Free JOURNEY INTO THE REALM: The Spell Master (Journey into the Realm Series) by Markelle Grabo

silver slash….
     
    ***
     
    After breakfast with Zora and Aaliyah the next morning, I left for school wearing a green blouse and brown breeches, suitable attire for self-defense class. At the stables I saddled my horse, which I learned from the stable master was named Marigold – ironically, the name of my favorite flower – and then set off for Aubrey. Leaving Birchwood City behind once again, I went into a gallop. The crisp wind beat against my face, making me feel free and strong. I wished I could always feel that way. I had always been a strong elfen, able to get through a day in the Human Realm in spite of all the name-calling and rejections, but it was even harder nowadays because I was always checking over my shoulder to see if Finn had finally come back. This fear nagged at me every second.
    As I continued to ride, a sudden noise caught my attention. It sounded like…well, to be honest, it sounded like rushing water. But that was crazy. I was riding across a field with no ponds or streams nearby. Hearing water was impossible. Mere moments after I discarded the foolish thought, I began to hear splashes. Careful not to lose my balance, I looked down to where Marigold’s hooves hit the grassy floor and realized she was galloping in at least a foot of water. Fear coursed through me as I realized the only plausible explanation for such an oddity: water fae.
    I scanned the field but couldn’t find the source of the magic. Yet I was sure a water fairy was nearby, hiding most likely. What else could explain the water my mare tread upon?
    I didn’t find any evidence, but I knew I was in danger. I urged Marigold forward and refused to let her relax until we reached Aubrey.
     
    ***
     
    By seven thirty-five I was in my seat, but I would take early-to-class over a water fairy attack any day.
    “Ramsey, are you all right?” Janie wondered when I took my seat.
    “Yeah, just…really awake this morning,” I lied, smoothing down my hair and taking deep breaths in an attempt to slow my heart rate.
    “Are you sure? You look like you just saw an Element fairy,” Ellie remarked, a smile playing across her lips.
    She was only joking; she had no idea how right she was.
    Too speechless to respond, I breathed a sigh of relief as Lady Celine walked into the room. “Good morning, elfin class,” she said.
    “Good morning, Lady Celine,” we repeated.
    “Today we will learn about elf circles.” She wrote the term across the chalkboard.
    I heard a few moans from the crowd. I had made an elf circle before, so I understood why some would find the lecture boring. Elf circles were a simple task that really didn’t need to be taught in detail.
    “Oh, stop your moans and groans. Elf circles are not as simple as you think. Sure, getting to the Human Realm is simple. Just wait until midnight, dance a circle, and then step inside. Making elf circles for other Realms, however, is far more complex.”
    I straightened up in my chair and turned all of my attention to Lady Celine. I knew this would be interesting. I had only a provincial knowledge about the other Realms.
    “First we will start with Fairy Realms.” She wrote that across the board as well.
    “Fairies are our enemies,” a student remarked.
    “Why would we want to know?” asked another.
    “Going to a Fairy Realm is illegal!” a third voice reminded.
    “Calm down! Calm down, everyone!” Lady Celine instructed, putting up her hands to lessen the cries of outrage. “Yes, crossing over into a Fairy Realm is illegal. But this isn’t about traveling and sightseeing. This is about your history and your skills. It’s important for you to understand what you can do.”
    Lady Celine’s stern expression had me more than convinced, and the effect must have reached the rest of the class because the students were subdued by her brief lecture. A few “fines” and “okays” came from the students before Lady Celine continued.
    “As I was saying, Fairy Realms present more