Cursed With You

I Will Do It

Magus Ivys, as a true light wizard, refused to help Raffin and decided to return to Stratham. That night, she said goodbye outside the magic storeroom. She would use the magic portal to return home, as the carriage that had brought her to Slorista had returned a few days ago.

"Forgive me, Your Highness," Magus Ivys said, standing in front of the opened portal that revealed a bedroom. "King Ames and Magus Uxar have ordered me to help you lift your curse. What you and Ferula are about to do is not part of that."

"They will question you for not returning with me, Magus," Raffin said. "What will you tell them?"

"The truth."

Raffin's shoulders slumped. "My brother will be angry if you tell them the truth."

"I would never lie to the king."

"And I'm not asking you to lie, Magus."

"Are you sure?" Ferula interrupted. She crossed her arms and leaned sideways against the wall. "We know what Ames is like. As soon as he finds out you're going to split your soul and give it to Queen Jacina, he'll send men, or maybe an army, to get you. Why don't we hold this wizardling until we've performed the soul-splitting ritual?"

Magus Ivys turned to Ferula. "You want to lock me up, old witch? Try, if you dare." Both of Magus Ivys' hands glowed.

Ferula didn't flinch. Magus Ivy's threats had no effect on her.

"No one will stop you, Magus." Raffin stepped between the two wizards. "You may go home."

The tension vanished from Magus Ivys' shoulders, as did the white light in her hands. She bowed to Raffin and stepped into the portal.

"When will we see your mentor?" Raffin asked as he bent to close the red stone at the center of the medallion and the portal closed.

"Tomorrow morning," Ferula answered. "My mentor is very old. He must be asleep by now." She moved off the wall. "Good night, Raffin," she said as she left.

Raffin picked up the magic portal medallion and put it in his pocket. He was tired, but he wanted to see Jacina again.

The servants had extinguished the candles in the throne room, except for four that burned in golden candlesticks at the corners of the alabaster table where Jacina's body lay. Raffin walked through the darkness toward the sources of light. He stood for a long time, gazing into the face of the girl he loved.

Hopes and dreams filled his mind. The promise he would make to Jacina if they got her back to life. He would do anything to make Jacina happy. He would love her with all his heart and give her the best. Jacina would not only return as queen in Slorista, but also in his heart. Raffin promised the queen would always be his priority. He slipped a prayer to the King of Gods into each of his dreams, hoping that He would hear it and grant it. Raffin continued to stare at Jacina, still in awe of the beauty of her face, until sleepiness overcame him. His legs went limp, and he fell into a sitting position, leaning against the leg of the table as he hugged his knees. He fell asleep.

The sound of the door opening awoke Raffin. He found himself lying on the floor beside the table.

"There you are," Ferula greeted him.

Raffin sat up and covered his eyes with his hands. The sunlight coming in from the large window behind the throne was too blinding.

"Do you need to clean up first, or can we go now?" asked Ferula as Raffin tried to stand up straight.

His body was stiff, every joint ached, and he needed a warm bath. But all that would have to wait. He could pamper himself to his heart's content after Jacina returned. So, he rubbed his face, hoping it would be enough to wipe away his freshly awakened look. He combed his wavy auburn hair with his hand a few times until he was sure it was neat.