by Naomi Lane
“You mean I’m a Sorceress?”
“Yes.”
“Oh.” Jenna’s face must have looked frightened because the Queen began to look worried. “Don’t misunderstand,” Jenna explained. “I am not ashamed to have magic, just overwhelmed at the prospect of so much power and such unusual abilities.” Jenna’s head began to spin. Even the food on her plate seemed like a challenge just to eat.
“Yes,” said the Queen. “Your first week here has been, shall we say… atypical, but discovering mages of high ability is not a bad thing. The Crown is most pleased that you are here.”
“As are the Towers,” added the high mage.
Jenna managed a small smile. She began to eat again and was at least able to finish the food on her plate. When she was done, the Queen spoke. “Sebastian ardently wants to thank you, but perhaps that would be best when you are more rested.”
“I would appreciate that, Majesty.” She didn’t wish to face anyone while still in shock.
“Very well. There is, however, another person that I think you should see right away.” As they left the dining room, the high mage took his leave, expecting to meet with her soon for her first lesson. The Queen led her down the stairs, and Jenna saw a familiar face waiting in a chair at the bottom.
“Peter!” she said, as she ran down to him. He stood to meet her. “What are you doing here?”
“I got worried when they wouldn’t let me see you. They said you were just resting.”
“Oh for Heaven’s sake, I’m fine. I was just exhausted after the healing.”
“Sebastian’s okay?”
“Should be up and about within days.”
“And you did this?”
“Well, I had a lot of help,” she said.
Peter still looked concerned. “Jenna, I saw the accident. It was obvious he was done for. This is a miracle. How?”
“Um, there’s something I should tell you.” She noticed the Queen was watching them from the staircase.
“Your Majesty, I apologize,” said Peter as he became conscious of his impropriety.
“It’s all right,” said the Queen. “If I may make a suggestion, Master Barrett would like to see Miss Mallory. He’s at the main stables.”
“We can walk that way now, Majesty,” said Peter bowing.
“Just have her back for supper. I’m sure she’ll be hungry again.” The Queen gave Jenna one last smile before heading off to see Mrs. Hawes.
Peter began to walk with Jenna toward the stables. When out of earshot of everyone, he spoke to her in Rahtani. “So spill,” he said.
Jenna didn’t know where to begin. “There’s so much to say. It’s hard to explain.”
“Just spit it out then.”
Jenna took a deep breath. She couldn’t explain it well enough in the Rahtani language, so she switched back to Sevalian and whispered. “I’m a mind mage.”
“What?”
Jenna grabbed Peter’s arm and brought his face closer to hers, so she could speak more quietly. “You know, I have mind magic ability. I can fly out of my body and see things.”
“I am familiar with the term, but that is ridiculous. They were all killed.”
“Killed?” said Jenna as she stopped dead in her tracks. Already overwhelmed, she felt this day was going from good to bad to worse.
“Exterminated. Their magic was tainted,” explained Peter.
“Where did you hear this?”
“In history class. Jenna, you must be mistaken.”
“No, Peter, it’s true. I was able to heal Sebastian’s injury because I could see it in my mind. The head mage has mind power too. He checked my bloodline, our bloodline, but no one said anything about the magic being exterminated.”
Peter shrugged. “It was mainly due to one person, long ago, a mage who went rogue and started threatening the Towers and the Crown.”
“The high mage mentioned something about him,” said Jenna. “I’ll have to ask about it next time.”
“Next time?”
“He is now my magic instructor.” She bit her lip. “I’m level six.”
“What? Gods, Jenna. How? Where does it come from?”
“Father, apparently.” Her voice began to quaver.
Peter just looked at her as if she had turned green and sprouted tentacles.
“Well… I didn’t believe it either at first, but you know how he always knows what to say and how he can manipulate people.” She practically winced when speaking it out loud.
“Father is a mind mage?”
“Most likely at level two.”
Peter still looked incredulous.
