I hope you all enjoy this chapter! I am slow at writing, but definitely not going to take more then a year and a half to post more chapters. xD I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter 4

"I am here to answer a few more of your question, Sariah. Please ask me what you will." Rika walked towards what looked like a small, soft, comfy chair in the middle of the room. Its colors, like the entire estate, were a dark, brown color, flecked with dark green. Noticing that there was another, larger chair that was colored just like Rika's close by (as if they knew I would come to this room), I opted out to follow Rika's small form, and sat across from her.

"I-" I furrowed my brow, trying to figure out what it was exactly that I wished to ask. It didn't sound like I had much more I could ask Rika, so I knew that I had to make these last few count. Licking my lips, I sat up straighter, hands in my lap, determined to have my questions answered.

"You found me because I called for you. If that is the case... then that must mean that I, myself, have magic within me. Right?" Rika nodded. "I'm afraid I don't know anything about magic," an image of the floor having a life of its own came to my mind. "How can I find out more?"

Rika smiled knowingly. As if she knew my question was coming.

"We have some books in this library that you can read and learn a little about. But I'm afraid that most of our books containing information about magic lies within the main city of Oakbarrow."

"Oakbaroow? That's what this place is called?" I gestured around me.

"No, where you are is the Realm of the Gnomes," I nodded, remembering Rika having said that when I first woke up. "This place is a holding place. As you have noticed, it is big, yet we have very little of our people here."

"Yes, I did notice that. Is there more of your people in Oakbarrow?"

"There is. We have moved our people to Oakbarrow in order to keep our kindred alive. This area, though deeply hidden underground, is not safe. Pinchmen will easily be able to smell out our home and desire to destroy it. We must send our people where it is safe."

"Why are you still here? If it is not safe, why have you not gone to Oakbarrow?" At this question, Rika paused, looking around her small circumference at the surrounding area as if in nostalgia.

"We were waiting. For you." I sucked in my breath. They knew I would come.

"But how could you have known that I would come? I thought your ability to see the future is not set in stone?"

"It's not. But we have watched you, Sariah. We had the vision about you and then went to learn more about you to determine how true the vision is. We have watched the anger build up within you because of the loss of your brother-"

"He is not lost!" I interrupted, fiercly.

"And because we have watched you," Rika continued, "We were able to understand what kind of decision you would make when the time came. So we knew to wait for you."

"Hm," I grunted softly. Not in anger, but simply because of surprise. "So, in order to learn my true potential with magic, I need to get the book 'Origins of Magic', right? How am I to obtain that book?"

"You must go to the castle. You must seek out the king and discover whom he has entrusted the safety of that book. But I have need to warn you. You will encounter great dangers on your journey to the castle, and also in the castle."

"Dangers?"

"Yes. Because this is the path that you have chosen to follow, it is a dangerous path. You will be tried along the way. You must grow and learn from your experiences and continue to gain knowledge about magic. Deception is an easy thing, Sariah. If you learn how to use this talent wisely, you need not fear the King."

"But the King... why should I fear him?"

"I cannot answer anymore of your questions," Rika stood up quickly, getting ready to leave the room. "You may look around and read what little we have left here that is spoken about magic. The rest of our history is in Oakbarrow. The city lies just outside the king's castle in the city of Orburn; though, it is well hidden."

I sat and watched as Rika began walked towards the door. She didn't get far before she turned around once more.

"When you are ready, call out for me, and we will take you to your horse." With that, Rika walked out of the vast room. A creaky thump barely registering in the air around the area.

"Well," I sighed, "I guess I start gaining some knowledge about magic." I grinned, unable to help the feeling that I was going to learn something magnificent. For a moment, I thought of my father. A pang crossed my chest, causing my brow to furrow. I sincerely hoped that all was well with him and yet, I seriously doubted that he was alive. Not when the Pinchmen had attacked our little village, Westhaven.

Westhaven was an appropriate name for that place. Until back when I was little, we had been safe in that village. Safe from the Pinchmen. But then they wandered away from their normal habitats and intruded upon ours. That was when I lost my mother. Who knew what it was they were looking for?

I looked around myself once more, registering the fact that all the mystical fantasies I had heard as a child were, in fact, true. Pausing, I thought of my life. Of the time I spent practicing my swordsmanship, learning how to defend myself in case of emergency. If there was ever an emergency, it was now.

I walked up to the continual bookshelf, nearest the chair I sat on and looked at the books against the walls. There were so many! It seemed incredible that every one of them spoke about magic and heroic deeds. How could there possibly be so much? But then, there were many things that had changed my perspective these last few days.

Biting my lip, I looked at the old books, their leather coverings seeming covered with a light layer of dust. And I began to look through them. Some were more interesting than others. A lot of them had stories from the past. There were some that were filled with human myths and some I recognized as truth.

