“I can’t preform any of my magic either.” Edward confided, pawing at the turf underfoot. The hippocampus tossed his mane, snorting his displeasure at this realization. “It’s too far away, my powers are so weak here I cannot preform even the simplest spell. As if I am reaching with all my might, but it’s always just out of my grasp. It must be the distance from the ocean for me, with us being farther inland than I thought. Maybe your source of magic is too far away as well Caleb?” 

	“That wouldn’t make any sense.” Caleb argued growing ever more frustrated at his inability. He tried the movement again, positioning his hands just the way Byures taught, and uttering the incantation. To no avail. The magic simply refused to work, denying his every attempt. “I don’t even have a source of power. Or if I do, I am not sure what it is. Or how I could be separated from it here.”

	“The forest district is mighty, old, and interwoven in a twisted web of ancient spells and powerful beings. Magic is a strange force in this world, complicated beyond our understanding. There is a chance it interferes, keeping you locked from your source.” Byures indicated the ancient twisted trees that surrounded them, and the shimmering air that indicated not all was as it seemed.

	“So, my magic is blocked here?”

	“Perhaps, perhaps not. I do not know for certain. Attempt to preform a spell you are confident you could accomplish. We might be given more insight upon the outcome.”

	Caleb mulled this over, rubbing his fingers together. He knew a simple sparking spell, that almost all the Red Twig orphans were taught. A basic incantation that summoned a tiny flurry of sparks, something that could be accomplished by mundane everyday items, but handy in certain situations. Basic survival skills were a must for everyone and knowing how to produce a fire ranked near the top. Feeling his fingers beginning to produce heat from the friction Caleb clapped his hands together, reaching for the magic within. Nothing happened, no burst of yellow sparks materialized in a brilliant if short lived eruption. No matter how deep within himself Caleb searched he could not locate his magic. Byures was right, he could not access even the simplest spells. Caleb’s shoulders slumped in defeat. Sure, he had never been particularly skilled enough in magic to have aspirations of becoming a true mage, but he had always liked the reassuring feeling it provided. It was like an integral part of him was stolen, leaving an empty hole in its place. Even the normally cavalier Edward seemed taken aback by his lack of powers. No doubt being a creature of magic he was feeling the bite of its loss even worse.

	The alligatorman nodded his head, as if he expected this to occur. “It seems my suspicions were well founded. No matter, an opportunity lost but no real harm done. I shall fulfill my promise and see you to the border, but no further. I cannot pass into the other districts. You will have to find your own way or locate a new guide to finish your search. Once you have unlocked your magic once again young Caleb, I urge you to reattempt this spell. You may find it useful on your journey.”

	“Thank you Byures.” Edward said sincerely. “We would have been hopelessly lost in here without your help.”

	The Hunter merely grunted, then in his slow ponderous way turned towards the city borders once more, his young companions following dutifully in his footsteps.