Chapter 23
Dusk had settled by the time we departed from the hamlet. We traveled as far as the fading light allowed, managing some progress in the darkness by the flame Alden taught me to conjure before eventually stopping to make camp in a field near the road.
As Alden no longer possessed the magic to use his trunk that fit all of his possessions neatly before tucking into a pocket, we traveled wit very little aside from a few objects he’d been able to fit in his robe without shrinking them. He carried a single book from his collection tucked under his arm, and the spellbook of course followed us, but our bedrolls, cooking utensils, and the rest of Alden’s magical implements had been left behind, to be retrieved after the competition ended.
Thankfully the villagers had laden us with generous offerings when we left. While Alden collected wood for a fire, I sharpened some sticks to toast the bread and cheese we’d received. After arranging the limbs and twigs, Alden once again guided me to conjure a flame and coax it to take hold of the prepared wood.
We sat side by side on a fallen log next to the fire, sharing the simple meal as we’d shared so many recently. I felt waves of both sadness and satisfaction pass over me as I reviewed the day’s happenings that had brought such sorrow but also joy. Judging by Alden’s expression, he felt similarly.
Finally I reluctantly stood. The villagers had gifted us two homespun blankets along with the food, which I spread out on the grass before easing my sore limbs down onto one.
Alden settled onto his blanket as well. After the events of the trying day I expected him to fall asleep immediately, but he stayed up long into the night, propped onto an elbow to watch the dancing flames as if mesmerized by them. I took a moment to admire the golden light’s effect against his features before sitting up too.
“You’re studying that fire as closely as you did the competition’s clues. Searching for a flaw in my spell so you can prepare a lecture expounding on my flawed application of magical theory?”
His lips twitched as he met my gaze. “As amusing as that sounds, you performed the spell flawlessly.”
I swelled at his praise, but couldn’t resist teasing him. “Talented pupil?”
He chuckled. “Or effective mentor.”
We exchanged smiles before we both returned our attention to the sparks and amber patterns the flickering flames created against the night. “I almost fancy there’s a message behind such a bewitching dance,” I mused.
“There’s actually a branch of divination magic that allows you to predict the future, but it’s beyond my current realm of study.” He sobered. “There’s little need to read what the flames could possibly be telling me now, not when my future seems destined to a single path.”
He heaved a discouraged sigh, confirming the true reason I suspected he was still awake. I didn’t want to dwell on his perceived failures, but rather on what we’d accomplished. “Even though our time in the village offered only a glimpse, I feel that because of our journey, I now better understand all that magic can be used for.”
The corner of his lips lifted, as if aching to smile if his disappointments would allow him. “Magic has always fascinated me. My earliest memories are aglow with my mother’s delightful spells she performed to entertain me, my favorite being how she enchanted my toys to float after me as I wandered the palace corridors. From the moment I first discovered my powers I wanted to emulate her.” His brow furrowed. “I’m not sure when magic shifted from something that brought light to a pursuit to provide meaning. It happened too gradually for me to notice the change, only discernible after it was too late.”
In the resulting silence I assembled my thoughts. “Perhaps my perception of magic is different because it’s still so new, but to me magic is a source of possibility. Anything can be altered with just the right spell, even a transformed mindset of how you perceive magic.”
He smiled wryly. “It’s a shame I can’t submit such a spell for the current challenge to perform innovative transformative magic.”
I tilted my head. “Why can’t you?”
All sign of humor vanished as he stared into the flames once more. “Because the change in my perception was figurative, not the result of a real spell.”
“Yet that doesn’t limit our use of a real spell to transform it back.”
His brow furrowed. “I’m not sure magic works that way.”
“In my experience magic seems more flexible than you’re giving it credit for. It appears the prince is in need of a review of magical theory.”
My lighthearted teasing hit a nerve, as I suspected when poking fun at his pet subject. His posture went rigid, his expression disgruntled.
“You’re suggesting that the student with the highest marks this past century in the field of magical theory needs a review?”
