The Magics' Awakening: Book 1

Chapter 4: Mathias

The pleasurable darkness and peace of sleep slid idly from Erin's mind, leaving her curled up lazily on the armchair with her eyes closed. She sighed softly and then took in a deep, cleansing breath to try and promote herself to be more awake. She stretched her sore arms as wide as she could, then opened her eyes slowly.

"Huh?!" She bolted upright, startled by her unfamiliar surroundings. For a moment, she had no clue where she was. 'I'm not in bed, I'm not at home! Where am I....?' Then her panicked gaze fell on the shimmery silver spear propped up against a partially closed door. She leaned out of the soft blue, plush arm chair as far as she could, and could just make out the sleeping figure of a girl in that other room. Then it all came flooding back to her.

Somehow, Erin had gotten turned around on her impromptu journey to the Warrior's village. She recalled the old lady, the paper she'd been given, and the haunting howls of hidden monsters hunting her in the night. She'd almost cried when she'd spotted the cabin in the meadow, but a sound very near to her scared her into sprinting the last 50 meters to the porch. Erin remembered the brief interrogation the girl had conducted, then recalled the blissful feeling of sleep coming over her, driving away all her fears and worries. Worries such as her parents.

'Mom and Dad...' Erin's relief faded and guilty concern began to spread through her. She'd left them. Her parents had absolutely refused to let her go. They insisted it was a trick, or addressed to the wrong person. Either way, she was not allowed to go. But Erin felt otherwise. Something inside her was pointing towards Warrior's village, and she knew she needed to go. So she did the only thing she could think of. Erin snuck out.

She'd tied her sheets together at the corners, tied one end to the window sill, then thrown the rest out her four story high window. Very carefully she climbed out and down the makeshift rope, then dropped the last ten feet to the ground. Then she took a deep breath, stood up straight, and tossed all thoughts and guilts about what she was doing behind her and set off down the road.

Now here she was, gazing out the window of a strange girl's cottage, with nothing but the few things she had in a bag and the clothes on her back. Erin's mind began to wander about aimlessly as she continued to daydream out the window, when a harsh voice cold as steel sliced through her new train of thought.

"Are you finished daydreaming yet or must I leave without you?" Erin squeaked in surprise and looked up quickly. The girl stood a few feet away, a heavy-duty pack and a circular shield on her back, the silver spear gleaming in one hand, a dark sword in a scabbard at her left hip, and in her right hand were two steaming hot toaster waffles.

For the first time, Erin got a good look at her host/guide. She was a bit shorter than Erin, about 5'3, and stood with perfect posture. Her dark hair, which at first glance appeared black, was a dark, rich brown and pulled into a side braid that rested prettily on her left shoulder. She wore a green paint spattered dark blue shirt and worn jeans with ratty holes in the knees. Then there was her eyes. The dark, flashing emeralds pierced straight through Erin, as if reading her thoughts and seeing her very soul. They were laced by long, dark lashes, and despite the cold, fighting look in them, there was a glimmer of mischief, a sort of humor or teasing that was faintly shadowed by the ice that dwelt there too.

"Oh, um, yeah I'm done. Sorry." Erin looked away, embarrassed. "Where are you going?" She asked politely, trying to change the subject.
"I need to go to the village. So do you. If you're not ready as you are, please hurry. I don't fancy being late." The girl hesitated, and when she spoke next, Erin was surprised to hear the edge ease out of her voice a little. "And by the way, my name's Jamie." Erin stood quickly and scooped up her bag. "Oh, well, pleased to meet you Jamie. I've already told you mine, but for the sake of formality, I'm Erin." Jamie gave her a crooked, puzzled half smile.
"Your funny." She said simply. Erin smiled and shrugged.
"Yeah. Okay, I'm ready."
Jamie nodded approvingly. "Alright then, let's go!"
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The hike to Warrior's village was rough and grueling, but Erin hardly noticed. She chattered on and on to Jamie, ignoring the fact that Jamie said very little in response. All Erin thought was that Jamie was much better company than Kate! Jamie never interrupted, and even though she said almost nothing, she had this listining aura that just made her seem like she was totally focused on what you were saying and focused on the world around her.