《Runic Water》


 Chapter 1

    The unsettling chill sinking into his chest was more than just the damp evening cold. It was in the lingering fog that wrapped its wispy tendrils around the village¡¯s wooden palisades. It was in the empty silence that dragged across the mossy thatched roofs of the unoccupied dwellings and peered into those rooms from the decomposing windows.


    With his palm pressed firmly against the outer walls of the village, Kytes inhaled slowly, drawing fire from his core. Intricate lines and curves formed in his mind''s eye, and upon the center of his palm, the same engraving was traced upon his skin. Though a mild discomfort, he ground his teeth out of habit. And yet, his umber eyes did not leave the back of his hand, so focused on the spell he was casting. Even when the front of his dark brown hair fell inconveniently over his straight nose.


    Instinct screamed for him to burn the cursed village to the ground, to engulf it and the surrounding woodlands in fire. But he knew better. Flames, even one of holy quality, would do little to pacify the souls ambling aimlessly about the shells of their former homes. Within time, their wandering would cease, and the inhabitants would be fueled with a want to share their untimely demise with others.


    And so while these unfortunate spirits were still unaware, Kytes will turn this trading village, with their thatched residences, their stables and barns, the home of craftsmen, into a prison. More of his binding runes had already been scored upon the desolate town''s outer walls and at his teacher¡¯s command, Kytes would send his power forth and activate each of the engraved spells. The confinement would last five years before another runic mage, just like him, can come renew the wards. Then in another five years, a renewal once again, and again, a cycle repeated.


    A cycle that Kytes and his teacher had been attending to until most recently. Had there been more runic mages, had there been more of the fire affinity, they could have returned home months ago, ending their two week journey that had extended to nearly a year.


    But their own far more experienced colleagues were spread thin, in energy, then in numbers. The fact that the King and the two heavenly Sancti had devolved to relying on senior apprentices and their teachers as traveling pairs for reconnaissance meant all was ill.


    There were no longer enough runic mages, especially those blessed by the fire nymphs, the Lampades. And the surviving ones needed to be kept alive to continue writing wards.


    Such was the case even for Kytes. His teacher, Hollis, made sure he ate and slept, ensured his safety in the wilds. But it was really his sanity that she kept an eye on the most. His other companion was a gray pony that carried their belongings, a feisty reminder about the less morbid things in life.


    From behind one of the houses, a woman emerged, an old shovel in hand, her hands streaked with dirt. She was dressed similarly to him, a sable black coat with white lapels indicating the wealth of the Sanctus they served. Trousers under sturdy boots, practical for traversing mountainous regions. A woolen half cloak, draped from a single shoulder, beginning to unravel at the edges. And while Kytes had maroon embroidery on his, the silver trimmings near the frayed hem of her half cloak revealed she was blessed by the spirits of air called Aurais.


    She was silent, stalking toward him, her braided ebony hair swishing aggressively at her back. Then when she nearly crossed the village''s borders, Hollis threw the shovel aside. The spade clanged against the ground first, scraping loose gravel in its wake, then the handle toppled over. The last two resounding clamours that would ever be heard within this desolate village''s walls.


    "It is done. The last is buried." Hollis said, her voice hollow. ¡°You may seal the village.¡±


    Kytes respectfully looked away as she walked past him. Behind her silver half spectacles, he saw the tear that trickled down her chestnut skin. It never got easier, waiting at another victim''s bedside. Waiting for people to die. Then being the one to lay their body to rest.


    Bracing his fingers once more on the pillar, Kytes envisioned his runes. Every coarse wood engraving, splinters of tinder ready to set to flame. He sent forth a controlled wave of heat, enough to burn through the spiraled grains. Upon the outer walls, his creations ignited into an amber glow. Then each seal darkened, blackened ash wreathing each rune.


    "Lampades give you peace before we return," he muttered a prayer, a plea to the fire nymphs he owed his powers to.


    The village would remain visible to the naked eye but the runes will keep the ghostly inhabitants within and any living passersby afeared enough to keep their distance.


    "Illicit runes."


    Kytes flinched.


    "They had purchased runes that could fall dozens of trees without having to lift a finger," Hollis continued, her eyes transfixed upon the village. "Fools. The amount of tree nymphs that despaired over such carelessness. It is no wonder the town''s been cursed, cursed to Decay!" Her voice rose in volume, shaking with emotion before it softened to a whisper. "But can I truly blame them? They had to fulfill their lord''s orders. So the town might be able to survive the winter with coin obtained."


    Her young apprentice of nineteen years scowled. "Why did House Is''ven give such an impossible request? It is the noble lord''s responsibility to look after his people."


    "Perhaps House Is''ven thought that instead of freely giving financial support, to barter a trade of equal value. But now their silly little dining chairs and grand ballroom table will never arrive." Hollis slapped her grimy hands against her trousers. "Come, let''s rid of this place."


    Kytes lingered for a moment, scanning the thatched huts behind his spelled walls. Would he feel better if he saw a distant curtain flutter, that there was a possibility of a survivor yet? But he knew. He had entered each house, each building, counted the diseased bodies and hauled them onto the pyre himself. The cremation was a week ago, and the recently deceased had been buried behind the village. There was no one left to wave farewell and pray for safe travels.


    He tore away from the lonely gravesite and pursued his teacher''s retreating figure. Each navigating their own emotions, the pair walked in silence. And only when time had stretched long enough and the woods finally began to thin did Kytes muster the courage to speak.


    "Where to now, Master Hollis?"


    "Neburh," the woman responded, pulling out a neatly thrice folded parchment from her inner cloak''s pocket. The seal on it had long been cracked, its content read several times before. "The county closest to poor Scaidun here and the one his Majesty had wanted the Blue Sanctus to do a proper investigation on since last year. And now there is a real reason for the Sanctus to visit."


    When she offered the missive to Kytes, he shook his head. "I remember. Neburh is further south and surrounded by hills. An agricultural county."


    "Supposedly the home of our nation''s most beautiful orchards, even though it hardly rains there." Hollis returned the parchment to her pocket. "I pray for their sake it''s all luck and not because of illicit runes..."


    "Or a rogue mage."


    Hollis released a tense shrill through her nose. "Indeed."


    On the main road, their gray pony waited for them, their much lightened packs all accounted for. On the mount''s breast collar hung an iron amulet with the symbol of the Blue Sanctus, the scholarly branch of the two holy churches and the investigators for the King. It was this talisman that kept their pony safe. In part because the charm was spelled to deter unsavory eyes by persuading the mind to move along, the other reason being who would dare incur a mage''s wrath.


    The pony snorted and drew a cautionary step back when Kytes approached her. He frowned at first, then while reaching for the pony''s reins, his eyes fell upon what had caused the pony''s distress. Not only were his hands besmirched; his entire garb were streaked in the same gray powdery remains.


    "I''ll change later, Mouse. Deal with it," he grumbled, reaching for the water flask in his bag.


    There was a horrible bitter aftertaste and he was certain he had drunk ash. He would have spat it out, but his traitorous body forced him to guzzle the rest of the flask''s content, desperate to quench the aching thirst it suffered. When the last drops hit his tongue, Kytes was finally able to wrench away. That took far more willpower than he expected.


    Something bumped into his side and tugged on his coat. He stared at the intruding gray muzzle for a moment then Mouse wickered softly, a nearly sympathetic sound, and his eyes began to burn.


    "Kytes --."


    "I''m only tired. Nothing more."


    Hollis heard the crack and spared him vocal sympathy. An intelligent boy, a prodigy among his peers, who had desired adventure outside of the stuffy Blue Sanctus. He dreamt of putting his runic magic to use, to aid and protect the people. But reality quickened and he learned his ability was best suited for funeral rites and to encage the dead within bindings, an earthly purgatory. Keep the living safe, that was the most he could do. She had seen his boyish aspirations disappear overnight and tire into acceptance.


    "Well, if Neburh is indeed prospering as the reports say, a bit of rest for the both of us." Hollis tapped his arm with the flask, encouraging him to drink from it. "We don''t need to bring up illicit runes or unlicensed mages upon arrival. We are there merely to warn House Is''et''s, Baron Connall, of his neighbor''s fate and to help Neburh prepare for the worst. Doing the Blue Sanctus'' duty to ensure peace and security on behalf of the king. And if we happen upon the reason for Neburh''s luck, we''ll confiscate it or them within time and the Sanctus can decide what fine to give him."


    Sounds troublesome already, Kytes thought, running a finger against the flask''s rim. But that''s the Blue Sanctus'' job, I suppose.


    Multiple illicit runes to ensure great harvests seems far more likely than a singular unlicensed mage. Someone with that caliber of power would have been noticed by either Sancti immediately once the magic was cast. Yet neither Sanctus detected such an invoking.


    So how is it that Neburh remained verdant, while its close neighbors fell to ruin?


    <hr>


    It was still too early for the manor¡¯s kitchen to be filled with its usual hands, but it should have at least been of mild temperature.


    The hearth''s rune must be broken!


    The moment Alyce threw open the door, cold air seeped into her body and she desired nothing more than to stay in the only slightly warmer hallway. Instinctively, she searched her skirts for her warming stone and her fingers closed around a flat speckled rock the size of her palm. The engraved rune at the center was dark. With a defeated sigh, she dropped it back into her pocket.


    Dawn¡¯s light had yet to reach the windows but the painted white brick walls had begun to turn a shadowy blue. On the opposite wall from where Alyce stood was the fireplace; spacious and tall enough for a person to walk within. And in it, the coals remained dark.


    Her wooden pattens clicking against the flagstone floor, Alyce scuttled around the kitchen''s perimeter and hastened to inspect the fireplace. Her nose was greeted by rosemary and thyme, the dried stalks hanging across the length of the kitchen in several rows. These herbal notes brought some consolation against the kitchen''s chill, invigorating Alyce''s spirit to tend to the hearth faster.


    She swept her auburn hair over a shoulder and peered at the engraved marking on the fireplace¡¯s brick pillars. Her slender nose wrinkled. Despite knowing enough letters to read and write some, she could not make sense of the sigil''s notching and scores. Each symbol had a purpose, melded into an intricate rune to bind the fire within its firebox while it burned for days. She brushed a finger over the trunk of the stave, her blue gray eyes lit with determination.


    "Ignite!"


    The hearth remained as it was and she hastily withdrew a hand to mask her foolish attempt. Only a fire mage could restore power to a hearth rune. Resigned, Alyce hunted for flint and steel while pacing her surroundings in search of the kindling basket. She did not need to look far. Due to the recently guttering runes, the crate, that possessed all the tools she needed, was placed near the fire''s pillars.


    Sweeping her skirts back and ensuring her long hair would not distract her from work, or worse be caught as part of the kindling, Alyce knelt before the fireplace. She struck flint against steel, her mouth decided and after a few attempts, the kindling caught. She sighed in relief and wiggled back from her small achievement before lowering herself near parallel to the ground and blew air toward the infant light.


    ¡°So the hearth rune has finally expired,¡± a calm voice sounded behind her ear.


    Caught unaware, Alyce gulped dust and old ash, before lurching up from her crouch. Still coughing, she faced the speaker behind her, another maid, who''s height reached under Alyce''s chin. Despite her petite figure, she was a few years older than Alyce and possessed traits, which many Neburh girls favored. A mass of black hair, curled and soft to the touch, brilliant blue eyes, and high cheekbones. But the woman often carried a severe aura, usually glaring down her long nose, or up. She was shorter than most.


    The older maid''s mouth twisted into a grimace, her sharp eyes perceiving every speck of dirt on Alyce''s face.


    "Alyce, go wash your face. Soot is unhealthy."


    Alyce smiled guiltily but did as she was bid. "Morning Haddie."


    Haddie answered back with a disgruntled noise.


    At the kitchen''s back was the wash basin, filled with fresh well water from the night before. Alyce dipped a finger into its depth and shivered, anticipating the cold awakening she was about to subject herself to. There was a light tug and gentle hands gathered Alyce''s dense auburn hair into a bunch, holding it as high as Haddie could tip toe to without falling over. Alyce smothered a grin by splashing water over her face. She was taller than most Neburh women, though not nearly as tall as the men, and her height provided certain advantages. She could reach for a book without having to find a ladder and be of great assistance to reach for things on higher shelves. The manor''s three year old heir loved spending time with Alyce, being carried or helped to an apple dangling from a high tree branch.


    "Oof!" Haddie dropped back on to the soles of her feet when Alyce finished washing her face. "I hope my lord has plans to get those hearth runes renewed. We''ve so many rooms that all have dead runes!"


    Alyce lifted her face from a scratchy thin towel. "Who needs magicked runes when you have me?"


    Haddie bumped a hip into Alyce''s side. "Aye, you! The one who likes doing things the archaic way! As if we had all the time in the world! Though I suppose I should be grateful that you know how to start a fire by hand. Thyis knows this room is freezing without one!"


    "It''s quite simple to learn, once you try it a few times," Alyce murmured.


    Haddie shuddered and flapped her hands to cleanse off imaginary dust. ¡°I''m not as patient with that sort of thing. Imagine doing all that during winter. It''s hard enough now, so no. I want the magic working by then!" She sidled about as she scanned the empty kitchen. ¡°Where¡¯s Bea?¡±


    Alyce''s eyes darted to a corner. She was quite aware of the whereabouts of the manor''s third maid.


    ¡°She''s not back yet?¡± Haddie rounded on Alyce, who scuttled a few steps back. "Is she still with that blacksmith boy?"


    The younger woman blinked back innocently then reluctantly nodded. ¡°I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll make herself available in a moment¡¯s time?"


    Haddie sighed, rubbing the space between her eyes. ¡°She''s got to come home on time. We can''t do her work on top of ours. Like today, Baron Connall wanted the both of you to check not only the manor¡¯s well, but also the ones at the outer walls and our lord¡¯s orchards.¡±


    ¡°All which I can rest assuredly do well on my own, Haddie,¡± Alyce answered, trading her towel for the bucket they used to inspect the water levels. "You know I like visiting the castle town."


    ¡°Doesn''t mean she can be late!" Haddie huffed and crossed her arms. "Also the blacksmith boy isn''t being serious with her! My cousin told me that he''s not careful and most definitely not reliable. What if Bea becomes with child!? What will become of us then?¡±


    Alyce slipped a pail over her arm. "By then, we will fuss over her and her new babe. A problem for future us when the time comes.¡±


    The petite maid looked horrified. "When the time comes? It should never come! Not with him! Alyce!"


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Swinging open the scullery¡¯s backdoor with her back, Alyce continued to console. ¡°Bea hates being cold, so she borrows her nightly companions'', and she hasn''t had trouble yet. And speaking of careful, she does wear the old pregnancy charm Lady S¨ªle gave us years ago, the one to wear over the belly."


    Haddie''s cheeks flushed pink. Though they were all grown women, such talks were still embarrassing. "And what if its broken like the hearth runes?"


    "Then our little lord Ryles will have a friend to play with?"


    "Alyce!" Haddie stomped a foot impatiently. "Ah! Nevermind that! The wells! They need to be checked before noon. If you see Bea in the castle town, send her back here. I''ll give her a talking to!" She glared down at Alyce from her perch and pointed with a direct finger. "Don''t ever be that silly, Alyce! I know you like visiting the castle town too!"


    "Except I visit for very different reasons. Besides, we know every boy in town and I like living in peace, not suffering the latest titterings and gossip." She wrinkled her nose at Haddie. "Small little town, words spread fast."


    "And everyone always hear about it by baking day." The two women exchanged knowing grins. "Alright, I know you''re the clever one amongst the three of us, off you go."


    Alyce threw Haddie a fluttering kiss before turning away, her ears rewarded the sound of an amused guffaw.


    Behind the kitchens was the manor¡¯s well, situated closely to a small herb garden. By itself, the well served only the estate, as more were constructed within the castle town and across the barony. The deliberate establishment of these water sources was important to the people¡¯s daily lives and the orchards they attended to.


    Alyce positioned herself against the well¡¯s edge and leaned forward to grab the rope, looking below to spy the tied bucket floating on the water. With strong arms and a stable core, Alyce confidently heaved the bucket upwards until she could grab hold of it and pour the drawn water into her pail. Upon dropping the bucket back in the well, she heard the resounding deep thunk from the water below. The depth within the well was still good.


    From her pail, she cupped a hand into it and tasted the drawn water. Sweet, cold, and crisp, it sparked a wave of delightful wakefulness.


    ¡°Well, that certainly was refreshing,¡± she said, jumping down from her seat. ¡°Even without the rain, we should have little to worry about.¡±


    Her fingertips lingered on the bricks a moment longer, a habit she formed as a child. She had always liked feeling different textures, touching surfaces as she passed. It reminded her how things should feel like, when the mind easily took them for granted.


    A tingling ran up her arm and she giggled at the sensation. The cold well water often had this effect, especially in the mornings. She sighed and smiled haplessly to herself before taking her pail to the garden.


    To the rows of growing herbs, she delivered the remaining water. The stalks were planted by the late Baroness S¨ªle, who enjoyed the scent of lavender while she rested in her room. The woman was kind and had taught her orphaned maids some educational basics, but an unfortunate childbirth swept the baroness back to the goddess'', Thyis, arms three years ago. As a way of remembering the maternal figure that taught her, Alyce had continued to maintain the plants. No longer would the herbs be used for only mere decoration, but instead put to use for cooking and baths.


    The water sunk quickly into the rich soil of the bed, but a few delicate leaves donned the glimmering droplets like jewels. How fitting, she thought, taking the time to admire the sight. Lady S¨ªle would have called this a pendant made of nature''s magic.


    Alyce''s eyes momentarily stung and she forced herself back onto her feet.


    Three years. Three years is long enough, she told herself fiercely.


    With a huff, Alyce ventured forth.


    Behind the stone manor were the rolling hills, old land left for the sheep to graze on. Atop rested the unattended ruins, relics of territory wars long passed. It was beneath these grassy knolls that the manor was constructed. An architecture adorned with ornate carvings twining the upper walls and clay roofing protecting its inhabitants from weather and wind. Most of the windows were made of rare glass, but the most wondrous part of the manor was the side chapel. Cut upon its arching side, embedded like a jewel amongst gray stones, was a wide and colorful glass mural of the goddess Thyis and her daughters, beautiful nymphs that supposedly bless the land and their followers with magicks. A work of art and a hidden treasure, it was here that many ceremonies were held.


    The nation of Maresai and its people revered the goddess and her daughters greatly, depended on their blessings in their everyday. From lighting a candle to delivering peaceful sleep, spells and runes decorated halls and furniture, accessorized persons and garbs. And in turn, those born with the ability to wield any of the nymphs'' gifts were highly regarded, and coveted by the King and his nobles. Mageborn were required to leave their families and receive education at a Chapel or request admittance to either holy Sancti and learn how to make use of the gifts bestowed. Then upon mastering their abilities, the mages would be given permission to share good fortunes with the people. By charging a hefty price for their service.


    Alyce seethed at the thought.


    Whenever the runes would cease functioning, the closest Chapel would send along their mages, but heavens, they were incompetent! To the contract, the runes were supposed to last a year, not six months! Sending a grievance to the Chapel did little good. No one cared about a small agricultural county''s complaints. Not even when several large amounts were already paid for and the runes still failed to deliver.


    Magic is controlled by the king and church, when it''s supposed to be shared with the people. But really, it''s a means to amass coin. Alyce gritted her teeth and stormed past the stained glass mural.


    At the manor¡¯s entrance stood a gatehouse, where a sentry watched the primary passageway. Upon recognizing her, the guard at the gate gave his greeting. Her journey outside the manor¡¯s walls was not uncommon and she was considered the most responsible of the three manor maids. She returned her own pleasantries before walking down the road enshrouded by leafy canopy.


    The manor itself was built away from the humbler local abodes, but not far enough that it would be difficult to visit. When the baroness was still well enough to walk, the woman would visit the village often and insist on buying a mountain of baked goods. It had been exciting, traversing back to the manor with fresh bread in arms, hands, and mouth. Then an evening filled with the sweet aroma of baked apples and hot apple toddies. Alyce grinned at the memory and quickened her pace toward the castle town.


    The hamlet ahead was already lively with its residents. The children were giving their best efforts in herding the geese and chicken. Most of the men have already departed for the orchards past the village, leaving the craftsmen and women folk to set up shop or prepare for laundering.


    Alyce¡¯s presence was cheerfully regarded as she frequently visited the wells and cisterns along the barony. The villagers never questioned her doing so as the assumption was she would report her findings to the baron. The wells were all in similar construct to the one at the manor, and like it, the water was just as sweet and clear. Alyce was personally relieved that no playful child had thought to drop a favored toy into the depths below.


    With that managed, she prepared to travel upon the main road through the green fields that bordered the beginnings of the orchards. There was one well before the groves that served as a final watering hole for the orchardists before traveling further inwards to work.


    As she made on that path, she spied a crowd ahead. Alyce frowned. The spot before the fields was the village smithy, an area of high importance as the blacksmith made near every tool a craftsman would need. A quick scan of the crowd told her that it was largely made of his usual customers, a few nosy grandmamas, and Bea.


    Alyce crept over to the maid then clamped her hands over Bea''s shoulders.


    Bea squeaked in surprise, turning around to face her attacker. Like Haddie, Bea was pleasant to look upon. Long lashes and cornflower blue eyes, blushing cheeks all wreathed by curly golden hair. She had the most agreeable figure, always strutting about with the most flattering flounce. She had the sweetest of smiles and the girliest laugh, knowing exactly how to turn her face in the prettiest ways.


    But it was Bea who held them all for several nights, after the baroness passed. The one who sang lullabies to the newborn lordling to cease his crying. Despite the trouble and tardiness Bea occasionally burdened Alyce and Haddie with, the three shared a sisters'' bond.


    "Yes, but look here." Bea tugged Alyce away from the crowd. "Morning gossip before baking day and it begins at the smithy and wouldn''t you know it, the blacksmith is delayed because those old fire runes of his won''t light. It''s not only him, it''s the farrier, the bakers, the lorimer¡­"


    "And near the entire manor as well, " Alyce grumbled. "What of it?"


    "The craftsmen are going to file a complaint with the baron. They aren''t happy with the fact the last mage was here only six months ago and the runes have all broken. But what if¡ª" Bea leaned to reach Alyce¡¯s attentive ear. "It''s not the mage''s fault. What if it''s the land and the magicks. Perhaps we''re running out or the earth isn''t well. Just like the lack of rain, we haven''t had a good storm in ages¡­"


    Alyce sighed and clamped her hands around Bea¡¯s face. "Or the mage was just cheap and couldn''t do a proper spell. Once our lord hears this, he will make sure to not send for the same old mage and all will be well. Alright, Colleen Fusspot?"


    "Ever the realist." Bea pouted prettily. "What if it''s like the Decay. We''ve thankfully avoided it thus far."


    A quiet hiss and Alyce clamped a hand over the pretty woman''s gossiping mouth. "Hush now. You''ll scare someone by bringing it up. It''s thankfully far east where the Green Sanctus is and their war mages are dealing with it." She pulled away and presented her pail. "I need to visit the wells in the orchard. But you best hurry back, Haddie needs help back home." A shout drew her attention back to the crowd. "Ah, so the blacksmith got a fire going?"


    "Ah yes, his son was woken up to get that going."


    Alyce wiggled her eyebrows in Bea¡¯s direction. "And what did the blacksmith and his wife say to that, finding their son not so alone in his bed?"


    Bea answered with a sly smile. "It''s only proper manners to wake up and greet the kindly folks if you''re found. Try not to fall into a well now." Delivering a swift peck on Alyce''s cheek, she skipped off in the direction of the manor.


    "If I fall in, you''d probably be the first to hear about it anyways," Alyce muttered to herself. She took one final glance at the crowd, which had begun to disperse. Some were busy dragging a soot stained young man toward their own shops. She narrowed her eyes, conducting her own judgment upon the lad.


    I suppose if Bea likes muscles, he''s certainly got them. But the problem about growing up in a small county is you truly know everyone.


    And Alyce remembered everything about the blacksmith''s son, who used to throw half eaten apples into the wells.


    With a huff, she stuck her nose in the air and resumed her task.


    Tall grass stalks, half a person''s height, stretched across the expanse before the orchards. The mud in which it grew was a fertile slurry, but seldom used for the trees. The village and manor were once part of a larger castle, surrounded by a moat that provided for its nobility. But when the land was bestowed to the Is''et family, the head of house had the castle dismantled and invited commoners to build homes on parts of it instead.


    The orchards then flourished past the old moat, for miles stringing through more hamlets, groves, and farther villages. Though much further than Alyce had ever traveled, those secluded towns also cared for the hills and orchards. And somewhere beyond was the closest Chapel, just at cusp of Neburh''s western borders.


    Gnawing at her grievance still, Alyce slipped a hand into her skirt pocket and felt for her heating stone. Pulling it out, she inspected its grooved surface. It was a cheap magicked talisman that was once purchased from the same Chapel. Smooth to the touch with a rune scratched on the flattened bottom side. And in its current defective state, it would work better as a paperweight.


    A horse''s whinny drew her attention up to a most peculiar sight. At the side of the road was a gray pony being coaxed by two figures. They were strangers to these parts, judging by their attires and unfamiliar silhouettes. The animal seemed unwilling to move and she could hear an exasperated male voice trying to reason with it. Hastily, she pocketed her stone and hurried toward them.


    Upon closer approach, Alyce took great effort to not let her jaw drop. Their garb spoke of money. It was even finer than the baron''s best and those often cost at least a few gold coins. But goodness, the woman''s spectacles or even the pony''s saddle, could purchase five suits for the baron and perhaps even more for his three year old son.


    Her footsteps and rattling pail alerted the pony''s company. A dark haired young man twisted around to look at her. He appeared close to her in age, clean shaven to achieve a more youthful appearance, and looked to be of similar height. Before she could scrutinize the stranger further, the pony took that moment to veer into him, propelling him aside. He caught himself and once regained footing, threw a glare at the pony, muttering something to it. The mare threw her head up and made a noise that sounded like a snicker.


    A light smile tugged on Alyce''s lips, the amusing performance bestowing her a willingness to confront the richly dressed but strange trio.


    The woman, who could have been the age of the young man''s mother, smiled and extended her hands out in a peaceful gesture.


    "What luck. Though still a way''s out, our pony here has decided we''ve reached our destination, in the middle of this¡ª." She looked about in feigned bewilderment. "Field, I suppose. "


    There was a slight accent to her wispy voice, one that belonged to the residents of Thalhurst, the holy city in the west. Alyce returned the amicable traveler''s smile with her own.


    "The castle town of Neburh is up ahead," Alyce answered.


    "Ah! Civilization." The woman seemed relieved. "What do you say, Mouse?"


    Alyce giggled behind her hand, eyes flitted to the young man, but upon meeting her gaze, his brows furrowed. Embarrassed, she looked away, quickly realizing her blunder.


    "Mouse is our pony. Though she''s hardly the skittish type nowadays." Came the amused clarification. The woman''s dark chocolate eyes twinkled behind her constellation adorned spectacles. "And I am Hollis. And this fellow here is my apprentice, Kytes. We have traveled here from Thalhurst, on behalf of the Blue Sanctus.¡±


    Alyce¡¯s smile stiffened. "Blue Sanc ¡ª" She flung herself into a curtsy and remained bowed low. Most mages in the continent belonged to the minor chapels and made of those born to lower nobles, merchants or perhaps craftsmen. Those who could call either Sancti their home were either high nobles or the realm''s most talented mages with great aptitude.


    "Oh my, no, no." Hollis immediately drew Alyce back to her height, but not before lightly kicking the side of her student''s boot. "Though we belong to the church, we are still very human. I¡¯ve merchant origins and I have yet to grow accustomed to others bowing left and right. It''s why we''re so far away from home. Thyis has blessed me with a far journey to escape it all. Although¡­" she looked back at the pony. "I suppose Thyis also wants to keep me here."


    Alyce looked over the woman''s shoulder. "Perhaps a drink of water?" She patted the pail at the crook of her elbow. "It''s not much of a trough but there is a well in the orchard there."


    The relief in Hollis'' eyes told Alyce she had found the point of concern. Truthfully, the woman was most likely worried about their tired mount. And judging by their cautionary behavior, the travelers did not want to cause offense by stepping into unknown orchards.


    "Thyis bless me, if you could¡­"


    Alyce nodded. "Of course, Esphyr Hollis," she said using the formal mage title that most magic users preferred hearing.


    Adjusting the pail from her arm, Alyce felt her skirt lighten, and something bump the top of her foot. The old heating stone had fallen out from her skirt pocket, most likely from an unraveling darned hole. Alyce inconspicuously kicked it behind her as she curtsied once more before dashing away in the direction of the well.


    It wasn''t long before Alyce spied the well that sat between a row of apple trees. As she had done hundreds of times before, she grabbed hold of the rope and tested its weight before dropping the well''s own bucket in the water. But this time, the sound did not have the dull thunk of deep waters. Frowning, Alyce peered down.


    "I haven''t visited in a while, but surely it wasn''t like this last¡­" She drummed her fingers against the rope she held. The bucket was much further down, meaning the water level here was lower than the other wells.


    She further tested the depths before hauling the bucket up. Thankfully, it was not dangerously low, but this still warranted a report back to the baron.


    "I hope you don''t mind that the water is for a pony and not the trees," she muttered as she heaved the drawn water into her pail. "I''ll visit again and perhaps all will be well. It has been a dry autumn after all¡­and it must be difficult to find water with no rain, isn''t it?"


    A familiar tingle shot down her arms, then grew in intensity tenfold, causing Alyce to nearly drop the bucket. Her legs and the soles of her feet felt numb, as if shocked by a sudden cold, and she froze in place until the sensation dissipated. When she could feel her toes again, Alyce swung the bucket back into the well before rubbing her hands together and down the length of her arms.


    An illness? She thought perplexed. It had been getting cold, but when was the last time she had gotten sick? Alyce had always prided herself in extraordinary health and she would be disappointed if she lost that record.


    She flapped her hands out in front of her before retrieving her full bucket by the handle.


    The pony called Mouse was much cheered upon seeing her return. Within seconds of setting the pail down, Alyce stumbled backward when the pony ducked her head into the vessel''s depths and began to greedily drink from it. Water overflowed and poured messily onto the bottom hem of her skirts and pattens.


    A pair of hands helped her up from the shoulders and she looked at her benefactor. If he noticed her frown, Kytes ignored it, seemingly thinking as he eyed the wet splotches on her dress. Before she could question him, the mage had begun to draw something on the palm of his hand and lifted it to the outside of her skirts.


    Alyce jerked away, her eyes focused on the raised and redden flesh.


    "What are you doing?"


    Kytes remained where he stood, his hand retracted an inch, fingers closing slightly over the scratches. "A drying spell," he answered, an inquiring brow lifted. He was clearly unphased by his own marring. "Unless you want to walk in wet shoes and dress."


    "He''s very good at handy little fire spells. Heating water, drying clothes, starting fires¡ª" Hollis remarked. "But he should have warned you before performing magicks. I''ve told you, Kytes, not all of Maresai are used to seeing actual magicks that don''t come in the form of objects and runes."


    Closing his hand into a fist, Kytes tucked it behind his back. "My apologies. I forget that sometimes. I was only trying to help. May I?"


    "You may not," Alyce replied coldly. "I cannot afford it and my clothes will dry just fine without magic."


    The mage looked as if she was speaking a different language. "I''m not asking for payment."


    The sound of an empty pail clattering to the ground signaled the finish of the pony''s desperate drink of water. Without bothering to bid an excuse, Alyce went to retrieve her water bucket, ignoring the slipping sensation of her pattens.


    "You have given our pony water, we only wish to pay your kindness forward," Hollis murmured quietly.


    "It''s only water from a well. Thank the nymphs if you want, I simply fetched it." She bobbed into a curtsy again. "I''ve truly no ways to pay a mage for any kind of magic. Please excuse my behavior."


    There was a drawn silence before Hollis spoke, nodding with understanding. "It seems we''ve forgotten the common expectations outside of the Sanctus. Apologies, Colleen, we did not mean to put you into an uncomfortable situation. And since the spell was not cast, no harm done." She raised a reassuring hand toward Alyce. "We will pass along our thanks to House Is''et."


    Alyce could only mutely nod. A maid worked on behalf of their employer and a stranger''s good word would bolster her lord''s impression.


    "Then good day, Esphyr Hollis, Esphyr Kytes."


    She retreated quickly from the mages, biting down on her lower lip as her feet quickened the pace.


    Had he nearly done magic without telling her the price? It was common knowledge that payment needed to be fulfilled before even a single spell was cast. Perhaps the wealthy he served could always pay the Sanctus mage''s price and he did not think to ask.


    And what was that, carving a rune into his skin? The Chapel mages that come by had never done magic like that. They muttered nonsense, the sigils would light and magic would work for a short while. And that was it.


    But what he did made her stomach roil. Did it not hurt to scratch so deeply? What if he had drawn blood? Would that make magic more effective? Longer lasting? A Sanctus mage was far more outstanding than a Chapel one, was that the price to pay for such a difference in power?


    Esphyr Kytes seemed capable enough and his accompanying teacher spoke highly of him. But they were Sanctus mages. To pay for their service would empty Neburh''s coffers and surely Baron Connall was not desperate enough to form a contract with them.

 Chapter 2

    The water in the washing trough was milky white. Each minute soap bubble an iridescent realm, fracturing and shifting through a variegated spectrum.


    A giggle and a splash next to her drew Alyce''s eye to the boy next to her. Ryles, the baron¡¯s son and heir to House Is''et, dunk his hands into the basin and after sloshing about, drew them out, shaping a opalescent film between his index fingers and thumbs.


    At the endearing age of three, Ryles had yet to understand the line between servant and lord. His far too easy going father had allowed his son to befriend the manor¡¯s maids, in hopes the women would share even a sliver of maternal kindness with the boy. And wholeheartedly did they share, doting, teaching, playing ¡ª even entertaining his childish likes and antics.


    As was the case when he happily wallowed in the stables for hours until the maids discovered him. Ryles loved visiting his father''s horses.


    As was this the case a moment ago, which led to Alyce fussing and imploring Ryles to change into fresh clothes while she scrubbed the the soiled ones with soft lye soap.


    A pair of hands clapped over her shoulders, startling Alyce''s focus from the stubborn stains and into a pair of bright blue eyes.


    "Have you seen the guests?" Bea asked excitedly, rocking Alyce¡¯s weight to and fro.


    Between each sway, Alyce retorted back. ¡°Is that where you were? Spying on the visitors while I was alone here, doing the laundry?¡±


    ¡°Bad Bea,¡± Ryles chided with all the dignity of a three year old.


    Bea pouted, hoisting her skirts before settling on her haunches. ¡°Oh, but I¡¯m here now, aren¡¯t I?¡±


    She rummaged within the frothy waters and lugged out a waterlogged child''s tunic. ¡°You should have seen their clothes!¡± Bea continued on while scrubbing the article between her hands. ¡°Such fine fabrics, luxurious wool and silk. And they wore such lavish material for traveling garb! Goodness, how wealthy could they be?¡±


    Alyce gave Bea a sidelong glance. There was no chance her golden hair friend had overlooked a richly dressed mage boy. And that look on Bea¡¯s face, the subtle lift at the corners of her lips, the glimmer in her cornflower eyes, all but confirmed it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you go causing trouble for us. Besides aren''t you ¡ª." Alyce spied Ryles watching them curiously. ¡°Friends with the smith''s boy?¡±


    Bea gave her usual mischievous smile. ¡°A girl can have more than one friend. and besides, we have an understanding.¡± She pounded the tunic against a batting board and began to knead the soap out of it. ¡°Should we take a gander at the visitors, Master Ryles?¡±


    The boy stretched his arms upward and feigned a yawn, teasing a grin from Alyce.


    ¡°They have a pony. A gray one,¡± Bea wheedled.


    Ryles'' eyes grew wide at the singular word ''pony''.


    ¡°I want to see!¡±


    ¡°Ah! So all I needed was choice words,¡± Bea crowed triumphantly as she bounced on to her feet. ¡°Let¡¯s go see that pony!¡±


    ¡°You will not be shirking your duties, Bea."


    The stern voice sent the woman back on her knees to attend the washing board and basin. From the direction of the outer fields, Haddie marched toward them. Her astute eyes recognized the boy in their company, and she gave the young lord a curtsy before regarding the maids. ¡°Alyce, our lord has guests. I''ll need you to bring refreshments to his study.¡±


    Alyce instantly shoved the breeches she had been laundering back into the sudsy waters. ¡°Oh but Bea is better at selecting sweets, no?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, I can do it!¡±


    ¡°Bea¡¯s too nosy for her own good,¡± Haddie answered, raising an apprehensive brow. ¡°And you wouldn''t dare flirt with our lord''s guests.¡±


    A tug on her sleeve turned Haddie''s attention to Ryles, standing by her elbow. ¡°Bea said they have nice clothes and a pony.¡±


    Haddie shot a glare in Bea¡¯s direction, who began humming while she washed. ¡°They are noble mages from the Blue Sanctus, Master Ryles.¡±


    ¡°Nobles? Like father?¡±


    The query was innocent in question. Having stayed only within Neburh, Ryles had minimal interactions with those considered nobility. Even so, the ones he had met were considered lower nobles, akin to the status of merchant houses. Sanctus mages, even the ones who were not born nobles, easily outranked country barons.


    Haddie knelt down to reach the boy''s height. ¡°You''ll need to act properly with them then, just like with your visiting aunts and uncles. Show the Sanctus mages the best of House Is¡¯et''s manners. Which is why Alyce, with her wonderful mannerism, should hurry along and provide them refreshments.¡±


    As if the noble mages were present, Ryles straightened his back. ¡°Bring them honey cakes, Alyce,¡± he insisted.


    Alyce smiled at the boy¡¯s attempt to act the lordling. ¡°Of course.¡±


    Haddie¡¯s honey tea cakes were one of Ryles¡¯ favorite desserts and the most visually impressive sweet they could bake. These rose shaped cakes had always garnered attention and brought on conversation.


    And if these mages were proper nobles, Alyce thought as she bade farewell. They would hardly glance at the maid delivering the tea and cakes.


    <hr>


    Baron Connall of House Is''et. His taste in furnishing seemed both behind the times and unsophisticated rustic. The hunting scenes on the upholstery greatly contrasted the plain white walls and ceiling, with its exposed wooden beams. The light ash wood bookshelves looked peculiar next to the oddly shaped writing desk, its legs carved into the shape of a beast''s limbs and paws. Built into the walnut top were two large drawers, the handles were in the shape of feline heads.


    A mess, Kytes mused, while he inspected the fireplace. Its mantle and header thankfully lacked any design beside the standard fire rune that was engraved at the side. With so much unnecessary details about the room, he had begun to feel uneasy. The baron was either lacking in visual discernment or those pieces were heirlooms and still kept for their functionality.


    Kytes placed his hand on the fireside rune. There was no magic left in it, and yet ¡ª


    There was a fire blazing within its box, though not a spelled fire. Unlike the rune sustained ones, that kept fires burning without danger to its residents and home, this would need to be put out and rebuilt again later on.


    ¡°I am most fortunate to have employed people, who can do things the old way."


    Kytes turned to face a homely looking man, setting a tall herding stick by the door. Baron Connall did not don typical aristocratic garb but instead wore weathered but durable clothes. A vest over a long tunic, sturdy trousers and muddy boots, the man looked as if he had just returned from herding sheep. His receding hair was hidden by his fine woolen cap, but Kytes still spied a generous amount of light brown hair poking out from the sides.


    The man''s naturally downturned eyes were kind and when he smiled, great craters formed around the edges of his mouth. He had a sparse beard and a wide nose, both which added to Baron Connall¡¯s pastoral aesthetic. In this room of gaudy furnishing, he looked severely out of place.


    ¡°I fear I have kept you waiting for much too long, that your teacher had thought to come fetch me. My apologies, Esphyr Kytes,¡± Connall continued, looking back at Hollis. who was meticulously checking the underside of her boots.


    The mage woman''s eyes flitted upward, her mouth dipped into a grimace. "I found Baron Connall in the field with his sheep, hound, and a gaggle of villagers. A lord, who allows an audience in the middle of a pasture. If the capital knew of this, imagine the dismay and uproar.¡±


    ¡°They hadn''t deigned to check on me yet and thus, I will continue to govern as I see fit,¡± the baron responded pleasantly. ¡°My priority is to my people and they are displeased. Whether it be in the village or field, I will hear their grievances.¡±


    Kytes immediately grinned before meekly ducking his head down when Hollis directed a severe look. Having been surrounded by nobles his entire life and seen all shows of the higher class flaunting their status, here was a soul that thought more for his people. Though as a Sanctus representative, he had to mind revealing his opinion.


