A Slave to Magic

by Lana Axe

  “Then we have to unlock as many humans as we can so they can join the fight,” she replied.

  With a nod, the man ran off to continue his mission. Nera stopped a passing slave and handed her the final key. “Free everyone you can find,” she said.

  Not far from her position, Nera saw a blast of red light. In the sudden flash, she could just make out Kwil’s form. He was fighting the guards as well, throwing fire at the men as they exited the guards’ quarters. Sighing in relief, Nera could not be more grateful. There would be no battle. Kwil had set the guards’ beds ablaze, sending them running into the night.

  Running toward the source of the flames, Nera shouted, “It’s good to see you!”

  “I got the medallion,” Kwil said quickly. “I see you’ve taken care of everything here.”

  “Almost,” she replied. “There are still more slaves to unlock.”

  Hurrying to the farthest pits, Nera proceeded to use her key, while Kwil focused on magic to unlock more slaves. A shout nearby alerted him to the presence of two more guards, but he summoned the flames and threw it their direction. The two men scattered, narrowly avoiding the fire. Losing courage, they ran in the opposite direction, their better judgment telling them not to fight a sorcerer.

  The first slave reappeared, searching for Nera in the chaos. “My lady,” he said. “I’ve sent the others to the property’s edge. Where do we go from here?”

  “I’m not sure,” Nera admitted. “And you can call me Nera.”

  The man gave a nod. “You may call me Dael.”

  “When Kwil returns, we’ll ask him what to do next,” Nera said. Her eyes searched the immediate vicinity for her friend, spotting him near the edge of a pit.

  Kwil finished freeing what he believed to be the last person before scanning the area with magic. He visualized each pit, checking for any signs of life. He saw no movement. The fire raged on at the nearby guards’ quarters, but all of the men inside had fled. There was no one left, save the few people still inside the manor.

  Satisfied that everyone had made it to safety, Kwil returned to Nera. The human male at her side gave him pause. He stared intently into the man’s eyes as he slowly approached. “I know you,” he said, the magic inside him flickering to life.

  The man shook his head. “I don’t believe we’ve met,” he said, wrinkling his brow. He had spent years in the pits, and many had come and gone, but Kwil’s face was unfamiliar in the dark surroundings.

  Kwil summoned fire in his hand and brought it near his face. “What about now?” he asked.

  Dael took a step backward, his sight fixated on the young man before him. Kwil’s face was familiar. It was his own, at least in his younger years. “It can’t be,” he whispered. “Kwil.”

  “It is,” Kwil replied, stepping toward the man. He embraced him as if he had known him forever.

  “Does someone want to explain it to me?” Nera asked, her hands on her hips.

  Turning to his friend, Kwil gave her a soft smile. “This man is my father,” he said.

  Nera examined Dael’s face more closely. “You look similar for sure,” she commented. “But how can you be certain?”

  With a slight laugh, Kwil replied, “Magic.”

  Dael made no effort to hide his tears. “In one night I find not only freedom, but my son,” he said. “Your mother will be pleased to see you.”

  “You know where she is?” Kwil asked. “Tell me.” This was a moment from his dreams. Not only had he found the father he never knew, but the mother who visited his dreams was also alive and well somewhere.

  “She wasn’t the same after they took you from her,” Dael explained. “She no longer resigned herself to this life as I had. She managed to break free and is a leader among our kind. She works with sympathetic Gatans, ferrying our people to freedom.”

  “You know of this, but you haven’t joined her?” Kwil couldn’t believe his father would choose to stay behind willingly.

  “I had not the courage to follow,” he admitted, lowering his gaze. “But seeing my own child so brave, I have found new courage this night.”

  “I want to meet this mother of yours,” Nera said to Kwil. “I’m sure you do as well. We could work with her to end this evil practice once and for all.”

  Kwil nodded. “I want that more than anything.”

  “First we have to get this lot to safety,” Nera said, indicating the gathered humans.

  “Where will we go?” Dael asked.

  Considering a moment, Kwil responded, “To Master Rili.”

  A broad grin spread across Nera’s face. “He’s going to love having this group swarm by.”

  “They can’t all go at once,” Kwil replied. “They’ll draw far too much attention.”

  “And we’ll be easy to track,” Dael pointed out. “A group this size isn’t going to traverse the forests without leaving signs of their passage.”

  “Yes, they can,” Kwil replied. “I can cast a spell over all of you, masking your movements.”

  “You’re full of surprises aren’t you, Son?” Dael beamed with pride.

  “He’s studying to be a master wizard,” Nera announced. “But all that aside, I think it’s time we get moving. Reinforcements are bound to show up sooner or later.”

  “Good point,” Kwil replied. “Let’s get moving.”

  Joining the freed slaves, Nera, Kwil, and Dael led them into the wilderness surrounding Arsden’s property. Pausing a moment, Kwil used magic to draw a detailed map in the dirt to Rili’s manor.

  “You should go to him alone, Father,” Kwil said. “Tell him I sent you and follow his instructions on how to proceed.” He had every confidence that Rili’s conscience wouldn’t allow him to turn the freed slaves away. Rili had connections, and he would know the best way to conceal everyone until they could get to safety.

