Planets: Chapter Eight: Slowly but Surely

Chapter Eight: Slowly but Surely
“Kelsi, you have been behaving quite well for the past couple weeks, I think it’s time for us to progress further into your training.”
Kelsi’s smirk was self assured, not unlike the chilly smile of Mistress. She had worked hard the last two weeks and had gained confidence and assurance along with knowledge. She laughed at how afraid she had been before and scoffed at the notion that Mistress was “creepy.” Mistress was powerful, the picture of a well-meaning mentor. Kelsi could only dream of that she would someday be as intelligent and influential as Mistress.
“As you have learned, you are magical. As a mintis of royal blood, however small the percentage of royal blood may be, you are able to harness you magic to do more than household chores as the peasant mintis do.”
Kelsi’s eyes lit up and she almost exclaimed with joy but she resisted the impulse and composed herself.
“Magic is a very hard thing to control, it’s often flighty. It will take a lot of self-control to use your magic. One wrong move and it could destroy you.”
“I’m up to the challenge!” Kelsi stood up, her hair falling out of it’s up-do and into her face in her vigor.
“Really? I’m not quite so sure that you are,” Mistress’s questioning voice stung Kelsi. She quietly sat back down, her face burning as scarlet as the ribbons weaving through her hair.
“I know that you are confident in your ability, Kelsi, and I’m pleased to note that you’re assured. Unfortunately vim is not enough by itself. There are several things you still need to know. One especially important thing that is connected to magic is a familiar.
“Familiars are special creatures that every magical royal mintis has. These animals protect their mintis and help channel their magic. Most Familiars stay as one creature form their whole life but can change forms when their mintis goes through a drastic life changing experience. Not surprisingly Familiars can’t die until their mintis passes on.”
“Do you have a Familiar?” Kelsi asked Mistress, her even tone masking her eagerness to learn. Perkiness was something Mistress abhorred and Kelsi had been working hard on curbing her detestable emotions.
“Yes,” Mistress replied and Kelsi saw a black widow scurry from behind Mistress’s ear down across her neck to her arm where it placed itself on her finger, looking like a lethal ring. Mistress stroked it with one finger. “May I continue with my lecture?”
“Yes,” Kelsi looked down, shamefaced. How could she have been so rude? She knew that Mistress hated interruptions.
“You will get your own Familiar in time. Familiar’s come to mintis when they have reached a point in their magic where they need the Familiar’s protection. It should come soon for you. The more powerful the magic, the more protection is needed. Do you have any questions? You must understand this. It is vital to your training,” Mistress paused as Kelsi gathered her thoughts.
“It all makes sense but I don’t understand why I can’t already start to do magic now. You have taught me so much and you say that I have much potential. Why can’t I start right now, today?”
Mistress gave Kelsi a tight-lipped smile. “If you think you are ready than we will see what you can do.”
Kelsi felt like squealing with joy but simply smiled back at Mistress.
“Stand up,” Mistress ordered.
Kelsi obeyed and waited silently for instructions.
“We will need to go to a different room, it’s two crowded in here. The last thing we need is an unintentional injury to occur,” Mistress grasped Kelsi’s arm and they appeared in an empty room, devoid of any hangings, furnishings or decorations of any kind. Kelsi was shocked that such a room existed in Mistress’s lavish castle. The room was still made of high quality materials such as the onyx tiles that paved the floor but the extravagance that was common among the other rooms wasn’t found here.