    Noticing the exchange, Connall smiled warmly at the boy. ¡°Esphyr Kytes, your teacher tells me that you are a runic mage with a resonance with fire. How much do you know of service contracts pertaining to fire runes?¡±


    The young mage straightened his back, his pride in his education apparent. ¡°I can read and draft contracts, my lord. As well as create binding clauses that ensure the contract remains true until the work is completed.¡±


    ¡°Then you can detect if there is no binding clause in effect.¡±


    Kytes frowned. ¡°Why would a contract be without the spell?¡±


    Connall grunted and brought out a sheaf of orderly documents from behind his desk. "Just like my home, the fire runes in the town have expired, much sooner than I expected. It has been less than six months since I ordered them renewed by the closest Chapel."


    The documents handed to Kytes were, by all accounts, parchments, recorded words with long dried ink. But just like the fire atop the hearth, he could not detect even a fragment of spellwork within these verbacious paragraphs. The detailing of the date, the servicing mage''s name, the Chapel that sent them, and the amount paid. But as long winded as further notes of the number of runes, their location, all were vague or missing.


    Every mage in the realm was associated with a Sanctus or Chapel. The most talented and esteemed mages would become Sanctus mages and be paid handsomely for serving the king and wealthy. While the vast majority of magic users would either become merchants, who sold simple talismans, or continue to work for a Chapel.


    If an individual remained with a Chapel, their responsibilities would cover educating local mage children, or traveling to nearby towns, providing blessings or renewing old runes. Such tasks still provided a generous livelihood for Chapel mages, enough that they could live comfortably. And the amount of power used to renew runes, for the minimum of three years, was hardly draining.


    Was the mage incapable or ¡ª


    Suspicion gnawed at him as Kytes read the documents over again. The county of Neburh, with its vast agricultural fields and orchards, was fairly secluded and a cumbersome journey for most Chapels. And hence the baron could only rely on the closest Chapel, located at its western borders, to replenish these runes.


    Quiet fury boiled in his chest. Drafting a contract without an active binding spell meant doing much less than promised would never be punished. And any dispute later would never matter, for who would pay mind to a lowly baron?


    ¡°It is as you see it, Esphyr Kytes.¡±


    The young Sanctus mage looked up. Connall was not blind to the truth of the situation, nor was he seeking an explanation.


    ¡°I do not expect the Blue Sanctus would care very much for a dispute between an agricultural barony and a local Chapel, but perhaps, if you might deliver the letter back to your superiors, they might convince a different Chapel to send a mage to fulfill the rest of the contract.¡±


    How long would that take? Kytes frantically began to calculate an estimated time. Their own investigation here would take at least a week, then there was the journey back, and even upon delivery, the Sanctus would need more time to look into the matter.


    But he was here. A fire mage. And already at Neburh.


    ¡°Perhaps I may be of assistance,¡± Kytes began to say.


    The baron raised a halting hand. ¡°I thank you for the offer, but I cannot afford a Sanctus mage''s service. Hence why I rely on the local Chapels.¡±


    The man''s words resurfaced an all too recent memory. The girl with red hair and bluish gray eyes, who shoved him away, looking absolutely repulsed. It had stung when she spoken her reason to reject his aid. And both rationales echoed the other.


    Connall offered Kytes a kind smile. ¡°You have confirmed my suspicion that there was no binding spell to fulfill the contract from both sides. That is already of great help. If you could send this letter and share my qualms with your superiors, that would be enough. My people and I can manage for a while longer.¡±


    "It will take more than a little while," Kytes tried explaining patiently. "You needn¡¯t pay the Sanctus, my lord. It is my own willingness¡­¡±


    ¡°You truly are a kind lad, but it is a matter of principle, Esphyr Kytes. The Chapel was dishonest and did not fulfill their part of their contract. It is my duty to notify the Blue Sanctus. If I take your offer, the Sanctus would think this resolved, the Chapel will not know what they have done wrong and will continue to deceive other local counties and villages.¡± Connall nodded at Hollis, who had come to stand by her student. ¡°You will agree, Esphyr Hollis?¡±


    ¡°As painful as it is to admit it, yes. That is the proper way of doing things. Although¡­¡± The woman gave Kytes a wink, provoking him to regard her back with his own serious scrutiny. Hollis had a way of finding loopholes. ¡°An interesting thing happened on our way up here, my lord.¡±


    Soft shushing footsteps were heard scurrying into the study and to Kytes¡¯ left, a plate of teacakes was set on the table. The baron murmured his thanks before turning his attention back to Hollis.


    ¡°Interesting?¡±


    ¡°Yes. On our way through the orchards, our poor pony was overcome by thirst and had refused to take another step. Luckily for us, a young woman, dressed just like your maid here, happened to pass us by and so kindly offered our mare water.¡±


    A glass clacked far too loudly against the tabletop and Kytes looked at the individual next to him. Auburn hair, blue gray eyes, keen facial features. Feigning unfamiliarity, Kytes turned away to inspect the ceiling.


    ¡°As mages, we honor the act of good deeds done for us." Hollis leaned over the plate, taking great effort to select a cake.


    ¡°Esphyr Hollis, I¡¯m afraid giving water to a horse does not surmount to a rune''s renewal.¡± The baron gestured at an empty spot on his desk. ¡°You may leave the water pitcher here, Alyce.¡±


    ¡°Is it not? For Kytes and I both tried wheedling the pony to walk, and she still would not obey the will of two Sanctus mages. But like magic, the pony dutifully accompanied us here after being given water.¡± Hollis slid a cup underneath the pitcher and helped herself to a generous amount of water. "I heard your villagers lamenting about ineffective runes and Kytes saw the Chapel''s contract. As mages, it is deeply frustrating to be perceived so poorly. So allow us make things right, that we might remedy the perception your people have¡­of our kind."


    Connall frowned at the suggestion then looked at his maid, who appeared uncomfortable between his two guests.


    As a child, Alyce was quite beloved by his late wife. A willing girl who learned quickly and became a trusted and reliable servant. She remained capable even on the occasions when the manor''s runes ceased to function properly and most likely, the one summoned to start the fire in this very room.


    He sighed. A hardworking servant with more tasks now because of this inconvenience.


    ¡°Alyce, how many fires have you started by hand today?¡±


    Kytes startled, looking toward the still bowed woman. ¡°By hand?¡±


    The baron smiled upon hearing the genuine surprise in the Sanctus mage¡¯s voice. ¡°Yes, she is quite skilled with the archaic ways of doing things. Laundering, drying clothes, starting fires, everything we would believe inconvenient and she has never complained. Alyce?¡±


    ¡°Seven, my lord. The kitchen, baths, study, bedrooms, and the manor¡¯s chapel,¡± the maid answered clearly.


    ¡°More work for you when there is much to be done.¡± He waved a hand toward Kytes. ¡°I retract my previous statement, I would be grateful for your assistance. If you would only supply the fire runes with the amount that was unfulfilled, that would be enough. No more than that.¡± He looked back at the maid. ¡°Alyce, you are quite familiar with the location of our runes. Please accompany him to the castle town tomorrow so he can renew the communal runes.¡±


    The young woman yanked her head up, mouth agape as if she wished to protest.


    ¡°The townsfolk and the girls will be relieved to know their runes will be working sooner than expected,¡± Connall reminded Alyce gently.


    Her mouth latched closed and she sunk into a curtsy. ¡°Yes, my lord,¡± she relented then meekly excused herself.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Alyce has always been a bit wary of magic,¡± Connall told his guests once the door shut closed. ¡°Like many residents in Neburh, the only mages she¡¯s encountered are those from the local Chapel and they have left a poor impression.¡±


    Hollis swirled the water against the walls of her cup. ¡°Beside the Chapel closest to your borders, how often do you interact with the villages outside of Neburh?¡±


    The baron frowned at the sudden shift in topic. "I have thought it curious why Sanctus mages would suddenly visit my home.¡± His eyes darted between the two before him. ¡°It''s been years since my own personal interaction with them, but to my knowledge, the outer farms trade for lumber with the little village of Scaidun during the cooler seasons.¡±


    Kytes recalled seeing distant singular housing when they crossed Neburh''s borders. He sighed deeply. Sooner or later, those farmers will wonder what happened to their seasonal trading partner. Scaidun, the Decayed village he had bound days ago, was a closer neighbor than the castle town.


    Connall braced his hands on the table. ¡°Has something happened?¡±


    ¡°You might wish to send a message to those residents. Request them not to approach Scaidun for the time being,¡± Hollis responded gravely. "The people there are no more. Their rotted bodies have been cremated, but their souls are --- still there."


    The baron shut his eyes, prominent wrinkles grew at his brows. "The Decay then,¡± he reluctantly affirmed. ¡°Scaidun was not under Is¡¯et¡¯s protection, but had they needed assistance ¡ª¡±


    The grief etched on the man''s face was abundantly clear to Kytes and the young man looked away, riddled with guilt. He had assumed a baron would at least be conceited enough to act as most nobles do. But here was a man with outdated and gaudy, but still functional furnishing. His staff served the simplest cakes that would have been considered rustic at Thalhurst¡¯s tea houses. Any luxury he could have procured for himself, Connall saved for Neburh¡¯s coffers and his people. And the man still wondered if he could have helped another territory''s people?


    It is sheer luck then that Neburh had remained untouched by the plaguing Decay, Kytes thought. Baron Connall could not afford paying a mage to protect his people, much less pay for powerful new runes, legal or illicit.


    Hollis was turning the cup in her hands, as if entranced by the water within. After a moment, she poured water into the remaining two cups and offered them to Connall and Kytes. ¡°Precautionary actions should be considered, my lord. And with luck, never needed. After all, Neburh has stayed safe for so long, has it not?"


    Connall sighed while taking a sip from his vessel. "I lack your optimism. If the Decay has taken my neighbor, it is at my doorstep. And what funds do I have to prevent a plague such as this? It is only a matter of time, Esphyr Hollis."


    Kytes lifted the cup, taking precaution to analyze the water within. When the charmed cuff on his ear did not warm, he knew it was safe to drink. Although¡­


    He glanced at Hollis, who was readjusting her spectacles. But underneath her hand, she hid a smile. Curious as to what his teacher discovered, Kytes willingly took a sip.


    The water that ran through the holy Sancti and wealthier cities were considered the most pure. Even the water in most of the nation¡¯s villages were spelled to prevent contamination and diseases. But this ¡ª


    Within seconds, he was staring down at an empty cup. He had drained it so quickly, partly because of thirst, and partly because the fire within him clamored for it. His flames had greedily devoured it, kindled a mote brighter by the water¡¯s blessing.


    He set the cup down, silently shushing his powers to settle as he pondered over the circumstance. A rural agricultural county in the middle of nowhere had water more pure, more invigorating, than that of the Thalhurst, the western holy city?


    "And yet it has not gone through it," Hollis said, giving her student a knowing smile. "As if being warded off by your county''s orchards and lush hills.¡±


    <hr>


    Several large pots clattered noisily across the worktable, startling Alyce from her meticulously organized piles of plump elderberries and rotund sloe berries. Since late summer, every night, House Is''et''s three maids busied themselves with making fruit preserves, pickling vegetables, and curing meat. These chores were done in preparation for autumn''s end and winter''s frigid arrival, when fresh produce would be lean to find and the preserved vittles would be essential for flavoring blander fare.


    "You''re so lucky," Bea huffed, heaving a large sack of sugar next to the pots. Freed from her burden, she heaved herself over the bench and sidled into Alyce''s shoulder. ¡°What I would give to walk about with a handsome mage and not have to attend to the same old everyday routine.¡±


    Alyce playfully shoved the dramatic maid. ¡°Would you like to trade with me then?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely!¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not.¡± Wagging a ladle swathed in sticky sugar at them, Haddie glowered over a boiling pot of hot elderberry jam. Her dark hair was pulled under a linen head cloth, her forehead dripping with sweat from toiling over the steaming preserves. ¡°We need the fire runes renewed as soon as possible, and you, Bea, would most certainly try to delay the poor boy.¡±


    Bea sniffed indignantly. ¡°I would never!"


    Haddie made a rude sound before impatiently pointing her ladle at the pots. ¡°Besides a few coins, there¡¯s nothing to gain from tangling with a mage. They travel on behest of the king and nobles, and would never settle down, so don¡¯t you try. You¡¯ll be left disappointed.¡± She looked down her long nose to propel Bea onto the next step, mashing the berries in the cooking vessels. ¡°They¡¯re the type that want to leave a legacy on the world. Unless you can provide the favors they want, titles, rapport, introductions to wealthier nobles, marriage partners, anything to further their influence, they¡¯ll sooner forget you the moment you¡¯re away from sight.¡±


    ¡°I suppose that would be troubling.¡± Bea sighed loudly. ¡°I don¡¯t like being forgotten by the lads.¡±


    Alyce was watching Bea mash the elderberries when she felt a pair of eyes on her. She glared back at Haddie.


    ¡°I''m only guiding him to where the runes are. I am not silly enough to tangle with a mage, especially not him,¡± Alyce replied stiffly. ¡°I thought mages chanted spells and what not, but he made markings on his hand in order to do magic!¡±


    Haddie raised a hand to her chin. ¡°And he is the one renewing our runes? Thyis knows our lord absolutely cannot afford a runic mage, if that is what the lad is.¡±


    ¡°Runic mage?¡± The word wasn¡¯t entirely foreign to Alyce. They were the only ones allowed to forge new runes, but did these mages often renew engraved inscriptions? ¡°How much is it for a mage like that to renew runes?"


    Haddie held up one finger. ¡°A Chapel mage would take one gold per rune. A Sanctus mage ¡ª¡± She lifted two additional fingers.


    Three gold per rune? Alyce scoffed in surprise. Just renewing the manor runes alone was more than what she made in five years. And yet, the runic mage had said he would not accept payment. What madness was that?


    ¡°Then the runic mages. Any child with that gift is immediately sent to the Blue Sanctus and trained. With such investment in their talents, and also how only a few great ones are produced each year, the king has Sanctus runic mage costing ten gold per rune.¡±


    ¡°Ten gold!¡± Alyce and Bea cried.


    A knock on the kitchen door caused the women to jump. Standing by its frame was the same boy they had been gossiping about. With the way he scowled, she was certain the mage heard everything.


    ¡°Esphyr Kytes,¡± Haddie acknowledged him loudly, lowering her ladle back into the simmering concoction. ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    The muscles at his jaw tensed. ¡°May I speak to Colleen Alyce?¡± he finally asked, politely using the phrase for a young woman. ¡°She is to show me the runes tomorrow and I wish to know when we are to begin.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Haddie looked pointedly in Alyce''s direction and jerked her chin. ¡°It¡¯ll be more comfortable to speak outside in the cooler air that is not the kitchens.¡±


    Alyce reluctantly rose, but not quickly enough for Bea, who playfully smacked her on the rump. With a hiss and a glare that promised trouble, Alyce stumbled over her seat and out the door.


    As they navigated the corridor, she prayed that he, like most mages, had forgotten her face and their meeting that morning. She was considered a lowly commoner afterall, a servant. And Haddie was right; most nobles found conversing with peasants unnecessary. Alyce was sure this mage boy was the same as his peers.


    The manor''s courtyard was considered a fairly public space and a safe location for two strangers to hold a conversation. Though night had fallen, and most of the outdoors covered in pitch black, the side church had a few candles lit from within. Passing through the stained glass mural, the candlelight illuminated the square in colorful prismed light illuminated the square.


    Like a rainbow after a rain or the far northern lights in the skies. How fortunate we are to see this every night, Baroness S¨ªle once told her when they did their late night walks.


    Alyce¡¯s steps faltered. Both were things that S¨ªle once fervently wished she could see.


    ¡°Colleen Alyce, I believe this is yours.¡±


    She thrust away from her thoughts, bringing herself to look at the hand Kytes held out. In his palm was a flat speckled stone with a glowing engraved rune. It looked terribly similar if not identical to the same warming stone she had dropped.


    ¡°The power within the rune had long faded so I granted it anew.¡±


    His words grounded her instantly. ¡°Esphyr Kytes,¡± Alyce said, willing herself to speak respectfully. ¡°I thought I made it clear, I am a maid. I cannot afford this.¡±


    Deep lines formed above his brows. ¡°But it is yours," he insisted. ¡°You dropped it when you were assisting us, I am returning it to you.¡±


    ¡°Esphyr Kytes.¡± She repeated. ¡°It is cheaper for me to purchase a new warming stone than to have a runic mage renew an old one.¡±


    ¡°I am not expecting payment. Such things like this pose no difficulty for me.¡± His eyes narrowed when he saw she made no movement to accept his proposal. ¡°I was not deaf to what you were speaking of earlier. The astronomical price the King and Sancti saw fit to mandate, just to employ a runic mage.¡± Kytes inhaled sharply. ¡°But I thought you heard the agreement in terms of the runes renewal. I will only fulfill what was not honored. And this -- this is different. This is my thanks to you for helping Mouse.¡±


    He tried to offer the stone again, but Alyce''s feet brought her under the church''s prismatic windows. The textured ruby glass that belonged to a certain nymph washed the mage in crimson. On any other occasion, she would have found this ironic, considering that the hue was that of a fire spirit.


    Unlike Alyce, Kytes did not take notice of the convenient lighting. ¡°Why is it that the people here are so disinclined to accept aid?¡±


    ¡°It is a matter of principle.¡±


    ¡°Principle?¡± He repeated, his tone unfeeling.


    ¡°You are meant to create spells for great nobles and kings; producing greater magic than any normal mage. It is they who can pay you for your time and talents. But I am a maid, who works for a lower baron. There is nothing I can pay you with,¡± she responded firmly. ¡°It is as my lord says, ¡®providing water for a pony is not the same as providing magic to a rune ¡ª.¡±


    ¡°Have you ever considered I was only trying to be nice?¡± he sharply interjected. "Mouse made a mess of your dress, I had meant to dry it. You dropped your stone and since it wasn¡¯t working, I decided to fix it. I had no other agenda. Why is it that everyone assumes that I want something more?!¡±


    Whatever etiquette lessons the Blue Sanctus had poured into his education, it was becoming lost in his temper.


    ¡°The Chapel mage was lazy and clearly, a cheat. He made a mess of the contract and I wanted to remedy it. Have it done right! You speak of principles, then I shall speak mine! Magic is to help people, I could care less of the coin it provides! I have studied the most difficult of spells to appeal to the Sanctus, so that I might travel outside the holy city. But I have practiced hundreds more that are so ¡ª simple ¡ª that have no proper pricing attached, yet when I try to help others using those, I get scolded as if I¡¯m in the wrong!¡±


    He jerked his head to the side, breathing harshly as he bolted shut his mouth. It was unbecoming of him to have unearthed his personal grievances to a stranger. Had any Sanctus mage, or even Hollis, heard his rant, they would have reprimanded him.


    ¡°Simple for you.¡±


    He glanced at the maid cast in azure luminance. Oddly enough, she did not seem frightened or appalled. Instead she looked fixedly at him, contemplating but with a tinge of curiosity.


    ¡°The simple spells you do for not even a copper coin," Alyce told him. "Is what a Chapel mage would have charged for a single silver.¡±


    ¡°I suppose even if I was to put a price to those simple spells, they would still cost much less than a silver.¡± His eyes dropped to her clasped hands. "Do you charge your lord when he asks you to make fire?"


    Shaking her head, Alyce answered. "He pays me to look after his home and family. Making a fire by hand with flint and steel is just one of my personal interests that comes into play when necessary. It¡¯s not the same as magic.¡±


    "But isn''t it?"


    She blinked at him, unsure why his eyes glimmered with excitement.


    "Fire in its most natural state is a reaction, not an element. It''s a combination of air, heat, and a fuel source, like earth. What I have, what many fire mages have, is different from you can create. I was bestowed a sacred core from the Lampades, but you..." There was admiration in the way Kytes looked at her as if she had discovered something extraordinary. "You create it by melding it all together, from nature."


    Alyce scoffed. "Surely you can do the same --."


    "No, not like you." His utterance was quiet, an undeniably envious whisper that surprised her. "I''ve read about it in books, but I''ve never even seen it firsthand. As students, we''re taught the most efficient ways to create fire; drawing it from within ourselves or borrowing Lampades¡¯ flames; no dust, no mess. So no...I''ve never been taught."


    Alyce¡¯s eyes widened. Though she knew about magic''s convenience, she had never wondered if the mages themselves knew how to work without their gifts. Apparently not.


    For a moment, Alyce felt fortunate, empowered by her knowledge over the Sanctus mage, before she quickly stamped it out from mind. She was a maid, a commoner, she hardly had any status. And he was a noble. He naturally had power, magically and socially, at least one of his own making.


    She shuddered, briskly running her hands over her arms, before noticing Kytes watching her. This time though, he made no mention of the heating stone, choosing to bow his head to disguise his hesitation.


    The weather will only get cooler with Samhain fast approaching and I¡¯ll regret not having a heat source on hand before long.


    Reluctantly, she cleared her throat.


    "The heating stone, could I...trade you knowledge for it?"


    A single brow arched and Kytes tilted his head to a shoulder. "Oh?"


    "I can teach you how to make fire the archaic way," Alyce explained. "Perhaps while we''re visiting and renewing the expired runes."


    For a moment, she worried that her suggestion might enrage him. Some nobles took offense easily, even to offerings that had no malicious intent. Connall''s aunt was such an individual and whenever she visited the manor, the elderly woman would smother Ryles with affection and suffocate the maids with oppressive regard.


    An eager smile dissipated her worries. ¡°You would be willing to teach me?" Kytes asked.


    "I don''t see why not.¡± Recalling her own fruitless efforts to teach Bea, Alyce continued. ¡°Although I cannot speak how well I can teach, I¡¯ve tried but to ... varying degrees of success. But if you''re willing¡­"


    Kytes reached forward and dropped the warming stone into her hand. "I won¡¯t judge, even if I fail in all my attempts while learning." He grinned. "I promise to be the most diligent student you''ve ever have."


    Alyce nearly dropped the stone, delicious warmth fleeting up her arm. She did not recall it ever feeling this warm before nor the rune shining so bright.


    Was a flint and steel lesson worth such a spell? It''s renewed but far more than it had been in the past! Alyce couldn¡¯t decide, but she had come to suspect that Kytes had a poor concept of what his powers meant for those who could not afford it in coin.


    She pulled her hand back, closing her fingers over the stone. "It''s only fire, it''s simple. You needn''t make it sound more than it is."


    "Simple for you."


    Alyce looked up in time to catch the twinkle in his eyes, his mouth crinkling at the corners.


    So he had some play in him, she realized, flustered. "Well, shall we meet tomorrow morning then?"


    He bowed, not deeply enough to be mocking, but at an angle that remained genuinely respectful. ¡°Until then.¡±


    As was proper, Alyce waited for him to return indoors first. Once the door was closed, Alyce lifted herself out of her curtsy.


    Ruby glimmered at the edge of her vision and she angled her head to look at the stained glass mural. As beautiful as it was, she found it more haunting than alluring at night. Especially the two fire nymphs with garnet eyes.


    "I suppose some of your followers are deserving of your gift," she muttered, her eyes hovered to the torch one of the Lampades carried. "I hope."


    As if the nymphs of fire heard her, she thought the stone in her hand grew warmer. Her fingers shrank back, startled by the shocking pulse, but in closer inspection, the stone looked no different.


    For the colder mornings to come, she would be thankful the warming stone was returned to her.


    <hr>


    Thank goodness the room did not have those horrible animal motifs. That was the first thought Kytes had before he realized it and scolded himself. After weeks of sleeping outdoors, he should be grateful for a fresh bed, a sturdy roof above, and at fine last, respite.


    Although, it had been that long since I had a childish complaint, he thought, amused.


    He walked in, setting his traveling packs by the door. The dying embers provided dim illumination, but within the remaining light he could see a sizable bed, a rustic wardrobe and desk, and in the corner, a screen which presumably hid the bath behind it. The singular window shared a view of the stables, where their trusty pony, Mouse, was housed. After spending so much time on the road with the mare, Kytes had felt a pang of guilt when he left Mouse to the manor''s stable hand. Though most likely, she would be groomed, fed, and treated very well, far better than his own care.


    Rubbing his eyes, Kytes wandered to the fireplace and inspected the hearth rune. Like the one in the study, no ounce of power remained in it.


    Steady rhythmic heels clicked against the wooden flooring and stopped outside his still opened door.


    Hollis sighed, leaning her weight against the door frame. ¡°Hardly six months and expired runes, did that Chapel mage sneeze on them and call it a day?¡± She peered into the room and adjusted her spectacles. ¡°You do not mean to renew that tonight.¡±


    Kytes straightened, rolling his shoulders back. ¡°Only checking the runes¡¯ condition before tomorrow.¡± He walked past her and into the neighboring room across the hall. Like his own, the fire in her sleeping quarters had reduced to embers.


    ¡°You might fool most, but not me, student of mine. Thyis and I both know what you''re up to.¡± She called after him. ¡°The maid''s warming stone is a small spell compared to a hearth¡¯s and I only agreed to let you renew the runes after you rest. Do not¡ª¡±


    Fire bloomed into life, rekindled from the embers upon the hearth and flourished in full. The flames¡¯ light flooded the room in warm amber.


    At the same time, Kytes¡¯ vision blurred and he swayed before steadying himself against the wall.


    Strong hands gripped his shoulders and steered him to sit on a chair.


    ¡°That was foolish. Has doing big magicks made you full of yourself?¡± Hollis scolded.


    She filled an empty cup with water and pressed it into his hands. As he drank, she produced a crinkled wrapping from her side purse. The substance in the parcel was a slab of lumpy pine nuts encrusted within a layer of sugared ginger.


    Using a decent amount of force, Hollis broke off a small piece and gave it to her student. ¡°Eat, now.¡±


    ¡°I had to renew the runes anyway,¡± he pointed out, shoving the confection into his mouth. His teeth clacked against what felt like granite and he withdrew into concentrated silence.


    Hollis rapped her knuckles against his knee. ¡°And I expect you to heed my warnings, especially when I am responsible for your wellbeing.¡±


    Silently, he tackled the hardened sweet. It was only when the sickly sugar had begun to dissolve and he could finally chew through the toffee, albeit very, very slowly, that the dizzy spell also began to subside. The Sanctus provided traveling mages this confection, only meant to be consumed when magic¡¯s fatigue began to exert its toll on the mage''s body. Each crumb, from the encrusted seed to the crystalline sugar, was filled with renewal magic, blessed by the culinary mages, who had earthen alignments. Somehow, they ensured the unassuming sweet could keep well for several seasons.


    ¡°Months of binding ghosts within Decayed villages. Warding our camp with deterrent and protective charms every night. Those are high level spells, Kytes, and we haven''t properly slept in weeks. You are tired. More than I realized. And I should have stopped you from offering aid. It was my mistake to be blinded by my own frustration with those Chapel mages.¡± She rested a hand on his shoulder. ¡°Baron Connall will understand if you rest tomorrow. Neburh''s runes can wait.¡±


    Kytes¡¯ eyes flicked up and he hastily swallowed the remaining sweet. ¡°Renewing a hearth rune is simple. A night''s respite and I''ll be ready,¡± he argued. ¡°I do not want to lose whatever trust we managed to have built with the baron¡­¡±


    ¡°And would fainting on the spot improve his impression of our kind?¡± Hollis demanded, removing her hand.


    ¡°Then I won''t faint. I will limit myself to a select few and take upon more later on,¡± her student hurriedly promised. ¡°I do not believe it is only the baron who harbors skepticism about mages. And to improve that perception, I''ve already made promises for the morrow.¡±


    ¡°Kytes.¡±


    The younger mage did not balk at her tone. ¡°Only the runes that are crucial to the manor¡¯s workings. No one would cast blame if I at least renewed a few.¡±


    Hollis inhaled deeply, in a manner that Kytes recognized. She was worried for him and yet, she was reminding herself to only advise and not exercise her authority as his teacher to force him to obey. It was a trait that Kytes admired and why he respected his teacher greatly. Most teachers made sure their students complied with what the adults thought best.


    ¡°The payn.¡± She handed the remaining confection in its wrapping to him. ¡°You are to take a small amount should you become too weary. With a night''s rest and the amount you ate, your magic should be restored enough for only renewals, but I will not be there to supervise if you do extra. Therefore, take it, just in case.¡±


    He gratefully accepted it and got to his feet. Thanks to the honeyed supplement, Kytes was able to decline Hollis¡¯ efforts to help him and walk out of her quarters.


    ¡°It is difficult to change the minds of others with one good deed, Kytes,¡± she told him when he had one hand on the door''s knob. ¡°It was not us who cheated them.¡±


    ¡°But to others outside mage society, we are one of the same,¡± he argued. ¡°I cannot stand by and allow that.¡±


    ¡°And now I wonder how much of your exhaustion comes from self righteousness or silly mage pride,¡± she said pointedly. ¡°It is just how things are. There are good mages but there are more mediocre and lazy ones. And it is the latter two most civilians deal with. You are talented for your age but you are foolish to care so much.¡± Hollis thumped the frame of her door with a fist. ¡°We have more important things to attend to, and it is not renewing wards. Do not overexert yourself just for them. Do only what you are able. Understand?¡±


    Kytes gave her a polite bow in answer then bade her good night. When his door was finally closed, he reached up to unfasten his cloak and draped it over a nearby chair. As he pulled off his coat, his eyes wandered to the red embroidery, which graced the edges of his cloak, the indicative symbols that represented the nature of his magic. A runic mage blessed with fire.


    Simpler magicks like renewing fire wards was not a good use of his energy when any common mage could achieve it. Not when there are the dead to keep under lock.


    He meant to unbutton his shirt''s collar next, but the irritability he had been holding back broke. Wringing his hands through his hair, Kytes paced.


    It''s simple enough and I can do it well. I''ll just do what I can, Kytes chided. Then when all this is done and we''ve returned home, perhaps the Sanctus should re-evaluate the Chapels¡¯ work ethics. That''ll improve things for the people.

 Chapter 3

    Shivering as she woke, Alyce blindly felt her sheets in search for the warming stone. She had been lulled to sleep by its comfort the night before and must have tossed enough that the talisman had rolled out of reach. She stretched her legs and pointed her toes, and breaking through the cloud of morning grogginess, Alyce perceived a hot spot near her feet. She instantly sat up, patting the covers there to discover the stone was teetering at the foot of her bed.


    Upon its return to her hands, she relished the heat before beginning to rub the flattened underside of the talisman against her arms and calves. When thoroughly satisfied and decently warm, Alyce swung her legs over the edge of the bed. Upon contact with the wooden floor, she froze in place. Whatever warmth she gained, the mid autumn dawn sapped it out of her. Doing her best to suppress a whimper, Alyce reluctantly set her precious stone down.


    As usual, she dressed quickly to avoid disturbing her roommates. It was a daily habit and the desire for a quieter start, which motivated Alyce to wake earlier than her friends.


    Her apron tied securely at her waist, she retrieved her heat source and departed from the room. She only slipped on her pattens once outside and went about her usual routine of visiting the female servants¡¯ privy and wash basin first, plucking breakfast from the manor''s own apple trees, before departing for the kitchen and attending her tasks.


    Even in the face of the brisk morning air, the heating stone continued to work its intended magick.


    I never realized this little thing could be so wonderful, Alyce patted the apron pocket it was in. She had obtained an apple and was venturing from the trees to the kitchen. I suppose there is a difference between the ability of a local mage and a Sanctus one.


    A pony''s whining wicker brought her attention to the stables. Like most of the manor, the stablehands were still asleep. And knowing the ones who worked here, they would remain in deep slumber until the sun rose higher. Alyce waited a moment, and upon hearing nothing more, she began her traverse once more. Yet again, another pleading whinny bade her to halt.


    Whoever that is, and I have a feeling I know who that is, wants attention. Alyce thought. But I have things to do¡ª


    The third forlorn call broke her steel.


    It was easy to find the culprit within the stabled steeds. The few manor mares and mules looked properly miffed at the noisy visitor housed near the entrance.


    Although having been raised at the manor, Alyce had little experience dealing with their animals. She skirted at the edge of the stalls and tried to peer about from where she stood. As far as she could tell, there was hay and water for the mount. The pony''s back was bare, someone had removed the tack and hung it at the front of the stall. Sighting the visitor, the mare thrust her head forward in greeting, leading Alyce to recoil a step back.


    ¡°She wants the apple you''re holding.¡±


    Alyce yelped and whirled around to confront the source of the voice. The same mage she met yesterday, Kytes, was standing an arm''s length away. His traveling garb had been replaced by a coat and cloak made of thinner wool blend. His collared shirt and trousers were fresh, his boots mostly removed of travel''s mud.


    ¡°My apologies, Colleen Alyce.¡± His dark eyes alarmed from the pitch of her shriek. ¡°You said to meet at dawn.¡±


    A hand over her still racing heart, Alyce sputtered. ¡°At the kitchens perhaps, not here. Why ¡ª.¡± She threw a cautionary glare. ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    Kytes jerked his head in the direction of the manor. ¡°My room faces the stables and I am a light sleeper.¡± Leaning against the closest beam, he scowled at the gray pony. ¡°Mouse, I could hear you from my room even with the window latched tight. I thought we agreed on not causing trouble?¡±


    The pony slunk close to him then veered up to blow air into the mage''s face. Kytes immediately twisted away to wipe his eyes and organize his mussed hair.


    ¡°And to think I was worried about you,¡± he snapped at the pony bobbing her head excitedly. ¡°Were you whining for attention?¡±


    Alyce giggled as she watched the exchange. Still mopping his face with a sleeve, Kytes smiled crookedly at her.


    ¡°The Blue Sanctus provided her as a traveling mount to carry our belongings. They failed to mention she¡¯s quite the many needs.¡± He patted the pony''s neck as she bumped into his side. ¡°I can''t wake up every morning for you. You''ll have to find other means to entertain yourself, and quietly!¡±


    Mouse leaned more of her weight into him, causing his feet to slide and threaten to lose footing.


    ¡°Do you understand her? And she, you?¡± Alyce asked, grinning at Kytes¡¯ attempt to push back.


    ¡°Not at all,¡± he replied, ducking under the pony''s neck and positioning himself on Mouse¡¯s other side. ¡°But she''s been traveling with us for so long, nearly a year ¡ª I suppose suddenly not seeing us was an unusual change for her. Though I welcomed it. To finally not be rudely awoken by a pony breathing on your face¡ª hey!¡±


    In retort, Mouse tugged hard on his coat¡¯s sleeve. Seeing Alyce shrink back in fear, Kytes gently scolded the pony to release him.


    ¡°Mouse doesn''t bite, even now she was trying to be careful.¡± To the pony, he scowled. ¡°You''re frightening her, Mouse. You do remember she''s the one who brought you water?¡±


    The gray pony wickered softly, bowing low as if to express apology.


    ¡°Are you afraid of horses?¡± Kytes asked when the maid maintained her distance.


    Alyce¡¯s eyes flitted to the gray pony, who regarded her hopefully.


    ¡°I do not interact with my lord¡¯s animals unless it has to do with fetching young lord Ryles after he plays near them,¡± Alyce reluctantly admitted.


    Kytes nodded understandingly. ¡°I haven¡¯t either, until I started traveling outside of the city. Our ponies are generally well behaved, fairly intelligent because of their caretakers. This one too, except she¡¯s a terrible glutton. Probably would wander off with our packs one day, following anyone with a snack in their hand.¡±


    Alyce looked down at the forgotten fruit in her left hand. ¡°You mentioned she wanted this. How do I ¡ª would you give this to her?¡±


    Both pony and mage visibly brightened upon hearing her request. ¡°Well, perhaps you would like to?¡± He reached into his side pouch and produced a closed folding knife. ¡°In case she decides to inhale the entire apple.¡± He cut the apple into moderate slices and gave the fruit back. ¡°Upon your flattened hand and Mouse, you will be polite.¡±


    Mouse shook her head in response, seeming to question when she had ever not been polite. With a smaller sliver of the apple, Kytes showed an example by offering the fruit to the pony. In a blink, the piece vanished, but as promised, Mouse did not bite. Encouraged by this, Alyce followed suit. She gingerly presented an apple slice to Mouse, who lipped at the promised snack. Then, perhaps even more carefully than she did with Kytes, the pony took the apple from her hand.


    Alyce gasped in delight and found herself moments later gleefully feeding the pony the rest of the fruit. When the apple was gone, Mouse even allowed pets on the head.


    ¡°You carry a knife?¡± she asked Kytes, while still transfixed by the new experience.


    ¡°We use it for setting up camp, preparing meals, and the Sanctus¡¯ hostlers encourage occasional diced treats for Mouse,¡± Kytes explained, putting his knife safely back in the pouch, before teasing her. ¡°Did you think I used it for magic?¡±


    ¡°I was ¡ª well.¡± Although she sounded indignant, she flushed in embarrassment. ¡°Perhaps a little. I did see you mark yourself.¡±


    ¡°It was my own fire that grazed the skin. And though it could look frightening, it poses no danger to me. It was akin to the skin being under the sun for too long. Besides, blood. Most mages are disturbed by it. It''s messy and unsanitary. Terribly difficult to remove from clothes.¡±


    Alyce giggled at the frankness of his response. ¡°That it is. You make mages seem so normal, Esphyr Kytes.¡±


    ¡°Oh but we are normal. With normal likes, dislikes, wants and needs.¡± His stomach grumbled loudly and Kytes¡¯ ears turned red at the sound of his hunger''s betrayal. ¡°Ah, after watching Mouse, I suppose ¡ª¡±


    She smiled and gave the pony a final pat. ¡°Well, since Mouse ate my breakfast, perhaps we should visit the castle town before tending to the manor''s runes?¡±


    The short journey to Neburh''s castle town was not the silent one she was used to. Nor did she mind it. Kytes was willing to answer any of her questions pertaining to Mouse. What other snacks did the pony like, her temperament, stories when things went awry. When he relayed the time Mouse huddled next to him when he fell ill, she noted the fond smile the young man wore.


    ¡°Perhaps that was the reason for her fussing,¡± Alyce mused. ¡°She was missing her friend.¡±


    He chuckled at first but it soon faded away, replaced by a thoughtful consideration. ¡°I suppose that must be it. Say, is there a special occasion of some sort?¡±


    Alyce followed his gaze to sight a large crowd at the center of the hamlet. The outer rim of the circle was mostly composed of mothers with their infants strapped to their backs or older daughters, wrangling a sibling or two. All the while, their arms held on to linen covered baskets or bowls.


    ¡°Baking day. A rune per family is expensive. So some mornings, many families gather to use the baker¡¯s oven." Alyce pointed in the direction where several older women huddled. ¡°House Is''et pays for the renewal of communal property the people use.¡±


    Kytes was seemingly fascinated, drawing closer to the crowd to observe the waiting line in front of the bakehouse. Unbeknownst to him, the morning chatter began to turn into murmured inquiries about the strange man in their midst. Alyce followed closely behind, feeling their sharp gazes pass through her and upon her unsuspecting companion¡¯s back instead.


    ¡°Does baking for so many take a long while then?¡± Kytes asked Alyce.


    ¡°We have been waiting since a few days ago, F¨¦ilim," one of the mothers closest to them called out. As the fashion among Neburh women, the woman had her copper hair bundled underneath a strip of linen. At her side were twins, who shared the same shade of locks as their mother. Since the woman had addressed Kytes in terms of a young man, she bore no awareness that he was a mage. ¡°The baker was sure the oven would be in working order today. But he said the same two days ago. So we are waiting to see either if aught changed or to have choice words with him.¡±


    ¡°I thought the smith''s lad could make fire,¡± Alyce said, remembering the scene she saw from yesterday.


    The woman''s gray eyes glinted. ¡°He can, but it always produces a great amount of unpleasant smoke. My children complain about the taste of my bread because of it.¡± She looked the pair over with a scrutinizing eye. ¡°The Colleen works for the baron, but who are you, F¨¦ilim?"


    Several of the other waiting women had ambled closer to listen and admire the well dressed mage. Compared to the local men, Kytes¡¯ garb and features were unusual. His posture and clean shaven face accentuated the look of a dashing noble. His fine coat and shoulder cape provided an attractive silhouette that he seemed unaware of.


    Kytes placed a hand over his chest, where his heart laid under, and gave the young mother a bow. ¡°I am answering Baron Connall''s request. Colleen Alyce is showing me the castle town and manor''s fire runes.¡±


    A ripple of conversation flowed through the crowd . From whispers of potential dalliances to mutters about runes and esphyrs; none of this was spoken quietly.


