Embers of Magic

A Ghost? Why not?

It wasn’t too long ago when the last thoughts of the night was what I’d wear the next day or what I’d like to do when I woke up. At times, I’d even tell myself stories before I fell asleep in hopes that I’d fall asleep and dream of it, yet now, sleep felt like a fools attempt to erase a bleak and hopeless reality in a world of fiction.

Tame the flames and seek out the Pithos. Now, to protect a town I’ve never heard of before, as well. I understood I had to correct my mistakes, yet, was I really able to do that much? I shook my head as I slipped out underneath the blankets, twisting sideways so that my feet hung over the edge. My belongings sat on the table besides me, which looking at, wasn’t much. My converse sneakers and ripped jeans sat neatly on the floor with top, which along with the wolf headed talisman, was all I had. I smiled thinking how embarrassing it might have been if I wore my polka dotted pajamas the night I met Zarah.

I reached out and grabbed my clothes that had somehow been washed and  put them on. I grabbed hold of the talisman and ran my fingers around it as the groves in it glowed a faint orange. I sighed as I removed my necklace, running the talisman through it as I stood up again. Magic, huh? Was that what my life had been missing for the last few years? If so, why hadn’t I felt content? I’ve even met my mother – who was older then the gods themselves. So why?

I walked out of the room and headed down a spiral staircase that led to the streets of Metamorph. Admittedly, I figured that the town would be quiet now as we approach midnight, yet it had still been lively. I guess that what happens when you live in an area where there was not much to worry about. No one really knew about the place, so who would threaten it? But of course, there was someone. There was a war coming and they had no chance at defending themselves.

The willow seemed like the only place I could be alone at so I headed towards it, my feet picking up dirt as I swung each foot forward. The river reflected the sky above and all its stars, something that you really couldn’t see in the city, but was all too common at home. I wasn’t from any big city so light pollution wasn’t much of an issue.

Back at home, I would sit around the fire with my grandfather in the late hours as we counted the stars. Once, he told me that the trickster, Coyote, was more then just a lord of mischief, but a creator, too. He went on by explaining that anything was possible, even if the world was in turmoil. I hope he was right, now more than ever.

“Pretty view, isn’t it?” A voice spoke, sending me leaping out of shoes in surprise. A boy sat with his back propped up against the tree. His skin was pale and his hair even lighter. “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there.” I apologized as he smiled.
“That’s okay. People hardly ever see me. You must be special.” He answered. As I calmed down, I began to notice a few things about him that hadn’t been what the old me would have  considered normal. His form had been wispy and his voice sounded hollow and filled with static, as if he had been talking through a phone with poor reception. As I looked closer, I saw fine thread like fibers that ran from his limbs, into the roots of the trees. I sat down besides him.

“Where are you from?” I asked as he looked over his shoulder, towards the river. “Not from this time.” He responded, his voice now becoming more steady. “Are you a tree spirit?” I asked again and he smiled like I made a joke. “No. But, I am attached to this tree.” He continued, “I died long ago, protecting this place. Yet, I couldn’t go to elysium as a hero, knowing it might fall apart in my absence.”

“So, how are you attached to this tree?”

“I begged to my mother, Demeter, to allow me to stay and she made it happen. I was allowed to stay and watch over Metamorph for as long as the tree stood here.” He smiled as he placed his had against the tree. “Your mother was there that night, too. She gave me these flowers. The glow in moonlight.”

“That’s amazing.” I said while looking at the village. “Do they know about you? You said people hardly see you so, do they know about you?” They boy dropped his head, answering my question. “I see.” I said standing up and dusting myself off. “One day, they will. I’ll make sure of it.”

He looked up at me, smiling softly again. “Tell Hecuba I said hello when you meet her, please?”

“I will.” I said while trying to remember where I’ve heard the name before. “Oh, Ember.” He said while pointing downstream of the river. “It may be unwise to venture into that direction, however, that’s where your mask is. Claim it and its power will be yours. I may be of more use to you, then.” He spoke while stepping backwards into the tree, his form slowly fading even more.

I was alone like I wanted to be, yet, his words kept running though my mind. Was it because he said it and was a ghost? Or was it because they actually meant something to me? I wrapped my hand around the talismans again as memories flowed through me – memories that weren’t mine.

“Hecuba.” I whispered.

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Author's notes:

Hey guys! Hope you're enjoying the book so far 😊 anyhow, reason of the author's notes. I've decided to started dedicating these chapters to my amazing followers. This one goes to you, upsetvibes. Go and drop her a follow. She deserves it!