Ugh, oh gosh. Hey! I'm finally back! School's been busy, so I haven't had a chance to write a new chapter. Sorry for the delay.

Originally envisioned this chapter slightly differently, but this is just how it flowed, so I went with it. There's an outtake near the end because it was funny--just not practical.

When they had left the castle grounds, Euthalia spoke up.

“Elias, can we visit the market place before we set out? I’d like to purchase some better equipment.”

“I was already planning on doing that Ms. Santhos. Were there any particular shops you would like to visit?”

“I would like to go to the armor shops first. I don’t know my way around here, so chose a shop you think is good please.”

“Yes, I think I know a good one. Follow me and stay close. Quartz can be a difficult city to navigate for those who are unfamiliar.”

Elias rode slowly through the crowded streets of the Amethyst District until he crossed over into the Citrine District.

“Most of the armament goods are sold here in the Citrine District. The Amethyst district is where the castle and state officials are located, Rose is where the produce market and inns are located; Smoky is where most of the foundries and craft guilds are located.”

“I see. This place is huge. I didn’t really pay much attention to it when I arrived.”

“Really, where are you from Ms. Santhos?”

“I’m from Teal.”

“Teal you say…”

Elias’ words drifted off. He seemed to be thinking about something.

Elias snapped to attention as Euthalia heard a woman yelling.

“Stop! Theif!! Someone stop him!”

Euthalia saw someone trying to run away through the crowd.

Elias turned in the saddle.

“May I pursue him Ms. Santhos?”

“Of course, go!”

Elias saluted then jumped off his horse and began picking his way nimbly through the crowd.

Euthalia wasn’t the kind of girl to sit around while others were working. She dismounted then led her horse with Elias’ in tow to the side of the street where the woman who had yelled about the thief was standing. Please watch them. We’ll get the thief. Before the woman could respond, Euthalia had taken off after Elias.

People were streaming to the sides of the street as Elias was calling out something so Euthlia didn’t have much trouble navigating as she followed the sound of Elias’ voice. Then she heard the clang of metal on metal.

Elias must be fighting.

The crowd had all but disappeared now and Euthalia had a clear view of Elias facing off with a man who must have been the thief. Elias had his sword draw and poised. The thief, however, had his blade to the throat of a young girl. Euthalia slowed her pace as she realized the thief had taken a hostage.

“Now, vermin, put down your sword or I kill the girl.”

Elias’ face twisted, but he slowly put down his sword.

“Good, now no sudden moves soldier.”

The man then raised a staff with his other hand and began chanting the incantation for fire.

He meant to kill Elias with that spell and he couldn’t attack or defend!

She ran toward Elias, words coming into her head as she ran.

“Water, dripping drops, sustainer of life, defend us and send us your help at my request: Prism Shield!”

As she finished he spell she ran in front of Elias and took a defensive pose as a shield of water appeared in front of her. The fire magic hit the shield and was quenched.

“Elias, now!”

“Right!”

Elias dashed forward and grabbed the girl from the stunned thief. Euthalia began chanting again.

“Ground, the element of the planet, heed my request which I make unto you: Loegja Stalagmite!”

A stalagmite erupted from under the thief. The force of the rock hitting him knocked him out. The stalagmite kept growing though until it reached 20 feet.

Euthalia looked up at it and sighed lightly. Still no control. That was supposed to be 7 feet max.

She looked around and found Elias with the girl in his arms. He set her down as her mother rushed forward to embrace her before thanking Euthalia and Elias for saving her daughter.

As they said “you’re welcome”—well Elias said something about duty—Euthalia heard people staring to murmur in the crowd. Murmurs about her being the mage. Well, after casting two magic elements, she couldn’t exactly blame them.

Elias walked over to the thief and took the thief and bound his hands and feet with rope.

In short order, the woman who was robbed approached with the two horses.

“Thank you so much for catching that man. Here are your horses back.” After she handed them over she walked over to the unconscious thief and pick up the staff.

“Took me good staff he did—ruffian.”

Someone from the crowd approached the woman and whispered something to her. The woman’s eyes went wide and she stared at Euthalia.

“You’re the Mage?!”

“Yes, I am.”

“Then please, come to me store! I’m a magic shop owner. I can help you. You’re going to the front lines yes?”

Euthalia looked at Elias, who nodded before accepting the offer. The man who had whispered to the woman said he'd watch over the thief until the domestic knights came along.

They followed the woman back to her shop.

“A moment please?”

She went into her shop and Euthalia could hear some clanging and the sound of things being moved. She came out again with a new staff in her hand.

“Please, take dis with you.”

“What is it?”

“It’s a powerful magical staff. I couldn’t—”

“Nay, I want you to have it. It will help you protect our kingdom.”

“I have money. I can pay you.”

“Nay Mage. If you won’t accept it for free, then consider it a reward for catching the thief.”

“But—”

Elias whispered into her ear.

“Take the staff Euthalia. She’ll be upset if you don’t. If you don’t want to take it as a gift, take it as a sign of your commitment to keeping this kingdom and its inhabitants like her safe.”

What Elias said made sense.

“Alright. I accept.”

“Marvelous. I’m sure you’ll find it useful. I wish you luck Mage. Show them what magic specialists can do. Farewell.”

“Goodbye and thank you.”

The magic shop owner went back into her store and Elias and Euthalia resumed their travel to the armor shops.

Outtake:

Euthalia began chanting again. Fire, passionate soul, bringer of heat, burner of coal, hear my desire: Loegja Fireball.

Elias yelled for people to get back, before diving into a garbage bin for cover as a huge fireball exploded in the street, singeing the nearby shops and blasting a hole in the ground from the force of the explosion.