71

“Jomeokee is beautiful!” Diadra said the next morning. They had stopped at an overlook off the road.

“Yeah, it is,” Kenric agreed.

“There’s a trail leading up around the backside of the dome if you want to go up to the summit,” Brent said. Diadra looked excited about the prospect of going to the summit. “The trail is narrow and steep, so we’d have to leave the wagon and horses behind.”

I don’t know if this is a good idea. I bet she asks to go up there.

“Can we go up there, dad?” Diadra asked no sooner than the idea had entered his mind that she would.

Diadra doesn’t just look excited, she looked thrilled at the opportunity. I want to make her happy, but don’t think it’s a good idea to leave the mules and wagon alone.

“I’m not sure,” Kenric answered. “I don’t like the idea of leaving Jack and Jill alone with the horses and wagon.”

“You can cast that stacking ward you do,” Holly suggested. “That should keep things safe and if necessary, I can stay with the animals.”

“Please dad?” Diadra asked. “I’ll leave Asgina with the wagon too and we can take a quick look.”

“If it helps, the trail does have some rock stairs carved into it,” Brent said. “When the trail was first made, people used ladders and wood stairs, but those have long since been replaced.”

“What lives up there?” Kenric asked.

“I’ve seen birds,” Holly replied.

“I’ve hiked that trail a few times and only ever seen normal birds and insects,” Brent added.

“Please dad!”

Kenric sighed. “We’ll approach the base of the dome as far as we can get, and I’ll decide after we take a look.”

“Thanks dad!” Diadra exclaimed. She hugged him and he hugged her back.

“You’re welcome sweetie,” Kenric replied. Holly and Brent exchanged a look and shrugged.

*

I’m surprised this clear area is up here along with the trail that leads here. Perhaps people use this as a campsite, Kenric mused as he dismounted from the wagon. He glanced up at the quartzite cliffs high above. I’m having second and third thoughts about this. Some of those thoughts are good and others are not.

“Can we go up?” Diadra asked. She had changed into her pants, a shirt, and her taller boots.

“As I said, it’s steep, but not too bad,” Brent said.

“Alright. We’ll go after I cast the ward around the animals and vardo,” Kenric announced. I want to see the view from up there too.

“What about me?” Holly asked.

“I suppose you can come with us if you want,” Kenric answered. “I didn’t see any animals other than birds on the way here. Same for people.”

“Neither did I,” Holly replied.

“I just saw old tracks,” Brent said. “I’ll lead the way.”

“Diadra, follow Brent,” Kenric commanded. “I’ll follow you.”

“And I’ll bring up the rear,” Holly quipped with a huge grin on her face.

*

Kenric glanced back past Holly as they reached the summit, and she walked over to Brent. He spotted a little tawny colored shape dart into some bushes off the trail. He turned to Diadra. She quickly looked away.

“I thought you said Asgina was going to stay with the wagon,” Kenric said.

Diadra hung her head. “She refused.”

“It’s alright kitten,” Kenric said, putting an arm around his daughter and hugged her. “Enjoy the view with your cub, but no playing up here, alright?”

They moved over to the guards and gazed out over the tree covered ground below. They could see Pilot Mountain village to the northeast. Kenric’s eyes followed the road, and he could make out the tops of buildings far to the northwest.

That must by Mayberry.

“I know it’s dangerous dad,” Diadra said, looking back at him. “We won’t play up here.”

“It’s more dangerous than you know little girl,” a man said. Kenric and the others spun to see Sabre, Mace, Kestros, and Skane behind them.

72

Kenric stepped in front of Diadra. She screamed. He turned and saw Brent holding a knife under her chin.

“Sorry Kenric. Sabre and his crew are old friends that paid better than you offered,” Holly said walking towards the adventurers.

Bitch! Kenric fumed.

“Diadra will be just fine as long as she doesn’t struggle too much,” Brent said as Holly accepted a coin pouch from Sabre.

I can’t get all of them with Somnus, Kenric thought. They’re too spread out. A ward wouldn’t do me any good either.

“Nothing to say, Mender?” Sabre asked as Holly and his crew spread out. The adventurer had a smug smile on his face. “Not even any begging?”

