the spot. What could her father’s men be doing here? Luckily they had not seen her, and she felt a strong urge to flee. Hopping into the saddle, she nudged the horse forward, prompting him to a run.

  Once she could no longer see the town behind her, she slowed the horse to a walk, giving herself time to think. Father must have business in this town, she thought. But all his business ventures of which she was aware were far to the south, not here. Her hands trembled slightly as she gripped the reins, wondering if he might have sent his guards looking for her.

  Arriving at the manor, she stabled the horse and removed its saddle. Kwil and Rili were still chatting away in the study, so she set the items she’d retrieved on a table and silently walked away. There was no need to worry them until she was certain there was trouble. For now, she decided to take her mind off the situation by restringing her lute.

  Though the strings held magic for her, she still found her mind wandering as she tightened them onto her instrument. What would her father do if he found her? The thought sent a shiver through her body. Her hasty departure from the College would bring shame on their house, and Lord Orva cared more for his pride than his child. He would probably be angrier than she’d ever seen him.

  Strumming at the strings, she closed her eyes and immersed herself in the melody. In music there was peace, and her cares dropped away, allowing the melody to take control of her thoughts. The new strings gave her lute a softer tone, and her fingers moved over the strings with ease. She played on till sunset, never stopping for more than a minute.

  A heavy knock at the door dragged her back to reality. Her heart pounding, she knew who must be calling. Setting her lute aside, she slowly rose to her feet and crept toward the rear of the manor. Rili crossed her as he headed for the front door, but he took no notice of her behavior.

  “Open up!” a gruff male voice demanded.

  “Yes, yes,” Rili said, his hand reaching for the latch. As he opened the door, he stared into the face of a large Gatan wearing a yellow and green tunic. “What can I do for you?” he asked, annoyed by the interruption.

  “I have reason to believe Lady Nera is staying here,” the man said. “Some merchants in town had dealings with her today.”

  Nera heard these words from the back room and knew she had erred in entering the town. Of course her father would send guards, and the townspeople would be well aware that she was new to the area. She had put herself, Kwil, and Rili in grave danger. She should have left once Kwil was accepted as Rili’s student. Without a thought to her own safety, she opened the rear door and ran toward the forest.

  “I’ve no idea who you’re talking about,” Rili said to the man.

  “Don’t make this more diff—” he started to say.

  “She’s running out the back!” a second guard called, cutting him off.

  The guards ran for their horses, determined to cut Nera off before she could find a hiding place.

  Kwil approached Master Rili from behind. “What’s happened?” he asked.

  “It seems Nera’s family has sent some people to fetch her,” Rili replied.

  Kwil couldn’t believe his ears. “You’re not bothered by that?”

  “She isn’t my concern,” Rili replied. “She’s a noble lady, and her family won’t stand for her hiding in the woods.”

  His casual manner infuriated Kwil. “We can’t let them take her!” he shouted, immediately stepping toward the door.

  Rili grabbed Kwil’s arm and held tightly. “Listen,” he said. “You’re a slave. My slave as far as they know. If they think you had anything to do with her running away, they will drag you back with her, and her father will execute you. Don’t be an idiot.”

  Master Rili’s argument was convincing. Kwil knew interfering could mean his death. But Nera needed him. If their situations were reversed, he knew she would risk everything to help him.

  Seeing that Kwil was still uneasy, Rili added, “Her parents won’t hurt her. They want her home, and that’s the end of it. Don’t worry.”

  The guards easily caught up with Nera, who punched the first guard the moment he dismounted. His nose dripping with blood, he grabbed her arms and held them tightly. “We’ll have no more of that!” he shouted. Though he was angry, he knew better than to harm the girl. A single scratch on her would result in severe punishment from Lord Orva.

  The second guard arrived a moment later and hopped down from his horse. Using two straps of leather, he bound Nera’s hands and feet, preventing her from running away. Together the two men lifted her onto the saddle, seating her sideways.

  “Let me go!” Nera screamed, struggling to free her hands.

  “Be still!” the guard demanded. “And no screaming or we’ll gag you.”

  Nera narrowed her eyes at the man but said nothing. They rode past Rili’s cottage, and she caught a glimpse of Kwil being dragged back inside by Rili, who was no doubt using magic to increase his strength. Wishing she had the power to speak to him without words, she thought, I’ll be all right, Kwil. Take care of yourself, and become the master wizard you’ve always wanted to be. She fought back her tears, not wanting her captors to see her break down. If her father had his way, she would never see Kwil again. He would likely marry her off and send her away, where she would live out her days as a prisoner in her own home.

  Chapter 12

  Despite Master Rili’s reassurances that Nera would be fine, Kwil could not stop worrying about her. He slept little that night, and tried to focus on his reading the next day, but his mind wandered back to his friend and her well-being. He had to do something. Who knows what her father had in store for her? Kwil knew him to be a cruel man, and his anger toward his daughter could be severe. Nera did not want to return to her parents’ home, and that was all the reason Kwil needed to act.

  As the sun finally began to set, Kwil made up his mind to rescue her. Rili had finished his dinner and was now soaking in his tub, giving Kwil the opportunity to move about the grounds unseen. Fastening his cloak around his shoulders, he crept out into the night. Though he wasn’t a good rider, he knew he would need to borrow his master’s horse. Otherwise, he was in for a long walk, and Nera might already be sent away by the time he reached the Orva manor. If he didn’t act now, he might never find her.

  Approaching the horse with caution, Kwil did his best to stay calm. He had worked with horses, but they intimidated him with their size a
nd strength. If the stallion sensed his anxiety, it would put the animal on edge. Taking deep breaths, Kwil reached for the saddle and placed it on the horse’s back. “Easy, boy,” he said as he fastened the buckles.

  Satisfied with the saddle, Kwil tried to pull himself onto the horse. His foot missed the stirrup, and he fell to the ground, landing on his backside. The horse snorted and looked away. Brushing the straw from his cloak, Kwil said, “Don’t laugh.” Shaking his head, he tried again, this time successfully landing in the saddle. With a gentle nudge, he urged the horse forward, but it stood its ground. Grabbing a mouthful of alfalfa, it chewed lazily, unconcerned for the young man’s plight.

  “We have to go,” he said. “Nera needs us.”

  The horse was unconvinced. Kwil tried digging his heels harder, but the stallion would not budge. Obviously his horsemanship skills left a lot to be desired. He had spent time as a groom, but he had never been a trainer or a rider. The only option left to him was magic. Searching his mind for the correct spell, he laid a hand on the horse’s neck. Whispering a few words, he released white magic from his fingers, the light traveling over the stallion’s body. With a whinny of agreement, the horse reared on its hind legs, forcing Kwil to hold on tightly. The steed burst forward, racing into the darkness, its eyes lit with magical light.

  They raced beneath the moonlight, the young sorcerer giving only mental directions to the horse. Amazed at the effectiveness of the spell, Kwil’s heart pounded with exhilaration. Their two minds had connected, allowing the horse a clear view of its destination, while Kwil felt the surge of adrenaline brought on by the horse’s exertions. Never before had he experienced such freedom. The stallion loved to run, and it shared the young man’s determination to rescue his friend. Working as one, the two galloped through the night, racing on till dawn.