“Lord Harcourt thinks we have no Tenarran blood. I have to write to Grandmama about… where the magic comes from.”
“I don’t know, Jenna. This is a lot to take in.” Jenna let him attempt to absorb the information as they walked through the park until they were not far from the stables. “So they will train you to be a mind mage. What about your other magic?”
“Lord Harcourt wishes he understood it better, but I think his main concern is the mind magic. I don’t think the Rahtani magic requires training.”
Peter nodded. “Who knows about this?”
“Just us, the Queen, and the high mage.”
“Okay. Let’s do our best to keep it under wraps. Let me know as soon as you hear from Grandmama.”
Jenna nodded.
“Oh gods,” Peter stopped suddenly. “I don’t need training do I?” he asked.
“No. You’re no more than level two.”
Peter looked visibly relieved. “And Ana?”
“The Queen wants to invite her to the palace.”
“Well, that’s something in our favor at least. But I still don’t understand, Jenna. How does mind magic lead to saving Sebastian?”
Jenna explained in more detail about her experience, and how she was the one who could visualize the injury and allow the bone to be moved. Peter looked suitably impressed. “So the mind magic allows you to share your healing gift?”
“I believe so.”
Peter shook his head. “You are like none other, Jenna.”
She just shrugged. As they made their way into the stables, it didn’t take long for Barrett to find them. “Miss Mallory,” he said. “Welcome back. Would you like to see your stallion?”
“My stallion?”
Master Barrett smiled.
Peter looked confused. “What stallion?” he asked.
“Prince Sebastian’s horse. I may have saved him from the King’s order of execution last night,” Jenna explained, with a slightly guilty expression.
“Jenna!”
Barrett laughed. “Don’t worry so much, Mr. Mallory. Your sister is now favored by the Crown, and His Majesty has bestowed on her a kingly gift. Follow me.” He led them to the stallion’s stall. The horse’s mind was ablaze with happiness to see her. She quickly began to pet his neck.
“The King would like to give you the horse since Prince Sebastian no longer wishes to ride him. Except technically the horse belongs to Prince Dominic, so the King cannot give him to you officially until the Prince arrives and grants his consent. Though I’m sure the Prince will not wish to deny his father’s will. In the meantime, you may still ride him whenever you want.”
Jenna’s face lit up, and her troubles regarding mind magic were momentarily forgotten. She sent the stallion an image of her riding him through the woods. The stallion rubbed up against her hand in anticipation.
Peter stood there in shock. “That is a kingly gift.”
“Indeed. Miss Mallory has made quite the impression in her week at court.” He paused, and Jenna grabbed an apple to feed to the stallion. “Oh, there is one more thing.”
“Yes?” said Jenna.
“Prince Sebastian never gave the horse a proper name. The King suggests that you do.”
Jenna’s smile broadened as she looked into the stallion’s eyes. “Kedar,” she said. “I name him Kedar.”
; “Is that a Rahtani name?” asked Barrett.
“Yes,” she replied. “It means powerful.”
“A powerful horse for a powerful lady.”
Jenna just kept smiling. She would gladly withstand all of her magical training and all of Crystelle and Yolanda’s insults as long as she got the chance to ride Kedar. Although her first week at court had certainly not gone to plan, Jenna was beginning to be thankful her magic was discovered after all.
Chapter 10
“Follow me.” Mrs. Hawes led Jenna from the Ladies’ dining room into the Central Tower. It had been two days since she had healed the Prince. Her normal lessons had resumed, and this morning she would have her first magic lesson in Harcourt Tower. Butterflies beat around her stomach as they neared the high mage’s office and Mrs. Hawes knocked on the door.
“Enter,” said a voice inside. Jenna followed Mrs. Hawes into the room and immediately recognized it as that she had seen when she went out-of-body after her first magic lesson. Lord Harcourt sat writing at his desk.
Mrs. Hawes curtsied. “Miss Jenna Mallory to see you, My Lord.”
