Sparrow and Lycos

Once Val came to get senses, she took in the pair. The wolf nonchalantly joined Sparrow as she helped Val up. They seemed not to be bothered by Val's stares.

"I'm sure you have many questions about our intentions." Sparrow started. "Lycos and I were sent here by my master."

Val quirked an eyebrow. "Who is your master? And what business does he have with me?"

"I don't know his intentions, but he feels that you are the key." Sparrow answered. "My master is one of the last of the wizards, and I trust his judgement. But he doesn't always let me know what all is on his mind."

"Does that mean... you are a wizard?" Val asked with hesitation. She was still unsure about this new side of the world.

Sparrow chuckled a bit. "No, I'm not a wizard, but I am a witch. The main difference is that I wasn't born with a magic ability. But I have worked hard to master many forms of it."

Val nodded at her explanation. All of the witches she knew could only do cheap parlor tricks in comparison. But she had heard that witches could hold great power in legends.

"We should be on our way." Sparrow told Val, and she waved to Lycos to follow.

Val packed up her belongings, and ran after Sparrow. It took her a moment before she realized that she never stated her destination. Where was Sparrow going?

"Uh..." Val voiced out weakly. "Where are we going? To your master?"

"No." Sparrow shook her head. "We are continuing to the Temple of Light. Aglaope sent you there, and my master wishes for you to collect a few items hidden away there."

"How did you know that?" Val's voice rose an octave.

Sparrow chuckled lightly. "When my master felt your power fluctuate, he followed it. That is when he sent me to look for you. I went to the water temple, and I spoke with Aglaope."

"What do you mean by that?" Val was thoroughly confused at this point. "What power? Is it related to the curse?"

"My master would not send me to deal with a curse." Sparrow scoffed. "He believes that you were born with the gift, and so I have been sent to help guide you."

"Wouldn't the curse bother him? Whoever gave me this curse is the same one that caused so much destruction before." Val asked with conviction.

"He has been aware of these movements for a long time. Now is not the time to strike. The only way to bring balance back will require the seal that binds him to be broken. So, we have left him to do as he pleases." Sparrow answered expressionlessly. "Now, let's focus on you."

"Well, I can't say that there is anything special about me." Val mused. "Aglaope said that there is something sealed within me, but I have no idea what she is talking about. Honestly, I know nothing beyond a couple of parlor tricks."

"I guess this will be an interesting adventure for the both of us." Sparrow smiled at her.

They travelled for a several days without much excitement. Sparrow explained some of the core concepts of magic to Val. She was interested in all Sparrow had to say, but couldn't feel a connection with it.

Sparrow explained how everything had a life force that could be trapped into by those who were attuned with it. She tried to help Val to detect it, but it was a mostly fruitless effort. Every time that Val felt as though she could feel something, she then felt that her mind was playing tricks on her. She was getting frustrated. Sparrow made it seem so simple, since she herself was born without a magical gift.

Now that she had been introduced to this new world, she felt that she should dio her toes. She was grateful for Sparrow's interest in teaching. Even though she was a poor student, she loved watching Sparrow using her spells.

She was also content with knowing that she would not take this road alone. When she left the water temple, she was scared that she would have to somehow figure it all out on her own. With Sparrow as a guide, and Lycos as a protector, Val felt herself hopeful about the future.

As they were nearing the temple, Sparrow informed Val that her master wanted them to go to a nearby cave. Val felt a bit skeptical, but decided to follow. Sparrow had not done anything to make Val distrust her. The cave was a day or so off their route, but Sparrow didn't think it would take too much.

When they reached the mouth of the cave, there was a strange sensation that started to build inside of Val. She couldn't tell if it was nerves, or perhaps the cave itself had a presence of its own. Val and Sparrow shared a look. It seemed to confirm that both had the same thoughts about it. Taking a deep breath, they moved forward.