There aren’t any doorways or windows. The thought slightly frightened Kelsi as she realized there was no way out. She was trapped.
“Here we are, this shall do nicely,” Mistress looked around the room approvingly, admiring the echo of her voice in the large empty room. “We shall begin your lesson now. Channel your emotions, namely anger, to create magic. I want you to start by crating a bird. Imagine the bird’s every detail, you don’t want to wind up with a half-formed bird,” Mistress finished instructing then looked at Kelsi expectantly.
Feeling rather self conscious, Kelsi breathed in deeply and focused on her anger. Why has it taken Mistress so long to teach me magic? She felt the self-righteous anger bubble up. Does she think I’m stupid? How dare she! Why won’t she just believe in me? Why does she have to be so condescending?
That’s enough, Kelsi,” Mistress interrupted Kelsi’s fuming thoughts.
Kelsi looked up, startled. Could Mistress read her mind?
“You have built up enough anger for this task, now focus your energy on creating the bird.”
She is so controlling. Kelsi thought one more angry notion than began to imagine a bird.
The bird was a sparrow, soft brow feathers speckled with charcoal covering it’s fragile body. It’s beak and small twig-like legs a golden brown and when it opened it’s minute beak the sweetest heart-breaking melody was released. Kelsi had watched many a sparrow back at the orphanage and knew exactly how the small bird should fly. Focusing the energy she had just built up, she pushed it towards the bird, willing the tiny bird to fly out of her mind and into the room. Within seconds the sparrow was there, gliding around the room. Kelsi gave a little sigh of relief then braced herself up against the wall, feeling drained. The bird may have been small but the amount of energy and concentration it had taken to create it had been unbelievable. She scrutinized the little creature, admiring her work. The sparrow had landed, and, shiny, beady eyes bright, had begun to scratch the tiled floor looking for bugs. It was perfect, except she hadn’t imagined the silver feathers at it’s temples. She frowned. Strange.
“Excellent,” Mistress’s expression was one of pure boredom. “Now kill it.”
Kelsi lifted her hand and without thinking twice, projected an electrical orb towards the innocent sparrow. A grievous cry came from the bird’s frail body on contact with the orb. It’s shiny eyes dulled and it’s winds became rigid. The little bird died.
Mistress looked more joyous about this accomplishment than the last. “Let us go now,” her eyes gleaming, she touched Kelsi’s shoulder and transported.
Kelsi sat down at her desk, unfazed that she just killed the bird she had crated. She reflected on the whole experience, coldly noting that it took more energy to create the bird than destroy it.
She sauntered out of the room without saying a word to Mistress who was already rummaging through parchments. Kelsi felt invigorated from her first magic lesson. Everything had gone perfectly and she thought proudly of her sparrow, it’s sweet music ecstatic. Even it’s death had been beautiful at the blue tinged energy hit it’s speckled body and it mournfully shrieked.
She smiled, unaware that her eyes were filled with a frightening hunger. Mistress may have though that she had appeased Kelsi’s want for magic power but she had only made it stronger. Now Kelsi was determined more than ever. She would be a powerful sorceress, even if it killed her. Kelsi was hit with a wave of determination. She was going to be the most powerful sorceress, second only to Mistress. Hopefully that day would come soon.