“Yes, thank you. You may leave us.” Lord Harcourt did not even look up from his writing.
Mrs. Hawes glared at him and then turned to leave. Jenna thought she heard her mutter the words “so improper” and “the Queen must have lost her senses,” but at that moment the door shut and silence permeated the room.
Lord Harcourt continued to write. “You may have a seat, Miss Mallory. It will be a couple more minutes.” Jenna pulled up a chair, but the wait did not settle the butterflies in her stomach.
Soon there was another knock on the door. Lord Harcourt once again invited the person to enter, but this time immediately ceased writing. The Queen stood in the doorway, causing Jenna to rise.
She smiled and addressed the high mage. “You don’t mind if I take her for a few minutes before the lesson?”
“Not at all. I have work to finish anyway. I’ll take her to the Tower when you’re ready.”
“Miss Mallory, please follow me.”
Jenna, wide-eyed, began to follow the Queen out of the Central Tower. She was about to ask where they were going, but the Queen answered before she could speak.
“Sebastian is feeling better now and still wants to thank you. I assume this is acceptable to you?” The Queen stopped walking and looked back toward Jenna.
She then felt even more self-conscious, but could hardly refuse royalty. “Of course, Majesty.”
“Good. As I said, it will only be a few minutes. I don’t want to keep you from your magic instruction.” Jenna followed the Queen back to the East Wing and up the stairs into the Royal Suite. They entered the drawing room, and Jenna immediately recognized Prince Sebastian. He now looked far more like the portrait she had seen. His blue eyes sparkled, and he smiled at her. The only indication of his injury was a brace around his neck.
“Miss Jenna Mallory, may I present my third son, Prince Sebastian.”
Jenna curtsied low. “A pleasure to meet you, um, or at least a pleasure to see you so well, Your Highness.” Jenna was pleased that her voice only had a slight quaver.
“The pleasure is mine. Please have a seat; pour yourself some tea.” He gestured to the teapot on the table next to him. Jenna poured herself a cup and found as she sipped the herbal tea that it helped settle her stomach.
The Queen, too, sat down next to her. There was a period of silence. “Well, Sebastian,” said the Queen. “She is here. Are you going to thank her finally?”
Sebastian rolled his eyes at his mother then turned to face Jenna. “Miss Mallory, I do wish to thank you, but I guess it’s just difficult to express in words how grateful I really am for you saving my life.”
Jenna blushed. “I had a lot of help,” she said.
“I realize that, but without your magic I would be in the ground by now. Thank you.” Sebastian smiled again.
“I am glad to be of service, Your Highness.” Jenna smiled slightly in return before taking another sip of tea.
“I would also add that what you did took courage,” said the Queen. “Without fully understanding your power, you were willing to put yourself forward. The King is very impressed by you.”
Jenna felt her face grow even hotter. “I am honored he would think so,” she said, though her eyes remained staring at her teacup. “I am most grateful for the gift he has offered, and your gift, Your Highness.”
“Oh, you mean that horse?” said Sebastian, looking somewhat taken aback. “I’m just glad someone will get some use out of Dominic’s ‘prize.’”
Jenna felt awkward again. She had not meant to distress the Prince by bringing up Kedar.
“Sebastian?” said the Queen, with a slightly exasperated tone.
The Prince pursed his lips. “I apologize, Miss Mallory. You, of course, are most welcome to the horse.”
“Yes, Highness.” Jenna quietly put her teacup down on the table. “I do enjoy riding.”
“She also enjoys reading,” said the Queen. “And does so in four languages.”
“Really?” said Sebastian. “What do you read?”
“Oh, lots of things, I suppose,” Jenna replied. “I like history.”
Sebastian smiled. “I should show you some of the books in the library some time. There are many great texts on the history of magic.”
“I would like that.”
“Yes,” said the Queen. “Lord Harcourt would also approve, I’m sure.”
“The high mage?” asked the Prince.