    ¡°So much for breakfast, Esphyr Kytes,¡± Alyce said to him. ¡°They know you are a mage now. With all the runes in the hamlet, we will be lucky to return to the manor by tonight.¡±


    ¡°Then I shall do my best to return us before supper,¡± Kytes answered before the pair was ushered forward.


    The woman that informed them the condition of the bakehouse had spoken true. An acrid scent lingered in the air, making Alyce twitch her nose from side to side as she fought the desire to sneeze. Though supposedly built for ventilation, with its frameless wide arch entrance, the inner chamber was smothered in a gray haze. There were mounds of ashen residue on the floor, as if someone had only just swept the offending fuel from the oven.


    ¡°Here! You are the magician?¡± The baker stared at them with feverish eyes. His face and muscled arms were swollen with reddened burns and gray ash. The entirety of his garb was streaked in soot. ¡°What took you so long?¡±


    Kytes opened his mouth before snapping it firmly shut. He was uncertain and bewildered with the stranger¡¯s casual accusation. It was Alyce, who stepped forward, crossing her arms at her chest. ¡°Esphyr Kytes had only just arrived yesterday,¡± she told the exasperated baker sternly. "He learned about our predicament last night, woke early, and he hasn''t even broke fast yet.¡±


    ¡°Nor have we, Colleen Alyce.¡± Someone complained behind the younger pair. ¡°And soon it¡¯ll be a forgotten pastime if that oven doesn¡¯t get looked at.¡±


    ¡°Not that the oven was working fine to begin with. Ever since that last mage came, the bakes have been uneven,¡± another voice added. ¡°This lad looks much younger. If he¡¯s worse than the other they sent, what then?¡±


    ¡°Suppose we eat raw dough and see what happens.¡±


    A din of worries and muttered agreements followed the utterance. Alyce cast a sideways glance at Kytes. In the way the muscles at his jaw tensed, she could see that he was suppressing whatever hurt he felt.


    ¡°Is that the oven?¡± Kytes asked the baker. His tone remained painfully polite.


    The man showed the mage and maid the still smoking mess. Alyce had to fan the pungent air and wipe her watering eyes at the same time while they navigated through the smoldering baking chamber.


    With the lower half of his face covered by an arm, Kytes scanned about the face of the oven, then crouched down to examine the bricks by the hearth. To Alyce¡¯s surprise, the mage did not make a fuss about the grime. She had expected him to act even the part of a lower noble, complaining about cobwebs and dirt. Instead, he willingly brushed caked soot off a clay brick, revealing a rune underneath. He picked at the more stubborn spots with the back of his nails and skimmed the edges of the engraving with his fingertips. Then he cleared his throat before turning to the waiting baker.


    ¡°The rune has small cracks.¡± He rubbed a thumb over the top half of the circle¡¯s ring.


    ¡°And what does that mean?¡± The baker was squinting at the rune from where he stood. ¡°It''s broken?¡±


    ¡°Not at all. But it explains the complaint about your bakes being uneven. The rune is old and has deteriorated over time. With its integrity mostly hidden by soot, it could not relay its hurts.¡±


    Alyce knelt down to inspect his findings and spied several miniscule fractures webbing out of the original etching. ¡°You speak as if it is alive,¡± she said, looking up at him.


    The mage''s face reddened from embarrassment. ¡°No. But I do appreciate the artistry. It is a good rune, only disregarded. I can widen the engraving to fix the cracks and the blemishes will be no more, but I will need to draw along it.¡± His shoulders drooped. ¡°If it frightens you ¡ª.¡±


    Alyce looked at him in bewilderment before she realized his concern was directed at her. ¡°Oh, this is fine. It is not your own flesh.¡±


    A glimmer of hesitancy remained before Kytes answered. ¡°I will do so quickly then.¡±


    He brought his hand to the lower half of the engraving, his index finger following the narrow dashes and scores. He was particular with the order of marks to trace. As Kytes reached the top of the inner rune''s engraving, his fourth finger joined the spell, mirroring the second to draw upon symmetrical lines and angular bars then to each pivot and swirl. In each stroke¡¯s wake, threads of flickering ochre lined the old sigil.


    Alyce couldn''t help but admire Kytes¡¯ focus, how unphased he was by even the baker''s looming shadow at his back. The mage''s umber eyes were half lidded, his blinks slow, his jaw relaxed. His attention to the rune and his work was so attentive that it was akin to the gaze upon a lover. Which was certainly not the case, she thought, blushing at a thought so foolish. But he loves what he does. He cares about this work, a mage''s work.


    Alyce¡¯s hand subconsciously traveled to where her own heating stone laid. Even in the oven''s sweltering heat, the stone remained delightfully comforting.


    At last Kytes settled a thumb back at the base of the rune''s outer ring. Lifting his other two fingers away, he ran the bend of the circle, rotating his hand slightly to close the magical bound. He exhaled softly through his nose and flattened his palm on top of the rune, covering it from sight.


    There was no chanting or breathy utterance, no sparks that she sometimes saw materialize around a spellcasting mage. Yet from within the firebox, a mote of fire stirred, hovering above the hearth then bloomed into a radiant flame. The air that surrounded the newly birthed fire rippled, only providing heat, no longer acrid smoke.


    Kytes withdrew his hand. Deep within the crevice of the rune, an orange glow pulsed from within the engraving.


    The baker ambled forth and stared at the fire. Even Alyce, who had seen such renewals before, was entranced by the blaze. Other starting fires would sputter or throw sparks at the early stages of these enchantments, but this one burned steadily, only licking the air when the rune was informed to burn easy or hotter.


    ¡°Would you look at that?¡± The baker whispered when he finished testing the newly engraved rune. He directed his attention back to Kytes. ¡°You''re a real mage, for all that you are noble dressed.¡±


    ¡°He''s from one of the holy cities, isn''t he?¡± someone whispered from the onlookers. During the rune''s renewal, several people have crowded into the bakehouse. ¡°There was a well dressed older woman with him. I heard her mention the Sanctus.¡±


    ¡°The baron could afford him? Why didn''t we get mages like him to start with?¡±


    Kytes rose to his feet. His back remained to the crowding spectators, but Alyce saw the return of the conflicted grimace on the mage''s face.


    ¡°Clothes are clothes. It''s what the Sanctus provided me,¡± he proclaimed loudly, stepping away from his work. ¡°I have done what the baron bade me. To renew it enough til contract end. If there are other fire runes that are considered communal property, I will see to them.¡±


    Alyce could not blame Kytes for harboring the arrogant edge in his voice. Each mention of his outwardly features or about coin, seemed to draw forth a barrier between himself and the people. Still he was a stranger to the citizens, he did not know how openly they always shared their thoughts.


    ¡°This is of great help, Esphyr Kytes, you have seen the rune''s hurts when none noticed prior,¡± she said, resting a hand on his arm. His stiff expression faltered at her praise and he gave her an appreciative smile. ¡°The previous renewals were faulty and Esphyr Kytes willingly offered his aid. He accepted no extra payment because he truly wished to help. We are most fortunate that such a person happened to travel by.¡±


    ¡°No extra payment?¡± An incredulous townsperson asked.


    Alyce frowned and squashed the sentiment before it lit. ¡°None,¡± she said firmly.


    ¡°Perhaps we can share our hospitality in return then?¡± The mother of the redheaded twins had squeezed in. ¡°I''m no mage but working on an empty belly makes everyone more cross than the norm. And we all heard they haven''t had breakfast yet. Before we allow the lad to see more runes, we should feed him.¡± She marched in and wheeled the two out by the elbows. ¡°The oven''s working, let us hurry on with the bakes. I, for one, would like bread on the table before the morrow.¡±


    While the baker began to resume his work and the townspeople to their queue, the woman guided them away from the crowd.


    ¡°I should introduce myself, Esphyr,¡± the woman said loudly, ignoring the muttering around them. ¡°I go by Fanya, mother of Flore and Ivor. I am one of the many wives that married one of the many orchardists in Neburh.¡±


    Her joke eased the tense corners at Kytes¡¯ mouth. Taking notice of it, Fanya bumped Alyce¡¯s shoulder playfully.


    ¡°Oh good. The lad knows how to smile. We needn''t worry, Colleen Alyce. The terrible smoke hadn''t permanently turned his face into a grimace."


    The woman stopped them at a wooden bench that overlooked the orchards. Distant green hills encircled the groves, the wide expanse of carefully planted trees were their treasures. Above the greenery stretched a blue sky, turning milk white at the edges behind the hills. A thin layer of fog blanketed the scene, but as morning light grazed the top of the dew adorned trees, the mist turned a serene haze.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Once she made sure the pair was properly seated, Fanya beckoned her twins to come closer. The children had brought with them bowls and a covered stew pot.


    ¡°I''ve no bread, but apple pottage,¡± the woman said, revealing thickened porridge within the iron vessel. ¡°Breadcrumbs boiled with apple, milk and honey. I always make plenty, being a family of four. My husband likes it just fine before we send him out to the orchards.¡±


    It was a simple dish that even Alyce did not frequently partake in. When Haddie made sweet apple pottage, it was with grain, not mashed up days old bread. Still, Alyce did not mind its rustic nature, although ¡ª.


    Alyce hazard a peek at Kytes who sat next to her.


    The dark haired mage accepted an offered bowl, murmured his thanks and practiced a customary prayer that many religious sort did before meals. When he had finished his devotion, there was no tentativeness or scrutiny on his part. Without hesitation, he ate with great enthusiasm, so much that both women gaped at Kytes. Even Fanya¡¯s twins waddled closer, taking great interest in watching Kytes polish the bowl of pottage.


    ¡°You had dinner with my lord last night?¡± Alyce inquired, unsure if her assumption was true.


    Another spoonful halfway to his open mouth, Kytes quizzically looked up then glanced at his wide eyed spectators. Wearing a guilty expression, he straightened his posture, quickly setting the bowl and utensil down. ¡°My apologies.¡±


    Fanya was the first to recover. ¡°Oh my, you were very hungry, weren''t you, Esphyr?¡± She ladled more porridge into his bowl. ¡°I suppose performing magicks is much like galloping with the sheep and hounds. I¡¯ve brothers that act very much the same after herding flocks.¡±


    ¡°It is very good,¡± Kytes admitted sheepishly. He resumed eating, but with more manners. ¡°I have found that food outside the holy cities is much more flavorful.¡±


    ¡°Well!¡± Fanya looked pleased and hummed. ¡°I certainly did not know that. It is the apples. I doubt they have orchards like ours.¡±


    ¡°They do not,¡± Kytes said, pausing for a moment to look toward the view. ¡°We have trees, but it is only for decoration and sparse in numbers, not groves like these.¡±


    Alyce began to eat her own breakfast. The pleasant sweet taste of apples warmed her body. The texture was a bit more springy than she would have liked, but she recognized this mouthfeel was brought on by the rehydrated bits of bread. Alyce remained quiet as she listened to the kindly mother and mage resume their conversation about the orchards. Then the children, much encouraged after seeing Kytes wolf down his meal, wished to know if fire could hurt him; could it scorch and burn him like it did when they got too close.


    ¡°It most certainly does,¡± Kytes answered them. ¡°There are fire mages who are more tied to the wild nature of fire. I¡¯m not one of them. The fire nymphs, the lampades, only blessed me with enough to share and protect others with fire runes.¡±


    ¡°Like this one?¡± The boy showed off a necklace that hung at his neck. His twin sister had one in her pocket. Both bore a smaller but similar heating stone to that which Alyce carried.


    ¡°Just like it. May I?¡±


    Kytes briefly held the pendants before returning them. It was for such a short moment, but Alyce swore the light on the runes brightened the moment the mage touched them.


    When the meal was finished, Fanya and her children departed for their home and back to their place in line.


    ¡°Bread still needs to be baked, at least now we¡¯ll have it on the table by the next,¡± Fanya had said, lifting the emptied stew pot to her hip. ¡°Well then, Esphyr, and you as well, Colleen Alyce. I bid you a better day. Don''t mind the assumptions and rumors. The people are not unkind, but they like to talk.¡±


    ¡°I suppose it comes with living in Neburh for too long,¡± Alyce mused more to herself after the small family departed. Likewise, the pair decided to walk back to the hamlet¡¯s heart. ¡°Not many visitors venture this far to visit and when we do receive travelers, they come in the form of merchants or traders. From that, any newcomer is worth gossiping and gawking at. Neburh is very dull.¡±


    ¡°I find it charming,¡± Kytes assured her. ¡°The Blue Sanctus is located in the holy city of Thalhurst. We¡¯ve so many visitors that the residents pay no mind to them or care for each other. I might have only greeted my neighbors a handful of times since I moved to my own dwellings.¡±


    ¡°Your own?¡±


    ¡°It is very small, a side shop. But I only have one connecting neighbor and the other side is a nice alley garden. I was able to save enough by completing Sanctus errands.¡± He became momentarily mesmerized by a stonemason and his journeymen working inside their shop. ¡°It was either living in my own cramped quarters or sharing a large one with other male mages. And the latter option was getting much.¡±


    Alyce tried envisioning the world he painted. ¡°You do not enjoy their friendship?¡±


    Kytes wrinkled his nose. ¡°You mean, rivalry. They were the sort that enjoyed comparing strength and magicks. I''m not the bulky kind and I do not enjoy their exercise. What''s worse was the horrible grooming habits.¡±


    They visited the smithy next. The blacksmith and his son looked very much relieved with Kytes¡¯ arrival and ushered them to their humble forge. The fire was banked, but it was not one birthed of magical quality.


    The rune was in similar disrepair to that at the baker''s, dusty and long neglected. Yet Kytes offered no complaints. He explained his spell¡¯s workings to the craftsmen before he began the process of renewal.


    Alyce could not deny her own fascination with his work. His tracing lined the rune with power and when the enchantment was done, the flames that flourished burned steadily and brighter than any incantation she had seen prior. The citizens of Neburh thought so too, and like the fire he drew forth, so did his magicking draw a warmer crowd.


    At first, Alyce was heartened by their pleasant welcome. The contrast was in their words and thanks, expressed in the form of desserts and Neburh delicacies. Then she began to notice that several villagers had also brought candleholders, lanterns, and a variety of household objects that were in need of smaller spellings. Young children, a few years younger than Fanya''s twins, thought it a great game to bring warming stones and regular ones to see if the mage could enchant the pebbles.


    Kytes was not one to refuse the residents and seemed quite willing to renew everything thrust into his arms. It seemed effortless on his part. He would listen to their qualms and hold the object for a short while then return it to grateful hands. For the children, he would either choose to renew the fire runes or make a show of attempt before handing the stones back.


    It was dusk when she finally stopped him, and when she finally noticed the slump in his shoulders. Despite the food he had consumed, Kytes was weary.


    ¡°This was not part of the agreement,¡± she scolded him, sitting him down at the side of a storage house. ¡°My lord did not ask this of you. Nor could they normally pay you for those spells!¡±


    He held up the handful of dried apples he was chewing on. It was the most recent treat he was given for renewing a rune on a kettle. ¡°This is sufficient payment.¡±


    ¡°Esphyr, if food was sufficient payment then all mages would become beggars. You are far too charitable.¡± She watched him carefully select another slice. ¡°Does food not provide you energy?¡±


    ¡°A very small amount.¡± He tried offering her some apples in which she shook her head to. ¡°The spelled food which the Sanctus provides, on the other hand, does wonders.¡±


    ¡°Well we haven''t that.¡± Alyce looked around them worriedly. ¡°When last did you drink water?¡±


    He raised a brow. ¡°Dearest mother, surely you can tell I''m not Mouse.¡±


    She bumped his shoulder playfully. ¡°With how fascinated you were with apples, I wasn''t sure.¡±


    Kytes grinned and popped the remaining dried fruit into his mouth. After brushing his hands clean, he retrieved a wrapped package from his waist pouch.


    ¡°Toffee?¡± Alyce asked curiously when she saw the foodstuff within.


    ¡°Payn ragoun.¡± He let out a defeated sigh and slumped against the back wall he rested on. ¡°The equivalent of trying to eat a rock. This is what traveling Sanctus mages are encouraged to partake when we''ve exhausted the elements hosted by our core. Despite the energy we gain back, we can''t eat too much of it in one sitting. It''ll be like filling an overflowing vessel to the brim, then more. And many of us, so many, have thought it wise to ingest an entire slab of it once in our lives.¡± He smiled crookedly. ¡°The aftermath is not pleasant.¡±


    Alyce did not dare ask what exactly the aftermath was. ¡°Were you provided no warning?¡±


    ¡°I ¡ª was.¡± Kytes averted his eyes from Alyce¡¯s disproving regard. ¡°I only chose not to listen. Master Hollis gave me quite the earful after I awoke days later in the infirmary.¡±


    ¡°You do not listen often,¡± she remarked drily. ¡°Given everything I''ve ¡ª¡±


    Distant yells halted her in mid sentence and Alyce instantly leapt to her feet, dread knotting her stomach. It had been a while since she last heard such urgent calls, and these cries happened the most when the seasons turned cold.


    Just like those times before, she felt increasingly hot as if her insides were boiling. Even though a fair distance away, sweat gathered at her forehead and stuck to her skin. Her mind screamed for her to find sanctuary behind solid walls, if only she was not being tied down to ¡ª she blinked. But there were no walls.


    Breathing heavily, Alyce staggered a few steps away from the safety of the shed''s shadow and searched the skies. In the direction where the residential district was located, she saw the glowing amber seeping into the indigo bruised night.


    ¡°I''m sorry, but I have to go,¡± Alyce heard herself say to Kytes, peeling his hands off her clammy ones. When did he grab hold of her, she wondered, but then shook away from the thought.


    Without consulting further, she lifted her skirts to her knees and sprinted in the direction of the homes. In her pathing, she dodged several clusters of wary onlookers, all adamant about keeping their distance from the fire. She could hardly afford to be cross with them. Fire traveled quickly especially sparks on wayward breezes or winds. Should a spark turn blaze, a new threatening fire would be born. And aiding another''s home could mean the burning of their unsupervised own.


    Alyce stumbled toward the well at the edge of an alley and drew water from its depths. As she heaved and pulled on the rope, her jaw set tight. Several buckets remained neatly stacked against the well''s exterior, evidence of how many residents had declined to come to aid.


    A pair of hands came into view and hurriedly dismantled the pile.


    ¡°Fill the buckets, we¡¯ll take them to the fire,¡± Fanya told the maid as she set several pails at Alyce¡¯s feet. ¡°The Esphyr is already there.¡±


    ¡°The Esphyr?¡± While Alyce flooded the buckets messily with water, several more townspeople ran toward them and hauled away the ones filled. ¡°Can he extinguish the fire?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Fanya replied firmly. ¡°He said he cannot.¡±


    ¡°Then what is he doing?¡± With most of the buckets taken, she grasped for the handle of a remaining one and lulled it with her.


    Upon approach, she saw the scarlet coils, wreathed in ashen clouds, curling outwards from the windows and door. The cavity which was the home was engulfed in dark garnet flames, devouring the blackened silhouettes of furniture and the residents¡¯ belongings. The neighboring houses had their closest walls and roofing doused with water, but the people remained vigilant, watching the fire taste the sides of the burning walls.


    Before the blaze, Kytes¡¯ familiar profile stood, his head bowed over his clasped hands as if he was appealing to a deity.


    Then his enclosed fingers opened, flinging the objects he prayed over into the narrow space between the burning house and its neighbors. Alyce approached him in time to observe him cast two crystals of polished black and blue by the outer perimeter of the walls.


    Without turning, he held out a hand as a means to halt her; his other, he extended to the flames. She saw it then, embedded deep within the flesh of his offered palm, azure fire pulsed within a bodily engraving. They looked to be of two lines, conjoined at a point.


    From the crystals, pillars of phthalo blue, lunged skyward, stretching and arching toward the center above the burning structure. Brilliant walls with sparkling sigils spilled from the pillars, containing the flames within its chamber.


    Shaken by the spectacle, Alyce did not notice that the townspeople had all halted to watch.


    ¡°What magic is this?¡± someone moaned fearfully.


    "Should we ask him to stop? That we can handle this?"


    "And what if the fire burns down our homes?" A woman cried out. "Let the baron pay the mage. It''s his responsibility anyways."


    His? As in the Baron or Esphyr''s?


    Guilt locked at her throat when his shoulders slumped. Kytes most certainly heard those voices.


    Alyce angrily stamped her foot and spun around, glaring at the onlookers. "Is this the time to be talking about coin right now?" She snapped, locking eyes with anyone who dared to meet them. "There''s plenty a bucket at the well. Bring it here!"


    She almost delighted with how quickly the crowd dispersed, before turning back to confront the mage.


    ¡°You, who still haven''t drunk a sip of water all day!¡± She growled at him. "Is stopping a fire a part of your charity work?"


    Despite his exhaustion, Kytes gave her a wavering grin. ¡°I''m fulfilling my childhood dream to help the people. Is the bucket of water you brought for me?¡±


    She was relieved he hadn''t lost his sense of humor. ¡°Unfortunately, it''s for the burning fire.¡± Alyce watched as someone threw water at the embers closest to the wall, but it slid off the surface and pooled down the sides.


    ¡°The spell entraps the fire within, so that it won''t travel to its neighbors,¡± Kytes called out hoarsely to the startled volunteers. ¡°It also means outward elements cannot enter.¡±


    ¡°Then how do we extinguish it?¡± Alyce asked, flinching when a weakened post came crashing down. As promised, the debris and sparks that flew upwards from the impact did not penetrate through the magicked barrier.


    ¡°As long as there is no one in there, then I might be of aid?¡± A silky voice glided into the conversation. Hollis sauntered toward them, her spotless dress in sharp contrast to her soot covered student. ¡°Which the civilians have assured me there are none and the only life left there was ¡ª. ¡± A vast bolk of fire roared out of the windows and collided against the translucent wall. ¡°That of a potted plant.¡±


    ¡°Master, if you please!¡± Kytes growled through clenched teeth. ¡°If you''ve time to play, you''ve time to end this swiftly!¡±


    ¡°Then an opening for me.¡± Hollis spun Alyce a few steps away from them and smiled. ¡°You do not want to be caught in this, my dear.¡±


    Alyce peered over the woman¡¯s shoulder to see Kytes had brought a hand over his palm¡¯s fire. Blue flames twined and wrapped around his fingers, then he twisted his hand away and grafted the air before him with the obtained blaze. The symbols he drew danced as flickering azure, only turning a glimmering saffron when he painted an enclosing ring about it.


    The inner symbols of a new rune drawn, Kytes pushed it toward the barrier, where it bloomed and locked itself against the building.


    Hollis leaned back and whispered to Alyce. ¡°It never fails to amaze me what a runic mage can do.¡± She gave the maid a wink before emitting a low whistle from her lips. The air beneath the woman''s feet stirred, lifting clouds of dust and sand.


    She arrived at her student''s side and it was then she changed her pitch, the fabrics of their cloaks lifting by an unseen gust. Wreathed by the lights of scarlet flames and azure magery, the pair wore a shawl of intimidating power; a vision oft sung through folkloric tales. Then the air about them rushed forward, Kytes¡¯ rune wavering as Hollis¡¯ powers surged through it.


    The whistled notes spiraled into a dizzying song, which rose and twisted upon its utterance. The reeking clouds within the building began to fold inwards, sinking to the ground as Hollis¡¯ bade it fall under her spell. The flames, in turn, shrank; fiery tendrils grasping for remaining straw or wood. The threatening illumination guttered as the blaze weakened, darkness reclaiming its footing as shadows slid down the higher beams and the remaining walls. The octave began its descent and when the trill turned into a whisper, and Hollis released her grip. The air within the chamber had froze. No fire remained, nor did any sound stir from inside the house.


    ¡°And this would be the time to douse any potential kindling,¡± Hollis announced before addressing Kytes. ¡°You may release your spell.¡±


    Her student made a beckoning motion, encouraging the magicked wall to dissipate into soft motes of azure and gold. While the wisps faded from view, Kytes sighed then suddenly dropped to his knees. Expecting his near faint, Hollis caught him before his body struck the ground.


    ¡°Whoever is not afeared, we need water on the house.¡± Baron Connall had been watching alongside his people. His own hands hauled a water filled pail. ¡°Quickly, unless we want the mages'' efforts to go to waste.¡±


    Alyce lugged her bucket toward the house and dampened the sources of wood with its water. The fire had claimed much of the furniture, all had turned into a smoldering black. The family that resided here would need assistance in finding boarding and the house would need to be rebuilt.


    While she and a few others did their lord''s bidding, others have chosen to gather around Connall and the mages.


    ¡°It was the children, they were playing a game by the fireplace,¡± a man was explaining to the baron. At his side were two boys, looking properly ashamed and red in the face. ¡°There was coal and it fell upon the thatching on the floor.¡±


    ¡°Was there no guarding before the fire?¡± Connall wanted to know.


    ¡°We used a stick and the rock was an edge piece,¡± one of the sons squabbled.


    ¡°We were going to let it cool before touching it.¡± the other one muttered. ¡°Rolled it on the ground. We knew better than to touch it with our hands right then.¡±


    Connall stopped the boy''s father from scolding the latter¡¯s sass, but his brows furrowed forward. ¡°There are plenty of games to play. However, playing with fire is not one of them.¡±


    ¡°But he does it!¡± An accusatory finger pointed in the direction of the exhausted fire mage. ¡°He was lighting fire by the fireplaces, touching candleholders and heating stones ¡ª¡±


    His father gripped the outspoken boy¡¯s ear. ¡°He is different.¡± There was a firmness in his voice, but the man¡¯s eyes showed something else.


    The effect of the words caught. Alyce saw the distraught look on Kytes¡¯ face then the slump of his shoulders. She could hear the rumblings, mouthing how the boys took influence by seeing the mage¡¯s actions. How they made of a game of it. And how it led to the fire.


    ¡°Colleen Alyce, please take Esphyr Kytes back to the manor," Connall told his maid quietly. ¡°And might I ask Esphyr Hollis to remain?¡±


    Alyce set her emptied bucket down and went to relieve Hollis of her student. The older mage was whispering something to him then looked up at her.


    ¡°He truly has drained himself this time," Hollis murmured.


    The younger mage allowed himself to be hauled up by a supporting arm. Alyce could feel his exhaustion echo down his trembling body, and as they walked, she peered at his face. Kytes¡¯ eyes were shadowed by his lashes, his attention diligently focused on the ground. The terse lines forming at his mouth revealed his attempt to hold back his wavering emotions. The crowd gave way, skirting around them, in a fashion that made Alyce narrow her eyes and scowl.


    Their trek back to the manor was one made of silence, no room for cheerful tales like the morn. And she missed it. Still, Alyce was thankful that for the moment, the manor¡¯s surroundings were peaceful. No roar or crackling of fire, no alerting yells. The day spent in the castle town invited more realization that she much preferred the slower paced lifestyle than that of the citizens.


    When they reached his room, she was surprised that Kytes¡¯ room remained dark, only lit by the ghostly illumination that slipped through the curtain drawn window. For all he was about renewing runes, Kytes had not renewed his own room¡¯s fireplace.


    ¡°Thank you for today, Colleen Alyce,¡± he said, slipping away from her and stepping into his quarters. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine now.¡±


    ¡°You are exhausted, Esphyr. What will be your source of light?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I will manage.¡±


    It was a dismissal and she knew it. Yet she willed herself to touch his hand, an attempt to reason with him. His skin was hot to the touch, not burning but definitely not one a normal person could easily bear.


    ¡°Let me at least light a candle in your room,¡± she insisted. ¡°If you stumble and hurt yourself, my lord will be most displeased that I did not try to look after you.¡±


    The mage was despondent, seemingly not have noticed her touch. Then he meekly nodded and allowed her entry. Alyce acted quickly upon his consent, finding the case of candles with the metal tinder box in the desk. She knelt down and prepared the char cloth within the box before beginning to strike her flint and steel against it. When a spark lit, she set her tools down and nursed the cloth before lighting the candle.


    ¡°You make it look so simple.¡±


    She looked up to see that Kytes had been watching her, a look of envy written on his face.


    ¡°Simple for me,¡± she said softly, her response coaxing an amused huff. Their shadows wavered as she set the candlestick down on the holder. ¡°Esphyr, it is not your fault for the actions of oth¡ª¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯ve heard too much of that as of late.¡± Kytes snapped.


    Alyce instantly withdrew a step away from the table. The hurt in her eyes evident.


    Kytes let in a stuttering inhale. ¡°I¡ª I am sorry. You are, and have been, especially understanding, despite everything.¡±


    She bit down on her lower lip. ¡°Are you disappointed about the people?¡±


    He shook his head slowly, looking down at his hands. ¡°I feel as if ¡ª all I''m trying to do right, had only making things worse. I was foolish to think I could win others by kindness. That doing things so easily in front of others might give the perception that there is no risk in what they should be wary of.¡± He rubbed where the engraved rune on his palm had been, long vanished from sight. ¡°Runic fire is useless in taming real fire. Its only worth in providing wards to prevent, to contain, to provide protection for the people. And I¡­ have done the opposite.¡±


    ¡°You have done nothing but aid people today!¡± Alyce cried out. ¡°Even since¡­¡± She fumbled for the stone tucked in her pocket. ¡°Since you''ve arrived.¡± She drew it out and showed him the charm. ¡°The magic you stored here is much brighter than any I''ve held. And the people will see that for every rune on a hearth, a kettle, or a lantern, it is renewed all the brighter. Have faith that they will see it!¡± The young woman stepped closer and held her stone out to him. ¡°I am grateful for this, Esphyr.¡±


    He jerked his head to the side, attempting to hide his face. But she saw it, the tears he attempted to wipe away with a casual hand. Alyce¡¯s expression softened.


    It''s more than just exhaustion, she realized. He truly does believe magic is for the people while we only speak on and on about coin. It-- Alyce sucked in a harsh breath. It must have been frustrating to llsten to.


    "You need to drink water," she murmured, reaching for the lone cup on the table.


    The pitcher was full, having been refilled during the day and its content cool. As she slid it across the table, a shock lanced up her arm. She winced and began to pull away, but what felt like dozens of sewing needles pricked into her soft palm, fastening her to the pitcher''s iron surface. Then every muscle in her body stiffened, knots tensing at her back, her chest locked into an icy vice. Though she was reluctant, her second hand joined the first on the pitcher, then she whimpered. The needles had turn into blades drawing something, her blood, every bit of energy she possessed. Her vision swam before she could shut her eyes. The pitcher''s condensation looked as if turned into ice and pierced her skin.


    ¡°Colleen!"


    Something warm enveloped her hands and she jolted out of her thoughts. The pitcher was still in her grasp, the cup below empty. And clasped around her hands, were a larger pair with longer fingers and toughened calluses.


    ¡°Colleen Alyce.¡±


    She looked up to meet steady umber eyes and in them she found concern and shock. Then the base of the vessel struck the table''s top and Kytes released her.


    ¡°What --?¡± She inspected her hands. There was no marking on her palms or anywhere, only moisture left from the pitcher.


    ¡°You had -- frozen in place after pouring water,¡± Kytes answered, he spoke in a calming fashion. ¡°It has been a long day, with an eventful end. You must be tired. Allow me to walk you to your room. ¡°


    ¡°Oh!¡± Though she exclaimed, Alyce could not help but frown at the empty cup on the table. Had she poured water? " Lost in thought, I suppose. You needn''t trouble yourself, I can walk back to my room."


    She took one step forward and the room spun. Covering her face, Alyce tried to regain focus and composure.


    "Colleen!"


    ¡°It''s fine. Exhaustion, as you said." As she straightened out, Alyce perceived evident panic on his face, his arms and hands extended out as if intending to catch her. "And not enough water. We should rest, we''ve more manor''s runes tomorrow.¡±


    He scanned her face, looking very much in disbelief, then fetched something from his pocket. It was a blue stone that he held but when Kytes released it from his grip, a light bloomed from within the stone and turned it into a crystal with an ethereal sheen.


    ¡°A light, I do not trust you to go down the stairs in the dark and light a fire in your state. And I tire just thinking of fiery surprises.¡± He dropped the crystal into her hand. ¡°Keep it close to you for the rest of the night. It will ¡ª provide better sleep and ensure your mind doesn''t wander too far. You may return it to me in the morning.¡±


    She marveled at its beauty, far prettier than a cheap flattened pebble with an engraved rune. It was warm too, perhaps even more than her own spelled one. But he was right. She would have to return such a lovely thing tomorrow.


    ¡°Until then.¡± Alyce looked up to see that Kytes had drawn closer, though he remained terribly anxious. His mouth moved as if he meant to speak more, but then buried it with a shake of his head.


    "Good night Colleen."


    She was gladden to have been provided a crystal to help her navigate through the manor''s dark halls. But with each step, Alyce found herself becoming progressively tired. Her thoughts began to slow, giving no protest when she wondered about a bath or even potentially finding supper.


    And the moment she returned to her own chambers, Alyce remembered little of it after, beside Bea leaping to her feet and catching her falling body into her arms.

 Chapter 4

    Crystalline water encircled her waist, the skirts of her nightgown drifting effortlessly toward the serene surface. Her fingers fluttered against the billowing linens before breaking the pristine exterior, trickling rivers down from each calloused digit. At each stream¡¯s end, ripples bloomed, flourishing out for undisturbed waters.


    A dream, Alyce realized. And this is what they call a lake?


    Great bodies of water surrounded by lush grass, though she had never seen it herself, the description was not foreign to her. Neburh had ponds, which were supposedly smaller cousins to those freshwater basins.


    Alyce sighed, drawing more shapes and creasing the clear veneer as she navigated the waters. If this was a lake, then she wouldn''t mind seeing it once.


    The lake''s earthen bed enveloped her feet, while a playful breeze teased wisps of her auburn hair out of place. Sunlight¡¯s rays crowned the top of her head and veiled her in warmth.


    How peaceful.


    Her gray blue eyes trailed after her man-made wavelets, traveling toward the lake¡¯s shore behind her. Upon each ripple¡¯s arrival, it lapped upon leaden sand before dragging itself back into the waters¡¯ depths. Her vision wavered. Where the body of water remained tranquil, the surrounding terrain had withered, the grass and trees parched.


    Agitated waters followed in her wake as she trudged toward land, her eyes scouring the wilted landscape. The malleable earth lost its leveled plane and pebbles pricked at the soles of her feet. The breeze that accompanied her sunk, weighing heavy upon her shoulders.


    Arriving near the lake''s edge, Alyce found each blade of grass had browned. The bed of now dried greens, brittle and hard. The water remained a distance away, kept apart by the river of coarse gray sands strewn between.


    Cupping her hands with water, she toiled up the shore¡¯s crumbling grains. The sand below had become pins, stinging at each step. The dense air made each footfall laborious and her breath trying. Yet though her journey was arduous, her forehead bore no sweat. Her constant was the sun''s warm beams at her back, escorting her up the troubling sands. It lessened its radiance to make the temperature mild, but never faded from her side.


    Her foot slipped sideways upon a weakened spot and an exhaled breath thumped back into her lungs. Her hands raced to brace her weight and upon impact with the ground, she coughed painfully. Wincing, she slowly hobbled on to her knees, the coarse grains beneath had pierced the soft parts of her palms. She veered her attention to what remained of her measly offering: dampened sands, the only evidence of change.


    How futile.


    She let out a defeated sigh, her shoulders slumped forward, hands dropping to the side. No current stirred the sands; her clothes and hair suspended into a still. The warmth remained, though even its touch did little to soothe her unmoving figure.


    Water surged past her fingers and her chin jerked up, her wide eyes catching sight of waves flourishing inland. They ascended the shores, following the path she had forged. Diffused sunlight skimmed the surface, throwing glimmers atop the crest of withdrawing ripples.


    Alyce lifted her face up and closed her eyes, taking in the comforting sensation of the rolling waves and the steadfast sunbeams. Then, as if a shadow passed overhead, the warmth she had taken for granted parted from her. Her eyelids became weighted and she rubbed at the delicate skin, willing for her eyes to open. She fought them to reveal the reason for her companionship¡¯s absence, but her body did not relent. She hated the growing cold, sharing its shawl and leaning against her shoulders. With the swelling vexation scraping up the walls of her throat, Alyce pried open her lips and teeth, a strangled gasp escaped.


    A weight flung itself around Alyce, wrapping arms around her. Refreshing air flooded into her lungs and she gasped before descending into a coughing sputter. Fragmented blue light danced across her vision and she blinked several times before remembering the crystal she had been given the night before. While she recovered from her fit, cold hands collected her face, forcing Alyce to meet worried blue eyes under drawn down brows.


    ¡°Bea?¡±


    Alyce''s acknowledgment brought relief to the smaller woman''s face.


    ¡°You''re awake! Oh!¡± Bea catapulted herself again over her friend. ¡°You finally woke from your terrible nightmare!¡±


    Nightmare? Instinctively, Alyce patted Bea¡¯s back as she grasped for the straws of whatever dream she had awoken from. She remembered the familiar linen that belonged to her nightgown against her skin. Then -- nothing else. Alyce rested the side of her head against Bea''s hair.


    ¡°I''m alright.¡±


    ¡°Alright?! You were turning and groaning in your sleep!¡± The woman wrenched away and waved a hand at Haddie, who shared Bea''s concern.


    ¡°It''s true. In the years we''ve known you, you hardly ever move or peep while asleep."


    ¡°Perhaps the day with the Esphyr and the fire caused it?¡± Bea asked. ¡°I heard they did some big magic to stop the burning.¡±


    Alyce''s fingers curled around the smooth crystal that sat on her covers. The stone¡¯s creator willingly worked on every lesser rune presented to him. Though truly no business of his own, without even being asked, he used his powers to contain the fire. And during the latter, he had carved something into his own flesh to shape a spell.


    ¡°It''s not because of him. He has been truly considerate and I have come to believe that he is a kinder mage than most."


    "What''s this, a change of heart?¡± Bea poked the hand that held the stone. ¡°Did he give that to you?¡±


    Shifting the crystal to rest on her palm, Alyce studied the azure crystal light.


    ¡°He did but ¡ª.¡±


    In concert, Bea squeaked excitedly while Haddie arched an intrigued brow.


    ¡°So even you are not immune to the feelings when a boy gives a gift!¡± Bea exclaimed excitedly. Her body leaned forward in interest. ¡°Why, he has even swayed your judgment!"


    ¡°And of course it wasn''t a lad from from Neburh. It had to be someone interesting,¡± Haddie drawled. ¡°A really mysterious someone. Someone potentially dangerous but you''re still curious about ¡ª ."


    Alyce sighed, shaking her head from side to side. The girls often had their heads filled with romantic notions. ¡°Esphyr Kytes wants this returned when I see him next.¡±


    ¡°Are you certain that''s what he said?¡± Bea inquired brusquely as if she was sure Alyce misunderstood. "Perhaps he said that knowing you would refuse otherwise."


    Alyce pursed her lips, setting the crystal down on the covers. ¡°We hardly know one another enough to be giving gifts and the like.¡± She strung her fingers through her locks and grimaced. Her eyes dashed to the window and found dawn''s light slipping behind the gauzy curtains. ¡°I''m visiting the baths.¡±


    Haddie leaned back to fill the length of her bed and stretched. ¡°Well, since he did return you to us quite tired ¡ª." She swung an arm up to deflect a hurled pillow. ¡°Yes, I know it was a fire, nothing else.¡±


    ¡°I do hope that''s what you were suggesting,¡± Alyce growled, ignoring Haddie¡¯s sly grin while she stomped over to collect her hapless cushion.


    Haddie cleared her throat. ¡°I was going to say, I could take on your chores today. I''m sure the Esphyr ¡ª Kytes, was it? Still needs your guidance when it comes to renewing the manor''s runes.¡±


    Alyce pressed her forehead to her hand. ¡°Ah, that''s right. We were so occupied in the castle town all day.¡± Her fingers twitched. ¡°After the fire, we returned to the manor but our lord and the Esphyr''s teacher remained behind. Have you heard what happened after?¡±


    ¡°Ah, our lord said the father and his two boys were to be housed by a relative until a new one can be built." Bea rummaged through a chest at the end of her bed, gathering a fresh set of clothes from it. ¡°And that to prevent future accidents like this from happening, we aught to teach our children better about things of common sense! Silly children playing make believe and forgetting basic dangers, can you believe it?¡±


    ¡°Sometimes terrible things need to happen in order for lessons to be truly learned and understood,¡± Haddie murmured. ¡°Fortunately, no one was injured and a worst fate avoided.¡±


    Loosening her nightgown¡¯s waist tie, Alyce remembered the eyes that followed her and Kytes as they left the castle town.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she agreed softly. ¡°I hope the people see that too.¡±


    Bea thrust clean clothes into Alyce¡¯s arms then snatched up the crystal light and dropped it on top of the clean clothes. ¡°Don''t forget your lover¡¯s token.¡±


    Alyce sighed, ¡°It is no such thing and I needn¡¯t a light in the bath.¡±


    "But it¡¯s warm! It¡¯ll keep you snug while you wait for the water to heat," Bea protested, summoning a groan from both Alyce and Haddie.