Time Traveler

Before you lynch me for posting a short story instead of Planets, I just want to explain myself. This story hasn't been taking time away from Planets, it's part of an assignment for school. It actually is based on a story I wrote for a state wide test, I liked the concept so much that I lengthened it to the format it's currently in. Comments and questions are always appreciated.

Time Traveler

By Ginny Romney

"I should have listened to Steve," I say aloud, my truthful words echoing into the cold, dank cell. "It's too late now and I have to face the impending doom, now or never." I peer through my long, brown hair as my mind drifts back to a time that seems ages ago; a time that in reality happened a mere week ago.
I was sitting on my atrocious teal couch, an apparent cast off of my mother's seeing as I would never purchase a couch of such a hideous hue. My apartment was warm and toasty, mostly from the blazing fireplace in the middle of the room but also from the on-going argument between Steve and I.
"I'm telling you, Leslie, you're going to wind up hurting someone, this is not a good idea!" Steve exclaimed, pounding his fist into the poor ugly arm of the couch.
I replied just as passionately. "I don't see what you have against it! This vaccine will save hundreds, no millions of lives!"
"Time travel is so risky and even if you save the smallpox victims have you though of what all these extra people will do? Like you said, the vaccine will save thousands of lives but who can really tell how much longer they'll live? With so many extra people living there could be an increase in famine, additional diseases and crime. In actuality more people could die because of the vaccine."
I wasn't convinced. Stubborn fool that I was, I just laughed at him. "Now you're just looking for things to worry about. I've made up my mind and there's no way you can change it!"
Steve heaved a giant sigh. "I better be on my way then if you're sure there's no way I can talk you out of this one," he stood up and brushed the wrinkles out of his khaki slacks. "Good luck on your trip, Les, I hope everything will go how you planned. ‘Bye," he promptly left, grabbing his coat and scarf without saying a word.
"See you later!" I called after him as he slammed the front door and walked out into the frigid winter air. I shivered from the cold blast of air that Steve had let in and the excitement of my oncoming adventure. Nothing could dampen my spirits, not even Steve. I knew he meant well but his often pessimistic attitude left a bit to be desired.
What I would give to have his negative self her now. I smile, knowing that he would just lecture me, telling me what I could have done to stay out of this mess but even his scolding voice would be welcome. Nothing could be worse than the villagers that frequently stand outside my cell, yelling and screaming as they hold flaming torches. They are out there now, calling me names and telling me that it won't be long before I'm with my supposed maker, the Devil.
Shortly after Steve left I gathered my supplies for my journey. I was leaving early in the morning and I didn't want to be searching for misplaced shoes and missing bags. Everything, from the sterilized needles that were the foundation of my mission to the three changes of clothing for myself, lay next to the door, waiting for the rush of the upcoming day.
The next morning went as smoothly as I had planned. Traffic was going to be light since most time traveling took place later in the day. My family was there to see me off, even my Great Aunt Lena who always said that I would never amount to much.
I interrupt my own musings as a tear slides down my cheek. My family had been so supportive and almost as positive as I had been. They wouldn't have a clue about what happened to me. Maybe it's just as well, Aunt Lena would be ecstatic to know she was right. I'm not going to amount to anything. I'm just a blip in history, a character with noble notions but nothing more than that. I know I have grown a lot since last week because I've excepted the fact that I'm not anyone special. If only I'd learned that sooner.
After I arrived at my destination, early 18th Century England, I began my quest. Admiring the lush countryside, my first couple of days were joyful. I was still enthusiastic and thrilled the difference I would make. It was absolutely bliss until day three, that's when the bad luck struck.
It had drizzled a few times since I had arrived but on Wednesday it POURED. My sneakers soaked and my provisions ruined, I found it hard to laugh it off as I had before. Luckily wasn't far from a village. The welcoming that I received wasn't far from hostile.
"Mama who is that lady?" A child no older than seven asked her mother.
"Just gather the eggs," the woman replied as she nervously continued her work.
"Excuse me," I approached her. "Please, may I vaccinate you and your child? It won't take long, I promise. It may save your life."
The woman just looked at me, horrified. Tucking the last egg into her skirt, she hastily grabbed her child and fled into the run-down hut before her.
I sighed, sad for her but not discouraged, or at least not yet.
What if I had given up then? I wish I had, for if I had I would be home right now, watching Steve gloat. It would be worth the chagrin, just to be safe, warm and carefree.
I plodded along, approaching villagers as I had before. Very few of them actually took me up on my offer and those that did ran away once they saw the needle.
I had been through several tiny villages before I finally reached the whole cause of my mission. This town was only slightly larger than other villages I had gone through but, if my research was correct, in a few short months it would be completely annihilated by smallpox.
