Chapter 9

The warmth of the early morning sun shining on my face wakes me from my slumber. Climbing to my feet I see Lynn moving stiffly. She rolls onto her side, trying, and failing to stand up. I squat next to her and say, “You spent hours using new muscles yesterday. You know what is causing your pain. Most people wouldn’t have a choice and would be forced to endure the soreness until it goes away in a few days, but we have a better option.”

I say, “I’ve never designed a spell to heal muscle soreness, but let’s work one out this morning before we head out.”

Lynn’s eyes light up, like they do every time I give her a new challenge. After a few hours working on the spell, she declares it. “Close enough to optimum efficiency for today.” I smile inwardly at her perfectionism, but then she casts it. The elegant lines are impossibly beautiful. Created by a true master of the craft. I quietly pack up the camp, grateful for the excuse to keep my hands busy, and my face averted while I consider this new revelation. She built this spell from scratch instead of modifying an existing spell. She must spend less time modifying spells, and more creating new ones.