The fact that she wields power Like that, and that I never saw her use it to harm or pressure anyone... and even now, in self-defense she uses it in such a restricted way, when she could have punished the bandits harshly... She has my respect for that. I should just remember never to really piss her off."

Fiona looked at Magnus, smiling.

“My knight in shining armor..." she said playfully, but there was affection in her Look.

“Yes... much use I was... We would have been dead, if not for your sorcery, Mistress. You Looked like a goddess, flinging mortals like ants" Magnus said, sighing. Fiona could still see the awe in his eyes.

“Oh, you haven't seen anything yet, Apprentice. Either way, we both learned something new about each other today. Maybe I should even thank those bandits" Fiona said, laughing.

“I suppose so..." Magnus said, rubbing his sore knuckles. He has knocked out the bandit with one punch. He was also happy to see that the bandit was still alive.

“Keep the sword, Magnus. Maybe we can include some sword lessons in your usual daily chores. There will be a weapon master at Countess

Silvana's estate who can teach you, surely”

Magnus nodded. He felt so inadequate today.

Soon, they were back on the road again. The terrain didn't change much.

Shrubs and trees was all they could see everywhere. The sun has already touched the rim when they reached the estate. A stone wall, about twice the height of a man, surrounded the estate. Guards at the gate let them pass without much fuss. They were obviously informed of their arrival.

Magnus drove the carriage up to the mansion Looking around curiously.

The mansion looked so big and rich to his eyes. The Countess must be sleeping on gold! Then he realized, he had no reference point. This was the only noble house he ever saw. He couldn't really judge if the

Countess was rich, poor or somewhere in between. Well, maybe he could discard the poor option. She did have the money to pay for his

Mistress's services, after all. They were soon greeted by servants, and

Mistress's baggage was taken inside. Magnus opened the carriage door for his Mistress. He wasn't sure what to do next.

“Follow several steps behind me. Don't worry about the carriage, they will take care of it. Same rules apply. Don't speak unless spoken to, if you must speak nod to me first.”

“I understand, Mistress."

They entered the mansion, and Magnus couldn't help gazing at the walls decorated with tapestries. He saw a number of servants, most of them girls. They were taken to the hall, where the Countess herself greeted them in a kind manner. She was a mature woman, in her late forties,

Magnus judged, with a curvy body, somewhat on the heavier side. She had a kind, matronly face.