Nixie gave Peter a delighted smile. “I’m sure they’ll be plenty safe, and I’m glad King Jasper can be there for his wife. Fabian isn’t too bad of a stand-in if I do say so.”The general gave her a stoic glare and she merely smiled before casting her shiny green eyes at me. “We’re actually glad that you popped in Estelle. We wanted to ask you something.”
I cocked my head curiously as Killian cleared his throat. “Yes... You see, we’ve been attempting to concoct a plan to breech the castle, but our biggest fear is that my father, King Darius, will have pre-planned one of his devilish surprises for us.”
My eyes widened in understanding. “And you want me to look into the future and see what he has in store?”
The group went quiet, confirming my answer.Can I really help them win a war?King Darius has been planning for this attack ever since he first kidnapped the mages. We know from the others who were found in the tower that he’s been storing up weapons and abilities for at least twenty years.And now Conan can use those powers too...Which means he can also see the future...
“Absolutely,” I answered firmly. “If Conan can use my power to gain an advantage over us, then I believe it’s only wise we do the same.”
Miron touched a hand to my shoulder, but when I looked up at him, he didn’t appear worried for me. Instead, he looked proud, with a light of support in his eyes. “Alright then, let’s get this girl some tea.”
My headaches weren’t nearly as bad as Miron’s. They certainly weren’t pleasant, but my magic had only been blocked for a handful of days while Miron’s had been blocked his entire life. After only a few hours and a couple trips to bed, my silver had fully immersed my shortened locks once again.
I held up a small rusted hand mirror to inspect the color’s transition. The bright shade almost seemed foreign after having midnight-black locks for the last week. My dark blue gown still accented the silver hair elegantly, but the gown had lost a lot of its luster after being tracked through the woods multiple times. Unfortunately, there weren’t a lot of extra female clothes at the outpost for me to borrow, and although Nixie offered to share her more functional dresses with me, there was no chance I could fit into such petite clothes.
I put down the mirror and turned my attention to the strip of silver silk that had once been my most worn accessory. Now that my powers were back, I couldn’t control their usage once again, so I would have no choice than to cover my eyes until it was time for my power to be utilized. I pet at the soft silk for a moment as the familiar feelings of both comfort and entrapment flooded my memories.
You can do this, Elle. You’re no longer a slave to your magic. This is merely a precaution.
I lifted the silk to my eyes and tied a dainty knot on the back of my head. It was strange how simultaneously familiar and foreign the blindfold felt. Now that I had absorbed the beauty of the realm, I couldn’t imagine continuing to hide from it. But right now, my magic was needed, and after so many years of allowing my powers to be used for evil, it was about time I put it toward something good.
My stiff shoulders eased as I straightened my spine and directed my feet toward the canvas door of my private corner of the tent. When I stepped out of the tent, I instantly noticed the familiar warmth and scent of Miron sweep up to my side.
My heart fluttered at his closeness, but I tried my best to maintain my surging feelings since there were other people in the room. He touched his hand to mine and my stress instantly eased, but even more so than it had previously. In fact, my entire body felt a calming warmth from his touch.
“Are you ready?”
I nodded. “Yes, who’s first?”
Miron led me across the expansive tent and aided me into a seat at a small, square table. “Peter is up first,” he explained. “He’ll be leading the attack, so any surprises will fall onto him first. We’re hoping that by feeling calm, you’ll see a vision where he calmly handles any unanticipated situations.” He placed my hand atop the table, then released my touch to step back.
The moment he released my hand, the soothing warmth vanished. My previous calm diminished and my earlier nerves came back.Will I be able to see the right vision? What if I mess something up?Deep down I knew I was in control, but at the same time, I also knew I wasn’t. My visions played by their own rules...
“Miron,” I squeaked quietly.
His footsteps clicked back beside me. “Yes, what is it?”
My cheeks flushed. “It will be much easier for me to relay a calm vision... if you don’t let go of my hand.” A soft 'awe' emitted from Nixie somewhere behind me, and the red deepened.
Miron let out a soft laugh. “It would be my pleasure.” He reached for my hand once more, and the warmth instantly returned.
A sense of relaxation flooded over me as the familiar sensation of magic flowed through my veins and stirred my heart. The calming sparks of power narrowed my focus and eased my mind in a single instant. I reached for my blindfold so I could begin my vision for Peter, but paused before freeing my eyes.
Wait a moment... Why do I feel magic if I haven’t looked at anyone yet?
I froze and tried to focus on my internal feelings and became even more certain there was power flooding through me. My hand tensed around Miron’s, and I instantly noticed a swell of heat emit from his palm. My eyes widened beneath the blindfold. “Miron, your magic!”A few stunned gasps spurred from around the room.
“She’s right!” General Fabian chimed in. “Your hair is shining.”
Miron shifted as he presumably touched the glistening locks. “Really? I suppose I do feel a little funny inside, but that always happens when I—”I stifled a smile. I guess I wasn’t the only one who felt at ease when our hands touched. He lifted my hand up to his face as if to inspect our contact. “So what exactly am I doing, then? How did you know I was using magic?”
I opened my mouth to answer, but then remained quiet.What was he doing exactly?It was clear he was a caster, since his magic clearly flowed through living beings, but other than feeling calm and focused, I couldn’t pinpoint what he was doing.
“I’m not sure,” I admitted. “I only recognized the sensation of magic within me. I suppose I do feel more focused though?” I shrugged.
“Hah! So I have the power to make people focus? Of course the realm would bless me with a nearly useless gift. It knows too well that I would make trouble with anything more interesting.” A chorus of amused chuckles chattered around the room, and I felt my calm shift into a light-hearted joy.
“Either way, it still helps me relax.” I acknowledged. “I had better get Peter’s vision before you make me laugh.”