A Ward's Tale

Chapter 26

Wild thoughts fly through my head as I run through the hallways. How could he say that? That the King knows? That he is commanding knights to beat and throw innocent mages into the dungeons just for practicing magic? He said he knew he had some in his service but never said that he used them for their magic. That would be against the no magic rules set inside the castle.

I slam against a balcony railing overlooking the courtyard. My hair rushes past me then falls around my face as I look down. It is dusk. The sun has just set and lanterns line the walkways. Servants walk about talking and finishing chores. I watch as I see my world in a way I have never seen it before. Wisps of magic float through the air. It's beautiful. Everywhere I look there is some evidence of magic. I can sense anyone and everyone who has even a touch of magic. There are more than I had thought.

All of these people have to hide who they are.

Do some of them even know? Are they scared of being found out? Of being sent to the dungeons?

How is there so much magic here when it was supposed to be a magic free area?

I shake my head in frustration and confusion. What am I supposed to do? I feel helpless. There is so much I don't know or understand about this new world. 

"Clarissa?"

I turn and see Peter. A blue aura surrounds him, but faintly. I shake my head and look away. Does the brightness of the aura show strength? I can't concentrate on the thought though, not when so many others are running through my head.

"Are you okay? What happened?" He reaches out and I let him touch my shoulder. I can feel his energy through the contact. "You can talk to me."

I remain quiet. He drops his hand and stands beside me looking out over the balcony.

"I understand this is all overwhelming but let me help."

"I don't even know anything about you!" I exclaim. I cannot control all this emotion inside me any longer. "Back in the village I found out you were once married, you left her injured, you were building a group of strong mages to come to the castle. I know you said it was in peace but..." I was at a loss for words. He was gathering strong, powerful mages. Does he still have those connections? My emotions were swelling up and I can't put two thoughts together.

"And now I hear one thing from the King and another from my best friend who I now find out has magic also. Everything is different. Even my siblings look at me differently. Although, I guess they really aren't my siblings." I bow my head in defeat. My life has gone wild and I wish for the time before Peter. When things were simpler, all I worried about was what dress to wear and my wedding to Reynold.

"Clarissa, look at me." Peter says. When I keep my head down he reaches out gently and lifts my chin so our eyes meet. At that moment I feel safer and my head starts to clear.

"You are so much stronger than all of this. I know it." Peter gives me a reassuring smile. I want to grab this moment, freeze it in time and just hold onto it. It feels like the only solid, calm moment I've had in weeks. 

Of course it can't last long. 

Suddenly the ground starts to vibrate then shake viciously.  I stumble backwards and hit the railing, almost going over. Peter grabs me and pulls me into him before I fall over. Wrapped in his arms I feel a swell of safety. Of comfort. I want to stay in his arms but the ground starts to shake again.

"What was that?" I exclaim. Before he has a chance to reply I start running.

Something isn't right, there is something dark in the castle. It feels wrong, twisted...in pain.