“What was her name?” I asked with hesitation.
“Do you really want to know?” Mena countered.
I took a deep breath, swallowing the fear that had mounted in my throat. I knew the answer but, I needed to hear it, I needed someone else to confirm the truth I felt in my very bones.
“Signy of Hearthmound, daughter of Odaer, and the wife of Tarben the Blackhood.”
Tears welled in my eyes, falling without warning and drenching my cheeks in streaks of warm memories. My mother’s name but, that would mean she was far older than I’d ever known, ever thought of. Did no one know? Did she hide it away for all this time?
“The fire took her,” I whispered through sobs, “how...how could it...”
“She had already passed on her gifts, to you, Alina. She feared this outcome greatly, which is why she hid for centuries, denying herself a life of love and family for so long.”
I felt arms wrap around me, pulling me close. I sobbed for what seemed like an eternity. I’d barely known my parents, and only now was I learning their story when they were already long gone.
“Your father was quite the man,” she said softly. “He had to be to tame such a heart as hers. And I see that same heart, now, in you.”
I sniffled, composing myself in the beat of the forge’s radiance and Lady Mena’s gentle aura. Only days ago, I was some simple labourer, and now, not only did I speak to Dragons, I was Skyborn; a legend reborn in the here and now. I didn’t know what to do with myself, or how to move forward. Was I to continue normally, or was I to become some great and powerful warrior? Did I run away and hide like my mother? Could I really abandon my friends? Everything seemed unfathomable at this point.
“Now, now,” she said, wiping the remaining tears from my eyes. “It’s a lot to take in. Go get yourself some rest. I believe Mara expects to teach you some magic in the morning.”
I agreed, rest seemed like the best option, even if my mind was now a flurry of thoughts and memories. I returned to my room, Lady Mena guiding me before wandering off to her own chambers for the evening, a tune on her lips. Mara was already fast asleep, and even with my footsteps, she didn’t stir. I was exhausted, more than ever now, and I assumed she had passed out as soon as she hit the pillow. I planned to do the same.
I didn’t bother to look for a change of clothes or another robe. I flipped onto the soft sheets, letting the comfort below encase me as it did earlier but, this time, I had nowhere else to be. Now, there would only be rest.
Chapter Thirteen
Birds chirped, signaling the rise of a new day. Sunlight filtered in through the curtains; narrow beams twirling bits of dust in the air like spiders on thin strands of web.
I had cocooned myself in the layers of blankets overnight, completely wrapped in fluffy, white warmth. I rolled over, looking to Mara for whether I could steal another few winks or not but, she was gone. Her bed was made, and all that remained was her robe on the bedside. I sighed; that meant it was well past dawn and I knew she’d come drag me out if I took too much longer.
I nearly threw myself out of the bed. I was excited about the magic lessons but, I also wanted to stay tucked under those plush blankets for however long anyone would let me.
“Oh?” I said aloud. I spotted a pile of clothing on the table we’d seen the night before. Were they for me?
I picked up the pair of trousers; they looked like mine but they felt new. All the patches, scrapes, rips, and tears had disappeared as if they’d never been. I swapped out the new items for my robe without giving it much thought. It had worked well enough but, I still felt more comfortable in a shirt and bottoms than I did in any sort of gown. I slipped on a pair of leather boots, much more suited for the adventuring than my old cloth ones. They didn’t bind or cut into my calves as I laced them up at the sides; it was as if they were already worn in for me. Still, there was no sign of my cloak.
“There you are,” Mara called from down the stairs.
I’d barely made my way out but, her eyes still locked on me like a predator stalking its prey. Kiyne sat beside her, sharpening the blade of his sword; he too had been fitted with new clothes.
“Like the gifts?” Mara asked as I joined them.
“Yeah. Where did they come from?” I asked, looking at them both, and then myself again.
“My grandmother, err, Lady Mena. She thought our attire was rather shabby,” Mara said with a smirk.
“They’re perfect, how did she-”
Mara tapped a finger to her temple, “magic, remember?”
