A Time for Magic

by Jessa Ford

  “I think you’ll soon come to find that I'm not the only threat you have to face. Make no mistake my dear, they’ll want to use your gifts for themselves.” He laughed as the guards closed in on him. “Don’t be surprised if you find you need to turn to me for help.”

  His words echoed in her mind and left an uneasy feeling in her stomach.

  Cora quietly snuck out of bed and crept toward the kitchen. She was surprised to see Dari sitting at the table. “Sorry, I thought I was the only one awake.” Cora eased in next to the old woman. Dari looked at her with concern in her eyes. Or was it just her permanent expression after all she’d been through in life? “Martin stopped by late last night,” she pointed toward a letter on the table, “it appears you’ve been summoned.” Puzzled, Cora opened the letter to read its contents.

  Cora Vaunderly is requested in the Governor’s office at her earliest convenience by notice of the Office of Telgrian Affairs.

  “Why would the governor want to see me?” Cora asked out loud. Dari offered his a sympathetic look, “Probably for the same reason he requested to meet with me when I was in your shoes.” “Oh…” Cora remembered the stories about the fanfare that had surrounded Dari’s defeat of Nikol the first time. It resulted in her becoming a bit of a celebrity and an instant legend. Cora’s face gave her emotions away and Dari laughed, “I guess I’m not the only one who isn’t keen on the spotlight?” “I think the fewer people who know what I can do, the better.” “I couldn’t agree more.” “But I’ll still have to go, won’t I?” “Afraid so.” Dari sipped her tea while Cora muttered to herself and left to get dressed.

  The governor’s office was located near the School of Knowledge, but Cora was not sure she was ready to face it. She deliberately took a longer route to avoid seeing the school. When she entered the Governor’s Mansion, the woman in the front greeted her. “Cora Vaunderly! Welcome!” “You know who I am?” Something about the woman’s demeanor struck Cora as strange. “Of course,” the woman laughed as if Cora had said something silly, “everyone knows who you are now.” She smiled and pointed Cora in the direction she needed to go.

  Cora walked down the hallway and found she did not need to bend time to conceal her location. The lush velvet carpet absorbed any sounds and all Cora noticed were brief divots when her feet touched the midnight blue material. She stopped in front of the large mahogany doors she was sent to find. The dim lights on the wall made it difficult to read the plaque, though it mattered not. Only one person in Telgria would work in such an ostentatious location.

  Cora had never seen Governor Rydle in person, but she’d seen his photo in the paper. He was short--barely taller than her-- plump, and appeared to have an air about him that made him seem inauthentic. She’d heard rumor he was solely a figure head, and he relied on his cabinet to make almost every decision for him. After more than twenty years as governor, Cora imagined it didn’t matter what he did anymore. Shaking her head, she knocked on the door. “Enter,” commanded a female voice. It must be another secretary, Cora thought, though she couldn’t shake the feeling as if she’d heard the voice before.

  The governor's office was a grand space. The same dark carpet covered the floors, and the walls were a matching rich blue color. It gave the appearance of being very, very deep within the ocean. As Cora slowly inched closer to the desk, she decided it was more like a fishbowl. Telgria was visible from the small window to her right, and few rays of light broke the dim, dark space. Perplexed, Cora noticed the secretary seated at the sole desk in the room. Cora couldn’t conceal a gasp when the woman’s face came into view.

  “I was summoned by the governor,” Cora did not attempt to hide the malice in her voice. “Why, Miss Vaunderly, that’s precisely why I’m here.” Juniper Sniels stood from behind the desk and motioned toward the window, “Come, let’s take a look at the city you so bravely saved.” Cora was tempted to freeze time and run back into hiding. If she had not lived the past year, she may have done just that. But Cora was different now; she no longer accepted her fate without question, nor did she plan to back down when faced with a challenge. “I’m happy to wait for Governor Rydle, thank you.” She stood her ground and refused to break eye contact with the shrew woman standing in front of her.

  Juniper Sniels didn’t try to hide her enjoyment when she responded. Despite everything that had happened as a result of her actions, she found herself in quite a fortuitous situation, and Cora Vaunderly remained the key to her continued success. “Perhaps I wasn’t very clear. There’s been a change in leadership after the events of the past few days. I’m the new governor of Telgria.”

