The night was quiet after the group relocated to a more concealed part of the forest. The flickering light of their new campfire within a hollowed cave cast a long shadow that was both eerie and comforting.
They had set up their camp with extra caution this time, ensuring they were well-hidden from any potential threats and could deal with anything that tried to ambush them.
Seraphina took the first watch this time, they objected at first but she was resolute in her choice. Her eyes scanned the darkness as she sat near the edge of the cave, looking for any signs of movement.
The adrenaline from the earlier battle with the goblins had long since worn off, leaving her body tired, but her mind alert. She held the goblin's shaman's staff in her hand, turning it over and over, trying to discern any hidden secrets it might hold.
It was the only clue to magic she had gotten since coming to this world, after seeing it firsthand, she could no longer give up on the idea. She craved to use such magic as her own, she would do whatever it took to acquire it.
As the night progressed, the forest remained still. The knights took their turns keeping watch, allowing Seraphina to get some much-needed rest. The hours passed without incident, and the first light of dawn began to creep through the trees.
Gracing them with its presence.
With the new day, Seraphina awoke feeling slightly refreshed, though the weight of the previous night's battle still lingered on her body somewhat. She stretched her body and joined the knights by the campfire, where they were preparing a simple breakfast of dried meat and bread.
"Good morning, Lady Seraphina."
Edwin greeted her with a respectful nod.
"Did you sleep well?"
"As well as I could, given the circumstances."
She replied in a casual manner, taking a seat by the fire and joining the others.
"We should continue traveling today, I wish to go deeper into the forest if that is possible. However, if you believe it is too dangerous then I will comply."
She stated, looking at the man.
The man paused for a second and thought of her words but finally nodded.
"As you wish, my Lady. We will do our best to protect you."
The other knights nodded along in agreement, and they finally began their meal. The meal was silent for a while, but Seraphina couldn't help but keep thinking about the staff, so she decided to ask Edwin a question.
"Edwin, do you know anything about magical items?"
She asked, motioning to the staff she kept with her.
Edwin glanced at the staff and thought for a second.
"I can't say I know much. I've seen a few magical items in my time, but no one item is really the same, and their uses can vary greatly. This staff seems like ordinary wood to me, but the goblin used it much differently."
He rubbed his chin as he thought deeper, trying to figure out a clue.
"Perhaps it could only be activated by someone with magical abilities."
Seraphina nodded, she believed his words to be the most likely cause. She knew that magic was what was probably needed to use it, but she didn't have magic. This was her clue to gaining it.
"Who would have such abilities? That, someone like me could meet."
"You want to meet someone that can be magic? My Lady, that is a difficult task."
The man commented as he heard her words, his brow lowing somewhat.
"Magic is no easy feat, the only people that can freely wield such power is the Magus Tower, but meeting someone from there is no easy task."
He added, causing Seraphina to frown.
'The Magus Tower, if it was so easy I would've already gone there.'
It seemed she had hit a dead end once more, however as her thoughts flowed, another voice spoke up.
Samuel, who had been silently eating all this time made a comment that drew her attention.
"Didn't they say the princess can use magic?"
"Watch your tone when addressing the Imperial Family you idiot."
Said Harold as he slapped the back of the man's head, causing him to choke on the bread he was eating.
"Princess, which one?"
Seraphina asked, now interested in the way this conversation was going.
"The Eldest Princess, Anastasia Lioni De Asterion, rumor has it she has shown signs of magic and was scouted by the Magus Tower."
Samual answered the question, and this time he was not reprimanded by Harold.
Seraphina hummed slightly as she thought about what the man had said. She had read about the Eldest Princess in books, she was close to her in age; however, the princess was two years older.
However she had never heard anything about the princess showing signs of magic, however seeing as it is merely rumors, it's understandable she wouldn't be exposed to such things. She never left the estate, and when she did it was limited.
But if it is true, if the princess could use magic, then meeting her could be of great use; she may be able to get a hint of how to walk the path of a Magus.
And while meeting her might be difficult for normal people, she wasn't a normal person. She was the daughter of a duke, the eldest daughter. If she was able to provide a good enough reason; or convince her father to allow her to attend one of the royal balls.
Then she may be able to meet her; and gain access to her magic.