Warlock's Storm [Completed]

Chapter Eleven - Unexpected ... and Kinda Crazy Mistake

"That went very well, I think," said Adam as he clapped Tyler on the back. "What kind of spell did you use to make that go so smoothly?"

Tyler raised his eyes to look at Adam, "No spell. They're just really great people."

"My mom never would have let me go on a road trip with friends when I was sixteen," whistled Sonya.

"Samantha is older that sixteen in many ways. I think her mother recognizes that in her. Also, I think she trusts Sam's ability to judge character well."

"Speaking of trustworthiness... What is our plan of duplicity during this road trip of ours?" asked Adam.

"Yes, we have to get her to develop her magic. In a good way. Slowly, but surely. Controlled," thought Sonya out loud.

"... Without... killing anyone," whispered Adam theatrically.

"She will only kill you if you abuse her. Do you plan on abusing her?" Tyler spoke with an edge.

"Bad joke? Too soon? Sorry," said Adam. Tyler let out a sigh verging on frustration. He shouldn't let comments like that get to him.

"Okay, so, I was thinking that we could put wards up around the van," offered Sonya to change the subject.

"Maybe we could add some extra oomph with some protection symbols. We could all wear them," added Adam.

"It would work even better if Sam had one, too," said Tyler, "but I already joined us a couple of weeks ago. She'd wonder why I was wanting to draw on her again."

"Joined, like, how?" asked Sonya, "which symbol did you use?" Tyler drew it out on a piece of paper. Sonya looked at it carefully. "Did anyone ask you about this?" Tyler shook his head. "Tyler, you made a mistake. I can't believe nobody questioned you about this! This is a power-joining symbol. Did you do that on purpose?"

"No, it's just a symbol to join us, like, so I could check up on her."

Sonya drew another symbol. "That is the symbol you meant to draw, Tyler. Oh my god." Sonya sat back. She couldn't believe what Tyler had done. And she certainly couldn'tbelieve that the Council had missed it. They had been so blinded by Samantha, that they had completely overlooked Tyler. And here he was, potentially the most powerful Warlock in the Worlds and he didn't even know it. "You are either the biggest idiot I've ever met, or a complete genius. You joined your powers. For sure this symbol ignited her magic. She got yours and you got hers.... Wow. Like, just...Wow."

Tyler looked at his friends, a little afraid by the expressions on their faces. He didn't know what to say.

Sonya was staring into space. Adam was staring at her. Sonya's eyes turned back the Tyler, "Didn't you refer to one of your Books of Symbols before applying it?"

Tyler squirmed a little bit, "That particular book was lost in a fire."

"How could you mess that up? ... Seriously," accused Adam, "It should have been a simple symbol!"

"I don't know! I thought I had it right! I haven't been allowed to use any magic for the past fifteen years, and the Council has been watching me very closely. I guess...I don't know... I guess I got rusty," Tyler shrugged his shoulders hopelessly.

"No wonder they felt it in the Fabric. The sharing of power like that is rather earth-shattering," said Sonya.

"Unheard of," agreed Adam. They both stared at Tyler some more. He was completely uncomfortable under their intense gazes. There was a very long pause in the conversation as they all came to terms with what had happened. "Have you noticed any changes in your own abilities?"

"I couldn't even get a disorienting spell to work on you the other day," said Tyler. "If I have the level of magic we're talking about, you'd think I'd be able to beat you out on that."

"Yeah, well, Sam couldn't open a cupboard door the other day either," said Sonya. "Sounds like this road trip will be as much for you as for her. It's a good thing you've got us around to help you." Tyler nodded in agreement. Indeed it was, he thought.

"You two are going to bring new meaning to the term 'power-couple'," grinned Adam. Tyler rolled his eyes, but appreciated Adam's humour. What else could they do? Laugh or cry.

"This could be a blessing in disguise. If Samantha turns to the Darkfolk for some reason in the future, the Council will have you," said Sonya.

Ah! Maybe that was their plan all along, thought Tyler, maybe they knew all along. This thought didn't really bring him any peace. He really hoped it wouldn't come to that. He could never harm Samantha. Could she harm me? He wondered. He didn't think so. Something niggled inside of his heart. A sneaking little voice deep inside his head whispered, don't push your luck. Never double-cross her. Never make her angry. He felt his body shudder just the littlest bit.He would have to be careful until he knew how things were going to go.

"So, this is good. We can explore your powers together. How do you want to tell her she's a Witch?"asked Adam.

"I think one of you guys should do it," Tyler wimped out.

"She loves you, Tyler. You need to tell her. If it comes from us, she will feel betrayed... maybe tell her about all of us first?" suggested Sonya.

"I guess I'll just see how it goes," sighed Tyler.

They spent the rest of the night coming up with suggestions for their destinations and figuring out where they could sleep each night. They decided to get some camping gear and camp where they could. It was more fun than hotels and more private. They could practise their tricks away from prying eyes. If it rained, they could always hit a hotel.

After a few hours, they were finally satisfied with most of their ideas. They would see what Sam thought of them the next day.