Chapter 2
From the shadow of the alleyway near her home, Tyra kept a watchful eye on the party. She'd been keeping a close eye on them since their arrival 3 days ago. She couldn't imagine what would bring the Seeker here, to the small town of Marley Glenn, but she was glad of it. Her idea of one day getting her hands on the Sword of Truth was one step closer to becoming a reality. Until 3 days ago, she hadn't a clue where to even look for the Seeker. Now he was here in her town, about to sit down to a meal with his friends. Barely 19, Tyra hoped to one day be a great sorceress. As it was, she was hardly any good as an enchantress, scarcely more than the town's fortune-teller. She worked hard at her studies, but there were so many spells to learn. It did not come naturally to her as it did for others. She was born with magic, but it seemed it was barely a spark. She hoped that once she had the Sword of Truth, she'd be able to tap into the great power she'd heard it held. Her skill was most likely insufficient for the task, but she could at least trade it to one more talented than she, in return for their knowledge and training. She knew just who she would go to. Grantham the Great. He'd given himself that name so how great he was she wasn't entirely sure. But he was a wizard, and she knew for certain he would be able to help her.
She quickly returned to her room. She went to the bureau, pulled one of the drawers and slower lifted the metal collar. An acquisition from Grantham the Great himself. It was a metal collar, the kind used to hold the magic of a Rada' Han. But even Grantham himself didn't have the power to create one of those. He used the collars for other various spells. The last one he'd created held a powerful current that, at his command, gave a terrific shock to the person who wore it. He had sold her this one for a nominal price. It held no magic so it was within her means. She brought the collar to her study area, where she kept her books, lists of spells and various herbs and oils she used for enchantments. She hurriedly flipped thru the pages of her books and combined some of the various herbs, carefully adding the right amount of oils. She slipped into a trance-like state as she spoke the appropriate words over the mixture. A waft of blue smoke spiraled up from the mixture and circled over the collar, surrounding it, bonding with it.
When the spell was complete she looked over the collar. Just to be sure she tried it on. As soon as the clasp clicked closed she felt her power drain from her. She knew it hadn't really left her…she didn't have power enough for a spell of that magnitude. But she could make it feel like her power was gone. A sly smile came across her face. Just to be sure she cast a light spell on the candles in the room. All of them immediately sprung forth with flame. She was disappointed, but not surprised that her magic still worked. All she needed to do now was somehow get this around the woman's neck.
Wouldn't Grantham the Great be surprised when she produced the Mother Confessor. Then he would know she was a woman worthy of his training. He would not only be delighted, but eager to take Tyra under his wing. When she arrived with the great prize that would bring them the Sword of Truth, he would be more than happy to share his secrets with her. Tyra knew she would have a much easier time with the Mother Confessor if she thought she wore a true Rada' Han. And she would have a much easier time getting the Sword of Truth, once she had the woman in white.
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