《Upgraded to Royalty》


 Chapter 1 - The Choosing

    Auraya


    Infection and death had taken up residence in the foot. The thick sludge that oozed from the wound was tinged in hues of gold and yellow, emitting an odour akin to sweet urine. The original wound ¨C a deep slice from a stray piece of glass ¨C flamed in its irritation. Auraya could empathise.


    Pointless, she thought. A simple cleanse and tea to stave off infection, and the old woman wouldn¡¯t be at risk of losing her foot; making an already hard life that much harder.


    Life in Whitegate was never kind to its residents, but it was particularly cruel to those with a physical ailment. Most earned their piece through manual means, and when that was hindered, it wasn¡¯t uncommon to be found face down in a gutter. Auraya would ensure such a fate did not befall Bettina Anderson. She spent a large portion of her days chopping vegetables and meats, cooking soups, and serving workers. Her feet were needed for her trade.


    Ensuring her features displayed just the right blend of concern and censure, Auraya raised her eyes to deliver her verdict. She was met with defiance, which caused a slight raise to the corner of her mouth. Betty knew what was coming.


    ¡°You should have come to us sooner.¡±


    Light scolding was always required when patients made themselves worse.


    ¡°A little longer and you may have lost the foot.¡±


    ¡°Times are hard child,¡± the older woman retorted, all but rolling her eyes.


    ¡°You know we would never turn you away,¡± Auraya shot back, exasperation leaking out unbidden. ¡°Especially not for a cleanse and a tea.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve suffered worse.¡±


    Petulance? Really? Auraya let it go.


    ¡°Lie down Betty,¡± she said with a small sigh.


    When Betty¡¯s eyes were away from the pitiful appendage, Auraya placed her hand on the wound. Reaching to the place where her magic dwelt, she called forth a sliver. Not much was needed to reverse the damage. She sent it through the wound and dampened the feeling, alleviating some of the pain. Not too much, lest the lesson not be learnt. She sent her magic through Betty¡¯s blood and obliterated the infection. Then set about repairing the damage and purging the last of the ooze from the foot. As her magic worked, Auraya used a basin of warmed water and rags to clean the wound. Once clean, she took a sachet of salve and massaged it into the wound to disguise her magic use. She then wrapped the foot in clean bandages.


    Their magical talent was one of their most closely guarded secrets. There was no telling what would happen if people found out what she and her kin were capable of. Well, she could speculate. Recruitment, betrayal, study, or death. She had a healthy dose of cynicism developed from her experiences. As such, she did not heal the foot completely, simply reversed the worst of the damage and set it on track to heal naturally.


    ¡°Now I know you¡¯re not going to like this,¡± Auraya said to the woman, holding up her hand at the attempted retort. She donned a stern look and slightly raised her voice. ¡°I¡¯m sending Gilly over for the next quarter or so. He will help you, so you can rest your foot as much as possible.¡±


    ¡°You know I can¡¯t afford that.¡± Her embarrassment and defiance made Auraya soften.


    ¡°You have soup. Feed Gilly and keep him out of trouble. This cycle¡¯s winter was tame. Harvests were abundant and spending is rising. Business will pick up and you will be able to pay us when the seasons change. I have faith, so should you.¡± She paused and made sure she had Bettina¡¯s attention. ¡°We look after our own Betty.¡±


    They stared at each other for long moments, stubbornness a common trait for those born and raised in Whitegate. Bettina had watched Auraya and her kin grow up. This situation was not new to either of them, so Bettina conceded with grumbles muttered under breath.


    ¡°Bloody kids. Always poking their bloody noses where they aren¡¯t bloody wanted.¡± Blue tendrils of smoke curled out of Bettina¡¯s mouth as she paraphrased the sentiment repetitively. The lies warmed Auraya. She hadn¡¯t overstepped, and her concerns were accepted.


    After giving Bettina instructions for maintenance of her wound and consumption intervals for her tea, Auraya left.


    Bettina¡¯s shop was dark as she walked through from the back room where she slept. The sight twisted her gut at the unnecessary loss of trade. Shaking it off, she stepped outside.


    The moment the door opened, the reek of sewerage and filth assaulted Auraya¡¯s nose, causing her to close her mouth, frown and take shallow breaths. Bettina lived next to a trade centre. Blacksmiths, jewellers, armourers, carpenters, and the like were clustered to her left. Since wares were no longer sold in this part of the city, upkeep had declined. Leaving the roads in disrepair and waste left haphazardly in the streets. Opposite and to the right were a few more stores that catered to the trade centre: tailors, dyers, weavers, bakers, and so on.


    Standing outside the laundry service were Gina and Trevor. A touch of a smile and then a frown flickered across Auraya¡¯s face in quick succession. She was happy to see them, and then concerned about their purpose.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Hello to you too,¡± Trevor teased.


    ¡°It was a practical greeting,¡± Gina defended with a shrug.


    A single raised eyebrow from Auraya halted the potential bickering.


    ¡°Rafe says the castle guard are out and headed in this direction,¡± Trevor¡¯s humour fled. Joker he may be, but he took his role seriously. ¡°They have a priest with them. He has something with him that¡¯s glowing and seems to be leading the group.¡±


    ¡°We weren¡¯t sure what to do,¡± Gina¡¯s worry would only be discerned by the few who knew her well. ¡°He said they changed direction as you did, always heading towards your stops.¡±


    ¡°How long?¡± Curiosity and irritation warred in Auraya. Rafe was an impeccable tracker and there was never a need to doubt his deductions. If he believed they were heading to Auraya¡¯s location, then that was most likely the case. If so, then why? What would castle guards and a priest want with her? Were they aware of the magic? Had someone been caught?


    ¡°A quarter mark,¡± Trevor answered.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head to the garden.¡± If they were coming, then so be it, but she would not be caught in front of Bettina¡¯s shop. Better to lead the confrontation to the place of her choosing. ¡°Get everyone to check in.¡±


    They turned right, away from the trade centre, to an area where there were more homes than shops. Fairly close to Bettina¡¯s shop was an empty plot where a former home had lost a war with a fire. The residents had left with their lives, but their home was reduced to charred wood and brick, and ash. The owners of the home ¨C rich, entitled fools ¨C had not deigned to rebuild and had left the plot to its fate. Nature had taken it back, so it had turned wild and unkempt. The locals referred to it as the Garden. They kept the shrubbery from overgrowing, planted some flowers and fruit trees, and maintained it as a community. Benches had been dragged into the centre, giving Gina and Trevor a perch to bicker.


    Auraya spent the remaining time finding the place inside herself that was calm. It was the same place that her magic resided. The ebb and flow of energy had a calming effect, much like standing on the beach, allowing the waves to entrance you. It was one of Auraya¡¯s favourite places to go when her mind was full, and she needed to settle it. Even in a port city, she couldn¡¯t always get there, so her own internal pool would have to make do. If she was about to confront a haughty party, she would need to draw on her calm to remain impassive and logical.


    As they waited, she sensed several of her kin draw in on their location. They remained in the shadows, surrounding the Garden. She could also sense all those who were calling out over their network. She zoned it out and left the task to whomever it had been delegated to.


    They heard their approach before they saw them. The clatter of armour, the murmur of residents, the self-righteous aura of the privileged. They rounded the corner on the right of the Garden and came to a stop in front of Auraya. Five castle guards outfitted in full plate armour, only the face of the lead guard on view as his visor was raised. His features were mostly blank, but betrayed some curiosity and disbelief as he regarded Auraya; taking in the rags she called clothes, no doubt. Auraya squared her shoulders, raised her chin, and accepted the visual ¡®critique¡¯. After a few moments, she drew her attention to the priest. His white robes were trimmed with silver. Auraya was unsure what that signified. The priest seemed to be having a harder time concealing his opinions. The displeasure was evident, and perhaps a touch of incredulity, but then it was quickly replaced with excitement. No one spoke. Auraya would wait for them to reveal their intent. Gina and Trevor had desisted their noise and flanked her. The priest raised himself to his full height and took a step forward.


    ¡°On behalf of the Reevers royal family and the church of the Pair, you are summoned to the castle,¡± he said imperiously. A look of confusion snaked across his face when no one moved.


    After a few beats, Auraya asked, ¡°why?¡±


    The irritation came and went in a blink. ¡°You will be informed once we arrive at the castle.¡± Superiority oozed from the priest. Needless to say, he was not the only irritated person in the group. Trevor¡¯s snicker was, of course, not well received. The continued lack of movement further displaced the priest¡¯s calm.


    ¡°You are to be escorted to the palace,¡± the priest soldiered on. ¡°The high priest awaits your return and will explain to you what is necessary upon arrival.¡±


    ¡°I go nowhere with strangers without knowledge of their intent.¡± She adopted a disinterested gait, further annoying the priest.


    ¡°Now see here,¡± the priest was now completely failing to mask his emotions. ¡°The high priest is waiting. You would do well to be honoured and come along without further complaint.¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t care less if the king himself had returned from the grave to call me up to his den of inequity,¡± Auraya was enjoying her influence on the priest¡¯s demeanour. However, the smile remained off her lips. ¡°I go nowhere with strangers without knowledge of their intent.¡±


    ¡°Outrageous¡­¡± The priest was cut off by the lead guard, who looked amused.


    ¡°Neither of the royal children were chosen,¡± the guard said calmly. ¡°We were led to you.¡±


    As his words sunk in, confusion and disbelief surged. The king had passed just over a turn ago. The royal heirs were young, and the new ruler was due to be announced any day now. If what the guard had implied was correct, the Choosing ceremony had failed to find the next ruler and had led this company to Auraya. With no knowledge of her father, it was a possibility ¨C albeit slim ¨C that she was a bastard of late King Hamilton. He was known for being free with his love in his youth. Regardless of the implausibility, Auraya knew she mustn¡¯t remain inside her own mind.


    ¡°Rafe.¡± He stepped out of the shadows on her right and walked slowly to her side. Without taking her eyes off the castle contingent, she compiled a list of tasks in her mind for their absence. She felt a spark of humour from the group¡¯s shock at Rafe¡¯s arrival. Only the lead guard searched the shadows for others, he clearly did not like the idea that he may be surrounded and yet ignorant of it.


    ¡°Tell Winnie I won¡¯t be able to make my last two appointments. Neither of them requires me specifically. Tell Tris to hold off until after this matter is resolved. Tell Seelie to gather the others quickly. And send Gilly to look after Betty. T, Gina and I will be heading to the castle.¡± After a pause, she said, ¡°I¡¯d like Scarlet.¡±


    A silent conversation passed between the two before Rafe walked away to the far end of the Garden.


    ¡°We are only to escort the Chosen,¡± the lead guard stated.


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    ¡°My apologies,¡± she did not feel contrite in the least. ¡°I did not intend to give you the impression I cared.¡±


    ¡°How dare you,¡± the priest cried out. ¡°You¡­¡±


    Once again, the lead guard quieted his noise with a raise of his hand.


    ¡°We have our orders¡­¡± there was not much gusto to his argument as he trailed off.


    ¡°Again,¡± she said, as the trio began walking around the castle contingent. She stopped and looked back at the group. ¡°I¡¯m not sure how that is my problem. We three go, or none at all.¡±


    As the priest opened his noise maker to bray once again, the lead guard stepped in front of him and spoke loudly. ¡°As you will.¡±


    The priest looked between the two, aggravation and aborted retorts evident on his lips. With a final, overly dramatic exhale, he seemed to acquiesce. The contingent walked past the trio and led the way onwards.


    The journey to the castle was made without much chatter. The guards led the way, the priest positioned next to the lead guard and Auraya and her kin trailing behind. The priest¡¯s dark expression lessened as they walked through the city gates and further into the city. The closer they got to the castle, the more affluent the houses became. The difference was jarring, simmering a quiet rage in Auraya. The streets were cleaner, the shops more plentiful, the people healthier, the houses more extravagant. The differences were profound. However, the looks of curiosity were the same. All stared, whispered and stopped to take in the little spectacle.


    The castle loomed in its unnecessary profligacy. Stone masons had been paid vast quantities of coin to fashion gargoyles, intricate crenellations, and absurdly high towers. It screamed security and wealth. As the last of the manors fell away, the group began walking uphill. Two looming towers of grey stone flanked the gate, and the currently raised portcullis. The cobbles here were well maintained, free of debris, litter and imperfection. The areas around the wall that shielded the castle was free of trees and shrubbery. A siege could not be hidden from the battlements.


    As they approached the gate, the four guards manning it stood to attention. One broke ranks as they drew close. He raised his hands and demanded, ¡°weapons¡±.


    Auraya gave him a blank look before looking away and continuing to walk.


    He stepped in front of her, hand still raised, just out of reach. When he spoke again, she could hear his irritation. ¡°No one gets in the castle with weapons unless we have been advised otherwise. Hand them over.¡±


    Auraya¡¯s mouth pulled into a small smirk. ¡°Take them from me.¡±


    All her kin carried weapons. They went everywhere with them and trained rigorously to use them. Whitegate was a dangerous place, especially for the young and supposedly weak. Her sword hung from her belt; a sleek single edged blade commissioned by Reggie. She would not be parted from it.


    Trevor and Gina stepped up to her sides, hands to their own similar blades. Auraya raised both hands to placate them. One simpleton underestimating her was fine.


    The guard huffed in amusement, taking a step forward and making to grab Auraya by the shoulder. She side stepped his hands, smirked wider and raised her eyebrows in challenge.


    The huff that came was slightly more annoyed this time. He repeated the action, trying and failing to grab her. He was at least two feet taller and perhaps twice her weight. He would be imposing to most, but Auraya relished the challenge. Everyone else remained silent, watching the altercation. No one made a move to interfere or speak. The priest had his mouth open in disbelief.


    The guard let out another huff of irritation and surged forward with both hands. This time, Auraya slipped under his left arm, retrieving her dagger from her boot as she dipped low. As soon as she was behind him, she kicked the back of his left knee, bringing him down with a clatter. During his confusion and subsequent hesitation on his knees, she slipped her dagger under his helm, poking him in the soft tissue of his neck. He stilled when he felt the prick.


    ¡°I go nowhere with strangers without my weapons,¡± she whispered softly into his ear.


    After a beat, laughter pealed from the lead guard of her contingent.


    ¡°Stand down Emerson,¡± he addressed the now statue beneath Auraya¡¯s blade. It was then Auraya noticed that Trevor had his sword lodged in the knee joint of a guard¡¯s armour, and Gina had her¡¯s in the armpit of another. The fourth guard had barely advanced, as he looked between his three comrades. ¡°Let them be, and perhaps spend more time training.¡± His laughter continued as he walked through the gate.


    ¡°Taken down by scrawny children,¡± he muttered between guffaws.


    Auraya withdrew her blade after Emerson relaxed, swearing. She turned away, stowed her dagger, and followed the lead guard, not looking back at the grumbling Emerson. She allowed a smirk to linger on her lips as Trevor and Gina caught up to her. Trevor¡¯s sides were heaving from his humour.


    ¡°That¡¯s one way to put them in their place.¡± Gina was only slightly chiding. Auraya glanced her way, spying her mirth.


    ¡°Humiliate and knock down a peg,¡± Trevor barked.


    ¡°Well, they¡¯ll regret their actions soon enough. If what they say is true.¡± Gina¡¯s words sobered them as they looked up at the castle.


    On the other side of the gate lay a large fountain in the middle of a wide courtyard, spraying water from various spouts. It depicted a man on horseback surrounded by scantily clad women emptying pots of water. To the left, Auraya saw stables, horses, dogs, carriages and people milling around attending to it all. On the right, she spied a building with several guards outside. Perhaps a barracks. On the other side of the courtyard lay the entrance to the castle. A staircase led to giant dark wooden doors, enough to allow more than five people abreast at once. There were intricate patterns carved into it, and steel had been twisted and looped, to add depth to the patterns. Only one side was currently open. Above the door, the castle seemed to reach for the sky. She couldn¡¯t be certain how many floors there were, but she guessed about six.


    The guards and the priest led the way up the stairs and through the door where they were met with a finery they were not accustomed to. The entranceway was huge, with twin staircases leading up in a curved shape. In the middle of the room lay a table with the largest arrangement of flowers Auraya had ever seen. The colours were vivid and alive. The walls had paintings of unknown men and women, and unlit lamps. A few servants stopped their polishing to gawk as they made their way inside. Ahead of them lay a hallway. On the right, a closed set of double doors, and its mirror image lay to the left, although those doors were open. Inside lay a large room, with about twenty people inside.


    The lead guard headed for the hallway between the stairs and led the, through a maze of corridors. They only passed the odd servant, otherwise the halls were fairly quiet. A tension began to ripple through the group as they approached their destination.


    Finally, they arrived at a set of double doors much like the ones leading from the entranceway. At the far end of the room lay a dais with two chairs on it. One in the middle and a smaller chair on it¡¯s right. The throne. It was large and could probably fit two people. It was carved of the same chocolate wood of the entrance door. The base resembled the trunk of a great tree, leading up to branches for armrests, and leaves made up the back rest. The seat was covered in red velvet. It was a beautiful piece of carpentry. The other chair was similar, but smaller and less intricate.


    Standing on the dais was a man in priests robes. In front of him stood about thirty people. Some were dressed in priest¡¯s robes with various trimming colours, others looked like nobility. Auraya recognised none of them. The room itself was much of the same opulence and vibrant colours. Grey stone made up the walls, beautifully carved wainscoting between the high ceiling and the wall, circular pillars with carved bases lined the side walls, ornate windows high between the pillars on the right. At the far end, behind the dais, two huge bay windows shone bright light on either side of the throne. Castle guards lined the walls. The sights upon entering the castle had been somewhat overwhelming, but Auraya pushed the discomfort aside and focused on the man on the dais.


    The priest from their contingent had jogged ahead and murmured to the priest on the dais, Auraya presumed he was the high priest. His face gave away nothing as the contingent priest no doubt filled him in on the events of the morning.


    The crowd moved to the sides to allow their company to follow the priest to the front. When they arrived in front of the high priest, the guards peeled away to the far walls, only the lead guard remained. The room was filled with the whispers of the occupants. Talk of their clothes, their weapons, their obvious origin. Their comments reflected their displeasure and disbelief. Auraya did not look away from the high priest. He would determine their fate, all others were irrelevant. Nevertheless, Gina and Trevor were there. They would be her eyes.


    The high priest kept his eyes on the group, barely settling to engage any of the party with eye contact. His robes were white, like his colleagues, but they had no trimming colour. Enlightenment? Advanced beyond rank? Auraya mused. He was an older man of perhaps fifty cycles or more, with a tightly clipped greying beard, and brown and grey hair, tied in a gold ribbon at the nape of his neck.


    He raised his hands and brought silence to the room.


    ¡°What is your name child?¡± He smiled as he as looked Auraya in the eye.


    ¡°Auraya,¡± she said clearly. He nodded, smiled slightly wider and then addressed the room.


    ¡°As you are all aware, Priest Truman and Captain Patten were tasked with the important duty of finding the true heir, after yesterday¡¯s unfortunate events. The true heir will always have magical talent, which has not been passed to the late King Hamilton¡¯s two sons. Using the wisdom of the Pair, the crystal has led our contingent to such a person.¡± He looked at and gestured to Auraya with both hands.


    Hearing the words spoken by the high priest himself made the events of the last candle mark more real. A shred of Auraya¡¯s mind was still in disbelief. Trevor¡¯s shuffling and the imperceptible draw of breath from Gina told Auraya that they were feeling it too. Her mind began to work in overdrive as the crowd muttered their skepticism. Auraya reached for her calm, muting the rabble.


    The high priest raised his arms once again. He was still looking at her, a kind smile on his lips.


    ¡°Auraya,¡± he said once silence had returned. ¡°Do you possess magical talent?¡±


    ¡°I do,¡± she confirmed, surprisingly without hesitation.


    The silence stretched as he waited for elaboration. Amusement crinkled his eyes and the corners of his mouth when he realised, she would give no more. With a final smile, he gestured to Truman, who looked affronted at Auraya¡¯s reticence. He brought a large crystal, about a hand length long and three fingers thick. It glowed in a myriad of colours. It sat on a red velvet cushion with gold lace around the seam, golden tassels at the corners, and gold thread making swirling patterns on the cushion. Auraya barely restrained an eye roll at the gaudy display. He took the pillow and stepped in front of Auraya.