As before not many people heeded my frantic warnings.
"Please," I begged a young mother who was several years younger than I. "Think of your children! Think of their future!"
She looked at me fearfully, eyes bright with terror. "May God have mercy on your soul," she whispered to me before she took off.
I was stunned. She thought me a witch? No one could seriously believe I was a witch, that was just unfathomable. I sat down on a wooden fence, my head reeling with unbelief.
Several men approached me, their eyes full of hate.
"This is the one!" A burly man roared. "This is the witch that threatened my family with her instruments from the Devil!"
More people had gathered around, drawn in by the yelling of their fellow neighbors. Darkness began to cloak the sky, casting ominous shadows on the faces of the angry mob.
Understandably, I began to panic, realizing the dire consequences to come. "Please, let me go!" I shook free of the red bearded man that had accused me of witchcraft. "I have just come to help!" I can save your children from the smallpox epidemic! Just let me vaccinate them, it will only help them!" My pleas were drowned out by the furious townspeople.
"Don't listen to her, she will take the souls of your children!"
"She was sent to kill our crops!"
"Why? Why are we being punished so?"
"How can we keep her from cursing us? We haven't done any wrong. We are a God fearing people!"
"Burn her!" The shout came from multiple people. It grew louder and louder until everyone was shouting it.
"No!" A dark-haired man bellowed loud enough to silence the crowd. My heart rose. Maybe someone understood that I was just trying to help. "We must give her a trial first."
My heart sank. I was as good as dead.
What if Steve had come to save me? The thought is ridiculous but it keeps praying on my mind, even now that all hope has been lost. Imagination gone wild, I can't help but visualize him, pulling up in a time machine, as picturesque as a knight on a white steed. I haven't been aware of it, but just yesterday I realized that I love him. He isn't just the boy from next door, he's the man who has always been my intellectual equal, the only person that corrects me when I'm wrong. Now he'll never know it, but it's just as well. I was always just the little girl with the braided hair and the skinned knees. We were best friends but that's where it ended, at least on his side.
"Order!" The black robed judge yelled, his grimy white wig askew. The room grew no quieter; it still rung with the shouting of angry souls.
"Burn her! Kill her!" I covered my ears, trying to block out the crowd's blood thirsty chanting.
"Silence! We haven't even heard the case so there can be no verdict . . . yet. May the witness please take the stand."
The young mother that I had spoken to before took the stand. Face pale and thin body shaking, she frightfully waited for the rook to become silent. "She tried to gouge me children with her silver instrument of the Devil! An' when I snatched them up and ran from her she cursed me, telling me I would die and me children would die with me, of smallpox!" The delicate girl's voice quivered and her eyes were brimming with tears. "I've done no wrong. I don't want my children to die."
I found myself touched by her frank testimonial, even though I knew it was untrue. I knew there was no hope for me but I still clung to my innocent plea.
Witness upon witness testified against me, some frightened and pathetic, some furious and vengeful. I cringed each time a new villager took the stand, wishing I could free myself from this terrible mess I had gotten myself into. Finally, I was called to the stand.
"I was just trying to save you. I meant no harm, I swear. This vaccine would save you, not kill you. I'm sorry, just let me go and I'll never come back, I promise. Please, just let me go!" I pleaded, not ashamed of the tears that fell from my eyes.
"Lies!" Spat the large red-bearded accuser. "You hear her voice, you see her clothing, she can only be a witch! She babbles on of this "vaccine" that will save us but it will really steal your soul! She wishes to take our souls to her master, the Devil!"
"No!" I cry, fearing the loss of the little sympathy I had just won. "That's not true! Just let me leave in peace., I beg of you!"
The room was filled with a terrible ruckus once again.
"Can we take a witch's word?" He said, malice emanating from his countenance. "If we let her go she may comeback disguised as another person. Or worse yet, she may bring more demons and witches with her the second time around!"
"The only true way we can save ourselves is if we kill her!" Screamed a portly good wife, her face flushed and eyes bulging.
"I have made my decision," the judge stood up, banging his gavel across the stand. "The witch dies."
Cheers were heard as two men clamped their rough hands onto my arms and led me back to my cell. Tears fell down my sorrowful eyes. How could everyone hate me so?
I sadly smile now, knowing my moments still alive are very short. The villagers have spent the last few days building a pyre for me and they scream to me that I will be where I belong today. I accept that I will die for death doesn't scare me anymore. There's no sense in crying anymore, I have cried enough and not a thing has changed.
The lock has just turned; they have come to burn me. None of what I did mattered, it was all for naught. For as the flames lick my body I will be forgotten. As the smoke climbs on high I will disappear. When my shrieks fill the air my memory will die. I shall be no more.

The End