Regina's Journal
?
? ?? 1810

I don't know where we are or what day it is. We've traveled so little and it's been so long. Soldiers are catching up with us as we try to move toward the sea. They hinder our efforts to escape whether intentional or not. Our food has run out even with only eating a little at a time.

We've joined a group of travelers headed for the coast. Papa and I are working to earn what meager food or money the others can spare. I wash and mend while Papa attends to sick and birthing animals. The war has blocked off the main roads so we must travel off the beaten path and it is so much harder. 
I gather plants to help with the sick in the caravan.  

Regina's Journal
?
? ?? 1810

The moon has become full twice since I last wrote. So much has happened. Papa had to go ahead of me to Myras.     

We finally made it to the sea but our money no longer was enough for two tickets. We spent so much on food in the towns. Merchants drove prices up so high for even the smallest morsels of bread. The Captain of the ship was also forced to raise his ticket prices for passage across the sea. The war has even reached here in this strange new country.

Papa wanted me to go ahead but I feared he wouldn't survive if he stayed behind. His friends on the island do not know me. Papa knew them from before I was born. This is why I thought it was best he go.

I saw him sail away without me. We waved as long as we could but too soon he faded from my sight. He wants me to stay in this town until he sends for me. I don't know how long it will be before we see each other again. I'm going to try and find work today. I must find work soon for the money Papa left me won't last long.

Regina's Journal
Breaker Bay, Gromth
Atol 12, 1810

I managed to find work as a seamstress. I work for an older seamstress and together we spend hours hunched over trousers, dresses, and even sails. The light is low in the evenings as, Mrs. Krike, the older seamstress cannot afford to spend much on candles or firewood. I sew as quickly as possible during the day through the neck and elbow pain and straining eyes.

It's been three and a half weeks since Papa left. If the weather is fair it will be another two months before the ship reaches Myras, and then another three months before I hear from him.

Regina's Journal
Breaker Bay, Gromth
Oalm 28, 1810

I have an important decision to make. Today an older man with grey hair and yellow eyes came into the shop to have a coat mended. I greeted him and something inside me jumped. I had never felt this before.

He handed me his coat and when his hand touched mine he met my eyes. He spoke to me in very hushed tones for Mrs. Krike was nearby.

"You are a sorceress. An untrained one there is wildness to the magic I sense in you. I know you felt that I am like you." He produced a seed from his pocket and with a small golden flash I watched as a tiny Dragonlily bloomed in his hand.

"I've never met another," I told him.

He nodded. "My name is Jordyn Skye. I'm willing to take on an apprentice. You won't be learning in a safe environment. A small group of Logosese sorcerers, of which I am part, have banded together to fight the Draconian Court Magicians in the invaders ranks. It's a tough fight and I cannot guarantee your safety. I'm staying at the hotel across the street. I leave in three days at noon."

What am I to do? I want to learn more about the magic inside me but if I leave and Papa sends the money for my passage I may not be here. Not only will I be leaving relative safety but I will not be working. I started working as a seamstress not only for survival but I had hoped to put a little money away each week to buy a ticket sooner.

If the sorcerers are able to make a difference in the fight maybe I will not have to leave at all. Papa could come back and we could go home.

Regina's Journal
Breaker Bay, Gormth
Oalm 28, 1810

A girl, younger than I, came into the shop today begging us for work. It pained Mrs. Krike to refuse but she can't afford more than one assistant; especially since she's housing me also. The girl looked so dejected when she left. We gave her a flask of water, some bread, and fish but I know all too well that the hunger I saw in her eyes will not be sated. From the window I watched as she took the hand of an even younger child. She gave the entire bread chunk to the boy and most of the fish. They ate on our doorstep and then walked towards the docks.

Regina's Journal
Breaker Bay, Gromth
Oalm 31, 1810

It took some doing but I found the girl that was begging for work. I have given her my place as a seamstress. Her name is Elena and her brother is Gerry. They are recently orphaned and had no close relations to care for them. Mrs Krike will take both in. Elena will sew and the boy will do whatever work or errands Mrs. Krike has for him.

Mrs. Krike also has agreed to take in my mail if Papa sends a letter before I return. I have given her a letter to post when the Captain next makes port here. I explained to Papa that I have an apprenticeship and will be fighting to try and take back our home. I admit I am very afraid but this is the best option I have.

    Starting today I am an apprentice of magic and my Master is Jordyn Skye. In less than an hour we will be heading for the border, a trip of one week if all goes well, and we shall slip back into Logos to meet with the other sorcerers.

Today I turned fourteen.