Ring of Power

Chapter 17: Magic Training

     The next morning Emerald was awoken by a soft nudge on her shoulder. She quickly sat up and grabbed her dagger, pointing at the person who was standing over her bed. They jumped back and threw their hands in the air, not expecting to be threatened this early in the morning. As Emerald's eyes began to adjust she realized that Flynn was at the other end of her dagger, trembling.
     "I'm sorry," She said, placing her dagger back in its sheath, "I'm not used to being woken."
     "It is quite alright ma'am." He hesitated, giving her a skeptical look, "The sorcerer has requested your presence at first light, you must get ready." He turned and began to head for the door.
     "Flynn."
     "Yes ma'am?"
     "My name is Emerald, you may call me by it." She reached out her hand and he hesitantly took it, a smile slowly emerging across his thin lips.
     "Yes ma' --Emerald." He said, then he exited into the hallway.
      Emerald quickly got dressed and went into the hallway after Flynn, meeting up with Xavier.
     Flynn lead them down the hallway and out across the large throne room without a word. Once on the other side, they walked all the way back to a big wooden door behind the throne. Through the door was a large room that was empty, besides a few marble pillars that were keeping the floors above stable. There was an open doorway on the right side and it lead out into an elaborate garden full of colourful plants and Emerald could hear the smacking of water, indicating that there was a fountain somewhere amidst the greenery.
     Flynn bowed and left the room, his echoing footsteps slowly becoming faint. Emerald and Xavier looked around the pure, white room with awe. Why would the Duke allow such a big and elaborate room go to waste?
     "He does use it occasionally, for balls, but they are few and far between." Came a low voice. Emerald turned to see Arigorn standing in the doorway to the garden. It was almost as if he had read their minds and answered their thoughts.
     "It is a shame to leave it to waste." Emerald replied.
     "Well it is not going to waste now, for we are going to use it every day until you have mastered the power of the ring." Arigorn said, walking into the empty marble room.
     As he approached the two teens he noticed the different emotions that played out on their faces. Emerald had looks of fear and worry cross hers, while Xavier had worry, but he also had looks of mistrust and skepticism.
     "Now," He began, directing his eyes toward Emerald, "You are quite aware that this is not going to be easy, nor will it be completely... safe."
     As he said the last line, Xavier shot a glare at him and now he realized what the worry was. He smiled inwardly but pretended not to notice the glare.
     "Yes, I understand. I am prepared." Emerald replied, voice containing a slight tremble.
     Arigorn nodded his head and shot a sideways glance at Xavier. He was just in time to see the disapproval on his face, but he didn't speak up.
      "Let us get started, shall we?" Arigorn walked to the centre of the room and looked at Emerald.
     "The ring's power is harnessed from within. You have the magic, Emerald, the ring is just used to help you harness, learn, and control that magic. You have a deep inner connection to the ring and it will help you strengthen your power."
     "How will I know it's working, or... or when I am strong enough?" She asked.
     "You will be able to feel the magic coursing through your veins. When you are finally strong enough to wield your magic on your own you will be able to use it without the help of the ring, but first, you must learn to use it.
     "Now I want you to relax, close your eyes, and completely clear your mind."
     Emerald followed Arigorn's directions and slowly closed her eyes, sneaking one last look at Xavier's disapproving scowl. She cleared her mind and focused on what Arigorn instructed.
     "Imagine yourself falling into a pool of clear water, let the water completely immerse your body, let the power course through your veins. Feel the heat correspond with the beating of your heart. Picture the magic as a sold object, in which all you need to do is reach out and touch it."
      As the words floated through Emerald's mind she saw herself falling backward into a pool of sparkling spring water. The water splashed up and around her at impact, but soon she was completely immersed in the cool, but comforting liquid. She felt warmth begin to spread where the water was rushing along her soft skin, it moved to the rhythm of her beating heart. She felt Arigorn's words begin to come true and now they were more like instinct than directions. She opened her eyes and climbed from the pool's warm embrace. She saw a familiar stone that seemed to be glowing in the light of an afternoon sun. She approached it and reached out, picking up the smooth but firm object and feeling it's power, knowing the power was her own. The stone was replaced by a shimmering ball of orange flames and she knew this to be her own doing.
     Suddenly Emerald opened her eyes and the ball of flames is still in her hand. Not a burn nor pain to follow, just the beauty of the flames lighting up the marble walls around her. She looked over at Xavier, his orange-tinted face reflecting a look of awe and astonishment at the ball of flame she was holding. She looked then at Arigorn and he nodded to her, a small smile on his graying lips.
     "You are a fast learner my dear girl. I assume that is inherited from your bloodline. It would have taken another many moons to create such a lively fireball like the one you possess right now" Arigorn states, "The question is, can you put it out as easily?"
     He lifted his brow and nodded at the girl's hand.
     She looked at the fireball and thought of water being poured out onto it, or of the air removed from its surrounding. She closed her hand and the fire dissipated, leaving nothing but a small hissing noise and a sliver of smoke curling around her fingers.
"Well done child, well done."