  THIRTY

  Cora willed herself to keep her emotions concealed. Familiar feelings of fear and trepidation began churning in her stomach, and her magical instincts were on high alert. Worst of all, the nagging voice in the back of her head kept reminding her of the last words Nikol Delmarno uttered before he was dragged away. Perhaps it was possible there existed greater evils than the villain of her childhood nightmares. Juniper did not attempt to hide her satisfaction when sharing the news with Cora.

  “After the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Mr. Delmarno’s return, it was clear Governor Rydle was not fit to lead Telgria in the face of such a threat.” “And you’re the right person?” Cora scoffed, but Juniper ignored her. “The cabinet learned of my unfortunate association with Nikol’s organization. They thought I would give us insight into the rest of his plans. I was the clear choice for a replacement. In times such as these, elections simply aren’t practical.” Cora’s dark eyes bore into the woman standing next to her. Juniper was like a spider luring its victims into a web; her web now being the highest-ranking office in Telgria. Gone were the black headmaster robes she adorned in their previous meetings. They’d been replaced by a gold dress and maroon cape. It gave her an ornate appearance, and any lingering trace of Juniper Sniels the academic was gone.

  “An unfortunate association with Nikol? From what I understood, you willingly gave up students’ Reading results for years, mind included,” Cora challenged. Without missing a beat, Juniper sighed and placed her hand on Cora’s arm, just shy from brushing Cora’s scar. “Luckily, your gifts kept you safe from Thought Seekers. I was unprepared for the extent of their control, and had no way to fight the hold they had over my mind or my actions. Thankfully, you and your friends so bravely thwarted Nikol’s plans. The cabinet agreed I was placed in an impossible situation.” Though her actions and words mimicked gratitude, Juniper’s eyes could not lie as easily. Cora knew her fight was far from over.

  ✽✽✽

  Malen was perfectly still, her heart beating slowly and her long, dark hair swirling in pools around her face. She dreamt of Xave, sometimes Cora, and her own mother. Frequently, her father made appearances in her dreams. He observed her, and she was pleased he’d been reduced to a background role. He used to play front and center in her nightmares, in a tragic way. The father she longed for, in the end, remained the monster she feared.

  During one particularly vivid dream in her long slumber, she heard his voice. “Malendra,” he commanded, “please don’t shut me out. We’re running out of time. I won’t be able to continue contacting you.” Malen turned and found she was face to face with Nikol. Suddenly, her surroundings changed and she was back in her bakery. The light blue walls she’d painted with her mother looked well-loved instead of worn in her dream. It was almost nostalgic to see her father there. He had refused to step foot in the bakery after her mother’s death.

  Unlike her previous dreams, Nikol did not have the young face she remembered from her childhood. This Nikol was from the preset, hardened and void of emotion. “I’m not shutting you out. I have no control over your being here,” she replied curtly. “Subconsciously you are, but I need you to listen to me. Please.” Dream Malen must have been more forgiving, because she stayed and allowed him to continue. “I know you’ll never trust me or forgive me, but you must at least consider what I’m telling
you. You and your son are in danger if you stay with that Time Bender.”

  Malen scoffed, “Cora is a danger to us? Ironic that you’d warn me about danger.” She almost laughed in his face. “She’ll bring about your destruction. If you thought I had mal intentions, you have no idea what the Council will do when they learn about the full extent of that girl’s abilities. I was merely a drop in the bucket.” Something about his tone made Malen pause. “Why are you telling me this?” Nikol sighed, “You’re still my daughter, Malendra. Your son is my grandson. I know you don’t believe me, but everything I ever did was for you, for our family. I may not be a good man, but I’ve never lied to you.”

