Pure Magic (Book One)

Chapter Two

The following day was slow. It was Friday, and right before spring break. We were all eager to be out of college for a while, so the day just dragged on.

As lunch approached, I made my way to the student center to wait for Caleb. I only had one class left, and it was in three hours. That gave me plenty of time with Caleb, as well as study time afterwards.

As I sat down at our usual table, I saw a flash out of the corner of my eye. I turned to look and saw a man walking up to a nearby table, a wand in hand. Once he was seated, he flicked his wand toward the table, and a plate of food appeared in front of him. He immediately started eating it as I watched, in awe of what I just witnessed. I stood up and walked toward him.

"Excuse me?" I asked quietly. "How did you do that?"

He smiled, amused. "Magic!"

"But, magic doesn't exist," I crossed my arms in front of me. 

The man stood up. "But it does!" He flicked his wand again, causing a broom to appear in front of him. He jumped into it, and I watched him as he flew around the student center, grinning at me triumphantly.

When he landed, he laughed at my shocked expression. 

"I know more than just that," he said. "Come to the Magic Realm, and you can see much more from me, as well as other spellcasters."

I glared at him. "How do I get there?"

He sat back down. "Go to Glimmerbrook," he explained. "Follow the river until you see a portal. Step into the portal, and you'll be in the realm."

I opened my mouth to speak again, and felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned and saw Caleb.

"Oh hey!" I smiled.

He smiled back, warmly. "Hey." He looked at the man I had been talking to, then back at me. "What are you talking about?"

"Magic!" We both exclaimed.

"Ah yes, the realm of magic," Caleb grinned. "Home to Morgyn Ember, probably the most well-known spellcaster." He seemed almost giddy as he spoke of Morgyn. Like there were some feelings there.

The man I had been speaking to smiled widely. "He's a sage now!"

Caleb's eyes widened. "Really? Wow! Congrats to him." He held out his hand. "And who are you?"

"My name's Darryl," the man said, standing up and shaking Caleb's hand. "And you are Caleb Vatore, no?"

"That I am," Caleb smiled.

"You're just as well-known as Morgyn is," Darryl grinned. 

"That's most likely not a good thing," Caleb scowled. "Not a lot of people make a vampire well known for good deeds."

"Well, then you're the exception," Darryl shrugged. "Anyone I've ever talked to spoke very highly of you."

Caleb blushed a little. "Oh?"

"Yeah!" Darryl exclaimed. "Come to the Realm. You'll see."

I looked at Caleb, smiling brightly. "You can come with me when I go later."

"That sounds great," Caleb nodded, grinning from ear to ear. Darryl had clearly boosted his spirits.

"Just let them know Darryl Charm sent ya," Darryl winked. 

We all laughed.

"Of course," Caleb agreed.

We sat with Darryl and chatted until he had to leave for class. As he took off on his broom, I grinned at Caleb and folded my hands in front of me.