Pulchra Arcanum

Part II (Midpoint)

They spent the next day looking for Megara, calling for her, begging her to reveal herself. However, other than a small stoat spooking the horses theyd seen no other evidence of life. Even the wildlife were quieter in the day than they had the night before.

When the sun dawned on the third morning Leopold became desperate. Hed driven himself half mad the day before, thinking of his desperate desire to return her to Domum. Hed expressed his concern to Adina near sundown of a possible enchantment Megara could have placed over him. Is it possible for anyone from Domum to manipulate another persons emotions?

Adina stopped abruptly and turned to him. What are you talking about? she demanded.

I know Domum possesses the powers of creation, healing, prophecy, language, shape shifting, and willpower, but do any of those allow a person to have control over another?

Adina was quiet for a moment, pondering. I suppose with creation or willpower it might be possible, but that would be an incredibly draining strain of magic. I cant imagine anyone who would strong enough to do it for any period of time to make it worth it.

Leopold nodded and continued prepping the fire.

The next morning, as Leopold thought back on this experience, he could not deny he was relieved he was not under anyones control save it be his own, but he was disconcerted with the speed at which his care had grown for this woman. He had argued against the council after all! He had not wanted to bring her home. But here he was, begging this woman to reveal herself and come with him.

Leopold stepped through a tree line then froze and quickly stepped back, waving to get Adinas attention. He held his finger to his lips then pointed toward the stream. Hed seen her, kneeling there beside the stream. Adina nodded her understanding then began to look for another way toward her.

Leopold looked through the trees back to the young woman, watching the way the sun brightened her blond hair as she knelt down. She lowered her hands into the water and watched it flow over her hands for a moment before she lifted her cupped hands to her mouth to drink.

You know, there are easier ways to get a drink, he found himself saying. Hed stepped through the trees again. Now he tried to play off his courage by unsheathing his sword and spinning it a couple times. Megara jumped to her feet and spun around. She glared at him, holding her hands up toward him. "I really wouldn't do that if I were you."

"Are you following me, now?" She demanded, her eyes flashing dangerously. Leopold saw a small stoat run to her from the trees. She didnt acknowledge it.

Leopold shrugged. "I told you the other day, I was sent to collect you. So, I'm not leaving without you."

"What if I don't want to leave?" Her eyes narrowed. "You should be afraid of me."

He shrugged. "Maybe, but the thing is I'm not."

Leopold watched as a jet of light shot across the small stream and wrapped around Megara, slamming her arms to her sides. As the light dimmed, Leo could see ropes wrapping tightly around her. Megara struggled and Leopold nodded at Adina as she crossed the stream and stood next to him. Her sword was also drawn.

"Stupid mortal!" Megara screamed at them. Adina snorted.

"You're just as mortal as the rest of us," she said.

Megara struggled in her binds. "How did you do this? I'm the most powerful-"

"You're not that, either." Adina interrupted. "Can we just agree to quit saying anything until you understand the whole story?"

"I know the whole story," Megara screamed. "And the last person who 'told the whole story' died! And I laughed!"

"You didn't laugh," Leopold said quietly. All eyes turned to him; Adina was so disbelieving she almost laughed, Megara glared at him harder than ever. Leopold had no idea how he knew this, but he did.