I rolled my eyes, of course. Elves were always quick to analyze and go to work. I shouldn’t have been surprised they’d get something together for all of us so quickly.
“C’mon,” Mara instructed, “let’s get you some food and get to work!”
“What about you, Kiyne?” I said curiously.
“We’ve been awake for a while,” he laughed. “It’s just you that decided to sleep until noon.”
“It is not noon!” I stomped.
“Ha, I know,” he teased. “I’ve got my own training to do. Mara convinced the Archers here to show me a thing or two.”
That sounded amazing. I’d always admired how skillful bow users were. They could shoot more than just arrows, and from high atop the cliffs and lookout towers. Enemies couldn’t even see them before they were struck down. Their eyesight, and hand-eye coordination, had to be perfect. Even breathing wrong could jeopardize their aim. Mara was like a statue, even in the heat of battle. She’d take her aim, point, and shoot. I’d never seen her miss a target; not once.
“Someone has to hunt when I’m away,” Mara snickered as she led us away.
I was eager to learn but, my stomach was more eager to eat. Even after everything I’d consumed the night before, I still had room for more it seemed.
She led us into a small room down another beaten walkway, tables lining either side and filled with pastries, fruits, and an array of meats and cheeses. She slid a few apples into her pouch, and I grabbed a few goodies too before we headed along. I munched as we walked, taking in the sights and sounds that day brought to the forest city. Before I even had the chance to ask, Mara answered.
“We’re going to the Emerald Isle,” she said, her eyes never straying from our path. “It’s a place that holds magic and aids in its focus. It’ll help you to realize your abilities, hopefully, a bit quicker than if we just practiced in the woods.”
I continued to eat, careful not to fall behind as I tried to walk, admire the forest, and eat all at the same time. I swore I could hear Mara laughing at me but, she never turned around to admit it.
We came to a clearing, similar to the old forge’s that I’d been at the night before. However, this one wasn’t quite as weathered. Large wooden sculptures surrounded us as we stepped into the circular clearing, an image carved below our feet hidden by bits of moss but, still easy enough to make out. There were five elemental symbols, most common knowledge to even an untrained eye but, another was more difficult to perceive. Each had, what I assumed to be, their keeper, commanding them.
The Body was visualized by water droplets flowing into the palm. The Spirit was presented by a whirl of wind being pushed away from the chest by an outspread arm. The World was presented as expected, vines and trees encroaching upon the shoulders of a prayer-bound servant. The Heart was shown by flames sparking from snapped fingers but, the Mind was a bit more complex.
The Mind was centered by the other elements, an eye open on the center of the forehead of its keeper, and following whoever seemed to stare at its image. It was eerie and enticing.
“Mara,” I shouted. “What does this mean?” I pointed to the image below our feet.
“The Mind,” she said without delay. “We command our body with it, tame our spirit with it, overrule our heart with it, and navigate the world with it. It is the center of our being. Many believe the Spirit to hold command over our existence but, without the mind to translate it, we would
have no clarity; no purpose. The eye sees, learns, watches, and waits. It is what will give you the focus you seek if you are willing to open it.”
I’ve heard all manner of stories; from the Cadunes of the South and their belief that a strong body can conquer all. To the Enegrians of the East who believed the Heart would guide them through dark times. I’d never heard of the mind utilizing it all. Of course, it made perfect sense but, everyone always looked to their spirit or soul in our village. Why had the Elven never mentioned anything otherwise?
“We’re free to believe whatever we like,” Mara continued. “That’s why we never imposed our views on anyone else. We just hoped they would be as understanding to us, as we are to them.”
I’d just barely finished my last bite of bread and already I was learning far more about magic and its birth than I’d ever known before.
“So, it’s meant to guide us, not serve us?” I questioned.
“Exactly,” Mara replied.
She set down her gear, removing the pouch from her hip, her bow, and quiver from her back. She was going to take this quite seriously, and that meant I would have to be on my best behaviour.