    ¡°Touch the crystal child,¡± he said with a smile.


    ¡°Explain first,¡± she kept her demand soft, but steeled her face to show there would be no argument.


    Truman¡¯s face turned red with fury as he gasped. Trevor quietly chuckled from behind her left shoulder. A woman cried, ¡°how dare she¡±. The crowd devolved into murmurs of outrage. Auraya ignored them and continued to stare at the high priest. Amusement returned to his features as he raised a hand.


    ¡°We must see if you have been blessed by the Pair,¡± he explained. ¡°Potential heirs are to place their hand on the crystal. If they are the true heir, the burst of light it emits will be blinding. See¡­¡± He placed his free hand on the crystal, but nothing happened. He took it away, looked up at Auraya and raised his eyebrows.


    His breath remained clear of blue, so she stepped forward and raised her hand to the crystal. As she got closer, it began to emit a pulse of light. When her fingers made contact, she was forced to cover her eyes for fear they melt. She removed her hand after a few moments and took a step back. She recognised the draw of the crystal: magic and blood. It drew a slight frown to her face as she glanced at Gina. She saw recognition in her face too.


    The silence was jarring. Looking up at the high priest, she saw traces of bewilderment until their eyes met. It was quickly replaced with the brightest smile so far. After a few beats, he looked around at the room¡¯s occupants.


    ¡°As we have all seen,¡± he looked back at Auraya. ¡°The true heir has been found.¡± He seemed to pause for effect, but the room remained deathly still. ¡°How old are you child?¡±


    ¡°Sixteen.¡±


    ¡°Then in two cycles,¡± he began. ¡°One turn after your eighteenth nameday, you will be crowned as Auraya Reevers, Queen of Moralis.¡±


    A splatter of applause could be heard but petered out as quickly as it had begun. The room returned to grave-like silence until the high priest broke it.


    ¡°I am sure you must be tired,¡± he looked to his left and signalled for a smartly dressed man, with slicked black hair and an expectant expression. ¡°This is Thistle Evans. As steward, he manages the affairs of the castle and will get you situated.¡±


    Auraya inclined her head to the high priest and then gave her attention to Evans.


    ¡°If you will follow me, your highness,¡± he gave a short bow and directed her to a door, hidden on the left side of the dais. Auraya gave Trevor and Gina a quick look and then followed. The lead guard ¨C Patten ¨C also followed.


    As they emerged into a hallway, chatter erupted behind them. The noise was rude and insulting, so Auraya tuned it out. What could they do? She would be Queen. They would all be her people soon. As their party gathered in the hallway, the closed door dampened the sound of the rabble, and Evans rounded on her.


    ¡°I will show you to your rooms and have someone show your friends out.¡± He turned to look for said someone and attempted to walk away.


    ¡°No,¡± Auraya was feeling a swirl of emotions she was finding harder by the second to contain, so she was not prepared to suffer fools. ¡°Rafe.¡±


    As always, he appeared to her left as she finished speaking. Evans shrieked but was ignored by all. Patten looked briefly disturbed before he masked it.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got a lot to organise,¡± she liked to test him.


    ¡°So it would seem,¡± his grin was sly. ¡°Your highness.¡± He never disappointed.


    ¡°Have you found a suitable place?¡± The question was a little insulting. His frown and mild revulsion said he agreed.


    ¡°West wing. Has more than enough rooms, training yard, dining hall, separate kitchens, vast gardens.¡±


    ¡°How far from the library?¡±


    ¡°The main library is in the south wing. The west wing has its own smaller library.¡± At the best of times, it was as if Rafe were a clairvoyant.


    ¡°Excellent,¡± Auraya smiled, things were getting interesting. ¡°Tell Tris and Winnie to start packing everything up. Evans here will escort us to the west wing, will begin clearing out the current residents and will prepare some garden pots and carriages to help with the move.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Auraya had been staring at Evans as she spoke. Confusion gave way to consternation in an entertaining slide. ¡°This is extremely improper. Your friends cannot just move into the castle.¡±


    Auraya approached him. ¡°They can and they will,¡± she said with steel in her voice, expression cold. ¡°You will take us to the west wing, remove the residents and aid me in bringing my kin and their belongings to their new accommodations. We come as a package. If I am forced to live here, then so are they. Do I make myself clear?¡±


    She wondered if she had pushed too hard, too soon. Wondered how her attitude would affect their future relationship, and with other castle staff. But you know what, to hell with everyone right now. Today had been strange and overwhelming. People could just keep their noise to themselves and do as they were bloody well told.


    The staring contest didn¡¯t last. Evans acquiesced with a nod. Auraya gave one to Rafe and he was gone.


    After some silent traipsing through the maze of corridors, Evans asked the question he had clearly burned with. ¡°How many should we prepare for, your highness?¡±


    ¡°76.¡± His gasp was enough to draw the corners of Auraya¡¯s mouth up.

 Chapter 2 - The Move

    Winnie


    Their home was being taken apart. At least that was how Winnie felt. Most of them had been brought to this place at a young age, after facing some type of crisis or misfortune. They had grown up here and formed the familial bonds that made up their kinship. It was their haven, their safe place, their home. And now, they were abandoning it. Winnie rolled her eyes at the melodramatic nature of her thoughts. They were moving up in the world. Their company of orphans was moving into the castle. They weren¡¯t giving up their home, they were upgrading, and it could mean they could finally move forward with their plans.


    Auraya would probably think it was too early. No-one will take a seventeen year old seriously, she would claim. She would caution patience. But patience was not something Winnie had in abundance. Regardless of her vice, what she did have in abundance was determination and persistence. She would get what she wanted, and those who stood in their way would feel the creep of her vines around their necks until they complied. Her macabre thoughts caused a bubble of laughter to escape her throat. A couple of her kin gave her a look that told her they thought she had lost a few of her marbles. She shrugged. They were used to it. Perhaps she needed to spar or head out on a mission for Rafe. Her musings were interrupted by Tristan.


    ¡°Are you glad you extended your stay now?¡± Her tone was only a little bit smug.


    ¡°Coincidence aside,¡± he retorted. ¡°I¡¯m glad I was here for this. Not that being elsewhere would have changed that.¡±


    He waggled his eyebrows, clearly finding himself entertained at least. Winnie rolled her eyes. There was no arguing with Tristan. He was an roamer at his core. He wasn¡¯t happy unless he was on the move.


    ¡°How are you going to handle the crops?¡± He effectively changed the topic.


    ¡°Mostly manual travel,¡± she replied. ¡°Seems we¡¯re putting on a bit of a show.¡±


    Auraya wanted them all to be seen by the people of the city. She wanted it known that their new ruler was of humble birth and was surrounded by her peers. Winnie thought it was just plain annoying having to walk when a stepper could have them all there in moments. But it was understandable, it would appear like they had hidden the move to those who did not yet know of their abilities. That knowledge would no doubt start to leak from the castle immediately. Every corner of Jude would know their closest guarded secret by the end of the quarter. Appearances had always been important, but now it would be even more so. Their lives would begin to intermingle with national politics.


    Winnie sighed. Would the benefits really outweigh the coming hardships? It didn¡¯t really matter anyhow. They would cut down any who dared to get in their way. The thought brought back her earlier smile.


    They walked away from the apothecary gardens, leaving their kin to their work. She had already issued her orders, and her team rarely needed to be micro-managed. She had remained out of nostalgia. Tristan informed her of the progress in the house. All who were present had packed their things and had begun packing for those who were absent. Everything was running smoothly so far.


    In Winnie¡¯s office, together they began putting paperwork away to be packaged. Most of the room¡¯s contents would be moved by Tristan and his team of steppers. They weren¡¯t all doomed to walk.


    After making good headway, one of their kin knocked on the open door, announcing a guest.


    The woman who came in had poorly disguised her affluence. She wore simple, well-fitted tunic and skirt, but both were made of costly material. The scarf she had about her neck was intricate sewn and obviously worth much. She had no jewellery on display, but her hair was arranged in a complicated twist and tie. She looked slightly uncomfortable in her surrounds, but her expression reeked of despair. They were ¨C by now ¨C accustomed to being approached by those who lived within the walls of Jude. The distress she radiated was tinged with the desperation that usually followed those like her when they sought out her kin.


    ¡°Winnifred?¡± Her tone was hesitant, somewhat wary. No doubt noting their young ages.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a seat, Mrs¡­?¡± Winnie¡¯s tone was soothing and hopefully reassuring.


    ¡°Felton, Regina Felton,¡± she replied as she sat. ¡°My sister, Nel suggested I find you. Baker.¡±


    ¡°Aah, Nellie Baker.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± she confirmed. ¡°She¡¯s been coming for cycles. Always has a good word for you kids. Talented beyond your cycles, she says.¡±


    Winnie simply smiled at the compliment and wondered if the woman understood the double meaning. She waited for the woman to speak.


    ¡°Father was very angry when she ran off to marry Jim. ¡®Marrying down¡¯ he called it. At least¡­ at least she was happy.¡± She trailed off, her sight distant and wistful, almost sad.


    ¡°Father made sure I didn¡¯t ¡®make the same mistake¡¯,¡± she sighed. ¡°My husband is a good man. He¡¯s just¡­ stubborn, and very traditional.¡±


    She seemed to want confirmation, so Winnie nodded, still unclear where this was going.


    ¡°Our son¡­ our boy was never what Phil expected. He was softer than he liked. Our Brian is a kind-hearted boy, you see. When Phil found out¡­ he had no interest in¡­ girls, he lost sight of his love. He made Brian leave, and I¡­ I didn¡¯t fight for him.¡± Tears started to silently leak down her face. ¡°Phil was upset when I spoke up, he¡­ he can be unreasonable when he¡¯s upset. I tried to get Brian to stay with Nel and Jim, but Brian is just as stubborn as his father. He felt betrayed, by both of us.¡± She took a second to compose herself. ¡°He was staying down by the docks in Ivy Harbour. Behind a warehouse with some other kids. I check up on him every day. Try to convince him to go to Nel¡¯s sometimes, but mostly to see him with my own eyes.¡± She fought the onslaught of emotions before continuing. ¡°He hasn¡¯t been back in days. The boys say he disappeared. He went on a food run and never came back. He¡¯s a charmer you see, always gets more food than the others and always shared with his group. He looked after them like that.¡± She took a steadying breath, looking at her wringing hands.


    ¡°Something has happened to him. I know it. He isn¡¯t the first either. The boys say it happens all the time.¡± She took another breath, then looked at Winnie. ¡°Nel told me to come see you and tell my story. I don¡¯t know if you can help me, but I didn¡¯t know what else to do. The city guard sent me away telling me he¡¯d turn up or he wouldn¡¯t. They said they don¡¯t have enough manpower to worry about homeless kids. I know my Brian, and something has happened to him. Phillip won¡¯t hear it, and¡­ and I have no money of my own to hire help.¡± She squeezed her eyes then visibly swallowed before speaking again. ¡°Will you please help me?¡±


    Winnie sat back in her chair, taking in all she had heard. They were quite used to people coming to them for help, even for matters that weren¡¯t related to health. This precedent had been established long before they were old enough to help, let alone take charge. Regardless of the circumstances, they would find a way to help. She stood, taking a moment to relay instructions to her kin as she walked to the far corner of her office. She retrieved a wallet, placed a fair number of coins in it, and then walked around the desk to stand near Mrs Felton.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°Mrs Felton,¡± Winnie said, drawing her attention. ¡°I¡¯m very sorry for what you have been through.¡±


    The woman gave a weak smile in reply as one of their kin entered the room with a steaming pot of tea.


    ¡°Have a cup of tea whilst we talk.¡±


    After the tea was served, Winnie asked the woman some questions, seeing if she could tease a few more details from her. She wanted a full description of Brian, his friends, his last location, information about the disappearances, and a detailed account of her interaction with the guards. She got some, mostly about Brian and his friends, not much else. She had attended the guard house in Ivy Harbour more than once and had been turned away each time. All she knew were rumours from the other homeless youths about the disappearances. Some came back, others didn¡¯t.


    Eventually, another of her kin appeared with a bag on his back. He was tall and wiry, with a head of wild brown curls and a soft easy smile that spoke of youth.


    ¡°Gilly,¡± Winnie called, motioning for him to enter. ¡°This is Mrs Felton. I need you to escort her to Sal¡¯s before you head over to Betty¡¯s. Her son is missing.¡±


    Gilly entered the room and went straight to the distressed woman. He laid a hand on her arm and she visibly relaxed. Winnie handed him the wallet of coins as he motioned for their guest to rise.


    ¡°Mrs Felton,¡± he said. ¡°We¡¯re going to do everything we can to help you, okay?¡±


    She nodded, allowing Gilly to handle her and guide her out.


    ¡°Thank you, Winnifred,¡± she called over her shoulder before crossing the threshold.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Tristan asked after the sound of their guest and kin had faded for a time.


    Winnie sighed, running her hands through her hair. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. We can ask Rafe in a few days. Sal will know if it¡¯s worth pursuing.¡±


    ¡°I hope she finds him.¡± The tinge of sadness in his voice caused her to turn to him and squeeze his bicep. They all had some kind of trauma or conflict in their pasts, usually related to their parents or family. Offering comfort was the norm.


    ¡°Hopefully,¡± she offered.


    They both reacted to the message that came through from Rafe, locking eyes.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± Tristan offered the crook of his arm, all sadness forgotten. Winnie rolled her eyes as she took it.


    The familiar tingling of Tristan¡¯s magic enveloped her and from moment to moment they were stood next to Rafe.


    The room they appeared in was gaudy. The walls were grey stone with giant pictures of some man or woman or horse. Huge windows lay in front of them from floor to ceiling, with double glass doors that led out to a balcony. A desk that could house three people sat in front of the window. All deep chocolate wood and fancy carvings. To the right was a similar but smaller desk. To the left lay a sofa with armchairs and a low table in the middle. Two large plants sat in the corners ahead. In the room Winnie spotted Auraya eyeing the large desk, Gina eyeing the smaller one, Trevor lounged on the sofa, Rafe was staring out the window, and a man she did not recognise in full armour.


    ¡°What have you gotten us into now O?¡± Winnie enjoyed poking at Auraya.


    ¡°Looks like I¡¯m a royal bastard,¡± she replied with a grin.


    ¡°Rafe says you¡¯re giving me a garden the size of Whitegate.¡± The boy himself rolled his eyes.


    ¡°Well, I haven¡¯t seen much of our new home, so your guess is as good as mine.¡± They had always shared easy camaraderie, and as usual, Auraya slipped from that easy friendship to authoritative leader in a flash. She turned to Trevor, whose mouth was still hanging open from the opulence.


    ¡°T,¡± she called, drawing him from his awe. ¡°We¡¯re going to need to do a sweep of the entire wing.¡±


    ¡°The teams are still packing,¡¯ he replied, glancing at Tristan. ¡°Tris will bring them over when they¡¯re done.¡±


    ¡°Why would you need to do that?¡± The guard asked.


    ¡°Trust is earned, Patten,¡± Auraya told him. ¡°No one here has earned it yet.¡±


    He simply nodded, then looked at Trevor with a slight frown, who had a hand over his chest and closed eyes.


    ¡°Rafe,¡± she called, looking at him next.


    ¡°The shadow-walkers have already started their sweep.¡±


    Auraya nodded then rounded on Gina. ¡°I think we need Seelie to get us up to speed.¡±


    ¡°Already done,¡± Gina said. ¡°She¡¯ll find you when she gets here.¡±


    A man came clambering through the door with rolled up paper under his arms. He strolled into the room, looking very pleased with himself. His hair had far too much slick in it and the smug expression grated on Winnie¡¯s nerves. The gaggle of awed hangers on ¨C perhaps assistants ¨C around him also seemed somewhat annoying.


    ¡°I found the blueprints,¡± he said.


    Auraya beckoned all the room¡¯s occupants to the large desk the man had laid the blueprints on.


    ¡°I need you to explain the layout of the castle for us Evans,¡± she commanded.


    The first sheet had an overview of the castle as a whole. It was divided into four sections in a square ring. The centre seemed to be devoid of buildings, whereas the outside had several lone buildings dotted about.


    ¡°As you can see,¡± Evans began. ¡°The castle is divided into four wings: north, east, south, and west. Starting with the south wing, where you entered from the city. It is mostly functional, no living quarters. It houses the throne rooms, ballrooms, council chambers, administrative rooms and the like. The east wing usually houses the royal family, families of the council and a few other prominent nobles. There are galleries, libraries, dining halls and so on. The north wing again is mostly functional, but also houses staff that wish to live in the castle. It consists of scholars, builders, carpenters, tailors, cobblers, blacksmiths, farrier, you know. Finally, the west wing has traditionally held visitors, or those who live in the castle temporarily. It¡¯s mostly living quarters, similar to the east wing.¡±


    ¡°How many groups are in the west wing at the moment?¡± Auraya asked.


    ¡°Perhaps 27,¡± Evans looked to one of his assistants who nodded their agreement.


    ¡°Has someone started to move them?¡± Auraya asked him in a manner that demanded the answer ¡®yes, done and done¡¯. Winnie felt a spike of pleasure watching Auraya boss other people around. She was fairly short, and pale with orange locks. She looked unassuming, innocent even. But that was only skin deep. Auraya was focused and determined. She could not suffer fools and brooked no argument when she made demands. Luckily for them, she always acted in their best interest.


    Evans only hesitated for a moment, then nodded. He turned away and began the process of issuing orders to his assistants. Auraya frowned slightly but said nothing.


    The solemn looking knight made it clear with his shuffling that he wanted to converse with Auraya. She simply raised her eyebrows at him.


    ¡°Your highness,¡± he began. ¡°We need to discuss your security going forward.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s sweet Patten,¡± she replied, only a touch condescendingly. ¡°You can discuss security measures with T and Rafe.¡±


    ¡°But, your highness¡­¡±


    ¡°Drop the ¡®your highness¡¯ nonsense. It¡¯s irritating.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°In formal settings or in the company of the unfamiliar, then fine. But here, surrounded by my kin, it can go. I have a name.¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± he replied with a sigh. ¡°However, the matter of your security should be discussed between the two of us. I¡­¡±


    ¡°Patten,¡± she said, with what seemed like sympathy, but Winnie knew was dwindling patience. ¡°Trevor here deals with training and general security. Rafe here deals with intelligence. If you have questions or would like to add your guards to the mix, you will need to go through them.¡± She raised her hand to prevent his complaints. ¡°I am a firm believer in the art of delegation. They have their jobs and they do them damn well.¡± She sighed, reigning in her annoyance. ¡°I am perfectly capable of protecting myself, but if you all believe I need an added layer of security, I will defer to your judgement.¡±


    It took several dragged out moments before he nodded and stepped back.


    ¡°I need more pots,¡± Winnie called out, effectively breaking the tension.


    Auraya smiled her thanks before turning. ¡°Evans. Winnie here has graciously volunteered to direct the procession to collect our kin.¡±


    Auraya¡¯s smirk elicited a growl from Winnie that entertained all the others in the room.

 Chapter 3 - The Mission

    Rafe


    It wasn¡¯t the first time Rafe had stood at the top of the north wing¡¯s tower, clutching the weathervane, watching Jude from above. He spent most of his time on rooftops, and this was his favourite. He was so high up the people could barely be seen. It was quiet, tranquil and all the woes of the people couldn''t be parsed from there. No cries of the hurt, bartering of the greedy, sneers of the malicious. Only birds could be heard, chattering and squawking their morning greetings. Ships could be seen in the Wharf, occupying themselves regardless of the hour. It was like a world outside of the world, and he felt at peace whilst there.


    The sun peeked over the horizon, heralding a new day. It had been some turns since he had sought refuge in this spot and today seemed a fitting place to experience the dawn from their new home. The taste of the word in reference to the castle below would no doubt feel odd for a long while.


    Rafe sent his senses outwards, not surprised to find the sliver of his magic not in the dining hall where most of his kin still slept, but in the main training yard. Auraya¡¯s habit of rising before the sun to work up a sweat persisted even in this alien environment.


