Chapter 601: The Flame's Journey

Chapter 601: The Flame's Journey

She did it, Alex sat staring into the countryside. She actually did it. His tone was a mixture of awe and disbelief. I dont know if I want to applaud, high-five her, or scream.

She looks happy, Theresa craned her neck, looking back at the villa.

An hour had passed since Alex watched his little sister bring a shaft of flame to life in the palm of her hand, and even now, he got goosebumps when he thought about it. It had been beautiful, yet terrifying.

The sight of the flame dancing in her handthe power radiating from itand the reflection of it sparkling in her eyesall seemed like he was looking at someone else.

At that moment, his little sister was gone, replaced by the image of someone, who in the course of time, would become a fearsome archwizard, controlling flame like she would her own breath.

In her, he now saw the seeds of someone who could wield a power that would make other mages and enemies tremble. Hed always looked at Selina as just his baby sister, though shed grown a little taller, and a little wise. Even as he taught her magic in the quiet of his lab, hed merely seen her as his little sister who was safely taking in the lessons he was giving her while following his timeframe.

But today?

Today had shown him a prelude of what could be: a powerful woman destined to become a great wizard with devastating powers of flame.

And he wasnt quite sure how he felt about that.

She looks really happy, Theresa said. Come on, look for yourself.

Wincing, Alex turned to peer through a window looking into the villas study. Brilliant fire light flickered in the room, glowing red and orange. After Selinain her first tryhad mastered the Create Flame spell, Queen Ishtar had wanted to teach her first-tier Control Flame. Used together, the two spells would let her conjure fire, and command it like a forceball.

But the spell requires great concentration, the queen had said. If you do notmind, I will teach Selina this spell alone. It is best if she has no distractions while she learns it, especially since her affinity is so strong.

Alex had expected his sister to tell her that she wanted her family and friends to stay with her.

But, he was wrong.

Shed completely surprised him.

Its okay, shed said to everyone. I dont want to hurt any of you, so I should do this by myself. I need to be able to control my fire properly.

You dont have to do this right now, Alex had told her.

But shed simply shaken her head.

I do. And I really want to do it now. When Im done, Ill be able to make and control fire. And I have to be able to control it if I can create it, shed said.

And how could Alex not agree? She was right.

Watching her now, he knew it was the right choice; she looked delighted, standing there while she suspended a small ball of flame between her palms.

Queen Ishtars lips were moving, watching Selina closely as she made the ball of fire slowly drift back and forth between her hands.

She really does look happy, Alex sighed, watching her body language closely. Tension lay in her shoulders. But

He let the word hang.

But youre not happy about that? Theresa said, one of her hands falling on his.

Its not that Im not happy, Im just worried.

About what? she asked softly.

Well, is she really ready? he said. What if she was caught up in the momentthis whole thing came out of nowhere, Theresa. I had a plan for teaching her magic. It was safeit was slowit was perfect.

Maybe not for her? Theresa pointed out. Not perfect for her, I mean.

How do you mean? He gave her a puzzled look. Was I doing something wrong? Was she telling you that I was messing up her lessons or something?

It had taken over an hour of practise before Queen Ishtar was satisfied that the young girl had gained proper mastery over her two spells.

Shed made fire dance, snuffed it out and made it blaze brighter each time, doing it with ease, as if shed learned the spells from the moment she could talk.

Shed hugged the queen like she didnt want to let go when they were done, then rushed out of the room to find Alex and her friends.

Yet, it had been Claygon that shed found first, standing just down the hall.

Hed called out to her and

Why are you apologising? Selina demanded. You didnt do anything wrong!

I was using fire all this timeit was hurting and scaring youwasnt it? Claygon asked.

Claygon, its okay! Selina went to the golem, wrapping her hands around one of his enormous, stone fingers. Its okay.

It is notI am here to protect youand father, he said. If I am hurting youI am not fulfilling my purpose, Selina.

Claygon, you used your fire to protect us and youre part of our family, youre not just here to fulfil a purpose! Selina cried. And its okay, it was scary when I first saw them butyour fire is beautiful. It burns demons and monsters, and thats a great thing. You dont have to apologise!

Claygon looked down at her in utter silence before speaking again. Are you sure?

She wrapped her arms partly around his waist. Im sure. Im really sure. Your fire is awesome. Youre awesome, and you dont have to apologise to anyone for using it.

okayyou are sure?

Im sure! Your fire-gems are a part of you, like fires a part of me, she insisted. Its okay. Now, come on, lets go find Alex and the others, okay?

Okay Claygon said slowly.

Together, the young fire mage and the golem walked down the halland with Claygons finger clutched in Selinas gripthey went searching for their loved ones.

###

As the pair turned the corner, Queen Ishtar stepped from the doorway of the study, listening to the golems thundering footsteps receding in the distance.

Shell be great, one day, Ishtar whispered, remembering her early days of mastering fire. Shell be better than meam I getting old? Maybe I should start practising again.

The Queen of Tekezash shook her head. Come now, Ishtar, you have no need to keep up with the young and talented. Let them have their time. Thats what father would say. Its time for them to have their time.

Smiling to herself, she slipped down the hallway.

###

Welcome to the final and most spectacular event of The Games of Roal! Gemini shouted. The Grand Battle!

The crowd screamed and whistled, a sea of bodies in the stands.

This is the most prized event in all The Games! The Watcher continued. One that tests prowess and spell, teamwork and instinct: the culmination of every event in The Games, and the ultimate display of prowess!

Suddenly, from a doorway in the middle of the stadium, brass constructs resembling cylinders with stick-thin arms floated, each held a unique banner. The constructs circled the teams on the field in a cluster, stopping, then separating and shooting toward an individual team, coming to rest beside it. Banners fluttered in the breeze. The flag waving beside Alexs team was a deep orange with a black star in the centre.

Here we go again, Alex whispered, standing strong among his team.

The final event of the tournament had arrived.

The excitement in the arena was alive.

And at last, the Grand Battle was set to begin.