“Just toss the prick off the cliff,” Mace suggested. “I’ll take care of the little elf.”

“Dad,” Diadra cried.

“It’s alright Diadra,” Kenric said as calmly as he could. The two female adventurers exchanged a look. Perhaps I could try to cast a ward that tosses these assholes over the cliff.

“Don’t even think about casting that sleep spell,” Skane said. “We’re wise to your tricks.”

A rustling noise came from a nearby bush.

“What was that?” Kestros asked.

“Maybe a snake,” Brent answered. “They get up here from time to time.”

“I hate snakes,” Kestros replied.

“You don’t complain about mine,” Mace teased. The two female adventurers rolled their eyes. “Fine, I’ll kill whatever is in the bush.”

“Brent, bring the girl here and help Mace kill whatever it is,” Sabre ordered as his companion stalked over to the bush. “I think she should watch as we beat her… dad before tossing him off the cliff.”

That’s not happening, Kenric thought. I’ll break my healer’s oath if I must. But maybe I could put them all to sleep.

He started to focus his intent and desire into a wide area sleep spell. Pain started to rack his mind.

“Trying magic?” Sabre asked, seeing Kenric’s expression. “Hurry up Brent. Bring me the girl.”

“There’s nothing in this freaking bush,” Mace announced as Brent started fighting with Diadra to get her to walk.

Kenric’s head swam. Please let this work.

“Move it, you little bit… “Brent started to say as he forced Diadra to move a step. Asgina sprang from a bush behind them and sliced her paw through the unprotected tendons in the back of his left knee. The catamount cub continued past disappearing into some other bushes after hamstringing the hunter.

Kenric pushed his magic again. Brent screamed, dropping his knife. The blade cut Diadra’s collarbone as it fell. The teen girl screamed in pain and surprise. The hunter fell onto his back, clutching at his ruined leg.

“Brent!” Holly screamed, dropping the large coin pouch. The adventurers started looking around in confusion.

“Spread out and kill the damn cat and bring me the girl!” Sabre shouted.

Kenric felt the mana rush out of him. He fell onto his knees as darkness took him.

*

Kenric gazed at the notice.

You have learned Slumbering Ward. This defensive spell cannot be leveled. This ward will put any being under level 20 within its radius to sleep for several hours unless the being is physically disturbed and woken.

“The hell?” Kenric muttered, dismissing the notice. He looked around and saw everyone on the ground sleeping. He pushed to his feet and quickly checked on Diadra. My head is killing me. Did I use all my mana?

He made sure she was breathing, and cast Analyze on her. He followed that up with Greater Heal. The wound closed. Thank the heavens she is alright.

He wiped the tears from his eyes and then cast Cleanse on his child. He checked his stats. His mana was refilling. Kenric dumped three points into Mental and two into Spiritual to level up his mana pull and closed the information.

Kenric Mender

Class: Healer

Level: 8

Vitality: 250

Mana: 425

Inventory: 125 pounds

Mental: 43

Physical: 25

Spiritual: 42

Skills(spells):

Analyze

Cleanse

Greater Heal(3)

Greater Ward

Ignis

Lesser Healing(10)

Lesser Ward

Mana Sense

Overlapping Ward

Slumber Ward

Somnus

That’s the first time I blacked out before. But that’s the first time my mana had been emptied too. Judging by the sky, I wasn’t out long, maybe just a few minutes. I need to get Diadra and Asgina and get out of here.

Kenric gently woke his daughter and placed a finger over her lips to keep her from screaming. She nodded. He helped her to stand, and they hugged. She wiped her eyes and then gasped after noticing the others.

“Alright Diadra. We need to find Asgina quietly and get down to the wagon,” Kenric quietly said. “The spell I used says they should sleep for a few hours or until physically woken.”

“But what about if anything else is up here?” Diadra asked fearfully.

“Then it should be asleep too,” Kenric answered. He cast Leser Heal on himself and pulled her into a hug. “I love you Diadra and will always protect you.”

“I love you too, dad.”