For instance, there were books that contained detailed drawings of existing creatures and gave an extensive overview about that creature. What they were all about and how they lived. There were even a few that captured the movements of creatures.

I paused as I looked at the picture from one book containing an accurate depiction of a Pinchmen. Ugly things they were. My eyes widened a little as I noticed the description on the right page.

Pinchmen are terrible creatures. They terrorize towns and feast on fear. If you are lucky enough to survive an attack from this hideous creature, you are a great mage indeed. In most cases, people are killed. But in other's, those who wield such power, have been known to suddenly find themselves free of these creatures. There have been different accounts of survival; and though it has not been a great many, the most common factor of saving are from the creature known as Minc,s. Humans know them to be named Gnomes.

I couldn't help but gape at the words. Gnomes. They've been known to save people from Pinchmen before, in the past. I looked up at the last place that I had seen Rika, as if calling her into my view. Could it have been Rika that helped saved these mages?

I set the book back on the shelf where I had gotten it from, and continued to browse. Curiously, I hadn't read one book that shared spells. I wondered if there was even such a thing. I guessed that if there were, it must be in that 'Origins Of Magic' book that the king had.

Suddenly, warmth flowed through the tips of my fingers and then I heard a noise, as if something was slipping. As I turned around, I saw an old, dark green leathered book slowly popping out of its place, silver light lit around the edges. I walked slowly, cautiously, and soon found that I had nothing to fear. This book was exactly what I had been looking for.

The book wasn't that large. It had medium weight and there was an imprint on the front of the book, sighting, I presumed, its name. It wasn't in any language that I could comprehend, just a symbol. A branch from a tree pointing upwards, with what looked like a light shining down on top, with a circle surrounding them both. smoothing my hand over the soft surface, I opened up to the first page.

The cream colored page had the same symbol at the top middle as was on the front of the book. Underneath in curved letters it said:

Mighty Spells

Copied through Emmanuel Le'Broven

Because of the writing, I could tell that it really was handwritten by this man. I turned the pages slowly, skimming through them, feeling excitement well up within. If the Gnomes were correct, then I really had a magical power. I could find a spell to save my brother. My lip trembled as I caressed the binding.

"Rika!" I called out, "I'm ready." I waited for the Gnomes to proceed into the library. Soon enough, I saw the creaking door open slowly. Because they were so small, the Gnomes didn't actually have a need to open the door very wide.

Satoko popped into the room, bowing ever so slightly. Her wide eyes looked up at me, then she ushered me to follow her.

"Wait," I said before we went anywhere, "I found this book," I looked down at it in my hands, "I was hoping that I could take it with me."

"You may." Satoko answered straightly, "that book will serve you well. Study from it often to retain the things that you read from it and you will become a great mage."

She then turned on her heel and walked down the hallway. I followed behind, wondering where I would go once I left this place. It had to be dusk by now, so I couldn't figure out why they would have me leave at this time of night.

"Your horse has been well cared for," Satoko spoke softly, silky hair flowing down her back.

"I never doubted he was. Thank you, by the way, for all that you and your family has done for me."

"It was necessary," Satoko said. Suddenly she stopped right in front of a dead end. She waved her hand in a half circle against the wall and I watched as a bright yellow light followed after. Once again, a door was made and it opened outwards.

A stream of sunlight beamed its way into the dark tunnel. I shielded my hand from the brightness, amazed that we were at the surface of this underground city. I glanced behind me, hoping to never forget my experience here in the woods. I was in awe by what I saw.

The parts of the tunnel that the sun shone on were glimmering. As if little specks of diamonds were hidden within the walls. And if that were the case, I wouldn't feel so shocked. The Gnomes were beautiful creatures. It made sense that their home would be just as beautiful.

"This way," Satoko lead me outside. The area was a small clearing surrounded by the thick forest. Light droplets of water clung to the luscious greenery, causing a shimmering effect from the setting sun. We walked up the four moss covered stone steps, pausing at the top. Satoko looked up at me.

"Your horse is right over there, just beyond those tree's," she pointed behind me, "He's been magnificent, and well protected. He ought to be given a strong name." She bowed, gave one last farewell, then walked back down the steps.

"Will I ever see you again?" I asked quickly. Satoko half turned,

"If you continue on the path you are on now, you will gain many great friends." She then disappeared behind the rocky door. It wasn't the most direct answer she could have given me, but I surmised that I probably would see them again. Soon enough, I looked to where Satoko had pointed that my horse was grazing. He really was a magnificent horse; and he definitely deserved a name.