    ¡°You truly need more things to do if there''s enough time for such imagination.¡± Alyce shoved her feet into her pattens. ¡°In truth, Esphyr Kytes is just a kind boy. I would wager if you girls asked nicely, he would make the same pretty light for the both of you.¡±


    ¡°Don''t regret it later if we do!¡± she heard Bea call out as she swung the door open.


    Making a face, Alyce wrinkled her nose at her tittering roommates and snapped the door shut.


    <hr>


    His usual store burned with reinvigorated fire, overflowing into each nerve and vein. It set him on edge and since the first blush at dawn, Kytes had been searching for every depleted fire rune in the guest wing and turned the coiling internal flames'' affection over to them. From the hallway sconces to the vacant upper floor rooms¡¯ fireplaces and bathing basins; every fire rune glimmered with furious vitality.


    He had just turned his attention to the foyer¡¯s suspended chandelier, and was considering whether he should find a way to lower the grand light source, when Kytes heard a polite cough behind him.


    Leaning on his herding stick, the manor''s owner smiled at him with a tinge of worried regard. Although it was still fairly early, Connall looked quite awake and already dressed in his sensible work clothes.


    ¡°The rune up there has not been renewed in decades. Even I have forgotten its existence,¡± Connall said, peering up at the chandelier. ¡°Only used during special occasions, otherwise, I am impartial to its gaudiness.¡±


    Behind the nobleman''s leg, a small shadow lurked, peering out to gawp. Kytes inhaled sharply. For a moment, the small figure¡¯s stature reminded him of the two young boys, who had accidentally started the fire.


    But unlike the village boys, this child was much younger and his clothes were not darned at the knees or elbows. There was some evidence of age in the faded dark breeches, light stains on the vest and sleeves, but the garbs were crafted of fine material and much better cared for.


    ¡°My son, Ryles, thought perhaps we had a haunting in the house, after hearing doors to empty rooms opening and closing, but it was only you, Esphyr Kytes.¡± Connall guided the child a step closer as he spoke.


    ¡°Forgive me.¡± Kytes bowed to the young boy. ¡°I thought I would repair a few runes this morning.¡±


    ¡°I would say more than a few.¡± Connall''s eyes crinkled at the edges. ¡°After last night, I would have expected you to be resting longer.¡±


    Kytes¡¯ face suffused in red. When he had informed his teacher of his discovery, Hollis had advised they keep the event quiet until they could test the maid further.


    ¡°I had consumed some foodstuffs, which aid with replenishing magicks,¡± Kytes admitted. ¡°Although upon waking, I had forgotten that I had and ¡ª.¡± He sighed, recalling his blunder. Morning grogginess got the better of him and he had drunk from the pitcher Alyce had held the night before. When he realized, it was already far too late. Whatever blessing she gave, he had taken it. ¡°A mage can only hold a certain amount of magic within themselves. Any more and it would punish us for our greed ¡ª or forgetfulness.¡±


    A firm hand rested upon Kytes¡¯ shoulder, encouraging the mage to look up. ¡°If doing magic helps to relieve the burden then let''s find you work. Ryles and I were just about to visit our home chapel. There are several candleholders we would like renewed. Perhaps you can help us?¡±


    House Is''et''s estate was significant but the manor was modest in comparison. A dual-level house with its entire second floor dedicated for guests and the manor''s occupants. The few servants, who lived with the small noble family, stayed on the ground level, close to their responsibilities in the scullery, kitchen, or stables. Down the quietest corridor, away from the foyer and busier areas, was the entrance to the grandest room within the manor.


    Beyond the wooden cross braced door laid a vaulted room, its roofing arched with bricks and stones. At the center of the chapel were a few rows of enclosed seats, long benches made from oak. Behind the pews, space was left empty where people could stand and listen to sermons, as well as another pair of grand doors, the public''s entrance to the chapel. Built into each corner of the sacred room were narrow niches; the two at the front accompanied by slim wooden doors.


    A vibrant hue glass, depicting representations of the goddess, Thyis, and her daughters, decorated the long side wall. The morning''s light added a touch of life in its vividity, blooming the goddess¡¯ swirling agate hair. Her copper skin was made of amber glass, her dress paned white and gold with thin strips of meticulous red, green, blue, and violet embroideries at the hem and sleeves. Underneath the glass mural was a high altar made of wood, stained the same color to the frame that wrapped around the window. Though fairly bare, a pair of ornamental candle holders decorated the tabletop.


    ¡°The glass is beautiful,¡± Kytes murmured in awe. He had seen plenty of frescos, murals, statues, and even other stained glass features, all homages to the world''s deities, but the size and expanse of such a glass piece must have been difficult to create and install.


    ¡°The chapel was a part of the old noble clan''s castle, before the first lord of House Is''et dismantled near every brick from the building.¡± Connall smiled sadly. ¡°A pity, really. But those were tumultuous war times. I should be happy my ancestors at least kept this place intact. Even they were reluctant to remove such a lovely art piece.¡±


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Stepping before the altar, Kytes bowed deeply. Even though he possessed no affiliation to the spritely aurais or the many earth and water nymphs, it was in his best interest to bid respect as he would to the lampades.


    His eyes darted to the depictions of the spirits he owed his magic to, richly curved figures in ruby dresses and obsidian shawls. One lampades carried a torch, her twin had her hands outstretched, azure and citrine flames rising from the palms and dancing up the arms. Both fire nymphs were illustrated with emotionless red eyes upon pale glass.


    A creative retelling, he thought amused before resting his eyes on the neighboring characters to the lampades.


    With gleaming flowing hair, three feminine figures wore sapphire dresses and slender citrine belts at their waist. Two identical sisters were kneeling, interacting with the merging waters of a nearly translucent stream to a large body of water. The remaining nymph stood closer to the lampades, one hand delicately resting on her bosom, the other entangled with the fire nymph¡¯s.


    Water nymphs of the rivers and seas. His own hand traveled to his chest, the core of his fire resting beneath his heart. It was still scolding him for consuming too much of the enchanted water the maid had blessed.


    He recalled the fine droplets which gathered like mist around Alyce, slowly descending into the floorboards as more wisps formed. As mesmerizing as the scene was, it was a display of magic taking control of its host. Upon realizing, he had weighted his fire against her water, and though still strangers, he shared the memory of human comforts: touch, heat, voice. It had worked, broken her trance.


    She could be the one protecting Neburh, and if she is, she''s a remarkable find. He approached the altar to inspect the candle holders. However, she''s unaware, untrained. No matter how effective the spelling was, all of this is nearly akin to child mage throwing a tantrum and creating unnatural storms. It will one day fade when the child is pacified or learns control. But if she is truly that powerful, without learning control, she would ¡ª


    He took a step back, glaring at the serene expressions the water nymphs wore. The fine line between human and elemental spirit was razor thin for a mage.


    A light tug on his sleeve shifted Kytes¡¯ attention to the young Ryles, holding two candles in his small hands. The boy smiled and looked expectantly in the direction of the altar.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Kytes retrieved the candleholders. ¡°Are we lighting them?¡±


    Ryles nodded. ¡°We do it every morning for mother.¡±


    Remembering the host family''s current make, Kytes hurried to attend to the brass holders. The fire runes were engraved on top of the base, each inscription the size of a thumbprint. Unlike most of the runes he renewed in the castle town, these were unscratched and treated with care, the only similarity was the absence of power.


    Pressing a singular finger on the base, he felt the rune greedily absorb the seed of fire he planted. It was a minor spelling compared to a large oven and Kytes finished the spell quickly. He only had time to glance at the result of his work when a shadow bobbed close.


    Ryles was fascinated, bouncing on the tips of his toes to catch a glimpse of the enchantment''s glow. Kytes understood that intrigue, he remembered his own as a boy when he watched his mother and older brothers performing magic. He saw the same admiration with Fanya''s twins and the other children in town. And a pang of guilt ate at him.


    ¡°Fire is still fire,¡± Kytes told the boy sternly, when Ryles teetered back on the soles of his feet. ¡°Even with a magicked item, if you touch the candle''s flame or touch the dripping wax, it will hurt.¡±


    Ryles looked up, tilting his head. ¡°I know. Alyce says the same,¡± he said somberly.


    ¡°Ryles frequently follows our servants, while they attend to their chores,¡± Connall explained, hauling a crate that clinked upon each footfall. ¡°He''s seen the minor injuries resulting from human mistakes and in turn, he''s more cautious than most children.¡±


    Ryles patted the mage''s shoulder in a comforting gesture.


    ¡°Don''t touch that when the rune is in use,¡± the boy gravely advised, nodding at the candle holder''s capital.


    Within the child''s warning, he heard a familiar tone that brought a smile to Kytes, relaxing his initial wariness. Colleen Alyce must have some influence on the boy¡¯s life.


    ¡°I won''t,¡± Kytes promised, accepting a held out candle before kneeling down. With a light brush of fingers against the rune, the capital began to warm. The wax on the candle¡¯s mid section softened and easily fixed itself straight atop the platform.


    ¡°Do you have siblings, Esphyr?¡± Connall asked after both candles were seen to and returned to the altar.


    Kytes looked back to see Connall watching them. The crate he had brought was emptied and dozens of lanterns strewn across the flagstone floor.


    ¡°I have a much younger brother, who studies at Thalhurst.¡±


    ¡°Ah, then your family resides ¡ª.¡± The baron faltered, spotting a flicker of grief in the young man''s eyes.


    Kytes shook his head and bared a courteous smile. ¡°No, just my brother and I. My hometown was Decayed, we were away when it happened.¡±


    The young man did his best to not check for a sympathetic or wary gaze, turning his attention to the lanterns. He hardly cared if others viewed him as unfortunate or cursed. Kytes inspected a few lanterns carefully, but found that unlike most lighting vessels, there was no evidence of runes upon the handle or base.


    ¡°I¡¯ve a request for you, Esphyr Kytes. One that I am willing to pay for,¡± Connall finally said when Kytes looked at him with a quizzical expression. He waved a hand in the direction of the chapel¡¯s main entrance. ¡°This is a public facility, but besides the elderly, most rarely come and pray. However, that changes when the end of harvest is near.¡±


    Kytes¡¯ focus stumbled to a halt. ¡°It¡¯s already late autumn?¡±


    Connall smiled at his apparent disbelief. ¡°Indeed. And the festival before the long winter at our doorsteps. Many still share the belief that on this day, the veil between the living and deceased is lifted for spirits to cross. And so the townspeople visit the church here to pray and seek a light to bring back to their homes.¡± On cue, several voices were heard outside the side church door, followed by a flirtatious giggle and stern rebuking. "And even though the young men and women are less superstitious than their elders, such festivities are always much more wildly celebrated by them since it¡¯s the last day of harvest. The night will be long and it would not do for them to stumble in the dark.¡±


    Kytes wore a troubled expression. He was familiar with the eve and festival, which marked the end of the fall and the beginning of winter.


    In the cities, the late autumn festival was celebrated at the main churches, where large communal fires would be made and Sanctus mages, usually those blessed by lampades, would pray to those flames from dawn to sunset. Then at night, residents could bring home a lantern, filled with the same bespelled fire atop an expensive candle made of beeswax. It would be left at the front door and as long as the light persisted, it was said to have enough power to ward malicious spirits from entering the home''s entrance. However, the holy fire would extinguish within time. No rune on lantern or candle could maintain the ward blessed by a few dozen clergymen and even if renewal was attempted, the effect was significantly weaker.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that I can provide such a magnitude of warding on my own,¡± Kytes admitted hurriedly. ¡°Forgive me for disappointing you. I can try ¡ª perhaps if I will it enough, it might hold some protection ¡ª."


    ¡°Esphyr Kytes.¡± The rumble in the evenly spoken voice drew the younger man''s attention up. ¡°I was not expecting you to imbue it with any blessing, only fire¡¯s light.¡±


    ¡°But those fires are usually ¡ª ."


    Connall clasped his hands before him. ¡°Is that what the people, who reside in the major cities expect?¡± When Kytes didn''t respond, the man''s patient smile waned. ¡°Interesting, is it not? That the people protected by the most powerful of mages demand it is a necessity when others, who require those blessings the most, cannot afford it.¡± The baron directed his gray eyes to the glass mural. ¡°My people live on traditions and thrive on hope. They would be plenty happy with any gift during Samhain."


    ¡°The people¡­¡± Kytes began to say, unable to hide the bitterness in his voice. ¡°Would they be happy to accept a magical trinket fueled by the person that convinced children to believe fire was a plaything?¡±


    ¡°You think they blame you.¡± Connall turned his attention back to Kytes. ¡°The damage could have been worse, Esphyr Kytes. You acted quickly and did something so fantastical that it never crossed my mind how fire might be boxed in and put out in such fashion. Many owe you thanks, not just for containing the fire, but for every little favor you did that day.¡± The baron''s smile relaxed when Kytes turned red. ¡°Yes, I know you did not strictly obey the agreement set, but as long as you are satisfied with their payment, I will allow it. You are good willed and did a remarkable thing. The people will clamor for a lantern spelled by a heroic Esphyr.¡±


    Precise clicks on the cobblestone floor drew the men''s attention to the side door opening wide and admitting Hollis into the sanctuary. Following closely behind was Alyce, her hands full with a basket.


    ¡°It is far too early to ask favors from my young apprentice.¡± Hollis'' musical voice rang through the chamber.


    In contrast to the air mage''s haughty entrance, Alyce''s was more subdued. She greeted Connall and Ryles, the latter excitedly welcoming her and trying to peek in the basket. Unlike the night before, her linen underdress, apron, and skirts were changed. Her face and hair were clean of ash and soot.


    Kytes was relieved, then he startled when Hollis veered close into view.


    ¡°Well, you are certainly brimming, more than from an average rest,¡± his teacher commented, frowning as she adjusted her spectacles'' seat on her nose. ¡°Is that why you''re spelling lanterns?¡±


    And, of course, Master Hollis could sense what''s happened, he wearily supposed. His magic truly was seeping out from his discipline if Hollis noticed. Then again, this was his teacher. She knew the form and nature of his magic better than anyone.


    ¡°I had forgotten about the water when I woke,¡± he mumbled to her. ¡°My mistake.¡±


    Hollis hummed and looked over the scene of lanterns, which littered the floor.


    ¡°Good morning?¡± Alyce''s greeting came in the form of a question, but a light smile played on her lips.


    ¡°Colleen ¡ª .¡±


    ¡°Alyce brought honey cakes!¡± Ryles announced, still clutching the maid''s skirts.


    ¡°Esphyr Hollis found me but we did not have breakfast ready. This was all we had available,¡± Alyce admitted. ¡°Really, this is a dessert.¡±


    ¡°I like it,¡± Ryles said reassuringly, only to giggle when Alyce huffed and gave him a stern look.


    ¡°And I do too.¡± Hollis alleviated the basket from the maid and sauntered to an empty bench. ¡°Come eat with me, young lord Ryles. Kytes won''t be able to stomach this right now. He has magic to do.¡±


    The child gave Kytes the most forlorn pout. ¡°You won''t eat?¡±


    The unfortunate side effect of having a surplus of magic placed Kytes in a difficult predicament. On one hand, his nose was enticed by the sweet cake¡¯s honeyed aroma. On the other, he knew his body would not agree with consuming more energy.


    ¡°Oh!¡±


    At Alyce''s exclamation, Kytes looked at her. Her gray blue eyes danced with realization.


    ¡°Do you like the Esphyr?¡± she asked Ryles, who promptly hid his face into her side.


    Kytes felt equally embarrassed before the bashful child. Neither he nor his own brother displayed much familial endearment for one another. He had been so immersed with his own studies and believed his sibling was most likely the same.


    A distant memory urged him to kneel before Ryles. ¡°Allow me to finish the task your father has given me and I will join afterwards.¡±


    Kytes'' instinct didn''t betray. Ryles released Alyce''s skirts, a wide grin on his face.


    "I''ll save some for you." With a happy chirp, Ryles happily trotted to the bench where Hollis waited.


    Retrieving the closest lantern, Kytes sat down on the hard floor. He inspected the light''s make, brass frame and translucent panels made of a beast''s horns. As he called to mind the sigils he required, his companion''s close presence was not ignored.


    ¡°I thought I would help,¡± Alyce explained, organizing her skirts as she settled next to him. "Afterall, I''m to help you in regards to all of Neburh''s runes."


    Balancing the lantern on its base, Kytes smirked at her reminder. "I remember, Colleen. And I see you have lined the lanterns for me. You''re helping already."


    "Hm, wouldn''t want to keep Ryles waiting for too long. You being his new favorite person."


    "Is that a hint of jealousy?" He laughed, recalling how Ryles hung to Alyce, how the boy mimicked the woman''s scolding mannerism.


    When she didn''t retort, Kytes glanced in her direction. She was lacing her fingers together, stretching them apart.


    "Surrounded by girls, I sometimes wonder if he would rather have an older brother to play with instead." There was some sadness to her answer then she looked at him, her eyes dancing. "I bet he would love to meet Mouse. He absolutely adores horses."


    He nodded. "And you''ll visit Mouse with us?"


    "I''ll bring a whole basket of apples for her."


    Kytes grinned. "You''ll spoil her. She''ll never want to leave." He skimmed a thumb over the brass fount that was the lantern''s base. "I''m glad you''re -- well, Colleen."


    ¡°As am I-- for you,¡± she murmured.


    Pressing down his thumb against the metal, Kytes drew a steady intake of air into his lungs. He lit his eyes on the dull amber panels, setting his intention on the lantern¡¯s empty chamber. Within his veins and every muscle that ached from the overflowing fire, he reined his soul''s flames to the concentrated core in his chest. Every nerve seared with excitement as it arrived in swells. The fire was eager, prying to know what he had in mind. It was tired of simple renewals. What it wanted was spells like the fiery gaol from yesterday.


    He tightened his will upon the blaze and it obediently molded itself into a tightly compressed orb. Years of training had taught the fire that its host was the disciplined sort, but with it came true fulfillment. The flames lingered patiently, awaiting its host to share his thoughts with it.


    The shape of two lines meeting at a point came first. It was the sign of his element''s sigil and a binding rune''s birth. The flames leapt forth to imprint it in the metal, branding it a bright blue glow.


    We are making a gift for the people. He presented an image of a different rune. The same people we came to meet.


    The fire recognized the gray pony he imagined alongside the sign; the companion, that despite the little inconveniences, was a comforting spirit. Their journey together had been long and he was grateful for the pony''s patience on the road. Blissfully, his magic adjoined new strokes against the fire''s namesake lines.


    Kytes shared images more foreign to the blaze. In return for their hospitality. The baron and his son, though he had not interacted with them much, he would like to. Connall had offered them a warm bed and comfortable stay, Ryles wished to share honey cakes. He thought of the kindness the young mother, Fanya, had given him: her friendly conversations and the simple apple pottage. The townspeople had been quite generous with the boughs of food.


    But you were far more generous in exchange. Kytes tried to banish the intruding mumble before it influenced his spell, but a tendril reached out. And some blame us for the human accident¡­you wish to gift them fire too?


    He affirmed his decision with resolution. There will always be the doubtful few, but Connall had assured him that most would not cast blame. And Kytes believed him.


    Or wanted to believe.


    He hurriedly combined the rune of gift with the sigil before more doubts could surge forth. Already, his magic''s flames begun to waver. Any more and the spell would weaken further.


    Fire has always been one of the gifts to humankind. He reminded it furiously. They need it for protection and their livelihood! Be it for food, warmth, or light.


    The torch rune upon the flattened gray pebble, enough only to bring waves of gentle heat. A crystal imbued with the same sigil and paired with the sun. The wispy tendril fed on the images and wondered if those were made with the same intentions: a gift.


    She needs it. She''s -- unstable. He hesitantly painted the receiver of those enchanted stones in his mind. Those will help her. Afterall, she might be the one ¡ª.


    The final sigil bit into the brass as he recalled the protection rune in vibrant detail. Beast guardians, there were many sheep that roamed the county¡¯s land. Those same animals fed on the lush hills behind the manor, where a certain maid lived. She was the one who delivered power to the waters. By passive luck, her protection reached far and lasted far longer than it should have.


    The one that is preventing the outwardly disaster from stepping across the border. He told the flames, which curiously peeked at his thoughts. I give this gift to her and the people she loves to steady her magic. Protect them as she has them, for if she knows the truth of what is happening beyond her home ¡ª


    The fire surged forth and caressed a final stroke upon the rune. With its work completed, those same flames leapt and skipped to another brass surface, searing the plane with the same tale Kytes had shared with it. Like a wandering bard, the enchanted fire ventured out further and sung the spell''s story. It spun deep and bound itself within the newly etched engravings that graced each lantern.


    With the last rune drawn, Kytes broke out of his trance and slowly opened his eyes. In his hands was the final lantern, the sigil on its base smoldering an orange red. The light in the chapel had shifted, the colorful hues no longer on the altar but cast upon the benches and lower walls.


    ¡°Esphyr?¡±


    Blearily, he looked up to meet concerned gray blue eyes. Seeing that he recognized her, Alyce smiled and leaned forward to take the finished lantern from him.


    For if she knows the truth of what is happening beyond her home, the strength of her protection might wane.

 Chapter 5

    By the time the lanterns'' freshly carved fire runes were cool enough to touch, it was a few hours past mid day. A more substantial meal of freshly baked bread and cheese had been delivered to the chapel and Connall encouraged the younger ones to sup on it outside, while he continued to converse with Hollis.


    ¡°Contracts,¡± Hollis told them with an exaggerated yawn. ¡°For Kytes¡¯ work and the other little things Baron Connall wants while we''re still here.¡±


    If it wasn''t for Ryles¡¯ disinterested face, Alyce would have liked to stay and listen. But perhaps those discussions take quite a while, she thought. And a bored child, even a well behaved one, would impede talks before long.


    To her surprise, Kytes leapt to his feet and helped carry the basket of bread rolls outside. She had thought the runic mage would have cared greatly about matters that related to contracts.


    When they had settled on the low steps, Alyce told him so.


    ¡°Normally, I would. But Master Hollis didn¡¯t ask how much magic I bestowed upon each rune." He picked off a walnut from one of the bread rolls and popped it in his mouth. ¡°And I don¡¯t care to tell her.¡±


    Alyce directed a disapproving look at Ryles, who sheepishly retracted his hands from the bread basket. The boy had been posed to imitate the mage''s behavior. ¡°Then how would she know how much to charge?¡± She asked, handing the boy a roll and a hankercheif.


    Kytes gave Ryles an apologetic grin. ¡°Master Hollis comes from a merchant family that specializes in selling trinkets and talismans. And we share similar misgivings about the Sanctus.¡± He tugged at an ebony cuff on the top of his ear. ¡°All that is to say, I trust her to select a fair price if coin must be considered.¡±


    Ryles curiously eyed the jewelry. ¡°You¡¯re not a colleen, why do you wear those?¡±


    Alyce¡¯s eyes widened upon hearing the boy¡¯s question. Heavens, that was terribly rude. And also ¡ª She cast a wary glance in Kytes¡¯ direction. I hope Ky¡ª the Esphyr doesn¡¯t say something ridiculous or the young Master would want one too!


    Kytes touched the spot where two separate helix cuffs rested. ¡°They are inscribed and spelled to help me during travels. The one on top warns me of contaminated water or spoilt food. If I''m about to consume anything that would make me ill, it would turn scalding hot. The one on the bottom ¡ª¡± He brushed his dark hair to the side so Ryles could inspect the earrings more closely. ¡°connects me with my teacher. It tells me if she is well in health. Similarly, she wears a silver one on her own ear.¡±


    Ryles frowned. ¡°But why?¡±


    Furrowed creases formed between the mage''s brows. ¡°Journeying together means we look out for one another. And if either of us are unwell, the other would decide whether we need rest, find aid, or ¡ª leave. In most cases, my teacher watches over me more often than I, her.¡±


    Nibbling on a piece of cheese, Alyce recalled the events of last night. ¡°Is that how your teacher found you as quickly as she did?"


    Kytes tilted his head in thought before nodding. ¡°She must have felt me cast a greater spell than I should have been able to, what with my shallow pool of reserves. In which ¡ª.¡± He raised both hands defensively when Alyce scowled at him. ¡°It had been filled to the brim since then. I can cast even greater magic than that of yesterday with ease.¡±


    ¡°The payn you consume does wonders,¡± she dubiously declared.


    Contrary to what she expected, Kytes did not affirm her assumption.


    ¡°The water actually.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of water," Hollis¡¯ voice clipped too close to Alyce''s ear, causing the maid to yelp and jump to her feet. The air mage remained crouched, her chin in hand. ¡°We will be accompanying Baron Conall to the old castle''s cistern, located atop the hill behind the manor.¡±


    Ryles dropped his half eaten bread roll on the ground. His mouth opening and closing as he speechlessly stared at Hollis.


    ¡°B¨C but that''s where the ghosts are!¡± The boy sputtered.


    Alyce saw the student and teacher pair exchange a look before Kytes inquired. ¡°Ghosts?¡±


    Closing the chapel door behind him, Connall explained to the mages. ¡°The current manor was built on what was the old castle''s bailey. However, the original keep remains atop the hill, cistern included. Since House Is''et began their watch, much of it had either been destroyed or fallen to disrepair.¡± He rested a hand on Ryles¡¯ quaking figure. ¡°It is an old place that nature has reclaimed. There are no ghosts.¡±


    ¡°There are!¡± Ryles insisted. He looked beseechingly at Alyce. ¡°You can hear them at night.¡±


    Connall was right that the keep on the hill was old and long abandoned. Since she was a child, Alyce was told the stories of the long territory war and how the reigning monarch later bestowed the land to its governing family. The final days of the war found many women and children seeking refuge at the tower, the castle''s last defense. But when the keep fell, the civilians mysteriously vanish. Most surmised the whereabouts of the missing were simply not recorded, yet some whispered that the people had drowned themselves within the keep¡¯s cistern to avoid confrontation. Hence the eerie noises that traveled to the manor below the hill.


    For under moonlight, you will find them, the lamenting spirits that haunt the keep. Follow them down the spiraling steps and be offered a drink from the cistern¡¯s deep.


    The maid tucked her hands behind her back. It''s just the breeze that roams the glen. That''s what the baroness told me.


    Alyce forced upon a smile. ¡°I hear them too, but old rubble, grass and wind make all sorts of noises.¡±


    The child looked unconvinced, chewing on his lower lip. ¡°But what if it''s not that?¡±


    With a grand flourish, Hollis gestured at her student. ¡°Then Esphyr Kytes will cast a spell to bind them. He''s quite good at that.¡±


    Kytes waved down her arm. ¡°Esphyr Hollis as well. She can sense spirits.¡±


    Though those were words of assurance, Alyce was startled to hear them. Sensing and binding spirits? Whatever for? Those who passed should be allowed to return to the goddess, their earthly bodies descending below with the spirit king. Why keep their souls here? She shifted uncomfortably under the weight of her questions.


    ¡°Indeed, protectors to accompany your father and Colleen Alyce to the cistern. We''ll keep them safe, my lord Ryles.¡±


    Ryles¡¯ eyes darted between the two mages. ¡°I ¡ª I will go too.¡± His voice wavered, but his small hands bunched into fists. ¡°I will be the baron one day, I can''t be scared.¡±


    ¡°And an excellent lord you will be,¡± Connall told his son soothingly. ¡°Any soul within our borders are ours to look after.¡±


    <hr>


    Overgrown grass and field flowers saw fit to claim the pathing and near every inch of the hill, concealing most of the ruins with its shaggy height. The vegetation wreathed itself around the wedges of broken stone. Daylights'' reach washed the jagged rubble a warmer gray and whisked away any remaining morning''s dew.


    Hollis inhaled deeply, surveying the area from their new vantage point. ¡°A lovely view this gives you. Could see the manor, castle town, to the edge of the orchards there. A fine place to have built a tower!¡±


    Shielding his eyes from the afternoon''s rays and the lush green brilliance, Kytes responded. ¡°But this is why they built the cistern, isn''t it? On such a high hill, groundwater was difficult to reach. And without rainwater ¡ª .¡±


    His teacher let out a low hum. ¡°I''ve never considered Neburh''s weather in the past, but now I''ve begun to wonder, how often did it rain then?¡± She directed them toward the cistern''s entrance where the others waited.


    The nervous Ryles appeared more at ease with the presence of a short furred mound of black and white parked at his feet. Connall had thought it wise to bring one of his herding dogs to scout the safest path up the hill and provide a little courage for his son. When the child twitched at the sound of rustles or hollow breezes, the dog would press his muzzle against Ryles¡¯ hand and share a silly open mouthed grin.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Hollis called out to Ryles. ¡°No ghosts yet, my lord.¡±


    The child frowned seriously. ¡°Ghosts don''t come out during the day.¡±


    She chuckled and shrugged. ¡°Of course they don''t.¡±


    Alyce caught Kytes¡¯ feigning focus as he hopped over an uneven slab of stone. ¡°That''s not true, is it?¡±


    The mage shook his head. ¡°Time means little to them.¡± He spied a flicker of uncertainty on her face. ¡°Are you worried?¡±


    A flush spread across Alyce''s face. ¡°I ¡ª I am not!¡± she squeaked.


    ¡°Master Hollis wasn''t lying.¡± He strode to her side. ¡°Should something prove malicious, we will stop it immediately. As we have with the fire.¡±


    The cistern laid under an arch of misaligned stones that once belonged to the tower''s inner walls. Under its shadow, a moss covered stairway made of darker gray material descended into the subterranean cistern beneath the hill.


    Upon his father''s order, Ryles was left with Mac, the hound. Connall ensured his son would not like the molding scent of stale water and the sun lit hill was a happier place than the crypts below for boy and dog.


    It was true. Only a few steps were taken and Alyce longed to return to the warm surface. A musty scent greeted her sensitive nose, an aroma produced by the clumps of green vegetation that climbed the walls and draped the ceiling. Their pace down the spiraling stairs was cautiously slow as eyes adjusted to the dark. The steps were damp with old moisture and at one point, Alyce braced herself against the wall to keep from slipping. Bumps crawled up her skin as something cold squished underneath her palm. Not daring to inspect her hand, she hastily wiped whatever it was against the inside of her apron.


    It was only after she reached the bottom of the stairs that Alyce deigned to remove her eyes from the stone floors. Shallow water covered the base of a dozen stone pillars that were built throughout the chasm. Thin shafts of sunlight bore through holes in the ceiling, dyeing the sickly green waters with halos of gold. The floor they stood on served as a platform to draw water from, a foot higher than the pool itself.


    Gazing across the glassy still water, Alyce tilted her head as she spotted a statue on the opposite side of the cistern. Like the walls and pillars that supported the cistern''s structure, moss festered at its lower half, the surface speckled with a smattering of rusted stains.


    ¡°Certainly no ghosts,¡± Hollis called out, walking alongside the edge of the platform. ¡°Nor the bodies of any dead. The only thing you''ll want to care for is removing the water and sealing the limestone walls anew.¡±


    Kytes knelt down to peer at the floor beneath the water. ¡°Ouch.¡± His hand fled upward to favor a spot on his ear. ¡°Even so, your wells are better for drinking. What will you be using the cistern for?¡±


    ¡°It is as the both of you said, the Decay threatens Neburh''s borders. In a few days, I will seek volunteers to clean the cistern and prepare it in the event we need withdraw the outer villages toward the manor.¡±


    Warmth drained from her face and terror raced through her body. Alyce swung herself to face Connall. ¡°What?¡± She managed to choke out.


    Connall wore a gentle expression as he explained to the trembling woman. ¡°I trust you to not share this with the girls, the townspeople, or Ryles, until the time is right. It is why the Esphyrs are here.¡± When Alyce did not react, remaining stunned and silent, he continued. ¡°They have discovered the ill fate that has befallen Scaidun.¡±


    Alyce hastily gulped for air. ¡°Scaidun ¡ª but we trade with them ¡ª .¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know, Alyce.¡±


    She let out a shaky breath and her hands clutched around her elbows as if she was giving herself a comforting embrace. The manor servants did not interact with the outskirts much, but everyone knew the names of surrounding villages and what goods and wares they were best known for. Scaidun, surrounded by the woods, produced great handmade furniture and decor. They provided the timber for many of Neburh''s buildings and housing.


    Eyes burning, Alyce turned around in time to hide the tears that rolled down her cheeks. Though she knew no names of any Scaidun resident, a deep ache found its home in her chest. The Decay eats at the person''s body then mind, like an infection upon a tree starting from the roots. It was an unnatural death that leaves behind the soul without its shell and unable to leave the plane of the living. And the residents of Scaidun did not deserve such a death with no chances of life anew.


    A tentative weight rested on her shoulder and she turned her face up. Kytes¡¯ brows were knitted, his eyes downcast. She was about to reassure him when movement tugged at the corner of her eye and she jerked her head to look at the shadowy curiosity.


    ¡°Esphyr Kytes, are there magicks that can get rid of sickness in the water?¡± Connall asked, dipping his herding stick to check the depth. ¡°Not this water, mind. But once all is cleared and cleaned.¡±


    Kytes puzzled on the ask. ¡°There are, but boiling the water would do the same. If not even better.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, there are those who think the act of boiling water is a hassle. They would rather drink from the source, leave it to fate, or none at all.¡± The man waved a hand in irritable agreement. ¡°For those foolish few, I would like to at least reduce the chances of ¡ª inconvenient ailments.¡±


    A shuddering chill prickled up her hands as Alyce focused her attention across the reservoir. It was not unlike those morning moments at the wells.


    It was an intricate sculpture, a lonely feminine figure with concrete hair stained an unpleasant rust. The statue''s complexion imitated flawless flesh, and if not for the cracks on the cheeks and full lips, the mottled skin green and gray, Alyce would have believed it real. The skin draped seamlessly into the pool, a dress made of web like veins that disappeared under the shallow waters. The sculpture¡¯s carved face was riddled with age: the moss lashes, the corroded copper orbs that stared back. Then the eyes flitted to the right.


    Kytes inspected the inner wall and found old marks, which indicated where the water could rise to without overflowing. ¡°I can place two runes on the floor. It will occasionally send a wave of high temperature through the waters. Although, I''m still doubtful of its safety for drinking. Washing perhaps or irrigation for waste but consumption ¡ª .¡±


    Scratching the stubble that grew on his chin, Connall nodded. ¡°I will warn the people and should they become ill because they refuse to heed it, well!¡±


    Nodding, Kytes straightened and heaved his legs over the edge to enter the reservoir. ¡°Then I will engrave the runes and ¡ª .¡±


    A splitting headache tore across the top of Alyce''s head and she staggered in pain. Soft pitiful moans and harsh whispers began to reverberate against the cistern''s walls, the sound possessing every thought Alyce had with panic. Visions of mottled skin seeped into her mind, green veins turning an ugly red, the smooth granite texture swelled as blemishes formed. Then a beautiful face, but its eyes were no longer empty. Alyce swallowed a scream. Its features contorted, mouth gaped open much too wide than a human would. Limbs covered in flailing tendrils of organic vegetation were flung up as the figure shrieked, tearing at the throat.


    ¡°Kytes!¡± Alyce threw herself upon him, clinging to his shoulders and reeling his weight back. ¡°Please don''t! I beg of you! Don''t!¡±


    He braced himself against the floor, doing his best to not tumble into Alyce. ¡°Colleen, what ¡ª.¡± Kytes turned around in time to stop the maid from tearing at her scalp.


    ¡°It''ll hurt us! The lampades¡¯ fire! It''ll burn our flesh, sear into us!¡± Another haunting scream tore a cry from Alyce''s throat. ¡°Please stop. Please!"


    ¡°Heavens, what is this!¡± Hollis had ran to their side.


    Breathing heavily, Alyce pointed to the cistern''s inner chamber. ¡°The statue there ¡ª she''s afeared of what you''re to do!¡±


    Kytes scanned the pointed direction, but found no notable silhouette that resembled the definition of a statue. Hollis whistled and several ripples skated across the water, as if a breeze blew across the reservoir. Judging from her frown, she too could not detect what Alyce spoke of. However, both had an inkling to what plagued the maid.


    ¡°A crinaeae, there must be one that presides over the cistern,¡± he told Hollis. Seeing Alyce covering her ears, he clamped his hands over them as if sheltering her from whatever sound she heard. ¡°She''s hurting Colleen Alyce.¡±


    ¡°And of course, she is the only one who sees and hears this angry water nymph.¡± Hollis shot an urgent look at the bewildered Connall. ¡°We best leave. A nymph in distress will begin to affect her surroundings and by the time we notice the effects, it means irreversible disaster. And Alyce is already listening to her lament. She must leave."


    The man nodded and surged forth to collect Alyce from Kytes.


    "I will take her above, Esphyr."


    Reluctantly, Kytes began to release the young woman from his custody. "Where is the crystal I gave you last night?" He asked Alyce, helping her up.


    Shakily, she produced it from her skirts'' pocket. Kytes collected the charm from her unsteady fingers and sank more of his magic into it.


    As much as you can, stop the nymph''s lament before she drowns in it.


    The engraved binding rune pulsed in answer. Satisfied, he returned it to her.


    ¡°Do you think she''ll talk to you, Kytes?" Hollis asked him after Connall had led Alyce back up the staircase. ¡°I know you sense other nymphs from time to time but I have not heard of a daughter that reacted so violently and so quickly before. You might be the cause of her fury."


    ¡°I most definitely am the cause,¡± Kytes answered quietly. ¡°Don''t worry, I''ll be careful."


    "You had better. Leave if she begins to smother your flames. Thyis knows the lampades would never help you when you''re in danger."


    "Don''t I know it?" Nymphs had no issues blessing some people with their own elements'' store and turning them into runic mages, but rarely would the spirits aid those followers further.


    He waited for his teacher to climb up the steps before he swung around to glare at where Alyce had pointed out the nymph.


    Gritting his teeth, Kytes knelt down and bowed his head low. ¡°Crinaeae, my deepest apologies. It was not my intention to hurt you.¡± He kept his tone respectful, imploring for forgiveness, despite feeling his fire shrink under the weight of apprehension. ¡°Your daughter of water has told me of your cries, it was my mistake. I did not know the pain the lampades¡¯ fire might cause you. But I know now. It will not happen again.¡±


    It was the intensifying scent of mildew and old moisture that announced the presence of the unhappy nymph to him. Kytes shuddered. He had always been fortunate, and unfortunate, to perceive other elemental nymphs. But more often than not, it was usually under their resentful regard that he could.


    An illusion penetrated his focus. Instead of the golden sunlight that grazed the cistern''s waters, scarlet set ablaze its surface. Blackened smoke slithered through the holes on the ceiling, smothering the chamber in a choking gray haze. The moss that climbed the stairs was smothered with splotches of red.


    The water nymph swiftly released her hold and deserted him, leaving only the weight of the memory behind.


    Though no longer suffering from the spirit''s wrath, Kytes felt something wet drip from his nose. Raising his hand to check, he grimaced upon realizing it was his own blood. His body did not like having an incompatible elemental spirit forcing herself into his mind.


    But it made sense why she had done so. It was a warning.


    The castle was her home, the residents, her people. And she had watched it fall. And all she remembered was fire.

 Chapter 6

    A dull pang thudded against the hollow of her chest, like a stone dropping against her heart. Her throat was stripped of moisture, a wave welling behind her eyes; a rising desire to mourn.


    Through her blurred vision, she made out the shape of a child kneeling beside her.


    ¡°You''re crying again, Alyce,¡± Ryles sobbed tearfully.


    The three year old¡¯s cry coaxed fresh tears to spill over her cheeks and Alyce clutched her face to bury a whimper. Deep inside, she felt an ache grow; bitter, cold, and resentful. A thin wail pierced the far recess of her mind.


    ¡°It hurts,¡± Alyce tried to say, but she could not perceive the timbre of her own utterance.


    Then her bleary vision bleached into a carmine red and she screamed at the horrible color she could not shut out. In her escalating terror, the eerie lament multiplied to the voices of many. Children, women, and men, eclipsing what remained of Alyce''s senses. She gagged and heaved, fighting for air. But all she tasted was perceived ash and smoke.


    Her fingers were pried open and something was shoved into her hand. In an instant, her fingers latched closed again, nails digging into flesh.


