The Obsidian Pillar

Chapter Fifty-six

I ignored Sebastien's weak warning to stay away and refused to look Dalton in the eye as he stared at me dumbfounded. I marched straight past them towards the sorceress, who stood unnervingly still, waiting for me to approach.

Good.

I was glad she had the decency to look worried. I was going to tear her apart. I wanted revenge for my friends. For my family.

I knew that Varellna was skulking around somewhere; hopefully she would have my back for this, and not cave to her heart at the last moment. If she did, then I would truly be on my own.

I did not feel brave. I didn't know if what I was about to do would help, but I knew that I had little choice in the matter. I was Fortitude's child. I was created to be brave and to face down adversity and danger. The sorceress who stood before me had harmed many people that I loved dearly. It was enough to propel me across the ground, one footstep after another, my soft robes billowing about me, obsidian chinking at my thigh.

Mauden had no sharp-tongued insult or sarcastic welcoming for the small woman who stood before her. I could tell that she was still reeling from my attack; the white light had shocked her to the core.

I waited, my sore palm twitching in anticipation, but I did not move a muscle. I attempted to regulate my breathing instead, and knowing that Sebastien and Dalton were a few feet away from me, and safe, made my heart race. It was my chance to protect them. Everyone hoped to one day be able to defend their loved ones. This was the day that I could.

Mauden braced herself. I saw her straighten, her pale skin glowing in the grey afternoon light. The menacing purple clouds billowed above her in the sky like a crown about to be bestowed upon her. She watched the people that stood at my back: the prince, the giant and...her eyes widened. I didn't need to turn to sense Varellna's potent magic. Mauden's gaze locked with the sorceress who watched her with a mixture of disappointment and pain. Mauden raised her arms.

I met the spell with my own, allowing every emotion to overtake me. Having previously compressed every natural urge to release the magic whenever I had felt overwhelmed, I relished the freedom. It was like being at the Fold, with Waincroft and Faeroc. This was who I was always meant to be; not the spare, unwanted niece of Avorr and Magda, not the princess that Sebastien and his family would approve of, but the daughter of Fortitude. My glistening white magic flowed freely like stardust.

Mauden dodged my spell and cast another, enjoying the duel with me. The beast at her back watched us intently, hurt still glowing in his eyes.

I met her spell for spell, but I was growing tired already. One of the bursts of light missed their target and Mauden took her opportunity. I took the blow to my arm and screamed in pain.

'The pendant!' Varellna cried from behind me.

I fumbled, using my good arm, and grasped it. Without a thought, I tore it from my neck and as it fell through the air I shot a burst of magic at it, shattering the glass to release the elements. The soil flew from the broken glass, making itself known to me first. I focussed upon it, drawing the energy out of its earthy scent.