Mystical (Sequel to Magical)

Chapter 10

"You're lying." I finally managed, after a quiet moment of shock. Well, relatively quiet. The fae were still laughing at me. I felt Alume at my feet, shaking in fear. I couldn't blame him. We were in pitch black, surrounded by laughter, in the presence of a living power.

He spoke again, "Believe what you want, little witch. But I am as I say. Do you accept my challenge?"

"I don't really have much choice, do I?" I asked, wishing I was back outside with Caius and Septa, sitting around a fire, warm and safe.

"Of course you have a choice. You can leave, or stay. The decision is yours."

"What then? Just a talk?"

He chuckled. "I'm sure you know that it will be much more than just a talk."

"Lekila never mentioned the Eri was...alive." I struggled for the right word.

"We will discuss later, young one." His voice was like velvet, both unnerving and arousing at the same time. "I ask again, do you accept?" The fae stopped laughing and the heavy silence hurt my ears. I took in a deep breath, fighting the urge to run.

"Yes." I whispered.

The room was suddenly bright with light, torches all around the cavern. I watched as small creatures disappeared into small openings in the walls and ceiling. The giggling continued, creating an unsettling atmosphere and I continued forward toward the large opening that I assumed was the correct direction. "Carina, this is not what we prepared for." Alume whispered to me.

"We didn't really prepare for anything specific." I pointed out, gulping down my fearful shriek as I saw another fae run in front of me. "Besides, we've been training nonstop with both Septa and Caius, and our time with Adelaide. I feel stronger than before."

"As strong as Lekila?"

"Alume, your motivational speech really sucks."

"Sorry...just nervous."

"We're together. That's all that matters." We continued moving forward, the cavern was getting lower, so I set Alume down and continued on hunched over until I finally made it to the end of the tunnel into another large cavern. Stalagmites and stalactites were scattered all around, some broken with pieces littered across the floor. This area was very dimly lit, and I didn't like the looks of what was to come. "Is it to be a fight, then?" I called out, loudly after a few minutes.

"So impatient, my dear." He finally replied. "Why are you so eager to fight? I simply want to test your abilities a little."

"What?" I asked, looking around.

"All you need do, is make it to the exit on the other side."

"Well, obviously that's not all there is."

"I'm offended little one, you speak as if I'm trying to trick you." He teased.

"I'm pretty sure you are!" I accused. He chuckled in response and I pursed my lips in annoyance. He didn't speak again and I looked down at Alume. "So...just...walk across the room?" I asked and he rolled his eyes.

"Obviously there's more to it, Carina."

"Well, we won't know until we try..." I sang before bracing myself to take a step forward. At one step, the stalagmites and stalactites sprang to life. Stalagmites began to fall around and in front of us. The stalactites began to form a wall in front of us. I watched in horror.

"Make your move, little witch. You're a pretty one. I wouldn't want to see you crushed or impaled." The voice echoed around the cavern in a mocking tone.