*

They quickly found Asgina behind Holly. Seems she’s not fond of betrayal any more than I am. Kenric grinned and put the coin pouch into his inventory after opening it. There looks to be several hundred silver in here. That’ll come in handy.

“What about Holly and the others?” Diadra asked as Kenric picked up the cub.

“We leave them,” Kenric answered.

She nodded. “And their horses?”

“Good idea. We’ll take them with us,” Kenric replied as they started down the path.

“That’s not what I meant.”

“I know. But I don’t want them to be able to follow us easily.”

“Where will we go?” Diadra asked.

“Mayberry. The garrison there will ensure we’re safe. We’ll also be able to sell the horses and plan our next move.”

73

“Oh no!” Diadra exclaimed. She ran forward with Asgina on her heels.

“Diadra! Wait!” Kenric shouted. He ran after his adopted daughter. He emerged into the clearing to see Jack and Jill dead. The mules’ throats had been cut and the vardo’s left side wheels had been pulled off and broken.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

How? We weren’t up there that long. The adventurers must have been right behind us the whole way. That’s probably why Holly and Brent talked so much on our way up. They worked as a diversion so we wouldn’t hear the adventurers.

“How did this happen?” Diadra cried, giving voice to his thoughts. She started to reach out to Jill and then stopped. Asgina rubbed into her leg. She picked up the cub and cradled her to her chest.

“The ward,” Kenric answered after thinking it over. “I didn’t seal it against people just walking into it as I do at night since we were coming back. This is my fault.”

“What do we do, papa?” Diadra asked. I’m glad she didn’t blame me.

“We do as we planned. We take their horses and flee.”

“But our food and stuff,” Diadra said. Kenric side hugged her.

“We take as much as we can,” Kenric replied. Diadra nodded and wiped her eyes after setting Asgina down. “Thankfully, they couldn’t break the door in. I’ll go in and get some of our stuff and food.”

“Will the wagon support you sitting on those stumps like that?” Diadra asked.

“It should.”

“I could go in while you get the horses.”

“The horses are hobbled. They’re fine,” Kenric said after glancing at the eight animals. That was a surprise. He noticed two of them were pack animals. Kenric thought about things. “Your inventory isn’t as large as mine. Let me test the porch. If it is stable enough, we’ll both go in.”

“Okay.”

*

Kenric checked his inventory. My clothes, silver, canteen, Diadra’s clothes, some food, and our books.

“Do you have everything you want to take?” he asked her.

“Yes,” Diadra replied. “I have our pens, some paper, my quilt and blankets, and some food. You already took my clothes.”

“Alright. We’ll have to share my canteen unless the adventurers happened to leave some on their pack horses,” Kenric said.

They exited the wagon and approached the horses. Kenric used Analyze on them. Asgina chirped at Diadra.

“We’re going soon,” Diadra told the cat. “Dad, I’ve only ever ridden a horse around the farm as it was walked by one of my cousins.”

“Riding in a saddle is basically the same thing,” Kenric replied. “We’ll take a couple of minutes to make sure you can at least sit in the saddle before setting out. I’m afraid you’ll have to learn the rest of how to ride while we travel though.”

“Okay. Why are we waiting?”

“I’m checking the horses over with Analyze,” Kenric answered. Each horse was in good health. That included the pack horses. “Alright sweetie. They’re in good health, so pick one out.”

“Are we keeping the horses we’ll ride?”

“Yes, at least until we get some place to settle down at,” Kenric replied. It’s time to give up the road. “I’ll carry Asgina until you learn to control your mount more fully. Then she can ride with you.”

“Alright. I was worried about her,” Diadra replied. “What about the other saddles and stuff?”

“We’ll take that with us too,” Kenric answered. That stuff is worth a lot of silver as are the horses. “We’ll be able to sell it too.”

“Won’t people ask about that?”

“Maybe, but I don’t think most merchants or farmers will care,” Kenric replied. Honestly, most will probably be glad to acquire the tack and saddles for a cheaper price. I won’t haggle too much after all. He approached a big black stallion. The horse was at least 17 hands tall. “You look like you can handle yourself.”

Diadra giggled as the stallion tried to back away from Kenric. Kenric glanced at her with a questioning look on his face.