    He directed his magic to place himself several yards from her. She was gliding through the motions of their 9th movement, holding the positions three times longer than was required. When finished she stilled and turned to him.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± Rafe asked as he approached.


    She simply nodded. She wore her mask, but the years in each other¡¯s company made it easy for Rafe to see beyond it. She was still nervous. They joined hands and she closed her eyes.


    ¡°Clear your mind,¡± he instructed. ¡°Start with a single item then fill in the rest.¡±


    It took perhaps one hundred breaths as the frown came and went from her brow. He sensed her magic, cloaking them both and mingling with his own. The journey to their former home took but a blink after she had visualised and cloaked them both. She opened her eyes and frowned.


    ¡°Took too long,¡± she complained.


    ¡°Faster than last time.¡±


    She gave him a dismissive frown before looking around the room.


    ¡°The emptiness is really going to help my visualisation,¡± her words dripping in sarcasm.


    ¡°O.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± she sighed.


    ¡°O.¡±


    ¡°Rafe,¡± she threw back, rolling her eyes after several moments. ¡°Progress has been slow, and my days are about to get busier.¡±


    ¡°There are enough steppers to help with long distance travel.¡±


    She blew out breath before continuing. ¡°I want¡­ I need to be able to do this on my own.¡± He knew she meant not only for practicality and independence, but for the undying need for mastery and control of her talent. Auraya was the only absorber amongst their kin, but they knew that those who had come before them had had many limitations. Either they could only hold another¡¯s magic for a short amount of time, or they could only hold a limited number of talents within themselves. Auraya had yet to find her limit. But mastery of any given talent had been hard won or was as yet elusive. Her frustration was palpable. Rafe felt a prickling of pride that she let herself ¨C eventually ¨C relax and reveal herself in his presence.


    ¡°How is it you turn me into a whiny child?¡±


    He raised a single brow, eliciting a chuckle from her.


    ¡°Yes, it''s your fault,¡± she said with a smile.


    Rafe appreciated Auraya¡¯s ability to read him. It was a relief to be understood and not have to talk so much. It had been that way from the beginning when he didn''t talk at all.


    He brought his mind from that fateful alley where their present and futures had collided and joined. Auraya was in front of him again with her hands up. They continued to practise, moving to several different locations until Auraya¡¯s frustration made it dangerous. Before she could move them again, he cloaked her and took them back to the training yard.


    He walked backwards and unsheathed his blade. She looked up at the noise, a small smile touching her lips and drew her own weapon. Sparring would ease her worries.


    They lost themselves in trying to best one another. The clash of swords rang through the yard as more of their kin joined them to watch or engage in their own training. Those who watched were mostly the newer, younger lot, the initiates or recently activated. Those who weren''t used to their morning routine. They didn''t hold back. They didn''t doubt each other. They simply struck with everything they had and trusted neither of them would go too far or misjudge a strike.


    They both sensed it at the same time. They came to a halt mid step and turned to where Paddy materialised.


    ¡°Deb is in place,¡± he told them.


    They exchanged a look. Auraya nodded, expression grim and determined. Rafe sheathed his sword and turned back to Paddy.


    ¡°Send Bec to me in half a mark.¡±


    Paddy nodded and left as he appeared.


    ¡°Stay safe.¡± Auraya stepped in front of him and raised her hand. They clasped, vertically touching from hand to elbow for a few moments.


    After stepping back, Rafe took himself to a free suite a floor above the dining hall to wash and ready himself. After the allotted time, Bec knocked on the door and he called her in. She walked in, wringing her hands, giving away her nerves. As she started to speak, he spoke over her and closed his eyes.


    ¡°I''m ready.¡± For someone who never erred, Bec had an immovable fear that she would.


    After a few moments of hesitation, he felt her hands on his shoulders and her magic washed over him. Having his face changed was always uncomfortable. The slight shift of his nasal bones, the stretching of his lips, the displacement of his eyes, the reshaping of his chin. There was no pain, but it was still unpleasant.


    When her magic retracted, he opened his eyes, inclined his head and took himself to one of his stashes in Whitegate. Inside a false wall in the attic, he picked up a change of clothes and left his weapons behind. Once ready, he took himself to a roof opposite a large estate. It took about a third of a mark for him to lay his eyes on his target. He sent himself to a shaded area on the ground and walked past the entrance of the manor. His target looked directly at him, as expected.


    ¡°You there, boy,¡± she called, waving her hand to get his attention. He turned to her looking surprised.


    ¡°Yes, my lady,¡± he replied, lacing his words with curiosity and hope.


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    She smiled, charmed. ¡°None of that. Are you looking for work, boy?¡±


    He nodded eagerly and stepped forward.


    ¡°Come along then.¡± She indicated for him to follow her. ¡°My name is Mrs Marsden. Do you have family?¡±


    ¡°No, ma¡¯am,¡± he replied politely.


    ¡°Well, we''ll find you a place to rest your head,¡± she told him over her shoulder.


    They walked through what was the back entrance to the estate. A wide, open gate that would allow carriages and carts in to make deliveries. On the left side of the manor, Rafe could see the gardens. There were manicured lawns, colourful flowers blooming, a covered seating area, and staff attending to it all. On the right, he could see towards the front gate, where guests could arrive to a fountain and more flowers. She let him into the house through a side door that opened into a hallway. They passed a few closed doors before walking past an open one that led to a kitchen. There were people rushing around, shouting, and preparing meals. The smells almost made his mouth water. They walked past the room and several others until they emerged in a circular hallway with four doors connected to it and a hallway leading off in the opposite direction. Mrs Marsden took him to the first door on the left where he found a collection of men and women in matching uniforms gathering cleaning supplies.


    ¡°Juniper,¡± she called.


    A dark-haired girl with an open and happy heart-shaped face responded and wandered over. She was dressed just like the others and carried a bundle of cloths.


    ¡°Take¡­¡± She looked at Rafe expectantly.


    ¡°Red,¡± he told her.


    ¡°Take Red to get changed, then show him what to do today. Find me after supper and I''ll show him to his new room.¡±


    With that, she left. He turned to his new minder. She was looking him up and down, assessing.


    ¡°Hi,¡± she said at last, smiling and raising her hand. He grasped it. ¡°My name is Juniper, but you can call me Juni. You ever work in a place like this before?¡±


    He simply shook his head.


    ¡°That''s alright. I''ve been here for cycles. I''ll show you how to do the job.¡±


    She indicated for him to follow as she made her way back through the door and into the next door on the left. The room was full of clothes, staff, and household alike. The household clothes looked mostly out of season; ones that were stored but not discarded. Juniper led him to a rack of uniforms similar to her own. She ummed and aahed until she found him something. She handed it over and told him to get changed behind the rack. It fit him well.


    She took his clothes from him and made her way back to the room next door to gather the cleaning supplies before they made their way into the house proper. They spent the day going from room to room, cleaning, tidying, dusting, rearranging. Juniper kept up a steady stream of chatter, clearly enjoying the sound of her own voice or simply loathing the silence. It was a good thing as she unintentionally gave Rafe all the information he needed about the movements of all the members of the household. Usually he would need to probe, but Juniper made it easy for him.


    ¡°Are you going to stay?¡±


    ¡°I''d like to,¡± he replied, giving her an inquisitive look through the mirror he was cleaning.


    ¡°I don''t know why,¡± she began, brows deepening. ¡°No one stays long. Of the newcomers anyway. The rest of us, the benefit is staying in one place. It''s a good job with a good household and good pay. The last boy was only here for half a turn. He just disappeared in the night. I liked Dan.¡±


    After they ate supper in a room just off the kitchen with some of the other staff, Mrs Marsden returned to take him to his new room. It was small but comfortable. There was a bed, a desk, a chair, a lamp. It was reasonably clean and fairly warm. If he had been in need of a job and accommodation, he would have been happy with it. They discussed the terms of his employment and what would be expected of him before she left to retire.


    He waited until the moon had risen high in the sky before taking himself back to his stash to retrieve his weapons and return his clothing. He brought himself back to a small sitting room close to the main study. From outside the door, he heard the sniffling of a young woman as she walked down the corridor. When all returned to quiet, Rafe slipped out of the room and made his way to the study. He slipped quietly inside, watching the man at the desk work. The man was broad of shoulder and chest. His hair was the local deep brown. His expression was hard and focused. The room was constructed of brown woods, large desk and shelves filled with books along both side walls.


    At last, Lord Davers looked up and noticed Rafe.


    ¡°Get out, boy,¡± he said curtly, going straight back to his papers.


    After a few moments, he looked up again. ¡°Are you deaf? I said get out.¡±


    Rafe¡¯s lack of movement caused a spike of irritation to cross the man''s face. It was then that he took the time to actually look at Rafe. He knew his face would be appealing. Bec had smoothed the sharp edges of his chin and nose, his eyes had been given the ethereal blue of the north, and his hair was now sun-kissed. His appearance ¨C as designed ¨C pleased the Lord, causing him to slowly rise with a predatory smile on his lips. He made his way around the desk, leisurely approaching Rafe.


    ¡°Looks like Mrs M brought me another fine specimen,¡± he drawled.


    Once within range, Rafe drew his blade twisted it, so the edge faced outwards and dragged it along the man''s neck. He then brought his blade down and waited.


    It took the Lord a good few blinks to register the mortal wound. He brought both hands to his neck as he sank to his knees. He barely had time to register his shock before the throes of death took him. Once the man had stilled, Rafe cleaned his blade on the Lord¡¯s handkerchief before rifling through his belongings. It took roughly a quarter of a mark to find all the documents he needed. Once they were safely stowed in an inner pocket, he moved around the desk.


    Behind the Lord¡¯s chair lay a door. Rafe shivered at the displeasure of constantly having a door at his back whilst he worked. Only extreme arrogance and overconfidence had allowed the Lord to abide by it, he presumed. Regardless, Rafe had come through the front door and had looked him in the eye as he killed him. No matter how invincible the Lord had felt, it was merely an illusion.


    Rafe opened the door, blade still in hand, to find four guards stationed in the room. Three were sat around a card table in the centre of the room. The fourth stood in the far corner, seeking refreshments from a table that lined the wall opposite. There were two more doors leading out of the room, on the walls to his left and to his right. The occupants all turned towards the sound of Rafe¡¯s entrance, then launched from their positions, reaching for their own blades. Rafe made quick work of them.


    He moved himself behind the fourth man in the corner, who had moved forward to get to his former position. He pierced his sword through the back of the guard¡¯s leather livery, withdrew his blade and kicked him, sending him sailing into the table. The other men hesitated in their confusion at the display of his talent, leaving them open. The man closest ¨C on his left ¨C stood stock still, gaping at Rafe. He took the opportunity to charge forward and open the man¡¯s throat. A well-placed kick sent him into the man behind him, sending them both to the floor. Rafe then turned to the third man, who had regained his senses and drawn his sword. He growled his fury and charged at Rafe, bringing his sword up to strike. Rafe parried, relieving the man of his head. It rolled away as Rafe turned to the final man. He had pushed his dead comrade off him and managed to raise himself to his knees. He looked up as Rafe approached, fumbling for his sword, but it was too late. Rafe thrust his blade right through the man''s throat.


    Before turning to the next door ¨C the one on the left from where he had entered ¨C Rafe cleaned his blade again on the corpse in front of him. He found this door locked. A quick search found the keys on the first man he had dispatched. The lock turned soundlessly, showing it to be well maintained, even though it looked old and well-used. Disgust curled in Rafe¡¯s gut, which he promptly ignored.


    The door led to a staircase with subdued lighting. He could hear the voices of two others at the bottom. Thanks to the well-oiled door and thick walls, they did not seem alert to his presence. He padded silently down the stairs to scope out his prey. Hidden in shadows, he spied two more guards sitting face to face, also at card table. The room was sparse and fairly small. Only enough room for them and their table. Like the stairs, open brick made up the walls, and two sconces gave the room light.


    Rafe slowly sheathed his blade and retrieved two throwing knives. They found their way into the guard¡¯s necks with ease. Once they ceased their writhing, he retrieved them, cleaned them, put them away and moved to the final door. This door too was locked. He retrieved the keys from a hook next to the door, opened it and went inside.


    The dungeon looked like any other. On both sides, the open brick was punctuated by clusters of bars in a repetitive pattern, showing perhaps twenty cells. It was dark, dank, and oppressive.


    Rafe made his way through the dungeon. The cells¡¯ inhabitants mostly cowered on their cots. None looking at him until he reached the last prisoner.


    The young blond¡¯s face broke into a cheeky grin when he laid eyes on Rafe. He drew his mouth into a responding smile as response. Deb was not one to be refused a smile. She would harass him until he caved. Rafe unlocked the cell and clasped Deb¡¯s hand.


    ¡°One of them is injured,¡± she whispered in a voice not her own as they embraced.


    He motioned for her to lead the way. She took him to the cell two places back. Inside a crumpled figure lay motionless on the floor. Once inside and knelt over the figure, Rafe noticed the bruises, the sweat, and the laboured breathing. Life would not remain in this person for long.


    He directed his magic into his pendant, rifling through his kins¡¯ magics to find Paddy.


    Bring O.

 Chapter 4 - The Breakout

    Auraya


    Auraya looked over her kin in their newly acquired dining hall. The room was far more opulent than they were accustomed to. The ones who were awake were looking around in either wonder or suspicion. Others were chatting away like it was any other day, whilst others slept already. It had been a busy day for all of them. They has all known their place and their duty, and suddenly it had all been turned upside down. It was still uncertain if the change was a positive one. Only time would tell.


    Auraya reflected on the events of the day and catalogued all that had been done and still needed to be done. There were still too many unknowns from walking into this new world, so alien to what they had experienced. Hopefully, most of that would be remedied soon. Seelie had commandingly taken over the south wing library, putting not only her kin to work, but a large portion of the library staff. No one had complained yet, so she set that thought aside. Winnie and the earth elementals had commandeered the gardens, using a large portion to replant and propagate most of their crops. She had already corralled a group to convert one of the larger sheds into a place to produce their cures. The apprentices and patients had been informed of the move and were awaiting further instructions. There was even talk of relocating a few of the businesses in Whitegate to the west wing. First would be the blacksmith on their street. He had been producing them weaponry for cycles and seemed to favour the idea so far. Trevor and Rafe were still coordinating the sweep of the wing. The castle had so many hidden passageways ¨C blocked and passable ¨C they were still mapping and ensuring it was secure. None of her kin trusted anyone in the castle, and precautions needed to be taken. Patten was ingratiating himself amongst them well. He recognised stubbornness and knew how to work with it¡­ or around it.


    The spikes of irritation returned as she reflected on her earlier encounter with the Regent. She and Gina had been reading through Seelie¡¯s report. Seelie, Evans, Patten, Trevor, and Winnie waited for them to familiarise themselves with the contents before they continued. Reading through the expectations of an heir and of a queen, she noticed that the duties seemed tedious, but somewhat similar to her current role, just on a far larger scale. The report included the role of the church, the council and the regent. Seelie had even thrown in a rudimentary description of how the council governs. She sighed thinking about how she would need to tailor her education. Turning the page, she saw that Seelie had included that too. The efficiency, care and forward thinking made her smile. She smiled over her shoulder at Gina, who had been reading the report at the same time.


    Most of the information included she already knew, as their education had been thorough to say the least. Moralis is an absolute monarchy governed by the Reevers family, where succession is hereditary. Blood and magic make an heir true, which Auraya found strange as very rarely could a person use their talent without having been activated first. Either the king died before he could choose an heir or someone else was supposed to do it. Who, Auraya could only guess, but she had her suspicions. Seelie had not found any records of activation prior to the Choosing as yet. The country was divided into twelve provinces, and eleven of those were governed by a ruling family, the twelfth by the Reevers or regent. Also succeeded by blood. The ruling families sent a representative to Jude to sit on the council. Their actual power, as written in legislation, was limited, but they had mostly been given free reign to govern their provinces. Auraya couldn¡¯t be sure if that was her father¡¯s laziness, platitudes to keep the nobles happy, or some other political move borne out of necessity. It meant that each of the provinces treated the people in their care differently and were not held accountable for misfortune. After a perusal of relevant legislation, Seelie showed that the duties of ruling families were clearly outlined, but whether they knew, or were told they could simply ignore their responsibilities, Auraya did not care. The entire system seemed like a farce. What she read about the city guard showed that they were basically an entity of their own. They were meant to police crime within the city, but as far as Auraya had seen, they decided which crimes to investigate and only worked within the walls. They had no oversight and were never held accountable. There was a ridiculous amount of legislation documented in the library, 753 in total. Most of them contradicted each other, overrode one another, or just seemed circumstantial and irrelevant. Even though her mood had plummeted as she read through, she pulled her lips into a smile for her kin.


    ¡°As always,¡± she said, looking at Seelie. ¡°Fantastic work. Going to need you to go deeper. We¡¯ll need a comprehensive report on each area and more. The law, the church, the council, governance, the nobility, trade, treaties, geography, infrastructure¡­¡± She trailed off at the look on Seelie¡¯s face. ¡°Of course, sleep first. If you need extra hands and eyes, let us know. Your team only needs to attend one training per day for the next week.¡±


    Trevor blustered and Seelie giggled.


    ¡°Come on T.¡± He acquiesced with an eye roll.


    As Seelie left, a man entered.


    He was tall, thin, and regal looking. His cheekbones were sharp, his nose was pointed, and his lips were thin. He reminded Auraya of a bird of prey, gaze always sharp looking for prey. He dragged his eyes across the room, barely hiding his displeasure. He gave both Evans and Patten a look of disapproval. The former shrank back, the latter squared his shoulders. He turned his attention back to Auraya before talking.


    ¡°Greetings. I am Damian Smythe, Regent of Moralis.¡± He seemed to pause for effect. Auraya stared impassively, waiting.


    ¡°I welcome you, Auraya Reevers.¡± The lie was expected, who would want their power circumvented by a mere common girl.


    Auraya nodded and waited for him to continue. Gush she would not. He brushed off his irritation seemingly with ease.


    ¡°I have come to discuss your ascension to the throne and several issues that have been brought to my attention.¡± He looked around before saying, ¡°these are sensitive matters, privacy is necessary.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate your concern, Lord Smythe,¡± Auraya replied as eloquently as she could muster through her own irritation. The entitled made her want to cut people. ¡°However, it is not required.¡±


    It was clear that this man was unaccustomed to being questioned, let alone outright refused.


    She motioned to the chair in front of her desk. She had yet to rise from her position. The invitation was a challenge, and they had an audience. This was one of the most powerful men in the kingdom. He expected respect and obedience, and yet a wheedling from Whitegate was openly challenging and defying him. Taking the chair would mean conceding a portion of his power, which he would have to do over the next two cycles regardless.


    He chose to ignore her gesture.


    ¡°I have been made aware that you have brought your¡­ orphanage to the castle.¡± He paused, searching for the words. ¡°And have displaced some prominent families from the west wing.¡±


    ¡°My kin have accompanied me.¡±


    ¡°This castle is a seat of governance, not a home for wayward children. It would be more appropriate for them to return to their home.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Auraya began, leaning forward. ¡°Patten and Evans were equally perturbed by my decision. Alas, their suggestions also fell on deaf ears.¡±


    As her meaning settled, Smythe¡¯s irritation rose. ¡°I am the Regent of Moralis and caretaker of this castle. All decisions are to pass through me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll bear that in mind for next time, Lord Regent.¡± She considered her next words before speaking again. ¡°Seeing as you were in Sulzheim until this morning, I went ahead and moved my kin in.¡± She talked over his attempt to interject. ¡°The nobility and foreign delegates from Lontia were more than happy with their upgraded accommodations. Evans and his team discreetly moved all the families within a few marks. It is done Lord Regent.¡±


    As she spoke, Smythe¡¯s face betrayed a myriad of emotions, shock and irritation the strongest of them all. This was clearly not the meeting he was expecting. No doubt a cowed and awed child was closer to his imaginings. She considered why he had been away when the Choosing took place. As regent, he should have been present, but the high priest had held the ceremony in his absence. She sent her thoughts to Seelie, who nodded imperceptibly. More machinations to ponder.


    ¡°And what do you intend to do with an entire wing?¡±


    ¡°Secure it, and continue as we were before, but with added duties of course.¡±


    ¡°Continue what?¡±


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°We are healers, Lord Regent.¡±


    His confusion was laced with curiosity. ¡°You are members of the guild?¡±


    This time Auraya made no effort to shield her emotions; her distaste warped the shape of her lips.


