Of Magic And Men
Chapter Eleven

Peter and Alaya walked for a few more uneventful nights, resting through the days until they finally arrived at an absolutely gargantuan cave opening in the side of an even bigger mountain range.What kind of person lived in a cave so large? “Can you teach me to cast that light spell you used before?” Peter asked. “Unfortunately I can’t yet, you need to learn to hone your magic first, yes you were able to pull the sword but you seem to have something blocking your magic flow, I’m hoping Elathor will be able to help you with that as well as tell us where to replace my father.” Alaya answered. Peter was disappointed but understood, he wanted to try lighting the way this time. For now though Alaya would have to be the one to lighten their path forward. So, Alaya stepped forward and used the spell once again. “Lux” Alaya called out, having the same result as before where the blue light burst and spread through the cave walls. This place was massive, even bigger than the previous cave near the camp. As the light spread Peter could see many shimmering reflections, the cave was covered in mauve coloured crystals, it was beautiful, giving this cavern an extra glow. Peter couldn’t help but be amazed at this place. They started into the cave when Peter started to feel a rumbling below his feet, like something very big was moving down in this cave. Both Alaya and Peter pulled their swords from their belts, peter didn’t know what to expect. Continuing on they went deeper and deeper until they could hear a loud breathing in front of them. Alaya waved her empty hand in front of her. “Splendens procedit” The walls got brighter and peter could see what was before them. With cobalt scales and a golden belly, he could see an incredibly large dragon, that was waking up responding to the new found brightness in the cave. In an attempt to shield Alaya, Peter lunged in between her and the dragon, raising his sword in defense, he wouldn’t go down without a fight, he thought. The dragon raised it’s head looking at Peter with a kindness he didn’t think would come from a dragon. “Peter, lower your sword, I am friend not foe. I do not seek to bring you harm, I am Elathor and I have been expecting your arrival.” The dragon exhaled heavily, peter felt an electric charge surround them, the hair on his arms stood on end. Peter put his sword away, trying to calm down, he was standing in front of a dragon! A real life dragon! Holy heavens. Putting her sword away as well, Alaya stepped out from behind peter. “Elathor, it’s been so long with not hearing from you, I feared the worst, what has it been? Somewhere around fifteen years?” Alaya spoke. “Alaya, dear friend, I did not see you there, it has been a long time however you know it had to be done, I could not risk him claiming the crystal.” Elathor spoke slowly and calmly, in such a manner that would lead you to think time held no meaning for her. Peter felt left out of the conversation, what crystal were they talking about and was the “him” they mentioned referring to Morgan? “I’m sorry to interrupt, but can someone explain what was going on?” Peter queried. “Yes, Peter, I can explain, I imagine by now you have heard of the war, well I tried to help Merlin. I created a crystal that would activate and amplify someones magical powers but only one person. We intended to use the crystal on your mother as she seemed to have the most magical potential. Unfortunately when your father was injured your mother refused to continue with the plan knowing Morgan would seek the crystal I took it and went into hiding. Here is where I have stayed and kept the crystal safe.” Peter was amazed at the dragons story, it seemed like everyone was suffering due to Morgans selfishness, and desire for power. Why was he so obsessed with being stronger than everyone else? And why didn’t everyone have to suffer for his desires? “Elathor, would it be possible to use the crystal on peter? My father seemed to think that he has some sort of latent magical potential. Do you agree?” “Yes, Peter needs to get stronger in order to be able to fulfill his destiny, but the crystal will not work unless Peter can manifest magic already. Has he shown any signs of possessing that ability?” Elathor asked “I managed to pull my fathers sword out of the ground by visualizing it, is that what you’re referring to?” Peter answered with his own question. “Exactly so Peter, if that’s the case then I believe you are ready to receive this gift.” Elathor began to stand, lifting her massive frame up off of the cavern floor where she had been laying for fifteen long years. Underneath her there was a small crystal shining a brilliant orange and pink like the colours he had enjoyed in the sky a few days before. He could feel himself being guided towards the crystal as if it was calling to him. He approached the item and could sense a warmth emanating from it. “Be careful peter if you want the power for the wrong reasons the crystal will corrupt your mind. You have to concentrate on your motives, what are your motives peter?” Alaya called to peter as he picked up the apple sized crystal. What were his motives? He did want the power that he would not deny, but what was the reasons behind that want? Did he want it for himself so he could be stronger and conquer his fears? Or did he want it to protected his loved ones?