  Malen watched for any sign that her father may be telling the truth. Though it was her dream, not even here could she will him to show her what she wanted. “You’re right, you aren’t a good man. You’re a monster. My mother would have wept at what you became.” “I lost myself, Malendra, I... your mother was my whole world. I didn’t know how to exist when she passed. To live with the kind of loss that is all-consuming. I couldn’t bear it for us.” Malen shook her head, “And as a result, you broke my heart not once, but three times. I lost my father, I lost Xave’s father when he found out who you were, and I lost years with my son when I was afraid I wouldn't be able to keep him safe after his gift emerged. Yet, I still chose a life of loss over hurting others.”

  She turned toward the bakery door and Nikol spoke once more, “Malendra, please.” She glanced back and swore there was a slight shift in his demeanor. “Just try to wake yourself up so you can see if I’m right or wrong. The Council will come for Cora and anyone who stands in their way. They only helped me return to power to find someone like her. They know who she is and they will come for her.” “I’m clearly awake if I’m talking to you,” she turned to leave again. “No, you’re still in a dream state, but you can fight the magic. Let your love be stronger than magic. I know how much you love your son. Wake up and warn him, Malendra, before it’s too late.” Malen looked back once more, but Nikol was nowhere to be seen.

  The walls of the bakery vanished and suddenly she was nowhere. Her dream shifted to a void. There was no color, no sound, nothing. She became acutely aware that she was not alone, however. The bitter taste of magic hung in the air. Malen implored herself to wake up. If there was even a fraction of a chance Nikol was telling the truth, she needed to get to Xave and Cora. If Nikol was lying, Malen reasoned, Cora had single-handedly defeated the greatest threat the Caslyan Empire had faced in recent memory. There would always be someone who wished to covet the kind of power Cora possessed. Xave would not be able to shield her from all that danger alone, and she knew he would try.

  ✽✽✽

  Cora stood in silence in Governor Sniels’ office, trying to make sense of how much danger she was in. “I suppose I should congratulate you,” she prayed her words sounded convincing. Juniper smiled. “No, Cora, it is I who should congratulate you. Your selflessness saved Telgria and countless other towns throughout the empire. You’re a hero.” Cora’s magic tensed with each word that poured out of Juniper. “The city of Telgria would like to commend you with a celebration.” Cora immediately took a step back. “Thank you, but that really isn’t necessary. If anything, I was just the last piece to the puzzle. There were so many people who helped me, it isn’t right that I stand here and take credit.”

  Juniper forced a smile, “In that case, allow me to offer you something as a token of our appreciation for your sacrifice.” Cora waited. “We would like to offer you acceptance into the School of Magic, effective immediately. Of course, you’re a unique case, so you wouldn't have to just study one magical gift. You’d be allowed the opportunity to work on all your gifs to see how strong they are, and which may be dominant. Our magical faculty are just itching for the chance to work with such a unique student.” Cora almost laughed. Sometimes it’s a funny thing when you get everything you’d always dreamed of. In Cora’s case, it only cost her the safety of her friends, her family, and almost an entire empire.

  Cora knew deep down her desires had changed. She had no idea what her next step would be, and for the first time she was happy to face the unknown. More importantly, Cora knew that any offer from Juniper Sniels was akin to making a deal with the Devil. “Governor Sniels, that’s amazing,” Cora breathed, “I just...I can’t believe it.” She hoped she was selling her performance, because she couldn't help but feel that her safety depended on it. “Do you think it would be possible to wait to accept my position in the School of Magic? It’s just I haven’t seen my parents in so long, and I’m afraid I may need time to process everything that’s happened.”

  Juniper’s eyes narrowed. It was not the answer she was expecting, but she too had a role to play. “Of course,” she almost snarled, “I’m sure that won’t be a problem. Understandably, you’d want some time to decompress.” Cora smiled. “Thank you, truly. I’m just so overcome with everything that’s happened. I want to make sure I can put all of my focus into my studies when I begin.” Juniper merely nodded, “In that case, please contact my office when you’re ready to begin your academic path again. We do expect to see you at the parade at the end of the week.” Cora did not miss the absence of a choice on her part. “I look forward to it.” She smiled again and walked swiftly out of the Governor's office.

  When the heavy doors closed, Cora tapped into her magic and fled the building. She didn’t slow down until she was out of the front doors and turned the corner. She nearly collided with Xave who appeared out of thin air. They both began to speak. “Your mom?” “You’re okay?” Cora breathed a sigh of relief. Xave put an arm around her and pulled her close, “Let’s get out of here first.” Cora nodded eagerly. He whisked her back to Dari’s home.

