Page 12 of With the Potion in the Courtyard
"All right, folks." Mr. Vanderflit clapped his hands. "Enough of that spell. Let’s learn how to protect ourselves next."
We all watched closely as he demonstrated the barrier spell. When it was our turn, I focused hard, visualizing a shield around me as I made the proper movements. To my surprise, a shimmering bubble enveloped not just me but Jessie and Robbie too.
"Remarkable, Cendi," Mr. Vanderflit said, coming up to the bubble and staring in shock. "Very few can extend their barriers on the first try."
"Thanks, Mr. Vanderflit." A warmth that had nothing to do with the spells we were casting spread through me.
After a bit, he started us on a new spell. "Next up, let's warm things up with a bubble charm," he announced.
Jessie and I worked together, and before long, I was encased in a cozy, warm bubble. Robbie, meanwhile, was having a blast, literally, as he sent objects whizzing through the air with a blasting charm.
"Okay, now you try the unlocking spell," Jessie said once she saw I had mastered the warmth bubble.
"Here goes nothing," I said and pointed my wand at the practice lock. It popped with ease, surprising me. "Well, that worked," I said.
Seriously. These enchantments weren’t nearly as hard as I thought they’d be. Some part of me expected every enchantment to be as difficult as the first one we learned, but they were actually getting easier with time.
"Nice job!"
"Thanks." I studied the lock. It was like unlocking more than just the practice mechanism; it was a step toward something bigger. Spells that could really help me out in the world.
Most of the students were continuing to practice, but Jessie, Robbie, and I sat together for a minute, catching our breath. Spells really could take it out of you. The thing was, we still needed energy. We had an investigation to continue.
"Think you're ready for Moonbeam Cove?" Robbie asked.
The next step in figuring out Jaylyn’s disappearance? "Definitely. I'm not just going to sit around waiting for answersto come to me."
"Good attitude." Jessie nodded. "We'll figure this out."
"Let's pack up for today." Mr. Vanderflit clapped his hands together, sending a puff of chalk dust into the air. "Remember to practice those barriers before our next lesson."
"Will do, Mr. Vanderflit," I promised, already thinking about how the protective spell felt natural to me, as if I was meant to shield others.
Jessie lingered for a moment, her eyes soft. "You're doing great, you know."
"Feels like I've been thrown into the deep end, but I'm swimming," I said with a laugh. And I meant it.
CHAPTER SIX
The afternoon sunwas warm on my back as we stepped out of the portal and into a narrow alley between two quaint buildings. One had the delicious aroma of baked goods wafting from it, while the other exuded a scent of chamomile and mint. I took a deep breath, glad we didn't have to hitch a ride with the devil this time.
"Okay, Moonbeam Cove," Jessie said, brushing off her skirt as she led the way. "This place has a shop that might help us with the glass shard."
Robbie followed close behind me, ducking under a low-hanging sign as we emerged from the alley. "I can't believe places like this exist," he said.
"Right?" I said.
People approached us on the sidewalk. Three women with big hats and tiny statures. Like, under four-feet-tall tiny. As one of them glanced up at me, her eyes flashed like a gem for the briefest moment before they hurried past me.
"There are probably a lot of magical beings here, huh?"
Jessie laughed. "You have no idea."
Across the road, a big man exited a shop. He was so large he had to duck down and squeeze out the door. I looked away, but then caught sight of a very furry body from the corner of my eye. When I glanced back at him, there was no fur. He was just a normal-looking guy, even if he was a bit large.
"Do magical creatures have ways of hiding what they are from the world?"
Jessie waved my question away with her hand. "Of course. We haven’t all survived this long without having a few tricks up our sleeves."