JOURNEY INTO THE REALM: The Spell Master (Journey into the Realm Series) by Markelle Grabo

to properly fence.”
    “I think you used a spell to make yourself so good,” I said, even though it was a crazy thought.
    “Maybe I did.”
    I looked at him and my jaw dropped.
    “I was kidding, Ramsey. It’s called a joke.”
    I sighed with relief. “Good. I didn’t want you to be a cheater twice.”
    “I never cheated!” he protested.
    “You did too!” I cried. “You started the race ahead of me.”
    “Yes, but you still won,” he pointed out.
    I grinned. “That’s only because of my wonderful skills and talents.”
    “Or you were just lucky,” he said, ruining my moment of glory.
    I hit him playfully. The tension from earlier had dissipated, leaving only the exchange of smiles and witty banter. I could get used to this. I could get used to him.
    “Maybe I was lucky. I don’t care. I still kicked your butt,” I said, shaking my head to chase away sinful thoughts.
    “True,” he said with a nod.
    We were at my doorstep a few minutes later. I knew Zora wasn’t home yet because there was no fire lit in the living room.
    “Want to see the eggs?” I asked, knowing now was the perfect time.
    “That would be great,” he replied.
    “Come on in then,” I told him, as I walked through the doorway.
    He followed me through the main room and into the dragon room. The fireplace in there was always lit, another benefit of elfin magic – an old classmate of Zora’s was a Charm Weaver. They were like Spell Masters, only they performed their magic through charms rather than spells. I didn’t completely understand the difference, but apparently Spell Masters created, while Charm Weavers worked with changing and preserving what was already made, which explained the never-ending fire.
    The welcoming warmth provided by the flames spread through me as I stepped over the threshold. I beckoned Nathan to join me by the eggs. I knelt down and gave each one a small rub. Nathan sat down beside me and lifted his right hand.
    “May I?”
    “Of course,” I assured him.
    He reached over and put his hand on each of the eggs. “They’re so warm,” he whispered.
    “That’s good. They have to be warm to survive,” I told him.
    “Which egg is yours?” he asked.
    I pointed to each one as I explained. “The one with rubies is Zora’s; mine is the one with sapphires.”
    “I like yours,” he said.
    I grinned. “Thank you. But who knows what it will act like when it finally hatches?”
    He laughed. “Well, with you to take care of it, it will probably burn the entire city down. Then you will be really popular with the elves.”
    “Now that wasn’t nice!” I reprimanded.
    “Don’t raise your voice, Mommy; your babies might hear you.”
    “Then let’s take this outside.” I stood and rolled up my sleeves. Then I ran from the room and out the door.
    Nathan followed closely behind, and soon he caught up to me outside and grabbed me around the waist. The shock of his touch paralyzed me for a moment, but then I was able to regain my voice. I squealed and tried to break away from his grasp, but he was too strong for me.
    “Let me go! Let me go!” I pleaded. My words were probably choppy because I was laughing so hard.
    “What do you say?” he asked teasingly.
    “Please!” Fortunately, I knew how to play that game.
    He was about to reply when I heard someone clear her throat behind us. I gasped and turned to see Zora watching us with wide, suspicious eyes. I gently pulled Nathan’s arms from around my waist. He cautiously dropped them to his sides.
    “Welcome home, Ramsey,” Zora said stiffly.
    “Uh, thanks.” I gulped. “Zora…this is Nathan. He’s a friend…from school.” I slowly sidestepped away from him, just to make sure Zora wouldn’t notice how comfortable I was being close to him. However, I could tell that Zora had noticed something , for her lips were in a tight line and she had both hands on her slender hips.
    “Hello, Nathan. I’m Ramsey’s sister, Zora. I see you two are having some