A WARRIORS LOVE

Chapter Two

It had been two months since we left Akia, venturing through the picturesque countryside with no real destination in mind. Our days were filled with long rides across the vast landscapes, traversing meadows, crossing rivers, and ascending gentle hills. We honed our survival skills, gathering food from nature's bounty, and securing shelter for the nights. And speaking of nights, while I lay soundly asleep, Angelo took it upon himself to stand guard, ensuring our safety under the moon's watchful gaze.

Throughout our journey, Angelo had been introducing me to the world of magic, teaching me simple spells that adorned the surroundings with blossoming flowers or summoned a flickering flame. It was a glimpse into the wondrous realm of magic, yet his teachings seemed limited, avoiding the realm of true sorcery. One day, as we ventured through the dense forest, Angelo leading the horse while I perched upon its back, I summoned the courage to inquire about his reluctance to teach me more substantial magical practices.

"Angelo, why won't you teach me how to wield real magic?" I asked, a mix of curiosity and frustration in my voice.

He paused for a moment, contemplating his response, before finally replying, "Allison, magic is an inherently dangerous force. You're not yet ready to handle its immense power."

"But I'm sixteen now, the same age you were when you joined the royal guard. I believe I am more than prepared," I insisted, my determination shining through.

He shook his head, a somber expression on his face. "No, you are still too young, and the risks associated with magic are even more perilous for someone of your age."

"Why?" I pressed, my frustration growing.

"As I've mentioned before, magic carries great risks, and your youth makes those risks even more daunting," Angelo explained, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

I couldn't help but feel a surge of impatience coursing through my veins. I knew he possessed the knowledge and skills that I yearned to acquire. And so, I resorted to the one thing he couldn't refuse.

"I am Allison Winchester, the last living member of the Winchester royal family," I declared with conviction. "As the rightful queen of the Eastern Provinces, I command you, Angelo Spears, Captain of the Eastern armies, to teach me the art of sorcery until I have mastered it."

In an instant, his body tensed, and he brought the horse to a sudden halt. Surprise and concern flashed across his eyes as he processed the weight of my words. "Very well, my queen. Your wish is my command," he responded, bowing before me with a mixture of respect and reluctance.

I could sense his internal conflict, his loyalty as a servant conflicting with his reservations about imparting such profound knowledge to an unprepared student. Nevertheless, he honored his duty, rising to his feet and saluting me as a soldier would salute his queen. With purposeful strides, he rummaged through his bag, finally producing a large, weathered leather-bound book, which he handed to me. The book, with its thousand pages, seemed like a gateway to the vast secrets of magic.

"If I am to teach you, you must first grasp the fundamentals of magic—the way it operates, the intricacies of different magical creatures, and the diverse branches of magical practices," Angelo explained, his voice tinged with a touch of discontent that I failed to notice amidst my excitement.

Filled with joy and anticipation, I delved into the pages of that ancient tome, immersing myself in its wisdom day and night. I was determined to absorb as much knowledge about magic as possible within the shortest timeframe.

Thus far, my studies had unveiled the existence of two distinct energies that pervaded the world—mana and aura. Mana, the primary energy utilized by witches and warlocks, was channeled to cast spells, create enchantments, and manipulate the fabric of reality. On the other hand, aura, harnessed predominantly by the warriors of the Eastern Provinces, augmented their physical abilities by infusing this energy into their bones and muscles. These warriors possessed extraordinary capabilities; some moved faster than light, extending their vision and hearing across vast kingdoms. Others possessed the power of flight, soaring through the skies with effortless grace.

The realms of magic and warriors were stratified into nine circles of mastery, ranging from the 1st to the fabled 9th circle. The majority of mages and warriors found themselves within the 1st to 3rd circles, demonstrating competence and proficiency in their respective fields. Those who managed to ascend to the 6th and 7th circles were hailed as unparalleled geniuses, their prowess unmatched. Merely seven individuals, including Angelo's late father, the Grand Mage Mirando, had ever attained the elusive 8th circle. However, the 9th circle remained an enigma, its mastery existing only in myth and legend, last accomplished by the revered founder of magic herself, Queen Lumin, who was believed to be my distant ancestor.

As I delved further into the complexities of magic, I discovered that an individual's magical attributes hinged upon their affinity for the elements—water, fire, earth, metal, and wood. While the elemental affinities differed for mages and warriors, mages drew their power from mana, which was less influenced by the elements except in cases where a water witch tried to summon fire or vice versa. Wood-affiliated witches typically became healers, while those with a metal affinity delved into the realms of alchemy.

For warriors, their elemental affinities dictated their innate specialties. Water-affiliated warriors exhibited unmatched speed, surpassing their counterparts in swiftness. Fire-affiliated warriors unleashed devastating attacks, their strikes searing through defenses with intensified potency. Wood-affiliated warriors possessed unparalleled healing abilities, mending wounds and revitalizing their comrades. Metal-affiliated warriors honed their skills as masters of their chosen weapons, wielding them with unrivaled precision. Earth-affiliated warriors, though slower in their movements, showcased unmatched strength, rendering them formidable opponents on the battlefield.

While it was possible for individuals to harbor affinities for multiple elements, achieving harmony among these opposing forces was an arduous task. Balancing these elements within oneself was a precarious and intricate endeavor, often deemed insurmountable, especially for those whose affinities spanned opposing elements such as water and fire.

In the magical empire, individuals who lacked the ability to sense mana were a rarity. Nevertheless, they persevered and thrived, their talents carving a unique path for them. Some had even risen to prominence, such as the All-Seeing Calv Manthis, who led the eastern armies to victory in the conquest of the blood wolf territories, employing unparalleled battle tactics. These extraordinary individuals were referred to as Umi, an acronym that stood for Unmagical Individuals, symbolizing their resilience in a realm governed by magic.

Days turned into weeks as I delved deeper into the knowledge bestowed upon me by Angelo's tutelage and the ancient book. My understanding of the intricacies of magic grew, expanding with each passing day. Little did I know that this newfound knowledge would soon be put to the test, as the road ahead held unforeseen challenges and revelations, unveiling the depths of my own magical potential and the role I was destined to play in the world of sorcery and warfare.