Phoenix's Discovery and Journey

Swords and Fire

    "The next step of your training has arrived, Evie." Villy declared. I grinned. I have spent the last three months learning simple spells for everyday life. I enjoy being able to move objects from one place to another, but it gets boring after a while. I love the books, because it has different spells and the history of how magic became what it is today.

    "Wonderful. When do we start?" I asked, itching to do something other than sitting.

    "We will start now. Follow me." Villy ordered. Standing up, I quickly followed her to the clearing where my training has been taking place. I noticed my swords and knives were laying out of a clothed table. I find that rather odd, because I always keep them in a trunk that has protective magic around it. I wonder how she does it, I thought. "You will be learning how to control your fire. Once you have controlled your fire, you will learn how to use your fire and weapons together. I have no doubt that you will be successful in this area."

    "This is going to be fun." I said happily. "What do I need to do first?" 

    "First, tell me what you feel?" Villy ordered. I closed my eyes and relaxed for a moment, knowing what she wanted me to do.

    "I feel buzzing and warmth, like I always do. My fingers tingle as my magic dances along them." I replied after a moment.

    "Good. Now, the magic that you feel, use that to call upon your fire." Villy ordered. I nodded and put my hands together. I haven't told her, but I have been working on calling on my fire. So far, I can only get a small ball. That's more than what I can ask for though.

    After a few minutes a medium size ball rested in between my hands, flickering every once in while. "Wonderful, I guess you have been practicing without others around." I smiled in response. "Now that you have a ball of fire, I want you to try and light the wood. Not what's around it."

    "One time, it happened only one time and you can't let it go." I grumbled. I focused on the pile of wood that lies a few feet away from me. I gently tossed the fire and sighed in relief as it landed on its target. "Hey, I got it on my first try!" I exclaimed happily.

    "Now, try to light this candle with a snap of your fingers. It may take a few tries. Focus, but not too much. Feel and see what you want." Villy said. I nodded as I looked the candle.

    I snapped my fingers and cringed at setting the table on fire. Villy laughed and put the fire out with a wave of her hand. "Not to worry. The table is replaceable." Villy assured me. It didn't make me feel any better though. 

    It took me ten tries to get the candle lit. During the other tries, I lit bushes, the grass, a tree, and unfortunately, some of Villy's dress. I don't think I have ever seen her move so fast before. She ran to the river and jumped in to stop the fire. I don't know why she just didn't stop, drop, and roll. After setting her dress on fire, she took to standing farther away from me the rest of the time.

    "Well, that could have gone worse." I said with a laugh. "At least I got the candle lit. I didn't think it would be that hard."

    "Well, at least someone didn't die." Was Villy's reply. I crossed my arms and pouted.

    We spent another hour making sure that I can control my fire. It is rather difficult to control but it became easier. The others decided to watch me as I practiced. They would laugh when I messed up, so I would chase the fire until they stop.

    "You are now ready to start with your swords. This will take a couple weeks to get down. Would you like to start with the swords or knives?" Villy asked/

    "I think I will start out with the knives. Work my way up." I replied. I grabbed a couple of my knives as targets showed up. "I have a feeling that this is not going to work out very well today." I muttered to myself.

    I toss my favorite dagger as I focused on my magic and the target. The tip of the dagger lit slightly, enough to be noticeable up close but not far away. I waited a little bit longer for the fire to get slightly bigger, but it went out. I rolled my eyes.

     I managed to get my whole dagger on fire for a couple minutes. "Yeah, this is going to be a very long process." I stated. 

    "Let me see your dagger." David snatched the dagger but quickly dropped it. "Hot, hot, hot!" He cried out. I smirked. "Stop looking at me like that!"

    "You are the one who snatched my dagger. I did have it on fire. The fire doesn't bother me, but it is easy for you to burn yourself." I said. I picked up my dagger and set it down on the table, picking up a sword. When was the last time I had a good sword fight? I miss when I sparred with Tarrant for the fun of  it. I wonder how he is doing. I may be in so much trouble with him if I ever see him again.

    "You are thinking hard, Evie." Cooper pointed out.

    "Just thinking about a friend. Nothing new." I informed him.

    "I'm sure your friend is thinking about you. All of them in fact. When Alexis and David were out last month, there were rumors out on the main land. Several people still believe you are alive and fighting. They think that you tricked everyone into believing you are dead so you can plan in private. They say you have spies that inform you of what happens, while you prepare." Cooper explained.

    "That sounds like something I would do." I muttered. I spun the sword in my hand as then threw it at the target. Everyone looked impressed as it hit the middle, slightly burning. "Now, now that is something I can work with.