A Slave to Magic

by Lana Axe

  “Kwil!” Nera shouted, running to his aid. With a low growl, she pounced on the imp, slashing at it with her claws. It shrieked in pain, kicking wildly with its muscular legs. One struck Nera’s ribs, sending her rolling to the side. She was more irritated than injured as she dug her heels into the ground and righted herself.

  Scrambling to his feet, Kwil blasted energy at the imp, forcing it to its knees. Targeting the trees, Kwil loosened vines and limbs, dropping them on top of the beast. The creature keeled over with an audible crack, and Kwil was certain the imp was gravely wounded.

  Nera had seen enough. “Let’s go!” she shouted. The creature was down, and it was time they made their escape.

  Without argument, Kwil ran alongside Nera. Only steps away, they heard the imp’s shriek once again. It was pursuing on foot, its wings too badly damaged to fly. Both hung at odd angles, a broken tip of bone sticking out of the left one.

  “Why doesn’t it stay down?” Nera asked, frustrated.

  “I didn’t think it would get up that quickly,” Kwil replied. “What now?”

  “Keep running!” she shouted.

  The two ran on, but the imp was still faster than Kwil despite its injuries. Nera kept pace, wishing her companion were more athletic. The footsteps behind her were closing in, and its sights were set on Kwil. Unable to speed his steps, Nera shoved Kwil with all her strength, forcing him to the ground. The imp missed his target, its clawed hand slashing at the air where Kwil had been. Its other hand came down awkwardly, catching the strap attached to Nera’s lute case and knocking it to the ground.

  Reeling in anger, Nera dropped low, running on four limbs as her ancestors had. Leaping at the imp, she knocked it off balance, the two of them tumbling over a bed of dried leaves. Not giving the monster a chance to fight back, Nera sank her fangs into its neck. Holding the bite longer than necessary, she waited for the life to drain from the creature. Once she was satisfied it wouldn’t rise again, she released it and stood upright, wiping the blood from her mouth.

  Kwil stared at his friend in disbelief. Her actions reminded him of the wildcats that he’d read about in tales of other lands. “I can’t believe you killed it,” he said, looking at the lifeless imp. “You were amazing.”

  “Sometimes we have to revert to the predator methods of our forefathers,” she said, still breathing heavily. “What did your forefathers do?”

  “Not that,” he replied. “They probably just threw things.” Still staring at the imp, he asked, “Why didn’t you do that in the first place? It worked better than my attempts.”

  Shrugging, she replied, “I guess I wasn’t mad enough.” After a pause, she added, “And you injured him. I don’t think I could have done that if he had full strength.”

  “I’m not so sure,” he replied. “At any rate, I’m glad to be on your good side.”

  Nera grabbed her lute case from the ground and slung it over her back. Before she could suggest they keep going, a raucous noise erupted from the trees. Looking up, she counted a score of imps, all waiting high in the boughs, their fangs bared. The travelers were surrounded.

  Chapter 15

  Spinning around, Nera looked up at the trees. The imps stared back at her, their black eyes glistening in the pale light. Screeching and pounding on their chests, the monsters descended the limbs, closing in on the travelers.

  Kwil dipped his head, his hands outstretched at waist level, his palms facing the ground. Repeating the same incantation three times, his voice growing louder each time, he summoned the magic inside him. Desperately grabbing at the energy all around him, he channeled it through his hands and projected it at the ground. A shockwave of energy erupted from the sorcerer, narrowly missing Nera as it extended outward. The imps reached the ground in time to be thrown aside, their limp bodies flying in all directions.

  No words were necessary as the pair took to their feet, running for their lives. The previous imp recovered far too quickly, and these likely would as well. Kwil and Nera’s only chance to escape them was to get a head start and find a place to hide.

  Dodging trees and slipping on dried leaves, the two moved as fast as they could. Kwil stayed two steps behind Nera, though he suspected she was deliberately moving slower to match his stride. Focusing his mind to heat, he attempted to push the warmth to his leg muscles. The spell did not have the desired effect. Instead of augmenting his strength, it felt like his legs were being twisted and ripped from his body. Groaning in agony, he tried to push through the pain.

