Alice and Lucky headed into the grand dining room. At the head of the table Caldirth sat down waiting for them. He seemed to be a little more patient today, or at least he was for right now. There was an array of delicious looking foods laid out on the table. “I got a little bit of everything. I wasn’t sure what you liked.” “Thank you! I appreciate it.” She looked down at Lucky hoping he would say thanks. “Lucky is grateful as well.” “Thanks.” Lucky finally grumbled out. “You’re welcome, Alice and Lucky.” The chair was pulled out for me before I could sit down. “Here, young lady.” The servant said kindly. She looked at the table and went first for the sliced ham and scrambled eggs. The last time there was meat in front of her it was only a sliver of bacon. Most of the plate was filled with meat. This ham looked so well cooked she couldn’t help but add one more slice. Lucky sat and her feet. “Do you want some ham?” Alice asked him. “No, I’m good. That’s very kind of you Alice.” It seemed a smile appeared on his face. This cat’s smile was so adorable. Alice had always loved animals of all kinds, and this black cat was no exception. She strangely had gotten used to him talking so quickly. It felt like second nature to hear him speak now.
Alice engulfed the ham and eggs. She didn’t even think of minding her manners because she was so hungry. Another reason was how great the cook was. “When you’re done eating, I would like to speak with you. There’s no need to be in a hurry. I have nowhere to go today.” Swallowing, she then said “Okay.” After a few more bites she was ready to talk. “I want to train you in magic. I’m looking for a successor to my line of mages. There are few mages out there as powerful as me. I believe you have a lot of potential, and hopefully you will be able to fill the role of the head mage in the kingdom. Do you have any questions?” This scared her quite a bit. What if she wasn’t as good as he thought her to be? Would he abandon her? And what did it mean to be a head mage? All she could say was “Can I do it?” Not the question she really wanted to ask. But of course, that was the question that was blurted out. “Yes, you can. I can tell you have the talent. But if you let your insecurities get in the way, you won’t succeed. First step is belief in one’s own talent.” “Okay. I’ll do my best.”
Caldirth then told her about the school for upcoming magical talented citizens of this land. It was an exciting, yet a frightening idea. There would be magical creatures and competitions to see who the best at a certain magic was. But there would be a chance she would have to go to war if the fighting came closer. It was on everyone’s mind. Other kingdoms and nations have fallen to this darkness. War was coming anyway. At least she would be in the capitol and getting training to fight, instead of just being thrown out there. “Do not worry. We have to get you some basic understanding of spells and types of magic before we send you there. You seem to have some understanding of elemental magic. At least the water type.” He looked at me and studied Alice’s expression. “I’ll do it.” It didn’t feel as if she had much of a choice anyways.
“Wonderful. I am glad you agreed. This is an amazing chance for you. You do know that right?” She mustered up a “Yes.” Lucky hadn’t said anything this whole conversation she had with Cal. It was a wonder of what was going on in his mind. “Well, I’m going to my study. If you need anything, please let one of the staff know.” As soon as Cal walked away Lucky stuck out his tongue at him. Alice couldn’t help but giggle. “He could at least be a little warmer with you. I know he isn’t your father, but it’s rude.” It was nice to have someone show concern over her well-being. “I’m glad you talk to me now.” He nodded. Madeline walked over to her quickly. “Hello, my lady. I was told to give you a tour of the estate.” “I’d rather go look around on my own. Thank you very much.” Alice was genuinely thankful, but the maid looked back at her shocked. “You do not want a tour?” “I just want to walk around. Maybe tomorrow.” Alice walked away. She hoped that the comment didn’t hurt Maddy’s feelings. She began to wander around and soon regretted not taking up her offer. Finally, she reached open the door and landed into the library. Lucky strides in front of her.
“This is so wonderful.” Along the walls were rows and rows of new and old books alike. She hoped to find a book that wasn’t too difficult to read. In the orphanage there wasn’t much help learning anything. Sometimes the headmaster had classes teaching some basic grammar and vocabulary so that the children could at least read and write a little. Maybe Caldrith would help. He would most likely find someone to teach her. There was no way that someone of his status would want a daughter who could barely read. She would mention it to him after she left the library. “Do you know where his study is? I don’t want to go right now, just after we are done looking around here.” “Yes, I do. But if you need some help with reading and writing I could help you.” Alice blushed, clearly embarrassed. “Is it that obvious?” “No, it's just I knew they didn’t have many resources to teach you.” She straightened the sleeves to her dress. “Okay, I would love for you to teach me. It would be fun learning from you.” The cat grinned happily. “Of course, it would be my pleasure.”
“Thank you. I really mean it.” With that she turned to look at the books on the shelves. These books seemed to be mostly about magical beings and magic. Well, it couldn’t hurt to get a head start. Even if Alice couldn’t read the book, Lucky could translate. “Hmmm…Which one do I want?” She said aloud. Before she could pick up the book the door to the library opened. “I didn’t expect to see you here.” “Why, not?” Alice said, a little offended. “Well. For instance, they didn’t teach you to read there did they? So, I doubt you know. It’s not surprising.” Before Alice could speak, Lucky spoke clearly irritated. “You have terrible social skills. You might need to take classes in how to talk to people. Especially on how to talk to Alice.” At that moment she gathered up the courage to defend herself. As he started to apologize, she interrupted him. “If I am your apprentice then you should show me some grace and be respectful.” Cal looked at her stunned, then he looked at her with a proud expression. “I knew I picked the right kid. You shouldn’t let anyone disrespect you. Even if that person is me. I actually came to tell you it's time for lunch.” “Oh, okay. I won’t let anyone be rude to me anymore.” He smiled gently. “That’s right.” She was determined to come back here after lunch. There was so much information hidden in this room.
Cal held the door open for Alice and Lucky. He wasn’t as quick to forgive as she was. “I would let you have lunch in the library, but I have word from a few teachers that can help you with cultivating your skills.” Alice nodded. That must’ve been what kept him busy earlier. “I have to go to see the king to talk about our plans to protect ourselves in a few days. I want you to pick out your personal knight to watch over you.” The idea of having a knight watch over her was surprising. Did she really need one? She wasn’t so sure. She made her way to the dining room and sat once more. There was an array of food laid out and she ate quite quickly so she could find out who her new teachers were.
It was an exciting and thrilling prospect to think of. She could barely keep calm, a slight adrenaline started to build up. Cal finally spoke after finishing his meal sometime later. “I have scheduled you for a class with one of the experts in the field of elemental magic. She is known to be skilled in earth magic but is quite well versed in many others.” “What’s her name? “Her name is Mrs. Blake. She doesn’t like people calling her by first name.” That came off strange, but everyone has their reasons. She was waiting for more, but he didn't mention any other teachers that were based in magic.
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