Familiar

A short story, written for a contest.

The Rules of Being a Familiar

Obey always your master.
Never kill or harm more than necessary.
Memories of your past life will come to you, be patient.

In this world, there are those born with magical talent. Sadly, the passing of magical blood from generation to generation has weakened its power greatly. Where one's great-grandfather could have summoned hurricanes, their descendant might be lucky to cause a puddle.

It is not that the magic is gone, it is that much of it is sealed away. And so, some users of magic have begun using Familiars. They are spirits of the dead, brought back to this world. They are able to link with the magic sealed in their owners, using their own unique ability, based upon the lives they lived.

It is a symbiotic relationship, as these spirits will be able to gradually remember the truth of their lies. Once this happens, not only will the magic reawaken for their masters, but the power of the Familiar will be increased.

As fate would have it, we join today a young woman, Oleva, who after much training, is ready to receive her Familiar.