Feyborne Chronicles

Chapter 16: The Intricate Dance of Power

Purrlyn greeted me with a warm smile, her eyes shining with an almost infectious enthusiasm as she embarked on her explanation. "Every Fey possesses a unique and wondrous facet of magic, a manifestation that sets them apart from one another. This enchanting gift can encompass a myriad of possibilities, ranging from the augmentation of physical attributes, the fortification of spells, the replication of enchantments, to the very transformation and alteration of spell types. In your case, dear little sister, your magic seems to have undergone a fascinating metamorphosis."

As her excitement mounted, her speech became increasingly reminiscent of Lord Cheshire's. "So, if I understand correctly, my magic is extraordinary because of its intensity?" I inquired.

"Well, little sister, we don't possess all the answers just yet," Purrlyn replied, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. "Something truly unique colors and defines your magic. To be perfectly honest, I've not encountered a manifestation quite like yours before. However, based on what I've observed from Adrian, I suspect this peculiarity is par for the course for those summoned. The only other individuals who might shed light on this matter would be the Mankin's King and their court wizard. But before we delve deeper into this mystery, I must address something."

I blinked in surprise and immediately interjected, "Wait, there are others like us?" My gaze bore into hers, eager for more information.

"Indeed," she confirmed with a nod. "The spell itself is a product of Mankin design and spell craft, which likely accounts for the extended time it took for you to manifest here. Nonetheless, after that brief initiation with your new body, you should, by all accounts, be feeling utterly drained. Yet, you appear to be faring remarkably well. How are you truly feeling?" Purrlyn inquired, her concern genuine.

I took a moment to assess myself, closing my eyes to better sense the lingering traces of magic within me. "I feel surprisingly fine," I admitted. "There's still a faint trace of magic within me, I believe." Although the magic remained, it was significantly diminished, and fatigue did not weigh me down.

"Very well, then. Let's attempt to cast another spell," Purrlyn suggested.

I embarked on the mental exercise of conjuring the image of a raging inferno, focusing intently on the flames. However, this time, the fire proved uncontrollable, flickering and fading erratically. As I struggled to coax the flames in my mind, a dull throbbing pain began to build within my head. I tried to persevere, but the pain gradually became unbearable, reaching a point where I lost complete control over the blaze. In that moment, an excruciating pain flared within my chest, starting with a sharp pang before twisting into something even more agonizing. My strength fled, and my legs threatened to give way beneath me.

"There it is!" Purrlyn exclaimed, moving swiftly to catch me. "Remember this feeling, Alex. This is the consequence of attempting to draw too much power from within. While there are instances where one might push beyond their limits, it's crucial to understand that doing so can have dire repercussions. Our father's diminished size serves as a perfect example of a potential consequence."

I groaned in pain, and although the discomfort had dulled since I ceased channeling power, I still felt the residual effects of exhaustion. Purrlyn gently placed me on a nearby rock and settled beside me.

"Alex, one critical point to grasp is that while your power is undoubtedly formidable, it possesses its own set of limitations, which, in your case, may be considered rather modest. To compensate for these limitations, we will need to procure some tools. These devices serve as conduits, diverting the brunt of the power away from your body. Furthermore, they can facilitate more precise manipulation of your magic. If you continue to push yourself, your power will naturally grow. And that, my dear, concludes our training for today. Do you have any questions?" Purrlyn inquired, her eyes filled with genuine concern.