     Arigorn had Emerald practice until the horizon began to change colours. Xavier sat down against the wall to be far enough from the sorcerer but close enough to keep an eye on Emerald. He could tell she was getting tired and suggested more than once to stop the lessons, but the old man wouldn't have it and Emerald was too excited to see what she could do next.
     So Xavier just kept to himself, arms crossed, and watched as Emerald made lighting and water, fire and stone. He had to admit he was impressed, he had never seen anything like it, but he was still suspicious of the magic.
     Emerald had her eyes closed for the millionth time today and was focusing on her power. She felt the energy being drained right from her but the adrenaline kept her conscious. She loved this new power and wanted to master it, but it was taking its toll.
     She thought of herself flying, the wind rushing past and throwing her hair every which way. Wind! she thought and then pictured a huge gust of wind sweeping through the garden just feet away.
     She opened her eyes and felt the wind pick up. The leaves began to swoosh and sway back and forth. The bushes began to rustle and dirt started to fly as the wind roared around her.
     Arigorn smiled when the wind began, but as it picked up his smile faded into a look of worry.
     Xavier caught the look and stood, approaching the ancient sorcerer and searching his face for answers. The man just stared at Emerald, open mouthed and a blank expression on his face.
     Emerald motioned her hands swiftly upward and the wind began to die down. She turned to her two companions and smiled at their mixed expressions. Then her smile vanished, her eyes rolled upward, and she began to crumple.
     Xavier lunged forward and caught the beautiful elf before she hit the floor. Arigorn was at Xavier's side as he laid her down, taking off his jacket and putting it under her head.
     "What happened?!?!" Xavier exclaimed.
      "She over used her magic. She was not ready to do something so complex and it drained the remaining energy she had." He replied, looking down at the unconscious girl.
     "I told you to stop hours ago old man!! You pushed her too hard on the first day. She is done!!" Xavier shot the old sorcerer an evil look, reached down, and picked up Emerald. He carried her away without another word, his coat dragging behind him, and he didn't look back at the sorcerer now standing alone in the marble room.
     Xavier crossed back through the throne room and into the servant hallway. He opened her door and carried her into the room, laying her gently on the bed and removing his coat, putting it back over his shoulders.
     He pulled the blankets up to her chest and put a hand to her forehead. She wasn't warm and her breathing was steady but Xavier was going to take no chances. He stepped out into the hallway just as Flynn was passing the door.
     Xavier quickly reached out and patted his arm to get his attention. He turned and looked at Xavier, bowing his head.
     "Yes, sir?" He asked.
     "Fetch me a pail of cool water and a cloth please, Flynn. And quickly!" Flynn nodded at Xavier and scurried down the hallway and into the throne room.
     Xavier turned around and went back into Emerald's room. He pulled a chair up to her bed and waited for Flynn to return with the water.
     A few minutes passed and Flynn entered through the doorway and placed a bucket of water on the dresser. Xavier got up and pulled out the cloth, ringing out as much water as he could, and placing it on Emerald's forehead.
     "What happened?" Flynn asked, standing next to Xavier and casting worried glances toward the sleeping girl.
     "That sorcerer worked her all damn day and it sapped the energy straight from her!" he said, venom in his tone.
     Flynn just nodded and lingered by the bedside. He liked Emerald because she treated him kindly, not as a slave. He decided to stay for a while to make sure she would be alright.
     Xavier continued to dampen the cloth as the hours ticked by, Flynn going to get a fresh bucket of water after a while. The silence was eerie but welcomed by the two strangers, but each appreciated the others kindness and willingness to stay.
      "He has good intentions, you know." Flynn finally said, breaking the long silence that had covered the room like a blanket.
     "Yes, I know." Xavier replied after a moment, all the heat from earlier now gone.
     "The Wraith does horrible things. I would very much like to see him destroyed someday." Flynn added.
     Xavier nodded, he agreed but he sure hoped Emerald wouldn't hurt herself in the process.
     "You should go to sleep. You will be needed in the morning, after all, I will not." Xavier said looking up at Flynn, bags forming under his eyes.
     "You need sleep as well, sir." He said, leaving the room in silence.
     Xavier just nodded and laid his head down on the bed next to Emerald, there was no way he was leaving her alone tonight.