Lizzy pushed past the gnomish butler Fortescue and leapt into her grandfather’s arms. “Grandpa!” she yelled, squeezing the old man as hard as she could.

“That is not appropriate behavior, young lady.”

Lizzy, with her blonde hair and big eyes, dropped to the ground with a pout. “Ahhh, dad.”

Count Lazarus stepped forward to greet his father. The count wore a smart looking suit as one would expect of a merchant turned minor noble, but the unhappy look on his face was the picture of a man used to discipline. “Father, nice to see you.”

Arch Magus Lazarus, a weathered old man with a twinkle in his eye and a long walking stick, gave his granddaughter Lizzy a little ruffle of her hair. “Son, happy to be here.”

The count grunted in affirmation. “Fortescue will take you to your room, we should meet for a quick discussion at three. Dinner is at six.” Then the count turned and walked away.

The deposed Arch-Magus watched his son abruptly leave. “Is he still angry with me, little one?”

Lizzy put her hands together and twisted with anxiety. “He just misses you.”

The Arch-Magus grunted. “Sure he does.” He gave a sad look after his son that quickly disappeared, followed by a glance around the manor. The Lazarus estate was modest, but the wealth was visible for those who knew where to look. It sat in the noble district of Valeria, just outside of the merchant district. The custom floor tile was of dwarvish make, the chiseled pillars designed by Florian monks.

The Arch-Magus had started life as little more than a baker’s boy with a talent for magic. But as he had grown, he was able to give his own son an education and something to start a life with. His son had taken that seed and grown a small merchant empire before catching the eye of his wife. A minor-noble's only daughter. What they lacked in wealth they made up for with old money connections. His son had done quite well for himself.

With a deep sigh the Arch Magus gave his granddaughter another smile. “Well, off to my room, lead the way Lizzy.”

She quickly walked over to help Fortescue lift her grandfather’s trunk, but she couldn’t so much as budge it. With a grunt of effort and blushed cheeks, she decided to lead the way instead. “I’m sorry to hear about your retirement from the academy, grandpa.” Lizzy managed to say.

The old man gave a small nod, he wouldn’t go into details about his retirement. Fortescue gave a polite chuckle and waved his hand as the trunk quickly lifted off the ground.

Grandpa raised his left brow. “My son actually allows you to use magic?”

As the little gnome pulled the trunk along, he gave a small nod. “The count does not like magic, but he understands the need for utility on occasion.”

Grandpa gave a harrumph. “It's fortunate that he can finally see past his own limitations.”

The gnome gave him a hard look. “Not everyone is blessed in the ways of magic. The count has come far with his own proficiencies.”

The magus gave the butler a knowing look. “Has he allowed magic to help shape his business yet? Or does he still refuse to push into the future.”

Fortescue returned the old man’s look with his own dark look. “The count’s business is his own.”

Grandpa gave a quick wave of his hand. “I’m certainly not trying to disparage my son, Fortescue. Your loyalty is appreciated, but his hate of magic is unbecoming the son of a magus.” They both left the Countess glaringly unspoken.

Fortescue might have made another comment, but a quick shout from Lizzy quieted them both.

“We’re here grandpa!” She threw open the door and boldly walked in. Grandpa followed and inspected the large room.

“Thank you, Lizzy. Fortescue.” He gave Lizzy another hair ruffle. “I’m going to take a quick nap. It has been a harrying few days.”

The gnome gave a quick nod and departed. Lizzy gave a smile and a wave as she also left.

The Archmagus sat on the edge of the bed and gave a deep unsettled sigh, but Lizzy didn’t notice the door closing behind her.

……………………………..

“Grandpa!” Lizzy shouted as she burst into the room. The old man had his back to her as he stared out the window. He turned with a slight surprise, it wasn’t normal for people to go bursting into his chambers. It had been happening more frequently as of late.

Lizzy ran to him with a piece of parchment in her hand. “I made this for you!” she said with glee. Her grandfather gave a small chuckle and took the drawing. He was happy to see the girl still had so much youthful excitement. The count on the other hand, had been a rather surly teenager.

He looked at the drawing and for a moment was shocked by its complexity. It was a leaning tower with a mage casting what looked like Fireball. What was more shocking was the fireball showing its golden spiral, and the tower had such clean, straight lines. It was very complex for someone only thirteen cycles.

The old man silently wondered how deep his granddaughter's mathematical education had delved. “This is wonderful, little one.” He gave her a soft pat on the head, and her cheeks blossomed into a slight blush.

“Do you think we can see if I can do magic?” She blurted.

Her grandfather was taken aback for a moment. “What do you mean dear?”

She twisted her hands in nervousness. “I want to see if I can do magic. Like Mother.” Her grandfather gave her a look that was both perplexed and worried.