  THIRTY-ONE

  Cora spoke first when they were back in Dari's kitchen. Her mind was reeling. “Is everything okay with your mom?” She searched Xave’s eyes for any indication Malen had taken a turn for the worse. She imagined it was what lead him to track her down in the first place. “Xave’s mother is doing just fine,” Malen’s voice drifted from across the room and Cora leapt up to embrace her. “Thank the Heavens,” she breathed. “We were more concerned about you.” Malen’s eyebrows drew close with concern. She sat down, as she was still weak after waking up. “I think I should explain.” Malen began to tell Cora what transpired in her dream, and the whole room was surprised by Cora’s response.

  “He might be right,” Cora blurted out. “We can’t be sure,” Dari started, but Cora shook her head. “Juniper Sniels is governor. They overthrew Governor Rydle. She has the entire Telgrian cabinet trusting her, and the only reason I can see is that someone else was pulling the strings to specifically get her in that position.” Cora shared what she’d experienced earlier and a concerned silence fell over the room. “There’s more,” Cora wasn’t sure if she should share what Nikol told her before he was arrested. If anyone needed to know it was the group sitting in front of her.

  “Nikol said there was something worse than him. He made it seem like it was an active threat, and we’d been too focused on him to see anything else.” Malen stiffened. “It’s the same thing he told me in my dream. If he really was using the last of his thought seeking magic to get to me in my dream, then we should assume there is some truth to it.” “We need to get out of Telgria,” Xave, as usual, was already formulating a plan. No one seemed surprised by his statement. “I don’t think it’s wise for us all to be in one place,” Dari responded, “but we don’t want Juniper to think we distrust her.” “My mother should go back to Arvendry. It will give the illusion everyone is content. Cora’s parents are on their way back to Telgria. They should go about as if everything is back to normal as well.”

  The group nodded at Xave’s suggestion. “The only people who know about Dari outside of this room are Soph, Willem, Headmaster Keenly, and Nikol,” Cora started. “I’ll return to the library, too,” Dari said. “Which leaves us.” Xave began to pace and
then he turned to look at Cora, “You said you turned down Juniper’s offer for the School of Magic because you needed time to process everything?” Cora shook her head in agreement. “I think we should leave Telgria then. We can make it appear as if you’re leaving to relax and get your thoughts together.” “You should go immediately,” Malen was not going to take any chances this time around. Dari agreed. “It’s best to keep out of sight until we know more about what Juniper is planning.” “Where will we go?” Cora was afraid everything was moving too fast again. In response, Xave smirked, “You know, I hear Hulsgard is lovely this time of year.”

  Cora closed her eyes and concentrated on the magic she felt flowing through her veins. It was easier to access it now than it had been before. If she could feel it so easily, did that mean others could detect her power, too? “We'll go,” she stood and faced the others, “I’m just going to put you in danger if I stay here. ” “In that case, I happen to have an in with the owner of the Windy Watchtower if you’re in need of a place to lay low,” Dari chimed in with a smile “Better yet,” Xave stood and put his arm around Cora, “I know a quiet place outside of town that would give us more privacy. It needs a little work, but it has potential.” Dari beamed. “Please, it’s been too many years since that house has seen life in it. You must stay there.” Cora sighed and she felt exhausted all over again; though, truth be told, she could not hide a twinge of excitement at the thought of another adventure. “I guess it’s settled. I’ll start packing.”

  A small part of her had known she would not be free to return to her old life. On the way to pack her few belongings, she went in search of Soph and Willem to say goodbye and fill them in. When she opened the door to Soph’s room she was met with an image of tangled limbs. Before she could close the door Soph and Willem shot up and attempted to smooth out their clothing, both trying to explain what Cora witnessed. “It was him!” Soph leapt forward and pointed her finger at Willem as her cheeks burned. “Says the girl with her shirt on backwards.” Willem stepped forward and tugged at the collar of Soph’s shirt. As a result, all three could not contain their laughter.