    ¡°As I am sure you are aware, Lord Smythe.¡± She pushed down her wayward emotions. ¡°We are from Whitegate. The guild does not cater to those of meagre income. Thus, we do what we can for those in need.¡±


    ¡°How¡­ noble.¡± He clearly had a mountain of questions and warred with which he would voice. He chose to change the subject.


    ¡°As I was not present at the Choosing, I have come personally to confirm your eligibility.¡±


    Auraya waited, wondering if it was parentage or magic he was referring to. She could only presume the latter.


    ¡°The crystal would not glow if you did not have magical talent. Yet, it is still to be confirmed.¡±


    As he spoke, a tickle at the back of her mind drew her attention momentarily away. Gina said but a word before retreating.


    ¡°I have come to visually confirm said talent.¡±


    Auraya smiled slightly before cloaking herself in magic and willing herself to the other side of the desk. As she locked eyes with Smythe, she sent herself back to the seat. She gave him time to collect himself. As far as Auraya was aware, those with talent were a rare sight in Moralis. Only the Reevers had shown talent for several generations. Reggie had told her that magic had been growing weaker for many cycles. Auraya and her kin were somewhat a novelty. He had taken in those with a reasonable amount of talent and had been activating them since she had shown her abilities. For what purpose, Auraya could not truly be sure. In the past, talent had been confined to the noble families. It must be jarring to this man ¨C the epitome of the elite ¨C to discover it was now the less fortunate who were blessed.


    ¡°I have been told your¡­ group also have talent.¡± The unspoken question was heard by all. It was no doubt vexing to know they had hidden their gifts so well.


    ¡°That is correct.¡± Her voice hardened as memories surfaced. ¡°We grew up in Whitegate, Lord Regent. Trust is given sparingly.¡±


    They watched each other for a time. Auraya again thought this man had walked into a conversation he clearly had not been prepared for. Eventually, he began to rummage through his pockets and produced several sheets of paper.


    ¡°I have taken the liberty of compiling a list of studies you will need to undertake in preparation for the coronation. The tutors have been informed and are compiling a timetable.¡±


    A perusal of the list had Auraya tamping down her annoyance again. He clearly presumed her to be an illiterate fool. It included basic literacy and arithmetic, elocution, dance, etiquette, and other frivolities.


    ¡°My thanks, Lord Regent,¡± she smiled sickly sweet, laying the list to the side. ¡°However, such pointless undertakings are unnecessary. I will see to my own education.¡±


    Of course, that had not been taken well. In the end, Gina had stepped in to show him the provisional curriculum, which had him stunned once again. She smoothly told him that they would take his list into consideration and add a few courses to assuage him. Being underestimated often worked in her favour, but it still rankled. Gina effectively placated the man and he had left shortly after.


    Auraya felt the tingling at the edge of her awareness that indicated an approaching presence and dragged her attention back to the present. Her eyes were drawn to Bec, who stood and approached her, and then to Alan, who did the same. Paddy emerged from her shadow a few moments later confirming what she suspected. She rose from her spot in the dining room and motioned for the group to follow her out of the room.


    Bec, as always, had an air of nerves about her. Auraya believed that that much uncertainty generally led to mistakes. However, her faith in Rafe was unwavering, and he believed in Bec, so she would too.


    They made their way through the corridor to Auraya¡¯s office. When they entered the waiting room, Auraya turned to Bec and closed her eyes. She hesitated for only a few moments before raising her hands and bathing Auraya in her magic. It was uncomfortable and somewhat invasive. As a healer, it worked against Auraya¡¯s own magic which was constantly trying to maintain an equilibrium of normality and health. Changing her face was in opposition to how her magic knew her to be. It was an effort not to instinctively fight the initial onslaught of changes, and then to maintain them. It didn¡¯t take long to grow accustomed to the change though. The talented were well acquainted with partitioning their minds to tasks they were constantly performing and then ignoring. Once balance was achieved, she opened her eyes. She internally cringed as her bosom ¨C small but hers nonetheless ¨C shrank to nothing. Paddy stepped up as Bec stepped back. She accepted the bundle he was holding with thanks, going into the office proper. She changed into her disguise and emerged quickly.


    She thanked Bec and told her to get some sleep before reaching for Alan. His cloak was nothing like Rafe¡¯s. She chided herself for making the comparison. Alan had only been stepping for three cycles. She and Rafe had been using magic for just over ten. It itched slightly as he layered her and then drew her towards Rafe. They slowed on arrival, landing in an empty cell. She quietly thanked him before venturing towards the noise. Seeing Deb in a different face brought a smile to her lips, which promptly slipped off as she looked down to the person Rafe was attending to. A golden-haired creature was lying on the floor in dire need of healing.


    Auraya immediately dropped to her knees and rendered the boy unconscious. He had been slipping from wakefulness intermittently, and she did not want him awake for what she had to do.  With that done she probed the boy assessing his injuries and discerning what she could and should do to help him. They needed him coherent and able to walk. Healing him too much would raise suspicion and no doubt drain Auraya, but she could not in good conscience let him suffer further than he had.


    She found cuts, bruises, a broken leg, broken ribs, and a punctured and deflated lung. As his head had not suffered extensive damage, the lung was the priority. She realigned the ribs and coaxed them into repairing. She then made an incision and syphoned the air that had escaped his lung, repaired the cut as soon as it had served its purpose, and then healed and reinflated the lung. She then moved onto the leg. She realigned the break and coaxed it to fuse and heal.  Once done, she set about reducing the swelling, seeking out any potential infections, and ensuring that she hadn¡¯t overlooked anything dire. Most of the bruising was left fairly fresh and tender, to ensure the boy knew he had been hurt, but would still be able to function.


    She began to rouse him slowly but in spite of that he still reacted with sheer terror. A given due to the horrors he must have experienced. She soothed him with her hand and voice; gently petting him and cooing for him to calm. Touch may not have been appropriate after the savage beating he had clearly endured, but she wanted to ensure his first movements didn¡¯t cause any further damage. Touch was required.


    After his fears and tears had subsided, Auraya whispered into his ear. ¡°We¡¯re getting out. Can you stand?¡±


    A touch of hope brightened his face, as he tried to rise. He was still a little shaky but kept himself up.


    Whilst Auraya had worked, Bec and Rafe had freed the other prisoners. They all look scared. Most looked a little sceptical, a couple looked hopeful, and one was making a lot of noise.


    ¡°How do you presume you¡¯re going to rescue me with guards and that man in the room beyond?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about that,¡± Rafe replied before turning on his heels and walking for the door at the end. The prisoners followed hesitantly.


    When they walked through, there were several shrieks from the group.


    ¡°You killed them?¡± The loud boy accused. Rafe didn¡¯t answer. Auraya snorted knowing he would soon be nearing his limit of patience. One of the prisoners gave her horrified look.


    ¡°They held us prisoner,¡± she explained. ¡°Would you prefer them alive to put you back in your cell?¡±


    Most of the group just looked away at the query. The loud boy scoffed.


    The group made their way up the stairs, where more muffled gasps were heard. A scream from the room on their right drew all of their attention. Instead of heading to the door opposite the dungeon stairs, Rafe led them towards the woman¡¯s cries.


    ¡°Red?¡± An older woman was standing next to the body of a dead man. She was deathly pale, looking at the group with growing confusion.


    ¡°He tried to put me in the dungeon with them,¡± Rafe told her, seeming scared. How he thought he could manage that with a blade at his belt, Auraya wasn¡¯t sure.


    ¡°We¡¯re leaving,¡± he informed her as he walked briskly towards the door.


    ¡°But¡­ but¡­¡±


    ¡°Check the other room,¡± he suggested as he slipped out the door.


    Auraya herded the group from the back, and Bec did the same from the middle. They walked through a maze of corridors before entering an entrance hall and filing out into the driveway. A man was standing to the left of the entranceway stairs. He looked up in surprise as they came down the steps.


    ¡°Where did you come from?¡± The man asked. The blue wisps made Auraya send a quick message to Rafe to alert him of the man¡¯s involvement.


    Rafe ignored the man and kept marching for the gate. There were two guards standing before it. They looked up in confusion, unsure what to do with the bedraggled group.


    ¡°We want to go home,¡± Rafe whined, sounding almost choked and close to tears. The others added their voices too, some leaking actual tears. The loud boy began throwing his father¡¯s name around. Auraya recognised it as a prominent noble of Jude. The guards recognised it also and promptly opened the gate. At least the boy was good for something.


    Once they were away from the manor, Rafe asked the group where they were from. Most were from Jude; however, two were from Sulzheim. They had been snatched while accompanying their parents on a visit.


    Rafe slipped away whilst Auraya and Bec escorted the Jude residents to their homes. Of course, little Mr Noisy demanded he be returned first. That made sense ¨C regardless of his attitude ¨C as he lived the closest. He was basically a neighbour of his captor.


    It took several marks of walking through the city to get everyone home. Bec suggested that they split the group into two to reduce the time and wandering, but the others didn¡¯t want to be separated from each other until they were home. Rafe re-joined them after about a quarter mark. They avoided questions about themselves, saying they lived further from the rest, and they would get home fine together. When it was just the two from Sulzheim left, they made their way to a carriage stop near the north of Jude. Rafe spoke to a man near the horses and returned for the two. They would be taken home by carriage and would arrive the following evening. He deflected their questions but told them he got the money from the dead Lord. They didn¡¯t seem all too convinced but did not question him further.


    Once the three were alone, they sought out an empty alleyway and made their way back to the castle in a blink.

 Chapter 5 - The Butler

    Winnie


    Winnie woke in her new room, irritated and restless. As soon as Trevor and Rafe had completed their sweeps of the wing, organisation had been swift. The serving staff had been driven out along with the former occupants. Their kin had taken over those duties until the servants could be vetted. Castle guards were stationed at all entry points and Auraya¡¯s office, the passageways had been temporarily blocked until they decided what to do with them, and they had all been assigned rooms to sleep in. The bed Winnie slept in was big and soft and lovely. She resented it. She longed for her own lumpy bed. For her usual shabby surrounds. To be back in Whitegate. She sighed and got out of bed.


    She headed over to the basin in the corner of the room, washed up, and dressed for training. On the way out, she was joined by Gina and Seelie. The pair chatted amicably as they met more of their kin on the way to the training field. Rafe and Auraya were locked in battle to one side. They had gathered a crowd again, impressing the young ones. She watched them as she walked to a free space, then set about getting her blood warmed. The training should help calm her mind, invigorate her body and work out her frustrations.


    After about a quarter mark, Trevor headed to the front of the group and called for attention. They would be running through the first six movements to warm up, the youngest and newest at the front. They all moved into position without much fuss; the habitual act was mostly seamless. For the next half mark, they glided through the movements as a unit. It was truly a thing of beauty to see so many of her kin so in tune with each other. A few of the young ones made mistakes, but Trevor helped and encouraged them to keep on track.


    The quiet and togetherness were indeed calming. Winnie was not a fan of change, and recent events had turned their lives upside down. She had let the stress get to her and it had been spilling out onto others. She had an idea of how to remedy it though.


    After sparring and drills, they divided and separated. Winnie took a group of earth elementals out to one of the gardens. This one was not ¨C nor would be ¨C a functional one. It was just there to look pretty. She had retrieved the garden¡¯s plans and passed out seeds to each of the group. The older and more experienced ones were sent on their way with a few instructions. The youngest and newest, Winnie took to a corner that would house several lilac bushes.


    She sat them down in a ring, and then explained what she intended to do and how she would show them. They were used to it by now, but clarification aided retention. She placed the seed in the centre of the group and held out her hands to the two who sat beside her. The rest followed suit until they were all connected in a circle. She closed her eyes and sent her mind out to connect with the others. The group was small, so there wasn¡¯t much strain. Once the connection was established, she then called a sliver of her magic. Usually, she just sent a pulse of her magic, and it intuitively did as she desired. Now, however, she proceeded slowly, clearly visualising, so each of the group could see what she was doing during each stage. She saw the grains of her magic in her mind¡¯s eye reaching out towards the seed, crawling along the dirt. As it moved, she allowed some to break away and saturate the earth, sinking down about a foot or two. When she reached the seed, the earth underneath began to churn and turn over. She removed debris, roots, and stones from underneath the seed, and fluffed up and invigorated the soil. She then grabbed the seed, softened the hull, and pulled it down about half an inch. She manipulated the soil below the seed to draw the moisture upwards. It was finickity, water didn¡¯t like responding to her, so she had to move clumps of moist soil to where she needed it. Once done, she then focused on the seed. She directed the grains of her magic into the it, coaxing out the seedling. When the sprout breached the surface, she opened her eyes. This would be a bit difficult for them, they would need to see with both their eyes and their mind. It could be quite jarring trying to split one¡¯s focus between the two, but they would get used to it.


    Pale green leaves burst from the sprout in pairs until they branched off and shoots began to make their own journeys upward. The stem began to thicken and darken, and the roots probed and spread underground. Winnie used her magic to manipulate the plant through several seasons and cycles. It grew but did not flower. She kept the stem relatively short but coaxed it to branch off and spread out. In the end, she had a relatively round bush about waist height and two people wide. When she was satisfied with the shape and size, she encouraged the flower buds to poke through the ends of the stems and bloom all at once. There were several ¡°oohs¡± that made Winnie smile at their appreciation.


    She handed seeds to the group, directed them to plant their own at five foot intervals and then let them work. She walked between the group, aided them when needed, answered questions when asked, touched shoulders to see their perspective, helped guide their magics during manipulation, and complimented their efforts. It was a rewarding morning.


    Once the entire group had completed their tasks, they dispersed to begin their days. Winnie made her way to the bathhouse. It was maintained as it had been in their last home. Water elementals filled metal vats and fire elementals regularly heated it. The water was syphoned into the baths and drained on a regular schedule. She went through the motions of scrubbing and cleansing the sweat and the dirt before spending a quarter mark in the bath. She went back to her room to change and then headed down to Auraya¡¯s office.


    Inside, she found Auraya and Gina reading at their desks, Rafe sat on the sofa with his eyes closed. Winnie sensed his magics swirling towards his pendant, no doubt conversing with his team. Seelie was sat opposite Auraya reading through a thick stack of paper. Winnie smiled at the girls and headed to the far right corner. She spent the waiting time perking up the little orange tree. She coaxed one of the oranges to grow and ripen, then plucked it off and ate it.


    Trevor came clanking into the room, nodding his head at the occupants before heading over to annoy Gina. Those two were so obvious. Winnie rolled her eyes. By the time she had finished the orange, Tristan had arrived.


    ¡°Took you long enough,¡± Trevor chided, mischievous grin plastered on his face. Winnie rolled her eyes again.


    ¡°I was calming down some wailing children,¡± Tristan told him dismissively. ¡°You don¡¯t expect me to leave little ones in need of a hug, do you T?¡±


    It was Trevor¡¯s turn to roll his eyes as he laughed.


    Auraya stood up and directed the group through the door behind Winnie. They filed into the room and gathered around a map of the kingdom on the table.


    ¡°So,¡± Auraya began, looking at everyone. ¡°We¡¯re going to increase our intake, expand the responsibilities for Tris¡¯ teams, and he¡¯s getting four new members.¡±


    Auraya handed Tristan a sheet of paper, Winnie spied the names and details of the four he would be taking with him. He nodded his thanks. Auraya then took a sheet from Seelie, skimmed it, and began to address the group again.


    ¡°Seels has devised a list of the type of information we need to gather from each of the regions.¡± Seelie gave the stack to Tristan as Auraya read a few items at random. ¡°We need to know about the well-being of the people, the state of infrastructure, produce counts, trade potential, state of the guard and so on. There¡¯s a comprehensive list if you want to see.¡±


    ¡°O,¡± Tristan began, looking up from the list. ¡°This is a bit ambitious, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°It is,¡± she replied with a shrug. ¡°But we need to know.¡±


    ¡°I get it. But do we have the know-how and the time to get it done?¡±


    Auraya looked at Seelie.


    ¡°This will be new for your team, Tris,¡± Seelie told him, voice soft and soothing. ¡°We¡¯ll use today to run though how you guys can go about getting the information you need. And this will probably be a longer trip, but surely you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    Tristan nodded and grinned, looking back to the list.


    They spoke about how they were going to integrate the newcomers to Tristan¡¯s team. He would now have eight pairs to cover the thirteen regions. Two of the newcomers were steppers, one earth elemental and one water elemental. The latter two were from Winnie¡¯s team, the former two were Initiates from a cycle ago. Each of his teams had one stepper for long distance travel and someone with an offensive talent ¨C or at least a talent that could be used offensively. They would split the newcomers amongst the more experienced and would spend the entire day preparing.


    They moved on to the increase of intake. Usually, Tristan and his team would drop off those with low talent potential at specific orphanages around the kingdom. They would visit them on their journey and invite them to join them at the castle. Winnie had a feeling that Auraya was trying to raise her own personal army.


    They would need to change how the young ones were raised, but that was easily done. Most things would stay the same ¨C basic education, contribution, combat training, apprenticeships, the oath ¨C but the magical side of their education would need to be compacted and tailored. All things that Winnie did not need to worry about.


    When the group split, Winnie followed Auraya and told her what she wanted. The two of them then cornered Rafe.


    ----------------------------------


    Nursing a cup of swill masquerading as wine, Winnie looked up, locking eyes with an unfamiliar reflection. She resisted the urge to flinch and search for her true face. It was not the first time she had let Deb have her way with her, but it was still unsettling. Her reflection showed a woman of over twenty-five cycles. She had thinner lips, green eyes, and a far lighter complexion. The only thing that hadn¡¯t really been changed was her hair, although it had been lightened and lengthened somewhat. The woman in the glass had an air of mysterious beauty. The petitions for her favour had been met with polite refusal and, thankfully, hadn¡¯t required a firm hand. Her attentions were for one man only.


    The now familiar creaking of the front entrance drew her gaze to the new customer. Recognition sparked as she laid her eyes on the tall man who entered. It had taken a little needling to get Rafe to give her this assignment. He liked to mostly keep his work within his team, but with both her and Auraya, it hadn¡¯t taken long to wear him down. He had taken her to watch their quarry that day and provided enough information to formulate a plan. Remembering Rafe¡¯s annoyance pulled at the corners of Winnie¡¯s mouth. He knew what was to come.


    Stolen story; please report.


    The target locked eyes with her just as the smile pulled at her lips. She softened it to somewhere between shy and interested, causing him to head towards her perch at the bar.


    The man was very tall, to say the least, he towered over her by at least a foot and a half. His hair was somewhere between brown and orange, his eyes were a light grey, and he seemed to have lived just over forty cycles. His teeth were crooked but white, and his hands showed he did not work a manual job. He had the careful grace of nobility, but the cheapness of his clothing spoke otherwise.


    He sat himself on the stool next to Winnie and ordered himself the same swill. Once the tender went on his way, the man turned slightly to gaze at Winnie. She sat with her legs crossed at the ankles, accepting the perusal. Regardless of the nature of their meeting, she still felt the blush creep up her cheeks unbidden. The lighter complexion would give her away, but she paid it no mind. It would most likely work in her favour.


    When she finally looked the man in the face, she found that she was correct. There were traces of smugness in his smile, which shifted into something she presumed was supposed to be seductive. It was not. Her skin crawled, but she shrugged off the feeling and returned a smile with traces of a leer in it too.


    After the awkward greetings, inane small talk, and inappropriate petting, Winnie was more than convinced that this man was in dire need of lessons in seduction, courting, and perchance wooing. After yet another crude comment about her appearance, she felt her eyes and lips twitch as she fought an eye roll and a grimace. Her patience had finally been buried with the fallen, so she decided to push the encounter along. She stifled a yawn and informed the man that it was time she took her leave. She glanced around, trying to convey nerves at the prospect. Rather predictably, the man offered to accompany her.


    Standing, he offered her the crook of his elbow before leading her out. It really shouldn¡¯t have surprised her that the man didn¡¯t ask her which way she was heading, but instead turned towards the direction of his own home and led her that way. His predatory behaviour only fed the flames that had led her out to find him in the first place.