    It was then a gentle heat flourished under the clenched digits. The warmth melting under her toughened skin and easing rigid muscles to lift each and every nail from pressing deeper divots.


    The ache might have lessened but her muddled mind still drowned in agonizing red. She barely noticed the azure motes that streamed across the angry surface like dozens of pebbles skating above water. Upon each glance, the embers scattered the bloody hue into ripples, the wavelets¡¯ dissipating the shrieks farther and farther away.


    The familiar scent of Neburh''s hills, damp grass tickling her nose. She let out a choking sob, a glimmer of relief.


    Down each ember sunk, beneath the midnight pool, motes drowning in her stead. Before they dissolved, Alyce saw the shape of several glowing etchings. Twin angular edges, a stroke painted in the middle.


    A rune.


    Alyce pried her eyes open, her lashes sticky and eyelids crusted over, as if caked by hardened sand.


    ¡°It helped, I hope?¡± A voice inquired next to her. Hollis was crouched on the grass, her silk clothing meticulously arranged around her. Hollis'' silver spectacles and chocolate brown eyes careened close to Alyce''s face. ¡°Yes, you have returned to us. You were weeping for so long.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Alyce croaked out, then gasped hoarsely, a hand leaping to her throat. It felt strangely tender and raw. Her cheeks were stiffened by dried tears, hands blotchy too, streaked with dirt and remnant drops.


    From a flask, Hollis poured water over a handkerchief, before answering. ¡°A lamenting nymph curses those who can hear her woes, Colleen Alyce.¡± The older woman wrung the cloth before handing it to Alyce. ¡°And heard her, you did, and made the sorrows your burden.¡±


    Rubbing her eyes with the handkerchief, Alyce felt fine grains in her hand. Her fingers creaked with effort and revealed the blue crystal, its smooth exterior marred with fractures, several rupturing from the rune''s engraving.


    ¡°Oh no, no ¡ª ,¡± Alyce whispered frantically. ¡°It''s cracked.¡±


    ¡°It had done what it was spelled to do,¡± Hollis told her. ¡°Kytes is very good at binding runes. All kinds, for many purposes, but his fire lends best to protection spells, including this one. A binding rune meant to ensure stability and wave away negative energies.¡± She tapped a finger on the cracked sigil. ¡°But once it could do no more, it shatters, just like everything when it loses its use. A miracle it held against a nymph''s lament.¡± A faint smile and an affectionate tone. ¡°Like I said, the things runic magic can do never ceases to amaze me. And my boy is truly becoming one of the best.¡±


    Sharp barks alerted the women''s attention toward the herding dog, Mac. Ryles and the hound sat a few feet away, having been moved a distance from the temporarily bespelled Alyce. Her tearful display had caused the three year old to fall into his own hysterics and Connall had only just managed to calm his son.


    The boy was still clearly distraught, clinging on to Mac''s long fur as the hound confronted the returning figure trudging up the stairs. Connall frowned, hushing Mac by pressing a hand against the dog''s long muzzle.


    ¡°But is he protected from the nymph, himself?¡± Connall asked before striding toward Kytes.


    A hand covered the lower half of Kytes¡¯ face, but Alyce saw the red dripping from behind it and the unmistakable darker drops that stained his white shirt. Before she could exclaim, Connall quickly put his frame between the mage and onlookers, hiding the younger man from sight. Hushed words were exchanged and Kytes allowed himself to be steered aside, but not before delivering a fleeting glance in Alyce''s direction.


    ¡°Oh heavens,¡± Hollis mumbled under her breath and rose to her feet. ¡°I suppose it could have been worse.¡± Fishing a fresh handkerchief from inside her coat, she went to inspect her student''s condition.


    Left alone, Alyce returned her attention to the surface of the broken crystal. Tracing the splintering rune with the tip of a nail, her touch scraped brittle powder against the ridges. Though still beautiful, it was crumbling.


    Could he fix this?


    ¡°Alyce.¡±


    The maid veered her eyes up to meet Ryles¡¯. The boy had inched a few steps closer, anxiously searching her face for -- something, like a monster. An expression that Alyce had never seen the child wear before.


    ¡°You were crying so much,¡± Ryles whimpered. ¡°The ghost was turning you into it.¡±


    The afternoon rays were replaced with a shiver that snaked through her veins. Seeing the downward tremble in the boy¡¯s mouth, she lowered her head, desperate to hide her own shaken emotions. Never had she wanted to frighten her young lord, the child she had loved dearly and with the other girls, raised.


    ¡°My apologies for frightening you, my lord ¡ª.¡±


    A shadow loomed over her bowed head, strained silence new to them both. Before she could address Ryles again, a small body wriggled into her arms, clutching at the gathered fabrics at her waist, weeping into her apron.


    ¡°You can''t become a ghost too! You can''t leave.¡±


    The child''s plea broke Alyce''s resolve, his words weighing more than it should have. In his cry, she found his misunderstanding and unfamiliarity to loss. Becoming a ghost meant becoming like the baroness, the mother he lit candles for every morning with his father. It meant becoming out of reach. It meant no longer by his side.


    She embraced the boy tightly. ¡°I am not going anywhere,¡± Alyce answered, kissing the top of his hair.


    The child''s voice was muffled. ¡°Then you also won''t leave to be an Esphyr?¡±


    Her entire body braced into a lock. ¡°My lord?¡±


    ¡°Esphyr Hollis said the magic was hurting you because you had it.¡± Ryles continued to babble. ¡°And all Esphyrs have to go far away to learn magic.¡±


    Under dusk''s remaining golden beams, Alyce paled, her skin contrasting her vibrant auburn hair. Her eyes became unfocused, barely noting her surroundings as she grasped for the true meaning of the child''s spoken words.Then they honed upon where Connall and the Esphyrs stood. Gray blues fixed.


    The maid who despised the price to pay for magic. She relented as it simply was a part of life.


    The maid who preferred doing things by hand, slower, messier, riskier, but practical. She was useful when magic faltered.


    Because ¡ª


    It is not only the mages that can perform magic, we can do it too. It''s in every little thing we do.


    The maid who once believed magic was wondrous and beautiful. The maid who learned magic had another face to its allure.


    The mages, supposed envoys of nature''s powers, unfeeling when there are no personal gains to be had. The price for convenience, easily extorted. The spells to treat the worst of suffering, either ineffective or insufficient.


    Grinding her molars, Alyce willed the corner of her lips to turn upward. ¡°They are mistaken,¡± she answered soothingly, resting a softer gaze upon the child in her lap.


    ¡°But you screamed, you said it hurt. You couldn''t hear us and your tears became tiny stones.¡±


    Magic had two sides, blessing and curse.


    ¡°Ryles.¡± She heard Connall call out. ¡°Alyce had only just recovered and, surely, has many questions ¡ª.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    The singular denial was clear, cutting sharp through the grass, resounding through the broken keep. Ryles was forced a step back before Alyce stiffly rose from her seat, not caring to brush her crumpled skirts. Her shoulders rose high then sharply declined.


    ¡°I have no questions, none at all.¡± A strange laugh left her mouth. ¡°Whatever it was, I want to forget it. There was a ghost and madness ¡ª possessed me. If I avoid this place, then all will be well. I am fine.¡±


    ¡°I''m afraid ¡ª ,¡± Hollis spoke slowly, as if trying to calm a skittish animal. ¡°It is not so simple, Colleen Alyce.¡±


    Alyce''s tongue withered. ¡°There are surely other reasons. Surely others have seen these ¡ª seen those things before. Become possessed by fear! Become ¡ª you said I was only weeping!¡±


    Kytes took a step forward, his eyes locked on the clenched fist at her side. ¡°Colleen, please remain calm ¡ª .¡± But the maid stared past him, seeking an explanation from his teacher.


    ¡°Streams to rivers. Tears that harden to salt. The nymph saw fit that you grieve with her in a moment only she remembers.¡± Hollis answered, her tone patient. ¡°The line between nymph and mortal is thin for our kind, do not let her lament consume you.¡±


    Alyce raised a trembling hand to her tear streaked cheeks and recoiled. The sandy texture underneath her touch pricked with sharp edges. A warmth sparked inside her still enclosed fist, then guttered as her grip tightened.


    Hollis continued on. ¡°It is those blessed by Thyis¡¯ daughters that have the potential to sense the daughters themselves, and those with innate empathy sees their respective nymphs the clearest.¡±


    Alyce shook her head from side to side, stubbornly tucking her chin in. She was shaking so terribly that Ryles retreated several steps back.


    ¡°No. I don''t ¡ª I don''t want that. I don''t want to start seeing that. Never again.¡±


    Hastening his steps, Kytes took several large strides to reach her side. He glimpsed her posture, the granules slipping through her clenched fist. ¡°Colleen ¡ª .¡± He reached for her, wincing when he grazed her frigid skin.


    Kytes¡¯ recoil did not go unnoticed. Behind her spectacles, Hollis narrowed her eyes. ¡°This is why the mageborn study at the Chapels and the twin Sancti. We must learn discipline over our gifts, to forge our talents, to conquer our fears, lest we succumb to every emotion we feel and inflict it upon others.¡±


    ¡°I''m not a mage! I''ve never done magic!¡± Alyce cried.


    A sliver of pity escaped the woman''s lips with a hiss. ¡°It is because you''ve done magic that his Majesty has sent us to Neburh, Colleen Alyce. And you lack control over it!¡±


    Alyce reared her head forward, distress threatening to escape her usual latch on emotions. Someone grabbed her, flooding her veins, muscles, nerves, bones with warmth, pushing something down. She wanted to scream in protest but the sensation implored her not to, holding her back. A glance to her side, she saw the all too familiar blue underneath Kytes¡¯ hands wrapped around her arm.


    She jerked out of his hold, staggering back from her effort. A bitter cold billowed through her, smothering the remains of fire''s pleasantries.


    ¡°You knew.¡± Accusation twisting in her voice. Of course he knew, why else would he give you that crystal? Surely you didn''t think Bea and Haddie were right.


    But contrary to what Alyce expected, he said nothing. None of his mage facade revealing itself. His throat bobbed once when he swallowed, as if searching for the right words to say.


    Finally, Kytes answered. ¡°We only knew there was magic. Illicit runes or potential rogue, unregistered by Chapel or Sanctus. But now we know that''s not the case.¡±


    She narrowed her eyes on the word ¡®rogue¡¯. ¡°Then what am I, if not that?¡±


    His brows turned downward, a picture of concern. ¡°Untrained, unaware,¡± he spoke softly. ¡°But very powerful. You affect the waters as much as it affects you.¡±


    ¡°Neburh is blessed with lush sceneries and fruitful orchards.¡± Hollis relayed calmly, snapping Alyce''s attention from student to teacher. ¡°Water plentiful, in a county that receives little rainfall. So full of life that the Decay stops right outside Neburh''s borders. The world outside your idyllic sanctuary is very different, my dear. It''s clinging on, the cities and towns barricaded by runic pillars and spelled walls. But here, there is none of that.¡± Hollis scanned the landscape about them then raised aloft her chin, peering down at the trembling Alyce. ¡°It''s a powerful enchantment you''ve weaved, Colleen Alyce. Powerful enough that the Sanctus wishes to collect the caster.¡±


    A blistering cold wracked her lungs, her exhaled breath wisped into a puff. ¡°I will not leave Neburh,¡± she rasped.


    A sharp bark jolted Alyce out of her fury and she stumbled back in time before a black and white furry mound trampled over her feet. Warmer air coursed back into the depths of her chest and clashed with the numbing sea she harbored. Her cheeks warmed as she sputtered and coughed. From the corner of her eye, she spotted Connall''s hand shift at the top of his herding stick, his weathered fingers lightly drumming the cap and staff.


    ¡°It seems Mac is reminding me of the time.¡± Connall remarked coolly. ¡°One of my flocks needs guiding away from this hill to one farther east.¡± His boots rustled through the grass as he waded toward Alyce.


    The maid cast her eyes down, wringing her hands. She had never fallen prey to outbursts, especially not before the baron. Multiple excuses bubbled up, threatening to dribble apologies and desperate explanations but she bit them down, her teeth clamping down on her lower lip.


    ¡°Alyce, my dear. Are you alright?¡±


    The tenderness in his voice made her heart swell with emotion and she forced herself to meet the baron''s eyes.


    Anxiousness and confusion clouded the control she usually bore. ¡°No ¡ª.¡± The edges of her mouth trembled and she shook her head. "No, I''m not."


    He offered her a reassuring smile, paired alongside a paternal gaze Alyce had seen once in awhile. ¡°After all the excitement, I think I''m in need of a quick jaunt about the hills.¡± Connall shifted himself between Kytes and Alyce, breaking the line of sight. ¡°I will ask the Esphyrs to return to the manor.¡± His easygoing smile disappeared when he turned his attention to Hollis. ¡°I had never believed that two Sanctus mages would come only to deliver a mere warning. A missive would have sufficed. But further conversations can wait for later, when we are all in better spirits.¡± The staff''s wooden cap creaked. ¡°And the entire truth this time, Esphyrs. Why you''ve come to Neburh. No more half truths. I grow weary of them.¡±


    Hollis drew up her hands, relenting her stance. ¡°In better spirits then,¡± the woman agreed. ¡°I''m in desperate need of it.¡± With a jerk of her chin, she motioned for Kytes to follow.


    Alyce closed her eyes, listening to the fading brisk sweeps of fabric against the tall grass which marked Hollis¡¯ departure. But another footfall was missing. One that was still precise, but more resolved and fell heavier than his mentor''s.


    ¡°Esphyr Kytes, you should follow your teacher,¡± Connall said.


    Silence followed, then a retreating pulse of boot on dampened earth. ¡°Alyce, if it becomes hard to bear, remember to breathe,¡± Kytes reminded her softly.


    A pivot and turn of the heels, the rustling of each retreating step, were terribly loud to her sensitive ears. Even with her eyes shut, it did little to dull the senses.


    <hr>


    At autumn''s close, night descended quicker, twilight pulling its cobalt shawl across the evening sky. Along the darkening tapestry were the sea of stars and the pearly moon, whole and haloed like a ghostly chalice filled with ethereal light. A ribbon of coral hue melted into the skies¡¯ distant horizon, beckoned to rest.


    Alyce tugged at her linen sleeves. The fabric was woven well, usually able to withstand the evening''s bite, but the night today was cooler than most. Brisk winds often frollicked the taller eastern slopes, its grass open to the elements. There were no trees, no higher ground that would apprehend the wild gusts¡¯; they would dance as they pleased.


    ¡°Come by, Fermac!¡±


    But the dog did not heed the child''s command, continuing to steer the sheep from the right and farther down the hill. Ryles squealed and chased after the fleeing hound, though truly to no avail. A herding dog left to his instincts would easily outrun an adult, let alone a child.


    Alyce would normally stand and watch after her young charge, even toss a scolding when he tripped or tumbled. However, she sat in the cold grass, with her skirts laid about her, her entirety lacking the energy to stand. She could only watch the vanishing orange sky, turning dimmer with every passing breath.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Why did it feel like night was approaching faster?


    ¡°What a sight.¡±


    Alyce cranked her head up. The baron stood by her, his hands perched at the cap of his herding stick. His feet were firmly placed apart, planted well to weather the occasional gust. Connall¡¯s eyes were focused on the faraway hills, daylight''s end leaving traces on his face.


    ¡°Neburh, I mean.¡± He looked down, a twinkle in his eyes. ¡°Though my son and his muddied hands and clothes are also a sight. I''ll try to relieve you of the duty to see him bathed and cleaned. I would think you had enough ordeals for today.¡±


    Alyce felt the corners of her mouth twitch. ¡°If only all ordeals were as simple as persuading a child to wash.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Connall returned to his vigil, rolling back his shoulders. ¡°Then life would be so very dull. Besides, a child will grow to become an adult, and one day, their choices will be their own to make.¡±


    She weighted her hands against her legs, her thumbs pressed into the sides of her index fingers.


    ¡°I only hope he chooses to bathe on his own accord,¡± Connall continued. ¡°Can you imagine if he still kept his habit of escaping baths? What wife would be able to stand a foul-smelling husband?¡±


    A part of Alyce wanted to openly laugh. To this day, the baron''s daily routine involved an hour''s bath, a remaining relic imposed by his late baroness when she had still been alive.


    ¡°If he still refuses, perhaps he''ll find someone like my lady S¨ªle to set him straight.¡±


    Connall''s chuckled, a pleasant rumble, slow and consoling. ¡°That would be a rare find. Most Colleens, let alone noble ones, do not dream about living in the countryside surrounded by sheep and apple trees.¡±


    ¡°You ¡ª.¡± She swallowed before managing to whisper. ¡°Miss her.¡±


    Alyce heard the thin draw of air, painstakingly long. ¡°Aye, as do you, Alyce.¡± The man slowly bent his knees, groaning when several cracks popped between his joints, before settling himself upon the grass. ¡°Our baroness who saw the beauty in normalcy and believed in the most enchanting of tales.¡± He set his cane by his side before leaning his weight back on his hands. ¡°Though for the longest, I believed her stories were nonsense. Fantasies. For as long as I remember, Neburh had always been plagued with long droughts, our harvests mostly meager. But when S¨ªle first arrived as a young wife, she would go on and on about what we were doing wrong, yapping about rituals and the like. A noble girl thinking that she knew better than a boy who lived on the land his whole life.¡±


    Alyce leaned forward in interest. ¡°I had always thought you both the most loving couple.¡±


    He laughed. ¡°I did not love her at the beginning, she was insufferable. I had begged my father to send her home, but her dowry was far too great to return. My people needed House Is''mar''s coin, their wool quilts, and hardier sheep. So I had to yield, entertain her tales, until she told me the strangest thing.¡±


    Connall''s forehead wrinkled as if he struggled to recall a memory. ¡°She shared with me a reading, a children''s book about the old clans of Maresai. That the people before the unified governance, spoke to the nymphs. They could see nymphs as clearly as you and I, paid respect to them, lived with them, may have even taken some as wives and birthed families. The depiction of a harmonious relationship. But because of their ways clashing with certain beliefs, then the larger territory wars, those people and their secrets were wiped out, becoming lost.¡±


    He sighed wistfully, thumping a hand against the earth. ¡°She said the old clan that inhabited Neburh must have survived because of their relationships with the nymphs and we need only live with the spirits in the same fashion. She wanted Neburh to fall back upon archaic times and inconveniences when we were in the era of runic magic!¡± Connall had begun to wave his hands in animated emphasis, as if possessed by a younger soul. ¡°I thought her mad and the people told me the same.¡±


    Alyce ducked her head down to hide a smile.


    ¡°But there was one logical point she made in the midst of that mess.¡± Connall perched an elbow upon a bent knee, a thoughtful film over his eyes. ¡°If Neburh grows less reliant on runes, we would save a lot more coin than wasting it on renewals. Things would be slower, inconvenient, but the people can learn to adapt and Neburh would survive all her seasons because the coffer would remain full enough to purchase and trade during the worst of circumstances.¡± He grinned. ¡°She was right and even took it upon herself to learn and teach the people menial tasks to do by hand. To live in harmony with the natural elements and one another.


    ¡°Entrust the breezes and sunbeams to dry the laundry, till the earth and watch when it weakens, to dispose of things carefully to avoid sickness¡ª.¡±


    ¡°Making a fire without a rune,¡± Alyce recalled, her eyes misting, remembering the ghost of an applause when she lit her first candle under the baroness¡¯ careful supervision.


    ¡°Giving a home to children not your own.¡±


    Connall''s eyes were closed, a sad smile toiling on his face. ¡°She believed just like the struggling earth, it was why we could not produce a child for so long. We needed to prove to the nymphs our willingness to look after others as we would our land. And so when she heard the plight of three orphaned girls, no mothers and their fathers unknown, S¨ªle brought them into the household.¡±


    Daughters in all but name. Alyce brushed her own fingers against her arms, her body remembering the tight embrace, her nose the lavender scent, her eyes the scene of being tucked into bed between raven hair Haddie and sweet Bea. The nobles and their rules would never change the fact I love you all as my own. The gentle brush of a mother''s kiss on her forehead. The nymphs have already blessed me with wonderful girls, mine to cherish and I can only be thankful you''ve become part of my life.


    A weight rested upon Alyce''s shoulder and it was then she noticed the unsteady shake in his hand. ¡°And as if she was truly a seer, a miraculous thing occurred. Though the rainfalls were still few and far between, our wells began to brim with water. Neburh''s nymphs have seen our efforts and come to our aid. And our people began fervently practicing all the little inconveniences moreso. Although ¡ª her first wild tale about the old clan still sat with me.¡± Connall''s hands fell back in his lap. ¡°How did the clan that dwell upon these lands survive for so many generations? Perhaps they did form a bond with water. And magic, true gifts delivered to those people. It wouldn''t be strange then if another born from these lands might be gifted such an affinity and in her happiness of being loved by her sisters and S¨ªle, her adoration of her home, the child''s powers grew.¡±


    Alyce''s eyes widened. ¡°Then you knew?¡±


    His fingers laced together, gripping then weakening, thoughtful consideration written on his face. Then he shook his head. ¡°Nothing concrete, I never saw you in an obvious magical state like most mageborn I hear of, conjuring fire or brewing storms. And in truth, I assumed those inklings were my own delusions. I did not realize by ignoring them, you were paying a price, Alyce.¡± His head bowed, his low voice wavered. ¡°I should have found someone to test you. That you could have learned what you were as a child. You wouldn''t have needed to suffer, slowly, unknowingly, like the ordeals you had experienced today.¡±


    Her mind raced, wondering the outcomes, the terrible possibilities that would have happened had she left Neburh.


    ¡°Then what would have become of our home?¡± Alyce asked, shifting to sit on her knees. She leaned forward to peer at the man''s face. Perhaps it was because of dusk''s light that she truly began to notice every wrinkled line that creased the baron''s features. The deepening shadows sitting below his eyes.


    ¡°Just as S¨ªle once said. People will learn to adapt. We would have found a way,¡± Connall told her. He raised gray eyes to meet hers. ¡°The Esphyrs are right, Alyce. Without truly understanding the extent of your powers, you are placing yourself in danger and I was a witness to its vulnerability. And ¡ª.¡± He brushed away a traitorous tear that rolled down Alyce''s face. ¡°I''ve had enough of losing loved ones due to irresponsibility. I''ve been irresponsible for far too long.¡±


    Stifling a sniffle, Alyce rocked her head from side to side. ¡°My lord. Even if I had known, I wouldn''t have wanted to leave.¡±


    Hands trembling, Connall clasped his weathered ones over hers. ¡°My daughter, in all but name. Had there been another way to keep you and the girls with us, not as maids, but as true wards. If only we could do away with the noble houses'' severe reprimands.¡±


    ¡°Commoner children without ways to raise House Is''et''s status higher, how could we be anything else?¡± Alyce clutched his hands tightly. ¡°I still do not wish to leave.¡±


    The man sighed, brows furrowed in deep thought. ¡°Perhaps we should ask the Esphyrs. They may not have been entirely truthful, but nor did they lie. Such a magician''s way of doing things.¡± He looked up, his gaze serious. ¡°We can come to an accord, I would like to think. Especially if they do intend to stay and help us for the meanwhile.¡± With a light squeeze, he released his hold. ¡°Tomorrow. We will have much to discuss with them. The Decay, your magic, and Neburh itself. So much has happened in the last few days. S¨ªle would have been beside herself with excitement.¡±


    <hr>


    It was the shriek that tore through Alyce''s dreamless slumber and she woke screaming. Gone were the unhinged jaws, the nymph''s howls and cries. The fingers that tore at her veins. But she still saw it, heard it. Living spectres that dwelled behind curtained lids.


    She clamped her hands over her mouth, stifling her whimpers while tears rolled down her face.


    Please be tears, nothing else. Just be regular tears ¡ª


    Alyce forced herself to touch the delicate skin under her eyes.


    Sticky, damp, no grains, no crystals.


    She let out a stuttering breath, both in relief and disappointment.


    ¡°It was all just a dream then? A nightmare? It never happened.¡±


    Her heart stammering loudly in her ears, she wrenched the covers off her sweating body. Bare feet staggered to the room''s wash basin and her trembling fingers closed upon the vessel''s edge. There was no mirror for her to check her appearance, the girls usually helped one another with that. But she could still discern her distorted reflection in the basin''s water. Wild auburn hair and skin, a hazy gray.


    A terrified howl. A man''s. It tolled from far away. A pungent scent, thick with iron, enveloped the insides of her nose. She turned away in time and retched, nausea building at the pit of her stomach. Nothing came up, only heaving gasps, her saliva dribbling down her lips.


    Wiping her mouth, Alyce straightened, cast one look at the water then submerged her face into the basin''s waters.


    The icy sensation pierced her pores and sank in between her eyelids. The water burned, swarming to the back of her throat, trapping life''s breath. With great effort, she tore away, her waterlogged locks flinging droplets on to the floor. She sputtered, coughing up water and gulping for air, but besides her own labored efforts, she could only perceive the room''s silence.


    Alyce¡¯s reddened eyes searched her roommates¡¯ beds, both cold and empty, the sheets and quilts neatly tucked in. Atop each woman''s pillow was a clipping of purple flowers accompanied by a stem with gray green leaves. Lavender, in hopes the others would rest easy without them. Neither Bea nor Haddie were coming home tonight.


    The remaining water trapped in her hair gathered at the ends before fat drops splattered on the ground.


    They couldn''t have helped me anyways.


    A thin shriek. A child''s. It pinched deep in her head and Alyce squirmed, clawing at her ears. Then panic.


    Ryles?


    Alyce stumbled for the door, kicking aside her wooden pattens that blocked the way. With the door wide open, she flung herself out of the room.


    The freezing night air swarmed at her, biting through her thin nightgown. Holding her breath, Alyce listened. The manor''s halls were pitch black. No tearful cries. Silence.


    ¡°I''ve truly gone mad," she whispered, then a wheezing laugh. "Thyis, this is the fault of your daughter!"


    She swerved her body and hobbled down the corridor; her trajectory, the manor''s chapel.


    The night clung to her wet hair and crept down her back, chilling her to the bone. Her teeth chattered, her bare soles burned as she padded across the stone floor.


    The usual journey to a chapel should be one of prayer and peace. But Alyce''s roaming was one of grudge and besiege.


    She wrapped her hands around the iron handle and dragged open the chapel¡¯s weighted door with all her strength. The hinges groaned, wailing as the cracked opening grew in size then she lurched inside, letting the door''s weight slam behind her.


    The chapel was wreathed in cold prismatic light, no lit candles or lanterns to give the sanctuary a warmer hue. The stained glass mural threw diffused shadows across the vaulted ceiling and walls.


    Alyce''s eyes locked on the golden figures to the right of the gleaming goddess. Beauties donned in citrine and blue. Graceful extended arms, the delicate lift in their hands, flowing hair and rippling dresses, such perfect and peaceful faces.


    Fixated on the mural, her feet trudged across the chapel¡¯s floors. Her lips curled into a smirk when she found nothing that resembled the cistern nymph. Crazy, angry, filled with despair.


    Amongst the sapphire and gold, a ruby hue stole her attention and her eyes settled on the standing water nymph, a companion to one of the Lampades. The depiction looked just like her sisters, angelic, demure, forever serene. A slender hand rested across her breast, the other hand laced with fire''s, the mingled glass amethyst hue.


    Weren''t water and fire opposing elements?


    She stepped closer to the mural, then another shushing footfall, her vision sweeping from orange to blue. Cerulean light washed down the fabrics of her gown, the golden glass warming her pale skin.


    ¡°Colleen Alyce?¡± A voice called out from behind.


    She whirled around, peering into the shadows with a certain calm. Her eyes rested upon a rising figure, cloaked in his usual black coat, embroidered at the hems with crimson thread. His garb was entirely black, having changed out of the clothes he worn during the day.


    ¡°Aren''t you ¡ª.¡± She saw his eyes flicker down to her bare feet then upward. Color flooded his cheeks and he was quick to avert his gaze. ¡°Cold?¡±


    She blinked several times, wrapping her fingers against the nightgown''s skirts. It was made of a breathable material, light and ¡ª


    Alyce looked down, and within moments, realization struck. She had gone traipsing about in her sleeping wear, and the damp material clung to every curve on her upper body. She gasped, pivoting around to hide her shame.


    Perhaps it was the timbre of her inhale or the sharp rush from her throat. She heard a scream. A female''s, sobbing and helpless. The cry flooded Alyce''s hearing, enveloped her in fear.


    ¡°Colleen!¡± Kytes darted forward, in time to observe her hands attempting to find purchase of her hair and grab at the locks at her scalp.


    He yanked them back, bringing down her wrists to their sides.


    ¡°Alyce.¡±


    Shaking her head, she struggled to wave away the discord only she could hear.


    ¡°I hear screams, but not only hers, there''s others ¡ª.¡±


    ¡°It is her lament you hear. And you haven''t ways to stop your mind from ignoring it,¡± he said firmly, readjusting his grip. She was strong, the strength cultivated by her daily work. ¡°I mentioned it before, they don''t experience time as we do. When she laments, she''s forever trapped in a memory, the past. You can''t stay there with her. Breathe, Alyce. You have to focus on the present.¡±


    ¡°The present ¡ª.¡±


    He leveled his head to hers, meeting her bleary eyes. ¡°Yes, the now. Five things you can see, right here. Describe them to me.¡±


    Alyce swallowed hard, her eyes racing from his to focus on something past his head. Sprawled across the ground, like constellations against a dark sky, several crystals sparkled under the moonlight. Each stone''s brilliant colors cascaded upon the stony sea, turning the shadows beneath it into a jeweled pool.


    ¡°There ¡ª there are crystals behind you,¡± she managed to say. ¡°Different colors, blue, green, black, red, and ¡ª a few that are pearly white.¡± She blinked rapidly, returning to him. ¡°Why are they on the ground?¡±


    He gave her a smile. ¡°I can tell you that later. Four things you can feel. Tell me.¡±


    She wriggled her toes and shuddered. ¡°The floor is cold.¡± A soft blush touched her skin. ¡°My nightgown and the water I dashed upon it.¡± There was a light tap at her wrists and she looked up into umber eyes. Upon closer inspection, they were a reddish brown, warmer than what she once believed. And she was thankful he had chosen to observe only her face. ¡°Your hands.¡±


    He gave her a light squeeze before releasing her. ¡°Now, three things that you hear.¡±


    She closed her eyes. Besides the pair, the chapel was empty. The sanctuary''s walls were thick and kept the winds'' din outside.


    ¡°My own voice, I suppose.¡±


    Something weighted was wrapped around her shoulders and her hair carefully lifted over it. The coat''s hem and cloak traveled a little past her thighs, otherwise, it fitted her easily. The front was pulled close, the fine wool rustling as it was tightened.


    ¡°Buttons that are fighting the eyelets.¡±


    That prompted a chuckle. ¡°I don''t usually dress others.¡±


    ¡°And yours.¡±


    A shy laugh. ¡°That''ll do. Two things you smell.¡±


    Alyce frowned but took in a deep breath. ¡°The air is bitter and stings because of the cold. And ¡ª.¡±


    Her fingers grazed the surface of the unfamiliar clothing. She could still feel the residual warmth.


    ¡°Your coat.¡± She lowered her chin. ¡°The scent is a kind of spice.¡±


    ¡°Must be the payn ragoun. I have some in the pocket, which reminds me ¡ª.¡± He slipped his hand back into his coat and pulled out a parcel.


    A snap drew her attention to Kytes, who broke off the edge of the confection and handed her the amber fragment.


    ¡°Lastly, one thing you taste.¡±


    She slipped the sugar onto her tongue. Vibrancy filled her mouth, bright and keen. Her saliva thickened as she tried to melt the sapid ginger. ¡°Oh, it''s ¡ª.¡± She grimaced, glaring at Kytes, who was grinning back. ¡°It''s really sweet, it''s horrible.¡±


    He leaned forward to store the parcel back in his coat. ¡°And now you know why I despise it. That was very good, Colleen. Do you feel better?¡±


    Alyce breathed slowly. The spiced scent still tickled her nose and tongue. The brush of his hand against her waist as he fiddled with the pocket. She sighed with relief.


    ¡°I don''t hear it anymore.¡±


    ¡°Then it worked.¡± Kytes straightened, waving his hands in front of him. ¡°No magic required.¡±


    She couldn''t help but smile as he sauntered back to his crystals. ¡°It was that simple then?¡±


    He looked back at her, a mischievous light playing in his eyes. ¡°Simple for me ¡ª.¡± Then he faltered, the muscles at his jaw tightening. ¡°Because I know how to fight those laments.¡± He crouched down to inspect one of the stones.


    She swallowed. ¡°What should I do?¡±


    Kytes plucked a crystal into his hand and brought it to his chest. Tilting her head with curiosity, Alyce knelt by his side to observe. A blue light pulsed deep within his fist then he released his grip, revealing an opalescent stone. Engraved on its pearl like surface was the same rune that sought to help her earlier that day. He handed it out to her.


    ¡°Another crystal? But I ¨C I broke the blue one you gave me! I cannot risk shattering another!¡±


    ¡°Runic mages serve and aid mankind, and the ones with fire take on the role of order and protector.¡± He placed it in her hand and wrapped her fingers around it. ¡°My fire had done exactly what I expected and more. And this moonstone will do even better. Until the day you ¡ª want to learn about your powers, let me help you.¡±


    ¡°I''ve nothing to pay you with,¡± she whispered. ¡°I haven''t even shown you how to make fire by hand.¡±


    ¡°Your forgiveness.¡± He looked at her seriously. ¡°We couldn''t be entirely truthful because there were multiple uncertainties. What we would find and any mention of illicit runes, the suspicions, would only cause panic. But even so, Hollis and I will still keep our promise ¡ª.¡±


    ¡°As long as you help Neburh, the best that you can.¡± She opened her hand and grazed the crystal''s surface. It shared its warmth eagerly, lulling her into comfort. ¡°I''m sorry about today.¡±


    ¡°It wasn''t my wish for you to find out like that, either. But we are in the present now, aren''t we?¡±


    Alyce drew the coat closer. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Seeing her shiver, Kytes offered a hand. ¡°You should return to bed.¡±


    ¡°What of you?¡±


    Kytes gestured at the remaining crystals. ¡°I''ve these to look after. At least until sunrise.¡±


    ¡°Then might I stay here?¡± Sensing his hesitancy, Alyce assured him. ¡°My roommates aren''t at the manor, our room cold and empty, and with how the day was, I really don''t want to be left alone.¡±


    When his eyes widened, she quickly added. ¡°If the girls were here, I wouldn''t ask such a thing. I only ¡ª want company.¡±


    Running his hand through his hair, Kytes considered their surroundings. ¡°It won''t be comfortable.¡±


    ¡°That''s alright.¡± She rose to her feet, navigating carefully around the crystals and plopped herself onto the empty bench. ¡°Comfort in the heart is what I need right now.¡±


    As she managed to lay down on the length of the bench, Kytes sat on the floor in front.


    Perhaps it was the silence in her ears and peace in her mind. Perhaps it was the crystal''s warmth in her hand. Alyce found comfort in being near the young fire mage, hearing him breathe quietly as they rested.


    ¡°Esphyr, would you tell me about the crystals? Why do you have them all about you?¡±


    ¡°A moonbath.¡±


    She giggled. ¡°A what?¡±


    ¡°Every full moon, Colleen,¡± Kytes explained, gentle and kind. ¡°I cleanse the crystals I use under the moonlight so that the runes I engrave with my fire will hold longer, without influence from potential conflicting energy.¡±


    ¡°And you do this every full moon?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    She tucked her legs in so the bottom of her gown would cover her calves. ¡°And if I choose to learn magic, would I need to do this?¡±


    Her rustling made him turn. Their eyes met for a moment before his flitted to his coat and he attempted to pull the shoulder cape over her. ¡°From what I know, natural water mages have their own rituals during the new and full moon, such as collecting moonlight, making moonwater.¡±


    ¡°Collecting moonlight, moonwater,¡± she repeated. ¡°You make magic seem not frightening at all, Esphyr Kytes. Mystifying, enchanting. Beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Oh but magic is beautiful. Captivating but frightening, both attractive and menacing.¡±


    She hummed thoughtfully and closed her eyes. ¡°And that charms you, Esphyr?¡±


    ¡°Yes, very much so.¡±


    She felt his back¡¯s shadow cast over her again.


    Perhaps it was because she saw his efforts in helping others. Perhaps it was because his demands of payments were not demands at all.


    ¡°I don''t want to leave my home.¡±


    She clenched the warm moonstone to her chest, praying he would understand.


    ¡°I know.¡±

 Chapter 7

    A door¡¯s whiny squeal wrested Alyce out of her dreamless sleep and she grumbled unhappily at the disturbance. It had been a blessing, not having vivid dreamscapes for once. Even though the bench she laid on was hard on the back, she was content. A steady warmth lighting her palm, plush woven comfort draping over her ¨C


    Alyce''s eyes snapped open.


    Gauzy daylight replaced the chapel''s usual colorful fractures, spilling through the church''s skylights. At the sight of morning''s frost gathering on the panes, Alyce¡¯s nose tingled.


    Though she was still sprawled on the church bench, she found the ground before her empty. Some time during the night, Kytes had left his post.


    ¡°Oh, you are more bold than I thought.¡±


    Alyce''s heart jumped at the breathy proclamation.


    Standing at the chapel''s open entrance was Bea, wearing an enormous grin, her cornflower blue eyes gleeful.


    Following her gaze, Alyce looked down. Kytes¡¯ coat covered the length of her body, but there was no missing her thin shift peeking underneath the fine garment.


    ¡°Bea, what are you standing there for?¡± A sharp secondary voice huffed from outside.


    Hauling the door by its stubborn hinges, Haddie pushed her way into the chapel only to be dragged further in by the shoulders. Staggering, she impatiently clicked her tongue in retort but the noise fell short, her eyes falling upon the coat then the night gown and bare feet.


    On cue, a groan sounded from the bench behind Alyce. Favoring a sore spot behind his neck, Kytes slowly sat up. His hair was disheveled from tossing in his sleep, but at least his clothes remained tucked and orderly.


    ¡°You slept here?¡± Alyce croaked, her throat raspy from the morning chill.


    ¡°Yes, why wouldn¡¯t I?¡± He glanced at the two women openly gaping back at them and froze. ¡°Oh.¡±


    Bea clamped a hand over her mouth, crinkles radiating from the corners of her eyes. ¡°Well, don¡¯t mind us. We¡¯ll be on our way.¡± A giggle escaped her before she skittered down the narrow aisle for the back door.


    ¡°Bea!¡± Alyce stumbled after her. ¡°Whatever you are thinking, it is not that!¡±


    Traversing backward on her toes, Bea shook her head sagely. ¡°You don¡¯t have to explain. I completely understand.¡± Her smile broadening, she waved away Alyce¡¯s sputtering. ¡°But goodness! A church of all places and with Thyis watching? My stars!¡±


    ¡°And that''s exactly why I have to explain!¡± Alyce desperately appealed to the more level headed Haddie. ¡°It is nothing of that sort!¡±


    Crossing her arms, Haddie sucked in a breath. ¡°Well, it certainly seems that way.¡±


    ¡°Yes, see!¡±


    ¡°Except that''s not your coat.¡±


    Covering her face, Alyce groaned impatiently. ¡°It¡¯s not ¨C neither of you were home.¡±


    ¡°Mmhm.¡±


    ¡°And I needed help ¡ª.¡±


    ¡°Mmhm!¡±


    ¡°Not that kind of help!¡± Alyce snapped.


    ¡°Oh, I wasn¡¯t thinking it,¡± Bea replied innocently.


    ¡°Colleen Alyce ¨C.¡±


    Three pairs of eyes snapped to the Sanctus mage leaning on one of the bench¡¯s arms. Unnerved by the attention, Kytes took a deep breath. ¡°And I, along with the Baron and my teacher, visited the old cistern by the ruined keep. It was not the most pleasant place and the visit plagued her with nightmares. In hopes for solace, she came to the chapel, where I happened to be working and so I provided her with a spell for better sleep.¡±


    Bea''s face fell but Haddie''s brows knitted, her eyes boring into Kytes.


    ¡°The old cistern? Why?¡±


    Alyce threw a cautionary glance behind her. The baron had made it clear that the Decay¡¯s proximity was not to be common knowledge.


    To her relief, Kytes had not forgotten. He steadily met Haddie''s unblinking eyes. ¡°Baron Connall wanted to find a way for the cistern to serve its original purpose.¡±


    ¡°But the ruins are unsafe due to lack of care and age,¡± she pointed out. ¡°We all know that, which is why we have wells ¨C.¡± Haddie abruptly snapped her mouth shut.


