Chapter 2 #2
When Maggie had tired of working at her parents’ teashop, she had come to live at the inn, with the hopes of becoming a full-fledged witch like her aunt.
Up until today, she had only learned how to run the inn, not how to cast a spell.
She was excited; finally, she was learning the one thing that had fascinated her for as long as she could remember.
“Now, Maggie, I’d like to teach ye some things that will help protect yerself and those around ye from any spells Brielle may cast.”
Maggie thought that would be most useful, although she secretly hoped she would never need it. Maybe Brielle would go away and leave everyone be, before she even got there. Then she could spend all her time with Dylan. That sounded a whole lot better than fighting Brielle.
“Maggie, are ye paying attention?” Edna raised her voice and woke Maggie from her daydream about Dylan.
“Aye. I am. Yer about to teach me a spell of protection.”
The lessons went on for the rest of that day and into the next.
Edna gave Maggie a book of spells, to read and memorize.
Maggie was exhausted both mentally and physically, and she still had her lessons with Angus coming up, but she had progressed way beyond Witchcraft 101.
Maggie liked to think of it as a college course, one that she was passing with flying colors.
One thing was definite, she was going to need a good night’s sleep before tomorrow’s lessons with Angus.
***
“Alright, my dear, I’ve set up a course, which we will work our way through.
Once ye’ve mastered one thing, we’ll move on to the next.
How does that sound?” Angus seemed quite excited to get started.
He had prepared the back garden with hay bales, scarecrows, used tires and wooden poles.
“Edna has provided ye with a sword, a dirk and a bow—charmed fer yer protection, but we’ll start off with practice equipment, so that neither one of us ends up being injured. ”
Maggie was overwhelmed at the thought of learning to fight. It must have shown on her face because Angus commented, “Don’t be frightened, Maggie. I’m a good teacher and when we’re done, I’ll be able to trust ye with me life. Now let’s get started.”
Angus started with the basics. He showed her the correct stance and position, how to hold the sword and a lot of things she should not do. Maggie’s head was full to bursting, but she wanted to learn and that was half the battle.
“Very good, Maggie. I think yer ready for yer first practice fight.” Angus smiled reassuringly as he took his stance opposite her. “Remember, keep yer distance. Ye dinnae wish to be too close to yer opponent. Yer not strong enough to get into a wrestling match just yet.”
Maggie waited in her stance, holding the sword the way Angus had shown her.
“’Tis important to aim fer the weapon, not yer opponent.
Ye leave yerself open to their sword if ye do so.
” She took a few practice swings with the sword, which felt incredibly awkward in her hands.
In fact, everything she did seemed off. “Keep at it, Maggie. Ye’ll get more comfortable the longer we do this.
” Maggie took a wide swing and the sword went flying out of her grasp.
Angus ducked just in time, and the sword flew over his head, landing in one of Edna’s prize rose bushes.
“Sorry, Uncle Angus,” Maggie said, feeling about two inches tall for making such a rookie mistake.
“Well, ’tis one way to decapitate yer opponent, but not the best way.
When ye swing wide like that, ye leave yerself an open target.
What I’d like ye to do is concentrate on deflecting my assault.
If yer focus is solely on attacking, ye fall prey to injury, or worse.
Always keep the correct distance. When I come at ye—ye need to back up.
Think of it like a dance. Follow my steps while backing away, do ye ken? ”
Maggie nodded her head and they practiced for a while. At first, she found herself stumbling over her own two feet, but eventually her confidence began to build and her feet no longer got in the way.
“I think ye’ve got it. Now we need to work on yer speed and once ye’ve mastered the art of stopping yer opponent, we’ll work on stopping them and striking at the same time.”
Maggie was panting from her efforts. This was hard work and she wasn’t sure she’d ever be good at it. “Uncle, could we take a break for now?”
“Of course, Maggie. Go see yer Auntie. She’ll feed ye and give ye something to drink. I’ll be along shortly.” With a reassuring pat on her shoulder, Angus sent Maggie on her way.
***
Lunch had been prepared and set out in the dining room.
“Ah, there ye be, Maggie. Pour yerself some tea.” Maggie began to lift the pot with her hand, but Edna shook her head.
“Not that way, dear. Use yer magick.” Maggie concentrated and levitated the pot, pouring herself a perfect cup of tea, every drop going into the cup.
Edna applauded. “I’m so proud of ye, Maggie. How did your lesson go with Uncle Angus?”
“I feel like a fish out of water, Auntie.” Maggie took a sip of her tea and then bit into her sandwich, swallowing down a mouthful. “Do ye really believe I can do this?”
“Aye. I do. I believe yer the only one who can.” Edna sat opposite Maggie, watching her eat.
“Why are ye nae going to Breaghacraig yerself?” Maggie wondered aloud.
“As ye ken, I must stay here and see that ye have safe passage across the bridge and then back again.”
“True. I guess I forgot about that,” Maggie said with a smile.
She finished her food and then settled back in her seat for a few minutes of rest. She desperately wanted to go upstairs and take a nap, but knew that wouldn’t be possible.
She had far too much to learn and no doubt, Uncle Angus awaited her outside for another round.