“We’ll see if you’re as natural to this as grandmother believes,” Mara voiced. “Now, close your eyes.”
I was surprised at the quickness of her orders but I tossed my bag aside and obeyed. Mara was my friend, and now my teacher, and the last thing I wanted was to disappoint her. I closed my eyes, waiting for further instruction.
“Clear your mind of any desires and interference...that means food too.”
I giggled; she knew me too well but, I did as she asked. Void my thoughts. Clear the mind. Listen.
“Now, think of the gemstone in your pocket. How you obtained it. What does it smell like? How does it feel?”
The gemstone? Was it really in my pocket? I didn’t remember putting it there. Did I sleepwalk? Did I absent-mindedly put it there when I woke up? No, no. Clear the mind. I put it there, for a reason. That had to be it. Even if I didn’t remember.
“It’s smooth,” I replied, my hands still at my sides. “It smells like hot iron... and ashes. Like fire.”
“Good,” Mara said. “Now open your eyes.”
My eyes fluttered open, widening in the surprise at what burned before me. A small flame, right before my eyes. It was dull and small but still, it flickered in the sunlight, as if waiting for a command.
Mara smiled, “I thought so,” she said with pride.
“Did I?”
“Yep,” she answered quickly. “Now let’s see if you can use it.”
That thought blind-sided me; use fire? Not a chance. The flame before me sputtered at my hesitation, my body beginning to shut down like before. I was becoming paralyzed again, fearful of the consequence that waited at the end of what came from that little torch light. I’d done as Mena asked, pulling all my strength to take that gem from the fire. Perhaps I was delirious from over-eating then but now, I was wide awake, and terrified.
“Alina! Focus!” Mara shouted, pulling me from my nightmares like usual. “I know you’re afraid but, you can do this. You were born to do this.”
I shook my head, trying to rid myself of the image of burning houses, and frightened animals. I had to focus, if not for me, then for Mara.
“I don’t want to burn anything,” I stumbled. “Or anyone.”
“That’s not what you’re going to do,” Mara said warmly. “Fire can’t hurt you so use it that way. It deters you, makes you afraid. It makes you rethink your actions, your direction, your plans. That’s what you want to do with it. That’s how you want to use it.”
I was stumped by her words. How could I use fire without it hurting anyone or anything? It didn’t hurt me but, I was different. I was born to its light and life, no one else was. Unless...
I stretched out my hand, curling it around the little flame and forcing it into a ball. It floated in my hand, but no heat warmed me, and no flame tickled my fingertips. Did that mean...
“Mara,” I said softly, “give me your hand.”
Mara tilted her head for a moment with curiosity before she stepped toward me. She stretched out her hand at my request, her face stern, and without question.
“It won’t hurt. I promise... At least I hope it won’t,” I said nervously.
“I trust you,” she replied confidently.
I gently placed the little flame on her hand, waiting for her to drop it, be burned by it, or extinguish it by reaction but, she didn’t budge.
“See?” she said, “use it as a means to control, to take hold the same way it would you.”
“It doesn’t hurt?”
“No,” she smiled. “It’s... different.” She whirled the little orb of fire between her hands before tossing it back to me.
I caught it, not as gracefully as I’d hoped but it still lived. I stared down at it, proud of my small accomplishment. Not only was I holding fire in my own two hands, but I had also created it, breathed life into it and made it so it would do no harm.
Chapter Fourteen
We trekked through the shroud of tree cover, startling a few critters on our path but still trying to stay quiet. We’d spent much of the day with magic, and though my body still moved without drag, my mind was exhausted.
It took more effort and more practice than I’d originally thought. Clear the mind but focus it at the same time. Then think of what you want to happen, and how, and make it happen. Poof! Just like that.
Mara and Mena had said I was a natural, but after creating fireballs, fire weapons, and so on, I was as burned out as any of my snuffed out creations.
Proud of my efforts, Mara had agreed to spend the rest of the afternoon watching the Archers practice along the cliffsides. We didn’t anticipate we’d be joining in a hunt.