    Having known the discerning woman her entire life, Alyce recognized the darkness eclipsing Haddie¡¯s face. The older woman might not know that Scaidun Decayed, but she had certainly realized something was amiss.


    ¡°In the company of Sanctus mages, we thought it would be safer. But it ¨C it¡¯s just as we were told. Old, dangerous, and ¨C filled with stagnant water.¡± Alyce gulped. For a moment, a memory threatened to breach and she drew in a sharp inhale.


    ¡°Colleen Alyce.¡±


    She looked up to see Kytes had his fingers splayed before the lower half of his face.


    Five.


    The corners of Alyce''s mouth lifted at the reminder. Finding five objects to focus on was much easier in daylight; the vaulted ceiling, the bare altar, the decorative pillars, the cross braced door ¨C


    And Haddie''s glower.


    Alert eyes darting between maid and mage, Haddie directed a finger at Alyce. ¡°You cannot be found in this state, wearing nothing but a boy¡¯s coat and your nightgown. Ryles would have so many questions and I truly do not care to explain this. Change before the Baron calls us. And you, Esphyr.¡± Swinging open the chapel door, Haddie impatiently waved at him. ¡°Will come with me. The kitchen is not so odd a place for you to be at and I still need the hearth rune renewed.¡±


    Smothering a snicker, Bea skipped up to Alyce with a wicked grin. ¡°Oh, you needn''t worry about Ryles because it is I who has so, so many questions.¡± Steering them toward the back door, she tossed Kytes a wink. ¡°Would you rather her keep your coat, Esphyr?¡±


    Alyce yanked on the woman¡¯s elbow, prompting Bea to yip in protest. Hazarding a glance, she found the mage looked clearly dumbfounded at the inquiry.


    ¡°If ¨C if it helps?¡±


    Alyce ducked her head down to hide her pink cheeks, frantically seeking for sensibility. Either Esphyr Kytes was slow to react in the morning or he misunderstood Bea''s teasing.


    But Haddie was neither and swarmed on Bea with a snarl.


    ¡°Really?¡± Haddie''s brilliant blue eyes flashed with annoyance. ¡°Get out and get her changed!¡±


    Not waiting for compliance or worse, more witty remarks, Alyce shoved Bea out the back door and slammed it behind them.


    <hr>


    With great zeal, the fire roared into life, the cold kitchen ceding to the warmth¡¯s overwhelming vitality. Removing his hand, Kytes observed the renewed rune. From dull and dark, the sigil now glowed a soft amber.


    He had been pleased to discover the rune so free of grime. Kitchen runes were usually coated with grease or other cooking residue but this one had been meticulously cleaned. Besides a few aged cracks, the rune showed little wear.


    ¡°They¡¯ve taken good care of you.¡± He ran a thumb against the bridging point. ¡°Surely you wouldn¡¯t mind storing a bit more magic?¡±


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    The hearth rune delighted in the idea and readily absorbed more of Kytes¡¯ personal fire. A runic mage¡¯s cultivated flame was a rare delicacy, far more human, far more soul.


    And surely they wouldn¡¯t mind a few more years of working order as thanks, Kytes mused.


    Not that they would know what he did until the allocated time passed and then ¨C


    He grinned. And then for a moment, perhaps Alyce would recall his penchant for breaching agreed upon contracts.


    His hand lifted away a second time, the rune pulsing in brighter approval.


    For one who had very few friends, Kytes found it strange how much he enjoyed Alyce¡¯s company. At first, he had attributed it as novelty, finally able to converse with someone else after a year in Hollis and Mouse''s company. Or perhaps it was because Alyce shared her feelings freely, a fascinating trait for a maid servant. He reciprocated in turn, something he found no desire to try in Thalhurst. Not back home where there were too many competitive mages his own age.


    Or it might have been the fact that ¨C


    She¡¯s a mage.


    Kytes formed the word in his mind, his mouth testing the phrase before shaking his head. Very few magicians could sight another element¡¯s blessings. It was the same reason why his own unfortunate ability in detecting other elemental nymphs was extremely rare. But it wasn¡¯t unheard of.


    I suppose that talent could lend itself by seeking kinship in another mage ¡ª


    The scullery door banged open, jolting Kytes out of his pondering. Lugging in a bucket, Haddie expertly kicked the door closed and waved off Kytes¡¯ attempt to aid with a grunt.


    He saw her practiced efforts, skillfully heaving the bucket onto the table without spilling a single drop. The adeptness reminded him of Alyce, equally capable of hauling heavier weights. So unlike most Thalhurst girls, who would squabble at the mere mention of heavy books.


    Wiping her hands on her front apron, Haddie glanced in the hearth''s direction.


    ¡°My apologies for taking so long to visit the manor runes,¡± Kytes began to say. ¡°It must have been inconvenient.¡±


    Haddie shrugged, fetching a ladle and a drinking cup to pour well water into. ¡°Bea and I managed, mind, not quite as well as Alyce, but we can make a fire ¨C eventually. Besides, Alyce likes the townsfolk and they like her. With you being a ¨C a stranger to these parts, would be better regarded if she¡¯s your company. Bea¡¯s spun enough trouble with most mamas and I honestly don¡¯t care to venture into town besides visiting my family.¡± She pushed the cup in his direction. ¡°Which reminds me, I was visiting my cousin last night and she had fresh bakes to give us.¡± He saw her lips twisted before she uttered. ¡° ¨C and you.¡±


    Dread seeped into his polite disposition, the underlying tone did not escape his notice. ¡°Your cousin?¡±


    Haddie retrieved a basket and lifted the hemp cloth covering the wicker parcel. A sweet and floral aroma reached his nose, the kitchen quickly immersed with the scent of apples.


    ¡°My cousin mentioned that you liked her apple pottage and so she wanted you to try these. And also as thanks to the two Esphyrs, who stopped the fire.¡±


    ¡°Ah ¨C Meachar Fanya.¡±


    ¡°Meachar Fanya,¡± Haddie echoed the term used for married or older women. She ladled the freshly drawn well water into a cup and set it before him. ¡°A more understanding woman than I¡¯ll ever be.¡±


    Despite the raven haired maid being of smaller stature, she was strangely intimidating; her sharp gaze reminding him of a watchful cat. Hastily, he seized the drinking cup and gulped its content.


    ¡°It tastes different, doesn''t it?¡±


    Mid sip, Kytes froze, his upper teeth clacking against the cup to prevent himself from swallowing. His ear cuff had not warmed, there was no poison, no faultiness in the water.


    ¡°The water, Esphyr Kytes,¡± Haddie continued, her tone was rigidly firm.


    He hesitantly withdrew from the cup, eyeing the translucent liquid. It did not hold the invigorating spelling Alyce had accidently cast a few nights ago but nor did it have its usual sweet and crisp flavor. Instead, there was a bitterness to it. Alyce''s terror had taken hold of Neburh''s water.


    Lowering the cup, Kytes met Haddie¡¯s unblinking gaze.


    ¡°You knew about Alyce,¡± he murmured.


    Haddie broke the frigid contact first, reaching for a piece of bread from the basket. ¡°Yes, I did. I knew and chose not to inform my lord, nor the Chapel mages.¡±


    Scraping a fingernail against the loaf¡¯s hardened crust, Haddie proceeded to peel it away from its spongy center. ¡°Ever since they were brought into the household as babies, I have looked after Alyce and Bea as my own sisters. And in my efforts, I¡¯ve noticed that when Alyce laughed, the water would become sweet. When she would pout and scream, the water would taste bitter. Mind, never spoiled nor dangerous to consume, only mildly changed in flavor. But as she grew up, and her toddler years behind her, the water fluctuated less. Only a few times, like when Lady S¨ªle passed, were there great and vile tasting changes. On those occasions, I had laid the fault upon fallen children''s toys or something of the like in the well.¡±


    ¡°You knew that she was affecting the water ¡ª.¡± Kytes gritted his teeth. ¡°Not knowing is one thing but keeping this quiet, it could have been disastrous for her, you, and the people. She could have accidentally changed water to poison! The closest Chapel should have been informed ¡ª.¡±


    Slamming her hands on the table, Haddie glared back, her blue eyes flashing. ¡°And what? Let them take her? Teach her to become like them?¡± She scowled at him, when he recoiled. ¡°You saw it too, saw it in those shoddily written contracts and in those half hearted renewed runes. We''ve paid enough for their deception over fire runes, can you imagine if they knew she influenced the water? What if they use Alyce against her home? Why ¨C why would I give them someone I love and risk watching her turn into them?¡±


    Her words stung him like a slap. Suddenly, the disapproving leer, her growing animosity as they spoke ¨C all became clear.


    ¡°You hate mages.¡±


    ¡°Hate is a strong word, Esphyr,¡± Haddie replied stiffly. ¡°I do not trust them. And I am trying my hardest to trust you.¡±


    Straightening his back, Kytes stepped away from the table. ¡°Then why are you telling me this, Colleen Haddie?¡±


    Her lips tensed into a thin line. ¡°The night of the fire, something strange happened to Alyce. During deepest night, our room became flooded with a freezing haze. Bea and I woke, but Alyce couldn¡¯t, no matter how much we tried shaking her, hugging her, doing our best to have her stir. Then Bea discovered this blue crystal at the foot of her bed.¡± Her eyes narrowed. ¡°Within seconds of returning it, Alyce stirred and all seemed well. It was very much like she woke from some enchantment and she remembered very little. I truly had thought it was nothing but a nightmare but when I checked the well in next morning, the water ¨C although barely noticeable, was bitter.¡±


    Kytes pondered this finding. Admittedly, he hadn¡¯t paid much attention to the water after being nearly drowned by Alyce¡¯s invigoration spell.


    ¡°The taste grew stronger throughout the day, which was why I went to the castle town last night. Even there, the water from all the wells were of the same acrid flavor, foul to even the townspeople. I had planned to share this with the Baron, and what do I find when I return home?" Her brows dipped toward the center of her face. "I find her with you because ... she had yet another nightmare.¡±


    Feeling his face grow hot, Kytes averted his eyes. "I was doing my part in aiding an untrained mage, not because I wanted any favors from her.¡±


    Haddie''s chuckle was hollow. ¡°The only favor I can see her delivering is leaving Neburh with you because she needs ¨C .¡± Her lips pursed before she sighed. ¡°Because she needs to. So, tell me, whatever is ¨C what is happening to Alyce?¡±


    When he did not immediately answer, Haddie looked down at her clasped hands. ¡°I ask because ¨C I want to believe you will tell me honestly.¡±


    Colleen Haddie speaks without hiding her claws. Kytes drew in an even breath. But her mistrust and fear are reasonable, considering the Chapel''s practice. If I am the outlier to soften that perception upon mages, it''ll be to my benefit , Hollis¡¯, and ¨C Alyce as well.


    ¡°She lacks control of her powers,¡± he told her, reaching for the drinking cup again. ¡°Natural water magicians like hers, it should ebb and flow when in use or put to slumber when not, but she has none of that. Instead, her magic had been on a constant trickle, over many, many years. And when she experiences strong emotions, like fear, it floods. Affecting the water she controls, and even her immediate surroundings, she¡¯s becoming ¨C consumed by it.¡± He rotated the cup in his hand. ¡°And the nymph at the cistern drove her farther than what she was ready for.¡±


    ¡°A nymph?¡± Haddie repeated, tension afflicting her tone. ¡°There was a nymph there? And she saw it? Then ¨C then she knows that she has ¨C.¡±


    ¡°As does the Baron and Ryles.¡±


    He noticed her hands locked tighter, white blooming at the rim of her fingertips. It must not have been easy for Haddie to harbor the secret from her home and its tenants, especially her employer.


    ¡°What now then, Esphyr? Will you be taking her away from us?¡±


    ¡°She does not want to leave Neburh.¡±


    A moment''s relief flickered in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced with doubt. ¡°But that isn¡¯t for her to decide, is it? Not with her magic tormenting her so.¡±


    Finding very little reason to remain in the kitchen, Kytes guzzled the remaining water in the cup. ¡°I will do my best to find an alternative for Colleen Alyce, one that would allow her to stay and learn the depths of her magic. However ¨C Colleen Haddie.¡± He matched her caution with what he hoped was a firm look. ¡°She is a mage, whether you like it or not. It is a part of her. Will you continue to speak ill of it?¡±


    Haddie huffed. ¡°You misunderstand, Esphyr. I long accepted Alyce for who she is and have no true qualms with the runes and nymphs. What I speak ill of is the Chapel¡¯s practices and in extension, the Sancti that allow them to run rampant, extorting us so easily.¡± One side of her cheek compressed inward as if she was biting back her displeasure. ¡°I know Alyce. She''s not a heartless girl and she loves Neburh. But I don''t want her to suffer under their selfish guidance either. And I certainly do not want the townspeople to judge her poorly once they know. It would break her.¡±


    Skepticism roiled in his chest. ¡°Nor do I,¡± he murmured softly and for once Haddie gave him a crooked but approving smile.


    Regardless of the qualms Kytes had for his peers, Thalhurst would have better institutions to teach an adult mage, who had woken to their abilities. Especially one with significant strength and could alter the water in a whole county.


    However, if Alyce wished to remain in Neburh, then she would need to study at the Chapel, which had been assigned to serve the county. The same mages that the people clearly held much grievances for.


    A visit to that Chapel would be necessary then. And there, I can investigate their books and contracts, Kytes surmised. But most of all, I truly hope that the entire Chapel isn''t rotten to the core. Perhaps there is someone good who can teach Alyce and that''ll be enough to satisfy the Sanctus.

 Chapter 8

    Alyce deftly threaded the bodice¡¯s laces into a bow, cinching it tightly over her dress. Her back immediately straightened and she let out a slow exhale, dropping calloused fingers over the compressing garment. Compared to the fine woolen Sanctus coat with its silk inner lining, her clothes felt coarse. Sensible and plain, dull grays and beige, unremarkable seams, completely practical. Thoroughly her.


    House Is¡¯et¡¯s maid.


    Her eyes skirted to the borrowed coat waiting on her bed. Though only worn for a short while, the fraying hems running along the coat¡¯s edges, the unraveling embroidery floss on the cape, did not escape Alyce¡¯s notice.


    It piqued her curiosity, why a Sanctus mage¡¯s garb would be in such a worn condition. Surely a noble status mage had the coin to purchase new clothes.


    ¡°I can''t help but feel disappointed, Alyce.¡± A voice grumbled from an opposite bed. ¡°Not even a kiss?¡±


    Alyce leered at Bea, who was feigning a disappointed pout while swinging her legs over the footboard. ¡°Is that what you do? Go about kissing strangers you hardly know?¡±


    A sly smile stretched across her face and Bea flicked a hand to where the coat laid. ¡°Well, I haven''t tried it with this one.¡±


    Rolling her eyes, Alyce felt bristly threads running along the inside of the coat¡¯s cuffs. ¡°Leave him be, Bea. He¡¯s the honest sort. The poor lamb will mistake your flirting for earnest affections.¡±


    ¡±Is that not in my favor then?¡± Bea¡¯s eyes brightened.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t play with his heart if you¡¯re not serious,¡± Alyce scolded, turning the sleeves inside out. She was amused to find that they had been clumsily altered, hiding scorched hems and sewn against the sleeves¡¯ linings. ¡°Ryles likes him and if our young lord learns you¡¯re only mussing about, he¡¯d be horrified.¡±


    ¡°Aye, true. And I still stand by the fact that he¡¯s been sweet to my dear little sister. Lending you his coat.¡± Bea slyly agreed before tutting under her breath. ¡°Such fine material, yet it''s coming apart. By the looks of it, he should have gotten it replaced ages ago.¡±


    Alyce could only nod, picking at the feeble thread holding the patched sleeves together. ¡°Perhaps he¡¯s waiting to do so when he returns to the Blue Sanctus.¡±


    ¡°Ah, the holy capital. Nearly forgotten he¡¯s not here to stay,¡± Bea said, watching Alyce tuck the coat into a neat square. ¡°A pity. I really was hoping he would be the lad to bring you happiness.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m content as is. I don''t need a boy to assure my own happiness.¡±


    Bea sighed wistfully. ¡°That is certainly true. A single boy¡¯s affection wilts before long.¡±


    Alyce snorted in disbelief. ¡°Is that why you have a collection of beaus?¡±


    With the air of a priest delivering a sermon, Bea solemnly replied. ¡°Excitement fades when things become predictable. Whereas you brew fire with flint and steel, I rekindle passion with a spot of jealousy.¡±


    Slapping a hand over her mouth, Alyce made a choking noise, before dissolving into a coughing fit. ¡°You are bad,¡± she managed to wheeze, taking Bea¡¯s offer of water. ¡°And who did you visit last night?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t. Well, not for what you¡¯re thinking,¡± Bea answered, ignoring Alyce¡¯s indignant huff. ¡°Haddie was convinced something was amiss with the underground waters, so we stayed in the castle town with her relatives.¡±


    Alyce frowned. ¡°What?¡±


    It was Bea¡¯s turn to frown back. ¡°Have you not had water since yesterday?¡±


    Blinking, Alyce sifted through her memories. ¡°I did but yesterday was a blur to me. After the cistern, I was exhausted, didn¡¯t really mind my surroundings, so I hadn¡¯t taken notice.¡±


    ¡°Really? But it''s so clearly off, completely obvious!¡± Bea¡¯s blue eyes darted to the glass cup Alyce held. ¡°Every manor well, every pitcher, every vessel is filled with the most vile tasting water. Bitter to the tongue, enough to make you want to spit it out lest you take ill.¡±


    Alyce¡¯s forehead puckered, divots forming between her brows. Had she missed it on her last inspection? She had never heard her beloved wells turn foul before. As if sensing her uncertainty, the moonstone warmed against her leg, subsequently reminding Alyce of its true purpose.


    Could it be because of the nymph? The lament¡¯s infection? The spat I had with the Esphyrs? Could I have ¡ª Alyce nervously looked down at her water.


    Gripping the glass between trembling hands, Alyce gulped. Water trudged pass her lips and she stiffened. This was not the crisp water that filled her with vigor every morning, greeted her with a lively and refreshing snap. The water felt weighted, slathering her tongue with a bitter coat. Its sour taste was reminiscent of a citrus¡¯ white rinds; bearable, but unpleasant.


    Slender fingers pulled the cup away from Alyce and Bea lightly thumped their foreheads together. It was a habit they shared with one another, an attempt to ease the other¡¯s burdens.


    ¡°I know you¡¯ll start fretting, considering how you¡¯ve been the one checking the wells. But worrying about the water won¡¯t change it now,¡± Bea murmured. ¡°Haddie will most likely tell the Baron and we¡¯ll do our due diligence to find the reason for the matter. The rest is the work of spirits and gods, far beyond our control.¡±


    Alyce drew in a sharp breath, a memory breaching the surface.


    You affect the waters.


    The words reminded her of Ryles¡¯ storybooks, dozens of short stories, myths, and fables. The clan that resided on the same drought ridden land. A desire to provide for Neburh and its people. An enchantment that potentially held the Decay at the borders.


    The ability to change the water on whim.


    Alyce trapped the air in her lungs as she considered the intruding concept. If she willed it, could she turn the water back to normal? Although¡­


    She sighed, uncertain where to begin. For the last nineteen years, her own dealings with magic came in the form of runes. It was only in the last few days that she was submerged in what felt like a sea of magic. More raw and beautiful than the stationary carved sigils, but still wild, albeit controlled.


    Perhaps she could ask Kytes, but his magic was also tied to runes, his spells amplified by crystals and stones. Most of the time. For a terrifying moment, she remembered the rune carved into his own hand, the angular sigil embedded into his flesh, dripping with hot azure fire.


    She shoved the image out of mind, desperate to find something else to latch on to.


    A dulcet whistle glided by the window, stealing Alyce¡¯s spiraling attention with its song. Every note chimed like a summer bell and each peal swept away wisps of muddled doubt.


    ¡°That¡¯s Esphyr Hollis, isn¡¯t it?¡± Bea inquired, her face turning toward the curtained window. Despite her question, the maid¡¯s blue eyes were bright, bewitched by the whistler. ¡°What is she doing at the back of the manor?¡±


    The trilling melody suddenly flourished, swelling and dipping erratically as if the ditty was not mere aimless warbling.


    ¡°It sounds like a conversation,¡± Alyce whispered, her feet padding across the floor. She peeked through the side of a curtain and spied the most unusual scene.


    A cyclone made of black fabrics whipped around the mage woman. The back vents of Hollis¡¯ dark coat billowed high above her waist while her shoulder cloak, blessedly pinned down by a brooch, rose and fell like turbulent sable waves. Her tightly braided ebony hair snaked toward the sky, as if being pulled by an invisible thread. Yet clearly none of this caused Hollis distress, who continued to whistle her perplexing tune.


    Esphyr Hollis doesn¡¯t use runes for magic. She whistles and¡­ Excitement bloomed in Alyce¡¯s chest. The air moves for her. She might be able to teach me¡­


    ¡°How to change the water back,¡± Alyce concluded her realization under her breath.


    <hr>


    Elder trees, their branches hefty with dark blue and purple berries, strewn the narrow back of the manor. The strip they claimed was very much overlooked, the trees thriving amongst unkempt grass, stretching for the golden sun and nurtured by the moist earth. It was these elders the maids would visit to gather elderberries for winter preserves. The same trees would also plague the maids¡¯ room with an odorous musk when its flowers aged and decomposed.


    Despite the occasional reeking inconvenience, Alyce was fond of the elders, just as much as the apples. The elders had the qualities of a two sided coin. Trees that provided fruit, ill advised to eat raw, but when boiled could be used for wonderful syrups and jams. Their leaves were verdant wreaths for the flowers and later, berries, but once disturbed, could churn forth a foul smell.


    Alyce hurried to open the back door. Though her sensitive nose had not yet caught the whiff of distressed elders, a strong gust, like the one which surrounded Hollis, could very much yank branches and tug the leaflets.


    The door squeaked open, unceremoniously announcing her arrival but only silence greeted her ears. The whistle chatter must have ceased since she left the maids¡¯ quarters. Disappointed, Alyce turned to close the door.


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    Ribbons of air bombarded into the hall, knocking her hand away, and throwing the door back on its hinges. Alyce squealed, rushing back a few steps to escape from the windy assault, but the gust gave chase. It lifted her skirts and teased her hair, swarming the maid with herbal scents. Alyce clamped her eyes shut and remained as still as she could, fearful that the gust would do much more than yank at her clothes.


    ¡°Oh, come now!¡± A sharp voice cried out. ¡°That is incredibly rude!¡±


    Through the fringes of her tousled hair. Alyce made out the shape of Hollis marching into the corridor. Hollis looked to the left then snapped her attention to the right, eyes widening when she saw Alyce¡¯s disheveled appearance. The maid¡¯s usually neat auburn locks were crinkled into a mass like a bird¡¯s nest. The breeze had also lovingly left what looked like bits of dried seeds in her hair.


    With a noisy whuff, a sound that was between a whistle and loud sigh, the wind simmered into a breeze, though it still tugged at her skirts as a mischievous child would.


    ¡°I must apologize,¡± Hollis began to say, while glaring at the invisible entity at Alyce¡¯s feet. ¡°She only wished to greet you, but seemed to have changed her mind halfway when the door opened.¡±


    A sudden rush chilled the back of her ankles and Alyce looked down. She couldn¡¯t see ¡­whatever this was¡­ but each animated whiff of air was expressive, so much that she felt a tinge of pity for it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hide behind her.¡± The mage growled. ¡°She¡¯s unfamiliar with nymphs and you¡¯re not helping. Go back outside where a normal breeze is supposed to be, not meandering and causing windstorms inside a house. What if someone sees you?¡±


    A current skulked over her feet, so slowly that Alyce thought she heard disgruntled whining as it ambled away. Seed bits and dead foliage that had been blown in from the outside listlessly trailed across the floor.


    ¡°All of it,¡± Hollis said sternly. ¡°Or do you want Alyce to clean up your mess?¡±


    Alyce¡¯s ears popped as a deep whir zipped past her face, followed by a great gust that snapped both women¡¯s clothes and their hair toward a singular direction. A small column of dust began to whirl by the opened door, pulling all matters of loose debris into its center. It stole cobwebs from hidden corners and loosened old dirt from cracks. Alyce¡¯s jaw dropped. The scouring breeze had left the hall spotless in only a few seconds when she would have needed at least a few days.


    Hollis crossed her arms. ¡°Showing off, are we?¡±


    The air visibly tensed, suspending its dusty collection into a stand still. Scattering the lights¡¯ pathing, drifting dust motes hovered under open sunbeams, turning the hallway into a dreamy haze. This only lasted for a few long seconds before a sudden squall flurried the debris into a spiraling spout, growing taller and making a hissing noise with the dried leaves. When the last clump of dirt finally tumbled its way into the duster, the grimy column flung itself out the door, slamming the door behind it with a bang.


    In the silence that followed, Hollis scoffed. ¡°A temper that one¡­¡± She told Alyce wearily. ¡°She likes teasing others but when we try the same, she can never take it.¡±


    Despite still being at shock with what she was seeing, bubbling laughter rose to Alyce¡¯s lips. She couldn¡¯t help it. This was a nymph? It acted more like a disgruntled toddler!


    ¡°Is it ¡ª she,¡± Alyce corrected herself. ¡°Still outside?¡±


    Hollis smiled, whether because she noticed the rectifying or the giggling, Alyce wasn¡¯t sure. Perhaps the mage was worried that she would fear the presence of yet another nymph.


    ¡°She is and being an Aurai, a breeze nymph, I would wager she¡¯s already forgotten her little tantrum.¡± Hollis sauntered for the door and beckoned Alyce through it. ¡°You see, the Aurai ride their emotions and decisions on flighty whims. Which reminds me, I best send her off before she forgets to deliver my tidings to Thalhurst.¡±


    Cascading notes whistled through the morning air and within moments, the excitable breeze swarmed around them again. Currents gushed at Hollis, pulling at her coat¡¯s sleeves and pockets like a child looking for sweets. With Alyce, mild drafts tried to smooth out her messy hair and pick out the dried herbage.


    ¡°Dried fennel and star anise,¡± Hollis told Alyce when the maid plucked out several of the fractured pieces. ¡°My signature to assure my Thalhurst colleagues that Kytes and I are well.¡±


    The older woman pinched her fingers to pantomime an intention to aid and Alyce proceeded to bend her knees. Compared to the nymph¡¯s windy attempts, Hollis¡¯ human fingers were much better at setting hair and untangling knots. As she patiently waited, Alyce could still feel the constant breeze curiously swirling around their shoulders, seemingly very interested in this procedure.


    ¡°Esphyr Hollis, I wanted to apologize for my behavior yesterday,¡± Alyce murmured when Hollis deposited the last of the dried herbs into her open hand.


    ¡°My dear child, no apology is required. It is as the Baron said. We are in need of a proper conversation and a discussion as to what comes after.¡± Scooping the herbs from Alyce¡¯s palm, she added. ¡°And yesterday was not the most ideal way for anyone to find out about their abilities. It should have been more like¡­this.¡± She closed her fingers over the herbage, denying the breeze from further poking at a few flakes. ¡°You¡¯re not afraid of this nymph, I suppose?¡±


    Alyce glanced at her surroundings. She could feel the shifting air, but her eyes could not find the source. ¡°I¡­I¡¯m not sure.¡± The breeze made an audible sigh, hopelessly stirring the elders¡¯ branches behind them. To her surprise, the trees only swayed, no foul scent emitting from the leaves. Searching the ground, Alyce also saw little evidence of any prior disturbances. With an amused huff, she looked back at Hollis. Whatever scene she remembered, the billowing gale had intentionally avoided the trees. ¡°But we¡¯re strangers so¡­ perhaps if I can get to know her?¡±


    The wind whined hopefully and Hollis¡¯ eyes crinkled. ¡°An introduction then.¡± The mage produced more of the same herbs from her pocket. ¡°This Aurai is an old friend of mine, the first wind to visit my cradle when I was born.¡± Her voice was warm and reminiscent. ¡°And to this day, she pays me frequent visits and helps carry my songs to my colleagues.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize they could be spoken to,¡± Alyce murmured. ¡°Does she have a name?¡±


    ¡°Most nymphs don¡¯t, at least not in a traditional sense. Only the ancient ones, who had a more direct impact on mankind and our history do. And even then, it is a mere adoption by what we call them.¡± The mage smiled crookedly. ¡°Remember how I mentioned the Aurai might be a bit forgetful? We can name a nymph, but unless she hears it hundreds, thousands of times, spoken by multiple voices, she won¡¯t remember. They have highly¡­selective hearing when it comes to names.¡±


    High above them, the elders¡¯ top branches rustled in agreement, as if the nymph was arrogantly looking down upon mortals.


    Disgruntled, Hollis sighed. ¡°As you can see¡­¡±


    ¡°Then how do you know which Aurai is her?¡± Alyce wanted to know.


    The mage hummed thoughtfully. ¡°I can see glimpses of her, but for those who cannot, they feel the pattern of her breezes, the way she tugs and twirls, or what we know as a ¡®personality¡¯.¡±


    On cue, Alyce¡¯s skirts began to flutter and she had to weigh down the lifting fabrics with her hands. ¡°This Aurai¡­likes to play with clothes then?¡± She blushed when Hollis looked at her. ¡°Earlier, when you were whistling, I saw all of your clothes flying about you. Only because ¡­¡± Alyce pointed at the window that belonged to the maids¡¯ room. ¡°My quarters are there and I was curious to know what was happening outside.¡±


    Hollis chuckled, nodded with understanding. ¡°Didn¡¯t realize that, I¡¯ll remember to have my discussions with the Aurai elsewhere in the future,¡± she promised. ¡°Our conversations are a bit shrill for some. But you¡¯re correct. Clothes collect scents, bits of dirt, skin, all sorts of unattractive things, but for some reason that amuses her. Upon greeting, she¡¯ll have every article on your body searched and scavenge whatever treasure she can find. Invasive,¡± Hollis loudly dictated when her coat sleeve yanked itself to the side. ¡°And rude. But at least she only does that to people she likes and she has certainly taken a liking to you.¡±


    Alyce raised a hand in thanks and a ticklish feeling blew against her palm. She giggled. ¡°I like you too, I was quite impressed with your cleaning earlier. So much better than me.¡±


    The puff swelled, surging past her fingers and reeled about her shoulders. An occasional nuzzle tapped against her cheek and she affectionately reached up to pat the air, though she felt somewhat foolish doing so.


    ¡°And now she¡¯s smitten. Thrives on compliments, that one,¡± Hollis said wryly, opening up her hand to display a larger mound of dried herbs. ¡°Pardon me for breaking this tender moment then, I do believe you promised to deliver my missive to Thalhurst.¡±


    A fleeting caress stroked Alyce¡¯s face and her heart ached at the touch, recognizing the gesture as a farewell.


    ¡°You¡¯re always welcome to visit,¡± Alyce managed to say, though a little part of her knew the nymph most likely wouldn¡¯t. Hollis did say the Aurai had a difficult time remembering.


    As if trying to reassure Alyce, a squeeze enveloped her shoulders and a dim whistle brushed soothingly over her ears. Then the breeze glided away, cautiously stalking around Hollis and her offering before the herbs were immediately scattered into the air, consumed with great enthusiasm. The air whirred once more and with a final huff, a mighty gust bounded toward the cloudless blue sky, sweeping the herbal fragments and, to Alyce¡¯s glee, bits of leaves away as souvenirs.


    When she could no longer make out the pieces of shredded leaves, which quickly turned into black dots before disappearing, Alyce realized that since the nymph¡¯s departure, neither woman had spoken.


    The water, she reminded herself. I need to ask Esphyr Hollis about the ¡ª.


    ¡°Colleen.¡±


    Alyce jumped. ¡°Yes!¡±


    For a moment, Hollis looked equally startled but quickly regained her composure. ¡°I do hope you¡¯re feeling better.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡­¡± The maid faltered, remembering the night before. ¡°Well, truthfully, no. It¡¯s why I came out to find you, Esphyr Hollis.¡± After a considerably long pause, Alyce went on. ¡°Since yesterday, after meeting the cistern nymph, I kept hearing these cries and it worsened at night. It was so much that I ¡ª I asked Esphyr Kytes for help.¡±


    A curious emotion flickered in Hollis¡¯ eyes. ¡°Kytes? And what did he do for you?¡±


    Fishing out the moonstone, Alyce divulged further. ¡°He helped me chase away the screams by breathing and counting. He even provided me with this crystal.¡± She swallowed. ¡°He told me that I was hearing the echoes of the cistern nymph¡¯s lament and she was trying to trap me in a memory.¡±


    ¡°And do you hear her still?¡± Hollis inquired, bracing herself with her arms.


    Alyce shook her head. ¡°I do not. Perhaps because of the crystal or Esphyr Kytes¡¯ aid, I hear everything as normal. But¡­¡± She nervously took a step forward. ¡°The water. I didn¡¯t notice it yesterday but all the water at the manor, the castle town, its all gone wrong. The taste is foul, sour, bitter, like something had spoiled. The others think it is because of the wells, but I know it¡¯s ¡­it¡¯s not.¡± With a shuddering breath, Alyce asked. ¡°It¡¯s because of me, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°It could be several different things, all jumbled into one person and you haven¡¯t the understanding how to go about it.¡± Hollis tapped a finger against her chin. ¡°For emotions to take hold of any element and alter it into something less natural requires a lot of effort. And you mentioned the castle town¡¯s waters changed foul as well?¡± The maid nodded glumly. ¡°A lot of effort, indeed.¡±


    ¡°Effort is fine by me,¡± Alyce avowed, though fear heightened her voice¡¯s timbre. ¡°There must be something that can be done to change the water back. Some type of spell?¡±


    Hollis grimaced. ¡°There is, probably, and had I or Kytes have affinity with water, we would be able to tell you the exact workings, but¡­¡±


    Alyce¡¯s spirits fell lower. ¡°So, you¡¯re unable to help me?¡±


    A sharp bark drew Alyce¡¯s eyes up.


    Bracing her hands at the hips, Hollis regarded Alyce loftily, reminding the maid of the Aurai that laughed at them from the trees.


    ¡°You might have noticed that Kytes and I don¡¯t share the same affinity either, and yet he is my student,¡± she pointed out, her brows arched high. ¡°Every aspect is touched by the same foundational elements, even between runic and natural mages. But when it comes to the natural world itself, I believe that I can be of more assistance there.¡± Hollis pointed at the hand, which held the moonstone. ¡°Runic mages cast spells and as powerful as they are, it is not a spell that you need, Colleen Alyce, to change the water.¡±


    Dare she hope? Alyce drew herself straight, clenching both hands over the crystal as if praying. ¡°Then what is it?¡±


    Hollis gave a chuckle. ¡°It¡¯ll take a bit of effort and it¡¯s certainly not the most convenient way of approaching it, but it¡¯ll work.¡± Her dark eyes became serious. ¡°It is a conversation with a nymph that you need to do. And for that, we can begin at the closest well.¡±

 Chapter 9

    She could hear it already. The angry queries. Panicked demands.


    It¡¯s the water. What is wrong with it? How did every well in town turn foul? How would we make meals? Launder or wash? What will we drink?!


    Alyce shuddered, pinching the moonstone tightly between her fingers.


    A singular wrong well was not so strange, but this was like an act of ¡ª


    Sorcery.


    Though it was all unconsciously done, her magic was at fault.


    Dropping the crystal back into the safety of her pocket, Alyce wrapped her hands around folded arms as she trudged toward the manor well.


    The people will want her sent away. They will fret over her unpredictability, her lack of control. And even once she studied and learned, they will look at her as a mage. Like every Chapel mage that had ever visited Neburh. An individual desiring payment for sharing their abilities.


    ¡°What a charming garden you have here.¡±


    Hollis had stopped to crouch by the lavender garden at the back of the kitchen. Seemingly taken by the purple flower stalks, she drew in an exaggerated deep breath .


    ¡°Even a whiff of these eases the mind. Soothes whatever rumination one might have.¡± She turned her head to look at Alyce and flashed a disarming smile. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡±


    The maid abandoned her arms, returning her hands to her sides. ¡°How did you know?¡±


    The woman chuckled, waving for Alyce to join her. ¡°I have taught other students besides Kytes and after a while, you begin to recognize the signs when young people are bothered. Is this your garden?¡±


    Carefully arranging her skirts to avoid wrinkling the fabrics, Alyce knelt down. ¡°Baroness S¨ªle¡¯s. She adored lavender very much and grew them to use in the manor. For oils, soaps, sachets for the dressers ¡ª .¡± Without realizing, a reminiscent smile touched her lips. ¡°By our pillows.¡±


    Hollis brought her nose to the flowers again. ¡°Ah, for good dreams?¡±


    Seeing a stray stalk bending lower than its companions, Alyce lifted a supporting finger under it. ¡°Yes, the baroness told me that since I was a child, I slept with nightmares, and she hoped the smell of lavender would help me sleep longer.¡±


    ¡°Quite the rustic witch, your baroness. Most people would have looked for a runic talisman to aid with poor sleep. Using herbs is slower, although equally effective with time and patience.¡± Propping her chin atop entwined fingers, she called out. ¡°Little nymph, your garden is flourishing quite well.¡±


    In the silence that followed, Alyce realized too late that the praise wasn¡¯t for her, but something her eyes couldn¡¯t perceive. She snatched her hand away from the shrub. ¡°There¡¯s a what?¡±


    ¡°Well, don¡¯t do that, you might hurt her feelings.¡± Hollis scolded, though she wore an amused expression. ¡°To everything natural, plant, water, breeze, there is always a nymph watching over it. She might be small and budding or powerful and ancient, her happiness revealed by the health of her natural surroundings.¡± She tapped on the silver drop on her earlobe. ¡°Although, there is one other way to check if a nymph resides here¡­¡±


    From the direction of the kitchen, a door squealed open and footsteps trampled down the wooden steps.


    Grinning, Hollis proclaimed loudly. ¡°Perhaps you might try sensing the nymph¡¯s state for us, Kytes?¡±


    Footfalls grinding to a halt, Kytes warily looked between the two women. ¡°What are you planning?¡±


    ¡°The water¡¯s changed, which I¡¯m sure you are equally aware of.¡± Hollis scanned her student¡¯s presentation up and down. ¡°Heavens Kytes, the morning¡¯s quite cold, where is your coat?¡±


    There was a wavering in Kytes¡¯ eyes before he raised his shoulders in an indifferent shrug. He had chosen to remain in the same black linen shirt and trousers he wore the night before. ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine without it.¡±


    ¡°Hmph, he says that,¡± Hollis told Alyce pointedly. ¡°Because he possesses a core made of fire, which we¡¯ll need for what we¡¯re about to do.¡± She groaned, rising to her feet. ¡°I¡¯m thinking we need a circle around the well there, Kytes. And Colleen, please ask the flower nymph for a clipping of lavender.¡±


    ¡°Ask?¡± Baffled, Alyce looked from Hollis¡¯ retreating back to the garden. Flowering violet flowers adorning long green stems, the floral mounds were still and unmoving. ¡°How do I ask?¡±


    A folded pocket knife slipped into her peripheral. ¡°Like how you normally would when you need a favor,¡± Kytes said. ¡°It¡¯s a bit like talking to yourself, except something might be listening.¡±


    Alyce¡¯s unmistakable grimace invited a chuckle from him.


    ¡°Well, if I put it that way, that does sound a bit frightening,¡± he admitted. ¡°It¡¯s courtesy really, since we¡¯re taking something.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯ve taken flowers, berries, apples, all sorts of things before, all without asking!¡± Alyce divulged in fierce whispers. ¡°How many nymphs have I offended by not asking beforehand when I had to prune or use things for decorations¡­¡±


    Kytes grinned at Alyce¡¯s frantic dismay. ¡°Most nymphs really don¡¯t care about what¡¯s taken, as long as you don¡¯t kill the plant itself.¡±


    ¡°And if I had accidentally killed plants?¡±


    ¡°Then they will find other plants to foster with their sisters until new ones are planted,¡± he assured her. ¡°Nymphs are actually very forgiving. Mankind would be in greater trouble if they lamented over accidents. Although¡­¡±


    Alyce noticed his face darken, his smile faltering before he shrugged it aside. ¡°A lavender clipping,¡± he reminded her casually, presenting the knife again. ¡°If you wish, share with her what you intend to do with it.¡±


    Taking the offered knife, she admitted. ¡°I feel a bit silly doing this.¡±


    ¡°Then we can be silly together.¡± Kytes crouched down to the shrub¡¯s level and raised a fist an inch from his forehead. ¡°We¡¯ll be taking a few sprigs to share with Neburh¡¯s well nymphs.¡±


    Following his example, Alyce lowered her head and screwed her eyelids shut. ¡°Please, it¡¯s because I transformed the water into something awful by accident and I need their help to change it back.¡±


    When she opened her eyes, Kytes was watching her with a fascinated gaze. ¡±That was rather heartfelt.¡± Kytes remarked "Most would have said their part and already taken what they needed.¡±


    ¡°You said to share my intention.¡±


    ¡°I did. I also said ¡®most people¡¯.¡± His eyes crinkled. ¡°You are curious, Colleen. And I do mean that as a compliment.¡±


    Unsure how to accept the compliment, she shook her head and ventured into the lavender shrubs. Having learned proper care for the plants, she made sure her cuts were a few inches above the wooden stalks so new growth could begin at the shortened greens. After retrieving a handful of flowering stems, she returned the knife to Kytes and they returned to the well where Hollis waited.


