Page 50 of Mistaken Magic

"Ofthe three coursesI'moffering this semester,Ithink defense will be the most useful for you.Youhave no magic of your own.Thatmeans you'll need a way to protect yourself against it.Ican also teach you how to defend against physical attacks, and it's something that every fae woman - "Hepaused. "Everywoman,Imean, can use in this world."Thenhe gestured to the wilderness on the other side of the trees. "Outthere is the real world.Menassault women.Peoplesteal.Thereare so many reasons why self-defense is useful, but if you plan to stay with the fae, then knowing how to protect yourself against both intentional and unintentional magic will be vital."

Iheard him.Ialso agreed with him.Theproblem was this sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.I'dactually dreamed about slaying a dragon last night.Granted,I'dalso looked like a dark elf, andI'dbeen wearing the same clothes as a character from a bookIliked, but that was beside the point.Swordfighting was just cool.Iknew it wasn't all he taught in his class, but it was the thing that put it at the top of my list.

"So,Ican't learn how to fence?"Iasked.

"Youcan learn sword fighting and other combat skills," he corrected. "It'san elective, and you're actually allowed to choose any three of the courses offered to you.Legaciesare welcome in my class.Ifyou want, you could pick survival, defense, andoffense."Hemade a noise and paused. "BasicsofSurvivalSkills,IntroductiontoSelfDefense, andIntroductiontoWeaponsandCombat.Thoseare the course names.However, it sounds like you also want to learn the fae language,HistoryofMagic,Botany, and maybe a few more."

"Weapons-crafting,"Isaid. "Imean,Ikinda like how it's somethingIcan do that others can't.Immuneto iron, and all that."

"Tagwill also teach you skills which are useful in the real world, so that's a good one," he agreed. "Theproblem is you only get three."

"ButIdon't have to pick untilFriday, right?"

Brackennodded. "Correct.Ijust want you to keep that in mind.Nowgo inside the gym and look around.It'scold out here, you aren't tracking my cat like the rest of the class, andIhave a feeling you'll want to at least try a few things before you decide."

Hewas right, soIwent in.Ispent a little too long checking out everything.Themirrors were a little distracting, butIhad a feeling there was a reason for them.Soonenough,Bracken'sclass came back in.Mostof the students went into the changing area to get ready for their next class.Afew took a spot on the mats and started stretching.

Thencame his defense course.Isat at the side, listening as he taught his class a new move, then observing as he helped each one.Brackeneventually came over and had me join in.Igot a little more special attention, but it was pretty cool.Afterthat came his offensive course.Theman allowed me to swing a stick at him for a good fifteen minutes, stopping me to teach me the proper angle and grip for a real sword.

Iwas exhausted whenIgot home that night, butI'dactually had fun.Thenext day,Iwent toTag'sweapons-crafting course.Thewoman was thrilled to see me back.Sheput me in a pair of coveralls which were only a little too big, then had me smasha hammer into a hot piece of metal.Granted, the guy in charge of heating it and telling me where to hit was about twenty, and seemed to know what he was doing, but he thought it was coolIwas trying.

Whenthat class let out,Iheaded back to the building to check out theTaxonomyofFaerieclassLynnhad blown past.Theinstructor was willing to let me sit in the corner and listen for the entire hour.Whenthat was done,Iheaded back outside forBracken'soffensive course again.

Iknew self-defense would be a better option, butI'dnever been allowed to do anything competitive before.Nosoccer, baseball, or even basketball.Noteven debate!Iwas the girl who moved too often to get involved with clubs and teams, which had only made me want it more.

Atthe end of the day,Ihad a list of classes to pick from, and only a very small list of onesIdidn't want.Needlessto say,HomeEcwas at the top of the "nopes."Desperatefor a little advice,Iknew there was only one person to ask.Insteadof heading up to my room to mull it over a little more,Iturned my feet to the office.

ThemomentIstepped through the glass door, a younger woman looked up and smiled at me. "Hi, canIhelp you?" she asked.

"Um,Ineed to talk toLiamSparks,"Isaid.

"Letme see if he's available for a student."Shesmiled, looked me over likeIsurprised her, and then turned for an office at the side.

Icould hear her say something, butIcouldn't make out the words.Asecond later,Liampoked his head out. "Rain?Comeon back.Felia, this is my niece.IfI'mnot with anyone, she's always allowed in."

"Gotit," the woman said.

Imoved past her intoLiam'soffice.Theplace was nice.Itprobably shouldn't be surprising, considering the rest of the school, butIstill looked around with open curiosity.Hehad flowers on the shelves, some very fancy books - including two written in swirlsIcould only assume was theFaerielanguage - and a cute little nameplate on his desk.Thekind that was made of brass and looked very fancy.

"Whydoes everyone call youLiaminstead ofMr.Sparks?"Iasked.

Hechuckled. "Well,I'mnot an instructor.Also,Ifind the students are more willing to talk to me ifIkeep the expectations casual.Plus, being human, ifItry to force the fae to give me a title?Itwould cause more friction than it would prevent.Afew other teachers do as well."

"LikeTag?"Iasked.

Hechuckled. "Yeah, she's a very good example.Taganswers toMasterTaggartorTag.Sheactually apprenticed as a blacksmith with a renaissance faire, and she knows her stuff.Now,I'mpretty sure my name isn't why you're here.What'sgoing on,Rain?"

"Ihave to pick my electives,"Igroaned, flopping back in the chair. "Ionly get three!"

"So, what's out?" he asked.

"HomeEc."

"And?" he pressed.

Ishrugged. "TaxonomyofFaerieis kinda low on the list because half the stuff will never be here, andI'llnever go there.Itstill sounded cool, though."

"Ok, and what's in?" he tried instead.

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