Page 49 of The Sword & the Stone

"I think Arthur's right," Merlin said evenly, though I detected the undercurrent of tension in his voice. "Mastering the wind rune should be our top priority. Physical training can wait."

Galahad shrugged, seemingly unconcerned by Merlin's disapproval. "As you wish. But don't come crying to me when our little queen here gets knocked on her shapely arse because she can't swing a sword properly."

"I'll keep that in mind," I retorted dryly. "Now, if you're quite finished objectifying your future sovereign, perhaps we could get on with the actual training?"

Tristan chuckled under his breath as Galahad sketched a mocking bow in my direction. "But of course, Your Majesty. I live to serve."

Ignoring the flutter in my stomach at the heated look Galahad sent my way, I turned back to Merlin. "So, what exactly does mastering the wind rune entail? Do I need to meditate under a waterfall or something?"

The corner of Merlin's mouth twitched. "No waterfalls necessary, I'm afraid. Though if you're keen on getting wet, I'm sure Galahad would be more than happy to assist."

I shot Merlin a withering glare, even as Galahad's rich laughter echoed through the clearing. "Careful, Merlin,"Galahad teased, "Keep talking like that, and I might start to think you're trying to picture me naked."

Rolling my eyes heavenward, I held up my hands in a gesture of surrender. "All right, all right, enough. Can we please focus on the task at hand? I'd like to master this rune sometime before the next century."

Merlin cleared his throat, his expression sobering. "Right. The wind rune. It's all about harnessing the power of the air around you, bending it to your will. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Feel the currents against your skin, the whisper of the breeze in your hair."

I did as he instructed, letting my eyelids flutter shut, and drew in a slow, steady breath. The air around me seemed to come alive, caressing my skin like the touch of a lover. I could sense the ebb and flow of the wind, the subtle shifts in pressure and temperature.

"Good," Merlin murmured, his voice low and hypnotic. "Now, imagine those currents as an extension of yourself. Picture them swirling around you, responding to your every thought and desire."

I focused my mind, visualizing tendrils of air wrapping around my body like a second skin. The breeze picked up, whipping my hair around my face and tugging at my clothes.

"That's it," Merlin encouraged, a note of pride in his voice. "Now, direct that power outward. Shape it into a sphere, a shield to protect you from harm."

Furrowing my brow in concentration, I willed the wind to coalesce into a sphere around me. It was like trying to grasp smoke at first; the currents slipping through my mental fingers. But gradually, I felt the air solidify, forming a bubble of swirling energy that pulsed with my heartbeat.

"Impressive." Tristan whistled, circling me with an appraising eye. "I've never seen anyone master the wind rune so quickly."

I opened my eyes, grinning with exhilaration as the sphere of air continued to dance around me. "Takethat, Uther."

Galahad stepped forward, his eyes glinting. "Think fast," he called out, hurling a pebble in my direction.

Instinctively, I thrust my hand forward, willing the wind to intercept the projectile. The pebble bounced harmlessly off my swirling shield, clattering to the ground at my feet.

"Nice reflexes," Galahad praised, his lips curving into an approving smile. "You're a natural at this, after all. I suppose your fae blood might be stronger than the human half."

I couldn't help but beam with pride, reveling in the rush of power that surged through my veins. It was intoxicating, this newfound control over the elements.

Merlin, however, fixed me with a stern look. "Don't get too cocky," he warned. "The wind rune is just the beginning.”

As the night wore on, the excitement of my magical breakthrough slowly gave way to exhaustion. My limbs felt heavy, my eyelids drooped as I struggled to keep up with Merlin and Tristan's ongoing instructions.

Finally, Gawain intervened, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. "I think that's enough for tonight," he said.

Merlin looked like he wanted to argue, but a stern glance from Gawain silenced him. With a sigh, he nodded, helping me to my feet. "Right. We'll continue your training in the morning."

Gratefully, I let Gawain guide me to my bedroll, tucked away in a sheltered corner of the clearing. The soft, woven fabric felt blessedly cool against my skin as I sank down onto it, my muscles aching with a pleasant sort of fatigue.

Chapter Sixteen

ARTHUR

I foundmyself standing on a narrow, rocky outcropping, the slate-gray sea churning far below. The sky above was a swirling mass of charcoal clouds, shot through with streaks of crimson that looked disturbingly like blood. A chill wind whipped at my hair and clothes, carrying with it the acrid scent of smoke and decay.

In the distance, the jagged silhouette of a ruined castle perched atop a lonely cliff rose from the horizon, its crumbling towers stark against the leaden sky. A sense of foreboding settled in the pit of my stomach.

The cawing of crows echoed across the barren landscape, a harsh, grating sound that set my teeth on edge. They circled overhead in a seething mass of black wings and glittering eyes, their raucous cries seeming to mock the desolation below.

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