“He disappeared. But he left behind his mark on the forest. We finally learned how to use our elemental power to make peace with the forest and all the creatures within it.”
And she, in turn, learned how to connect with nature as well. She, too, had that elemental power. She would never use that power for evil, though.
“When he was expelled, we were determined to protect our village woods with our own magic and keep out any other magic.”
“That seems selfish,” she said.
He chuckled. “Perhaps it is. But it has been that way for years. We’ve kept the peace and kept our people safe. Recent events have reminded us of the dangers of other magic.” He gave her a pointed look.
She understood what he meant. Safe from dark wizards and other magic. The elven magic Tasnia and the Elders used to surround the village would, no doubt, keep out whatever darkness lurked beyond the borders of their small village.
Still thinking of the dark wizard, she asked, “Do you think he was destroyed?”
“No one knows for certain. He never returned to the Wyldwood. Even if he wanted to return, he couldn’t because elven magic would never allow it. After he was gone, we searched the wizard’s isolated cabin and discovered he had magical items there he used to help him control nature. We took them and hid them away.”
Intrigued, she asked, “What sort of magical items?”
He smiled, his lips thinning.
“Ah. You can’t tell me. I understand.”
The elves held their secrets closely guarded. She would have to find out another way. She did wonder if the wizard’s home still stood. She smiled, then met his sharp blue gaze.
She had more questions, but she didn’t want to take more of his time and she really did have to get back home to help Yirrie with the festival baking. She took a healthy swig of the warm tea and slid off the chair.
“Thank you for your time and the tea.”
“Leaving already?” he asked.
“Yes, I have to get back.”
Harwin moved off the chair and followed her to the door. “Did you get the answers you were seeking?”
Though she hadn’t, she said, “You’ve been quite helpful.”
As she left the Master’s home, she had more questions than answers.
Chapter 8
Thedaydraggedon.She went through the motions of helping Yirrie bake throughout the day, distracted as she thought of what Master told her about the dark wizard.
Nothing made sense to her. She had a difficult time making the connection between the dark wizard and the Shadow that tried to kill her the night before. In fact, there was nothing connecting the two.
“Are you all right, Snow? You seem preoccupied,” Yirrie said.
Snow realized she had been kneading a ball of dough absently. At Yirrie’s question, she placed the dough in the bowl and covered it to rise.
“Yes, I’m sorry. I am a bit.”
“Worried about anything?” she asked.
Snow managed a smile. “Nothing. I’m preoccupied as you said.”
“I’ll finish up here. Why don’t you get ready for tonight?” she suggested.
It was her polite way of telling Snow to get out of the kitchen.
In truth, she was relieved to be released from duty and scurried to her room, closing the door behind her. Tonight’s festival event would be less formal than last night’s. She wouldn’t have to wear a fancy gown. Though there would be dancing, she wouldn’t have to worry about a boy asking her.