  “Come with me,” Dael said. “There is so much I want to learn about you.”

  Though his heart yearned to follow, Kwil could not. “I have to return to my mistress,” Kwil said. He owed her that much, and he wasn’t ready to halt his lessons. “But we’ll meet again soon. I promise.”

  Dael grabbed his son and squeezed him tightly. “I can never thank you enough,” he said. “Or you,” he added, looking at Nera.

  “Get these people to safety,” Nera replied. “That’s thanks enough for me.”

  Dael nodded and sucked in a gulp of air. He stood taller and prouder than he ever had before. “I will,” he replied.

  Nera and Kwil watched as the group moved out of sight, disappearing among the trees. Their work had only just begun, but a hundred lives had been saved this night.

  Running his fingers over the medallion in his pocket, Kwil said, “I think it’s time we found Dirnda and got out of here.”

  “Agreed,” Nera said.

  Keeping to the edge of Arsden’s property, they made their way back to the gate. The sun was on its way up, bringing a pale pink light along the horizon. The first birds of morning began to chirp, their movements visible high in the tress. Dirnda, however, was nowhere to be seen.

  Chapter 25

  “I don’t like the odds of getting back to Seela without Dirnda’s help,” Kwil said, his eyes scanning the woods. Without the puca’s speed to aid them, there was a good chance of encountering resistance along the way. If Arsden’s fleeing guards had raised the alarm, Kwil and Nera might have a fight on their hands. It was likely an army of reinforcements were already heading toward the manor.

  “I’ll take care of it,” Nera said. “He made us a promise, and I intend to see he keeps it.” Placing her fingers in her mouth, she gave a loud whistle. Staring expectantly into the distance, she awaited Dirnda’s arrival.

  “Maybe you should try again,” Kwil said. “It doesn’t look like he heard you.” He was quickly losing hope. Dirnda was much too fast for the guards to have done him any harm. It was more likely the puca decided not to wait all night for the pair to return.

  Taking in
a deep breath, Nera dug deep into her small magical store. Closing her eyes, she lifted her voice, a deep alto note flowing from her lips. Quiet at first, her song became louder, echoing from the trees that stood in the distance.

  Kwil caught sight of a shape moving toward them, two glowing orange eyes appearing in the dim morning light. To his amazement, Nera had managed to use the Cry a second time in less than twelve hours. “I thought Seela said the Cry could be used only every few days,” he commented.

  Shrugging, Nera replied, “Maybe she underestimated me.” Nera couldn’t explain it herself. All she knew was she needed to use the magic, and it was there for her, though it varied slightly from the one she’d first learned.

  Dirnda made his way toward them as if in a trance. Looking upon Nera, he said, “You bewitched me.” Dipping his head slightly, he added, “I think I quite like that.” He gave a mischievous laugh and motioned with his head for the two to climb aboard.

  The pair obeyed, Nera taking the front seat this time. With the thunder of hooves, Dirnda sprinted through the forest at top speed as the sun continued its ascent. The countryside passed by in a haze of green beneath a pink sky, the forest eventually swallowing the trio as they journeyed on. The familiar sight of the Dark Forest lifted Kwil’s heart as he anticipated returning the medallion to its rightful owner.

  Dirnda paused only steps from Seela’s door, allowing the pair to climb down. He stamped at the earth, eager to continue his long run.

  “You could come inside if you like,” Kwil said.

  “After you change form,” Nera added.

  Dirnda whinnied and shook his head. “I have other things to tend to today. Give my best to Seela.” With those words he turned and galloped away, his long tail swishing behind him.

  Kwil rushed inside, finding Seela curled up with a book. “Mistress,” he said. “I’ve brought a gift for you.” He could barely contain his excitement as he retrieved the medallion from his pocket. He dangled it from its chain before her, his heart full of love and devotion.

  Seela’s golden eyes drank in the shiny object before her. Lifting a paw, she gently touched the silver surface before clutching it in her paw. “I don’t believe it,” she whispered, still staring at the medallion. Engraved on its surface was an image of the sun, the symbol of her mother’s house. Her eyes wet with tears, she asked, “How did you find this?”

  “I paid Arsden a visit,” he replied.

  Narrowing her eyes, Seela asked, “He gave this to you?”

  Kwil glanced at Nera before saying, “Not exactly.”

  “You fought him, didn’t you?” Seela asked, her tone dry and flat. How could this young man have been so reckless?

  “I did, Mistress,” Kwil replied.

  “You went along with this?” Seela asked, looking at Nera.

  “I did,” she replied.

  “I can’t believe the two of you would risk your lives for this,” Seela said. “You could have been killed. Both of you!” Her tone quickly changed to a mixture of anger and disbelief.

  “I had to right the wrong that was done to you, even if only in a small way,” Kwil replied. “I can’t give you your true birthright, but I can give you this.” He dropped to his knees. “Please, Mistress. Don’t be angry.” He had expected her to be elated, not upset.

  Nera placed a hand gently on Kwil’s shoulder. “He did it because he loves you,” she said. “And I helped because I love you both. Kwil knew he wouldn’t fail.”