“Sorry dad. It’s funny,” Diadra said. She stepped over to the stallion, who stilled and allowed her to touch his nose. Diadra whispered something to the horse, and he neighed in response. “Dad, this is Koda. His name means ally even though the one giving orders to the other adventurers called him Onyx.”

“More talking to the animals?” Kenric asked. She smiled and shrugged. “Going to have to settle down and get you some kind of mage training.” He looked at the stallion. “Koda, huh?”

The horse tossed his head. Kenric rubbed the stallion’s nose and neck. Diadra approached a chestnut mare that was just at 14 hands high. She repeated her little whispered talk with the horse and then smiled.

“Dad, this is Elu. Her name means beautiful,” Diadra said. “Elu is gentle and will take good care of me.”

“Her name fits,” Kenric replied. He walked over and lifted Diadra onto the mare. He unhobbled the horse and explained how to ride. Elu carried Diadra around the clearing while he checked the packhorses. Both were loaded with food and camping gear including bedrolls and tents. One of them carried spare weapons such as arrows and a few spears while the other carried extra canteens filled with water. We got lucky.

Kenric unhobbled Koda and mounted him after he gathered the reins of the other horses and strung them together. He gestured toward Asgina after the cub chirped at him. The catamount jumped and Kenric caught her. Diadra laughed as the cub settled onto Kenric’s lap.

“Ready dad?”

“Yes. Let’s go. We should reach Mayberry by sunset,” Kenric answered. They started riding slowly back toward the main road. “I’m going to miss that wagon.”

“Me too,” Diadra replied. “It felt like home.”

“We’ll find another home,” Kenric said. Diadra is correct. It was home.

“Could we get come back and get the wagon fixed?”

“No. Besides, I unbonded the safe and wagon before locking the key inside.”

“Oh. Why did you do that?”

“Partially because we’ll make better time on the horses and partially because this will help us lose those guys up on the summit by confusing them.”

“But Holly and Brent know where we’re going.”

“Mayberry is a long walk from here. We’ll be back on the road long before they show up. That or settled as a healer if the town needs one. If the town needs my services that badly, I’ll hire a tutor to teach you in our new home instead of sending you to whatever school they have until we’re sure Sabre and the others won’t be a problem.”

“I think I understand,” Daidra said.

“Good,” Kenric replied.

“Promise to find us a new home and take care of the problems?”

“I do.”

74

“Gate is closed. Come back in the morning,” the gate guard said as he stepped in front of Kenric and Diadra. The guard frowned as he took in the other saddled horses and tightened his grip on his spear.

“Dad?” Diadra quietly said.

“Dad?” The guard repeated. His eyes narrowed.

“I’m Kenric Mender, a healer, and this is my daughter, Diadra,” Kenric said. “We were attacked by adventurers or bandits on the road.”

“You don’t look attacked,” a female guard said, stepping through the partially closed gate.

“Captain Vance,” the first guard said, nodding his head to the woman.

“I’ve healed our wounds,” Kenric told the guards.

“And those saddled horses? Where are their riders?” Captain Vance asked.

“Back on Jomeokee’s summit, where they attacked us unless they’ve woken up and climbed down from there,” Kenric answered.

“How does a healer fight off armed bandits?” the gate guard asked suspiciously.

“I didn’t fight them. I put everyone to sleep,” Kenric replied.

“How?” the captain asked.

“An area sleep spell that took all my mana,” Kenric answered.

“A likely lie. I’ve not heard of such a thing,” the guard scoffed.

“But I have,” Captain Vance retorted. “Except it was a mage that could do the spell.”

Kenric shrugged. “The system considered the spell defensive and non-lethal, so, it doesn’t break my healer’s oath.”

“I suppose that’s plausible, and heavens know I’ve heard stranger,” Captain Vance said. “Come on in. I’ll need to take a statement about the attack though.”

“Thank you,” Kenric and Diadra said at the same time. The captain nodded and led them inside.

“State your business,” the gate guard said. Kenric gave him a questioning look. The guard shrugged. “Part of the job.”