    After the streets began to thin of others, he chose a particularly dark and foetid alley to push her up against the wall and engage in some vigorous petting. Her cringe was thankfully disguised as desire if the man¡¯s comments were to be believed.


    ¡°I want you,¡± he whispered in her ear. Breathing heavily down her neck as his hands explored without permission. ¡°It seems the feeling is mutual.¡±


    ¡°It is,¡± she confirmed, laying her hands on his chest. ¡°But a lady cannot be coaxed in amongst the filth, Mr Krupp.¡±


    ¡°Felix,¡± he purred, wiping his wet lips on her cheek.


    Did he think the added moisture was alluring?


    ¡°Take me somewhere warm and comfortable, Felix.¡±


    After a few more pets and a sigh, he stepped back, straightened his clothes and offered his crook once more.


    Revulsion and relief settled in Winnie¡¯s gut, trying to take control of her expression. The desire to scowl was almost overwhelming, but she crushed it down with some effort. It took almost no time at all to reach Krupp¡¯s home. The Tavern he frequented was quite close.


    It was a small and quaint dwelling. One of a long row of many. The front consisted of red brick, and the door opened right onto the street. He let them into the main room, which doubled as a sitting room. They walked through the front door and ahead was a set of stairs. Winnie knew they led to the single bedroom upstairs. Immediately to the right along the wall at the front of the house sat a light wooden desk and chair. On the far right wall there was an open fireplace, and in front of it lay an old comfortable looking brown sofa. The house was mostly made of wood and open brick, and there was a fluffy beige rug on the floor.


    She feigned interest in his sparse belongings as he made his way to the sofa and sat down. She made a show of looking around for a while and complimented him. Once he was sat, she made her way to the desk and perched on the edge.


    ¡°So, Felix,¡± she began. ¡°Tell me about your former Lord.¡±


    At her words, his face drained of all colour and he began to rise.


    ¡°Sit down, Felix.¡± The hardness in her voice seemed to jolt him. He sat back down and looked over at her in confusion.


    ¡°My Lord is dead,¡± he spoke quietly, hesitantly.


    ¡°Hence the word former. I want to know about the sun-kissed creatures in the dungeons, Felix.¡±


    Winnie hadn¡¯t been aware that a person could lose more blood in their face. He looked positively grey.


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± he stammered.


    ¡°Is our friend telling the truth, O?¡± Winnie looked into the shadows in the far corner of the room as she spoke.


    ¡°It would seem not,¡± Auraya replied.


    Hearing Auraya¡¯s voice caused Felix to again rise from his seat.


    ¡°I told you to sit, Felix. I will not tell you again.¡± Again, he seemed on the verge of complying, but this time he found his spine.


    ¡°This is my home,¡± he cried. ¡°I demand to know who you are.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a fan of repeating myself,¡± Winnie told him with a smile so saccharine it dripped sugar water. ¡°But I¡¯m going to give you one last chance, Felix. Sit. Down.¡±


    Winnie could see the man wavering. His profession saw him following orders without thought on a regular basis, but this was his home. They were invaders, and female, and that seemed to give him the courage he needed.


    ¡°No,¡± he replied after some moments, mouth set, chin raised.


    Winnie¡¯s smile simply broadened. It was always more fun when they thought they were brave. She let her magic loose, expression of sweetness never changing. The seeds she had laid earlier that day burst from their shells and dark green vines shot towards the man. He gasped his surprise as they wrapped around and slithered up his legs. After a few beats in shock, he began to writhe and wriggle in a poor attempt to escape their hold. He stamped his foot, shook his legs, and even reached down to try and prise them off. That was when he realised that they had begun to wrap themselves around his arms too. He started to make noise at the sight, crying out in his distress. He pulled at them, but they were not to be deterred. Winnie felt the smile pull even further at her lips; her expression was probably a little manic by that point.


    Once the vines had a firm hold of the man, they contracted, pulling him off the ground and stretching out his limbs. He struggled the entire way, pitiful noises falling from his lips, sweat pouring from his brow, and the beginning of tears sparkling at the corner of his eyes. Winnie let it go on for several more heartbeats before calling for the man¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Felix,¡± she called, waiting for him to focus on her before continuing. ¡°I¡¯m actually very happy you were brave. I¡¯ve been meaning to try out my new vines for some time now. If you had been compliant, I wouldn¡¯t have had the opportunity. So, thank you for that.¡±


    She walked from left to right in front of him, eyeing the vines, ensuring they were in the right places, adjusting those that needed it. When she was satisfied, she looked to her left to see that Auraya had taken up her former position on the desk,  leaning back on her arms and swinging her legs, a small smile dancing on her lips.


    ¡°Right then,¡± Winne declared, facing forward. She sent a pulse of her magic out and into the vines, they responded beautifully. Small thorns, roughly two thumbs apart, poked out slowly in a spiral formation from the body of the plant. All that could be seen were little black points.


    ¡°Ow,¡± Felix cried, frantically searching for what had pricked him. ¡°What is...¡±


    ¡°Ah yes,¡± Winnie explained. ¡°These beautiful babies come with accessories. Do you like them, Felix? They¡¯re not even fully out yet.¡±


    She sent another pulse, and the thorns grew further, curving ever so slightly. The thorns that had emerged near skin caused thin lines of blood to trail down the man¡¯s arms and legs. Felix began to cry.


    ¡°Now now,¡± Winnie admonished, waggling her finger. ¡°None of that.¡±


    Of course, her words did not help, and only resulted in a look of sheer anguish.


    ¡°Now, Felix. I need you to tell me about your former lord.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s dead.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you said that already. Remember what I said about repeating myself, Felix.¡± She sent a pulse, and the thorns grew a touch more. ¡°Let¡¯s not be silly now. Tell me about the golden-haired creatures in the dungeon.¡±


    ¡°He...¡± Felix began, eyes roaming over himself as much as his restricted position would allow. The tears fell freely, and he gasped from the pain. ¡°He was a good man.¡± Winnie scoffed. ¡°He just had a sickness.¡± Winnie rolled her eyes. ¡°He would change if he didn¡¯t spend time with the boys. He would turn ugly inside. He was a good man otherwise.¡±


    ¡°Now let me get this straight,¡± Winnie asked, scratching her chin. ¡°The man was good. Unless he couldn¡¯t get his dose of kidnap and torture in for the week, of course. Am I understanding you correctly?¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t very often,¡± Felix defended.


    ¡°Surely just once was too much.¡±


    ¡°He was a good man,¡± he shouted.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Winnie soothed, shaking her head slightly. ¡°What did he have you do, Felix?¡±


    ¡°I... I...¡± He did not continue. Pieces seemed to be falling into place behind his eyes. ¡°Did you kill my Lord?¡±


    ¡°Not me,¡± Winnie confirmed. ¡°Bit too quick and easy for my taste.¡±


    Any blood that had remained or returned to the man¡¯s face now fled completely. He was pale and the terror of the moment finally seemed to be sinking in. He whined in his fear, breath coming short from pain and anguish.


    Winnie sent another pulse, causing the thorns to grow, and the blood to flow more freely.


    ¡°I asked you a question, Felix,¡± Winnie told him, expression darkening.


    ¡°I...¡± He began, spluttering, searching for an answer, and perhaps the question too. ¡°I cared for them.¡± Winnie raised an eyebrow. ¡°When my Lord had... finished with them, I would care for them.¡±


    ¡°Aah. So, you kept them alive for him to torture again.¡±


    ¡°It was my duty to protect my Lord. The boys were vagrants, my Lord was an important man. I needed to ensure...¡±


    Winnie sent out another pulse, this one sprouted thick dark green heart-shaped leaves on a sprout near the man¡¯s head. When he opened his mouth to spout more irrelevant tripe, the leaves were thrust into his mouth, effectively shutting him up.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough of that,¡± Winnie told him easily as he cried out and struggled to talk¡­ or breathe. ¡°You¡¯ve probably guessed already, Felix. You are going to die tonight. Slowly and extremely unpleasantly.¡±


    No more words were spoken to the man after that. Winnie sent out another pulse to fully extract the thorns. They were about an inch in length and curved wickedly. They were black and menacing and served her purpose well. She used them to open the man up until there were pieces of him everywhere. The swirl of emotions that had been rushing through her, keeping her off-balance, and shortening her temper, began to ease. As the man¡¯s cries dwindled and petered off, so did her uncertainty and agitation. Instead, they were replaced with determination.


    When at last she was satisfied and sated, she retracted the vines, reversed their life cycle, and collected the seeds. Pocketing them, she went over to Auraya.


    ¡°I feel better,¡± she told her friend.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Auraya drawled. ¡°I can tell by the... no, there¡¯s no other way to describe your smile other than demented.¡±


    Winnie giggled, it was manic and a little disturbing.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home, O,¡± Winnie said after she had calmed down.


    Auraya wrapped her arm around Winnie¡¯s shoulder, cloaked her in magic and took them to the roof. They were only there for a moment before they were at the next roof and then the next. They jumped like that until they were back in the suite they shared with Gina and Seelie. The girls were waiting for them in the sitting room with a basin, cloth, and change of clothes. Together, Gina, Seelie, and Auraya undressed Winnie, cleaned her up and redressed her. When they were done, the four settled on the sofa and snuggled.


    When she woke the next morning, a smile pulled at Winnie¡¯s lips. She regretted how she had let her mood affect those around her. Luckily Rafe had known how to cheer her up. Or rather, Rafe could be bullied into letting her get away with righteous slaughter. Executing the guilty always had a way of perking up her mood. She smiled to herself again and went about her day.

 Chapter 6 - The Kidnappings

    Rafe


    Rafe arrived about a foot from the ground. When he landed, the resultant thunk alerted the owner of the shop to his presence. The room was a mess. The desk was piled with paper, cups, bowls, and other such detritus. The sofa in the corner was piled with blankets, pillows and clothes, and the floor was in dire need of a broom. Rafe had seen it worse, so he ignored it all.


    ¡°Rafael, my boy,¡± called the shop owner cheerfully as he opened the door and entered the office. He was of average height, round of waist and quickly losing his hair. Laugh lines revealed his age to be more than forty cycles, although Rafe could not be sure. He wore a bright purple waistcoat over a black tunic with similarly purple breeches. He was feeling whimsical today. ¡°What have you got for me?¡±


    Rafe handed the man the stack of documents he was carrying. He whistled his surprise and pleasure as he leafed through the pages languorously.


    ¡°Very nice, very nice,¡± he mumbled. He looked up at Rafe before continuing. ¡°Caused quite a stir this one. Even Bathus himself came out. On the one hand a prominent figure was slaughtered in his home, alongside his guards. But on the other hand, twelve youths were reported to have been kept in his secret dungeon. One of whom was the son an equally powerful man. Our old captain doesn¡¯t know which way to turn on this one. Davers¡¯ progeny are kicking up quite a stink.¡± Sal chuckled at his own words.


    ¡°Have to see how the wind blows on this one before I start liquidating his assets. His spawn are going to be quite upset.¡± He leafed through the documents some more before setting them aside.


    Rafe waited, knowing that Sal could not be rushed. The older man sat down behind the mess he called a desk, steepled his hands and looked hard at Rafe.


    ¡°The butler? Really?¡±


    Rafe raised his eyes to the ceiling, pushing a harsh breath of irritation and exasperation through his nose. When he looked back at Sal, he saw the man was still watching him.


    ¡°Winnifred,¡± Sal stated.


    Rafe simply nodded his confirmation.


    ¡°In a mood, is she?¡± Sal chuckled, as if the mess Winnie had left behind that was previously a butler was a situation worthy of his mirth. ¡°Send her to me next time.¡±


    Again, Rafe nodded, albeit reluctantly. He likely would not send Winnie his way. He may have preferred the ends they gave the guilty to be swift and clean, but he could not deny how Winnie¡¯s mood improved when she was sent out. It felt almost like a duty to his kin.


    ¡°Now,¡± Sal began tentatively. ¡°Given all the recent changes, does our little miss wish to continue?¡±


    Knowing the question was most likely coming and had in fact already been answered by Auraya and his kin, Rafe nodded his assent.


    ¡°Good, good.¡± Sal looked sceptical for a moment, then it cleared. Rafe presumed Sal had thought he would need to convince them, but the vote had been unanimous. They would not forsake their task. Sal put away a sheet of paper, mumbling about hard work going to waste, before unearthing another stack of documents.


    ¡°Aah,¡± he breathed at their retrieval. ¡°Mrs Felton and her missing boy.¡± He tossed a wallet full of coins at Rafe.


    ¡°For Winnifred,¡± he mumbled. ¡°Sad to say, she¡¯s not the first. Homeless youths have been disappearing for a while now. More so over the last cycle, I reckon. Some related, some not. Some recovered, some not. It¡¯s still too early to tell. So little is known, and there¡¯s too much ground to cover.¡± He leaned back and looked up at Rafe, ¡°My boy over in Whiteoak has a few of the same. We¡¯ll see, we¡¯ll see.¡± He trailed off in thought for a while.


    ¡°An acquaintance of mine came to see me,¡± he continued, focusing on Rafe. ¡°One of his¡­ working girls has been misplaced. She had a plan, you see, to go away with one of the other girls. They were in a relationship and had been saving their coin for a few cycles, yes? They would¡¯ve had enough for their little cottage in about two. Last quarter, this girl just up and disappeared. No money taken, just gone.¡± He frowned at this. ¡°My acquaintance looks after his girls. No beatings, no disease, nothing they don¡¯t want. His girls all have a plan, and he helps them with it. They don¡¯t usually just run off. There¡¯s no need. They¡¯re free to leave whenever they want, and he never withholds their coin.¡± He shook his head, looking at his hands before looking back at Rafe. ¡°My acquaintance spoke to some like-minded business owners, and found they had a girl or two disappear without their coin or their things.¡± He took a breath and looked through the documents in front of him.


    ¡°Yesterday, a lovely but sad woman came to me claiming her sister had gone missing. Betrothed, she was. To a blacksmith near Betty¡¯s. Happy, I¡¯m told. A love match, it seems. On her way back from her job at the tailor opposite our dear Bettina¡¯s, she just up and vanished too. Working late alone on a big order apparently. I have a few more cases of disappearing, seemingly happy women, but it¡¯s much of the same.¡±


    Suddenly, he rose and moved around the desk.


    ¡°I need you to take me to the temple in Ash Chapel.¡±


    Rafe raised his eyebrows at the abrupt request, before flicking his eyes to the door.


    ¡°I locked up when I heard you arrive,¡± he said cheerfully. ¡°No need to worry, my boy.¡±


    With the assurance, Rafe laid his hand on Sal¡¯s shoulder and took them to Ash Chapel. They landed in an empty alley near the temple. The place was deserted. Ash Chapel was a small fishing community with little excitement, situated beyond the east gate of Jude.


    They emerged from the alley and walked down the cobbled street to the temple. It was an impressive but small building made of local stone, with a small steeple at the front. The windows were intricately designed with the likeness of the Pair in multi-coloured glass. The front entrance was made of thick dark brown wood and had images of the Pair carved into it. They made their way inside, looking around.


    In front of them, several pews sat leading them to the front where a stand lay before an altar. On either side were large stone statues of the Pair, the male on the right and the female on the left.


    A man in priest robes came out of one of the side doors, looking pale and dishevelled. He attempted to smile, but it looked strained. He looked no more than twenty-five cycles with light brown hair tied at his nape. Hazel eyes somewhat haunted.


    The priest, Lawrence, came over to them, welcoming and open. Sal accepted his greetings and began to exude his own unique charm. At the mention of a woman¡¯s body, the priest froze, looking wary. Sal began to lay it on thick at that point, claiming to have a worried husband for a client, frantic to see his loved one returned. Praying to the Pair every night with his devastated children. He had come to identify or rule out the woman, to put their fears to rest, and potentially bring peace to their poor, poor souls.


    Lawrence was so engaged in the story, Rafe almost believed Sal was using his talent of persuasion, but he knew that was not the case. Sal had never been activated and his magic remained in its depths. He simply had a gift borne of hard work and experience.


    Eventually, the priest took them through the door he had appeared from. He took them through another that descended to a basement. It was cold, but well kept, free of dust and moisture. On the table in the centre of the room lay the body of a woman. She was in an awful state, bloated, veiny, and bluey-grey in colour.


    Sal spent long moments inspecting the woman, noting her injuries, and mumbling his distaste.


    Whilst Sal catalogued the woman¡¯s state, priest Lawrence seemed to lose control of his tongue. He informed them that this was the fourth body to wash up on the beaches of Ash Chapel in just as many turns. The city guard had been dismissive, and he had heard nothing of their investigative efforts. He had sent several missives to the high priest and hoped something would be done soon.


    They left the priest to his woes soon after, making their way back to Sal¡¯s office.


    ¡°Curious,¡± he mused, almost to himself. ¡°Very badly beaten, she was. Interfered with, no doubt, given the location of some of the bruising. All four of them in a similar state, it would seem. This is quite dire, my boy.¡±


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    He walked over to the cabinet in the corner of the room and poured himself two fingers of dark liquor, before throwing back two thirds of it with barely a wince.


    ¡°Damn guards,¡± he huffed, letting his anger show. ¡°Absolutely useless. First the young ones, now the women. And doing nothing about it. Despicable. Not to mention those ruffians they brought in for the west gate. Bloody useless.¡±


    After draining the cup, he topped himself off with another two fingers, then headed to his desk. He seemed to collect himself before looking back at Rafe.


    ¡°We need to investigate the temples along the river, see if any bodies have turned up elsewhere. Forest Wall, Ivy Harbour, and Castle Stone Harbour. Wheatpole too, just to be thorough, but it¡¯s unlikely the current would carry a body that way. Maybe get one of your shadows in the central temple, see what the fanatics are up to.¡±


    Sal handed the documents to Rafe with a nod and a hard look.


    ¡°Keep up surveillance on Dennison and Rothers, but don¡¯t move until the Davers issue has died down.¡±


    Rafe narrowed his eyes a touch, more than enough to convey his displeasure.


    ¡°Unless the situation is dire, it would be wise to be cautious, given the attention you and your kin are now getting. McGavin has begun to move.¡±


    Rafe nodded with a sigh.


    ¡°Good, good.¡± Sal¡¯s face once again reflected sunshine and merriment. ¡°Now, off you go.¡±


    With the barest of nods, Rafe sent himself back to the castle; to the study next door to Auraya¡¯s that he had claimed as his own. He added the documents to the pile he needed to go through, before walking out and heading to see Auraya. He could sense her magic and knew he would find her at the desk she had claimed. He nodded to the guards stationed outside and made his way through the antechamber and into the room proper. She was sat at the desk reading from a large tome, taking notes. Gina, from her desk on his right, looked to be doing something similar, but related to mathematics. Neither of them acknowledged his presence, but they were alert to him regardless. He walked to Auraya¡¯s desk and sat down in front of her. Waiting for her to reach a place she could break away.


    He took the time to think on all he had been told. He would need to organise trips to each of the temples to make enquiries about the dead. Bec would suit that role. She was approachable and charming, drawing people in. He could send her with Alan to reduce the travel time between the four temples. After that, he would need to set up a schedule to check on each of the temples every few days. He would need an early update from the Rothers and Dennison teams. He could then incorporate the surveillance teams between the several targets. They did not have sufficient evidence on Rothers to move forward yet. They would have been ready to hit Dennison that day, but now he had to change the plan. Rafe thought back to why they had a strict code of only exacting their wrath on those they could prove guilt without a shadow of a doubt. It drew a slight smile and a shiver of guilt all at once. He shook off the memories and continued his planning. He thought that perhaps he should send a few of his team out to see the homeless youths. It would be good to get firsthand accounts of some of the disappearances.


    ¡°How is the old goat?¡± Auraya asked, finally setting aside her work.


    ¡°The same.¡±


    ¡°So,¡± she said with a slight frown. ¡°He has a new case for you.¡±


    Rafe briefly explained what Sal had told him about the disappearances of the homeless youths, the women and about the trip to Ash Chapel. Once he began, Gina set aside her work and made her way over to sit next to him. He could feel her distress but could barely see it on her face. Auraya did not hide her annoyance. The disappearances had been going on for a long time and they had not known about it. It was understandable, they couldn¡¯t know everything that happened in their city, but it still chafed.


