Darkness of Magic (Soul of Magic Book 2)

TWO

A great silence descended heavily between Kyra and Lucian as they rode through the woods; the silence so much so that it seemed to take on a life of its own.

"Still thinking about what that man said?" asked Lucian when he seemed to have had enough of the uncomfortable silence. "You know he's only trying to mess with your head, right? Just like the coven wants."

"But he has a point Lucian," she replied, voicing out what had really been bugging her since they had left the wizard and his g**g behind; Kyra fortunately been able to control herself before she choked him to death with the roots. "The only reason why I came into existence was because the world of magic was in peril. I mean, what does the Soul of magic even mean now that I've succeeded in saving us all from annihilation?"

Lucian sighed in response to what she had said. It was a really tricky situation and he understood why Kyra would be very affected by it; he knew it hurt her more than she let on. The very people she had risked everything to save were the ones now shoving her cause of existence roughly in her face and calling her unfit to lead them; that would hurt anyone. "But being the Soul of magic doesn't mean you aren't your own person too, Kyra," he said to her. "Look, perhaps it's time you travel to the Blessed Isle and raise the Wiccan tower back up from the ashes. I'm very sure if you do that and announce yourself as Head witch from it, the people will surely follow your command, not to mention the fact that this Dark Hearts Coven will have no more opportunities to sow their evil in the hearts of the wizards and turn them against you."

"No, Lucian, I won't do that," she replied vehemently like she always did whenever he brought up the suggestion; and the blonde-haired warrior had been bringing it up quite often. "I already told you I’ll not announce myself leader when I don't have the people's support. The magic Head position has always been chosen in unison by the wizards from all over the realm since the beginning of time, and it will remain so."

Kyra knew that Lucian was only trying to help her and even a small portion of her heart agreed that his suggestion would most definitely work. But proclaiming herself leader in that kind of manner sounded a lot like power-grabbing to her and she would be no better than Valatu or the other historical tyrants she had read of if she went with it. Fortunately, Lucian didn't press the issue either; he had learnt over the course of the months that there was no convincing Kyra whenever she descended into her upset mood.

Just then, a hawk came swooping down and landed on Kyra's shoulder. It had a letter which carried the seal bearing the image of two snakes coiled round a sword with an eagle wing on each side- the symbol of the great house of Winchmore- tied to its leg. Letter-carrying animals like the hawk had become quite the norm in the realm ever since great Conflict ended and the Minders emerged.

The Minders were actually a group of wizards that had the special ability of communicating with animals. After the alliance between the humans and the wizards became official and accepted all over the realm, they had come out of hiding and flocked to the capital city of Cyrian where they’d helping the great kingdom to send its messages over the length and breadth of its provinces and even beyond. And seeing their usefulness, many established human states had begun to follow suit and hire the services of Minders in their own ranks; some even opening up special positions just for them.

“The message’s from Richard,” Kyra announced after she had read the letter. “He wants us to come to the Capital as a matter of urgency.” The Soul of magic scribbled down a response and sent the bird flying back with it.

"What about the Dark Hearts Coven?" Lucian asked but Kyra only gave a dismissing wave in return.

"The coven’s nothing we can't put off till we’re done at Cyrian," she replied. "Besides, Richard wouldn't have requested for our presence if he didn't really need it."

"And this won't have anything to do with the fact that you're secretly wishing to see that dashing king of yours again, would it?" The blonde-haired warrior had an impish grin on his face which only seemed to offend Kyra and she shot him a death glare; but he only began to laugh in response.

"Let's just go right now before I give in to the urge to kill you, Lucian" she said as she rode away, his laughter carrying after her.

Lucian turned his horse and raced after Kyra after some minutes. The Soul of magic had spoken and that was it. They were going to Cyrian, and to whatever might await them there.