The Protectors: New Generation Book 1

30 - Dancin' - Michaela POV

Today has been interesting. I'm enjoying learning about plants more than I thought I would. After lunch, we started learning about crystals.

Grandma Miriam starts talking about clear quartz. Not long after she starts her lesson on labradorite, a shift in energy catches my attention. I look over to my left to see if Tally felt it too, but she has her head resting on the table.

Gently, I touch her arm. "Tally, are ya okay?"

She smiles "Sure. Everything's fine."

However, she looks pale and weak.

My eyes narrow at her, but I know enough to let it go—for now. "If ya say so."

I go back to concentrating on what Grandma Miriam is saying, but I'm still worried about Tally. She's not looking so good. A short time later, Grandma Miriam heads in Tally's direction.

"Are you okay, Tallulah?"

"Just a headache," she says a little too quickly for just being a headache. What is she hiding?

"Are you sure you're okay?" Grandma Miriam asks again.

"Maybe I need a glass of water. I've been working a little more than I should on doing air magic, and it must be getting to me." 

She's not been working any harder on her air magic than Tanner and I. What is up with her? Why won't she tell anybody what's wrong? Did something happen at home?

Grandma Miriam looks suspiciously at her, but continues with the lessons on the remaining crystals she has. I try to concentrate as much as I can, but something just isn't right.

After an early dinner, Estel moves on to teaching us about spellcasting.

"The most important thing about spellcasting is your intent. In Zoidrys, we seek only to do good, so our intentions during spellcasting are to do no harm. When you are setting up to recite a spell say what your intent is out loud. Practice and know your spell words. Sometimes unexpected results happen if you do not say your words correctly. I can give some examples later. Pick a location where you feel comfortable and relatively undisturbed while reciting your spell."

"Is that really practical?" I ask. "I mean, if we're in the midst of battle, it isn't realla peaceful or undisturbed—for that matter."

"That's a good question. Once you advance your skills at spellcasting, you can create a space within your mind that is similar to a 'special place.' For example, back on the Avic Islands, I have a spot near a clearing that is like my hideout, if you want to call it that. I've blessed the spot and have done other things to make it special for me. You will learn to create a space like that in your mind. During battle, it will be difficult, but not impossible, to go to this spot in your mind to conjure needed spells. My best advice is to have objects with you that you have previously put a spell on that you carry with you into a fight."

"Like what, exactly?" I ask.

Estel puts her hands on her hips and sighs. "So full of questions tonight, mi loba."

I shrug at her comment, and this gains a smile.

"Okay. An example might be a charm you put a spell on for protection. If you carry it into battle, it might not keep you from getting injured, but it might help keep you alive."

"Might? What's the point then?" Comes the muffled question from Tally, looking weak and ashen when she tries to raise her head.

"Remember, everything in life needs balance. So, it might be the Universes will for someone to cross over. The Universe strives for balance, and it works hard to keep it that way."