    ¡°One case or two?¡± Auraya asked.


    ¡°Unsure yet,¡± Rafe replied. He then explained what he intended to do. Auraya agreed but worried they were being stretched thin. They talked about the coming Initiation and which of their kin may be suited to join Rafe¡¯s team. Not only did they need a desire to join the team in the first place, but they also needed to be patient, perceptive, inconspicuous, and adaptable. It had taken Rafe great pains to slip on a mask and pretend to be someone else. As he was naturally quiet and introverted, he had had to push himself to come across otherwise.


    They talked about Ridley. He had joined Rafe¡¯s team at the last Initiation. The boy had been persistent about joining in the time leading up to the ceremony and Rafe had secretly been charmed by his eagerness and upbeat personality. He took to sleuthing, charming, and persuading well. In a fight, however, he was a little overconfident and that often led to recklessness and injury. Rafe had had to tailor his training to rid him of his bad habits. He had a fair way to go, but was improving steadily.


    A call interrupted their musings. Rafe told them to come after confirming with Auraya. Taylor emerged from his shadow moments later.


    ¡°Smythe¡¯s day was mostly mundane,¡± Taylor relayed after greeting them all. ¡°It¡¯ll all be in my report. Before I swapped out though, the former queen barged into his office. She was hysterical. She¡¯s afraid you,¡± he looked at Auraya, ¡°are going to do something to her and her boys.¡±


    Auraya simply rose a single brow. The nobility were so used to stabbing each other in the back that they expected it from everyone.


    ¡°He told her not to worry, he had ordered McGavin to investigate us.¡±


    After thanking and dismissing Taylor, Rafe confirmed that Sal had told him something similar. He told them that he would pull Jerry from the Rothers case to map McGavin¡¯s network. Auraya frowned. They were indeed being stretched.


    ¡°I agree the spymaster needs to be watched, but¡­¡± Auraya trailed off, staring into the middle distance.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, O,¡± Rafe consoled. There were several questions left unasked. Would Jerry manage on his own? Would the Rothers team manage without him? How long could they go on stretching themselves? Were they putting their kin at risk? There were no definitive answers he could give her, but he believed what they were doing was necessary. So, they would find a way. For the moment, the situation was still manageable. They would find a way.


    Auraya looked at him for several breaths before saying, ¡°okay¡± with a nod. A small smile touched Rafe¡¯s lips at her faith in him.


    Another call came through. Rafe bade the girls goodbye and took himself to a rooftop at the docks in Ivy Harbour. Alan greeted him and indicated to where Louis was walking across the pier towards a burly, weathered looking man directing the activity near a ship. The exchange was relatively short. The burly man¡¯s arms worked as he spoke, and he laughed often. Eventually, Louis shook the man¡¯s hand and walked onto the ship, disappearing. A call confirmed he had succeeded in gaining employment and would set sail the following day.


    After informing Alan about the new Dennison plans and relaying quick instructions, they both took their leave. Rafe landed in his office and sat at his desk. He dragged the Dennison case files forward and went over what he knew. When Sal had mentioned that they would have to hold off moving forward until the Davers mess calmed down, he had begun to reformulate his plan for Dennison. He spent the next quarter mark going over it and informing his team what they needed to do.


    He then spent the next three quarters of a mark going through all his cases and ensuring everyone was where they needed to be. Bec and Alan were informed they needed to visit the temples, Jerry was reassigned to McGavin, Grace was sent to the main temple, Deb would visit the homeless youths, Reece was updated on the Dennison plan, and five steppers were informed they were needed that night.


    He updated his board, showing where each of his team was, then decided to bathe before his new mission that night. He spent the rest of the afternoon practicing moving objects, without moving himself. The idea had come to him from one of the young ones. They had asked why his clothes came with him when stepping, and whilst he had explained about the cloak of magic that enveloped them, he had wondered if he could place his cloak on objects he wasn¡¯t touching. It had been difficult at first. He had extended his cloak and then tried to disconnect it from himself. It had taken a few tries to not let his magic dissipate once cut off from the source, but eventually he had managed it. The only drawback was that it meant he needed to be close to the object. He wanted to be able to generate a cloak from a distance, and particularly without having to see said object. Without a teacher, they needed to figure these things out for themselves, which was tiring and often long-winded, but ultimately, rewarding. Reggie had only been so helpful. He was a healer after all, so his knowledge had mostly lay there, the rest had been left up to them.


    After a fruitful afternoon, Rafe went back up to his office later that evening and waited for his team to assemble. Two were sent off immediately to complete their task, whilst the other three waited for the call to commence. It came just after the moon had risen.


    Together, they each disappeared and reappeared in a warehouse in Ivy Harbour. Looking around, Rafe saw two men asleep on the floor, seemingly unconscious. Reece stood next to them, waiting.


    ¡°They¡¯re all asleep,¡± he told Rafe. ¡°They should be down until morning.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Rafe told him. ¡°Show us then go join them.¡±


    Reece nodded and made his way towards the back of the warehouse, weaving between boxes, furniture, spices, carpets, and all sorts. In a corner, shielded by tall wardrobes, they found several dozen knee-high earthen jars, sealed with large corks. Rafe nodded to Reece, sending him on his way, then ordered his team to take what they could. Rafe took a stack of four jars to meet the other two members of his team. The hole they were digging wasn¡¯t quite ready, so he went off to collect more jars. It took his team about a half mark to collect all the jars. By the time they were done, the hole was ready.


    Together, they placed all the jars at the bottom of the hole and then filled it in. Once the job was done, they made their way back to the castle and settled in for the night.


    Rafe made his way to his room, changed, and lay down in his bed. He tried to sleep, but it was elusive. After several marks of lying awake, he made his way to the place he knew sleep would come easily. He landed lightly and slid down the wall to the floor. He rested his head back and fell asleep within moments. When he woke, a blanket covered him.


    He went about his day, training with Auraya in the morning, training with Ridley after that, reading reports, and receiving updates from his kin. When the sun had reached its zenith, Reece informed him that Lord Dennison was none too pleased that his drugs had been stolen whilst his staff had been sleeping on the job. It had been obvious that they had been drugged, and the Lord was dying to find out who had done it. As far as Reece knew, the Lord suspected it was someone external to his organisation but had not ruled out the possibility that they had had inside help. So far, no-one had been caught up in the Lord¡¯s wrath. He told Rafe that the next shipment had been brought forward to the next half turn.


    Rafe hoped that the Davers mess had settled down by that time, but regardless, Dennison would be dealt with.

 Chapter 7 - The Poisoning

    Auraya


    The grain reports were boring. For the five cities and thirty something villages in the Asmat region, taxation was fixed. The smallest and the largest paid the same amount. Luckily, even the smallest was able to pay as the region was quite prosperous, but it meant that only the largest were able to prosper, whereas the smallest simply got by. It made no sense, the Lords of the largest settlements were able to contribute far more than they were, and the Lords of the smallest settlements could flourish if they were taxed at a rate that was proportionate to their yield.


    Skimming through the documents Seelie had provided showed that the gold, cattle, sheep, and fish reports were much the same. It made Auraya sigh. It made no sense. At least to her mind. Some were given the opportunity to thrive, whilst others were disadvantaged. It made no sense. Why would you not want your countrymen to prosper? As common or noble born, the prosperity of all benefited the whole. But for some reason, those on high failed to see that if the peasants thrived, then they would reap the benefits as well.


    Auraya would never understand the nobility. And nor did she not want to. She looked off into space, considering how the problem could be remedied.


    A noise distracted her, the pitter patter of tiny feet. When Auraya¡¯s eyes focused on the room, all she saw were whisps of auburn hair.


    She felt a hand on her thigh and looked down.


    ¡°Owaya,¡± a young voice called. Auraya smiled and grabbed the little girl, pulling her into her lap.


    ¡°Leanna,¡± she cooed. The two girls cuddled for a while before the little girl looked up at Auraya. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m scared, Owaya,¡± Leanna told her, lip trembling.


    ¡°You can call me O, you know,¡± Auraya told her, eliciting a bright smile.


    ¡°I can?¡±


    ¡°Of course, you are kin.¡± Auraya rubbed her nose on the little girl¡¯s, causing her to giggle.


    Leanna frowned, thinking to herself for a few moments. ¡°Can I have one?¡±


    ¡°Have one?¡±


    ¡°A nickname.¡±


    Auraya smiled. ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°Can you choose?¡±


    ¡°I would be honoured,¡± Auraya told her with a smile. ¡°How about¡­ Lee?¡±


    Leanna beamed. ¡°I love it.¡±


    ¡°So, tell me, what has a strong girl like you scared?¡±


    The smile fell off her face as she focused on the reason she had come searching for Auraya. It caused Auraya¡¯s stomach to cramp, seeing the little one distressed again. Auraya had found her three cycles ago, cowering at the feet of her supposed father. The man had claimed due to her hair colour, she could not be his. The mother had been a limp wet thing, unable to muster the courage to defend her child. In a great feat of restraint, Auraya had refrained from opening the man¡¯s throat and simply took the child off his hands. She had been a terrified little thing, but one must never underestimate the power of hugs. After spending a few cycles coaxing her out of her shell, Leanna had proved to be quite resilient. She still sought Auraya out though when she was scared, but Auraya was more than happy to oblige.


    ¡°The shadows are scary,¡± Leanna revealed.


    A wave of guilt came and went. Auraya had accidentally activated her soon after taking her in. Reggie had told her it was because the girl was strong. Auraya had sent her magic to see whether the girl had talent and had activated it instead. Leanna was so full of magic that it was like it had been bursting at the seams. Leanna was a shadow walker and activating her so young had put her at risk. Going between this world and the other had to be done with finesse. And it was evidently frightening for one so young. Leanne had the skill, and Auraya was determined to help her with the courage.


    ¡°Aah,¡± Auraya replied, setting aside the documents she had been reading. She smoothed down Leanna¡¯s hair and raised her chin gently. ¡°There¡¯s no need to be afraid, Lee. You were born to walk on the other side. Shall we go together?¡±


    The little girl nodded her eagerness.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to give me a few moments,¡± Auraya told her, petting her nose. ¡°I¡¯m not as good as you.¡±


    Leanna giggled and nodded again.


    Taking a deep breath, Auraya closed her eyes. Behind her lids, she could see the flames of her magic spread throughout her. Much like the cloak she used for stepping, she saturated herself in magic to prepare her body for what was to come. It took time for her to be satisfied, as she didn¡¯t tend to walk the shadows often. It was different for her, the others ¨C steppers and shadow walkers ¨C naturally kept their cloaks and saturations up, Auraya, as an absorber had to actively initiate them.


    When she was ready, she walked over to the shadow by the window and stepped in. They sunk down into the other place and the feeling of weightlessness was instantaneous. Auraya held Leanna close as she looked around. It looked like a reversal of the real world; the entire room was upside down and the hues were slightly grey washed. Looking up, Auraya could see into the room they had just left. It was like looking through a window. It was eerie. She could hear the scratches of Gina¡¯s quill, and her quiet breaths.


    Auraya looked at the little girl in her arms. She was looking around with a fearful expression, searching the corners as if something might jump out at her. Auraya could understand, it was slightly oppressive.


    ¡°It¡¯s scary, O,¡± Leanna confessed, squeezing tighter.


    ¡°I agree,¡± Auraya confirmed. ¡°It can seem quite scary. But you know what? You and the other shadow walkers are the masters of this world, and as far as I know, nothing here can hurt you unless you let it.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± The hope in her eyes melted Auraya¡¯s heart. She felt naught but disdain for most people that weren¡¯t her kin, and the affection she felt for Leanna was greater than with most.


    ¡°Really.¡±


    They spent the next half mark floating around in the world beyond, playing chase and exploring. Little by little, Leanna¡¯s anxiety eased. It would not be gone in a day, but eventually she would feel at home in the shadows. It helped that none of their kin drifted past them like a phantom. When they returned, Auraya sent her back to her classes and noted the spring in her step.


    Later that afternoon Auraya was amused yet again as she watched Evans and Patten bicker. Gina was trying to resist rolling her eyes and Trevor¡¯s amusement was evident in the wide grin.


    Over the past half turn, they had begun bringing in service staff. Seelie had led a team of interrogators ¨C as Patten called it ¨C in interviewing the former workers and allowing them into their wing again. Auraya was reluctant to have strangers in their sanctum, but knew it was necessary. They could not and did not want to be responsible for cleaning the entire wing ¨C not when they had a generous budget to do otherwise. There were still places that no-one was allowed to go, and Patten had tailored his guard rotation to ensure her, Winnie¡¯s, Rafe¡¯s, Trevor¡¯s, and Tristan¡¯s offices were well guarded. That didn¡¯t stop Auraya from anointing all the entrances in blood as added security though. But no-one outside of her kin needed to know about that. Let them try.


    Patten and Evans were arguing about Patten¡¯s new initiative. Trevor had suggested to Patten that all service staff in their wing be subjected to irregular assessment to ensure they remained loyal. Auraya and her kin were blessed with a healthy dose of paranoia and did not want to risk being betrayed whilst they slept. Patten had thought it was a brilliant idea and had proposed it to Evans before going off to Smythe. Evans had been extremely insulted, claiming his staff were of excellent character and ongoing harassment would be detrimental to his low turnover rates.


    With everyone¡¯s attention on the squabbling pair, a servant girl slipped into the room with a tray of food, almost unnoticed. Auraya¡¯s attention was drawn to the mouse like girl¡¯s mouth, which was moving in quiet conversation as tendrils of blue smoke wafted up to her nose. It was odd.


    The girl had mouse brown hair, was small in stature, had a round face and a button nose. She was altogether forgettable, with an air of innocence.


    She approached Auraya¡¯s desk. As the girl¡¯s gaze drifted to her, Auraya slipped her eyes back to Evans and Patten. The mouse came around the desk, no longer muttering, and placed the food in front of Auraya.


    ¡°Enjoy your meal, y¡¯highness,¡± she breathed in barely a whisper. She gave a shallow bow, then turned to leave. The smoke virtually obscured her face, and almost tugged Auraya¡¯s brow into a frown.


    ¡°What is your name?¡± Auraya asked, schooling her expression.


    The girl froze, fear evident. Gina and Trevor¡¯s attention turned to the girl, further increasing her terror.


    ¡°Meera, y¡¯highness,¡± she squeaked.


    ¡°Who made this food, Meera?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m not sure, y¡¯highness,¡± she replied. Even without the blue tendrils as evidence of her falsehood, her desperation to avoid eye contact and her squirming betrayed her words.


    After a moment of watching the girl, Auraya calmed her growing annoyance and told the girl to ¡°sit¡±.


    She looked up and paled, not moving an inch.


    ¡°It was not a request,¡± Auraya told her, adding steel to her tone. The girl hastily followed the directive.


    At that point, Auraya acknowledged each person in the room. Gina and Trevor stood at attention, ready to move. Patten had brought his hand to his hilt and Evans looked nauseous.


    ¡°Rafe,¡± Auraya called calmly.


    As always, he was there within moments. He gave her the barest of nods when their eyes met, then Auraya turned back to the quivering mouse, who had devolved into tears.


    ¡°Explain,¡± Auraya commanded.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± the mouse cried. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. He¡¯s all I have left. I was so scared. I didn¡¯t know what to do. He¡¯s all I have left.¡± She continued the nonsensical rambling for a little while longer until Auraya glanced at Gina. She approached the girl and passed her a handkerchief. She knelt by her chair ¨C causing Trevor to step closer ¨C and offered a few calming words and tones to reduce the girl¡¯s alarm. Once she was visibly calmed, Gina broached the subject again.


    ¡°Can you start from the beginning?¡± Gina¡¯s voice was soothing. ¡°Who is he?¡±


    ¡°Me Pa,¡± she explained. ¡°It¡¯s just the two of us now. Me Ma died when I was young. Pa¡¯s looked after me as best he could since. But he got sick a few cycles back, so now I gotta look after him.  The guild wanted so much coin to just look at him, and even more to cure him.¡± She took a breath and drank the water Gina offered with thanks.


    ¡°Three nights past,¡± fear distorted her features once more. ¡°A man held a knife to me neck. He told me he¡¯d taken me Pa and to get him back¡­ he said I needed to poison y¡¯highness.¡± She glanced at Auraya then, who kept her expression stony. ¡°He said if I did it, he¡¯d give me Pa back¡­ and enough coin for a cure.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± she said as she held Auraya¡¯s gaze. ¡°I love me Pa so much. I was so scared I wouldn¡¯t see him again. And even if I did see him again, it wouldn¡¯t matter anyway ¡®cause we don¡¯t have the coin to cure him. He¡¯s gonna die soon.¡± She broke down after that. Auraya used the time to gather her thoughts. No one spoke, the only sounds coming from the mouse.


    Turning to Rafe, Auraya enquired, ¡°Paddy?¡±


    He nodded and disappeared. Auraya turned back to the girl.


    ¡°Do you still have the poison?¡±


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Yes, y¡¯highness.¡±  She retrieved the vial from her pocket and handed it over.


    Not the smartest criminal, Auraya mused.


    Opening it, she smelled the contents recognising the potent poison, hemlock.


    ¡°How much did you put in the food?¡±


    ¡°He told me four drops would be enough.¡±


    ¡°We would have roughly... a third of a mark from ingestion for the poison to take effect,¡± Auraya told the room.


    Patten stepped forward, hand still on the hilt of his sword and looked like he wanted to speak.


    Auraya raised her right hand to halt his progress. ¡°Please be patient, Captain.¡± She spared him a look, pushing down her irritation. There was no time for arguments. Once placated, she waved her hand over the food tray with a look of displeasure before looking back at the girl.


    ¡°When my companion returns,¡± Auraya told her, waiting for the mouse to look her in the eye. ¡°You are going to take this tray and discard it in the closest empty room. Then you are going to leave this castle and go home. Do not run but do make haste. Talk to no one if you can, and do not speak of the events that have come to pass in this room. If the attacker finds you, tell him it is done, no more. Can you do as I ask of you?¡±


    It took a few moments for her to gather herself, before she nodded and said, ¡°yes, y¡¯highness,¡± a look of determination in her eyes. If she hadn¡¯t been her would-be assassin, Auraya thought she might have liked the little mouse.


    Whilst Auraya spoke, Gina had used her magic to move the contents on the tray to the fireplace, and Trevor had set it aflame, leaving only ash behind. Auraya gave them her thanks when they had finished and pushed the tray forward. She told the girl to dry her eyes.


    Rafe appeared with a nod of confirmation.


    Standing, Auraya motioned to the tray ¨C now close to the mouse ¨C and told her to be on her way. She hesitated, clearly gathering her courage before enquiring, ¡°me Pa?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll do what we can,¡± was all Auraya could give her. The only response was a nod, as the girl gathered up the tray and made her way to the door.


    After the girl left, Auraya turned to Evans.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to need you to perform some theatrics Evans,¡± Auraya told him with a hint of mischief. He returned her gaze with only confusion. ¡°You are going to need to be visibly upset and perhaps a little delirious. You need to go find a castle healer and bring them back here. Tell no one the cause of your mania. When you find the squirrel, tell them I am in need of their aid, no more. Can you do as I ask?¡±


    ¡°Of course, your highness,¡± he was still confused, but clearly determined.


    Turning to Patten, she relayed his orders next. ¡°Take a small contingent of trusted guards to search for our fleeing mouse. Tell no-one of who or why you are searching. Of course, do not stop, hinder, or follow the girl. Search only the castle grounds and give her the chance to escape. Make your presence ¨C if not your intentions ¨C known. Ensure that no one enters this room unless accompanied by those who are currently in here now. Can you do as I ask?¡± At the annoyance she saw, Auraya added, ¡°all will be made plain in time, Captain.¡±


    Patten nodded, placated enough, then replied, ¡°I am at your command, your highness.¡±


    Turning her eyes on Gina, her companion of well over a decade spoke first. ¡°Winnie?¡±


    ¡°And Imogen,¡± Auraya replied in agreement. She smiled as she continued. ¡°Some theatrics if you will. T can you inform the masses.¡±


    She saw Trevor place his left hand on his chest and close his eyes. The familiar buzz at the edge of her senses confirmed that Trevor was making the situation known. She blocked off the noise and looked at the three due to leave in turn.