“You were tested when you were ten like all children are.”

She shook her head in disagreement. “No papa said I didn’t have to go.”

The old man rocked back. This wasn’t good at all. Children were tested at age ten for magic. Not just for the child’s safety, but for everyone's. There had been too many cases of powers gone wrong when children born with the gift hadn’t been trained to use them.

The law had been set down by Gadalfa’Va, but both adjoining kingdoms strictly followed this decree.

A small pit formed in his stomach as he considered what his son must have done. “I’ll certainly talk to your father about it.” He agreed begrudgingly. This was not a conversation he looked forward to having.

“Oh, speaking of which, Papa wants to see you when you have a chance.”

“Ah, is it that time already?” The old man grumbled. He stood up and looked around, he hadn’t napped, so he was still in his travel robe. “Good enough,” he muttered. Then he flashed his best smile. “Will you show me the way, dear?”

She jumped and raced for the door. “This will be great,” She opined. She didn’t see her grandfather’s dubious look as he followed her out into the hall.

……………………………..

“No, my daughter needs nothing to do with your magic.” The count’s words oozed distaste. Lizzy had heard her father and grandfather arguing, so she poked an eye to the lock. It didn’t offer a great view, but it was thin enough to listen through.

“Her mana source is strong Joshua, I could feel it the moment I walked in. She will need training.” There was a slam, causing Lizzy to jump.

“Then Fortescue will teach her enough not to hurt herself.”

Lizzy heard a deep sigh from her grandfather. “It’s not as easy as that Joshua, I understand you were an unhappy child-”

“How dare you?!” Shouted her father. “What could you possibly know about my childhood? You were never there.”

“Son, after your mother died-”

“Stop. If you wish to stay here in my house, we will not speak of this again, my daughter will not be a mage, and that is final.”

Lizzy had heard enough. She turned the knob and barged into her father’s office, head held high. “I'll learn magic if I want to, you can’t stop me!”

Both men were startled by the intrusion, but her father’s face quickly shifted to anger and then to worry. “Lizzy, this is a conversation for adults. Why don’t you go find Ms. Myers and have her help you with your lessons.” Her father’s condescending tone immediately got under her skin.

Lizzy took this chance to defend her grandpa. “He can help me. He’s the greatest wizard in the world. Why wouldn’t I want his help?” she yelled exasperatedly.

“Dear, Fortescue will teach you the basics, so you don’t hurt yourself. Ms. Mye-”

“No. Dad, I know you hate magic, but I don’t! I don’t want to learn numbers all day. I hate all the math she teaches, and I want to only learn magic!” Lizzy excitedly rambled. She was fed up with all her schooling, and unfortunately the words began tumbling out.

Ms. Myers was a sweet lady and a brilliant tutor, but the number of boring things that she taught… when Lizzy could be learning magic, real magic!

“I can learn magic. Fireball.” she waved her hand forward. Nothing happened.

“Fireball!” She shouted louder. Nothing happened. “Fire-”

“Enough!” Her father shouted. “I’ve had enough. Go to your room. Now!”

The tears started to well up in her big blue eyes. Her father never once yelled at her since her mother had gotten sick. Her father looked rather chagrined as the anger left his face. He started to walk toward her to give her a hug. “Lizzy, I-”

“Fireball.” She whispered, a small flame licked out and singed his suit, causing the Count to give a very unmanly yip. Then she turned and ran from the room. She hadn’t seen the dismay in her father’s eyes, nor her grandfather straightening his shoulders as he prepared his new argument.

Running down the hall she thought to herself about magic, her father had always hated everything about it, but it seemed so useful. Fortescue was allowed although even he was very limited on what he could get away with.

It seemed like perhaps it was time to go see her mother. With a heavy heart she headed toward the east tower, she was fairly sure she still remembered where the key was.

……………………………..

Lizzy crept quietly up the east tower stairs. The key clutched in her hand like it was a weapon. She wasn’t normally allowed up here, scratch that, she was never allowed up here.

Her mother would sometimes come down for dinner when she was feeling good, but often the Count made sure she was allowed her alone time. As Lizzy approached the door, she squirmed with anxiety. She loved her mother, but her mother’s personality could shift faster than a summer storm. She hoped today would be a good day.

Surprisingly the key slid easily into the lock. For some reason Lizzy had expected cobwebs or rust, she wasn’t quite sure why. With a click and a twist, she was in. The room was massive. There was a luxurious armoire, a vanity, and a massive canopy bed.

Her mother was in a pink dress, spinning in the middle of the room as if in a ballet. She was shorter than average with long flowing blonde hair, porcelain skin, and high cheekbones. She was stunning.

“Welcome daughter,” She spoke with her musical voice. “I’ve been expecting you.”

