In the town of Colbarde, a there lived a young witch named Morgana. Aged 12 years old, she is a rather feisty witch, and loves to challenge stronger opponents to a battle of sorcery. She lived with her older sister Glindya who is 3 years older than her, a calmer individual who would defeat Morgana at every turn when she challenged her.

Although their lives appear to be blissful, they had suffered from the loss of their mother almost a year ago. Morgana took the death hard and was unable to be consoled for days. Although Glindya consoled her sister, she would also break down from time to time. It all changed when a witch named Lilith visited them. Although a stranger to both Morgana and Glindya, Lilith appears to be close to their deceased mother.

Seeing the grieving girls, Lilith decided to stay to see to it that the girls are fine and to ensure that they would move on from the death of their mother. Although she intended to have a short stay with the girls, she grew fond of them and would help raise them for about a year. During that time, Lilith protected both sisters, and taught them the basic concepts of magic. Morgana would often challenge Lilith but she would always back out claiming that Morgana is too young to challenge her.

At present, Lilith feels comfortable that the sisters now have the capability to defend themselves and are ready to face challenges ahead of them. However, Morgana, who have grown rather fond of Lilith was saddened and decided to stop her from leaving.

“Lilith, are you really going to leave us?”

“Sorry, Morgana, but I have to go.”

“Can you stay a little longer?”

“I’m sorry, but I need to leave as soon as possible.”

Morgana was sobbing while Lilith was gathering her items. Although her grandfather was present during those times, his duty as a village chief and as the headmaster of their local academy ensured that he has a limited time with his granddaughters.

“Morgana, I know you’re sad but you have your older sister with you, she will take care of you from now on.”

Morgana continued sobbing, feeling the pain of loss once again.

“Can I join you?”

“No, you’re still too young.”

“But I know how to use magic, and I can use it to defend myself.”

“The dangers of the world are not to be underestimated. Sorry, but I have to leave by tomorrow.”

Lilith patted Morgana on her head to calm her down.

I need to be stronger, so I can join Lilith on her journey.

Lilith gathered her belongings and placed those on a cart outside. Smiling at the sky, she knows how much she will miss the sisters and the amount of trouble that they would cause her from time to time.

Morgana and Glindya, I’m sorry for leaving you.

Glindya went outside to Lilith.

“Lilith, I apologize for my sister’s behavior, she can be very emotional from time to time.”

“No need to apologize Glindya.”

“Thank you for taking care of us.”

"It’s the least I could do for your mother.”

Somewhere across the town, Morgana was pouting, upset that she still is weak and unable to join Lilith. While walking across the town, she saw a bounty poster.

A way to prove myself

Knowing the dangers outside the town, Morgana secretly went back home to gather any types of weapons or devices to defend herself. On her way to see the bounty poster, she saw a child crying while crutching a piece of paper.

“How I can help you.”

(Still sobbing) “My kid brother was taken by bandits.”

“What bandit?”

“This one.”

The kid unwrapped the paper he was holding. It showed a tough looking bandit with a higher bounty than the one she was planning to fight. Without hesitating, Morgana decided to help the crying kid.

The kid then told Morgana that the bandits had taken his brother to their lair. Wanting to prove herself and believing that time is of the essence, Morgana sprinted towards the area mentioned in the poster.

Eventually, Morgana stumbled onto a small camp east of Colbarde. When she looked at the camp, she saw a group of children being made to work by the bandits.

“Slave traders”, she whispered to herself

The number of bandits were too much for a young sorcerer in training like Morgana, so she waited until the time that the bandits would raid the surrounding villages. At dusk, seeing that the number of bandits have dwindled and the majority are sleeping, Morgana sneaked towards the camp to start freeing up the children.

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Walking slowly towards the camp, she made sure to stay very quiet and to remain unnoticed. Glancing every time, she made a note to herself to watch out for every attack. While she was nearing the bandit’s camp, Morgana saw that the children were separated from the main camp and was guarded by a lone bandit.

A conversion between the bandits was overheard by Morgana.

“Sneaky lot, these kids are.”

“They do fetch a high price.”

“We can’t leave this county though, that old man Merlock is guarding the exit points, hoping to catch us.”

“Maybe if we gets those kids of his, he’ll let us go.”

“Hahahaha.”

“I’ve heard that he went on some expedition yesterday.”

“Time for us to escape then.”

“We need to know first.”

Suddenly, a bandit rushed in the camp, panting, but smiling.

“Boys, Merlock is indeed away today. We might be able to escape this wretched county”

Morgana took a quick glance at the bandit and saw that it was the same one who was in the poster.

I just need to sneak in and free those children

Morgana went to the back of the camp and slowly untied the ropes that bind the children at the furthest end.

“Run as fast as you can, go back to the town” she whispered to the children.

The children all got up and tried to leave the camp in a quiet manner. However, the youngest, aged as young as 7 ran way too fast and stepped on a branch. This alerted the bandit to their escape. Seeing that they are merely children, he did not call for help.

“Not again. When will they realize that they are already doomed.”

