The Woven Crown (Completed)

Chapter 10

Ryla followed Elira's small frame as she wove her way down the paths until they came to a small mossy glen. With the rust colored leaves partially blocking the sun, it felt like twilight. A few fragile looking violets grew in bunches amongst the lichen covered rocks.

Elira sat cross-legged, her back straight and gestured for Ryla to do the same. "The first thing we need to discuss is what your magic is and where it comes from."

Ryla settled herself into the soft moss and pushed down the nervousness threatening to creep into her stomach. Elira's voice, soft spoken as she was, helped calm Ryla's fears. It was plain to see why Elira was chosen to lead the groups of children, some new and anxious, in their lessons.

"We have lost the knowledge of where our magic first originated. Some say the children of the forest gave it to men as a gift at the beginning of creation. Others believe humans stumbled upon it by accident when looking for more resources to sustain a growing population. Still others believe we stole it from the ones who occupied this land before men came across the sea with their spears and axes. It is said we are the reason they no longer exist; we destroyed them with their own power. Whatever the truth, it has become a part of us, evolving the very way in which we live our life.

Ryla was quiet for a moment, carefully considering each scenario. Finally, she asked, "Which do you believe, Elira?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Which story about how we came to have magic. Which do you believe?"

"Oh, I tend to like thinking of it as a gift, an effort to join our two species, but the last one has the most truth to it." Elira dropped her eyes to her lap. "I see too much of humanity in that one."

Ryla had been thinking much the same, but it still hurt to hear her thoughts confirmed.

"The magic we feel, it comes from within, from our very source of life. That's why it's so important to learn how to use it, Ryla. It can be quite dangerous if you have never been taught to control it properly. I've spoken with Graphiel about what happened on the night your powers awoke, but I'd like to hear it from you, if you don't mind telling it one more time."

Ryla retold her story from the beginning. When she got to the part when Vencezio entered her room, she found it wasn't getting any easier with the number of tellings.

"He was at my bedside before I even had time to call out. He said he had been looking for me. I felt like I was choking, like his hands were around my throat, but they weren't. He told me he was taking me with him, and then... and then he touched me. That's when it happened. The heat— it was like I had a great fire burning inside my chest. I couldn't hold it in. There was a flash of light and he was dead. It all happened so fast."

Ryla shuddered at the memory. Still she could see the eyes of the man as they turned from malice to fear.

"It was a brave thing, Ryla," said Elira gently. But Ryla didn't feel brave at all. She had been terrified. Knowing Vencezio had been an evil man was little comfort. Her magic had taken another's life without giving her a say in the matter.

"It's very rare to find a Woven who hasn't manifested any of their magic for as long as you have," said Elira. "You see, the magic builds upon itself when it's not being used. The more that builds, the more uncontrollable it becomes, the more dangerous. That's why you had such a strong reaction to waking.

"And why Oran and I thought it was important to begin your lessons immediately. The sooner you learn to control it, the safer you and those around you will be."

Ryla sat up straighter, ready to begin.

Elira continued. "The first step is finding your magic and connecting to it. You have only connected with your magic while under an immense amount of stress. The trick will now be to connect with it when you feel at peace, safe."