  Steps ahead, Nera pointed into the distance. “Smoke!” she shouted. “There’s smoke ahead!”

  Kwil spotted a single line of silver smoke rising over the trees. “It must be a campsite!” he called back.

  Nera clenched her jaw, hoping the camp would be full of Gatans or humans, not more imps. As she rounded a bend, she saw a small cabin, its chimney exhaling the smoke. “It’s a house!” she cried, her heart pounding in her chest. Instead of an open campsite, a sturdy stone cottage awaited their arrival. It would provide far better shelter than she had expected. With any luck, the homeowner would be willing to help.

  The crunching of leaves behind them heralded the approach of the imps. The cabin was still half a mile away, and Kwil was tiring fast, thanks to his mistake with the heat spell. The bite wound in his shoulder was also throbbing, adding greatly to his discomfort. Glancing down at his pierced flesh, he was shocked to see a yellowish ring surrounding it. The monster’s bite contained venom.

  Feeling a sudden dizziness, Kwil stumbled, but Nera was there to steady him. Placing his arm around her neck, she helped support his weight as they ran. His feet kept moving, but his head hung loosely against Nera’s shoulder, the poison leaving a faint yellow trace as it traveled up his neck.

  Only feet from the door, the imps caught up to their prey. Bowling them over, they shrieked with delight before forming a tight circle around the hapless pair. Kwil lay motionless on the ground, his muscles aching and burning. His mind remained unaffected, but he could do nothing more than watch as the imps closed in.

  Scrambling to her feet, Nera bared her fangs at the imps, daring them to come closer. If she was going to die here, she was going to die fighting. Hissing and salivating, the monsters lunged at one another, competing to be the first to sink their teeth into the travelers. Nera swiped her claws at them, her green eyes fierce with rage.

  Kwil struggled under his paralysis, trying desperately to move. Only his eyes responded to the request, allowing him to see the fate that awaited him. Incantations came and went from his mind, but without the ability to move his lips or his hands, he failed to cast a single spell. Powerless and frozen to the ground, he could only watch as the imps moved in for the kill.

  Nera crouched low, positioning herself for a fight. All around her the monsters crept closer, their black eyes fixated on her. She could see a hint of fear on some of their faces. Maybe they’d seen what she did to their friend. The thought brought a slight smile to her face. At least she had taken out one. Maybe she could kill a few more before they managed to overwhelm her.

  From the corner of her eye, Nera saw the door to the cabin swing open. What appeared in the doorway nearly took her breath away. Out stepped a sleek black panther, her golden eyes gleaming in the fading light. The imps took notice of the beast as well, shrieking in terror. Flapping their wings, they fled in all directions, narrowly avoiding a collision with the galloping panther. She ran forward on silent paws, scattering the monsters. None remained behind. Their cries grew more distant as they disappeared among the trees.

  The panther swung her head around, observing the odd pair who had entered her forest. Nera straightened her back and steadied her breathing, fearing not the creature who had saved her life.

  “We don’t want any trouble,” Nera said. “My friend is hurt.”

  The panther approached, narrowing her eyes. With a light growl, she sniffed at the air. “What happened to him?” she asked in a smooth alto voice.
r />   “One of the imps bit him,” Nera replied. “They would have killed us if you hadn’t shown up. Thank you.” She nodded her appreciation to the panther.

  As the panther approached Kwil, Nera stepped in front of him to block her path.

  “I can help him,” the panther said.

  Cringing slightly at her approach, Nera hoped the panther had good intentions. If she’d wanted them dead, she could have left them to the imps. Nera decided to trust her and stepped out of the way.

  Kwil could only stare wide eyed as the large cat approached and sniffed him. Laying a massive paw on his forehead, she spread white magic throughout his body. Holding the spell for a few seconds, she released the paralysis that was plaguing the young mage.

  Kwil sat up slowly, wiggling his fingers to make sure they still worked. A wave of dizziness swept over him but soon passed. Climbing to his feet was awkward at first, but he managed to steady himself.

