Chapter 2: The Beginning of Learning

  The next morning was bright and clear. He jumped out of bed, ready to start his journey into magic. It seemed like everything was coming together just for him, even with the mess in his life.

  After a quick breakfast of stale bread and cold porridge, he hurried to the small library in a corner of the manor. Dust floated in the sunlight as Cedric opened the heavy oak door, revealing a collection of old books. The shelves were filled with worn-out books that his family once took seriously.

  “Where should I start?” he wondered aloud, looking at the titles. There was *Beginners’ Guide to Elemental Magic*, *The Fundamentals of Enchantment*, and *Herbs and Their Amazing Effects*. All sounded interesting, but also a bit scary.

  He picked up the book about elemental magic, which had cool designs of fire, water, earth, and air on the cover. The pictures of spells inside were colorful and exciting, but the instructions seemed tough.

  “Let’s take it slow,” he said to himself, trying to calm down. Magic was serious business, especially for a beginner like him. He needed a plan.

  Cedric set the book down and walked back to the common room, where Clara was busy organizing some old linens. “Clara!” he called out, making her raise an eyebrow. “Do you know anyone in the village who can teach me magic?”

  Clara looked him over for a moment. “There’s an old woman at the edge of the village—Madame Liora. They say she can see the future and knows a lot about magic. Many people go to her for help.”

  “Then that’s where we’re going!” Cedric said, feeling excited. “Get your riding cloak, Clara. We’re off to see Madame Liora!”

  “Are you sure you want to take me, my lord? It might not be safe,” Clara replied, sounding worried.

  “I insist!” Cedric said, grinning. “If I’m going to become a mage, I need a good assistant. Plus, you know the village better than I do.”

  With a reluctant smile, Clara agreed and started getting ready for the trip. Soon enough, they got on Cedric's old horse, Eclipse, and rode toward the village. The sunny path was bright with wildflowers, but Cedric couldn’t stop thinking about magic and all the possibilities it could bring.

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  When they arrived in the village, they walked through the windy streets until they reached a charming cottage painted in green and purple. Smoke curled from the chimney, and the smell of herbs filled the air. Cedric got off the horse and approached the door, feeling both shy and excited.

  He knocked, and the door creaked open to reveal a small woman with silver hair in a bun. Her eyes sparkled with wisdom. “Ah, young Cedric Alden! I’ve been expecting you.”

  “Y-You have?” Cedric said, surprised. “I’m here to learn magic… if you can teach me.”

  Madame Liora's eyes twinkled. “Magic isn’t something to take lightly, young man. It needs hard work, patience, and a strong heart. Are you ready for what lies ahead?”

  “Yes!” Cedric answered, his confidence growing. “I’m ready to do anything to learn.”

  Liora looked him over for a moment before nodding. “Alright. Just remember: the path to magic is full of both wonders and dangers. You must be ready for anything.”

  With that, she stepped aside and let them in. Inside, the cottage was a magical sight—potions brewing in one corner, shelves full of strange ingredients, and windows with colorful crystals reflecting light everywhere.

  “Sit down, boy,” Madame Liora said, pointing to a small table surrounded by mismatched chairs. “Let’s start with the basics. What do you know about magic?”

  Cedric rubbed his neck, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. “Um, not much. Just that it exists and I want to learn how to use it.”

  “An honest answer,” she said, sounding a bit pleased. “Now, here’s your first lesson: magic is more than just spells. It’s about understanding the world around you—the balance of nature, the flow of energy, and how everything is connected.”

  “Connected?” Cedric asked, confused.

  “Yes,” Liora said, her tone calm. “To use magic, you first have to feel it. Close your eyes.”

  Cedric hesitated but did as he was told, closing his eyes tightly. “Now, take a deep breath,” she said. “Feel the air in your lungs, the heartbeat of the earth beneath you. Sense the magic around you. Let it wash over you.”

  At first, nothing happened, and doubt filled his mind, but then… a strange tingling feeling rushed through him. It was like the world had become more alive and full of energy. He could feel it—the pulse of life itself.

  “Do you feel it?” Liora asked, her voice encouraging.

  “I do!” Cedric said, his excitement building. “I can feel it!”

  “Good. Remember this moment. Magic is inside you, just as it is in everything. Your journey has just started, Cedric Alden.”

  When he opened his eyes, Cedric felt a rush of joy. He realized he wasn’t just a noble worried about his future; he was on the path to becoming a mage. There would be challenges ahead, but with each lesson, he’d get closer to mastering the magic that could save his family—and maybe even the kingdom.

  One thing was certain: the adventure was only just beginning.