“Yes,” the Queen replied. “He is now Jenna’s magic instructor because she is so strongly gifted. He is also waiting for her now. We should leave.” She rose, and Jenna followed suit.
The Prince also took to his feet and bowed slightly, though somewhat awkwardly, with his neck still in its brace. “My thanks again, Miss Mallory.”
“Your Highness,” said Jenna with a small curtsy. The Prince smiled as she followed the Queen out of the room. They were soon back in the Central Tower, and Lord Harcourt stood waiting for them outside his office door.
“Make sure to have her back for her riding lesson,” said the Queen.
“Of course,” replied the high mage. “I promise not to overtax her on her first day.”
“Good.” The Queen began to walk away, but she only made it a few paces before she turned back around. “And make sure to smile on occasion.”
Lord Harcourt sighed and frowned. When the Queen began to glare at him, he forced himself to smile. Jenna became perplexed at this exchange and wondered, as they walked outside, at the Queen’s relationship with the high mage. Then she remembered the Queen mentioning she was Tower trained. They must have known each other for some time then.
She did not ponder it for long because Harcourt Tower soon loomed in her field of view. It was southwest of the Central Tower, out in the hunting grounds at the end of a gravel path, but not too far away. Jenna stared at it closely for the first time. Standing at over three hundred feet tall, it was by far the tallest structure in the palace complex. The tower walls gently sloped from its base, gradually making the tower thinner toward the top until the pinnacle, where there sat a hexagonal platform around a trapezoidal spire made of metal. Jenna had never seen a Tower before her arrival at the palace and never a building so tall. She guessed it had to be constructed with magic.
“Can people walk out on that platform near the top, My Lord?” asked Jenna.
“Yes,” replied the high mage. “Though I don’t think we will make it up there today.”
“What are those figures below it?” Jenna referred to the carved stone in the platform supports around the top. She couldn’t see the one directly in front of her that clearly, but on the left side she thought she saw a face in profile.
“They are female faces. We guess that they represent Maximilian’s daughters.”
“But there are only six sides.”
“Yes. The seventh daughter is not represented.”
>
“You mean Volta? The mind mage?”
“No, Sevalla, the eldest. Volta is directly above us, but her face has been badly eroded.” The high mage frowned slightly when he spoke.
“What about Sevalla?” Jenna asked.
“It’s a bit of a mystery. My guess is she was up there too, but the Tower took damage during the mage wars and was never fully restored.”
“Will they restore it now like the rest of the castle?”
“No.” Lord Harcourt’s curt reply forced Jenna to cease her questioning and focus instead on the gravel walkway.
Soon they reached the Tower base, and Jenna found herself facing an arched doorway that appeared as if it led into total darkness. The high mage marched right up to it, but Jenna hesitated.
He held out his hand. “Take it. Since this is your first time entering the Tower, I’ll need to let you in. Afterward, you may make your own way out here.”
Jenna cautiously put her hand in his, and he grasped it firmly. She was surprised at how warm it felt, totally unlike his personality. As he entered the archway, he disappeared into the blackness, causing Jenna to hesitate once again, but his arm gently pulled her inside. As she walked through the threshold, she felt a rather unpleasant tingling sensation, but soon it was over, and she stood inside Harcourt Tower.
Jenna was grateful to find neither inky blackness nor even the cold stone hallways of the Central Tower, but instead a small well-lit foyer with wood paneling and hardwood floors. In front of her was a staircase, leading up into the Tower, but Lord Harcourt took her into another, larger room to her right. It had many shelves on the outer walls containing books, jars, and many objects Jenna didn’t recognize. There were also several desks, one of which had herbs hanging above it. The center of the room was wide open, but in one corner there was a circle of chairs below a window.
“This is the room we use to train Tower-born children,” explained Lord Harcourt. He gestured to the chairs near the window. “Pull up two chairs and grab a bowl from the shelf as well, one of the metal ones. We’ll work in the circle.” He pointed to a circular rug in the center of the room.