Of Magic And Men
Chapter Seven

Peter stood-fast, he had to get this sword to come out of the ground, he closed his eyes, cleared his mind and visualized the sword sliding out of the dirt, gripping the hilt with both hands, he started to gently lift. It moved! Alaya stopped crossing her arms and watched as the sword was now easily being removed from ground as if knife from warm butter. He was doing it, inch by inch it came loose, so easily, when he felt that there was no longer any resistance, he opened his eyes. His hands were emanating a blue glow, similar to the ball of light Alaya had summoned to conjure the sword. Slowly the glow dissipated and he felt accomplished, he looked to Alaya for assurance that he had done it correctly, however when he looked at her he could see she had a bewildered expression across her face. “You used magic without the incantation? How? How could you possibly pull the sword, yet I exhausted my magic for weeks trying to get it?” Alaya was obviously upset, it seemed to Peter that if things kept going the way they were with Alaya, he would end up with a rival rather than a friend. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you wanted the sword, here, take it.” He didn’t want to give it up but he knew she was stronger than him in almost every way and would serve her better. As he held the sword out for her to take, he could feel just how light it was, he compared it to the wooden sword he wielded in the day prior. The sword was just as light if not lighter. Alaya reached out as if to take the sword but stopped short then drawing back her hand and placing it on her hip. “Remember what my father said? He said that the sword was rightfully yours. I think he knew I wanted the sword, I think he wanted to remind me not to take it, that sword belonged to your father, and now, it belongs to you.” with her available hand she pushed the sword back to Peter. “Thank you, Alaya. Should we go slay some monsters than?” he said with a smirk, not actually knowing what was in those cave made Peter very nervous but he wanted to appear confident. Alaya and Peter stood at the cave entrance, with another flourish of her arms, she cast another incantation. “Lux” A small glowing blue ball formed in front of her hands and flew down the length of the cave before exploding, covering the cave walls in sparks. The walls started to glow the same light blue, Peter was amazed at the light emanating from the magic. He thought about how he would have to wield the sword against all those unknown monsters, with only the experience of one day training, he started to back away from the cave. Alaya looked back at him in suspicion. “I can’t do this, I need time to train, maybe another day of practice with the wooden swords but right now I can’t do it.” Alaya walked back to Peter, and put her hand on his shoulder. “Peter, we don’t have time to waste on your insecurities, we need to clear out this cave before my father loses his power.” “Please, I can’t do this.” Peter lowered his head, he was ashamed of himself, but his anxiety forbid him from moving forward. Alaya nodded in resignation, nothing she said was going to change his mind at this point. They turned and made the trip back to the camp, Peter kept his head down and mouth shut, he knew Alaya was upset by his choices but what other option did he have, he couldn’t just defeat hordes of monsters with next to no experience. Their first stop once back to the camp was to talk to Merlin, Peter wanted to apologize to him for his failure. When they entered Merlins tent it was already passed midday. Merlin was already sitting on the edge of the bed. “I’m sorry Merlin, I know you needed me to step up and help, but I just can’t, what happens if I mess up, what if I can’t save everyone?” “You know Peter, your father was just like you in the beginning, it’s a big responsibility. However, instead of worrying about failure he worked to make sure failure was not an option. I remember one day during the war, he and I were back to back in battle, seemingly endless amounts of drow and tieflings, orcs and goblins. We were doomed and I could not see a way out. Jerrick, though, had a plan, a foolish plan, but a plan nonetheless. He intended to fight his way out, his determination inspired me. So, I cast a bright light into the dark sky and blinded the enemies for just long enough that Jerrick cut down enough of them that we were able to make our escape. Peter, it’s not about how strong you are, it’s about your tenacity and spirit.” Peter felt slightly better about his situation, so he thanked Merlin and made his way to the dirt pit training circle. He was determined to get better, he would save everyone that needed him! Planting his sword in the ground beside the weapons rack, he quickly grabbed a wooden weapon and entered the ring. Alaya rushed over and hopped in the ring after also grabbing a wooden weapon, she could see how much peter wanted this. “Don’t hold back.” Peter was ready, he knew today he would best her. Alaya nodded in response. Both prepared with an aggressive stance, Peter was going to start offensive and not back down. Alaya, started to move to attack, but peter moved faster and attacked first, every attack Peter used was blocked, neither could land a blow to the other until finally Peter swung the sword downward, all Alyaya could do was flinch, she didn’t have time to block, as Peter brought the sword down upon her shoulder. She dropped her sword and fell to the ground, she looked exhausted. He had done it, he had bested her, he believed he was finally ready to take on the caves. Peter help Alaya back up and in celebration hugs her without thinking. She hesitated before gently hugging him back. Peter quickly clued in that this was probably inappropriate and released her. Pulling back, he chuckled nervously. “Let’s get some dinner, I bet you’re hungry, I know I am.” Peter was incredibly pleased with himself for having won the round. On their way he started to think about the hug, why had she hugged him back?

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