Diadra laughed and Kenric’s laughter joined hers. The guard glared at them until the captain waved him away.

“Laughter is a normal response to stress,” Captain Vance explained. The guard nodded. Asgina chose that moment to chirp. The captain’s and guard’s eyes locked on the cub, and they started to brandish their weapons as did the other nearby guards.

“Don’t!” Kenric warned, as Diadra rubbed Asgina’s head. She had taken the cub when they were an hour away from the town. “This cub helped save us and… is my daughter’s… pet.”

“Now I really want your statement,” Captain Vance said.

*

“Interesting tale,” Captain Leslie Vance stated. “I’ve lived in Mayberry my whole life and never heard of this Holly Seward, her fiancé, or the adventurers. Odds are they made up the story about having family here to integrate themselves with you.”

“Yeah, I was afraid of that,” Kenric muttered. I really need to become a better judge of character.

“We’ll keep an eye out for anyone matching their descriptions but who know if they’ll even make it off that mountain,” the captain said. Diadra glanced uneasily at Kenric, and he shrugged in return. “Do you want to sell those horses to the kingdom?”

“Depends on the price,” Kenric answered. “We’re going to keep the stallion and mare we rode in on. The other four horses with saddles are for sale if the price is right.”

“The packhorses too?” the captain asked.

Kenric glanced at Diadra. “That will depend on if I can purchase a new wagon or establish a clinic here.”

“Mayberry doesn’t need another clinic. We’re still small and have two clinics that tend to the regular folk already,” Leslie stated. “The guard also has our own healer as does the viscountess that owns the town.”

“I imagine any other wealthy citizens or nobles might have their own healers as well,” Kenric said.

“Possibly,” Leslie agreed. “They might also pay to use the viscountess’ healer instead.”

“So, that means we leave here, dad?” Diadra asked.

“Yes kitten. We’ll see if anyone has another wagon for sale, maybe hire some guards, and move on,” Kenric answered.

“There might be another option or two for you,” Leslie Vance said.

“And what might that be?” Kenric asked.

“We have two guard units that are about to leave Mayberry. One is rotating east to the capital in three days,” Leslie said. “I could arrange for you to accompany them since I’m sure Captain Jones would be thrilled to have a healer along.”

“I’ve heard it’s more dangerous east of here,” Kenric replied.

“It is. Travel around the capital is recommended for those level 10 and up,” the captain said. “One would need to be even higher level to survive the coast.”

Kenric grimaced. That doesn’t sound good. I just reached level 8 and Diadra doesn’t even have a class yet. I’m glad I’ve been reconsidering going to the coast.

“What’s the other possible option?” Kenric asked.

“Another unit is rotating west into the higher mountains for training and patrol,” Leslie answered.

Diadra perked up at that statement. Asgina perked up too. Smart cat.

“How far into the mountains?” Kenric asked.

“That unit will be under Sergeant Cantrell and will be gone for about two weeks on a semi regular patrol up into the southern part of the Commonwealth following the main trade route and then come back into Carolina continuing their patrol through Sparta, Jefferson, Wilkesboro, and back here,” Leslie answered. “We split that route with a few units out of Wilkesboro, so everyone gets some time off and it doesn’t drain each town’s resources as much.”

“And I assume the unit wouldn’t object to having a healer along for at least part of their trip,” Kenric said.

“You got it,” the captain replied. “Word is Sparta is looking to hire a healer. They’ve depended on an alchemist in the past as well as Jefferson’s healer.”

“Interesting,” Kenric muttered.

“And we’ve also gotten word that Sofia Lenoir, Jefferson’s healer, is looking to retire to a larger town, so they’ll be looking for another healer as well,” Leslie added. “Evidently, her last apprentice has already moved on because he didn’t want to take over there.”

Diadra looked at him. She really looks hopeful about returning to the more mountainous region.

“Diadra and I will have to discuss this,” Kenric said. “Thank you for the information captain.”

“You’re welcome,” Leslie replied. “If you decide to go with either of the units, you’ll want to keep those packhorses.”

“We wouldn’t have time to buy a wagon?” Kenric asked.

