Chapter 257 - Arrayed for success
Despite her expectations, Scarlett found herself in Freymeadow more than once in the week following the Hallowed Cabal and the Tribe of Sin’s attacks on the empire. Though the anticipated busywork back home wasn’t absent, Lady Withersworth’s timely presence and guidance in the relief efforts proved invaluable, freeing up Scarlett’s time for other matters. These included addressing barony-related issues, engaging in recurring discussions with Beldon, exchanging the occasional communication with Raimond, and dedicating herself to even further magic training.
Evelyne was still bedridden, even after Rosa and other skilled healers had tended to her. While Rosa had assured Scarlett that the young woman’s prognosis was largely positive and her life wasn’t at risk, the timeline for her recovery remained uncertain. What was clear, however, was that even if Evelyne could work from her bed, Scarlett wouldn’t allow it. She surprised herself with her willingness to enforce the woman’s rest, despite the increased workload it placed on her shoulders. This determination persisted even as they’d barely seen each other since Scarlett’s return, an odd tension lingering between them.
Perhaps it was the allure of escaping these self-imposed responsibilities that drew Scarlett to Freymeadow. It felt almost ironic how her time in the village had become a sort of refuge, even though her visits were far from relaxing under the watchful eye of the despotic Arlene, who oversaw her magic training with what could generously be described as an iron fist.
Scarlett couldn’t shake the feeling that Arlene had been even harsher on her in recent loops. The raven-haired taskmaster pushed Scarlett’s mana supply to its limits nowadays, leaving her so drained at the end of each day that even Rosa’s charms were barely enough to keep her moving.
Perhaps it was just a natural response to Scarlett’s growing skills, with Arlene recognising her improvement and increasing the difficulty to match?
In particular, the woman had been focusing intensely on developing Scarlett’s hydrokinesis lately. This included coming up with new combat applications, refining existing techniques, and using water-based magic to counter Arlene’s own formidable pyromancy spells. Though Scarlett had always struggled with hydrokinesis, she didn’t mind the opportunity to hone the skill now that she’d upgraded it to a higher level. That said, she doubted it would ever surpass her affinity for pyrokinesis.
One day, after an especially grueling training session in the forest clearing outside Freymeadow, Scarlett found herself sitting on the ground, her back pressed against the rough bark of a thick tree. A soft blanket spread beneath her offered at least some slight comfort as she looked up at Arlene, who stood before her with arms crossed, gazing off into the forest towards Freymeadow.
Seeking to break the silence, Scarlett ventured a question on a topic she’d been thinking about recently. “How challenging do you believe it would be for me to learn formal spells at this point in my training?”
Arlene turned to her, the woman’s pale green eyes fixed on Scarlett. “As challenging as learning any new skill. It’s all a matter of time and dedication.” One eyebrow rose on her forehead. “I was under the impression you didn’t have enough of either to spend. What brought this about?”
“It is simply something I have been contemplating lately. My recent research has involved the Zuver and their texts, including many of the characters that comprise contemporary magical scrips and runes. I have found myself becoming increasingly familiar with these and wondered if that knowledge could be applied when learning modern spells. That is all.”
“Knowing runes and their construction is part of spellcasting.” Arlene’s brows furrowed. “But it’s not enough on its own.” She studied Scarlett closely, eyes narrowing slightly. “Have you really learned to read runes?”
“The Zuverian equivalents, at least,” Scarlett said.