The Protectors: New Generation Book 1

35 - My Heart Is Broken - Michaela POV

Spellcasting is scheduled for this morning. Tally still isn't doing well. She gets to feeling better and tries to join everyone only to have to return to her room. I try hard to help her up to bed without too many people noticing how drained she is. She's strong, and I don't want people to think otherwise. I'm not sure why I care, other than caring what others think of Tally.

All of the Protectors sit around the dining table listening to Mia. With Tally missing, I take her seat at the top of the table and Tanner sits next to me. He's been such a great support for Tally through all of this. Both of us know that Tally will need as much help as possible to catch up on the things we've learned while she's been ill. Numerous times I have reassured her that the Protectors will be there to teach her what's been taught.

Mia teaches us how to set up an altar and the spaces we use to recite spells. She talks about word usage, candle magic, crystals, herbs and other materials we can use for spells, manifestations, and charms. Everything is complex and involved. Doubts race through my mind about my ability to do this. What if I fail at being able to complete training? Are they going to kick me out? Will they help me?

Estel comes in from weapons training during lunch and pulls me to the side. We walk down to Tanner's Mudhole, the stream we affectionately nicknamed for Tanner after his attempts at water magic in the beginning.

"What's troubling you, mi loba?" Estel asks.

I turn my head towards the stream. "What if I fail?"

Her voice softens. "Look at me. You'll be fine. Whatever you don't learn the first time, we'll work on. We'll repeat anything you don't catch onto until you feel comfortable. We don't expect you to learn everything as soon as we teach it. We teach it, you take notes, you practice, and you will improve. We have to demonstrate the principles this fast because of the rebellion's activities. You'll learn what you need to. I have confidence in you."

"Ya're the only one." I sniffle.

She lifts my chin and wipes my cheeks. "What's this all about? You can't fail as long as you try. You won't be perfect at every aspect of magic you learn. You will discover certain things come more easily for you. This is what we expect. If all of the Protectors and Guardians excelled at certain things, the team would be unbalanced. Each of you will have your strengths and weaknesses, but as a team, you'll be unbeatable."

"Ya believe so?"

"I know so and so do all of the Elders, especially the ones in that cabin. We have faith in every one of you. As a team, you can beat the rebellion. Let's go eat lunch. I have a surprise to show you during break."

She jumps up and runs off before I can question her.

Something within me sings out. She's right I can do this. I do tend to be able to pick up remembering specific rituals and spells rather than the detailed information on the plants.

The food is inhaled by me, before I step out onto the front deck.

Estel bounces from side to side. "I found a place."

Okay? What is she talking about?

She leans in and whispers. "A place where you can dance. The Ancient Ones led me to this place. It's like an enclosed dance studio."

I look at her like she's crazy.

She grabs my hand. "Just follow me."

We leave the cabin and head down a path to a well-hidden trail. It crosses Tanner's Mudhole and goes up a little ways up the hill—if that's the right word to use while hiking in the mountains.