I shrugged. “No one is infallible, even in knowledge of their favorite subject, and you have a tendency to separate bookish knowledge from practical use in the real world. What is the definition of transformative magic?”
“A thorough and dramatic change in appearance and form.” His recitation was like a memorized entry from an encyclopedia, which with his habits wasn’t outside the realm of possibility.
“So by definition, using transformative magic to alter your perception would be transforming one form into something new…correct?”
His eyes bulged, and rather than respond, for a moment he could only stare at me in wonder. “You possess a unique way of seeing the world and I’m all the stronger for it.”
My heart swelled, even as the familiar thrill lit my mind to stoke not only my curiosity, but allow it to grow and expand in new ways so I could explore the possibilities that existed around me. It was a trait I’d always possessed, but it wasn’t until meeting Alden and finally having a chance to exercise it that I recognized my strength, a prize I would be able to bring back from our time together.
Alden’s expression was pensive as he examined his hands. “Perhaps we’ve already cast a transformation spell of sorts, for our time in the hamlet today felt like the first time since I can remember that I was able to experience the same wonder I did with magic as a child rather than simply as a means in a pursuit of a goal. For far too long I’ve lost sight of what’s truly important, forgetting that for all the joy my powers bring me, there’s more to life than magic. It’s ironic that I should make this discovery when expending the last of my powers.”
As if voicing his realization acted as its own spell, at his words the magic that had been trapped behind whatever barrier the dark force had erected between him and his powers suddenly sparked to life.
We startled in unison, staring at each other. “Was that—”
Alden flexed his hand, exploring the sensation. “I’m…not sure. It seems like magic, but I’m almost afraid to test it in case there’s a limit to whatever power has returned.” Perplexity furrowed his brow. “Receiving even a portion of my stolen magic goes against the properties that comprise the theory of the siphoning force I believed to be responsible for their loss, but I can’t think of any other spell that would be powerful enough to rob everyone of their magic.” Yet another clue to the mystery, even if it came too late to do much with.
“How much of your powers have returned?” I asked.
“Enough that perhaps I could perform a few spells, should I be required to.”
“Does that you mean you possess enough for the final competition?”
Hope glistened in his eyes at my tentative inquiry, but the spark was dim, as if he was afraid to stoke it. I leaned in and rested my hand over his.
“So long as you possess any magic, you must continue to fight. You’re too close to give up; remember that you’re competing not only for your own hopes but to aid your entire kingdom.”
His fingers slowly curled around mine. “My usual fears are trying to seduce me down that path by persuading me it’s not worth the fight…but they have less power since our time together.” He straightened with resolve. “If I don’t make at least one final attempt, I’ll spend the rest of my life wondering. Regardless of my weakened powers, I want to at least try to qualify.”
He flexed his fingers again, and I could see his hope and longing as he yearned to make use of the familiar power. After a moment he sighed and lay down, though I wondered if he’d be able to sleep with the new developments and lingering questions about the future.
He glanced towards where I lay, still watching him, and smiled.
“Thank you for helping me see what I probably never would have noticed without you, for bringing me hope at my lowest point and showing me what truly matters.”
My heart swelled as we both nestled into our blankets, warmed by the fire and the sweetness of our friendship. Time would tell if the portion of Alden’s magic that had returned would be enough for whatever challenges lay ahead.
* * *
Without Alden’sability to create a portal we were forced to travel to the location of the final challenge without magic. We alternated between walking and accepting rides from friendly farmers in their wagons whenever the opportunity arose. It took three days before we finally arrived to the location, on the eve of the deadline.
The long journey had at least been helpful in giving us abundant time to discuss the challenge. Though Alden wasn’t completely satisfied with what we’d finally settled on and worried that the spell he’d crafted to entertain the children we encountered on our journey that transformed the rocks strewing the path into a swarm of butterflies was clumsy and risked not fully working, he seemed eager to return to the competition.
Aside from the judges, only a handful of witches and wizards filled the cramped clearing, evidence of how much each challenge had filtered the original pool of contestants. Enchantress Ivy stood in the center, wringing her hands as she looked out across the small crowd, her usual mask of composure missing. Upon spotting Alden, her tension relaxed into relief and she hurried over.
