Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,82

“That sounds far more interesting than screwing around with sparks.”

“Oh, Child, Child, Child ... I refuse to answer that question. I should never have said anything. You will focus on the task at hand. Do you understand me?”

Shalee frowned. “You’re bumming me out. Texans can handle anything. You don’t have to be so careful with me.”

Seeing that Helga would not reveal any additional information, Shalee looked at the pile of wood, rolled her eyes, raised her staff and then shouted, “Precious, nuar!” A ring of fire appeared around the wood. The heat could be felt, but it was not uncomfortable. There was no smoke, and over a lengthy period of moments, the flames faded.

Shalee enjoyed the benefit of her command, but the strength of the magic caused her body to quake uncontrollably. She was forced to drop Precious and lean against her teacher until the intensity subsided.

“Well done!” Mosley howled. “I’m impressed. You’re the cub that would make any wolf proud. Once you’ve collected yourself, you should see what else you can conjure.”

“Oh, my goodness!” Shalee exhaled once she was able to stand. “Whew! I’m sweating like a hog on a hot summer day. I bet I look like a mess. I’m just loving this magic stuff. I can’t even tell you how much.” She looked at Helga and grinned. “This is definitely not like anything I’ve ever done before.” An aftershock hit. She reached out and placed a hand on Helga’s shoulder until she stopped trembling. “Oh my! I just need to catch my breath.”

Helga rubbed Shalee’s back until she was able to stand upright. “Child, it’s okay to take the moments you need to recover. This has been a wonderful Peak for you. I’m a little jealous. I haven’t felt that way in over 200 seasons.”

Shalee smiled and retrieved Precious off the floor. “Shall we try something else?”

Before Helga could object, Shalee raised her staff, prepared her next thought, and spoke the words of power, “Precious, nuar!” The top piece of wood on the pile started to burn, but the ones beneath it were unaffected. The fire burned hot and strong, and it took a considerable amount of power.

The benefit of her success seized control of Shalee’s body as the spell dissipated. It brought her to her knees, and she was forced to place her hands on the floor for balance as the tears of joy flowed. The reward lasted for a much longer series of moments than it did with the previous command. With the sensation continuing to build, Shalee lowered onto her back as her chest heaved to catch her breath.

“Ohhhh, Child, Child, Child ... I’ve never seen anyone command fire on their first Peak. Not only have you commanded it, you isolated it to a specific piece, and you didn’t allow the flame to touch the others. This is the most exciting Peak of my life!

Mosley spoke up. “Perhaps it’s best if she stops.”

Helga nodded. “I completely agree.” She adjusted her gaze back onto her student. “Besides, it’s getting late, Child, and you must be exhausted. I’ve never met a woman blessed enough to shed so many wonderful tears and experience the joy of life as you have.”

Shalee agreed. She was tired, but she did not want to stop now. She peeled herself up off the floor and forced herself to stand upright. “I know I should stop, but I am dying to try just one more thing before we do.” She looked at her teacher and produced an innocent smile. “What are the Elven words for wood and life?”

A deep look of concern appeared on Helga’s face. “Oh no, no, no, Child! It isn’t wise to be toying with uniting words. That isn’t something I would teach you for many, many Peaks. I should not have said anything about it. I apologize for my lapse in judgment.”

“Sweet molasses, Helga. I understand what you’re trying to say, but I’d like to know the words anyhow. I feel like I’m onto something here, and I think I can handle it. You just gotta trust me on this.”

Helga and Mosley looked at each other, shrugged, and then moved a few steps away. Mosley whispered as he reached up with his rear paw to scratch the back of his neck, “This is either going to be a pleasant experience, or a disaster. I’m not sure how you should judge her growth. She’s already able to lead a pack of her own. I think you should allow her to