    Leaning comfortably against the stone wellhead, Hollis had been watching the interaction between student and maid, her sharp eyes flitting back and forth with thoughtful intrigue. Upon seeing their turn and approach, she smiled and raised a listless hand toward her left.


    ¡°East would be that way, Kytes.¡±


    Whatever that meant, clearly the mage boy understood. He opened the pouch at his belt and began rummaging through it while walking toward the mentioned ¡®east¡¯. After reaching his appointed destination, Kytes raised an enclosed hand to his chest in what looked to be a prayer before dropping something in the grass. Then he took several large strides to his right and proceeded with the same ritual at a different spot.


    ¡°He¡¯s creating a circle for us.¡± Hollis explained, noting Alyce¡¯s studying her student. ¡°As mages go, runic fire mages create the best circles.¡±


    Tilting her head, Alyce asked. ¡°What is a circle?¡±


    Hollis traced the air with her pointed finger. ¡°A safe space that keeps our magic doings in and unwanted elements out. For experienced mages, we use them before casting powerful spells. But for novices, every spell acts like great magic, wild and unpredictable. With a circle, we can guide you safely, preventing mishaps from leaking out and affecting things it shouldn¡¯t.¡± She spread her arms wide.¡± I don¡¯t suppose you see a nymph here?¡±


    Alyce¡¯s blue gray eyes darted to and fro as she tried to perceive anything out of the ordinary. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. I saw the nymph as clearly as I see you now. Shouldn¡¯t I be able to see other water nymphs?¡±


    Hollis raised another singular finger in front of her. ¡°It¡¯s to do with your focus. I don¡¯t suppose the cistern was a comfortable place for you?¡±


    Alyce shook her head fervently. ¡°Absolutely not.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. Damp and lonely, with haunted tales of its own. As to all uncomfortable environments, people become more aware of their surroundings, every sense more keen. The same is true with the magic we harbor. When we¡¯re afraid or alert, our awareness of the affinity we¡¯re born with heightens.¡± She tucked a hand at Alyce¡¯s elbow and beckoned her to follow. ¡°But when the perceived danger passes, our senses return to the norm.¡±


    Alyce was led to where Kytes first began his walkaround. Underneath a cluster of puffy dandelions laid a hailstone, its slate blue center radiating grey then brimming the edges a frosty white. Perplexed at the sight of ice before winter¡¯s arrival, she peered closer.


    ¡°It¡¯s a crystal,¡± she whispered in awe, noticing the lack of moisture around the stone.


    ¡°A celestite, a crystal well associated with the element of air.¡± Hollis pointed in three other directions, perfectly angled apart. ¡° And to each cardinal point, Kytes will place a different crystal, as acknowledgment to the four quarters and the four elements that are Thyis¡¯ daughters.¡±


    A few steps from the celestite, Alyce found a crystal with jagged edges, its color reminding her of the amber liquid spirits the baron kept hidden away in his office. The next stone was a polished moss green with spiralling fern-like white streaks underneath its surface. The last crystal was still in Kytes¡¯ possession, but when he opened his hand, she recognized its opalescent sheen, a crystal identical to the moonstone in her pocket.


    Kytes tucked it carefully on a tuft of grass before exchanging a worried look with his teacher. ¡°I¡¯ll raise the walls now. You should turn away, Colleen.¡±


    Alyce swallowed, flashes of inflamed skin vivid in her mind. ¡°You¡¯re doing the thing.¡±


    Hurt glazed his eyes before Kytes nodded.


    ¡°I ¡ª I didn¡¯t mean to ¡ª.¡±


    ¡°Yes, runic things.¡± Hollis murmured, promptly spinning Alyce away. ¡°Let us pay a greeting to the well nymph, hm?¡±


    It was only when they arrived at the well did Alyce whisper to the woman. ¡°Doesn¡¯t it hurt him?¡±


    The corners of Hollis¡¯ thin lips twitched before she answered. ¡°It is how it is, a runic mage invokes spells by writing on their mortal bodies because their power lives from within. Scoring is one of the ways to draw it out.¡±


    Lowering her head to hide her dismay, Alyce set the lavender on top of the wellhead. ¡°So it does hurt.¡±


    A hand laid itself on top of Alyce¡¯s. ¡°Kytes values what his powers can do to help others above what it does to him.¡± Albeit sadly, Hollis smiled, squeezing the girl''s hand. ¡°That mindset is why he is considered powerful at his age and he is very proud of it. That student of mine ¡ª loves magic.¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Azure blue danced at the corners of Alyce¡¯s vision and she looked up in time to see a veil of shimmering light streak clockwise around them in the order of each crystal set. Where the crystals laid was the extent of the glittering wall, the illumination shining and climbing above their heads, shielding them within a dome. Alyce glanced back at Kytes. Surrounded by his own creation, he had become a dark silhouette against a sea of brilliant blue, his one singular hand holding the tell tale occult glow.


    As the first quarter of light reached the top, the light pulsed once from azure to snowy-white then twinkled away from view. The second burst was a citrine orange, melting away into noon¡¯s sunlight.


    It¡¯s the same color as those crystals, Alyce realized, watching verdant green light dissipate into a glimmering mist.


    The final quarter flourished high above and struck the pinnacle of the circle¡¯s dome. Instead of shifting the blue radiance into a singular color, the light rained into a myriad of soft purples, pink, greens, and blues. Mystified, enchanted, Alyce couldn¡¯t stop a gasp from escaping, her eyes bright with wonder as she watched the colorful constellations flicker from view.


    Turning in time with the light¡¯s fading, Alyce backed into the wellhead and her hands touched the well¡¯s side stones. As if entering the cold water below, a tingling sensation raced up her fingers and she lurched out of her wonderment, whirling about and unintentionally shrieked.


    Embracing Alyce by the shoulders, Hollis comforted the girl. ¡°I forgot to mention that senses also become more keen inside a circle as well. Did you see something?¡±


    Trembling, Alyce forced herself to look at the well. ¡°No, but I felt something touch my hand. It¡¯s ¡ª .¡± She abruptly paused, stumbling upon her own realization. ¡°It¡¯s happened before. Many times. Whenever I visit the wells, I mean.¡±


    Hollis chuckled, patting Alyce¡¯s back.. ¡°We¡¯re in luck then. The nymphs here like you very much, Colleen. Although, perhaps try not to scream when you do see them.¡± She dragged the girl¡¯s hands back on the wellhead.


    Alyce resumed shivering, uneasy at the constant chilling flow fizzling up her arms. A shoulder lightly bumped into hers and Kytes laid his unmarked hand on the well, his other with the arcane sigil tucked away from view.


    ¡°A happiness not my own,¡± he murmured thoughtfully, peering over the well¡¯s edge before explaining to Alyce. ¡°It¡¯s rare to feel a nymph¡¯s delight, I¡¯m usually experiencing the opposite side of that.¡±


    ¡°You can sense other nymphs?¡± Alyce asked shakily.


    ¡°Only when they have strong emotions, like anger, grief, or in this case, genuine happiness. She¡¯s bubbling with so much of it, I feel ¡ª well, I know it''s not my own feelings.¡± He let out an embarrassed laugh. ¡°But she has a lot to share.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not common but some mages have the luxury of sensing nymphs from different affinities. Has to do with their familial traits, a cross of elements.¡± Hollis winked at Kytes. ¡°It¡¯s not as magnificent as it sounds, more inconvenient than anything. So much self discipline is required to separate a person¡¯s own feelings and a nymph¡¯s. Without it, they would act upon the nymph¡¯s like a possession. Remember, Kytes?¡±


    ¡°Years ago, leave off,¡± he growled through gritted teeth.


    ¡°It was, he was at a turbulent age then,¡± Hollis continued agreeably, spying Alyce¡¯s shoulders easing. ¡°Close your eyes, Colleen. We¡¯ll need all your senses to be at peace before we start.¡±


    Alyce obediently complied, then her forehead wrinkled as she clamped her eyes shut harder. Though her vision darkened, she could still perceive the afternoon¡¯s warm yellow through the inside of her lids.


    A firm finger pressed against her forehead. ¡°Relax. Your brows included.¡± Hollis¡¯ command held a smile. ¡°Let¡¯s focus your attention on breaths and I shall guide you when to inhale, hold, and release.¡±


    The first five counts were the easiest. Alyce allowed her chest to slowly swell with air. It was refreshing, her nose catching the delicate waft of lavender, reminding her that it had been placed on the wellhead.


    The second few counts she was told to hold her breath. At first it was a simple task before she felt the air beginning to compress against the walls of her throat, striking a desire in her to cough.


    The third count to exhale was music to her ears and it took all of Alyce¡¯s willpower to not spit the breath out and clutch for fresh air. Unbeknownst to her, her fingers began to slack against the wellhead.


    The count began again and she gratefully drew in her next breath, slower now to match the pace and knowing what the instructions would be like. Hollis¡¯ voice was soothing, hypnotic, beckoning Alyce to think of nothing else but obey the steady drone. The maid complied, happily settling into the rhythm. In. Hold. Out. She grew unaware that after a short while, Hollis ceased speaking.


    Then she felt the enclosed walls but Alyce barely startled at the obstruction. She acknowledged that it was there, feeling herself trail against the invisible barrier.


    ¡°Alyce.¡±


    She welcomed Hollis¡¯ return.


    ¡°Do you remember what we were here to do?¡±


    Alyce giggled, knocking against the wall again before ebbing away. ¡°No.¡±


    With an amused hum, the melodic voice reminded her. ¡°We need the well nymph to change the water back.¡±


    ¡°I need to speak to a nymph.¡± She recalled her request like a distant memory.


    ¡°Good, you remember. The nymph is in the circle with us. When you next exhale, imagine yourself sending a wave out.¡±


    Her current breath was patiently brewing in her lungs. Alyce released it, feeling each ripple skate across what felt like a calmed pool. Like the lake in my dreams, she mused before subsequently forgetting the recollection when her waves struck farther invisible walls and blue glimmers streaked across her closed vision. Then some of the ripples broke around a hindrance with a quiet slosh, encircling and feeling its shape. Before Alyce could wonder about the form, there was a splashing noise and her waves were returned, as if being playfully pushed away.


    ¡°I found something.¡±


    Warmth touched the space between her eyes. ¡°Come back then.¡± Kytes¡¯ voice ordered close to her ear. ¡°You did well to find your inner peace. Now you need to open your eyes.¡±


    His voice held less sway than Hollis¡¯ but before she could retract, the heat grew a notch warmer.


    ¡°Alyce.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s nice here,¡± she protested.


    ¡°You can come back here at a different time,¡± he assured her. ¡°I¡¯ll help you again.¡±


    In her lax state, Alyce¡¯s words slipped out with little consideration. ¡°Why not stay here with me?¡±


    Warmth cupped the side of her face, much hotter than before. ¡°Because we need you to come back to the present.¡±


    The realization of a hand being pressed against her cheek wrenched Alyce out of the trance, her eyes fluttering open. Her head had been turned up and she became keenly aware of Kytes¡¯ proximity, his eyes worriedly searching hers. Then he sighed in relief and dropped his hand.


    ¡°She attunes to her powers well,¡± he told Hollis, who was standing behind her student. ¡°Too well.¡±


    ¡°But her mortal soul likes fire¡¯s light enough that she followed it back. Hello Colleen.¡± She smiled at the flustered girl. ¡°Shall we take a look at the well now?¡±


    Cool pattering against the back of her hand smoldered Alyce''s flaming cheeks into a ashy pink. The two Sanctus mages were before her yet the gentle sensation continued, tapping for her attention. Reminding herself not to scream, she took a reluctant peek to her right.


    Alyce blinked, eyes drinking in the cloudless cerulean sky sparkling only a few inches away from her nose. The being was of a feminine shape, her skin an earthy tan with a thin coat of graphite speckling across her hands and feet. She melded so seamlessly with the wellhead that Alyce imagined the figure was carved of the same material. Pressed against the nymph¡¯s lithe body was a translucent dress-like semblance, which offered little coverage, though her wavy mahogany locks provided the nymph enough decency.


    ¡°You¡¯re ¡ª.¡± Alyce latched her gaping mouth closed, before whispering. ¡°You¡¯re beautiful.¡±


    A smile lit on the nymph¡¯s perfect lips, clearly pleased with the compliment.


    ¡°I take it that you see her?¡± Hollis asked, resting a hand on Alyce¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Beautiful, you say?¡±


    ¡°Well, she¡¯s completely¡­naked.¡± Her cheeks warmed again upon admitting the crude observation.


    ¡°Yes, they tend to be.¡±


    The nymph sidled closer and Alyce reached to touch the spirit then recoiled a fraction, worried her manners would be found insolent. The well spirit''s face brightened and she quickly claimed the extended hand, sending a shocking surge up Alyce¡¯s arm. It was refreshing, waking every nerve in the maid¡¯s body. An experience she would frequently have when visiting this particular manor¡¯s well.


    ¡°It¡¯s you,¡± Alyce exclaimed, her eyes beginning to water.


    Pressing Alyce¡¯s hand against her chest, the nymph began to sway to and fro. Despite her initial unease with the spirit¡¯s nudity, Alyce could not bring herself to pull away. Instead, she began to feel a hum at the base of her fingertips where she could feel the nymph¡¯s smooth mottled skin. The whir reverberated like a song, with vibrations rising and falling. The nymph sang with no audible note, smiling, humming, happily chattering.


    A lone tear trickled down Alyce¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she whispered. There seemed to be so much the nymph was saying yet she couldn¡¯t understand a single word.


    The nymph stopped, watching the teardrop splatter against the girl''s skirts. A light pulsation bumped against Alyce''s little finger.


    ¡°She¡¯s worried about you,¡± Kytes murmured.


    The same crystal blue eyes abruptly flicked to regard the boy behind Alyce. Recalling the near identical reaction the cistern nymph portrayed, Alyce pulled Kytes¡¯ arm close.


    ¡°He¡¯s my friend.¡± The nymph returned her attention to the maid. ¡°They both are. They¡¯re helping me because I ¨C I did something to you.¡±


    The nymph¡¯s eyes softened and another trill tickled her palm, prompting Alyce to continue.


    Releasing Kytes'' sleeve, she confessed. ¡°I had a horrible bout of emotions yesterday. I was afraid, confused ¨C angry too ¨C and now I¡¯m back to frightened. You see, I¡¯ve turned the water bitter.¡± She looked toward the well¡¯s depths. ¡°I don¡¯t know how I did it but every well here and in the castle town, it¡¯s all gone wrong. Because of me¡­¡±


    The nymph patiently listened, her facial features so serene that Alyce feared the spirit didn¡¯t understand.


    ¡°I ¡ª I don¡¯t know if you can turn the water back,¡± she admitted hopelessly. ¡°Undo my mistake. Water is important to us, for our livelihoods, and I don¡¯t want the people to suffer the quality of it any longer because of me.¡±


    There was a light squeeze at her hand and the nymph leaned forward, placing her own mottled hand against Alyce¡¯s chest where her heart laid.


    ¡®And you?¡¯


    Alyce startled. It wasn¡¯t a hum or pulse, she heard a sound in her head. Words that formed ripples against the edge of a pool.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine now. It was but for a moment yesterday. And I have ¨C.¡± She looked up at Kytes then noticed the small audience that had gathered at the circle¡¯s edges. Bea had warned Alyce that the baron needed to be informed of the waters and it was clear Haddie had already delivered their findings to Connall. Seeing her two sister maids, her lord and young son, Alyce wavered. ¡°I have ¡ª.¡±


    ¡°They care alot about you.¡± Kytes said softly. He had followed Alyce¡¯s drifting attention. ¡°No matter what happens or have already occurred, they only wish the best for you. You are very beloved, Alyce.¡±


    Heat blossomed at her cheeks and she nodded. ¡°Friends. And family. They will help me.¡± She showed the nymph the gifted moonstone and tilted her head in Kytes'' direction. The nymph curiously looked at the crystal and smiled. ¡°They already are. And I will be more careful as to not hurt you, or any of the other nymphs, in the future.¡±


    The nymph¡¯s eyes wandered to look at Kytes, Hollis, then the spectators before she nodded, slipping from her seat at the wellhead¡¯s edge. With a flourish, she beckoned the girl to follow, tracing the outer stones with elegant fingers as she walked around the well. Suppressing her uncertainty, Alyce echoed the nymph¡¯s pathing, her own calloused ones grazing the well¡¯s rough texture. The sound of thin pattering rose quietly from deep within the well, like drops hitting a shallow bucket during a brief summer rain. It was then that the nymph began to hum, but this time her voice a quiet melodic rumble, audibly babbling out from the deep chamber she touched.


    Twirling thrice, the nymph danced then grabbed for Alyce¡¯s hand, entangling their fingers together and luring the maid into a skip, another twirl, and a hop. Having forgotten the audience still present, or how foolish she might seem, the girl eagerly followed suit, enjoying how light each step felt, the cooling rush in her veins as she romped. She delighted in the sun¡¯s beams skimming heat across her hair, skin, and dress. The beautiful spirit bounded with glee but soon looked back and sweetly waned her song. Halting to a stop, Alyce saw the nymph smile sadly at her before she was enticed into another spin and upon completing the whirl, the maid saw the nymph no more.


    ¡°She¡¯s gone!¡± Alyce gasped, reality settling back.


    ¡°The nymphs do that sometimes, escaping out of our ability to perceive them. But I do believe she¡¯s gone to do what you asked.¡± Hollis patted the girl on the back. ¡°How was it? Dancing with a nymph?¡±


    Her hands fled to cover her burning cheeks. ¡°That was --- oh I must have seemed mad!¡± Alyce didn''t dare to look at Kytes or the manor residents.


    ¡°You weren¡¯t given a choice, Colleen,¡± Hollis said wryly, fun twinkling behind her spectacles. ¡°And you haven¡¯t the training to refuse, but at least she was kind enough to return you to us. Shall we check to see if the water¡¯s changed back?¡±


    Alyce eagerly complied, anything to distract her from apparent half crazed performance. She drew up a fresh pail of water and poured a small amount into her hand. Sweet and crisp, a burst of energy greeted her tongue.


    ¡°It¡¯s normal,¡± she whispered happily.


    Hollis tried the water and nodded. ¡°Wonderful. It might even be better than before. One more breath in, Colleen, and a slow exhale.¡±


    As she inhaled, the edges of her vision blurred, then she felt something flow out and beyond her reach, her waves no longer hindered in their pathing. Rubbing her eyes, Alyce looked around. Kytes had gone to collect his crystals and upon retrieving the celestite, he was immediately intercepted by Bea and Haddie.


    A weight slammed into Alyce and she looked down to find Ryles clutching at her skirts.


    ¡°You were dancing and there were stars all around!¡± the child said, pointing excitedly at where the circle once was.


    Alyce blinked. ¡°There were?¡±


    Ryles nodded vigorously and sighed. ¡°It was beautiful.¡±


    ¡°You momentarily drew water from the air and earth, a result of the casting,¡± Hollis explained before bowing courteously at Connall. ¡°My lord, I know we said to talk about magic and Alyce tomorrow but ¨C.¡±


    ¡°I asked for the Esphyrs¡¯ help.¡± Alyce rushed to defend Hollis. ¡°I found out about the water and I simply couldn¡¯t wait. It¡¯s as you said. I need to be taught.¡±


    ¡°And you are alright?¡± The baron only looked at the maid, worry making rigid his stance.


    Connall¡¯s voice echoed the well nymph¡¯s earlier inquiry, drawing tears to Alyce¡¯s eyes.


    You are very beloved, Alyce.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she answered. ¡°And it was wonderful.¡±

 Chapter 10

    Alyce was certain her face was to remain a permanent crimson for the rest of her life. Or until the burgeoning heat at the back of her neck would finally extinguish and no longer fuel her flushing cheeks.


    Since noon, Ryles had been excitedly regaling several retellings of her uninhibited dance around the manor¡¯s well. Earlier recounts depicted her more tame, skipping around it with an occasional twirl. But by the time the sky bruised into a tarnished purple, the stories had her prancing about with reaching hands, or spinning in a round with invisible dancers, even climbing onto the wellhead and acrobatically catapulting herself back to the earth in a spectacular leap, all the while singing and laughing. And to all appearances, by herself.


    She groaned. Should anyone wonder what a possession should look like, Alyce would be a perfect example.


    Falling in step by her side as they traveled the castle town¡¯s quieter outer ring, Kytes remained straight faced during the retellings. Though whenever Ryles began to pantomime the choreography with his childlike theatrics, the mage would bite down on his lower lip to suppress laughter.


    ¡°Do be honest with me. Is any of his stories true?¡± Alyce finally asked, watching Ryles gleefully skip hand in hand with Bea. ¡°Absolutely mad, wasn¡¯t I?¡±


    With the manor¡¯s water sweet and clear again, Alyce was given permission to visit the castle town¡¯s wells, a task she eagerly took on. Afterall, the wells had always been her responsibility to look after and her duty still, even if she had unintentionally soured them. Since the errand might require further spellwork, Kytes volunteered to accompany her and because Ryles was eager to witness more magic, the child demanded to tag along. Fortunately for Ryles, Bea was all too willing to keep the young lordling from being caught underfoot. Unfortunately for Alyce, throughout the venture, the yellow haired maid was far too encouraging of the boy¡¯s antics, gleefully taking part as an actress to his plays.


    ¡°You were definitely ¡ª spirited while dancing to a song none of us could hear,¡± Kytes confessed, grinning when Alyce clapped both hands over her scarlet face. ¡°Although you were more graceful than that.¡± He motioned at the pair badly pirouetting across the graveled path ahead of them.


    Alyce sputtered, refusing to think more of the off hand compliment. Though she noticed it more keenly now, she was still growing accustomed to Kytes¡¯ habit of stringing comforting words as means of reassurance, something that the Sanctus must have taught their mages. Just like his occasional close presence or startling warm touch. Mannerisms to bring one back to the present. Memories of what it meant to be human. Preventative measures to stop a person from slipping away due to magical influences.


    She could see why such practices were necessary, besides stopping a person from endangering themselves or in her case, jumping into the well. Try as she did to recall, her moments spent with the spirit had muddled into a haze of murmuring water droplets and muted apparitions. So very much like the sleepy sanctuary she discovered when beckoned into a meditative state. Yet despite not quite remembering and the experience so new, she missed it already. A yearning to find the well nymph again, a desire to return to that quiet pool.


    ¡°Colleen.¡±


    Alyce snapped out of her contemplation, turning her head to face Kytes. She could see a dent had begun to form at the bridge of his brows while he stared at her. As if reacting to his wariness, the moonstone in her pocket began to warm.


    He narrowed his eyes. ¡°What were you thinking of?¡±


    He¡¯ll have irreversible wrinkles if he continues to frown the way he does. Alyce mused, squashing her notion into the deepest part of her mind. She returned him an innocent smile. ¡°So ¨C have you danced with a nymph before, Esphyr Kytes?¡±


    Having heard the word, ¡®dance¡¯, Ryles sprinted back with Bea in tow. ¡°You have? Like Alyce?¡±


    Alyce could not stop her traitorous eyes from casting a sidelong glance. Growing up in Neburh, she had grown accustomed to the town¡¯s men. Tall and broad shoulders, sturdy physiques built to endure long hours of work as an orchardist or craftsman. And while those features might appeal to the typical village girl, it was that extra bulk which made the boys¡¯ dance steps bumbling. But Kytes had a slender frame and bore a distinguished posture, and even had an education at the western holy capital¡­


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t.¡± Kytes¡¯ plain-spoken answer jolted Alyce out of her fleeting and embarrassing fantasy.


    ¡°Really? But Alyce said the nymph was very pretty,¡± Bea pried, a mischievous glint in her eyes. ¡°I would imagine a fire nymph would be more ¡ª unfettered.¡±


    Snapping a hand at Bea, Alyce hastened a look behind her. From Ryles¡¯ unabashed smile, it was clear the child did not understand Bea''s intent.


    And nor did Kytes, whose frown slacked into wary uncertainty. ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°Wild, Esphyr,¡± Bea resumed, ignoring Alyce¡¯s growing glare. ¡°Energetic, passionate?¡±


    Kytes paled, looking more fearful than revolted. ¡°The lampades are austere nymphs, torch bearers to the afterlife. With what fire¡¯s responsibility is to mankind, I can¡¯t imagine them being anything but unyielding.¡±


    ¡°But fire is very pretty.¡± Ryles happily chirped, wriggling a small hand into Kytes¡¯. ¡°And warm. Scares away the dark. That¡¯s why we¡¯re giving away the magic lanterns during Samhain, before it becomes night everyday.¡±


    Alyce chuckled at the boy¡¯s bubbling excitement before noticing the regretful line that creased at  the corners of Kytes¡¯ mouth.


    ¡°With longer nights approaching, I¡¯ll most likely need to leave soon.¡±


    Her heart sank but she expressed her understanding with a nod. It made sense that the Esphyrs would want to start their journey home soon. Even now, the sun had begun to rise later and set earlier than it did in the warmer seasons. In a few weeks, daylight would dwindle from these sparse hours to complete night. Even for two seemingly capable mages, navigating in the dark invited mishaps and possible danger. And Thalhurst was a month''s journey on foot.


    ¡°Already?¡±  Ryles¡¯ lower lip jutted forward, the child making little effort to hide his disappointment. ¡°I wish you would stay. I like you better than the mages that visit us.¡±


    ¡°I do too,¡± Bea agreed a little too wholeheartedly to Alyce¡¯s liking. A sly smile crept along the pretty maid¡¯s pink lips. ¡°You¡¯re so much younger than those crotchety old men, don¡¯t you agree, Aly¨C?¡± She yelped when Alyce shoved an elbow into her side.


    ¡°The night¡¯s getting dark, Bea, and we¡¯ve got two more wells left,¡± Alyce grinded out through gritted teeth. ¡°The last castle town well is nearby. Why don¡¯t you and Master Ryles check on that one. It''s next to the smithy and I¡¯ll see to the one by the orchard.¡±


    Cornflower blue eyes darting between Alyce and Kytes, Bea tittered. ¡°Well, don¡¯t be too long, unless you want to.¡± She gathered Ryles¡¯ hand in hers. ¡°Let¡¯s go visit that well and say hi to Macsen, hm?¡±


    Ryles squealed in delight. ¡°Maybe he can make more lanterns so we can give them to the Esphyrs as a gift. And the pony!¡±


    With Bea and Ryles departing back to the town¡¯s center, Alyce and Kytes struck out for the towering gatehouse. As they crossed the drawbridge, Alyce fumbled for her moonstone. The bruising sky had long been stained into a darker blue, leaving barely a stroke of plum behind the distant hills. Lucent stars set the cloudless night aglow, but with the silver waxing moon not yet risen, the earth below remained in shadows. Alyce rubbed her eyes, hoping they would adjust quickly. The way to the well was familiar to her, but in the dark, the orchard could easily become a tenebrous labyrinth.


    ¡°We¡¯re looking for the row with a half-tilted tree,¡± she called out, her hand angled at a lean. ¡°That would be the row where that well is.¡±


    ¡°The same one from a few days ago then?¡± Kytes mused. ¡°The tree we were under because Mouse wouldn¡¯t budge.¡±


    She smiled. ¡°The very same.¡±


    Light flickered at the edge of her vision and she turned to see an amber flame in Kytes¡¯ hand. She nearly screeched, swallowing it in time and whimpered instead. It wasn¡¯t a fire he held but a golden crystal.


    ¡°I thought we would need it, considering how dark it¡¯s getting,¡± Kytes explained. With a flourish, he brought the crystal in between his middle and pointing fingers, illuminating the drawbridge¡¯s wooden planks in a glow that resembled candlelight.


    Alyce could not tear her eyes away from the gleaming crystal. Like the stained glass in the manor chapel, its vibrant glimmer stood out in the agricultural county of matte modesty. Beautiful and lustrous, she wanted to examine the rare sight closer, appreciate its sparkle and crystalline shell.


    ¡°How pretty¡­¡±


    Her pattens scraped loudly against the transition point of plank to gravel and Alyce jerked her head down, blushing at her vain yearning. Sparkling jewels and manor maids were an ill pairing and she had never covetted those material luxuries before. Yet, that amber stone was beautiful and she was drawn to the soft light that emitted from its center.


    ¡°It¡¯s a citrine crystal, one of my favorites. Do you like it?¡± Kytes explained, seemingly not aware of her blunder.


    ¡°I had thought it was a flame,¡± she admitted, openly admiring the light. She won¡¯t covet it, but looking should be fine. ¡°It reminds me of the glass mural or the stories my lady once told me. About how the cities had colorful lights and shadows painted across their walls and streets.¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡± The amber light bobbed in time with his surprise. ¡°Yes, a lot of wealthier cities would have crystal lights. Back home, they were so plentiful that households and shops were blinding because of them, even the narrow alleyways.¡± A shadow passed his face as he rotated the crystal. ¡°Thalhurst is similar, but every street is assigned a different color.¡±


    ¡°So the streets are lit by crystals?¡± She analyzed the moonstone in her hand. Its light was hazier than the citrine, casting the shadowed trees in a thin sheen of pearl. Longing ghosted her lips. ¡°I wish I could see that in person.¡±


    ¡°Would you like to?¡±


    Her heart fluttered as the notion played in her mind. Go beyond the orchard and see the colorful cities that S¨ªle once told her about. She had only imagined those storybook places, content with listening and dreaming about them. But with her awakened powers, she couldn¡¯t stay within the manor anyways. The people had seen her at the wells, and while Alyce was glad to murmur and meet the cheerful nymphs, she could not ignore the loud whispers that surrounded them all afternoon. They would want her gone from the castletown.


    Alyce pinched her lips and tried to crinkle her eyes in a smile. ¡°One day.¡± She was sure they were the right words to utter. ¡°I owe my lady to take care of my lord Ryles. He¡¯s only five and ¡ª although the Neburh Chapel is not the manor, it is close enough that I can visit often. And if I truly am affecting the water, isn¡¯t it better that I stay here to ensure its quality.¡±


    To her relief, Kytes¡¯ eyes welled with understanding. ¡°Of course. I can see that you care for him a great deal. He is most fortunate.¡± His grin vanished. ¡°The Neburh chapel it is then. I did speak to Master Hollis. Informed her you have no intention of leaving Neburh.¡± Pivoting his feet to face her, Kytes continued to walk backward. ¡°Our plan is to visit the Chapel on our way back to Thalhurst, in hopes we can find a suitable teacher for you. If you aren¡¯t opposed, would you write to me? About your progress at the Chapel.¡±


    Her eyes flitted forward to ensure the path behind him was evenly paved, although with the moonstone¡¯s soft light, she could only pray for the best. ¡°I¡¯m curious, Esphyr, why you have such an interest in my education.¡±


    ¡°Given the state of the drafted contracts ¨C I have my doubts about the instruction they could provide, especially for someone like you.¡± Kytes sighed. ¡°You have a remarkable connection with water and that intrigues me. Even through missives, I think there are things I can relay or might learn from you.¡±


    ¡°Learn from me?¡± She laughed. ¡°I see. Scholarly curiosity.¡±


    ¡°Powerful mages, gifted ones, are rare, Colleen.¡±


    Alyce was quick to remember Haddie¡¯s warning the night the Esphyrs arrived. That mages craved power and influence. And if she truly was as powerful as he believed, then of course Kytes would want to prolong this connection. She looked down. Though she knew it was foolish, a part of her wished for something else, even friendship.


    ¡°We¡¯ll have to see if that¡¯s true then.¡±


    Saturated amber warmed her vision and Kytes leaned forward to capture her attention. ¡°We came to Neburh because there were stories of illicit runes or a rogue mage being the reason for its prosperity. But it turns out that it was just a maid, who loves and wants to protect her home. You are remarkable, Alyce.¡± His smile broadened. ¡°Even if the cities might be adorned with crystals, Neburh is far more beautiful than the world beyond its borders. I had¡­ found respite. If you¡¯ll allow it, I would like to come back one day.¡±


    Warmth colored her cheeks a rosy pink. She found comfort knowing her pastoral home was appreciated, rejoicing that she might have had something to do with it. ¡°You will always be welcomed, Esphyr Ky¨C.¡±


    Movement plucked for her attention and her eyes darted ahead. Farther down, a silhouette was traversing up the path. Squinting, she directed her light higher to see who it was, flooding the orchard¡¯s lone road in a ghostly white.


    Bent low by heavy boughs, the listing tree peered past its straighter brethren. The lower branches bobbed as a single fallen apple rolled away from the foot of the tree.


    ¡°Ah, the marker to the well,¡± Kytes said cheerfully, looking over his shoulder. Glancing back, he noticed her face had turned an ashen gray. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    She quickly lowered the moonstone. The dreamy medley of orange and white lights must have clashed with the shadows and played a trick.


    ¡°I¡¯m not used to traveling into the orchard after sunset,¡± Alyce admitted, rubbing her eyes. ¡°A bit jumpy, that¡¯s all.¡± She smiled ruefully. ¡°Probably because of the nymphs and ghost talks the last few days.¡±


    Sympathy replaced his concern. ¡°Learning magic will help with sighting them unexpectedly,¡± Kytes promised. ¡°Once you have a better grasp on your magic, you can choose when you want to see or feel them.¡±


    ¡°Like you?¡± She gingerly took a step off the dirt path and on to the orchard¡¯s grass. Unlike during the day, the loam soil was moistened and soft, turning each footfall into a chore. As she trudged between the natural colonnades leading to the well, her wooden pattens sank lower into the grass.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Kytes offered the crook of his elbow to ease her venture, which she gladly accepted. ¡°It makes things easier, only seeing what a normal person should be able to perceive. Less stressful. Nowadays, if the lampades really want to talk to me, they send will o¡¯ wisps to signal conversation.¡±


    Alyce cringed, tightening her hold. ¡°Will o¡¯ wisps? Ghost lights? The ones that live in cemeteries, bogs, ruins ¡ª?¡±


    ¡°Most of the time, those are fireflies. Harmless lightning beetles.¡± He gave her hand a comforting pat. ¡°We should stop talking about ghosts. Would it help if I brightened the way?¡±


    He flipped the citrine crystal back onto his palm, its rune pulsed once before irradiating the surrounding leaves in warmer greens. The mage¡¯s consideration has turned the light from candle glow into a vibrant torch.


    ¡°It¡¯s as bright as the sun,¡± she exclaimed. By all appearances, she had promptly forgotten her fears, her eyes bright with awe.


    A splitting scream sent Alyce careening forward. Deserting the moonstone, her second hand sprung out to brace for impact but it never touched the ground. Kytes had felt her fall and caught hold of her forearm, before easing them into a gentler sink. She tried to find footing again, but each attempt sent pain lancing up the soles of her feet and she collapsed onto the grass.


    ¡°Easy now.¡± Kytes ordered, his tone firm but laced with worry. He returned her pearly moonstone and wrapped her fingers around it. ¡°Try not to move.¡±


    She opened her mouth to answer when another cry rang out. A grief stricken toll that stirred the quiet air around them. While Alyce froze, Kytes snapped his head around. The shriek was quick to die, echoing down the aisle and toward the direction of the well.


    ¡°It¡¯s a nymph,¡± she mumbled, her insides churning with certainty. ¡°That scream belonged to a nymph.¡±


    A hand settled on top of her freezing ones. ¡°Let us return to the manor.¡±


    They tried pulling her back up but she fell again when her feet screeched from her weight. It felt as if there were a dozen scores carved into her flesh. Alyce¡¯s heart quickened, and she yanked up the bottom fabrics of her skirts to inspect the injuries.


    They were bare, not a single blemish upon her pale skin.


    ¡°I¡¯m assuming there¡¯s something amiss with your legs.¡± Kytes was quick to politely sweep her skirts back down.


    ¡°I can feel cuts all over. But ¡ª ¡° Alyce tentatively traced above her legs with a careful hand, unsure if she should be relieved that there was no marring or fearful that there were none. ¡°I don¡¯t see them.¡±


    Kytes leaned closer, his eyes serious. ¡°Colleen, you are in no condition to suffer another lament.¡±


    She stiffened. ¡°A lament?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the moonstone here can protect your mind from her call, but not your body if she demands it. Like right now. Let us return to the manor.¡±


    Trembling, Alyce bowed her head. He was right. The blissful manor nymph had been a delightful thing but this felt like the cistern nymph¡¯s grief all over again. Unpredictable and waiting, nightmares ready to crawl into her mind. Tightening her hold on the moonstone, the maid was ready to concede when the emitted warmth fluttered under her fingers like delicate heartbeats. It reminded her of the whirring that was the manor¡¯s nymph¡¯s chatter.


    ¡°Wait.¡± Alyce said softly. ¡°Why is she crying? Is she in pain?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I¡¯ll come back later to find out what¡¯s wrong.¡±


    Alyce remained rooted to the ground. ¡°The day you came to the manor and I fetched water for Mouse, this is the well I visited. And I had ¡ª.¡± Her eyes searched the darkness ahead. ¡°Felt this same feeling that day. Not as strongly but the same.¡± Her grip on his arm tightened. ¡°Let me see her. You can only feel her presence, but I can ¡ª.¡±


    ¡°Have you forgotten why we¡¯re visiting the wells? Or what happened at the cistern?¡± Kytes¡¯ patience was replaced by urgency. ¡°You can turn water by simply feeling a certain way. And they influence you. Channel everything into you! Your body is already reacting to her pain.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m physically fine, aren¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°Colleen.¡±


    She thrust the moonstone in his face. ¡°If the crystal is protecting my mind, then teach me how to regain my body.¡±


    Kytes stared at her. ¡°You make it sound so simple. There is a reason why mages flee in the face of lamenting nymphs. They possess us,¡± he answered flatly. ¡°It is why Hollis left the cistern with you. No one wants to lose their claim over their minds.¡±


    ¡°Yet you stayed,¡± she insisted, briefly remembering the mage¡¯s back as she retreated up the cistern stairs. ¡°For all the sorrow you felt, you didn¡¯t leave. Did you?¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    ¡°I have had years of experiencing laments and threnodies. Had to. Not by my own want but so I can make talismans to repel those mournings and save others. I practiced magic since the day I was born. And I am not about to allow a novice with hardly a day¡¯s worth of doing magic to confront a nymph¡¯s lament a second time. In two days.¡± His umber eyes bore into her with a ferocity, wild with panic.


    ¡°More than a day, Esphyr. Apparently, I have been affecting the water for a very long time.¡±


    Her retort was swiftly smothered, another cry bemoaning the spirit¡¯s distress through the orchard. Alyce did not dare flinch, refusing to break eye contact with Kytes. If  her hands trembled, she hoped they were mild.


    ¡°I am of man, who she tried conveying her pain before. But I didn¡¯t hear, didn''t understand, and I couldn¡¯t have helped at that time anyways. But now ¨C.¡± She leaned forward earnestly. ¡°I can do something. The wells of Neburh are my responsibility, Esphyr.¡±


    For several drawn seconds, he didn¡¯t speak and Alyce was sure he would refuse. Let his temper be taken by his affinity¡¯s namesake. Finally his chest rose sharply as if he had words to berate her with, then it fell.


    ¡°You want to find out ails the well.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Kytes carefully pulled away from Alyce¡¯s grasp, rolling back on his feet in a crouch. Resting his forearms against his knees, he ducked his head down in a defeated pose.


    ¡°The five senses,¡± he muttered to his knees. ¡°Reminds us to stay in the present and remember what we are, who we are. To the matter of physical touch, describe to me four things you¡¯re only supposed to feel right now, what¡¯s actually possible given the reality of your current situation.¡± He gesticulated a cut. ¡°Not the phantom pain planted in your nerves.¡±


    His enunciation was too precise, detracted even, and it compelled her to act accordingly to his instructions. It might also be her imagination, but the moonstone she had left in her lap felt a twinge colder. And she had begun to miss his warmer presence. Closing her eyes, Alyce obeyed, concentrating on anything her fingertips could immediately find.