“You’re here. I was worried you wouldn’t make it.”
Alden appeared surprised but touched by his mentor’s consideration. “Admittedly I nearly didn’t. I wasn’t sure whether I’d have enough magic to qualify. My powers are all but depleted. I doubt I actually have enough to make it far in the final task, yet I must try.”
“You still possess magic; that is the only prerequisite we require for your participation.”
Enchantress Ivy rested a hand on his shoulder. The other competitors watching narrowed their eyes, evidence of their jealousy that one of the judges seemed to favor him.
“You are not the only one whose powers have been affected these past several weeks; no one who has entered this competition has emerged unscathed by whatever force is suppressing their magic. So long as we have those who are willing to push forward despite the odds, the tournament will continue.”
“Even if my magical level is sufficient, I still need to complete the previous challenge in transformation magic.” Naturally Alden wouldn’t be satisfied unless he ensured he’d fully earned his right to participate.
“Your entry has already been judged; we determined that your work with the well in the hamlet was more than satisfactory.”
Alden’s brow furrowed. “But though that magic was performed within the permitters of the challenge, we didn’t perform any transformation magic, but rather a series of layering spells.”
“You’re still too linear in your thinking; transformative magic can be found in many forms—including taking a land that was once dry and breathing new life into it. You have done well, Alden. I look forward to seeing what you will achieve in this final challenge.”
Rather than respond Alden could only stare, expression dazed with disbelief that despite his doubts, he had somehow managed to qualify for the next round after all.
“The final challenge will take place in that tower.” She pointed through the thicket of trees, through which I could just barely make out the base of a stone edifice whose outline could be faintly seen against the faint horizon. “At dawn you are to ascend the tower. Each level offers another opportunity to showcase the skills already tested during the competition. You have until sunset to reach the highest level, where your final results will be tallied and we will determine whether you qualify for a position on the Council. I wish you luck.” She departed to allow us time to prepare. We joined the other competitors who were attempting to examine the tower from afar, some jotting notes and others giving us an appraising glance.
With the night serving as a divide until the challenge’s commencement, Alden and I alternated studying with wandering the clearing, where we learned there were four qualifying wizards and six witches, most of whom we’d had very little interaction with.
I searched the faces for someone familiar and paused upon recognizing one of the witches. “Isn’t that your sister?”
Alden stiffened before whirling around. Princess Demetria stood a short distance away, watching us through narrowed eyes. He groaned. “I should have known she would qualify—if not due to her skewed moral compass then by sheer skill.”
She wasn’t the only contestant I recognized—King Ciaran lurked nearby, his presence barely discernible in the dark shadows. Standing afar off was Alden’s wizard friend, Kai, whom he’d spent the entire competition managing to avoid.
His friend cast a curious glance our way…only to do a double take, a mischievous grin breaking out across his boyish features as he ambled over. “I didn’t expect to find you here of all places, Your Highness…though perhaps I shouldn’t be too surprised, given your ambitions.”
“Don’t call me that!” Alden hissed, his gaze darting around to see whether anyone had overheard.
Kai chuckled. “I can’t help but tease you about the title you love so much.” His look became perusing. “Perhaps it’s my imagination, but you don’t seem quite as ruffled by your title as you normally do.”
Alden shrugged. “Perhaps I’m coming to terms with it.” Or the competition had provided him with enough opportunity to prove himself outside his royal role.
Kai’s eyes rounded at this bit of surprising news. “If I didn’t think our magic was currently in no state to perform such a spell, I’d suspect you were an imposter.”
Alden sobered. “I’m pleased that despite that ominous force’s interference, you were at least able to make it this far. How are your powers faring?”
