Chapter 23

"I don't like this scheme, Master Elf. What if he is not believed? What if Amri returns before your friend can find him safety?" Lily paced in the garden wringing her hands with nervous tension. "Am I to sit here and do nothing?"

"Relax, child. You'll wear out your shoes. We will await our instructions as agreed."

"But I don't like waiting."

"Waiting is our duty at this time. Come I will teach you how to use the magic that is within you." He offered hoping to calm her nerves. She obeyed the tutor and listened to his instruction, with the knowledge he had, he taught her to create various trinkets and treasures and how to bring to life what was imagined in her mind. He had her grow a tree and decorate it with ivies and mosses. She tried bringing a bloom to the roses, but remained unsuccessful. Although most of the roses displayed tiny buds, she was unable to bring them to bloom.

"Why can't I get these roses to bloom?" she asked.

"Because of the enchantment that has been placed upon them."

"Was the enchantment placed here by my mother?"

"I never understood why this garden stopped blooming before today. Your father must have placed the enchantment here by laying her to rest in this garden. It is his sorrow that blankets this place."

"Is that why my magic cannot cause the flowers to bloom? His sorrow must be relieved first?"

"I believe so, though I could be wrong you know; I am an old, old elf."

"Not that old," laughed Lily.

Let us continue in your study, I'm afraid you will have to master this ability in a very short time." He directed her to another series of tasks as well as reviewing what he had already taught her.