Rushing towards the children, he was stopped by Morgana.

“You will not catch them.”

“Hahahahahaha. You are just a kid. What will you do to me, huh?”

“I may be a kid, but I will make sure that none of these children are sold by the likes of you”

“Brat, I’ll destroy you.”

The bandit’s hand is flaming and muttering magic words, he brought down his fist in Morgana’s direction

“Flame Strike.”

However, he was blocked by a small wall of fire. Apparently, it was conjured by the girl.

“Fire Wall.”

“Hahahahahaha. So you’re a sorcerer, eh. Maybe I should just capture you.”

While he was taunting the girl, a jet of fire emerged from Morgana’s mouth and struck the bandit, knocking him down. Humiliated at being knocked down by a young girl, he got up and kicked Morgana

“Fire Wall.”

“Not gonna work on me this time, brat.”

Morgana saw that the foot of the bandit is covered in flames but were bigger than the ones used in his earlier attack. The bandit kicked Morgana so hard that she was knocked a few paces backwards. Undeterred, she stood up and launched a stream of fire into the bandit.

Unlike before, the bandit was well prepared to this, and covered his body in fire.

“Flame Armor”

“Hahahahaha, do you really thing that you can defeat me, young girl.”

However, as he was taunting Morgana, the sound alerted the rest of his companions who now converged into the scene.

“What now, Grando. Messing up with the kids again.”

Morgana was petrified as she saw a group of around 10 bandits gathering around the scene.

“Did you mess up again, Grando?”

“It wasn’t my fault boss, this girl messed up everything.”

“You were thwarted by a mere child?”

“No. I ensure you that I would defeat this child and take back our captives.”

“Hey boss, isn’t she one of Merlock’s granddaughters.”

“You’re right, Haydren. Maybe she’ll fetch a bigger prize.”

The leader approached her. But before he could do so, he launched his sights on Grando.

“Earth magic: Hand crush.”

A pair of giant hands emerged from the earth and squished Grando.

“This is your last mistake. Consider this your termination.”

“As for you, young girl.”

Poles of made of earth started to surround her, enveloping itself into a huge cage.

As she was closing her eyes, expecting the worst. A flash appeared in front of her.

It was Lilith

“It was brave of you to free those children. I’ll take care of this.”

The bandits drew their swords and lunged at Lilith who effortlessly dodged every attacks towards her.

With a snap of her fingers, the bandits were constricted and were unable to move.

“Too easy.”

But before she was about to take care of the leader, he drew a large sword and aimed his attack towards Morgana.

Swish

Blood spattered in front of Morgana. Afraid and trembling, she saw that Lilith was in front of her, blocking the attack with her body.

“Do you really think you can defeat me and attack this young girl.”

“Oh yeah, try me”

The bandit leader uttered magic words and enhanced his sword.

“Flames of the salamander, bless this sword and give him your flame for this attack.”

With his sword engulfed in flames, the bandit leader attacked Lilith.

Closing her eyes, Morgana feared for the worst.

When she opened it, the sword flames were extinguished and Lilith was simply grabbing the sword.

“What kind of sorcery is this, a hand cannot simply block a sword” muttered the bandit leader.

“Once again, do you really think you can beat me.”

Drawing out one of her staffs, she muttered magic words.

“Enlighten the darkness, bring forth a wave of holy magic, Ensure that the innocent is protected and that evil may be vanquished. Burst forth, Angel’s Arrow”

A large stream of light engulfed the area and brought down the bandits who were just standing a while ago.

The leader was completely knocked out by the attack.

Morgana wondering what happened to Lilith went to her and saw that her right eye was closed and bleeding.

Crying, Morgana went to Lilith and apologized her

“I wasn’t brave or strong enough. Sorry Lilith. You lost your left eye because of me.”

“It may be foolish, but you were brave. Rescuing those children. Don’t worry, an eye is nothing compared to a friend.”

Still crying Morgana hugged Lilith

“Let’s go to your home.”

Lilith carried Morgana home, while they were on their journey, Morgana fell asleep.

You are very much like your mother Morgana.

When they arrived, Glindya approached them.

“What happened to her?”

“She rescued some children. Luckily I was able to save her on time.”

“Thank you, Lilith.”

No problem young Glindya. I’ll stay for a while before I leave. I need to see say one last goodbye to the both of you.

After some time, Morgana woke up and was greeted by Lilith and Glindya

“That was reckless of you, Morgana. You should have went to me or to our grandfather before you go for it.”

“Sorry, sis.”

“But that was very brave and selfless of you.”

“Oh wait, before I leave, I want to give something to the both of you. Glindya, here is the old spellbook of your mother. Take care of it.”

“I will.”

“And Morgana, here is a staff for you. This is my favorite, so please take care of this.”

“I will. I also promise to you Lilith, I will surpass you and become the strongest sorcerer there is.”

“I will hold you to that challenge. Until we meet again.”

Lilith left the town the very next day. Ten years after the incident, Morgana finished her training at their grandfather’s academy, and set out to her journey to become the strongest sorcerer out there.