The Shadow

Chapter 31

Trees gave way to green fields, rolling hills and blue skies. They were rid of that forsaken cold at last. For now, at least. Kai patted Lunar's neck, smiling as she rode harder, unrestricted by snow and ice. She had not been bred for the unnatural chill of the woods surrounding Snowhold. This was her home—this untamed expanse of green and blue, melding with one another as they stretched out into the horizon.

Kai and Saif had taken no particular path on their way back through the woods, instead heading in as straight a line as they could toward their destination. They would see no cities or towns on their current path; it was unlikely for anyone to be out here, in such times. Kai doubted that many merchants would dare traverse the roads between the major cities.

Kai wondered if they would encounter any monsters on their journey. Would they be hunted by wraiths and hounds? He suspected not. If Skade wanted Kai dead, why should he wish to delay the execution? As grim a thought as it was, it meant that their path would be a clear one.

⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁⥁

The day was clear, sky blue as ever, broken up by the occasional wisp of a cloud. Ath truly looked like a paradise. The sun shone bright, warming Kai's skin as he rode ahead of Saif. He took a deep breath, savoring the smell of good soil and healthy grass.

Saif slowed to a stop before him, and Kai did the same. Why stop now, he wondered? It was the middle of the day. He dismounted Lunar nevertheless; Saif always had reason when it truly mattered.

"What's wrong?" Kai asked, moving to stand beside the elf.

"Oh, nothing is wrong. I thought this would be a good place to begin your training."

Excitement coursed through him. He had far more control over his magic than he had mere weeks ago, but he wanted to learn more, needed to learn more.

"Where do we start?"

Saif sighed, expression thoughtful. "I was thinking the same thing. I have taught elves before—though it has been centuries—but their magic was more...normal. Dark magic...I've never dealt with it before." The elf smiled. "This will be as much a learning experience for me as you, which is why I've been so excited about it."

Saif stretched an arm forward, curling his fingers as if to beckon an invisible being forward. A stream of air formed inside his palm, twirling about like a wooden top. It grew larger, twisting out of the elf's fingers. Grass was flung from the ground, swept away by Saif's rapidly expanding magic.

Kai's jaw dropped as he backed away from the elf's power. The tornado was ten meters tall by the time Saif lowered his arm, letting the winds disperse.

The elf turned to Kai, a twinkle lighting his eyes.

"It feels amazing, using my true power again. I enjoyed my stay at Northshore, but nothing is so wonderful as the touch of magical wind against one's skin. Now, let's see some dark magic of yours. Summon as much as you can—we'll go from there."

Kai nodded, concentration turning to the warm spot in the center of his core. It seemed to burn, heat rising as he pushed himself. He had never tried to summon his full power, he realized. Not since he had learned to control it.

The warmth rose, pulling toward his outstretched arm. He waited, stopping his power at his fingertips as he summoned more of it from his core. Kai's arms darkened as his shadows formed within him, hands turning black.