  “The pain is gone,” he said, grateful to the panther.

  “The poison is still in your system,” she replied. “We must get you inside.”

  After taking two steps, the panther began to shrink. Her size decreased until she was no more than the size of the housecats that sometimes appeared in the stories Kwil had read. No one kept such pets on Gi’gata, so he couldn’t be absolutely certain.

  “How did you do that?” Kwil asked, already knowing the answer. “You’re a sorceress, aren’t you? You’re Mistress Seela.”

  “I am,” she admitted. “And you are Kwil, and she’s Nera.”

  Nera stopped in her tracks. “How do you know who we are?”

  Laughing softly, Seela replied, “Don’t worry, young one. I can sense much about you. How else do you think I knew to come to your rescue?”

  “You can read our thoughts?” Kwil asked.

  “Not exactly,” Seela replied. “But I can read the intention of your heart. I know you have come seeking knowledge.”

  Kwil glanced over at Nera, attempting to contain his excitement. They wouldn’t have to explain the situation or convince this woman to trust them. Through her magic, she already knew everything.

  “You must be sure of yourself,” Nera whispered to Kwil. “If she senses any self-doubt, she might not want to teach you. Let her see only your confidence.”

  “I’ll try,” he whispered back.

  “Damn imps,” Seela said as she stepped inside. Beckoning for the two to follow, she added, “They know to stay a hundred yards from my cabin. Disgusting creatures.”

  “No offense, Madam, but why don’t you remain in your larger size?” Nera asked. “It must be safer that way.”

  Hopping onto a stool, Seela replied, “I’m more agile in this form.” Grinning at Kwil, she said, “Plus I’m less imposing.”

  “I think I prefer this form as well,” Kwil remarked. She was certainly less terrifying as a small cat. Her panther form was terrifying, even when she was on his side.

  Seela jumped onto the table at the center of the room, delicately striding between the vials and flasks that left little spare room for movement. Searching through the labels, she selected the appropriate antidote and placed her paw on the stopper. “This is the one,” she said.

  Kwil lifted the bottle and looked it over. It was an ordinary gray liquid with no apparent magical properties. “Do I drink it?” he asked.

  “Not unless you want to vomit,” Seela replied. “Place it on a cloth and hold it against your wound. You’ll be good as new in minutes.”

  The young man did as she said, placing a few drops of the gray tincture onto a strip of cloth. Pressing it against the bite wound, he immediately felt the soothing effects of the medicine. Glancing around the cabin, he noticed several shelves filled with colorful tinctures. “Why do you have so many potions?” he wondered aloud. He immediately regretted the question, hoping he hadn’t offended the woman whose help he required. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I don’t mean to pry.”

  Waving a dismissive paw, she replied, “When one lives alone, one must be prepared for any scenario.” Grinning, she added, “And I enjoy dabbling in potions and creating my own concoctions. It’s certainly a fun way to pass a rainy day.”

  “Why do you live alone?” Nera asked. “You’re a Feles. You could be wealthy, famous, and admired all over Gi’gata.” In fact, Seela had given up what Nera was seeking. Though she didn’t care to be rich, she wanted to make music that people would flock to hear. Bringing joy to a crowd through song was all she’d ever desired.

  “Had I been born of a different color, I could have had that life,” Seela replied. “A solid black Feles is an ill omen among our people. A superstition exists that we are bringers of bad fortune, and that simply looking upon us can invite evil into a person’s life.”

  “Because of your color?” Kwil asked, shocked. He understood prejudice well, being born of the lowest class possible. But prejudice against a Gatan was unknown to him. Why would they turn against one of their own?

  “I’ve seen Gatans with black pelts before,” Nera stated. “They weren’t treated any differently.”

  “In this day and age that is true,” Seela replied. “But a Feles is not an ordinary Gatan.” Looking at Nera with scolding eyes, she said, “You obviously haven’t studied ancient history. Our ancestors were violent and cruel, sacrificing those who were black of pelt.”

