Chapter 4 The Wizards and Witches of the Silver Mists
An excerpt from The Guardians Book 1: Formation of the Guardians
Maegin sat on the bank of the river. It had been over a month since Boe had disappeared. She hoped he was safe in the Silver Mists and wanted to be there with him. Many people in the village had insisted, without proof of course, that there were lots of wizards and witches hiding in the Silver Mists. It was a castle overlooking the sea. The same castle where Maegin knew Julio and Penelopi went to so he could study the stars in peace.
The other villagers were glad he was gone. They figured his last spell must have back fired on him. Maegin knew he wasn’t really a wizard. She also was curious, but she learned to hide it. She knew all too well what the villagers would do to her if they thought she was a witch.
She was told her insatiable curiosity was a passing thing and as soon as she reached puberty, everything would change for her. Then she would be able to get married and have children…
She wanted to study and learn as Boe did. She wasn’t about to get married and give up her dreams. She spent hours looking towards the sea and the Silver Mists. Could she just pack up her few belongings and leave for the Silver Mists on her own?
She thought about it. If she were to do that, she would have to leave soon. She knew her time as a child was nearly over. She would have to make a decision and fast. Her parents wouldn’t be happy, but she would be one less mouth for them to feed everyday.
She missed the talks she and Boe used to have. They would spend hours discussing math equations or making observations. With Boe gone, her life had become boring. She wasn’t interested in impressing anyone with her looks. What was left for her to do?
A couple of villagers walked near her and talked about the witches and wizards of the Silver Mists. Maegin perked up and listened. They repeated the same things over again. No new information about what was really going on in the castle by the sea.
“Oh, it’s just Maegin. She’s probably dreaming of her future husband. With her luck, she’ll get married soon.”
Maegin gasped and turned to look towards the sea. She decided she would leave tonight. She didn’t own much, so it shouldn’t be too hard to sneak out after dark and follow the river all the way to the sea.
She went home and helped her mother get dinner ready for everyone. She was quiet all through dinner. She didn’t argue when her mother asked her to help clean up. She even helped to put the little ones to bed.
Her mother smiled at her. “I guess you’re finally growing up and putting away the silly dreams of childhood.”
Maegin said nothing. She stared into the fire and sat down. She was tired, but she had to wait for her parents to go to bed before she could pack and leave.
“Your father and I want to see you marry well. You know we can’t let you stay here with us when there are so many eligible men for you to marry.”
Maegin looked at her mother, but said nothing.
“You do look tired, dear, why don’t you just go to bed. I won’t need your help until the morning.”
“Okay, mama.” Maegin went to her room and closed the door. Her younger sisters were asleep. She checked her bag and her clothes. She quickly packed and listened carefully for her parents.
They were discussing who they might marry her off to. Maegin soon had her clothes in her bag. She found a piece a paper Boe had given her. He had written a silly little poem on it just for her. She smiled and carefully put it in her bag.
Her parents were going to their room. Maegin sat still on the floor. Her sisters were still asleep. She slipped the bag on her back. She was ready, but tired. She wanted to sleep, but she knew if she did, she wouldn’t wake up until morning.
A few hours later, Maegin was lucky. She woke up sitting straight up. She heard an owl outside the window. She blinked and listened. Everyone else was asleep in the house. She got up and turned to look out the window. The moon was up. She turned back towards the door and opened it. She carefully stepped out in the hall and closed the door.
She walked as quietly as she could to the front door. She opened it and latched it behind her. She was outside and all alone. She looked all around her. Then she darted towards the river. With the moonlight, she was able to find it quickly in the dark.
She spent hours walking along beside it until finally she was near the sea. The Silver Mists were all around. She stopped and looked about her. She couldn’t see very far in front of her.
“Stop! Who are you and why are you here?”
Maegin stopped. She looked but couldn’t see anyone. “I can’t see you! My name is Maegin and I’m looking for my friend, Boe. Is he here? I would like to be a scientist instead of someone’s wife!”
“Oh, it’s another elf! Are you still a child or an adolescent?”
“I’m still a child, but I don’t know how much longer. I guess any day now for me.”
Lady Penelopi came near to the fairy guards. “Maegin, from the village! Well, let her in! I haven’t seen her in ages.”
They opened the gate and Maegin walked over to Lady Penelopi. “Hi, Penelopi. I hope I’m not intruding.”
“No, of course not. It’s just late for you and you do look tired. Yes, Boe is here. He and my husband are studying and searching the sky up in the tower. For now, let’s get breakfast ready and get you something to eat. I know you’ve had a long walk.”
“Lady Penelopi, will I be able to be a scientist here?”
“I don’t see why not. Some of our guards are women.”
“Really?”
“Yes, we don’t have enough men to defend us.”
Maegin let out a loud sigh. “That’s a relief. My mother was just telling me last night how I will get a husband soon.”
“I take it you’re not ready yet?”
“No! Why should I give up my dreams of being a scientist for a man?”
“Well, if you feel that way about it, then don’t get married unless he is okay with you being a scientist.”
“Oh? Would one be okay with that?”
“Perhaps. Boe is still a child as well, but we both know that could change soon.”
“Boe is a good friend of mine.”
“I know. I’ve seen you two together. I seem to recalled you both had lots of questions for my husband.”
“Yes, I still do have lots of questions.”
“Okay. Then at breakfast we will tell both Julio and Boe about your intentions of becoming a scientist along side them. I’m sure they will be okay with it.”
“You think so? I mean we’re all from the same village and there may be expectations once I’m no longer a child…”
“Maegin, dear, don’t worry about it. We have room here and we also have plenty of orphans to go around. You don’t need to get married here. Besides, I’d prefer that you’d be happy. I know what will make you happy and you’re going to get it soon.”
Maegin yawned. “Okay, what can I do to help out with breakfast?”
Penelopi, Maegin, and the rest of the domestic staff got to work on breakfast. Soon they were serving lots of food in the great hall.
Penelopi and Maegin sat down with Julio and Boe.
“Dear husband, look who’s joined us here in our little community.”
Julio and Boe looked over to see Penelopi and Maegin. Boe smiled at Maegin.
“How have you been, Maeg?”
“I’ve been bored since you disappeared. I was hoping you were safe.”
“I’ve become a real scientist. Do you want to become one, too?”
“Yes! More than anything.”
Julio smiled. “Good. We could use another scientist around here. Any other plans, Maegin?”
“No.”
“Dear, she doesn’t want to get married and I doubt she’s old enough, yet to even consider it.”
“Oh, okay. Boe is still a child as far as I can tell.”
Penelopi smiled. “Let’s let them be scientists and resume their friendship. If it becomes more, than great. If not, it’s no big deal.”
Julio nodded. “Good advice. I’d rather not rush anyone and I’d worry about how she would stay a scientist if she got married.”
Penelopi looked at her swollen belly. “That might be hard on her, unless we had a form of birth control for her or Boe to use.”
“Ah, yes, something to think about. At least the orphans have a good home. Some of them are showing a knack for science.”
Penelopi smiled. “Yes, and some are showing a good knack for the domestic arts or the defensive arts.”