    ¡°Play your parts well,¡± was all she gave as farewell. They left, leaving silence in their wake.


    It had only been a turn since the Choosing. It would seem the games had begun. They had expected a person or four to make an attempt on her life. She thought they were slacking really. Each day, they secured their base further. Letting the servants in had been a risk though, one they would need to revisit. Their scheme to ensure loyalty had been faulty. This Meera had proved it. She had been forced to act through blackmail and bribery. She had been let into Auraya¡¯s office, when none but her kin and a select few were supposed to be in there. Auraya sighed. She needed to know who was guarding her door and why they had failed. Someone must have opened the inner door for her.


    When Trevor was finished, he sat in the chair previously occupied by the mouse. Rafe remained motionless. Always watching. Auraya turned to him.


    ¡°Any word from Louis?¡±


    ¡°Two or three days,¡± he replied shortly.


    ¡°And on the other end?¡±


    ¡°Neutralised.¡±


    ¡°Very nice.¡±


    He nodded in reply.


    ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to that debriefing,¡± Trevor added. ¡°So, we¡¯re crossing oceans now, are we?¡±


    The barest of smirks touched the edges of Rafe¡¯s lips in lieu of response.


    ¡°Is he going out again?¡± Trevor asked.


    ¡°In time.¡±


    Before more could be said, the door opened. Gina, Winnie, and Imogen came in.


    Once the door closed, Gina returned to her spot next to Trevor. Winnie walked to the corner of the room, forcing the orange tree to feed her. Imogen wandered about touching the room¡¯s objects at what seemed like random. Auraya smiled at her kin. Being in their company was always comforting. They had been together for most of their lives and shared the bond of kinship even without the bond of blood.


    ¡°So,¡± Winnie said, breaking the silence, not looking away from the foliage she was caressing. ¡°Less than a turn, and already someone wants you dead.¡± There was no humour in her voice.


    ¡°Slacking, aren¡¯t they,¡± Auraya added.


    ¡°Kidnapping probably means more than one, but not definite. The money suggests nobility,¡± Gina commented.


    ¡°I thought we¡¯d have more time to settle in,¡± Trevor mused. ¡°Shame we can¡¯t try the food now.¡±


    They had only decided to take kitchen staff on a few days prior. The staff had been cleaning out and restocking the kitchens. Planning menus and scheduling. They were due to start producing food the following day. Now they would have to shut that down completely. There was no way they could trust outsiders with their food.


    The door opened, bringing Evans and Figg. The older man simply looked obnoxious. His large nose was high in the air. His clothes were expensive and pristine. His greying hair was cut short, he held himself like royalty, and he looked at the room¡¯s occupants with contempt. His confusion and alarm were clear though, and only deepened when he laid eyes on Auraya. Evans hastily closed the door after he entered.


    ¡°Is this a joke?¡± His comment brought a smile to Auraya¡¯s lips and caused Winnie to draw way from the plant.


    Walking over to Imogen, who had taken quite an interest in a sheet of paper, Auraya handed her the vial of poison, her back to Figg.


    ¡°We¡¯ll talk about it after the squirrel leaves,¡± she said quietly, eliciting a small grin from the girl.


    Turning to Figg, Auraya had to stifle a laugh when she saw the open hatred in Winnie¡¯s face.


    ¡°Figg.¡±


    ¡°Your highness,¡± he replied after a moment, inclining his head.


    ¡°Someone has attempted to poison me,¡± she continued.


    ¡°Are you seeking my assistance?¡± Incredulity was too tame a descriptor for how Auraya felt, and that was clearly reflected in her expression. The old man¡¯s eyes hardened at the sight. He turned to Winnie when he heard her snort.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t trust you with my worst enemy,¡± Winnie spat.


    ¡°We are simply allowing the natural progression of events to unfold,¡± Auraya confirmed, speaking over his no doubt acerbic retort. ¡°Only a short amount of your time will be required.¡±


    Winnie used the time to goad the older man. Riling him up, until Rafe stirred from his statuesque position a little while later and drew Auraya¡¯s attention, ¡°it¡¯s time.¡±


    ¡°Figg, you can go,¡± she told the older man. He waited for more information. When he received none, he inclined his head, barely masking his annoyance and left.


    ¡°Evans, bring the captain back.¡± He nodded his head vigorously, showing his excitement, and left too.


    Turning back to Rafe, Auraya considered for a moment then said, ¡°bring the deed as well. If there is one.¡±


    His left eyebrow rose a fraction, before he inclined his head and disappeared.


    They only waited about a quarter of a mark at the most, before Rafe, Meera, her father, and Paddy appeared.


    ¡°Thanks Paddy. You did good.¡± He smiled faintly, then moved to the closest shadow and faded from sight, but Auraya could still sense him in the room. She turned her attention to Meera, who was gaping at the space Paddy had just vacated. She stared for a few beats before her attention was drawn to her father, who had begun to cough insistently.


    The sound was jarring. The man looked extremely thin and pale. When he breathed, it was laboured and loud. He was clearly not able to take in a full breath. He wavered on his feet as the cough continued. Trevor stepped forward and guided the older man to the sofa, gently depositing him. Auraya and Winnie approached and flanked him. The three shared a look, conveying disappointment, disgust, and outright hatred for the Healers Guild. Their greed attributed to the poisoner¡¯s opportunity. Desperation could turn even the kind-hearted to the treasonous.


    Auraya sank to her knees in front of the man and laid her hand on his chest. She began by relieving his pain, then thoroughly assessed the state of his lungs. Foreign elements were blocking the lung¡¯s ability to draw in breath. The damage was quite severe. His lack of breath was affecting other parts of his body too. Meera had been right; he didn¡¯t have much time left.


    ¡°You are a fire fighter,¡± Auraya stated, looking into the man¡¯s face.


    ¡°I was,¡± he croaked through a neck he rarely used. He smiled for the first time in wonder. ¡°How could you tell?¡±


    ¡°Your lungs are filled with ash, and damaged by smoke. It seems to have been happening over a long period of time, until it overwhelmed you.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± he stared wistfully at the wall for a moment before focusing back on Auraya. ¡°Fires speak, and I always understood. Been putting them out since I were a boy. Best occupation around. Pays good too.¡±


    Auraya probed the man further at that and noticed that he was a fire elemental. His magic was dormant, like most, but his affinity had led him to the perfect profession. She retreated and looked at the man again.


    ¡°What I¡¯m about to do will be uncomfortable,¡± she told him calmly. ¡°Do not fight the urge to cough, but please, refrain from vomiting until the process is over. I will remove the ash from your lungs, and then heal the damage. Please be patient, calm and still.¡±


    Gratitude and awe washed over his features before he nodded his affirmation and rasped, ¡°okay.¡± Meera began to quietly weep from somewhere behind Auraya, but she had begun to block all the room¡¯s distractions and close her eyes, so she barely noticed. She sent her mind inward to the place her magic dwelled.


    Healing was about finesse and precision. She had spent so many cycles of her life learning about the body and its functions. How to manipulate its processes to follow her will. Memories of reading and reciting, scoldings and her teacher brought with them a wave of sadness. But Auraya locked the memories back in place and maintained her concentration.


    Her magic was warm. In her mind¡¯s eye, it looked like a curling ball of tame fire. Tame only through years of practice and patience. It followed her will and entered the man¡¯s body through her right hand on his chest. She dampened his pain further before gathering the foreign elements, drawing them together and up towards the man¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Open your mouth,¡± she told him, not opening her eyes to confirm it, but sensing it through their connection.


    He began to splutter as the first bits of detritus came out. She directed it towards the hearth and called for ¡°T,¡± to ensure the flames were hot enough to consume the waste.


    Once completed, the man¡¯s cough settled as she healed his throat and worked down towards his lungs. Now clear, it was even more obvious how extensive the damage was. She set to work healing his lungs. After the lungs were healthy, she revitalised his organs and muscles, and then fed her magic into the man to nourish him. She barely noticed as time slipped by.


    At some point, a hand touched her shoulder and drew Auraya from her task. She looked up to see Rafe¡¯s look of concern. She realised she had almost gone too far, so she gave him her thanks with a tired smile.


    Sitting back on her heels, Auraya looked up at the man. His complexion was far better than when he¡¯d arrived, and the slight weight gain chided Auraya just as much as Rafe¡¯s look. If he hadn¡¯t stopped her, she may have continued until she lost consciousness. She silently berated herself.


    ¡°Can you tell us what happened.¡±


    The man had swung his legs down and seemed on the verge of gushing his gratitude before Auraya spoke.


    His brow descended before he began. ¡°I was going to refill me water. Someone put their hand over me mouth and nose. The taste was foul and the smell¡­ it was like the fire at the Healers Guild a few cycles back. Like¡­ like cures.¡± He had been staring blankly at a corner of the room, until the final part, when he looked Auraya in the eye. Meera had made her way over to her father and was sobbing into his lap. ¡°Then, I woke to Meera shaking me. She told me what she had done.¡±


    He intended to say more, but Auraya stood and raised her hand. ¡°You have raised your daughter well, sir.¡±


    She turned and walked over to their possessions strewn about where Rafe had brought them. ¡°Did they pay?¡±


    Meera untangled herself from her father¡¯s embrace, walked to the pile and began to rummage. She brought out a fair sized sack that jangled with the tell tail clanking of coins. Opening it and handing it over, Auraya looked inside to see a large number of gold coins. The amount would be enough to heal the man several times over. Taking a closer look at a single coin, Auraya noted that it looked untouched. It shone and reflected the rooms light brilliantly.


    ¡°Imogen,¡± she called, who had been hovering in the corner of the room. The girl came over, took the bag, and dove her hand in.


    ¡°That should be more than enough,¡± Auraya told Meera. She looked to the mouse¡¯s father before she spoke again. ¡°You will both need to leave the city. Go far and be suspicious until you¡¯ve crossed the sea. Take the port in Schlu and travel to Holceston. Rafe will take you as far out of the city as he can. I suggest you buy yourselves a dagger or two.¡±


    The man rose from the sofa and stood next to his daughter. He looked at Meera, then back at Auraya.


    ¡°Meera,¡± Auraya directed at the mouse who looked sheepish. ¡°For the crime of treason, you are hereby banished from Moralis. You and your kin will be stripped of all your possessions. If you are found in this kingdom again, you will be executed. Do I make myself clear?¡±


    The girl smiled and thanked Auraya profusely, grasping her hand with a familiarity that wasn¡¯t unpleasant. She then turned and hugged her father.


    Auraya glanced at Rafe, ¡°the deed?¡±


    He produced it and handed it over. Turning to Gina, Auraya gave her a cheeky smile and handed her the document. Gina rolled her eyes and set about transferring over the man¡¯s property. Imogen handed the coins back to Meera, and then scurried back to her corner. Once the final signature had been placed, Meera and her father began to gather their belongings.


    ¡°Safe travels,¡± Auraya bade them.


    ¡°Thank you, y¡¯highness,¡± they both replied.


    The door opened just as the three slipped from sight. Evans and Patten walked in.


    ¡°Are you going to explain what happened?¡± Patten looked disgruntled. Auraya stifled a laugh. She had basically done everything on the fly. What she didn¡¯t like was to be questioned whilst she was getting things done.


    ¡°Someone tried to kill me,¡± she replied with a smile. ¡°Imogen?¡±


    ¡°She had the poison too long,¡± Imogen replied breathily. ¡°The coins were in a chest. Dark wood. Red on it. It was a man. His face was hidden. He seemed¡­ rich.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. Write down what you can,¡± Auraya told her.


    ¡°Why all the theatrics?¡± Patten huffed.


    ¡°Needed to give the little mouse a chance to escape.¡±


    ¡°She tried to kill you!¡± Patten shouted.


    ¡°And?¡± Auraya asked nonchalantly.


    ¡°That¡¯s treason,¡± he replied incredulously.


    Auraya blew a raspberry through her lips. ¡°If I killed everyone who had tried to harm me, the streets would be piled with bodies.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, they would,¡± Winnie chimed in.


    Patten¡¯s mouth just hung open for a time before he turned on his heels and left. Auraya sighed. He¡¯d get it soon enough.

 Chapter 8 - The Drug Lord

    Rafe


    Rafe sat and watched the flames of the fire dance as they reached up to the sky. It was just after dusk, so the sky was a swirling bruise of purples and dark blues. Tiny flecks of ash disappeared on a light breeze and smoke curled upwards and dissipated. To his right was Tristan, talking animatedly with a member of his team. On his left sat a quiet member of his kin. He had spent the past mark with Tristan¡¯s team listening to their chatter, basking in their closeness and the nothingness that surrounded them. He enjoyed being called out by Tristan. He had travelled all over Moralis but had barely left Jude. In the evenings, no matter their location, they gathered together, shared their tales of the day, and unwound as a unit. Tristan had a habit of calling Rafe to join them for their meal. It allowed Rafe to escape the hustle and bustle of Jude, and none of them expected anything of him. This far out, it took a tremendous amount of magic to be called, so his team would need to spend a mark or two fending for themselves. There was no buzz at the edge of his senses, constantly calling for his attention. There were no nosy spymasters, no whining offspring of torturers, no investigations, no stress. As much as he believed they would do what they had to, Rafe still worried. He was just as protective as Auraya. Perhaps not as much, her protectiveness had reached a height many of them would never attain. But still, he worried. He knew, like him, most of them had been hurt and he did not want to be someone who added to their pain. Each of his team had chosen to join. They had known the risk when they had agreed, but that did not mean he wouldn¡¯t do whatever he could to ensure each of them came home after a mission. It was as if Tristan instinctively knew when Rafe had had enough of duty, human interaction and noise, and he just needed to escape. The call would come, and Rafe would go. He would always be grateful for the family Auraya and Reggie had made for him.


    Rafe felt the first touches of tiredness weigh down his eyelids and attempt to draw a yawn from his chest. He rolled his shoulders, intending to leave.


    ¡°Leaving already?¡± Tristan asked, turning to him.


    Rafe nodded.


    ¡°Stay safe, brother,¡± Tristan told him with a warm smile and squeeze of his shoulder.


    ¡°And you,¡± Rafe replied.


    Rafe took himself to his room back in the castle, changed then headed to his corner. He was asleep within moments. He woke before the sun, folded the blanket, and placed it on the desk. He then took himself back to his room. He readied himself for training and joined Auraya. She was standing about twenty feet from a training dummy. Her posture was relaxed, and her eyes were closed. Rafe could sense her magic swirling all around her. Intrigued, he stood and tried to understand what she was doing. It seemed nonsensical to him. Her magic was flitting about, seemingly at random, twirling all around her. After a while, the whirling ceased and it shot forward, causing the training dummy to explode. Or not explode. As the dust settled, he realised that the top half of the dummy had been severed. The smug smile on Auraya¡¯s face told him that she had achieved what she had intended.


    She turned as he approached, her smile brightening.


    ¡°Finally got it,¡± she told him.


    He smiled at her and raised his hands. ¡°Shall we?¡±


    She obliged and took his hands. They spent the next mark moving from place to place. She had improved. She kept her frustration at bay, although he knew she still felt it. When they returned to the training yard, they sparred until Trevor took control and led the group through movements. Sparring consisted of four on one, alternately armed then unarmed, attackers then defender.


    The call came through, as expected, a few marks after sunrise. Rafe withdrew from his group and headed over to Trevor. He indicated for Auraya to join them.


    ¡°Louis will arrive in about a mark,¡± he told the two.


    ¡°How long?¡± Trevor asked him.


    ¡°Four marks after midday,¡± he replied. ¡°Be flexible.¡±


    ¡°Always.¡±


    ¡°Have the masks ready.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t stress Rafe,¡± Trevor soothed with a comfortable smile and a squeeze of his shoulder. ¡°We¡¯re prepared.¡±


    Rafe gave him a hard look before turning to Auraya.


    ¡°We are also ready,¡± she told him with a smile that told him he would soon be regretting his life choices.


    Rafe sighed and took himself to his room. He washed up as best he could with the basin there, and then took himself to a rooftop in Ivy Harbour. He found Alan in the same place he had a half turn ago. Alan indicated the correct ship and Rafe watched as it docked and the crew began to unload its cargo. It took a mark or so for the particular cargo they were waiting for to be unloaded. A few familiar faces arrived with a cart and began to load the earthenware jars. There were more this time, perhaps three times as much. Probably to make up for the loss last time.


    Whilst he watched, Rafe contacted several members of his team, ensuring they were in place. They all gave an affirmative response and then they waited. Two more carts were needed to recover all the goods. Alan followed them to the warehouse whilst Rafe waited and watched for Louis.


    It took another mark for his kin to be free. He slipped away from the rest of the crew, meandering through the docks until he found an empty corner. In the next moment, Rafe sensed him at his side.


    ¡°Welcome home,¡± Rafe greeted. ¡°Good work.¡±


    ¡°Thanks Rafe,¡± Louis gushed. ¡°It was a lot of fun.¡±


    ¡°The producer?¡±


    ¡°Some fat lord type. I had to put down twelve at his manor. The warehouse they made it in was easy to burn down. Didn¡¯t have time to find the farms.¡±


    ¡°How long until they sail out?¡±


    ¡°Three days.¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± Rafe nodded. ¡°Go rest. We¡¯ll talk tomorrow.¡±


    With a clap on Rafe¡¯s shoulder, Louis took himself away. Rafe watched as the captain continued marching about the docks and his ship. His men steadily disappeared, until a small group remained with him. They spent some time talking amongst themselves. Soon after, Grace rose from his shadow. He indicated to her which man she needed to watch. Once Grace was in position, Rafe took himself to Alan.


    His kin was crouched on a roof opposite the familiar looking compound. The lord had several warehouses full of goods inside a gated area. There were two guards stationed at the gate, and several workers milling about within.


    It took no more than a quarter of a mark for their target to appear. The man hopped out of his carriage and sauntered through the gate. Rafe watched until he entered the lone building to the right of the gate. Once he went inside, Rafe bade Alan goodbye and took himself to the building¡¯s roof. He then took himself slowly into the attic, being careful not to re-materialise inside one of the room¡¯s objects. Using fore knowledge of the structure¡¯s layout, he silently padded through the space. He heard the voices before he arrived. Several men and women were talking boisterously amongst themselves. When the door to the room opened with a bang, the room¡¯s occupants quieted.


    The man started off mumbling, until he was screaming.


    ¡°Get it right this time!¡± He rounded off. His tone lowered as he relayed orders to each of the men and women in the room. Rafe mentally made notes of where the shipments were going, relaying the information back to Seelie. It matched what they had found out in the past turn or so. Several key locations, in mostly the poorest parts of Jude would receive their shipments that day, and by night, it would be poisoning the streets.


    Once everyone was dismissed, the man left shortly after. When the door had closed, Rafe slipped down into the man¡¯s office and rifled through the documents on his desk, and in his drawers. It took little to no time to find what he needed; Reece had played his part well after all.


    When he was done, he made his way back to Alan. After a quick conversation, Rafe headed back to the castle to wait with Trevor and his kin. They had amassed in the training yard. The tension was almost palpable in some of the younger ones. The youngest was only fourteen cycles, and this would be the first expedition for some of them. Everything had changed after the Choosing. The scale of this operation was nothing like what they would have done before. They would have killed the lord and burned his warehouse to the ground. They certainly wouldn¡¯t have crossed the ocean. They were becoming bolder, and their priorities were steadily changing. Rafe believed they would be able to handle the changes, but it was clearly affecting some of the others.


    Regardless, Rafe put it out of his mind. He was really only responsible for his own team. His quota for social interaction was usually drained after that.


    The time dragged by slowly, so Rafe continued to practice moving objects without himself. A few of the steppers came to join him out of curiosity. One of the younger boys managed to move a rock by his foot. Rafe managed to move a rock from twenty feet away from him. It was arduous and consumed most of their concentration, but it was progress.


    When the first call came in, Rafe went over to join Trevor and Seelie. She was keeping track of their kin and their objectives. The groups were divided, and burdens were passed out.


    When the final signal came, Rafe rested his hands on the shoulders of his two companions and took them to a rooftop opposite a bakery in the north of Whitegate.