  Nera gasped. “I didn’t know,” she said. She felt even more ashamed of her own people. How could they do something so cruel to their own kind?

  “Don’t get me wrong,” Seela went on. “Being sacrificed to the gods was considered an honor. Kits with black fur were offered up by their own parents, and they were blessed for it. At least they thought they were. Over time, the practice ended, and the attitude toward black-furred Gatans turned sour. We were reviled, accused of practicing dark magic, and sent into exile.”

  “How long ago was this?” Kwil asked. “Were your people still four-legged?”

  “Yes,” Seela replied. “That was the time when everyone was a Feles. Now the prejudice remains against only those who are like me. One in a million births produces a Feles, and most of those are of an acceptable color. It is my misfortune, and my greatest honor, to be born this way.”

  “You enjoy solitude?” Kwil asked, wondering if she preferred the life she had to that of an average Gatan.

  “I am not alone,” Seela replied. “I have the creatures of the forest. They raised me and shared their knowledge of the arcane. I have only a few close friends, but they are quite dear to me. I wouldn’t give them up for anything, not even the chance to live among my people.”

  Reaching up to remove the cloth from Kwil’s wound, Seela smiled. “It’s healed,” she announced.

  Kwil ran his fingers over the bite and felt nothing. “It’s completely gone,” he said. Not only spells could work great feats of magic; potions could do that as well. Never before had he considered making potions, but now he was eager to learn. “Mistress Seela,” he began, “would you teach me your craft? Master Rili was forced to send me away, and he said I should seek you out. I wish with all my heart to serve as your apprentice.”

  A warm smile graced the Feles’ lips. “I’d be delighted,” she said. “I see great things in you, Kwil.” Glancing at Nera, she said, “I see great things in you as well. You are both welcome to stay and learn.”

  “I don’t wish to learn magic,” Nera replied. “But I thank you for the kind offer.”

  “Are you leaving?” Kwil asked, hoping she would stay, but knowing her dreams would take her elsewhere.

  “I don’t think I can learn music here,” she said, avoiding Kwil’s gaze. The sadness in his eyes was difficult for her to look at. “I’ll have to find a troupe somewhere.”

  Seela shook her head. “There is much this forest can teach you of music,” she said. “You should stay at least a short time to see what it has to offer.”

  Intrigued by the suggestion, Nera agreed. “I will,” she said. Maybe it wou
ld be easier to leave after Kwil was settled in and his lessons had begun.

  “So,” Seela began, “Rili sent you to me. How is he anyway?”

  “He’s doing well,” Kwil replied. “He said you were his teacher.”

  “Indeed,” she replied. “I taught him many years ago when he was just a young kit. He was eager and bright but a little full of himself. I suppose he still is. He hasn’t visited me in years.”

  “Was Rili afraid of you?” Nera wondered. After all, he was a model student and had to have known the superstitions surrounding the black Feles.

  “Not for a moment,” Seela replied. “He wasn’t allowed to learn magic at the College. He was of low birth, and his parents could not afford the tuition. There was no one else to teach him. The look of his teacher mattered not. It was the lessons he wanted, regardless of who was teaching them.” Chuckling, she added, “It was rather fun having him around back then.” Her golden eyes grew nostalgic as she remembered the eager young student she once taught. She saw many similarities in Kwil.

  “You should be proud of him,” Nera said. “Not only is he a master wizard, he also helps escaped slaves return to their homelands.”

  “I would expect no less,” Seela replied. “And I am proud of him.”

  “Can we start my lessons now?” Kwil asked, eager to get started. Every corner of the cabin reminded him of magic, its presence emanating from the walls. With the poison out of his system, he could sense great power here, and he craved the knowledge of its creator. Seela’s golden eyes spoke of magic far beyond anything he had sensed from Rili. This was where he truly belonged, and he was ready to begin his lessons.

  “In the morning,” Seela replied. “First you need rest.”

  “Agreed,” Nera said. “I, for one, could use a bath and some clean clothes.”

  Disappointed, Kwil remained silent. Yes, he was dirty and needed a bath as well, but delaying his lessons by one night was physically painful to him.