Chapter 3

The moon began to rise in the sky, bringing forth the nocturnal hour of magick. Ambrosia at the moment, shuffled quickly down the hall. Filled with excitement but nervous enough to vomit at the same time. It was truly an honor to be chosen. She hoped just not to look foolish in front of the mistress. Reaching the office door, taking a deep cleansing breath, then knocked.

"Come in."

Opening the wooden door, quickly entering the room . "I'm not late, am I?"

"No, no you're right on time. Pixie brew?"

"Oh yes. I can't believe I'm having coffee with the empress."

Accepting the mug with a bright smile, taking a sip; waiting for instructions. After a long moment of silence Ralvania turned to her.

"Tell me, you know nothing of magick? Nothing at all?"

The girl shook her head no.

"No E.S.P? Visions? What about premonition work?"

"I don't think so, miss."

"Let me be honest, this is going to take a lot of discipline. I have to teach you how to think. Does that make sense to you?"

"Kind of."

"I figured that much. I have to teach you to look at things a different way."

"That makes more sense, thank you."

"When you learn magick from scratch, it's a lot of studying, memorizing spells and potions... You are part of the world's magick and it's a part of you."

Nodding, taking a sip of the mug, ready to learn whatever the mistress was willing to teach her......

Just past the witching hour, Ralvania sent the girl off to bed. She seemed more confident now than when they'd started that evening. She sensed potential in a good, kind soul. Knowing deep down it had been the right decision to train her, and the right time. It was only the first night of training, but it had gone well. She asked a lot of questions, but that was to be expected. Satisfied that things might work out for them both, she sat down with a spellbook, then found a blank page; to write in her new apprentice of sorcery. Who knows, with any luck she might take a small vacation in a few moons. If nothing else, it was a nice thought.

The next night at moon rise, she summoned the girl for another lesson. Once she showed up and the two got settled, Ralvania stared at her so long it was spooky.

"What is it, miss?"

"We need to talk before I teach you."

"Okay, sure."

"Relax, I'm going to give you some of my magick, but there is a.... Stipulation."

"If you ever use my magick against me, I'll do a lot more than bind you."

"I'd never do such a thing," She said.

"Good, now we can begin the next lesson. Oh I nearly forgot," She added, opening the middle drawer. Pulling out a leather bound book, handed it to the girl.

"What's this?"

"Every sorceress needs a spellbook.... This one is yours."

"Oh thank you, this is just gorgeous."

"I'm glad you like it, now we need to discuss potions and candle magick."