Page 47 of Aofie's Quest
I paused, realizing the message was meant for the ladies-in-waiting, just as it was meant for me. Perhaps there was something to be learned here, and I needed to keep my eyes open. Instead of turning Tiwyn away, I nodded. “I appreciate your company, but I will not require much service.”
Tiwyn giggled. “You don’t know much about elves, do you?” She drew herself up and clasped her hands in front of her. “I’m here to bring you the morning meal and keep you from getting lost in the palace. Once you’re done eating, I will take you to the Hall of Magic.”
“Oh.” She had a point. The palace seemed like a maze, and I had no idea where to go.
Tiwyn wasn’t finished. “When you need to bathe, I will take you to the bathhouse and make sure your dresses are clean and ready.”
“Why me?” I interrupted. “Are there not several great ladies you can serve?”
The smile faded, and Tiwyn shook her head. Had I said something wrong? “No, but you’re a princess.Theprincess. My mama said it’s a secret, but she’s going to teach you magic so you can do great things.”
“Your mother will be my magic instructor?” I gasped.
“That’s why I wanted to serve you.” She beamed. “If Mama teaches you magic, I want to help, someway.”
My heart went soft, and I wanted to hug her. One day, when I had children, I hoped they were as kind and determined as Tiwyn.
After I finished eating, Tiwyn—who was quite patient with me—led me from my room to the Hall of Magic, promising to return to take my tray while I trained.
“Have you seen my companions?” I asked as we walked side by side through the palace, the crystals creating prisms of citrine on the floor intermixed with rainbows of violet and bright red. They danced as though they were living spirits and I stared, enchanted. The light reminded me of my own flares of magic, and despite wanting to see Romulus and Takari again, I had to admit, a nervous excitement shivered through me at the thought of learning how to use my magic. At last.
Tiwyn nodded. “The nymph with the curly black hair has a room next to yours.”
“Takari,” I told her, relieved a friend was so close to me. “Do you know of her plans?”
Tiwyn shrugged. “The nymphs usually go into the woods to commune with the trees. It is tradition.”
“And what of a warrior, or scout, how do they spend their days?”
“Some of them train, but others go to the Hall of the Queen. They are all very secretive.” Tiwyn grinned. “Mama says when I’m old enough, I can train to become a huntress. I’m already learning to use the bow and arrow.”
“I can teach you,” I offered, responding on impulse. It had been a while since I trained, and going to the training grounds would be a good excuse to seek Romulus in the daylight. Especially since our travels did not thrust us into proximity anymore.
“Will you?” Tiwyn clasped her hands together, eyes shining. “I’m quick and fast and quiet.”
I admired her exuberance, reminded of myself when I was young. A pang of sadness twitched at my heartstrings, and I wondered if it would be possible to send word to Epona. Wouldn’t she want to know what had become of me? Had she known the world was so dark and dangerous? At least Tiwyn was lucky to grow up in the elven haven, and although her eyes shone with the hope of becoming a huntress, I feared what would happen should she venture beyond the Shrouded Gate. She had to know that the idea of leaving was better than the actual experience, but was I the right person to tell her?
“Here we are,” Tiwyn announced, spreading her arms. “I will find you again,” she said, then dashed off, her braid flopping on her back.
Mixed feelings surged as she left. I did not know whether I was still in the palace or in an adjoining building, for in front of me rose a stone door, solid and intimidating without a handle. I swallowed hard, wondering what I was supposed to do.
“Are you Aofie?”
In relief, I turned. “Yes.”
An elven lady strode to my side. She was tall and graceful with bright gold eyes, a flat nose and thin lips. Instead of dark hair, hers was a deep violet, lovely against her brown skin. She pressed her hands together and bowed, bending at the waist. “Welcome to the Hall of Magic, Aofie Mor. I will be your instructor, Yainidonia. You may call me Donia. Has my daughter served you well?”
I pressed my hands together and returned the bow, suddenly feeling almost reverent before her. “She has.”
“It gladdens my heart to hear such words.” Donia’s eyes were warm and smiled at me, yet I sensed she was holding back, trying to read me before speaking more. “Have you had any magic training?”
I shook my head. “I’ve always had it and it flares up in different colors, depending on how I feel.”
Donia pressed her fingers to her lips. “Do I have your permission to read you? This will allow me to determine where to start. I will treat you as a new student, one unaware of how to use magic.”
I nodded my permission and Donia stepped forward and gently placed her hands on my head. The scent of sage enveloped me and again I felt as though someone were combing through my hair, digging deep into my mind to see what lay there. Much like Queen Iris had done, the intrusion was unpleasant. I flinched and Donia stepped back.
“It’s odd, isn’t it, the awareness that someone is looking inside you,” she offered, unfazed by my discomfort.