Lizzy put the key in her pocket and looked down at her hands. “Hey mom. I've missed you.”

Lizzy felt arms around her as she was pulled into the dance with her mother. Some of the staff used to whisper that her mom was half fairy, but they had been absent for quite some time.

“Mom, I came to ask about magic-”

Her mother stopped them from spinning and looked at her quizzically. “No. It isn’t yet time, is it?” Lizzy replied with a stare. “I thought I had more time,” her mother continued. “When do you start school, daughter?”

Lizzy looked up. “Father has the tutor here everyday mom. Mathematics and mercantile for six hours each day except Synday.”

Her mother touched her face, a gentle caress. “I see them, you know. Your dreams. Your futures.” Her mother laughed and twirled into a new dance. Her dress flaring up. “The king of dragons. The prince of fools. The jack of shadow. The queen of m-” her mother stopped, her face drawn and serious.

“They will try and stop you. He will come for all of you, but you must be bold.” Her mother dropped down, her face right in Lizzy’s face. “Learn quickly my dear, a dangerous road for all of you. You must be strong because without your help I only see darkness.” Her mother was off spinning again, not a care in the world.

“Mom, I came to ask about Magic. Why does dad hate it so much?” Lizzy received no response. “Mom?” she touched her mom’s hand as she twirled past but again no response. Lizzy watched her mom dance and hum for a few more moments.

She looked like a princess from a story book, her beautiful face and her flowing pink dress. Lizzy felt a sadness she couldn’t quite explain. She gave one last look at her mother as she left the room. With a quick twist of the key, she relocked the door.

Her mother must not be having a “good” day, as her father always said. So, with a heavy heart she headed down the many stairs. She would have to try the next one on her list.

……………………………..

“Absolutely not, missy.” Fortescue had nearly turned purple when she had asked him about magic.

Lizzy pushed out her bottom lip, pouting. “Forty! I’m not asking you to teach me,” She explained, “I’m asking why daddy won’t let grandpa teach me.”

Fortescue gave her a doubtful look, but he would crack eventually. Forty, a nickname he hated, was something she had been calling him since she had learned his name. As such, she was the only person allowed to get away with it. It also served as a reminder that he had known her since she was but a swaddling babe.

Despite her attempt to portray a young vapid heiress, Fortescue knew she had a mind sharper than his dagger. Her new tutors would usually paint her with a standard brush, and soon find themselves with their jaws on the floor.

Her father had trained her to be the heir to his merchant empire, and part of that training was getting others to underestimate her. Despite his knowledge of that, Fortescue still had a hard time denying her when she looked up at him with those big blue eyes. Lizzy reminded them much of her mother, that was why she got away with damn near anything.

“You know why darlin. Your mother’s magic changed her, and your daddy don’t want that for you.” Lizzy’s face fell for a moment, if Forty hadn’t known her so well he might not have seen it. “But that almost never happens, no one else has ever heard of magic sickness.” Fortescue patted her on the head. “That’s why he worries, young miss… that’s why he worries.”

He turned and walked back toward the library. She had stopped him in the middle of some errand or another.

She stood there for a minute in utter indecision, but then she made her choice. She had to go up the chain, it was time to badger grandpa again.

……………………………..

She sat in the solar with her grandfather, wondering what the best approach would be. “I can’t Lizzy. I won’t teach you magic against your father’s wishes.”

Her mouth dropped open, she hadn’t even asked yet!

Her grandpa gave a good chuckle, “It’s obvious child. I know what you’ve been up to.” Her mouth closed. Could an Archmage read minds?

“I can’t read your mind Lizzy.” Her mouth dropped open even further and the old man just sighed. “You're thirteen and much as you seem to fool others, I’ve been around long enough to read people.”

She frowned for a moment and then her face lit up. “How about just a test?” Lizzy’s smile went all the way up to her eyes. “If you don’t think I have what it takes, I won’t bother you again.”

Her grandpa looked at her dubiously, then gave a deep sigh. “Lizzy, I know you have the inner power.” Her grandpa stood and began to pace around the room. “The ability to manifest your will like you did, to be honest I’m astonished. At your age with no training? I’m fascinated. I’d love to give you the opportunity to train. I think the academy instructors would be mystified.”

“And if my granddaughter in particular showed this much promise.” Her grandfather laughed. “Oh it would give the council fits. Yes! ... No.” He put his hand to his chin and thought for a moment. “Maybe… Maybe I could just test you”

She noticed he put quite a bit of stress on the word “test” but wisely kept the smile off her face and waited quietly.

“Perhaps that would be best. A small test to see where your talents lie. I’m sure your father wouldn’t fault me for that little bit of help.”

This time Lizzy couldn’t contain the smile.