Chapter 4: Magic

Will they stop staring at us? Lucian was having trouble enjoying his breakfast in the dining hall.

"Well, you are new," Leon was just seated beside him, seemingly oblivious to the ladies and lords staring at them. "It'll take them some time for them to get used to you."

"Well, I still don't like it."

Lucian decided to admire the grand dining hall to take his mind off the solid iron stares of the people around them. Everything about this castle seems exaggerated. The table was wide and long, with red cloth filling the entire surface area. Food was abundant and the variety was huge. Everything from pastries and doughnuts to eggs and sausages could be found.

Tapestries depicting knights and horses were hung in between the many windows for decoration. But what he noticed the most, though, was the sunlight pouring into the dining hall from the windows, it all seemed to shine and focus at the huge crystal centerpiece in the middle of the table. Admiring the centerpiece the entire meal helped him take his mind off the glares.

When they had finished eating, Leon brought him to the courtyard by the back of the castle. "This is where you will learn and grow for now." Leon looked at the sky, noticing a few crows flying in circles.

"Thank you." Lucian waited till the guard was out of sight before approaching Felicity.

"Took you long enough," Felicity wore a short-sleeved pink shirt with a giant panda face on it and jean-shorts, "Today, you will be taught the laws which affect Magiclaire. They're much like the physical laws of your world, only, over here, there is magic."

Lucian sat on the grass in front of her, "And why would I need to know this? I'm going to return home soon, right?" Felicity laughed long and hard before saying, "Oh, the only way you can return home is to know all this," Felicity flicked her head to a nearby tree, causing her long and curly pony-tails to bounce, "Look over there." Lucian inclined his head to where she was looking at and gaped, beneath the tree was a pond and some of the water had turned into many little fairies which danced about. Their whole bodies sparkled under the sun as they flew around the tree. This is magic, Lucian thought. They finally returned to the water and disappeared after a while.

"Pretty," Lucian commented, "But how will this help me get back home?" Felicity grabbed his hair and yanked on it.

"I am your master. You will respect my teaching method and not question me unless necessary," She let go and returned to her log, "And, you're noisy."

"Fine, just tell me later."

"I will." Felicity sounded soft, careful and almost sympathetic. Never in a million years, she's just messing around with me, Lucian thought grimly. "Now, if you will shut up and listen, We can begin." Felicity's voice returned to normal.

"The Elders determined that your affinity lies with fire. How they did that, you will not need to know till a later time. In magic, there are many rules which the user must adhere to," Felicity picked a twig from the grass, "More than rules, there are elements and types. Mastering all there is in magic theory will not make you a competent user, just yet. You must also understand how to apply it in combat, healing and normal daily activities." Lucian stared at Felicity, almost hypnotized. He was not paying attention.

"Are you listening?" She slapped Lucian.

"Ouch! What was that for?" He rubbed his cheeks.

"Pay attention. If you want to get back to your own world, you will learn." She then continued.

"Firstly, I want you to burn this twig with magic." Is she crazy? He was sure she was kidding.

"Go on, I am waiting." Felicity looked serious. Lucian stared at the twig for a few moments. Then, finally, "It can't be done."

"It's more intuitive; let it come naturally to you." She seemed encouraging. Lucian attempted it again, then, "Nope, not gonna' happen."

"Well, maybe it was too hard since you've not come into contact with magic your whole life," Felicity tossed the twig away, "Create fire. Any kind will do."

"Are you crazy? I can't even light a twig, let alone fire."

She went up to Lucian and sat in front of him, "I will say when it is impossible. And I will not teach you further until you can light a proper fire," She poked him in the chest, "Stay here and try until you either accomplish it or sundown arrives." Felicity walked away from the courtyard, leaving him alone.

"Damn this," Lucian stood up, closed his eyes and thought to himself, Intuitive, concentrate, fire, fire, fire..

"You think he'll get it like this?" The short guard was standing on a cliff high above the courtyard. Beside him, was a woman with long pony-tails.

"Not a chance." Felicity had a voice of confidence.

"Then how will he learn?"

"The same way Helen did."

"Oh.." Leon shuddered, "I feel sorry for him. Will you do it soon?"

"No, give him a few days." She walked away, with Leon following.