Kai released a whooshing breath. “Not good. I’ve never experienced a sensation quite like this, where my powers seem trapped behind a pane of glass—I can see them even if I can’t access them, save for whatever manages to make it through the thinnest crack in the wall blocking them. But I’m here…as are you. Considering the circumstances, that has to count for something.” He clapped a hand on Alden’s shoulder. “I’m glad you were able to make it this far; I know how important it is for you to prove yourself beyond your title. When I didn’t initially see you, I feared you hadn’t been able to enter. Why did you hide yourself?”
“Because I wanted to enter not as a prince, but as a wizard.”
“Too bad I was able to easily see through your disguise spell…though that’s likely only because it’s weakening along with the rest of our powers. In truth I’m surprised your charm lasted this long.”
Alden frowned and finally removed his faltering disguise. “A true siphoning force would rob me of all my magic—including previously cast spells, leading me to believe that rather than feasting on power, it’s manipulating our magic in another way.” His brows drew together as his theories pulled his thoughts away.
Kai knew his friend well enough to recognize when he was too far gone for conversation. Despite the tension choking the air, he managed a chuckle. “You never change. Let’s hope that your beloved theories help you ascend the tower.”
“The problem won’t be my knowledge, but my amount of magic to act on it.”
“As it will be for everyone.” Kai’s easygoing boyishness furrowed into discouragement as he took in his own hands, wriggling his fingers as if the gesture might encourage his fading magic to return.
My eyes were drawn to the motion, which had become so familiar as I’d watched Alden’s powers fade. As if the gesture triggered an idea I’d never considered before, a wild and likely ridiculous possibility suddenly occurred to me. Perhaps like my other creative insights, this one could create a unique perspective that could prove helpful.
I sidled closer to Alden and lowered my voice, unconsciously reaching my hand towards his as if to communicate better; his fingers tightened around mine in response. “Does a spell exist that will allow you to combine your powers into some sort of shared source so that you can both draw upon them and have more to work with than your initial magic allows?”
My murmur wasn’t quiet enough to be completely masked from Kai, who glanced over in surprise, as if only just noticing me. “A fascinating suggestion. Who’s this?”
“My apprentice, Maeve.” My heart stirred at the pride filling Alden’s tone as he introduced me.
“Your apprentice?” Kai’s gaze flickered down to our hands that I only just realized were still intimately connected. Heat swarmed my cheeks and too late I tried to wriggle free, but Alden’s hold tightened, keeping me beside him.
Mischief curved Kai’s lips upwards. “Apparently the apprentice relationship is slightly different than what I previously believed.”
Alden blushed but thankfully didn’t relinquish his hold. “Mae has been serving as an advisory role for me throughout the competition. She’s a genius when it comes to creative uses of magic.”
“As I’ve just caught a glimpse of,” Kai said. “Combining our magic into a single source…I’ve never considered performing such a spell. Essentially we would be working together.”
The reservations that had been holding Alden back for so long caused him to briefly hesitate, but he quickly pushed them aside enough to nod. “We might manage one or two spells when conducting the challenge alone, but surely that won’t be enough to reach the top. But together, we might stand a chance.”
Kai stroked his chin thoughtfully. “There’s no rule against teaming up, though I believe the winner must be a single person. If you know of a spell to try her idea, I’m willing to take that gamble.” He then turned to me with no trace of the superiority or disdain I expected a skilled wizard to show an apprentice. “Do you have a suggestion?”
The three of us moved a little away from the other contestants to discuss plans in private. Several hours of night melted away as Alden studied up on potential spells he could use to combine his and Kai’s powers before settling on an enchantment similar to that cast upon his trunk that could shrink to any size and allow him to store any amount of content—in this case, that of power rather than possessions.
The spell was complicated. I watched as both wizards bent over their work, taking turns adding layers to the spell so that it was infused with both of their unique powers. When the spell was cast, Alden and Kai dipped their forefingers into the shimmery magic filling the makeshift container the charm had molded. Alden studied the sparkling residue on his fingertip before holding the container aloft to more closely examine it. Whatever encouragement had guided him forward up until this point faltered.
“Even with our power combined, I’m not sure there’s quite enough to ascend all seven levels of the tower.”
