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Anger flared in me as his walls fully snapped back into place, coldness the only thing I could garner from his expression. Without another word, I pushed off from the rock and stormed away.
This time, he was the one left staring at my back.
ChapterFourteen
Oliver cleared his throat, interrupting our seemingly endless march through the cave system. "You know, Rowan," he said with a wry grin, "since we have all this quality time together while we're trudging through the tunnels, it might be a good opportunity to work on your magical abilities."
I rolled my eyes and shot back, my tone dripping with sarcasm, "Oh, absolutely, Oliver. Because nothing screams 'fun' like practicing magic in a dark, damp cave."
“Well, my dear, mastering your magic could prove invaluable on this journey."
I sighed dramatically, feigning reluctance. "Fine, fine, let's get this over with. Teach me your magical ways, oh wise and ancient one."
Oliver raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into an amused smile. "Very well, young apprentice. First, we'll work on your lightning powers."
I nodded, trying to muster some enthusiasm. "Great, that’s been going so well for me so far.”
Oliver chuckled again, then turned serious as he began his instruction. "Focus on the energy within you, Rowan. Feel it, like a crackling storm just waiting to be unleashed. Now, visualize that energy gathering in your hands."
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, attempting to follow his guidance. A moment later, I opened my eyes and shrugged. "I don't feel anything. Maybe my lightning is on vacation. Off to go start a storm or something.”
Oliver's laughter echoed in the cave, and he shook his head. "Patience, my dear. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither are lightning-wielding halflings."
I smirked at his response. "Alright, alright, I'll keep trying. But only because you're so persuasive."
As we continued through the cave, Oliver patiently guided me through the basics of controlling my lightning powers. Sparks occasionally crackled from my fingertips, but I struggled to maintain any real control.
After a particularly frustrating attempt, I grumbled, "You know, Oliver, I'm starting to think lightning isn't my thing. Maybe I should stick to something less. . . electrifying."
Oliver patted my shoulder with a reassuring smile. "Don't give up just yet, Rowan. We all have our unique talents waiting to be discovered."
I sighed and decided to switch the subject. "Alright, magic master, what's next on the agenda?"
Oliver looked thoughtful for a moment before suggesting, "How about learning to see basic magic? It'll help you detect signs and pathways hidden by enchantments in the tunnel system."
I raised an eyebrow. "That didn’t work very well when we tried the water thing.”
"You're absolutely right, exactly why we should keep working on it. Now, focus on your surroundings, but instead of seeing the physical cave walls, try to see the magic that conceals them."
I did as instructed, squinting at the cave walls as though I could see beyond their rocky surface. After a few moments, I furrowed my brow in frustration. "All I see are rocks, Oliver. Plain, old, ugly rocks."
“Hey!” Finn exclaimed, “I worked hard on these rocks.”
"It takes time and practice, Rowan. Magic sight isn't something that develops overnight. Keep trying, and you'll get the hang of it. Eventually it’ll be something you can just switch on and off, like putting on a pair of glasses."
I sighed, feeling a tad bit defeated. "Why does everything magical have to be so complicated?"
Oliver placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Because, my dear, the most extraordinary things in life are often worth the effort."
We continued, my sarcastic remarks and Oliver's patient guidance creating an odd, yet oddly effective, dynamic. The rest of the group trailed along, Callan keeping a watchful eye even though I was doing my best to not look at him.
* * *
As we advancedon our journey through the winding tunnels, I kept honing my magical skills. With Oliver's guidance, I attempted to call upon my lightning powers more consistently. I'd stand at various points along our route, focusing on the stormy energy inside me, and attempt to channel it into the palms of my hands. The results were often unpredictable, and I was still far from mastering this newfound ability.
"Come on, Rowan," Oliver encouraged me. "You've got the spark in you, quite literally. You just need to learn how to control it."
I rolled my eyes at his pun but continued to concentrate. Sparks flew from my fingertips a few times, but they were more like wild, erratic fireworks than a controlled display of power. One such burst of lightning almost struck Oliver, but he skillfully dodged it.
