65 Energy Crystal

AUTHOR'S POV

Lifting her palm faced up, Haelan concentrated as she try to form an orb of fire. Even if she knew she can't, she still tried to make one for she wanted to see what would happen under the guidance of the two lords who are known to have trained so many great warriors.

Focused, Haelan looked fixedly at the piles of wood as she extend her arm forward with her hand facing forward towards the hearth. Instead of fire, branches and leaves started to grow from the pieces of wood. Haelan stopped until a purple flower bloomed.

The lords didn't say a word, not even a crease on their brows or lines on their foreheads. Hearing Stellan's remark about Haelan's powers, Lord Callaghan knew about the young paladin's great abilities. In fact, he could feel the immense power flowing in her veins from across the room.

Drawing near Haelan, Lord Harlan placed a bracelet of black obsidian crystal on each of Haelan's wrists. "How about with a little help using these, Haelan", he ordered while Lord Callaghan sat on a nearby metal curule chair covered with purple velvet fabric.

"What are these, my lord?", Haelan asked as she lift her wrists taking a good look on the bracelets.

"It's an energy crystal. Those bracelets will help you take out your real power. Close your eyes and focus", Lord Callaghan answered.

"Alright. Here, let's try it this time with the candles", Lord Callaghan placed a candelabrum of five white finger-like candles on the table.

Haelan heaved a soft sigh. Shifting her gaze towards the candles, she tried to light up a fire. In a sudden, the candle holder shook a little, along with the wooden table where it is placed. Lord Callaghan sat at the edge of his seat as he watch Haelan impose an action using her mind.

With an intense gaze, the table floated in the air like it is lighter than a paper. As Haelan stop, the table dropped in position. She gasped in disbelief with her eyes as big as saucers. "I've never done that before", she chuckled as she catch her breath.

"Now, try to concentrate more and make an energy orb", Lord Harlan said as he open his palm up and made a circular orb.

"Yes, my Lord", Haelan slowly closed her eyes as she gesture her palm the same way Lord Harlan did. Haelan breathe deeply as she feel the warm wind brush her cheeks. She opened her eyes, she flinched when saw Lord Harlan in front her.

"It's an energy crystal. Those bracelets will help you take out your real power. Close your eyes and focus" Lord Harlan said as he step aside. Haelan creased her brows as what the just said.

"Hmm? Yes, I heard you the first time", as confused as she was, she nodded at the Lord who looked more confused than she is.

"What?", Lord Harlan asked.

"About the energy crystal", Haelan answered. "Never mind, my Lord", Haelan closed her eyes again and concentrated. She pursed her lips as she exhale slowly. This time, she used two hands to make her energy orb. When she opened her eyes, Lord Harlan is positioned back from where he was when Haelan entered the chancery. He was holding the hem of his tunic, as he walk towards Haelan. "He's occupied at the moment, for there's a fair in Agora tonight. Everyone will be there", Lord Harlan repeated as he scratch his beard right where he scratched that spot before.

"Lord Harlan? What's happening?", Haelan furrowed her brows in confusion as she frantically asked while she breathe through her open mouth.

"What's the matter?", Lord Callaghan asked.

"Why are you wearing those bracelets? How did you get them?", Lord Harlan said as he tap his pockets for the bracelets that he surely kept in there.

"You asked me to wear them! You.. you told me they are obsidian crystals that would… that would take out my powers! What did just happened??", Haelan said as she lifted her trembling hands up. She quickly removed the bracelets and handed them to Harlan.

"There there, Calm down, son", Lord Harlan said as he took the bracelets. "What exactly did you see?", he asked.

"It's like, I turned back the time", Haelan said she swallowed a lump in her throat.

The lords let Haelan spend the rest of the day building up her strenght by chopping loads of firewoods and carrying them back in the shed outside the kitchen. They couldn't tell the young paladin that what she bears is a very dangerous power that they have seen before. They immediately sent a letter to the palace to postpone her transfer as a Palace Paladin due to some serious unexpected intricacy. Furthermore, Lord Callaghan certainly believe Haelan is the knight in the prophecy.

Mid-afternoon where the thick clouds cover the entire sky, Haelan took her time chopping some more firewood to finally complete her task. It wasn't something she does often in Aelmere, however, she was taught by her father how to do it properly so she managed to wield an axe without hurting herself. With no friends around, she had to it all by herself. In fact, Atrius and Jacomus were sent to Agora to exhange some grains, fruits and other food supply.

The thought of discovering a new power lingered in her head. Cheating time was never in the books as part of what healer soul travelers can perpetrate. Her parents never mentioned of such power. And now, at some point, she thought it might be something she could use to go back in Aelmere. But then, she couldn't do it without the bracelets as she try over and over again.

Haelan puffed and panted in every strike on the firewood. The wind was blowing hard that no sweat came out on her forehead. As she finish, she placed the firewoods on the handcart and delivered them to the shed. Piling the chopped wood in order, she went back to the kitchen to inform someone that her job is over.

As she walk by, she noticed the damask armcuff hanging loose on her arm. Then she realized, "Oh. This might be the one turning the hands of time".