“I agree. Is there someone else that you trust enough to work with?” Kai asked.
“My sister has also made it to the final round, but otherwise the only other person I’ve interacted with is…” His gaze flickered towards King Ciaran, whose watchful position along the edge of trees hadn’t faltered.
“Demetria?” Kai’s expression twisted as if he’d just been cursed. “She doesn’t seem particularly trustworthy, though I suppose we’ve spent years training together and are familiar enough with her powers that she would be a good fit…assuming she’s willing to cooperate.”
I knew little about the magical princess beyond what Alden had shared, but enough to doubt she’d willingly enter an alliance with anyone, least of all her brother whom she seemed to view with as much rivalry as he did her. Sure enough, when Alden and Kai tentatively approached her with their proposal, she wrinkled her nose in disgust.
“What makes you think I’m in need of such assistance that I would stoop so low as to cooperate with you? Unlike you amateurs, my powers are completely intact.” But by the hitch of her voice, it was clear she was lying.
Alden rolled his eyes. “As always, you are above anything we mere magical paupers are forced to deal with. Very well, you can choose to ascend the tower alone, but don’t later approach us once you come to discover your own power is insufficient.”
Despite his look of challenge, she merely folded her arms across her chest like a shield and looked away…but I sensed a hesitancy in her rigid movements, and she followed him with her gaze as he next approached King Ciaran.
The king’s expression remained stoic as he listened to Alden’s explanation, but he appeared more thoughtful than antagonistic. “I’m admittedly intrigued by your proposal. In addition to sharing your magic, what skills do you have to offer an alliance?”
Alden hesitated before lifting his chin. “An expert knowledge of magical theory.”
King Ciaran’s brows lifted in surprise, and Princess Demetria, eavesdropping nearby, snorted in derision. “Don’t tell me you’re still clinging to your book knowledge and calling that magic? Please.”
Alden’s jaw tightened, but before he could retort I stepped forward. “It’s only his thorough knowledge on magical theory that makes this idea even possible. The more one understands magic, the more they can manipulate it to tailor-fit each situation they encounter, an invaluable asset when facing the challenges the magical tower is sure to entail.”
Princess Demetria’s narrowed gaze swept over me and I felt all the disdain that had been absent from Kai’s greeting. “And you are?” She made no attempt to mask her disgust, clearly recognizing my lack of ability.
Kai offered a cheerful grin. “Your brother’s apprentice.” He waggled his eyebrows at Alden.
“His apprentice? Seriously, Alden, you brought an apprentice to this competition?”
She seemed ready to offer several more biting retorts, but doubtless realized that time was pressing and turned back to me with a frown.
“You may be right in part, but no amount of knowledge can compensate for the skill to perform the magic required, nor can it create trust where none exists. Why should I entrust my precious magic to those whom I’m competing against for the same position? How do I know one of you won’t betray us and take all the power for yourself, causing the rest of us to fail?”
Alden narrowed his eyes. “In truth I’m most concerned by being betrayed by you, but if it’s a safeguard you desire, the spell has one already woven into it: I cast an enchanted lock that requires all four of our magical fingerprints to open, as well as an enchanted timeline that will keep our power contained until the competition ends at dusk. Satisfied?”
She sniffed and didn’t answer, but remained standing with us, as if deliberating.
He sighed. “I know it goes against all we’ve striven for up until this point to humble ourselves enough to ask help from others, but the reality of the situation is that none of us alone possesses enough magic to overcome each level of that tower. But we have a chance, should we work together. It’s taking risks that leads to new magical discoveries.”
Princess Demetria pursed her lips, but she didn’t have any further argument. With her reluctant cooperation and that of King Ciaran, we hoped that their added power to Alden’s charm would be just enough to take on the magical tower.
And so the final challenge began, which Alden had to face with little magic at his own disposal and still succeed, all while working side by side with one friend he deeply trusted and two he didn’t. Time would tell whether it was a mistake for him to sacrifice the last of his magical reserves for such an alliance…or if the decision would lead to the failure he’d been fearing.