Everything is different now. The girl who feared persecution; who trembled at night knowing that if her own family found out about the gifts she possessed, there would be only fire awaiting her… well, that girl is gone now. I can wield my power openly and if anyone has a problem with that they can take it up with Lady Xanthe. My mentor. My protector. The mother I never had.
(...)
There is so much more to magic than the paltry tricks I used to perform. My Lady showed it to me and it’s clear how much I need to learn. She says that I’m especially gifted. That’s why She took me on as an apprentice. I will not betray Her expectations.
(...)
Lady Xanthe sent me out into the wilderness to look for uriashi stones. She says that there is pure, primeval magic contained in them and wants me to see how much of it we can harness. A group of soldiers accompanied me – a bunch of ignorant fools, but it was Her wish to keep me safe.
When we got to the foot of the mountain, we met two uriashi. They instantly recognised my Lady’s crest and agreed to be my guides. When they see what I’m really up to, I expect the brutes to become a tad aggressive. No matter – I’m taking four soldiers with me, just to be safe. And if they fail to protect me, I will get the chance to practise some of the deadlier hexes.