Chapter 3: The Moth and the Flame

‘Should I bring these?’

Mariana rubbed her chin, pondering whether she’d bring the books her Grandma gave when she became interested in magic.

‘These books were owned by your grandpa before, but now it’ll be yours. Come, I’ll teach you how to read...’ the voice of Mariana’s Grandma replayed in her head.

She used to hate those lessons. Now, she’d do anything for it to happen again.

“Okaaay, to the suitcase you all go.”

Mariana proceeded to pick the clothes she’d be bringing.

Arcanus was the culmination of the five great races’ treaty. Mariana had learned before that the elves, dwarves, sirens, and dragons were at war with each other hundreds of years ago. It only ended when the Great Goddess Invidia created the human race and brought peace.

Mariana couldn’t care less if this was true or not. What’s important was that she finally got a ring and became a mage. Arcanus was now only a journey away.

Mariana continued packing her belongings, only bringing what she needed. Everything else, she would buy with her savings. She was so busy minding her business that she failed to hear Lana, her mother, knocking on her door.

“Mariana, open the door,” Lana snapped.

Mariana jumped to her feet and answered the call. When she opened the door, her mother was in front of it, tapping her feet on the ground — her eyes glaring at Mariana.

“Ahh, Mom? Sorry, I was busy — didn’t hear you.”

Silence filled the room. Her mother raised an eyebrow. Shivers ran down Mariana’s spine.

Her mother finally let her go. She pinched the bridge of her nose, followed by a heavy sigh. Mariana never felt more relieved than ever.

“I told you to pay attention to your surroundings,” her mother said.

“Yes Mom, I’m sorry.”

She entered Mariana’s room. “Have you packed everything you need?”

“I did! I also brought Grandpa’s books.” Mariana opened her suitcase and showed her mother its contents. It contained books, clothes, and other necessities. 

“That’s about enough,” Lana said. “How about you? Excited?” She sat on Mariana’s bed. Mariana followed afterward.

“I am! I don’t even know if I’ll be able to sleep tonight. My energy is overflowing!” Mariana exclaimed. 

Lana giggled. “I noticed that. Ever since you got that ring last week, you’ve been casting that same spell over and over. What was it again?”

“Ah, you mean icebolt! That spell is cool — literally! It lets me shoot ice from my hand! Too bad I only managed to cast it once, and it disappeared almost immediately. Once I master it though, it’ll be really strong and awesome!” 

Mariana wanted to say more, but her mother’s gradually fading smile concerned her.

“Something wrong, Mom?” 

“So you noticed...”

“Well, your face started looking like this.” Mariana started imitating her Mother’s face. She wasn’t know how she looked, but her mother decided now it would be the best time to slap her — Mariana dodged it magnificently.

“Silly. I’m just worried about you,” her mother admitted.

“But I’m fine! I know my magic is still weak, but those kids won’t know what’s coming to them when they mess with me.” Mariana flexed her arms — which was harder and bigger than most girls her age — with one of her eyebrows raised. Lana burst into laughter.

“Silly. Well, you’re right. I just can’t help but worry.” She faced Mariana eye to eye. “Would you be alright even if they teased you because you’re older? I just don’t to be discriminated.”

“It’ll be fine, Mom, trust me. I’ll write letters, too, and visit on my vacation. I’ll even show you how I’ve improved, so you don’t need to worry, okay?” Mariana assured her mother with her best smile.

“Come here, you.” Her mother wrapped Mariana around in her arms. Her warmth melted Mariana’s heart.

“You should sleep. You have a big day ahead of you.” Lana said as she headed towards the door. “Good night.”

“Good night, Mom,” Mariana responded.

After her mother left, Mariana put the things she would bring next to her bed and laid down.

The sky was bright that night. The pale moonlight serenely illuminated Mariana’s bed — it hit the sapphire gem in her ring, reflecting the moonlight around her room. She raised her hand and admired it. If Mariana squinted, she could see water slowly swirling inside the gem’s facets.

‘So beautiful…’

Drowsiness then suddenly knocked on Mariana’s door. She just let it capture her, and she fell into a deep slumber.

***

“Master Marcus, staying late will be bad for your health,” a voice emerged from behind Marcus. It was Caitlin, one of his maids. 

“I do not need your opinion,” Marcus said with finality. 

Caitlin noticed his intent as he heard her take a step back.

Caitlin interrupted Marcus while he was busy contemplating how a mere villager had received an elemental ring, but he, the third son of House Miller, was completely disregarded.

‘I am Marcus Miller. THE Marcus Miller! My family is renowned for being one of the strongest mage families in Magna City. How did it happen that I am stuck in this pathetic village guarding our flowers and mushrooms? What have I done to deserve this unacceptable fate!’

Marcus violently slammed his desk. Seeing his actions, Caitlin immediately approached him to soothe his emotions.

“Hush Master.” She gently massaged Marcus’ temples with her fingertips while her well-endowed chest was pressed against my back. Her actions had usually led to an exciting evening, but not tonight.

‘A servant keeping my emotions in reins? Disgraceful...’

Marcus perished from his thoughts. He must deal with this unforeseen happening with posthaste. Her arrival in Arcanus would only tarnish his reputation further. He’d be reduced to a laughingstock!

