Ring of Power

Chapter 25: Hidden Magic

     As the setting sun cast light on the walls of the winding staircase, Emerald thought back to the recent events.  Another tear wound its way down her cheek as she thought back to Arigorn jumping in front of the bolt of lightning in order to save her life.
     He may have been an old, quiet sorcerer, but she always saw love and compassion displayed in the depths of his eyes.  She now understood how much of an impact the two had on him and was honored that he left her and Xavier the map to the Seeker's magic. 
      She walked through the castle, her mind in its own world until she stood outside Xavier's door.  She raised her hand and lightly tapped on his door until it began to creek open.  His eyes lit up when he saw her, but the look soon turned to one of concern when he saw her saddened expression.  He motioned her into his room and they sat on his bed in silence for a few moments before Emerald summoned the courage to speak.
     "I found these in Arigorn's room." She said with a whisper, pulling the parchment from her pocket, along with the ring and the key, and handed them all to Xavier.
     The room was shrouded in silence as Xavier read through the note that was left for them.  He rubbed the ring between his fingers and Emerald watched as a tear escaped his eye and trickled down his cheek.  She bit her lip and looked down at her hands that rested in her lap, trying to hold back her own surge of emotions.
      After a few moments in silence, Xavier tucked the parchment away and searched through the room until he found an old chain from a broken necklace.  He placed the ring on the chain and latched it around his neck for safe keeping.  He looked over at Emerald, placing his hand on hers as she was lost in his comfort.  She placed her head on his shoulder, absorbed by his strong embrace.
     Soon, sobs racked her body and he stroked his hand through her long hair.  He kissed her forehead as her sobs began to cease.  She looked up at him, eyes wet with her tears.  He put his hand on her face, brushing back a piece of her hair and wiping a tear away.
     Xavier pulled her chin up to look her in the eyes and their lips touched.  It was just a brush at first, his soft lips barely touching hers, then Emerald was soon lost in the compassion and depth of their kiss.
     When they pulled away, Emerald's lips curved in a loving smile and she put her hand on his chest with her head resting on his shoulder.  He put his hand on hers and turned his head until his lips were touching her hair.
      "I love you," He whispered.
     "And I you."
     "Once we find the Seeker's magic and get it hidden, we should set our wedding date."
      "I would like that," She said, turning her face up to meet his and laying a light kiss to his lips.
She turned her head back the way it was and let a smile curve her lips before the exhaustion from the day hit her like a wave, causing her eyelids to grow heavy.

     As the warm glow from the sun peaked through her window, Emerald forced her eyes open.  Her head was resting on Xavier's chest and his arm was around her shoulder.  She looked up to find him looking at her, a slight curve to his lips.  She smiled and laid her head back on his chest. 
     Today, her and Xavier were going to head out and find the magic hidden by Arigorn, and then head home to the Kaikon Forest.  They would need to relocate the secret to secure its safety.  Perhaps now that The Wraith was dead, magic could once again flourish in the land of Tyreenion.  Hopefully, now that the threat was demolished, the fear of magic could be too.
     Emerald got out of bed with Xavier right on her heels.  She went to the basin of water on the dresser and splashed some of the cool liquid on her face.  She slipped her hand in her pocket and smiled when her finger touched the ring she once needed to use her magic.  They left the room and headed once more for the dark tower where the sorcerer once lived.  Tears threatened to come to her eyes as the two ascended the spiral staircase.
     Once at the top, Emerald entered the small room and grabbed the little box resting on the table.  They left the room and then soon the castle.  The Duke bid them a brief farewell, glad to have them out of his home.
     They headed down the stairs and into the market of Elensdor, looking around one last time before they exited the town.  Once they were outside the gate, Emerald pulled the little box out of her pocket and opened it to reveal the map.  She carefully unfolded the parchment to show the lines and writing on it.
     After they observed the map for a moment, it appeared that the magic was closer to the castle than expected.  It seemed that Arigorn wanted to keep the magic close to him, so he could make sure it was not found.  The map was a simple depiction of the forest surrounding the castle and it showed a narrow path that lead to a small cave.
     They found the path in the woods and silently followed it until they reached a small clearing that opened up to reveal a short, small cave.  The mouth was no taller than seven feet.  They stepped into the cave mouth; it was dark and hard to see.
      Emerald exited the cave and grabbed a thick tree branch.  A moment later the bark was on fire and she entered back through the cave mouth, flames dancing on the stone walls.  She looked down at the map and saw there was no more writing on the cave interior.  She looked at the map, puzzled, turning the parchment over. 
     On the back, there was a drawing of the cave wall and a small circle close to the entrance.  Next to the circle was one word in the ancient language: Aullien.
     Emerald approached the wall close to where the circle was drawn on the parchment.  She placed her hand on the cold stone cave wall.
     "Aullien." She whispered under her breath.  She pulled her hand back in wonder as the wall began to glow a soft orange in colour.  A piece of the stone the size of a small chest moved out toward the two onlookers and slid to the right of the hole that appeared.  Inside was a wooden chest lined in gold as long as Emerald's forearm from her finger tips to her elbow and as wide as from her wrist to her elbow.  The top of the box had a beautiful flower engraved in the dark wood. 
     Emerald grabbed the box and placed it under her arm.  The piece of stone slid back into place and covered the hole as if it were never there.
     They left the cave and entered the forest.  Emerald walked to a nearby tree and placed the box on the soft grass, admiring the beauty in the carving.  The noonday sun reflected off the gold lining of the box, making it more prominent than ever. 
     Emerald unhooked the small clasp at the mouth of the box and slowly lifted the lid.
     As the lid slowly creaked back on its rusted hinges, Emerald saw pieces of parchment, small leather bags, and small books resting in the wooden box.  Emerald reached in and pulled out a worn, red leather-bound book.  She carefully opened the book to reveal wrinkled parchment and writing in the ancient language.  The pages were full of ancient spells and legendary beasts.
      She placed the book back in the box and sifted through some of the pieces of loose parchment, Xavier watching in wonder over her shoulder.  These were also various spells and tonics to cure wounds or recipes for poisons.
      There seemed to be thousands of papers and a handful of books and scrolls, but what intrigued Emerald the most were the coloured felt bags.  They were no bigger than her hand and were drawn shut by white strings.
      She plucked a red bag from amidst the others and carefully pulled the bag open.  Inside was fine red powder and a small piece of paper laid on top.  She pulled out the paper and carefully unfolded it to reveal a line of writing:

​      Instructions:
            A small pinch is all you will need.  Let it react with the air or add to fire to see its power.

     She carefully placed the paper back in the bag and pulled out a small pinch of the red powder.  She looked over her shoulder at Xavier and he shrugged.  She turned away from the box and let the powder go, allowing it to react with the air.  Emerald jumped back and yelped when a fiery explosion happened where the powder was and her cloak sleeve caught on fire.  She calmed her beating heart and patted out the flames on her cloak.  When she turned to Xavier his face mirrored the look she was sure was on her own face: one of shock. 
     She carefully pulled the strings apart, closing the bag, and placing it back into the gold lined box.  She examined the other bags and decided to try out the contents some other time.  She shut the box and latched it closed.
     Placing the box under her left arm, she went to stand next to Xavier.  She intertwined her fingers with his and looked up into his soft blue eyes.  She saw love and compassion swirling through them and she smiled.
     "Let us go," She said and he nodded.  The two began to walk through the Daier Forest, toward the River Luna, Tyreenion, and Kaikon Forest.
They began to walk home.