“No,” Leslie answered, shaking her head. “We have two wainwrights here and I know neither of them have anything close to what you lost built according to your description of your wagon. They could build a wagon like that in time though, but it would probably take weeks and that’s not even counting on hiring an enchanter.”

“Well, that takes care of that. Would either of them even have a simple covered wagon ready for sale?” Kenric said. The captain shook her head again. “Do you still want to take a look at those other four horses?”

“I do indeed,” Leslie answered. “You said they were in good shape?”

“They are,” Kenric confirmed.

*

“I’ll give you 5000 silvers for the horses, weapons, saddles, tack, and extra gear you and your daughter don’t need,” Captain Vance announced after the guard’s horse master had looked over the animals and gear.

That’s more than what I had in mind. In fact, it’s generous. She must really want us to go with one of those units.

“You have a deal, Captain Vance,” Kenric replied, shaking the woman’s hand. “Is there an inn and stable near here that you would recommend?”

“There is. My uncle will be happy with the business too,” Leslie answered. “Let’s sign a contract for the sale and get your money. I’ll introduce you to my uncle after that.”

75

“Dad, can you just cast Cleanse on me and my clothes?” Diadra asked as she entered the dual room they had rented after checking the bathroom. He was still standing between the beds looking from one to the other. Asgina chirped. “Yeah, this doesn’t look as clean as the innkeeper claimed.”

Kenric laughed. “This place is cleaner than most inns I’ve stayed at.”

“Is the cleanliness of the inns another reason we always slept in the wagon?”

“Yes sweetie. While it was cheaper to sleep in the vardo, it was much cleaner than any of the inns in the villages and towns I’ve passed through too.”

“Even the fancy inns for nobles?”

“I’ve stayed in a few of those when I was younger, and while much cleaner than the average inn, the vardo was cleaner than they were too.”

“Is that because of the enchantments?”

“Yes,” Kenric answered. He looked at her. “Why didn’t you take a bath?”

“That tub wasn’t clean, and it was wood with splinters visible,” Diadra replied. Kenric barely kept the smile off his face.

“I see I’ve spoiled you,” Kenric said.

“Dad!”

Kenric laughed. “Alright, alright. I’ll cast Cleanse on you, your clothes, and Asgina.”

The cub hid behind Diadra’s legs and chirped.

“Asgina doesn’t like that idea.”

“I noticed, but she’ll have to get over it,” Kenric said. He cast the spell and cleaned the two of them along with their clothing and the cub.

“The beds?” Diadra asked.

“And the room as a whole,” Kenric muttered. She giggled. He didn’t cast Cleanse right away. “You felt the spell when I cast it on you, didn’t you?”

“Yes daddy. I also felt it when you cast it on my clothes and Asgina, but you know I can feel… mana,” Diadra answered. “Why did you ask since you already know the answer?”

“Just making sure,” Kenric replied. “What did the mana feel like this time?

“A cool breeze. Why?”

This might be even easier to do than I thought.

“We’re going to try something even if you are on the younger side.”

“Young for what?” Diadra asked nervously.

“To see if you can cast a spell,” Kenric answered. Her eyes widened in shock. Before she could say anything, he added, “yes you.”

“But…”

“Diadra, you can feel mana and you’re talking to animals,” Kenric said, turning to face her and gently placing his hands her shoulders.

She looked up at him. “I don’t really talk to them. It’s more of exchanging feelings.”

“You have magic sweetie,” Kenric said, squatting so he would have to look up at her. “I don’t know if you’re a natural talent or prodigy, or if it’s from being around me, or if… what you’ve been through caused you to open yourself to mana somehow. What I do know is you need some training, so you don’t accidentally hurt yourself or others and I’ve put it off for too long because of everything else happening.”

That might not have been the best thing to say. Diadra looks even more scared now.

“I…”

“Diadra, I believe in you,” Kenric said. “And I love you. I couldn’t love you more if you were my flesh and blood daughter.”

She teared up and hugged him. Kenric barely kept his balance but returned the hug.

“I love you too, daddy. I wish I was your real daughter too.”

“Diadra, you are my real daughter even if we’re not related by blood. Don’t ever doubt otherwise,” Kenric replied. She started crying and buried her head into his shoulder.

