Curse of Enchanted Haven

Chapter 5

-Forest in Mystic Kingdom-

Merlin and Raven walked until they approached a tent pitched in a clearing with a small fire to keep warm. They heard footfalls coming from behind them. They turned around, and Merlin smiled.

"There's Snow White's older brother and your uncle, Jonathan."

Jonathan was a good foot taller than Merlin, with rippling muscles, hazel eyes, and dark brown hair. He wore royal blue princely riding attire, khaki trousers, and brown riding boots. He walked back to his small fire to add some wood to it.

"Why is he in the woods alone?"

The wizard chuckled, "You have no patience whatsoever! Listen closely; he's not alone anymore."

The neigh of a horse could be heard in the distance. The prince threw some wood into the fire, unaware he now had company. Princess Evanya, dressed in a deep purple riding outfit with black leather pants and boots, pulled on the reins and stopped her horse. Her hair was French braided into a ponytail that stopped mid-back. She observed the scene before her and then made a questionable expression.

"Idiotic, or didn't think this through? A prince is alone in the woods with no royal guard or a companion."

Jonathan spun around and shot a ball of fire toward whoever was speaking to him. Evanya caught the fireball with her right hand and examined it. The prince's eyes widened when he realized who was talking to him.

Evanya chuckled and said, "Before you shoot fireballs at someone, you need to know to whom you're sending a spell to."

"Princess Evanya, my apologies."

She blew the fireball out, got off her horse, and walked toward him.

"There is no need for apologies. I'm sorry for being so bold earlier, Prince Jonathan. I didn't mean to insult you."

"No, Princess, I could have hurt you. I just discovered I have magic, and my parents didn't take it very well."

Evanya hung her head. "I'm so sorry. Now, I feel awful for how I spoke to you earlier."

Jonathan shook his head and said, "I'm not seeking pity. I'm going to find Merlin and ask if he could tutor me."

"You know," Evanya thought, then said, "Merlin taught me how to control my magic, and I learned a lot from him. If you'd like, I could teach you."

He looked at her with a smirk. "Really? You want to take on a challenge like me?"

Evanya smiled and said, "I love a challenge. But I must speak to my parents about taking on a student."

"If you'd like," Jonathan said, then continued, "I could escort you home and help you convince your parents to take on a student, especially a prince."

Evanya smiled and nodded. "I'd like that. Thank you."

Evanya walked over to her horse, and Jonathan helped her up. They exchanged a smile, and she watched Jonathan get on his horse. With a flick of the reins, the prince and Princess rode out toward Evanya's parents' castle.

Raven looked around and asked, "How will we follow them?"

Merlin rolled his eyes and flicked his wrist, and two brown horses appeared saddled up and ready to ride. Raven mounted the horse with no problem, and Merlin mounted his horse. With a flick of the reins, the time travelers followed behind the royals, still listening to the entire conversation.

* * *

"What was it like to train under Merlin?"

Evanya smiled and said, "He was an amazing teacher. He taught me how to brew potions properly, cast a spell, defend myself, and control my magic when my emotions were high."