Kiyne’s back was facing us but I could still see his eyes, his face locked in a serious expression. His hair was pulled back from his face, braided and knotted back in a small bun. When did that happen? Small strands still rebelled, resting at the back of his neck and along his forehead; the new style suited him, quite well, I thought.
He held a long bow in his grasp, the wooden curve etched with images I couldn’t quite make out from the distance. He held an arrow at the ready, his shoulders aligned, his breath pausing. In one swift moment, he let go of the string, arrow flying through the air at some unseen target. Then, a cheer erupted.
“Nice shot,” I said quietly as Kiyne smiled victoriously. He must’ve heard me because I saw his head turn.
“You didn’t even see if I hit anything,” he remarked.
“I heard the cheering,” I replied.
“Maybe they were mocking me,” he joked.
“They don’t seem the type,” I pointed out.
We both shared a laugh.
Our evening was much more comfortable than the first. This time we sat with the locals, the Archers, and the hunters. Even Vali and Lily were seated only a few spots down at the same long table. They were a friendlier bunch, curious to our stories as much as we were to theirs. There was singing, dancing, and a lot of drinking. The Wine seemed to refill itself, and I struggled to find something other than ale or mead to enjoy.
I shuffled toward an overflowing table of jugs and flasks, pulling the corks and taking a sniff before I finally found, at the very least, some water to enjoy. Everyone seemed relaxed, happy, and carefree. It reminded me of our harvest celebrations back home. Home...
“How’d your magic training go?” a voice called through the crowd.
I looked through the sea of dancers slowly seeing Kiyne’s height break through. He was tall even by Elvish standards.
“Exhausting,” I replied.
He squeezed in next to me, turning to watch the dancers from our little spot at the table. He still donned his new gear, as I did mine. No robes were needed this time, no stolen clothes, or accessories required for presentation purposes.
“Congratulations on a successful hunt,”
I said.
He leaned over, making sure to hear me clearly, his body close to mine.
“They made it rather easy,” he laughed. “Hard not to find a Deer when they see and hear for miles.”
I blushed lightly but, his eyes still looked on the dancers before us.
A small girl came over, approaching Kiyne with kindness on her face. She rose to her toes, whispering something in his ear as he leaned forward to hear. He shook his head, settling back down, a regretful look on his face. She frowned, her eyes darting to me for a second before she ran off.
“What was that all about,” I said, rather puzzled.
“She asked me to dance,” he replied.
“Why didn’t you?”
“I’m not really in the mood,” he said lowly.
“That’s the third girl tonight,” I scoffed, “and you love to dance.”
“I do but, I don’t want to dance with them.” He shifted uncomfortably, “I want to dance with you.”
I knew his eyes were on me and I couldn’t help but look up at him. It was sweet, too sweet, and I knew my cheeks would give me away, no matter how I tried to deny it.
“Careful there red,” he joked, poking at my reddened cheeks. “Only if you want to.”
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves, and my heart. I swore it was going to leap from my chest. Kiyne and I always danced, Mara too, but I never thought anything of it. It was fun, and I don’t think we were any good at all but we always had a good time.
His eyes didn’t move from me; he was waiting for an answer. I didn’t want to embarrass either of us in front of the Elven but, I also didn’t want to embarrass Kiyne, or push him away like I’d done all those years ago.
“Okay,” I squeaked out.
“You sure?” He said, surprised.
“Yeah...why not?” I faked a grin.
He took my hand, leading me onto the dance floor. Elves swirled around us, the upbeat melody hypnotizing their bodies to move. They cheered for us briefly, hands patting our shoulders and backs. I placed a hand on Kiyne’s shoulder, the other locking onto his. Slowly I felt his other hand slide onto my hip, and I tried to hide my gulp. We moved freely, easily to the music. It was new, but the movements were similar. He’d spin me around, and I’d snap back into his arms. We kicked our feet and clapped our hands, finding the rhythm rather quickly. The fear began to leave me, and I found myself smiling, genuinely enjoying the dance, and Kiyne’s company.
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