A Trial Must Be Held!

Chapter 35

Nalani realized that she could no longer hide what was happening since the plants and flowers in the garden were growing rapidly.

She also recounted how she was able to draw poison from the bodies of the wounded wolves and vaporize it into the air.

As for the light shield, she said it just happened when she was cornered and the creature was about to attack her.

“Don’t ask me how it happened. I don’t know. I wasn’t born with any powers. All the witches in Morvena have tried to awaken the magic in me, no matter how weak. But in vain. I am a Mirean.”

“A Mirean has not a shred of magic, Nalani. Mirean are ordinary people, not unlike those in the human kingdoms beyond the forest, in the mountain valleys. They rely only on weapons and agility.”

“Then I don’t know who I am...,” Nalani said quietly.

Bertold came to check on Nalani.

He was informed of the incident too late because Karyan was panicked and angry. Before the alpha left Nalani’s room, he told Mita to fetch Bertold.

Nalani was absolutely fine, but not with her feelings.

“Thank goodness you’re okay,” the old healer said. “Why are you so determined to fight it? That evil creature is no match for you.”

“I didn’t mean to fight it,” Nalani said.

“Bertold, my hand... my body moved by itself. Suddenly it was like there was a strong flow of energy inside me. My hand rose up and struck the creature with a kind of light.”

Bertold was stunned for a moment. “And you managed to stop the creature?”

“Yes, Bertold. The creature even thought I was Lorelei at first.”

Bertold’s old face creased further as he thought deeply. “Nalani...” he said slowly. “Was that light stronger than the faint light when you vaporized the poison from the wolves? Can you do it again in front of me? I mean, bring out the light from your hands?”

Nalani, who was sitting on the edge of her bed, got up and stood in the center of the room.

Bertold saw Nalani raise her hands forward. A few moments passed, but there was no light from her hands, not even a glow.

“I can’t.” Nalani lowered her hands. “There is no sensation like before in my body.”

“You need to concentrate more,” Bertold suggested. “Close your eyes. Feel the blood flow through your body. Imagine an energy as small as a corn kernel inside your chest, Nalani.”

Nalani closed her eyes, following Bertold’s advice. The healer was not a witch, but he had a wealth of knowledge and wisdom from his famous ancestors. So she trusted him.

“Do you see the seed in your chest, child?”

Nalani, who still had her eyes closed, nodded.

“Imagine that seed growing into a luminous sprout, just as you grew a sprout from the ground back then. Let the light from that sprout flow throughout your body... then to your hands, to your fingertips. Imagine arrows shooting out from your fingertips. Already?”

Nalani nodded.

“Take it out of your hands.”

Both of Nalani’s palms glowed with a faint white light, but other than that, nothing happened.

“I can’t...” Nalani whispered. A drop of sweat ran down her forehead, showing how hard she was trying. “I can’t repeat what I did in the garden to that creature...”

Bertold nodded. There was understanding on his face. “Then that’s enough.”

Nalani opened her eyes. She lowered her hands and looked at Bertold. “Why do you think I can’t do it anymore?”

“I think what you have is the magic of life, Nalani. It only becomes a weapon when you are in great danger.”

“What is the magic of life?”

Bertold sighed, sitting down beside her.

“Life magic is a rare form of magic. It is not a magic that is prevalent among the witch race. Magic of life comes from the essence of life itself. It is deeply connected to nature, healing, and growth.

This magic responds to your emotions and instincts. When you are in the garden, facing the creature, you fear and need to protect yourself.”

Nalani listened intently, trying to understand what Bertold was saying. “So, it’s not something I can summon whenever I want?”

“Not really,” Bertold said softly. “The magic of life is unpredictable and related to your deepest feelings. This magic appears when you need it most, often when you are protecting or healing. It is unlike other forms of magic that can be controlled and summoned at will.”

Nalani’s shoulders slackened slightly. “So, I can’t use it to fight?”

“Not in the usual sense,” Bertold replied. “But that doesn’t make it any less powerful. Magic of life is profound. It can heal wounds, mend broken spirits, and even purify darkness. It is a gift, Nalani, and with time, you can learn to understand and utilize it better.”

She nodded slowly, taking in his words. “Thank you, Bertold. I will try to learn more about it.”

He smiled, patting her shoulder. “You’ve shown great courage and potential. Believe in yourself and your instincts. The magic will guide you when you need it most.”

As Bertold left, Nalani sat quietly, thinking of everything he had said. She still had a lot to learn. She was not Mirean anymore, and her magic was not even familiar to her family, the Morvena. Now she did not know what she was.
***
After leaving Nalani in Bertold’s care, Karyan gathered the elders and advisors in the meeting hall.

He recounted what Karina and Thad had done and the creature’s attack that had nearly harmed Nalani.

“I believe we should call a Grand Meeting attended by the entire group,” Karyan said with a heavy tone. “What Karina and Thad did was very dangerous. One werewolf was killed, and seven others were seriously injured. Fortunately, Bertold, with Nalani’s help, managed to heal them. But Nalani herself was attacked and almost injured.”

Arald sighed. “A trial is necessary for justice, Alpha. Punishment must be impossed. But are you sure you want to do it? Karina is your family, and Thad... that young man has talents we don’t have. If exile is decreed, we will lose great potential.”

“I know,” Karyan replied with a grim look on his face. “But justice must be served. I would not be standing here as your leader if I could not be firm and fair.”

The elders and advisors finally agreed that the Great Trial would be held the following morning.

The next morning, the entire pack gathered in the Great Hall of the castle, the usual venue for the Great Trials.

Karina and Thad entered, flanked by several guards, and stood in the center of the room, facing Alpha and the assembled group.

Unlike Thad, who looked very apologetic, Karina was firm and slightly defiant.

However, everyone could sense her hidden fear.

“You know why this trial is being held,” Karyan began. “What you did harmed the entire pack, resulting in casualties.”

Thad looked down with a shame on his face. However, Karina looked at the alpha sharply, her jaw hardened.

“I’m sorry,” Thad said, whispering. “I didn’t mean to get anyone hurt.”

Karina remained silent, her eyes flashed with unacceptance and anger.

Karyan’s eyes shifted to Karina. “Do you have anything you want to say for yourself?”

Karina took a deep breath. “No, Alpha. I plead guilty.”

***