Catriona reviewed the recipe for the Tell-tale Powder. She and Alaura had set out the ingredients and prepared to mix them together.
“The difficulty with this spell is not the exact measurement of ingredients,” said Catriona, “but the order and manner in which each ingredient is added to the recipe. The first item, cumin seed, is ground into a powder.”
Alaura assisted in silence. She had created many mixtures herself and knew the proper procedures, but making suggestions or correcting Catriona created tense moments. As an apprentice, she listened; she didn’t teach.
“The birthwart is next.”
Alaura passed the brown powder to her teacher and watched her circle the wooden bowl twice with the ingredient before sprinkling it over the cumin seed. Although she’d never made the Tell-tale Powder, it appeared to be easy. She’d never known the sorceress to make it either.
An hour passed before Catriona announced the powder to be ready. “All we need to do is sprinkle Isla’s exposed flesh with the powder then we’ll see the strength of her magic abilities. The brighter she glows, the stronger her natural power.”
Isla looked up from a book.
“She looks ready to dart. You should hold her” Catriona waited until her apprentice sat on the floor and placed the hauflin on her knee.
“She knows you’re up to something,” said Alaura. She held out Isla’s bare arm.
“Maybe she’s not as dumb as she appears,” said Catriona tersely as she leant over the pair with a tablespoon of the Tell-tale powder. As she prepared to sprinkle it, Isla pulled her arm away, and the powder fell upon Alaura’s dress. “Hold her steady.”
Alaura held the child tighter as her teacher gathered another spoonful. Isla pulled and jerked in an attempt to escape.
“Hurry,” said Alaura. “She’s stronger than she appears.”
Isla mercilessly pinched the sensitive skin on the inside of Alaura’s thigh and drove her heel into the back of Alaura’s knee. Alaura squealed in pain and twisted her legs to escape the agony. Her right leg struck Catriona’s foot, knocking the older woman to the floor. The bowl flew into the air, spilling its contents over the three females. Alaura took control of the bowl’s flight, stopping it from hitting anyone. She glanced at her teacher; her ability to cast the Levitation Spell went unnoticed.
Catriona had her own problems now with the powder on her skin. With quick, rough strokes, she attempted to brush away the brown substance, but the magic had already taken flight and she glowed. The wan green shimmer upon her skin emerged like the transparent waves of heat emanating from a rock under the hot afternoon sun; it flickered when looked for but could easily be overlooked.
When Catriona focussed on her apprentice, wonderment filled her eyes. A radiant glow enveloped Alaura. Soft eruptions of various shades of effervescent green danced in the air and frolicked in the locks of her dark blonde hair. Whispers of yellows and blues revealed themselves near the skin, kissing the air with each leap. It enchanted Catriona.
“Now we know,” said Alaura in a low voice. “I mean, we know Isla has no great magic.” The child emitted a glow similar to that of the sorceress.
Catriona got to her feet and picked up the bowl. Slowly, she walked to the table, unable to stop herself from glancing back at the brilliant glow that continued to surround her student.
“I’ll clean up the mess.” Alaura went for the broom.
“I’ll contact those in Petra.” Catriona’s voice sounded weary and laced with jealousy. “If they don’t want her, I’ll place her in the Maskil orphanage.” She grabbed a damp rag and washed the powder from her skin with rough strokes.
Alaura whirled about. “You can’t do that! She doesn’t belong in an orphanage.”
“What am I supposed to do with her?”
“You always said you wanted a child.” Alaura had to be coy to gain possession of Isla.
“A human child.” Catriona corrected.
“I gave Maura my word I’d keep the child safe.”
“That’s right! You did. I told you not to get involved.” Catriona glared at her.
“I must honour the covenant. Just because Isla doesn’t live up to the expectations of the ridiculous prophecy it doesn’t mean she’s worthless.” Alaura took a deep breath. She reminded herself of Beathas’ teachings and tried to keep anger from clouding her thoughts. Still, it infuriated her to know Catriona thought of hauflins as insignificant. It had been wise to keep the races of her parents a secret. With a human mother, Alaura was smaller than the average human, but appeared to be of the same race.
Catriona crossed her arms. “Then what do you propose we do?”
“Isla should go to Petra.”
“But she has insufficient magic like her brother, so they— ” The sorceress slapped her hand over her mouth.
Alaura stared in disbelief. She had heard no news of Isla’s sibling since the night the twins were born. Barely a few minutes old, another apprentice had taken him from Maura’s dwelling to safety, the same place Isla intended to go before Keiron Ruckle intervened. Alaura leant near and whispered, “And what did they do with him?”
Catriona slowly dropped her hand as she glanced at the doors and windows. In a low voice, she said, “They found him a common home to live out his life.”
“That’s all I’m asking for Isla.”
“She lacks the required magic, so they won’t send the messenger. How will she get to Petra?”
“I’ll take her.”
Catriona huffed then she chuckled uneasily. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“I’ll take her…tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? Are you daffy? Certainly you can’t think to reach Petra alive? It’s a four-day journey. Who’ll protect you from Lindrum’s henchmen and the other monstrosities in the forest?”
“Who said I’d go alone?” She would of course, but Catriona didn’t need to know this. Alaura would deliver Isla to her brother Pym as she had planned and not to the designated family which would treat her only as a student of magic.
“If you’re convinced you can reach Petra alive, take her.” Catriona spoke as if to challenge her bravery.
“I’ll return in the morning for her.”
“Why don’t you take her now?”
“I need time to prepare.” And she had to visit Moon Meadow later today. Alaura knew if Catriona found out about the lessons with Beathas, she’d be furious. No rules restricted additional training, but most apprentices had only one teacher. Beathas understood; Catriona would not. Alaura picked up the hauflin child. “It’ll be an honour to transport you to safety, Isla of Maura.”
The girl snuggled into her arms. “Alaura of Niamh, I want to be with you.”
“You will, Sweetie. I’ll be back for you soon.” She noticed Catriona’s puzzled look. “Magic dust can’t see she’s special, but I do.”
Catriona’s anger faded, and she reached for the child. “We are all special in our own way.”
Alaura picked up her sack and started for the door.
“Before you go,” said Catriona, “is there anything I can prepare for your journey? Maybe a Protection Against Evil potion or similar spell? I honestly don’t want harm to reach either of you.”