Marcus raised his finger. “We’ll continue this later. I have orders for you.” 

Caitlin immediately fixed her attire, stood in front of him, then genuflected, waiting for a command.

“Inform Hector about Mariana Fairchild’s elemental ring and tell him to order the bandits in Lost Woods to retrieve it for me.”

“But isn’t Lady Mariana Master’s friend? What if the bandits do something —”

“Is that a problem?”

“N-no Master,” Caitlin gulped audibly. “Is there anything else that you wish to ask of me?” 

“And I’ll be waiting for you in my quarters. Wear something… enticing.” 

“As you wish, Master Marcus,” she said before she stood. She then bowed to him and left.

After Caitlin left, the voice of Mariana, pleading for her life as the bandits do their thing to her, crossed Marcus’ mind.

‘Sorry, Mariana. You were a good friend. If only you didn’t take what was rightfully mine. Please don’t take it personally.’

***

“Take care, sweetheart,” her mother said while Mariana was in her arms.

This would be their last embrace for some time, so Mariana savored it. Afterward, she rode Star, who was behind her, and guided him toward the road which led outside Pago.

“Remember to write and visit when you have time, okay?!” her mother’s voice echoed from afar. Mariana could only wave her hand.

Most of the villagers knew about Mariana’s departure, so when they saw her striding along the way, they wished her good luck and cheered her on. Mariana’s heart glowed. Their support urged Mariana forward. However, this soon also dissipated as she neared Lost Woods’ entrance. 

The woods’ the reason people rarely travel to and from Pago. Mariana heard bandits hiding beneath the dense thickets had occupied it. Marcus did some work to make the forest road accessible, but better roads won’t protect the passing people from danger.

Mariana whispered a prayer before officially entering the woods.

‘Almighty Goddess, please guide my travels.’

The silence colonized Mariana’s ears as soon as Star took a step in. Most animals seemed to have vanished around them, as all she felt was the faint rustling of leaves brushing against each other.

Mariana felt the protection of Pago separated from her, but she pressed on.

She hummed a lively tune to calm herself.

After some time, it seemed the worries Mariana had with her were unnecessary, as even though the environment was unnerving, nothing out of the ordinary happened the whole morning. 

The deafening silence of the woods had eventually calmed Mariana’s senses. Her worries had washed away. No one could hurt her if she’s the only living being around, she thought.

Mariana stopped some time at a nearby stream that she just found to let Star drink. Even Star needed a rest, too, as he’d be doing most of the work for their journey.

Eventually, boredom struck her, so she went to look for an empty spot nearby — she found one right away. 

‘Guess I’ll practice here a bit.’

Mariana stood in the middle of the clearing, faced a nearby tree, and fixed her eyes on it. 

She raised her hand and pointed at her target and concentrated. When she was done, she cast the spell.

[Icebo—

“We found her! Come boys, we’re having a feast tonight.”

An unknown voice interrupted Mariana from behind. She turned to face it and what she saw wasn’t one, but three men all carrying weapons.

‘They must be the bandits I’ve heard of…’

Mariana’s throat suddenly dried out, her feet became heavy. She silently hoped they decide to leave her be.

“Who are you, people?” Mariana croaked. Her face was now stiff, too.

“We’ve been told you have something valuable with you. Yes! A mage ring. Does it ring any bells?” The bulky guy with a gold tooth asked.

He wore a pair of knuckles and, based on how he acted, he must’ve been their leader.

‘Told? By whom?’

Mariana’s leg became wobbly. Why would anyone want her dead? She never hadn’t even stepped outside Pago.

“D-don’t come near! I-I’ll freeze you three!” Maria roared, but what really came out was a yelp.

The three stared at each other, and as if on cue, they burst into laughter. They didn’t even treat Mariana seriously.

Realizing her ploy had no effect, Mariana launched a surprise attack. While they were busy laughing, she immediately pointed her palm at them and cast the only spell she could cast.

‘Please work!’

“[Icebolt]!” 

‘It worked!’

But what truly happened wasn’t even close to what Mariana believed. Before her spell fully materialized, an arrow flew from one bandit and hit Mariana’s palm — destroying her spell and stabbing her palm in the process.

Mariana released a shrilled scream. The pain throbbed throughout her palm.

Mariana was finished. Her numb legs collapsed on the ground — she knew she couldn’t fight anymore. All she could do was prevent herself from bursting into tears, yet she also failed to do it.

“Painful? Relax, you won’t die... yet,” Goldtooth said, snickering. He then slowly approached Mariana.

"N-No, please!" Mariana’s voice cracked. “D-don’t do t-this, I’m beg-g-ging you!”

But he didn’t listen and just treated Mariana like cornered prey; his two companions were still chuckling.

‘No, I don’t want to die! Grandma… Help… Please…’

“[Hellfire]...”

After they heard the stranger’s voice, one bandit suddenly went ablaze. He slumped his body to the ground and was shrieking in agony.

“Close your eyes…” a calm voice echoed from behind Mariana. She didn’t know if what she heard was real or she was just hallucinating, but Mariana trusted it and let her heavy eyes rest.

 The last thing Mariana sensed before passing out was the burnt smell of flesh, screams of anguish, and the warmth of the hearth in winter.