Different Worlds

A New Master

I was definitely feeling the toll the magic had taken on me now. I was sitting inside the ruins of the castle, watching as people were making food for the evening meal. I was feeling so drained. Jacek was surprised that I had been able to pull it off at all - at least this early on, anyway. and he couldn't believe that the magic hadn't knocked me out completely. Though everyone had kept telling me that I would be able to control the most powerful magic ever encountered, they hadn't realized just how incredible it would be to actually see.

Looking around, I was conscious that every now and again I was getting some awed glances thrown my way. I wasn't used to this kind of attention. Back in my own world, I hadn't been anyone who had stood out in a crowd. I knew that I wasn't ugly to look at or anything, but there had just never been anything about me that screamed look at her! I had always tended to blend into the background, and I was content there. Being here, where everyone knew who I was was very unnerving. I looked over to where Devon was cooking, and Jacek seemed to be arguing with him. The argument seemed to be over the meal Devon was preparing. Or was attempting to prepare a more accurate explanation? It finally ended with Devon shoving a wooden spoon at Jacek and stalking off - towards me. His face was annoyed and I couldn't help smiling.

"Anything wrong?" I asked innocently.

"I hate cooking with Jacek around!" He grumbled as he sat down. "I ask one tiny question, and he takes it upon himself to make sure that I'm doing everything right. I won't be making that mistake again!"

I gave a small laugh, but didn't say anything. I thought it would be better to just let him get his annoyance out. I thought he would continue, and when he didn't I glanced at him. He was looking across the room to where Daniel was entering with Evan and Bronson. Once Daniel had revived, Evan had taken him to the healer to get checked over. He was in perfect health. Looking at him, I couldn't believe that he was old enough to be one of my ancestors. If he ever decided to return home to Earth, my guess is that he would be in for a big shock at how much our world had changed.

We watched as he looked over to where we were, and then began to make his way towards us, with Evan and Bronson in tow.

"Sienna," he spoke softly. "I wanted to thank you again for releasing me from my prison. I guess that no words can really express just how grateful I am."

"It's fine," I murmured in reply as they sat down with us. I wasn't too good with this kind of thing.

"You must be very powerful to have been able to release me."

"Sienna is a descendent from the First Traveller," Evan said, and Daniel looked at me with interest.

"The Good Sorceress? That's amazing. You'll be even more powerful than Netiri." He spoke the words in wonder until he reached Netiri's name, and then his voice twisted with anger. He took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. I guess my feelings towards that witch haven't gotten any dimmer with time."

"That's understandable," Devon spoke up. "There's no need to apologize."

Daniel smiled. "I'm guessing that everyone here feels the same as I do?"

"You guessed right."

Daniel nodded. Then he looked around at Evan and Bronson. "But what about Neeros? How do you feel about him?"

There was a silence before Devon broke it. "I won't keep it from you that while you've been gone, King Neeros has committed many atrocities. He even ordered the death of my parents for standing up against Netiri." As I watched Devon, I knew that he was struggling to keep his voice even. He looked Daniel in the eye. "I want you to know that I don't blame him. It's no secret that Netiri has him under her power, and I believe that he would not be such a tyrant if he wasn't under Netiri's spell."

Daniel nodded again. "I'm sorry to hear that. Neeros is a very good man. When we were friends, he would always be the first to volunteer to help someone in need, he wouldn't hesitate to put himself in harm's way if it meant saving someone's life. When he became King, he was the best King that Nardema ever had." He paused a moment, and when he spoke again his voice was so low that we all had to lean closer to hear. "He is a very good man, and well worth saving."

We were silent for a moment. Then I cleared my throat, and all eyes turned to me.

"I can help." This time I ws the one that spoke softly.

Daniel smiled. "Thank you. Having you on our side will make all the difference."

"But I'll still need help with my magic, won't I?" I asked quickly. "I know that I was able to bring you back, but going up against Netiri - that's got to be a lotmore difficult. I wouldn't have the faintest idea on how to go about bringing her down. What happens when she throws spells at me? I've got no idea how to block them." I had started speaking so fast that I hadn't stopped to take a breath.

"Yes," Jacek said, coming up and putting a bowl and spoon into my hands. "You will need training. There is a lot that you will have to learn before you will be ready to face Netiri."

"And who is to teach me?" I asked. "Rochelle, perhaps?"

Evan quickly shook his head. "Rochelle may be able to control magic, but she is definitely not qualified for teaching you on that level."

"Then who?"

"If you're willing," Evan began. "There is a Sorcerer that lives about half a days journey north from here. He would be the only person in Nardema that could possibly help you for what you have to face."

"And I'm to travel to him?"

"If you are up to it."

"That is not necessary." We all jumped as a new voice sounded behind us. Standing in what used to be the doorway of the castle was a man of about thirty-five. His piercing green eyes looked at me carefully. In my mind, whenever anyone mentioned the word 'sorcerer,' I automatically pictured someone dressed in a robe, with a big, pointy hat and a long beard. This man was completely different to what I had imagined. He was dressed in the usual clothes that peasant wore in Nardema, and he had a physique that kind of resembled Evan - very muscly. I would never have known he was a sorcerer just by looking at him.

"Jarvis?" Evan looked at the man in surprise. "We weren't expecting you."

"I came as soon as I heard you were headed towards the Ruins of Dalarah."

"That was only last night - that was quick."

Jarvis smiled. "It's amazing what ou can find out with magic, isn't it?"

Evan gave a wry smile. "Of course. You would have been able to see the track we were heading out on." He turned to me. "This is Jarvis. He'll be able to help you."

I turned to this stranger and offered him a timid smile. "How powerful are you?"

He returned my smile. "Not as powerful as you," he answered. "But more than anyone else in Nardema - with the exception of Netiri, of course."

"So you'll help me?"

"That's why I'm here."

"When do we start?"

Jarvis looked at me with confidence. "As soon as the sun rises."