*

Asgina rubbed up against both their legs. Diadra and Kenric held each other until she stopped crying. She stepped back and gave him a tentative smile a short while later. He wiped her eyes.

“Feel better?” Kenric asked, returning the smile. I really will do anything I can for this girl.

“Yes,” Diadra answered, nodding her head. She gave him a surer smile. “Do you really think I can do magic?”

“I do. Are you ready to learn?”

She took a deep breath. “Yes.”

“Good. I had trouble learning to Mana Sense. An older elven healer named Elisaria end up helping me with breaking through.”

“How did she do that?”

“By getting me to feel mana as a breeze blowing through me instead of doing like the other healers had said and insisting mana was a river that I controlled.”

“Sort of like your Cleanse spell felt to me?” Diadra asked.

“Yeah,” Kenric answered. He cast Cleanse on the room and the bed closest to the door. “I’ll take that bed.”

“Really dad?”

“Yep. You need something to practice on because if you learn Mana Sense, I’m going to teach you Cleanse,” Kenric replied, sitting on the clean bed. She nodded and sat on the bed too. “So, this is what Elisaraia taught me about sensing mana.”

*

“I did it!” Diadra squealed a little over an hour later. She hugged Kenric, then picked up Asgina and hugged the cub too. “I have Mana Sense!”

“Like I said, you must be a prodigy,” Kenric said, pride clear in his voice. “Congratulations kitten.”

“Thanks dad,” Diadra replied. “So, time to learn the spell?”

“Yes.”

“Wait a minute. I only got the one system notice. It didn’t offer me a class.”

“Don’t know. Perhaps the system has decided you need to do a spell,” Kenric replied with a smile. “Ready?”

“Yes.”

“Alright. It’s going to be like sensing mana, except you’re going to focus on what you want to happen and will it into being,” Kenric said. On second thought, perhaps this will work better. “Sense everything with you so far as been more about feel, perhaps imagine asking your mana breeze to do what you want.”

“Ask the mana breeze to clean the bed?” Diadra asked. She looked like she wanted to laugh. Kenric just nodded, so she said, “Alright.”

*

Diadra’s eyes lit up with happiness. She then jumped up and down.

“I did it!” she exclaimed. “Casting Cleanse was like asking for something from someone and they did it.”

“That’s great sweetie,” Kenric said. Asgina chirped and laid her head back down on the blanket Diadra had put in the floor for the cub.

“I got a class too!” Diadra excitedly said. “I’m a druid!”

“Congratulations.” I’ve never heard of this class before. Is it something new or something old that the system has revived? Or are druids just rare classes that those that have the class don’t talk about?

She frowned. “The system won’t let me advance past level 5 until I turn 16 though.”

“That’s… unusual,” Kenric remarked, focusing on their conversation.

“It’s not fair,” Diadra pouted.

“Perhaps. But the system does what it does for a reason. Best just to accept it,” Kenric said.

“This new notice says the level cap is for my protection,” Diadra said. She frowned again.

“Best to heed the warning kitten.”

“I know.”

“What can your class do?” Kenric asked, hoping to cheer her up.

“Communicate with animals, monsters, and spirits. I can also use herbalism and make salves and all like you do,” Diadra answered. “This says I can cast some spells including healing spells and can even enchant things!”

“That’s fantastic sweetie,” Kenric said. I’m very happy for Diadra. I’m also worried, but isn’t that a parent’s job? “Do you have any stats to assign?”

“No. The system did it for me and says it will do so until I turn 16 or hit level 5, whichever happens first,” Diadra answered. She yawned. I’m suddenly tired.”

“That’s probably from using magic for the first time on purpose,” Kenric replied. “Get in bed and I’ll tuck you in.”

“I’m too old for that.”

“Then why does the offer make you smile?”

Alright, I’m not too old!” Diadra replied. She climbed into the clean bed and Kenric tucked her in. She kissed his cheek, and he kissed her forehead. “Goodnight dad.”

“Goodnight kitten. In the morning, we’ll see if we can find some more information about Sparta and Jefferson,” Kenric said.