    ¡°I feel the grass. They prickle when you brush them, but some of the blades are wet from the soil or perhaps because of the autumn night air.¡± She inhaled deeply, smelling the earthy scent of verdant trees and the bitter tang of dead leaves. ¡°Moisture upon my cheek, cold but pleasing. And also ¡ª¡± She found a cold patch on the hems of her skirt. ¡°The grass is probably staining my dress.¡±


    Despite the circumstances, an amused huff betrayed the mage and eased the tight knot in Alyce¡¯s stomach.  ¡°I hope grass stains aren¡¯t too difficult to wash out,¡± he murmured. ¡°What else?¡±


    Her fingers began to inspect the cotton linen fabric that covered her legs. ¡°The vertical grains of my dress, the fabrics made of knitted linen.¡± Gritting her teeth, Alyce pressed her hands against her calves, prying her mind away from the vivid imagery of deep cuts. ¡°Linen against skin.¡± She squeezed her eyelids tighter, willing her senses to believe the spoken words. ¡°Really too thin for this weather, but I''ve got layers of it¡­¡±


    Slender fingers glided over one of her hands and warmth sank under her skin. She shivered in delight, grateful for its company. ¡°How do you do that?¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Runic fire mages burn warmer because our magics are harbored within ourselves. We call it heart¡¯s fire.¡±


    ¡°You give your fire to mankind.¡± Alyce¡¯s eyes fluttered open in time to see an azure blue twinkle from view. Turning over his hand, she found raised but healed skin embedded at the center of his palm. The etching was the two angular lines connected at a joint, a symbol she had seen as part of a hearth rune and the days whenever she spied him casting magic. ¡°Master Hollis said something to that nature.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt.¡±


    She gripped his hand tighter. ¡°No, it does. Mine doesn¡¯t.¡± Alyce wrenched her legs from under her, furious at her own weakness. She had succumbed to phantom pain while Kytes constantly harbored his own. The nymph was also pleading for help and here she was unable to stand! How could she help anyone if she grieved over their wounds? ¡°This pain. It really is not my own.¡±


    In her hasty bout of courage, Alyce leapt up to her full height. Then her adrenaline cooled and she waited with baited breath. Tentatively, she leaned back and dared to bounce on her heels. There truly was no pain, not even a single lingering prick. ¡°It¡¯s like magic. It¡¯s gone!¡± she exclaimed, jerking her head up to look at Kytes.


    The tight knit at his brow soothed. ¡°That was incredibly risky,¡± he scolded kindly. ¡°You¡¯re like a great wave sometimes. Calm, frothy, then a turbulent surge. I was worried you would fall.¡± He groaned, rising to his feet. ¡°You are quite remarkable.¡±


    Alyce straightened her skirts in a cascade. ¡°You did say that before.¡±


    ¡°I did, but also this.¡± Kytes leveled his eyes seriously with hers. ¡°You must remember our minds are powerful tools at imagining and accepting notions. It can turn our greatest nightmares into reality or bring forward light and instill greater clarity. What you just did, what that practice does. It''s not magic, just human things. Especially when we approach the nymph and she begins to inflict us pain. Know which thoughts are hers, and which are yours. You must.¡±


    ¡°So serious.¡± Alyce teased and his eyes narrowed. ¡°But I¡¯ll remember. Pinch myself if I have to because I do want to help her. And if I¡¯m unable to ¡ª.¡± She shook her head fiercely to dispel the thought. ¡°Then we¡¯ll go back.¡±


    Mustering a confident smile, she strutted for the well, each step determinedly balanced as she walked through softer dirt and loose gravel that threatened her footfall. Everytime her ears caught a whimper, she jutted her chin forward, scraping her nails against the moonstone and appreciating its discomfort. Movement danced at the corners of her vision, but her focus remained ahead, her mind refusing to wonder.


    Warmth slipped over her wrist. ¡°We¡¯ll work together,¡± Kytes murmured, keeping pace with her stride. His crystal¡¯s amber light ushering the shadows away. ¡°With your heightened state of emotions, you¡¯ll be able to see where she is.¡±


    Alyce licked her lips nervously. ¡°And her wounds?¡±


    He grunted an affirmation. ¡°That too. And with her permission, I will see to the well.¡±


    Honing her eyes, she saw a sunless mass sprouted from between the trees. It was only when the crystal¡¯s glow reached further that the wellhead turned a shade redder. The moisture in her mouth evaporated. It was only five days ago that Alyce skipped to the wells, content in the belief that her home was safe. How ignorant she discovered herself to be and the orchard unfamiliar and subduing, everything cast in a different light.


    Tucked against the base of the wellhead, a dark figure sat hunched over like stone. Withered white flowers, blooms that long lost most of their petals, were braided into dusky gray hair that echoed the color of the well¡¯s wooden tiled roof. Mossy tendrils enfolded the nymph¡¯s feet like overgrown stockings, climbing up deep cherry skin and burgeoning out as a green velvet gown would. Spotting the red fragments that covered the brittle grass around the well, Alyce¡¯s heart lurched. Chippings. Red brick chipped from the well.


    The nymph made no movement to address them, her face hidden by arms splintering with deep craters and resting upon bent knees. And yet, fragments continued to crumble from fracturing cracks. Mossy threads creeped to balm the deteriorating skin, hiding the blemish with curling fronds.


    Clamping a hand over her mouth, Alyce bit back a cry. The moss was not a dress. It was holding the nymph together.


    An arm was thrown over her shaking shoulders, Kytes silenting offering his comfort.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t like this,¡± she whispered, her voice tight in holding back her tears. ¡°I don¡¯t remember the well looking like this or at least ¡ª I don¡¯t think it did.¡± She clenched the moonstone to her chest. ¡°Or I never noticed. How could I not have noticed the well¡¯s condition? I¡¯ve visited so many times before¡­¡±


    ¡°Because when nature deteriorates, it is a gradual thing.¡± Tapping a finger against the hand covering the moonstone, Kytes pulled Alyce from her growing frustrations. ¡°It festers in plain sight but unless you¡¯re looking for it, you¡¯ll never know. Do not blame yourself, Colleen. You did not see her.¡±


    ¡°But I could have.¡± A singular tear rolled down her cheek. ¡°Had I been a real mage, I could have.¡±


    Glancing past him, Alyce saw black voids staring back. The nymph had turned to perceive her unwelcome guests. She could see the spirit¡¯s face had once been lovely, but now it was spoiled with pits. There was a deep cut that split her lower lip, leaving a dribble of black seeping through the old wound.


    ¡°She sees us?¡± Kytes asked, following her gaze.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Alyce mustered. ¡°What do we now?¡±


    ¡°As we showed you this morning, we begin with an offering. A gift.¡±


    The nymph remained deathly silent, tracking their approach with unblinking eyes. Even the citrine¡¯s orange light brought little warmth to the spirit¡¯s complexion, instead painting her face in more eerie shadows.


    ¡°Well nymphs are what we called crinaeae, Thyis¡¯ daughters that preside over fountains, cisterns, and other monuments dedicated to exist with water,¡± Kytes explained, kneeling down before the well. ¡°They are usually the kindest of her daughters, having adored mankind enough to watch over their structural creations ¡ª.¡±


    A granite pebble clattered noisily next to his knee and Alyce turned in time to see the nymph retracting her hand.


    ¡°She might not adore mankind very much right now,¡± Alyce remarked wryly.


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t think she does,¡± Kytes agreed, scooping up the same rock and testing its weight. ¡°Crinaeae, I don¡¯t have a true gift but Colleen Alyce wants to help you. And so do I.¡± He pressed the pebble in his fist before returning it to her. Markings that Alyce hadn¡¯t seen before glowed on top of its speckled surface. ¡°Would you accept this? So I can see the bottom of the well?¡±


    The nymph¡¯s eyes darted to the stone. Though still unblinking, there was a glimmer of mild interest before the stained lips twisted and she hid behind bent knees again.


    When the silence drew too long, Alyce exchanged a look with Kytes. A shake of her head was enough for the mage to know his words fell upon deaf ears.


    ¡°I find it strange.¡± Kytes admitted, rising to his feet. ¡°I feel her misery, but it¡¯s restrained, held back. And nymphs are not shy about singing their lament. Yet, she is mute.¡± He picked up the pebble the spirit had refused. ¡° I don¡¯t like it. It¡¯s as if she''s waiting ¡ª biding time.¡±


    A shiver ran down her neck. ¡°For what?¡±


    He grumbled his uncertainty, swiveling his body to examine the ground and trees. ¡°Do the townspeople visit this well often?¡±


    ¡°The men, they are orchardists who tend the apple trees.¡± She pivoted with Kytes, bringing her moonstone up to illuminate their surroundings. ¡°They drink from it or draw water from this well for the trees.¡± Wrinkling her brows, Alyce began to pace around it. ¡°There¡¯s usually pails kept here, like the ones by the castle town¡¯s wells. So the men don¡¯t have to lug buckets to and fro every morning and night. And they wouldn¡¯t ¡ª .¡± Having walked an entire circle around, she still had not sighted any of the referred pails. ¡°Forget them at home. It is more convenient that way.¡±


    She looked up at Kytes, who wore a troubled expression. ¡°There are other wells in the orchard. Perhaps the men left them there.¡±


    The tension on his face eased. ¡°That must be it.¡±


    Nodding to herself, Alyce scanned the trees once more before noticing a cylindrical shape underneath a tree. ¡°There is one here.¡± She trotted over and bent down to grasp the handle. ¡°The men must have forgotten it this morning, there¡¯s even water in it.¡±


    The water¡¯s surface flickered with light as Alyce lugged the pail up. Had the moon risen above them already? Glancing up, she searched the sky, but found only distant twinkling stars. Cold water dashed against her bare toes, reminding Alyce of the still filled vessel and she tilted the pail to pour water under the tree.


    Anger swelled into her chest as she dumped the pail further, hot and warping frustration.


    ¡°Alyce!¡±


    She swung around, turning blazing eyes on Kytes. ¡°What?¡±


    The mage spoke softly as if comforting a cornered creature. ¡°Let go of the bucket.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s still water in ¡ª.¡± She stared at the water line. It remained filled to the brim. As if she had not poured out any at all. Appalled, she gasped, thrusting the pail away with a resounding dull clunk. Tipping from its heavy weight, it fell over the base and rolled onto its side and to her horror, water gushed out in a never ending stream, rushing water swirling into a muddy glop. Like blood pouring from an open wound.


    A horrible shriek tore at her ears and Alyce dropped to her knees. Desperate to upright the bucket, she fumbled blindly for it, swallowing rapidly as a thick sour taste enveloped the back of her throat. The overwhelming scent of wet mud and grass made her stomach turn. When she finally set the bucket back on its base, Alyce began to gag again and she was drawn roughly aside.


    ¡°The bucket,¡± Alyce mumbled, wiping her mouth. ¡°What sorcery is this?¡± She flinched as another wail resounded through the orchard.


    The figure had broken from her huddled form to a sprawl, curled fingers clinging to the wellhead. The nymph convulsed with sobs, thumping her forehead against the bricks..


    Prying away, Kytes looked to depart for the well. ¡°Colleen, stay here. I¡¯ll see to the runes.¡±


    ¡°Runes?¡± She halted his retreating arm, her eyes pleading for an explanation. ¡°What runes?¡± Her fingers latched tighter when Kytes failed to answer, his expression darkening.


    Breaking out of Kytes¡¯ hold, Alyce raced for the bucket, stifling a cry when she saw liquid beginning to rise toward the brim. She saw the light clearer now, emitting from deep inside the vessel. Carved into the bottom of the bucket was an etching, uneven but symmetrical, a sidelong cross with longer lines jutting out from the sigil¡¯s heart, like a radiating sun.


    Her shoulders slumped. The etchings still meant nothing to her, but she recognized what this was, or was supposed to be.


    ¡°It is an illicit rune.¡± Kytes confirmed gravely ¡°The rune moves water from well to another source, but it does not stop. It constantly draws whenever the bucket empties.¡±


    It sounded so simple, so convenient to have. ¡°That¡¯s not right. We¡¯ve never had this before,¡± she muttered, briskly shaking her head. ¡°No, oh no. That can¡¯t be right. My lord would never allow this. I¡¯m sure he wouldn¡¯t.¡±


    Having in possession illicit runes will incite not a fine, but a punishment. Regardless of who obtained them, the ruling governance will suffer the consequences. And the Sancti enforced this rule for the king.


    She heard Kytes¡¯ approaching boots. ¡°You must believe me,¡± she begged weakly. ¡°My lord would never allow this. And the people ¡ª.¡± Alyce quailed when he stopped next to her. ¡°They ¨C.¡±


    Her words failing, she rounded her back. Not all the people, the maid wanted to protest. Not all.


    But she wasn¡¯t sure. The orchardists used them. That much was clear. And their families, did they know?


    ¡°Colleen.¡± A hand rested on her shoulder. ¡°One step at a time.¡±


    She whimpered and nodded. The baron had said the Esphyrs were reasonable. And right now, she really wanted to believe that.


    ¡°We cannot leave the nymph in this state,¡± Kytes continued. ¡°I am sure the main rune is at the bottom of the well. She cannot stand and you had pain on your feet and legs. I will render it useless so should there be more vessels that draw water from this well, all of it would cease.¡±


    ¡°How? If the rune is at the bottom?¡±


    ¡°The stone I tried giving the nymph. It holds a fragment of my fire. With it, I can dive into its depth and seek the illicit time.¡± He hesitated with a sharp inhale. ¡°But it will burn.¡±


    ¡°It will burn us.¡± Alyce''s mouth formed the words she spoke only a day ago. An echo of the cistern nymph¡¯s fear.


    ¡°Yes. But this is a necessary pain.¡±


    Alyce rose shakily. ¡°The wells are my responsibility. I will see what you do. I want that cursed rune gone. No matter if it hurts, I will accept it.¡± He opened his mouth to protest but Alyce showed him the moonstone. ¡°You gave me this, it is enough. I won¡¯t lose myself to her emotions, even if I feel it. I can¡¯t. I will be there with her.¡±


    Kytes remained quiet then closed her fingers over the white stone. ¡°She will sing her lament. That I am certain.¡± He led her to the well. ¡°I am sorry.¡±


    ¡°I am too.¡± She whispered.


    The nymph recoiled the moment their lights touched the well, her black eyes glistening with wet rage. Tucking the stone into a fist, Kytes knelt before the nymph.


    ¡°We know the source of your pain, but it is inside the well,¡± Kytes began, his voice respectfully low. He placed the discarded stone back on the ground. ¡°Crinaenae, please accept the gift from before and I will rid you of the affliction.¡±


    When the nymph made no acknowledgment to his urging, Alyce dropped to her knees. She could feel the nymph¡¯s gaze boring into her as she descended. It bestowed shame and guilt on her shoulders, demanding apologies to fall from her lips. But Alyce clenched her hands, digging divots into her palm.


    ¡°Crinaenae, the Esphyr can destroy the rune inside the well. Please let him,¡± she begged. ¡°It will only hurt for a short while then never again.¡± She offered an upturned hand. ¡°And I will inform my lord, let him know of what has happened, and ask the people to stop. So please believe me and let him help you.¡±


    The black eyes grew beady as the nymph judged the pair in silence. Then she reached forward and exposed her moss covered legs. On closer study, the legs looked to be covered in raised swellings, green hills that rose over brick like flesh. And it was at the bottom of her foot that the nymph began to pick at a larger green mound.


    Nauseated, Alyce snatched Kytes'' hand into hers. Under the coiled fronds was a bulbous shape which harbored an orange glow under the nymph¡¯s thinning skin. It breathed like a living thing, illuminating the other boils that were once like it but have all become disfiguring black blemishes. And upon each wound was a tiny black scrawl, sharing the same scratches as the sigil in the bucket.


    ¡°There¡¯s something growing on her foot.¡± Alyce gestured at her own. ¡°It''s pulsing and there is a rune on it.¡±


    From the nymph, there was a soft rumbling. Unlike before the spirit now watched them both with a hopeful look.


    ¡°I think she understands.¡± Alyce told him. ¡°Go on then.¡±


    ¡°I will be quick.¡± To Alyce¡¯s surprise, the mage gathered her face between his hands and bumped their foreheads together. She felt his breath for a moment before he released her. ¡°Keep your mind in the present. Stay with me.¡± Then he departed.


    Alyce was quick to find the moonstone, her fingers fleeing for its assurance the moment his warmth faded. Closing her eyes, she sought to memorize the crystal¡¯s polished surface against her palms. She pictured its swirling blue lines and milky clouds, thinking of anything to ward off the escalating fear brewing in her stomach. She had agreed to this. Wanted this.


    Cold seeped into her and her eyes popped open. Upon her knee was a scaly cherry hued hand. The nymph had crawled closer, mirroring Alyce¡¯s apprehension.


    I affect the water. Alyce remembered. Even in moments like this. I feel her emotions and she can feel mine.


    She tried her best to smile. ¡°I trust him,¡± Alyce said aloud. ¡°I really do. He is a great mage with a kind heart. This is just a necessary pain.¡±


    The sound of water plunked deep within the well and her breath stuttered.


    ¡°If I had been a real mage, I could have prevented this. Protected you. And the people wouldn¡¯t have done any of this,¡± she whispered miserably. ¡°I really thought everything had been fine. The wells are fine, the people are happy, my lord has aid, master Ryles can grow up without worry! Neburh is safe!¡± Tears threatened to fall from her quivering eyes. ¡°But because I knew nothing, my lord will need to bear the people¡¯s wrongdoings. And they too will suffer whatever is decided.¡±


    Warmth tickled under her soles then reached over to envelop the rest of her feet. It was a gentle heat, carefully traversing spots where the old boils were strewn, but even then Alyce would flinch when the warmth became too much and began to sear.


    She could hear Kytes¡¯ mumbling and once she glanced back to see what he was doing. His eyes were clamped shut, his hands placed on the wellhead. On occasion, his fingers would drum and twitch as if moving things aside.


    Then she felt it, a throbbing blister at the sensitive padding of her foot. Kytes had found the illicit rune. She hissed, drawing a sharp breath through her nose, but remained still. However, the nymph wriggled, pawing to scratch at the wound. Worried that the blemish might break, Alyce gathered the nymph¡¯s hands and dragged them into her lap. A weeping wound could lead to infection and although a spirit wasn¡¯t a person or animal, Alyce was not ready to take more chances.


    ¡°You mustn¡¯t,¡± she told the fighting nymph, the spirit¡¯s behavior reminded her so much of Ryles that Alyce loosened her hold. ¡°He is helping us. And you¡¯ve done so well already. A little longer and the rune will be no more.¡±


    When the nymph twitched again, Alyce brought their hands to her chest. A cold surge filled her lungs and she let out a shuddering breath. Like lightning, dark eyes flashed to hers and in them, Alyce saw a familiar orange glimmer.


    Kytes¡¯ light, she realized. It was sitting on top of the wellhead.


    ¡°Your eyes reflect what is above your well,¡± Alyce whispered. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize.¡±


    The nymph blinked then shed a single tear. It rolled down her cheek, swiveling around pitted skin and down the side of her opening mouth.


    Visions began to flit into Alyce¡¯s head. A tunnel made of cherry bricks and high above, gaussian light filtered in, bestowing the water with a sheen of gold. Low rumblings and laughter drew close and shadows blocked out the rays, but Alyce found herself relishing the sounds the intruding silhouettes made. Then something hit the water and to her involuntary delight, she watched a glowing stone sink toward the bottom of the well.


    My first gift.


    She was ready to spring to the wellhead to express her thanks when a horrible pain made her tumble back. Lifting her leg, she found her skin had bubbled at the ankle and she paused at the sight. Then after a long while, the gift dimmed and she was thrown a new one and a different blemish grew on her other leg. And then another pretty present, and another ugly swelling burst at the soles of her feet. It all hurt, yet the voices above remained jovial and at first forgiveness found its way to her heart. Forgiveness for man. Because they had given her gifts.


    Alyce¡¯s face was drenched with hot tears as she jerked out of the memories and freed her hands. The maid could feel the ringing cries in her ears again, a song the well nymph had begun to sing. ¡°Those aren¡¯t gifts!¡± She said, digging her toes into the earth and feeling gritty discomfort scrape into her nails. Think of the present, think of now. All of this is a necessary pain!


    The nymph finally smiled, but the slit on her lips wept black anew.


    I know.


    Alarm bells sprang in her head and Alyce drew back an inch, suppressing her desire to scream. The memory of the cistern¡¯s nymph gaping jaw was still fresh in mind and the widening grin beckoned all sorts of uneasiness.


    ¡°Please stop! Please! Those weren¡¯t gifts. They didn¡¯t know any better!¡± Alyce cried out, frantically thinking of a more suitable offering. Like lavender, the sprigs from S¨ªle¡¯s garden. She blindly searched her pockets. ¡°But I know now! And I can bring you better ones! Forgive us just once more!¡±


    Azure stars ruptured before her eyes and Alyce did scream, flinging her hands over her face. Her entire body, every patch of skin felt like it was on fire and an iron stench scorched the inside of her nose. She writhed, feeling her nerves shriek as flames traced lines against her flesh then a final burst of blue swept everything into darkness.


    Alyce laid motionless on the ground, too afraid to get up or even open her eyes. She could hear Kytes scrambling to her side, his hands carefully propping her up as he repeatedly whispered apologies in her ear.


    ¡°The illicit rune. Is it gone?¡± The question burned her throat and she coughed.


    ¡°Yes. It is no more.¡± Rough fingers brushed against her tear streaked cheeks and gently moved the strands of auburn hair that had fallen over her face.


    ¡°Your fingers hurt,¡± she managed to croak when he got caught in a tangle. ¡°My clothes and hair are a mess, the ground is full of dead grass and dirt. That¡¯s all I feel.¡±


    Kytes¡¯ bark was filled with relief. ¡°Still with me then?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± She faltered. ¡°How is the nymph?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t see her. But I feel her worry.¡±


    On cue, a cool touch rested on her knee and Alyce¡¯s eyes fluttered open. The nymph peered at her with wide dark eyes, her lips remained bloody but they trembled as if the spirit might begin to cry. The blisters on her legs and feet had turned into a blackened landscape, an unattractive burn, but the glowing sigil and scrawls were gone.


    ¡°She hasn¡¯t gone mad?¡± Alyce whispered. ¡°But I heard her sing.¡±


    With a gentle hand, Kytes tilted her chin down to lower her gaze. On the ground, before the nymph¡¯s feet, laid a long stem with thin leaves attached.


    ¡°You gave her lavender. Or rather you threw whatever was in your pocket at her.¡± He grinned when a sob racked the maid¡¯s body. ¡°But she accepted it. Her first real gift.¡±

 Chapter 11

    Disbelief quickly aged Connall¡¯s usually peaceful face and Alyce dismayed as she watched his eyes turn bleak and facial wrinkles deepen. Although he was Is¡¯et¡¯s governing lord, the man had always believed the people as the territory¡¯s true stewards, placing great faith in his citizens.


    But now he sat quietly by the fireplace, his face hardened, so stone-like that the fire¡¯s orange light only brought shadows upon his skin. And in between his hands was the reason for his severe composure. A pail, and at the bottom, a painted sigil that still glistened a wet maroon though the ink had long dried. An illicit rune.


    Though Alyce¡¯s recount had finished long ago, the drawing room remained silent, burdened with the recent news. A Lament had been sung in their beloved orchard. Had the song not been quelled and the second act begun, a Threnody would have ensued, spelling the town¡¯s imminent end. Worst yet, the inciters were not felons or of wicked heart, but orchardists, their orchardists. Civilians who nearly doomed their home.


    Patient spectators, the Sanctus mages stood in their corner of the room. Teacher and apprentice unknowingly mirroring one another in stance, arms folded across their chests, left foot favoring their weight rather than the right. Both were keenly aware of their duty next. However, their expressions differed greatly. Watching the manor¡¯s residents behind polished spectacles, Hollis¡¯ gaze was heedful and sharp while Kytes¡¯ eyes were deep with exhaustion. Through half lidded eyes, he stared blankly at the low piled woven rugs spread across the floor and on the trio cloistered at the center of the room.


    Huddled within a nest made of skirts, Ryles sat directly under Alyce¡¯s chin, his small hands ensuring that he was securely trapped in her embrace. The child was too young to fear an illicit rune and its implications, but he had screamed when his favorite maid and the young Esphyr returned muddied and disheveled, with dried blood smeared across Kytes¡¯ chin and splatters of it staining Alyce¡¯s sleeves. It was only after they had changed that Ryles finally began to calm, and he was only truly consoled after he found safety in Alyce¡¯s arms.


    The third individual snuggling next to the clustered pair was trying her best to extend reassurance, but with arms tucked around her knees, hugging them like a favored toy, Bea was more distress personified than consolation. The blonde maid had spoken very little since their return to the manor, perhaps it was because she was the first to arrive at the foyer when Ryles cried out. Alyce imagined the shock Bea must have felt, for how did an everyday jaunt to a well turn to torn skirts and sullied fabrics?


    Equally speechless was Haddie, braced against the drawing room¡¯s door, but instead of dismay, she was mute with fury. Her back was so firmly pressed against the door, that Alyce heard the lock creak against the mortise from time to time. Had she expected someone, a townsperson perhaps, to barge in mid conversation? Not that anyone would, of course. Besides the stained glass church, the rest of the manor was not public ground. Yet Haddie seemed to have forgotten that, her body rigid with resolve to shut the world out.


    Finally, the pail was set down with a rattling clack, Connall¡¯s calm voice breaking the prolonged silence with an uncharacteristic boom. ¡°Esphyrs, how long do you suppose this illicit rune has been in use?¡±


    Upon hearing the baron¡¯s question, Kytes¡¯ eyes cleared but he glanced at his teacher with uncertainty. With a senior mage present, an apprentice would not be expected to answer in their stead, and oftentimes, it was the voice of a more authoritative figure that people would want to hear. However, Hollis gave Kytes a curt nod, an encouraging indication. She was not the one, who weathered the well nymph¡¯s Lament with Alyce.


    Kytes selected his choice of words with great measure, not wanting to accidentally antagonize his own craft. To those unfamiliar with runes and magic, there was little difference between a standard sigil and one of illegal origin.


    ¡°Illicit runes are not like the ones used on hearths or lights, their power is fleeting for the source comes not from mages but nymphs. And once the spell gutters, they cannot be renewed, the runes would need to be replaced,¡± he explained carefully. ¡°The bottom of the orchard well was littered with perhaps a few dozen, each lasting about a week or so.¡±


    ¡°A recent thing then,¡± Connall growled to himself. ¡°Many times I have refused requests to purchase more communal runes, thinking that fire with its temperament and notable risks would be enough. Not out of pure unwillingness but because an agricultural county simply cannot afford more..¡± Burrowing the lower half of his face in between cupped hands, Connall closed his eyes. ¡°S¨ªle knew the county was not rich in coin, but she had tirelessly researched and hoped that the people could be rich instead with mundane knowledge, without relying purely on runes.¡±


    ¡°But they have gone and forgotten that, haven¡¯t they?¡± Haddie bristled. ¡°All the time, the years, that my lady spent in town teaching and telling them why we have to be careful about spending coin!¡±


    ¡°It was¡­ a long time ago,¡± Bea expressed weakly.


    ¡°And perhaps time has changed their minds,¡± Connall stated further. ¡°Circumstances change, people change, and conveniences become far more tempting.¡±


    ¡°That is the case for all the afflicted villages we have visited.¡± Hollis¡¯ emphasis was not lost on Alyce and the maid saw the Kytes¡¯ fingertips turn white as he gripped his elbows. ¡°Something in their everyday life has given them reason to use illicit runes, magic of great magnitude, powers beyond what can normally be bartered.¡± She waved an upturned hand at the window. ¡°Your neighbor, Scaidun, used illicit runes to fall and grow trees at spectacular rates. To honor commissions and keep up with incoming demands from high merchants and noble lords, who wanted Scaidun¡¯s excellent woodcraft for their homes and ships. Unfortunately, trees take time to grow, and humans have less of time. It wasn¡¯t long before Scaidun fell alongside their trees, and the populace scarred with the wounds they had inflicted upon the local nymphs.¡±


    ¡°Scaidun?¡± Haddie whispered in disbelief, hearing this for the first time. ¡°Fell?¡±


    ¡°Wounds?¡± Alyce gasped, her own hand impulsively fleeting to her leg.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Hollis affirmed to both maids. ¡°And so to protect Neburh, and furthermore, Is¡¯et, I¡¯m afraid certain actions need to be taken. By morning, those who rely on the illicit runes will discover their pails no longer fill with water and surmise the magic has broken prematurely. However, the rogue mage responsible for the spell will not return until the illicit rune¡¯s expected usefulness runs out. And with how many runes lay in the well, how easy they were to acquire, I surmise the mage is a citizen of Is¡¯et ¡ª.¡± Hollis inclined her head toward Alyce, startling the girl. ¡°Not your maid, but another with an affinity to water and of a runic kind.¡±


    ¡±A runic water mage,¡± Alyce surmised. ¡°How do you know that?¡±


    ¡±Fire engraves, air sings, earth carves, and water ¡ª.¡± Hollis pointed at the pail. ¡°washes, with a part of the caster. There is blood in that ink.¡±


    Nausea roiling in her stomach, Alyce ducked her chin down into Ryles¡¯ curly brown hair and shut her eyes. She was still growing accustomed to Kytes¡¯ way of drawing his powers, but in comparison, a scratch or two seemed tame. This m age, this person ¨C had drawn out life¡¯s blood and used it as paint.


    ¡°Kytes and I will depart from Neburh then and search for more runes left by this mage,¡± Hollis continued. ¡°If they are clumsy, we will find those sigils quickly and dispel them from further use, quelling whatever chance a Threnody might be sung. But this can only be done with your permission, of course. You might recall that most civilians do not take kindly to magic. And being Sanctus mages and related to the Crown, I worry that the mere mention of our search for illicit runes will invite some¡­ inconveniences.¡±


    Though Neburh was the largest residential town in Is¡¯et and often visited by merchants, the locals were still wary of strangers. A short stay, with promise of trade, invited hospitality, but a mage meant occult things, rune renewals, magical knick knacks, or funeral rites. If their visit made people uneasy, a search would ensure that tenfold.


    Undoubtedly, Is¡¯et¡¯s most populated hamlets, including a coastal scallop farm at the southernmost point of the county and another orchard, far smaller than Neburh¡¯s and sequestered by coastal cliffs, would harbor similar impressions and to a greater extent. Even the handful of households that made their livelihoods as shephards on top of the rolling hills would be disinclined to help a pair of noble mages.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Baron Connall nodded gravely. ¡°Then it is fortunate that I had commissioned young Esphyr Kytes to light the lanterns two days ago. The lanterns bear House Is¡¯et¡¯s emblem, and I had meant to deliver them myself before winter. But as it stands, I have other things to worry about like the orchard well I want repaired. To make right by the well nymph who resides there still,¡± Connall added kindly and Alyce allowed herself to share an appreciative smile. ¡°If you deliver the lanterns on my behalf, your search should be judged with a less critical eye.¡±


    ¡°And we would be glad to distribute them,¡± Hollis said.


    ¡°And we won¡¯t overstay our welcome,¡± Kytes promised wearily.


    Perhaps it was because of the room¡¯s poor lighting, that Alyce thought the shadows under Kytes¡¯ eyes grew darker. On several occasions, such as this one, Kytes seemed less his age and instead a spirit burdened by responsibilities. Without a doubt, he was proud of his capabilities, his affinity with fire protected and warmed. But he was a boy still, a few months left within his final teens, a few months younger than she. Her heart ached whenever Kytes¡¯ bright eyes would dim into a pensive light. And though he said nothing, she wondered if his nose bleed, much like the lifted scars on his palm, was a price he paid for his own magic.


    He would become wearier when people shun his aid, House Is¡¯et¡¯s lanterns or no. They would suspect the mages¡¯ good will and anger when they learn the truth, the mages search for illicit runes. No one liked being suspected of transgression, especially the hard working folks, even when they have done wrong. And should the mages be denied entry ¨C


    Alyce winced as her calves stung. The nymph would continue to suffer, slowly and surely, procuring more wounds and silently cursing the people.


    ¡°I can go with you,¡± Alyce said, her musings voiced before she could stop herself. She blushed when the room remained silent and from the corner of her eye, she saw Kytes stiffen and Hollis tilt an inquiring glance at her apprentice. ¡°With the Esphyrs, I mean.¡±


    ¡°Colleen, I¡¯m afraid we will not be visiting the Chapel, at least not for a long while,¡± Hollis sought to clarify.


    ¡°Of ¡ª of course.¡± Alyce fidgeted with a loose auburn lock dangling over her shoulder. ¡°But I wish to go with you to ¡ª to distribute the lanterns.¡±


    ¡±What?¡±


    Trying her best to ignore Haddie¡¯s cry, Alyce blundered forth with what courage she had mustered. ¡°I am also a resident of Is¡¯et. If I accompany the Esphyrs, they will have little trouble persuading the people that the lanterns are a gift from House Is¡¯et. Folks wouldn¡¯t doubt it.¡± She tugged on her hair harder. ¡°And they don¡¯t know I¡¯m ¡ª that I have magic. I can help the Esphyrs find illicit runes much easier, without making it too obvious that we¡¯re looking for them ¡ª if I can see the water nymphs, that is ¡ª.¡±


    Alyce¡¯s confidence failed when her clothes puckered uncomfortably at her waist and Ryles twisted around to stare at her.


    ¡°You¡­ you are leaving.¡± Ryles whimpered in disbelief. ¡°You said you wouldn¡¯t.¡±


    She gently wrapped her fingers around the child¡¯s elbows. ¡°Just for a little while, Lord Ryles,¡± Alyce promised. ¡°Just to check if there are more of those terrible runes elsewhere.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± Haddie snapped from across the room, her blue eyes blazed with an indignant fire. ¡°This is magic business and this sort of thing will be dangerous for you.¡±


    ¡°The last few days have all been magic business for me,¡± Alyce pointed out calmly.


    Haddie¡¯s mouth twisted, fighting for a retort. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ that¡¯s different. At least you were here, at home. And you¡¯re not a mage.¡± Her eyes darted to Kytes, before landing back on Alyce. ¡°They¡¯re trained for this sort of thing, you¡¯re not like them.¡±


    ¡°And Esphyr Hollis said folks aren¡¯t always nice to mages, if they find out you¡¯re one too, that might stir up more trouble for you,¡± Bea peeped next to her shoulder. ¡°You only just learned about your magic, you¡¯ll be found out very quickly if they see the mages helping you with those pretty rocks.¡±


    ¡°There are ways to ¨C to see nymphs on will,¡± Alyce tried to assure Bea, though she tossed a half pleading look at Kytes. ¡°Aren¡¯t there?¡±


    It was clear he remembered that disclosure, but Kytes only nodded and very reluctantly.


    ¡°Then please teach me. Let me help you find the illicit runes,¡± she urged. ¡°I saw and felt how the nymph suffered, and I think I understand what made her so angry, and should another one be hurting the same, I want to help her.¡±


    ¡°A nymph¡¯s Lament is a dangerous thing, especially the ones born from illicit runes. Too familiar and too easy for our human minds to understand. And you certainly are not immune to it.¡± Hollis¡¯ hand flourished from waist to legs much to Alyce¡¯s embarrassment. The maid¡¯s earlier discomforts had not gone unnoticed. ¡°Most mages would be glad to avoid a Lament in their lifetime for too many have gone mad, not knowing which memory is theirs and which were odes told by nymphs. You, who have suffered two, though one weakened by time with a song too old, but two nonetheless, are you not afraid of feeling pain not your own?¡±


    Alyce gulped. ¡°It was terrible,¡± she admitted. ¡°I thought a knife was cutting into me, shaping each bulb. I was scared. But the nymph, she was the one who was hurt, not me. She loved the people and she truly did wish to forgive them, as she had so many other times, when more runes were thrown in.¡±


    Alyce placed a hand over her wildly beating heart. Truthfully, she was still frightened of the Lament, fearful of the next time when she¡¯ll need to sleep alone and might hear a cry in her ear. Or if the wail would sound when she entered a dark hallway or greet her in a solitary room. But ¡ª


    She tried to smile bravely at Ryles, who looked every bit confused. The child was hers to protect, the baroness¡¯ gift to the manor. Ryles shouldn¡¯t have to fear that Neburh would be subjected to a Threnody nor watch anyone succumb to it. He was much too young for that. And if she had magic, she would use it to protect her home.


    ¡°I can help calm the nymphs a little bit. So they won¡¯t cry anymore at night,¡± she explained to the boy.


    The child blinking intensified. ¡°The ghosts?¡±


    ¡°No, not ghosts. They¡¯re the nymphs that watch over the water, like the one at the well. I felt their hurt, and even though I could, it¡¯s alright.¡± She cupped Ryles¡¯ cheek as he hiccuped. ¡°I am House Is¡¯et¡¯s maid, and I promised Lady S¨ªle that I would look after you.¡± Lifting Ryles from her lap. Alyce rose to her feet, lightheaded with the boldness she somehow acquired. She shouldn¡¯t be so insistent, especially a person of her status, and more so with how little she knew of magic and her abilities. However, if the runes were not destroyed in time, or if the Esphyrs happened to miss one ¡ª


    Shoving the thought away, Alyce straightened her back. She won¡¯t think about it. No Threnody will ever rise from Is¡¯et.


    Unlike his son and maids, Baron Connall held more command over his emotions, though his mouth was firmly compressed, a long line that strained the corners with creases.


    ¡°Rarely do you voice your wants, that I ¡ª .¡± Connall faltered, compressing and releasing his grip in a rhythmic manner. ¡°The illicit rune today, had Alyce not been with Esphyr Kytes, would you have known?¡±


    ¡°No, my lord,¡± Hollis admitted. ¡°Neither of us have ties with water and our sight is limited to our own affinity. Kytes would have known much later, when the situation had long worsened.¡±


    Kytes nodded. ¡°But she felt the beginning of it and the circumstances averted.¡± He met Alyce¡¯s eyes. ¡°With Colleen Alyce, we could locate if there are other illicit runes.¡±


    ¡°This is foolish, she hasn¡¯t training,¡± Haddie stressed.


    ¡°If Colleen Alyce is adamant to come and help us with our search, then we will teach her protection spells for her mind. I can even teach her foundationals so she would have a firmer grasp on her magic.¡± Hollis tapped a finger against her leg, a reminder to Alyce. ¡°But this will not be a pleasant jaunt. With us, you will discover tragic things, terrible truths you must accept and harbor. Even the nymphs we come across, not all of Is¡¯et¡¯s water spirits will be your friend and extend the same favor toward you like Neburh¡¯s well nymphs. You will never be in any danger, of course, but it can become lonely, even with our company.¡± She smiled wearily. ¡°It is hard to describe, but mages are lonesome creatures. You will quickly discover what that means if you choose to leave Neburh with us.¡±


    ¡°I was ¨C am still planning to attend the Chapel, would that have been any different?¡±


    ¡°It is a standard education within a controlled environment. Safe still for budding mages.¡±


    Alyce inhaled sharply. ¡°I would rather learn slowly, yes, anyone would, ¡° she said bitterly. ¡°But if I can be helpful now, with time still to keep my home safe, then I don¡¯t mind knowing what I would eventually have to accept anyways. I¡¯ll just learn it sooner.¡±


    A small hand squeezed her fingers. ¡°You¡¯re not alone, Alyce.¡± Like the boy, the encouragement was small, but it meant much to the maid.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not.¡± She gave Ryles a squeeze back in answer. ¡°And I will remember that.¡±


    As if echoing the child¡¯s sentiment, warmth pulsed in her pocket, the spelled moonstone offering its faith. Glancing at Kytes, she saw the mage boy smiling weakly back at her. Of course he wasn¡¯t ecstatic at the danger he was imposing on a new mage, but there was gratitude in that delicate expression and she smiled back.


    ¡°If that is your decision, Alyce, then I shall let you go with them,¡± Connall said, rising from his seat. He walked toward her with authority still but a fatherly gaze. ¡°We will prepare you proper garbs, maps, supplies, and a wagon for the lanterns. You, who know what the gifts signify and how much it means to our people.¡± He set a gentle hand on her shoulder. ¡°Esphyrs, please do keep this daughter of House Is¡¯et safe.¡±