Curse of Enchanted Haven

Chapter 4

-Merlin's House Mystic Kingdom-

Merlin and Raven appeared inside a cabin-sized home in the woods. Raven looked around, observing the bookshelves filled with books of all shapes and sizes ranging in topics from astronomy, divination, potions, transfiguration, magic through the ages, ancient runes, and some other books written in a language she couldn't comprehend. There was a knock at the door.

"I'm coming!" said Merlin, wearing long robes of the deepest purple outlined in gold, as he walked toward the door.

He opened the door, and there was Princess Evanya dressed in red leather horseback riding attire with black trousers, black boots that went up to mid-calf, and her hair tied back into a ponytail.

"Good morning, Princess," Merlin acknowledged her with a bow.

"Master Merlin, I have to show you something. I practiced what you told me yesterday, and when I was in the process of holding my concentration, this happened."

Raven watched as Evanya focused on her hand. Suddenly, a ball of light appeared in her hand. Raven's mouth dropped, and Merlin nudged her.

"Magic doesn't exist? It's a trick of the mind?"

The twenty-five-year-old rolled her eyes and continued to watch what was happening.

"Princess, that is brilliant! You are indeed ready for what we will be doing today."

"What are we doing today?"

"Dueling. You will learn how to defend yourself. Follow me, Evanya. I'm afraid after your lesson today, you will be quite exhausted."

* * *

Merlin and Evanya walked outside, and the time travelers followed. They reached the clearing where Merlin trains. He motioned where Evanya was supposed to stand and went to the other side.

"I am going to fire a spell at you. I want you to cast a shield to protect yourself. If this spell hits you, it will send you flying into the air, and you will fall back down to the ground very hard."

Evanya's eyes widened, and she began to babble, "But, wait, how am I supposed to cast a shield? What if I can't do it?"

"Clear your mind, child! Focus on your inner strength. Draw upon the magic from within."

The wizard flicked his wrist, and a white bolt of light shot out of his hand, racing toward the princess. Evanya held out her hands.

"Proteggimi."

A lilac-colored dome surrounded her, and the bolt of light disintegrated when it collided with the dome. Evanya was shocked that she had accomplished what she thought she could not do. She smiled and admired her shield.

"Bravo, Princess! Bravo! Now, let's see how strong your shield is."

Merlin fired three different spells, and when all three collided with the dome, it sent Evanya sliding back a couple of feet because she wasn't focused, but her shield was still holding strong. The wizard raised his hand, and a massive ball of blue electric light formed. Evanya's eyes widened in fear as it continued to grow. She remembered Merlin's words, "Clear your mind." She focused on that huge blue electric energy soaring her way.

"Massima protezione!"

The shield grew in size and thickness to where it surrounded her. A blinding light erupted when the blue electric light ball collided with the shield. Raven closed her eyes due to how bright it was. When everything subsided, Evanya was down on one knee. She was out of breath, sweating, but was unharmed. Merlin smiled as he watched the princess stand.