  “I would never have let you put your lives at risk for this,” Seela replied, her tone softening. With love in her eyes, she looked at each of them and said, “My sweet children.” With her arms spread wide, she grabbed Kwil first and hugged him tightly, a purr escaping her throat. She hugged Nera as well, giving the girl a kiss on her cheek. “This means the world to me,” she stared down at the medallion, her tears splashing on its surface.

  “You’ve given me so much,” Kwil said. “I’m pleased to be able to give you something in return.”

  “But how did you manage it?” she asked. Kwil was still in training. He wasn’t prepared to fight a master wizard.

  “Dirnda gave us a ride,” he began. “And Nera helped get us past the guard dogs. After that I climbed in a window and met Arsden face to face. I guess he was out of practice.” He grinned, not wanting to exaggerate what had happened. He had nearly failed, and he would make sure to go in much more prepared the next time there was a master sorcerer to bring down.

  “Did you kill him?” Seela asked, concerned not for her uncle, but for Kwil. She knew he would bear the scar always if he took another being’s life.

  “I left him alive,” Kwil replied.

  Seela closed her eyes, nodding in relief. “And you, Nera, where were you during all this?”

  “I went through the grounds and released the slaves,” she replied.

  Chuckling, Seela said, “You make it sound so simple. The two of you have accomplished something amazing.”

  “All in a day’s work,” Kwil said, trying to downplay the previous night’s events.

  “No,” Seela said. “If you can best a master wizard, then you have no further need of my instruction.”

  “What are you saying?” Kwil asked, his breath escaping.

  With a wistful expression, Seela said, “There is no more I can teach you that you cannot learn on your own. Your greatest work lies ahead of you. You will transform the land of Gi’gata, but you can’t do it sitting here with me. It’s time you left the nest and went in search of your destiny.”

  “But I haven’t mastered fire magic!” he protested. How could she send him away? Why didn’t she want to continue as his teacher?

  Seela patted his arm, her golden eyes softening. “You are mastering Ancient magic, which is inborn and no less powerful than elemental magic. One doesn’t need to master an element to be a master sorcerer. You’re well on your way to that. I couldn’t be more proud of you.”

  Her words brought him some measure of comfort, but he still wasn’t ready to leave. “I want to stay with you,” he said. “There is so much I need to learn. I can’t do it alone.”

  “I’m not going anywhere,” Seela reassured him. “We can study together as equals whenever you are ready to return. For now, it is time you learn awhile on your own.”

  “How long must I stay away?” he asked.

  “That is up to you,” she replied. “Take however long you need. I’m not sending you away, I’m giving you a push toward greatness. This is the best thing for you. The world will teach you things that I can’t.”

  Kwil could see the wisdom in her words, but he wanted to stay by her side. She was more a mother to him than anyone had ever been, and he wasn’t ready to break that connection. “What if I return tomorrow?” he asked.

  “Then I will welcome you with open arms,” she replied with a sigh. “But I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity. Nera is anxious to get going.”

  “She’s right,” Nera said. “I love it here, but I can’t find a troupe in the forest, and I don’t see any slaves that need freeing. I have to leave if I’m going to do those things.”

  Kwil’s heart sank. He was losing Seela and Nera at the same time. It was almost too much to bear. “I can’t believe you’re leaving too,” he said.

  “Yes,” Nera replied. “I’m going with you.”

  His eyes wide, he asked, “You are?”

  “Of course she is,” Seela said. “You two are destined for great things, but only together. I think I told you that already.”

  Kwil grabbed Nera and hugged her. Suddenly the thought of leaving didn’t seem so dreadful. “We won’t be gone long,” he promised Seela. “Someone has to answer all my questions while I figure out what it is exactly that I’m supposed to do.”

  “I’m always here for you,” Seela replied. Disappearing upstairs, she returned moments later with a black robe. “This is yours,” she said, presenting the robe to Kwil. “I had it tailored for you and enchant
ed it myself. It will change color as needed.”

  Stroking the soft fabric, Kwil said, “It’s wonderful. Thank you.” The pair embraced again.

  “Now get out of here,” Seela said, giving him a gentle push.

  Nera ran upstairs to retrieve her lute, leaving most of her belongings behind. Knowing Kwil, it wouldn’t be long before they visited again.

  Kwil retrieved a few items, including a handful of books he intended to read. “I’ll see you again soon,” he promised.

  “I look forward to it,” Seela replied.

  Side by side, Nera and Kwil headed out into the forest, both anxious to see what the world had in store for them. Nera hummed a cheerful tune, warming her friend’s heart and reassuring him that all would be well. Little conversation passed between them as they journeyed along, eventually emerging from the woods and re-entering civilization.

  Stepping forward, Kwil looked down the road and into the past. A young slave boy in rags stood before him, the hope in his eyes undiminished by his years of servitude. Now he was a sorcerer, mastering his craft. No longer bound by chains, he was free to choose his own destiny—to make his own way with his friend by his side.

  About the Author

  Lana Axe lives in the Missouri countryside surrounded by dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles. She spends most of her free time daydreaming about elves, magic, and faraway lands.

  For more information, please visit: lana-axe.com.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24