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As the group of callificars turned to leave, one paused and turned toward me.

“You’re a…”

My son stood between me and the callificar as the man reached for his sword.

“She’s my mother, and you will not hurt her.”

I watched the callificars, but they were all more focused on their ale than me.

My son stared at them, then narrowed his eyes. “Their magic is wrong. Not theirs. Stolen.”

“They are callificars. Being a callificar has a price for many.”

My son tipped his head. “For those that shouldn’t be.”

“No one should be a callificar,” I muttered.

Our travels brought us to small inn, and I was surprised to discover four callificars there.

None wore their uniforms, though all were armed.

I would have left, but we could not make it to another inn before nightfall.

While I feared nothing in the night or in the inn, I wanted my son to be safe.

And I didn’t want him to again face what I was.

I welcomed my own son into the world.

Other than being born to a mother that didn’t stay in one place long, my son was a normal child.

But every time he grinned at me a certain way, I was reminded of his father.

A man he would never know. My heart ached for them both.

I was a skilled healer.

A welcome sight among so many.

They didn’t care that I was a mage who had left her tower.

All they cared about was that I was there to cure their illnesses and deliver their children.

Time saw me absorb the dragon’s magic.

Making me stronger.

So strong I feared I would not be able to hide it for much longer.

I lay my hand over my swollen abdomen and feared for my child.

But I would find a way.