I walked up to where he was, approaching slowly. I held out my good hand (the other one still bandaged up, but healing nicely). Waiting for the horse to sniff my hand and allow me to pet his muzzle, I wondered what could possibly be the best name for this hero. He'd saved my life during a desperate time. If it hadn't been for him, I would never have been able to call for the Gnomes.

I pondered the thought, patting the horse.

"What could be a good name for you?" I asked him. He snorted, his head lifting up to glance at me. I thought about the night he came to me, about the light, the feeling of hope. I smiled thoughtfully.

"Li'or," I said to him, "because you were the light in my darkness." Li'or's head bobbed as if in satisfaction and I smiled, ready to move on with my adventure.

I looked at the provisions on the horse provided by the Gnomes. Everything that had been on Li'or when I first found him were still there, but they had added to the bags, and a large, dark cloak. There was a bunch more fruit and water, as well as two changes of clothing. I grabbed one pair, looking at the dark green trousers and ivory shirt. By the looks of them, it made me look like a true adventurer. I walked behind a tree and changed from the white linen shirt and trousers I currently wore with a little difficulty, feeling much better now that I had a change of clothing.

Walking back, I spoke allowed to Li'or, as if he could reply to everything I was saying.

"Alright, since we have no idea which way Orburn is, we will have to stop at the next village we come by. Sound good?" Li'or neighed. I struggled to put on the cloak with the one good hand I had (my one arm not completely healed, though very nearly,) then hobbled my way onto Li'or's back, throwing one leg over him.

Getting myself situated, we then marched past the underground door I had appeared from, unsure whether we'd find a road. Luckily, though we passed through the woods in the dark, the moon seemed to be particularly bright this night.

Li'or's hoofs pressed softly against the ground, still damp from an earlier rain. The crunching sound they made comforted my heart only a little. The crisp air taunted my skin so I pulled the cloak tighter around me. Though it was the middle of summer, the nights held true to the depths of the cold. I prayed we would find a village soon.

We were not able to find the end of the forest before dawn came. So, nearly 3 hours into our journey, I stopped Li'or for the night, looking quickly to make sure he was brushed down for the evening. My hands were nearly frozen and it took great effort to get a fire started.

I was so tired, and yet, as I sat on a small log near the fire, I thought of what lay ahead in my future. Saving Michael was top priority. And though I was fairly good with the sword (I silently felt for the sword at my side as I thought this) I knew that having a greater capacity to wield magic would be a great benefit.

I felt the cool air shift around me, beginning to pick up in speed. I looked in Li'or's direction and noticed that, though he was only a couple feet away from me, the strong wind stayed away from him. I stood up, wondering what was happening.

A war-cry sounded just off to the right of me. I whipped my head in that direction, wondering why we were being attacked. I stayed right where I was, hoping we would not be seen.

The fire had blown out soon after the wind picked up, and so I clung desperately to my cloak to keep me warm. Suddenly, I felt a few rain drops land on my face and I looked at the sky. It was as clear now, as it had been 3 hours before. Whatever was happening, I could not explain.

Suddenly, I could hear a clashing of swords. I squinted my eyes to look out in the forest, rain now pelting down onto my face. Soon, I was able to see people in the darkness. But the closer I looked, the more that I could see that even though the sounds I was hearing were as real as the Li'or, the two men in combat were nothing more than ghosts. It was as if I was looking at a memory.

As the ghosts got closer, the sword at my side began to hum. The two men paused, as if they heard the sound themselves. Then, as if the weaker man became strong once more, I could tell that his movements became more determined. He was the one I silently began to root for. Even though I knew not what either of those men were like (if they were even real at all) I chose the weaker man simply because his demeanor seemed to be softer. Less evil.

Feeling a warm heat coming from my side, I looked down at the sword at the side and saw that a silver light outlined the entire sword. Sheath included. Looking up at the two men fighting, I saw that the man for whom I rooted for also had a sword glowing a silver light. The clashes of the swords were no longer a noise I could hear. The hum from my sword overwhelming. I saw the men shouting at each thrust. Saw the larger man fall to his knees. Then saw the final thrust delve into the mans chest, the weaker man heaving from the effort of the fight. And then slowly, calmly, the wind died down from around me and the whisp of ghosts faded into the surroundings. Rain no longer pelted down, and my clothes were as dry as could be.

I looked over at Li'or. All was well with him. Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary. I turned my attention towards the fire. It had returned to burning wood, as if it had never been put out. The night resumed as usual.

"Well... that was unusual." I stated to the air. I blew out a breath and sat back down on my stump, shaking slightly. What a strange phenomenon! A bird chirped from above and when I looked up, the sky was beginning to dawn.

"Morning already! I didn't even sleep." I glanced again at Li'or who huffed when he looked my way. "Did you know I was here the whole time? Did you see what was going on? You acted so calm." I held my good hand on my hip, then with a sigh walked over to him.

