The first day of lessons is surprisingly draining, so we all decide to cook out. Once dinner is eaten, EJ suggests a bonfire. I think he just wants to show off his fire elemental magic abilities, but we all have no problem indulging him.
Everything is going great. Dom and Ande are even giving each other side glances they think are unnoticed. The only problem I've seen so far is Mick standing off away from everyone else. She acts like the group is going to hurt her or something. And she keeps glancing around the area, seeming to look into the forest—for someone or something. Maybe I should ask her later if she is okay.
Estel brings out the fixings for s'mores, and we all dig in to make the yummy, sticky treats. Jonah helps Carleigh with hers. The look of love and admiration is glowing in their faces. Dom moves as if to stand up but he just keeps sitting back down again. Maybe he wants to go help Ande like Jonah is doing with Carleigh. I'm not sure why they are dancing around each other. Maybe they think it's too quick. Personally, if I had such a powerful connection to a guy, I'd jump at the chance. Well, maybe not the first day. But if he is showing signs of feeling the same way, I'm not sure I'd dance around the subject — not that I have much experience on the topic.
The evening ends with us cleaning our messy fingers the best we can with hand sanitizer and head to our rooms. Mick quickly heads to her room, shutting and locking the door. Guess I'll have to wait to talk to her.
If I thought today was draining, I'm pretty sure tomorrow won't be any easier.
The sun isn't even peeking through the trees when banging wakes me up. I guess the trainers won't wait for us, and they shouldn't. Now it's time for our first lessons in elemental magic.
The walk to the clearing is peaceful. Fog lingers just above the wildflowers waking from their slumber, waiting on the sun rays that will filter through the trees on the outskirts of the clearing. Water cascading over rocks and other fallen debris gets louder the closer to the western edge of the clearing we get.
Estel stops just steps from the stream and gestures for us to gather around.
"Today's lesson is about elemental magic. Elemental magic is the magic and energy within certain people that gives them the ability to move and manipulate the natural elements. Most people have the ability to manipulate only one element. However, in recent years, more Elementalists, where both parents have a different element they can manipulate, have been gifted with the ability to move one or the other element - or on rare occasions both.
Sounds pretty cool, if you ask me. However, I don't think I want that gift; what I have is quite enough.
A strong voice comes from the back. "And why has this been happening?" Dominic asks.
Estel pauses. "That's a good question. The best the Elders can figure out is these children need to be prepared for more battles ahead."
"The Stormer Rebellion isn't the only enemy?" I ask.
"Oh conejito." Estel starts, and I glare over at Mick, who shrugs, but the corners of her lips are upturned. If the nickname makes her this amused, I don't mind being called this.
Estel clears her throat, and heat rises up into my face.
"As I was saying, if that were only the case, life would be much easier. No, there are always people who want access to one of the crystals."
Tanner's voice interrupts. "One of the crystals? How many of these crystals are there?"
"Eight that we know of." She pauses then shrugs. "There could be more that the Elders haven't heard of."
YOU ARE READING
The Protectors: New Generation Book 1
FantasyTallulah James wants to know where she belongs and what her life's purpose is. The only problem, she doesn't have all the facts. But who is keeping secrets from her? How does magic play into her life? Will she finally find what she's been longing...
