45 - On The Road

Nobles's lands were vast and far from the city. It would take at least a week for them to arrive at home. If they hurry, it should be less. She mentally calculated that she would at most have two weeks at the house before coming back. On the trip back, her mother taught her simple magic spells.

Calla, her bodyguard, would teach her small offensive spells. Anemone would work hard on her spells during the day. When night fell, they would make a campsite and rest. Traveling a few days, they would reach the huge forest. The forest was what slowed them down.

The trees were tall and the trunks were wide enough to cover a horse. The road was paved with dirt, not like the concrete from the city. The carriage bounced more with the uneven ground and every rock on the path. During a break, she looked outside at the dense trees. Being so tall and wide, they wouldn't see much of sunlight.

Her father rode by and patted her hand in assurance. She smiled back, watching him light the lanterns. She had just learned the fire spell but not the light spell. Her father chose to use a light spell instead of fire to prevent fire spread. Fire spread in a forest was dangerous.

She marveled how pretty her father's magic was. It was a warm golden color that brought her comfort. A hand touched her arm, pulling her attention in. Her mother smiled and pulled a hairpin out. It was gold with intricate designs, the vines twisting around. At the end of the pin, a white rosebud was attached.

Her mother put the pin in her hands. "Anemone, this is your gift from me. I know your birthday is in a few days but I wanted you to have it early."

"Mother, it's very pretty. Thank you." She looked at the pin carefully and gasped in shock. The rose bloomed, it's petals unfurling slowly.

Her mother smiled. "I put a little magic in. It will look pretty with any dress you put on."

She held the pin close to her chest. "I will treasure this, mother. It's too precious!"

Her mother handed her a box. "Here, put the pin in this. It won't break if it's safely kept." Anemone placed the pin carefully and put the box in her satchel.

"I saw father use the light spell. Will I learn that today?" Anemone asked eagerly.

Her mother laughed and raised her hands. "You're learning really fast! Yes, we can teach you the light spell." Anemone mimicked her mother's hands.

"Is the light spell similar to the fire?"

Her mother nodded and casted a small light ball. "Think of light as illuminating. With fire, we thought about warmth. With light, we want to see through the dark."

Anemone concentrated hard. Soon, a small light shone between her small hands. She smiled happily. "Like this, mother?" Her mother looked on in surprise.

"Yes, just like that! You are doing wonderful!" Before her mother continued, a light rap at their door sounded. Looking out, their father was keeping pace with them. He had a worried grim expression.

"Rose, there's trouble. We're being followed."