"I don't know how long I can travel today. I didn't get any sleep at all last night." I took a piece of biscuit out from the bag on Li'or and munched on that for a few moments before finally hopping onto his back.

"Let's try to find a place to stay today, yeah?" Li'or neighed, and then we were off once again. After about two hours of riding at a slow pace, the tree's began to be less thick, though it was still as green as ever.

Another half hour later, we found ourselves heading out of the forest. In the distance I noticed a village, though slightly larger than my own village, had a small difference. The color was easily seen from this distance (though the shapes of the homes not very distinguishable).

"Well, Li'or, it looks like we'll be heading to that village," My stomach growled rather loudly, "Shall we find something warm to eat?" Li'or simple chomped his teeth, causing me to laugh. I hastened his gait until we were galloping. The sooner we got to the village, the sooner we could be on our way towards the City of Orburn.

We slowed down as we entered the village. The homes were of red bricks with what seemed to be wooden roofs. People were milling about the little shops along the long pathway. There were places selling things like food, jewelry, and little knick knacks.

"Wow, Li'or! This place is so fun!" I hopped off Li'or as best I could, careful to not jar my arm too much, and walked over to a stall selling fruits and vegetable. "I'd like..." I paused for a moment, looking at the fruit. The man behind the stall just sat and watched, as if slightly amused. "I'll take that one!" I pointed to a pear, my mouth watering.

"Sure. That'll be two shells," he announced. Only two shells! I had expected it to be more than that. I pulled out two shells that I had collected from my father, and handed them to the man.

"Thanks!" I said happily. I walked quickly to Li'or, taking a bite out of my fruit. Watching Li'or eye me longingly, I laughed then pulled into my pack and grabbed an apple that the Gnomes had packed for me. "Here ya go, buddy. Hope you enjoy this!" He ate it greedily. I pulled at the reins, opting to walk my way through the village.

A few people stared as we walked through, and some almost seemed afraid, but would look away quickly when I directed my eyes their way. I shrugged. Whatever it was that they were afraid of, I wouldn't add to their fear.

It wasn't too long before we came across an inn. It was a two story building that looked just as old as it probably was. Li'or and I walked onto the property, a fence lining around to keep out any unwanted visitors. There was a stable to the left, with tree's surrounding the outskirts. I tried to find a stable boy to help put brush down Li'or, but was unsuccessful; so, we walked over to the stable, preparing to unhook the saddle, and took care of his needs.

Unfortunately, before I could do too much, a shout was heard outside. I took a glance at Li'or, stopped what I was doing, and walked quickly outside to see what was going on, a hand gripping my sword.

There was nothing unusual outside, yet I still heard shouts. The lights were on in the bottom floor of the inn, and through the light, I saw shadows. Moving my feet forward, I rushed to the scene to see what I could do to help. What I saw astounded me.

A large group of men dressed in black were standing all around the large room. Many people were frozen in their seats and a few others were wounded, either lying on the ground in pain or unconscious. My jaw hung open for a few seconds before I pulled out my sword. It rung out cleanly and every head turned my way.

Now, I might seem the fool, but I couldn't help myself. Poor defenseless people were being wounded simply because of a bunch of vagabonds. I tensed as I saw a rugged man in the far left corner of the brightly lit inn turn towards me, his own sword held at the ready.

"Put your sword aside, girl, and I will spare your life."

"I cannot!" I called back

"Then I will slice you to pieces." The dark man stated, voice filled with loathing. He started forward, sword held expertly in front of him, but was only able to take a couple steps when the innkeeper yelled,

"Wait!" The dark, angry man stopped suddenly and turned about, glaring evilly at the innkeeper.

"What?" He seethed,

"Don't hurt anyone else, I'll give you what you want," the innkeeper said with a defeated look about his person; his shoulders hunched as he sluggishly walked into another room behind him.

What could I do? This innocent innkeeper couldn't be robbed. I had to do something! But what? I looked around at all the people shaking with fear. At those who were hurt and needed medical attention soon. I couldn't understand how people could come in and destroy the peace! Gripping the sword tighter, I walked forward, headed for the man who had spoken, anger rippling my face.

He, too, started forward, glaring evil daggers. It was now, or never. We then screamed at the exact same time and rushed to make the first blow, but surprisingly, as our blades hit, the dark mans sword shattered, causing shards to slice the ground.

The arrogant man stood, dumbfounded. His men looked on in amazement, and then with a sudden shout, they all scrambled their way outside as if they couldn't get out of there fast enough.

"Si'anth! Hurry up!" yelled one of the men headed towards the door. Si'anth stood in shock for a moment or two before he rushed outside as well, following his men.