    They all donned their masks, and Rafe took them to the shed behind the shop. He slowed his approach, and upon realising it was empty, he re-materialised. He directed his companions to ready the jars and walked over to the door of the shed. He pulled a note out of his pocket and nailed it to the outside of the door as quietly as he could. He then walked back over to his companions and took them and their load to the burial site. The burial team accepted their load, Rafe sent a confirmation through to Seelie, then took his companions to their next location.


    Again, he landed on a roof opposite and watched for activity. Rafe took them to a similar looking shed at the rear of the shop. Whereas the last shed was filled with produce ¨C flour, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and such ¨C this shed was full of reels of cloth, balls of wool, spools of thread and naked mannequins. The jars had likewise been stowed near the back of the shed.


    Rafe materialised his group in an open space and was about to direct them to assemble the jars when the sound of the shed door opening forced them to hide. A young man walked into the shed and headed straight for the jars. He began tugging on the cork when the door banged open again.


    ¡°What d¡¯you think your doing?¡± An older male shouted. His clothes were well made but composed of moderately expensive cloth. His accent seemed to mimic that of the nobility but slipped in places. Rafe presumed this was the owner of the tailors.


    ¡°I¡­¡± the boy stammered.


    ¡°I told you to go pick up that cloth, not stick your grubby hands where they don¡¯t belong.¡±


    The boy looked appropriately sheepish as he scampered out of the shed. The older man stared at the jars in disgust for a few beats before aggressively shutting the door on his way out.


    Rafe waited for the sound of their retreat to diminish before venturing out of his hiding place. He directed his companions to arrange the jars then swiftly crept towards the door. He let his senses roam and found the yard to be empty. He placed a similar note on the door, and then went back to his companions. They left their load with the burial team, relayed their confirmation, and then ventured to their next stop.


    This one would probably not be as simple as the last two. On the roof opposite the tavern, Rafe spied two guards attempting to casually hang around the entrance. Their gait looked relaxed at first, but upon closer inspection, Rafe could see the tension in their stiff shoulders, roaming eyes and twitchy fingers.


    They all let their senses roam this time. To ensure the initial assessment they had been given remained the same. Two guards positioned out front, five people in the main room inside, seven below. That would probably include the owner, who was reported to be of moderate fighting ability. The guards looked to be hired mercenaries. Rafe sent a message to Seelie suggesting they start investigating all the mercenary companies in the region and assess their capabilities.


    Rafe adjusted his mask, confirmed his companions were ready, and then took them to the basement below the tavern.


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


    The fuss began immediately, Rafe had drawn his sword as soon as he materialised and thrust it straight into the back of an unsuspecting guard. His companions had made similar moves, one venturing to the right and the other the left. The former amputated an arm, and then sliced the guard¡¯s side open, and the latter took the head of the closest guard, which Rafe was rightfully impressed with, given the tight space. The hollering and demands for reinforcement drew the rest of the company to them, but thanks to a narrow staircase, they arrived slowly and individually.


    Rafe kicked his burden forward, dislodging his sword, then took himself upstairs. He positioned himself in front of the door and slashed the back of one of the unsuspecting sentries who had come to join the fray from outside. His companion swivelled, his face a picture of confusion, but he didn¡¯t hesitate. He swung his sword at Rafe in a tight arc, forcing Rafe to use his talent to take himself just to the right of the swinging guard. He materialised as the guard¡¯s arm was at a right angle to his body, so he thrust his own blade upwards, removing his sword hand. Before the man could register his loss, Rafe swivelled his blade and opened the man¡¯s throat. He clearly wasn¡¯t sure which wound was more deserving of his attention as he sank to his knees and gave himself over to the grave.


    Rafe stepped over and past the two men and walked towards the noise. He let his senses go and picked up someone on the same floor as him, scurrying towards what was most likely the back door. Instead of rushing, he took himself to just in front of the man with his sword perpendicular to his chest. He braced his legs as the unsuspecting man thrust himself onto Rafe¡¯s blade. Rafe watched as the confusion bled into shock and then rage, and finally fear, as blood dribbled from his mouth and into his goatee.


    The man may have spoken, but Rafe wasn¡¯t paying much attention, he was getting an update from Seelie. The other teams were nearly all in position for the next stage of attack.


    Ensuring that the man was dead, Rafe began to walk back towards the basement. The noise had lessened but was still present. He would aid his kin putting the last of the guards down.


    As he reached the door to the basement steps, however, a call came in from one of the other groups. One of their kin was injured. Rafe quickly descended the steps to see that there were only two guards left. They were quite skilled, and thus were holding their own, but he had faith in his kin. It didn¡¯t help that they weren¡¯t able to use their talent, but they didn¡¯t want to leave evidence of magic use.


    ¡°Secure the premises until I return,¡± he informed his companions before taking himself away.


    He arrived on a roof opposite a brothel and saw quite a ruckus in the street below. Scantily clad men and women littered the street in front of the establishment, screeching and crying and generally acting delirious. Rafe looked to his right and then his left. It did not appear like reinforcements, or the city guard were approaching. They were outside the city walls, so he did not have much faith in the latter, but he was uncertain about the former. He let his senses roam and then took himself to a large room on the second floor of the building. Inside he saw one of his kin lying on the floor, blood all around him, and two more fighting quite skilled guards. It was two on one, and his kin were evidently on the defensive, trying to protect their fallen comrade.


    After a quick assessment, Rafe used his talent to take himself behind one guard and then another to incapacitate them, so his kin were left fighting one guard each. He then took himself to his fallen comrade and took them both back to the castle. He was met by Lisa who immediately set about healing his kin. He surveyed the injured and only saw two others. It pleased him.


    He gave Seelie a nod, then took himself back to the brothel. They had backed the last man into a corner and were just doling out the last blow. One parried, slashing the guard¡¯s chest, then the other stepped in and cut the guard¡¯s throat. It was over in a matter of moments. When his kin turned around, neither of them looked satisfied at their accomplishment.


    ¡°He¡¯ll be fine,¡± Rafe told them. It wasn¡¯t much, but he believed and so should they.


    When they left to unload the jars, Rafe went back to the tavern. He found his companions guarding the two entrances. He made himself known and then took them both to the basement. He retrieved the jars and made his way to the burial site.


    After confirmation, they headed to the docks in Ivy Harbour and assembled with the other teams. A quick head count showed they were indeed only three down. Rafe made his way over to Trevor and was updated on the situation. His shadow walkers had managed to intercept any escapees or informers from the raids. Those marked for death had seen their end, whereas those who had been coerced into the affair were simply unconscious at their old home. As such, the warehouse guards were none the wiser. So too was Dennison.


    There were only four in the warehouse that were marked for death. The rest were merely regular dock workers. They were employed by Dennison to cart goods to and from ships, and to whomever he sold his goods to. They were unaware most of the time what they were transporting and would not be punished for their ignorance. There were, however, four individuals who were just as culpable as the Lord Dennison. They had actively recruited ¨C where recruitment involves kidnapping, beatings, and blackmail ¨C multiple businesses around Jude to sell their product. Some, like the bakery and tailor had attempted to refuse, but after the first slap to a wife or child¡¯s face the owners had relented quite quickly. The brothel and tavern owners, on the other hand, had been all too eager to poison the people of Jude. It was unfortunate that those that had seen them use their talent had to be eliminated, but they were not ready to be found out yet.


    As one, they let their senses roam. Those heading to the warehouse would arrive in places they could instantly render the staff unconscious. It was a matter of timing and precision. Rafe left that to his kin and grasped Trevor¡¯s bicep.


    He took them to the roof of the building he had been on earlier that day. He was there for but a blink before they were in the attic. He walked them to the spot above the office next to the lord¡¯s and listened to two men and a woman discussing their enterprise. One was missing.


    Rafe looked at Trevor who gave him a nod after drawing his blade. Rafe did the same, then took them to the room below. They materialised behind the two men sitting in front of a woman, a desk in between them. As if choreographed, Rafe and Trevor thrust their blades through the backs of the men¡¯s necks. The woman¡¯s eyes widened in shock. She began to take a breath, to no doubt call in reinforcements, so Rafe took himself behind her and lightly pressed a dagger to her throat. She quieted before a noise could be made.


    ¡°Where is Lucius?¡± Rafe asked impassively.


    ¡°I¡­¡± she tried before gathering herself. She took a slow breath and twitched minutely. Trevor saw it, though. He walked around the desk and retrieved the dagger she had wanted to reach for.


    ¡°Uh-uh, darling,¡± he told her with a sweet smile.


    ¡°Lucius,¡± Rafe asked just as neutrally, pushing the blade a little harder into the soft flesh.


    ¡°Three doors down. To the left.¡±


    Rafe relayed the information to Reece. After receiving confirmation that the deed was done, Rafe sliced the woman¡¯s throat. He then confirmed that the warehouse teams had completed their objectives before taking them both to the burial site.


    The burial team performed a final count before most of the teams were dismissed. A few were left to ensure the jars were safely placed underground.


    ¡°Good luck,¡± Trevor bade him with a mischievous grin before disappearing with his team.


    Rafe rolled his eyes and then took himself to a roof opposite the Lord Dennison¡¯s manor. There he found Auraya and Winnie waiting for him. Auraya¡¯s hair had been darkened to almost black, it was such a distinctive colour that they were cautious for survivors to see it.


    ¡°It¡¯s about time, Rafe,¡± Winnie huffed, not taking her eyes away from the entrance of the manor.


    Rafe once again rolled his eyes before looking at Auraya.


    ¡°Good work,¡± she told him with a smug smile. Rafe felt the same. This was the biggest ¨C and most widespread ¨C operation they had ever led, and it was extremely satisfying that it had gone well so far. They both looked at the manor. This would be their final leg of the operation, and Rafe hoped it would go as smoothly as the rest of the day. He looked at Winnie¡¯s feral grin and stifled a sigh.


    They waited for the sun to set. They still had their kin surrounding the manor running interference. No one had managed to slip through yet, the lord would be none the wiser to his fallen enterprise.


    When the sun finally slipped under the horizon a little while later, they began to ready themselves. Masks were put in place and swords were drawn. Rafe placed a hand on both their shoulders and took them to the front yard of the manor.


    Instantly, movement came to a halt. The guards at the front gate came crashing towards them, as did those at the front entrance of the mansion. The clash of swords rang out within moments of their arrival. They parried to disarm and knock unconscious. No blood was spilt. A surge of guards came from around the left side of the mansion and out the front doors. A quick count showed roughly twenty-five. One of the guards pushed his way to the front of the group, clearly the leader.


    ¡°Enough,¡± he shouted. His men backed off, but the three kept their guard up. They were effectively blocking the exit, but the guards did not look like they wanted to flee. They were thus not aware that they were trapped.


    Winnie slowly backed up to a bench and stood on it. Before the lead guard could speak again, she addressed the crowd.


    ¡°Your lord has been supplying rilium to Jude,¡± she shouted. It caused enough confusion that the lead guard cut off what he was about to say. ¡°We have destroyed his enterprise. And we have now come for his head.¡± She took a deep breath. ¡°Leave or die!¡±


    She jumped down and began walking towards the crowd of guards. Rafe couldn¡¯t see her covered face, but he knew that he would see a smirk if he could.


    ¡°Stop right there,¡± the lead guard cried, determination overriding his earlier confusion. He advanced on Winnie as she ignored him. When she was within striking distance, he aimed to take out her legs. Winnie jumped over his sword and let her own drag along his neck as she made her way around him. He fell to the floor choking desperately and clutching his neck.


    There was quiet for a beat. A guard looked incredulously at Winnie.


    ¡°He was warned,¡± she told him whilst shrugging.


    That seemed to spur the rest into motion. Probably half decided they would try their luck by fighting. The rest seemed to stand in a trance or attempt to slip off. The service staff had long since run away from the ruckus.


    When the guards began their attack, Auraya took up position to Winnie¡¯s right. The two of them ploughed through the guards like they were merely inconveniences. They were taught to ensure that their attacks or counterattacks were lethal. Most of them still had cycles until they were grown, getting into a battle of endurance with an opponent would most likely be unfavourable for them. They trained rigorously and had fantastic stamina, but a hill versus a mountain is still disadvantaged. As such, side by side, the girls took down guard after guard without hesitation or remorse.


    Rafe spent most of his time at the back, ensuring no-one snuck around and tried to catch them unawares. He watched as the girls stepped around each other, cutting down man after man in a beautifully macabre dance.


    They made their way into the house, presenting the same offer to those who may not have heard it. They were to leave, or they were to die. Winnie would only inform them once. None of the service staff put up a fight, but that was to be expected. They poured out of the house as if it were on fire. Most of the guards in the house tried their hand at the trio and came out of the altercation dead. The halls were painted red in their wake, until finally they came upon their destination.


    Winnie knocked like the obnoxious little maniac she was.


    ¡°Um¡­ hello,¡± she called sweetly. ¡°We¡¯re here for the Lord Dennison.¡±


    Muffled complaints and threats came through the door, which were promptly ignored.


    ¡°Surrender or die! Five¡­ Four¡­ Three¡­¡± Winnie nodded at Rafe. ¡°Two¡­¡± Rafe sheathed his sword and grasped their shoulders. ¡°One.¡±


    They entered the room to see five guards standing protectively in a semi-circle formation around their lord. Most looked shocked at their entrance, but one of them recovered quickly and began to speak.


    Auraya moved first this time. She did not give him the chance to utter even a syllable. She moved herself in front of him and pierced his throat, then took herself back, sword hanging loosely at her side, eyes impassive. Winnie giggled then threw herself forward to engage two of the guards. Auraya took the other two whilst the lord soiled his breaches in the furthest corner of the room.


    Seeing the matter was well in hand, Rafe took himself to the burial site. He retrieved the single jar that had been left for him. He asked for an update from his kin and found that all had gone well. They had easily buried the jars deep underground and sent the rest of their kin to the castle. After they were done, he dismissed them ¨C as their job was now done ¨C and took himself and the jar back to the office. There he found five corpses piled in the corner of the room and a half naked lord strung up on bare vines in the middle of the room. Winnie was sat on the desk, mask down, legs swinging. Auraya was standing in front of the lord, staring at him silently. Dennison was clearly unnerved. He was quietly crying as his eyes flitted around the room.


    Auraya looked over her shoulder when Rafe appeared. Her eyes slid to the jar, and she smiled. She turned back to the lord as Rafe went to make himself comfortable on the far wall.


    Auraya lowered her mask, causing the lord to frown. She shook her head and her hair slowly brightened to its usual colour of flame. Recognition dawned on the man¡¯s face as he looked Auraya over.


    ¡°You?¡± Dennison breathed. ¡°You can¡¯t do this!¡±


    ¡°I think you¡¯ll find that I can, Lord Dennison,¡± Auraya told him calmly.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t even attended the Crowning yet,¡± he spat. ¡°You¡¯re still nothing but an orphan from the slums.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not why I can, my lord,¡± she told him, still as calm as ever. ¡°My kin and I have been disposing of trash like you for cycles.¡±


    His eyes glazed for a few moments. ¡°Davers,¡± he queried without inflection as he focused again.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Auraya confirmed, pacing slowly in front of him. ¡°One of many we have removed.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t get away with this,¡± he shouted frantically. ¡°I have powerful allies.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry yourself about us, my lord. We will destroy any and all opposition to our new world.¡±


    The Lord looked around desperately, as if an exit might present itself if he looked hard enough.


    Auraya stepped closer to him, drawing her dagger as she went. Dennison seemed to be working himself into quite a frenzy with each step she took. He alternated between crying and begging, and threatening and cursing. It was quite pitiful to watch. A gentle touch to the man¡¯s chest stilled his movements. His eyes were wide and wild, strangled noises escaped his paralysed throat, and yet more urine joined them in the room.


    Winnie let out a disgusted noise. Rafe was quiet, although he agreed with the sentiment.


    The man¡¯s eyes scrunched as the dagger raked over his skin. His cries became even more pained but were still muffled by Auraya¡¯s magic. She didn¡¯t spend a long time in front of him before she stepped back to look over her handiwork. After the inspection and a nod of approval, she wiped her hands and her dagger on the man¡¯s discarded tunic.


    Rafe looked at the words she had carved, ¡®HE DIED AS HE LIVED¡¯. Fitting. But also, ambiguous. And mostly nonsense. The lord did not partake of his own product, but he would die by it. He had flooded Jude with rilium, destroying lives and ¡®keeping the poor in their place¡¯, as he had stated. He would see his end just like so many else had because of him.


    Auraya nodded at the jar, and Rafe used his newest skill to move it from beside himself to next to Auraya. Between the two girls, they force fed the lord as much as they could until he took his last breath. They rubbed it in his wounds and Winnie created more to poke into. Rafe rifled through the man¡¯s documents whilst the girls worked. He found what he needed quite easily.


    Once they were done, they laid him on his desk; his arms, legs, and head hanging off the sides.


    Rafe went over to the two when they were satisfied and took them both to the castle. Not a moment too soon either, the city guard had finally arrived. They had been kept apprised of their progress whilst they were in the lord¡¯s house. Regardless of the lord¡¯s wealth, the city guard were unorganised and slow on the best of days. With all the attacks that had happened in and around the city, they were straggling.


    A bath was all Rafe could think about after his day. He scrubbed and the soaked until his skin was deliciously wrinkled. He headed back to his room and was about to change for sleep when he felt the call of his name. In a blink he was with Tristan.


    A fire was lit, and bowls of stew were being handed out. Tristan thrust a bowl into his hands with a wiggle of his eyebrows.


    ¡°Long day?¡± Tristan asked.


    ¡°You could say that,¡± Rafe replied with a shrug.

 Chapter 9 - The Attack

    Auraya


    Auraya sat at her desk reading through yet more records of lineages. It was dull. She revisited it often. It was not something she could get any pleasure from but knowing how the nobility were inbred was quite helpful when putting them in their place.


    The door to her office opened and she sensed Tristan walk in. She paid it little mind. She had long since established that she didn¡¯t mind if her kin simply walked in, as long as they didn¡¯t disturb her until she was ready. She quickly read through the last of the Dwyer legitimate and illegitimate chit, then looked up.


    ¡°Welcome home,¡± she greeted with a smile.


    ¡°That looks oh so very interested,¡± he replied, eyeing the tome.


    ¡°Oh, to be so thoroughly inbred my eyes are on my elbows,¡± she said wistfully. ¡°You bring in some strays?¡±


    ¡°Four,¡± he told her, all humour falling from his features. ¡°Mother ran off, father died in a tavern brawl. All have great talent potential.¡±


    ¡°Ages?¡±


    ¡°Three, five, eight and eleven.¡±


    Auraya nodded. The last one was older than she preferred, but they would never turn them away.


    ¡°Any news of Streibe?¡±


    ¡°Roads are in disrepair. Little to no trade. They make a lot of ale, so too do they drink a lot. The town is a mess. Half of them are drunk, the other half are starving or stealing.¡±


    ¡°What of their lord? Elys?¡±


    ¡°Lord Elys is fighting with Lord Heardwy and Lady Edwyn for aid to build roads and foster trade. Not too wealthy a region, he needs the help. He sends relief, but it¡¯s not spent or shared where it¡¯s needed the most.¡±


    Auraya sighed.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, O,¡± Tristan soothed, reaching for her hand, and giving it a squeeze. ¡°We have time.¡±


    ¡°But do the people?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ve been getting on without us for a long time. They can make do a little longer.¡±


    Auraya sighed again, this time a little dramatically as the corner of her lips twitched. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t I always?¡±


    ¡°Next stop?¡± Auraya asked rolling her eyes.


    ¡°Steinacton.¡±


    ¡°Any rumblings?¡±


    ¡°Not yet. Maybe the villages on the way will shed some light.¡±


    A knock on the door stopped her from replying. A little frown came and went. Her kin would not knock. Neither would the regent or his ilk. There were only a select few who could enter her office without adverse effects. Her kin in the antechamber would need to open the door for the others and inform her who was there. That left Evans or Patten.


    ¡°Come,¡± she called out.


    The door opened, and Patten walked in dressed in full regalia.


    ¡°Your highness,¡± he said respectfully with a bow.


    ¡°To what do I owe the pleasure, Captain?¡± Auraya asked with a small sigh.


    ¡°It has been brought to my attention that you have been venturing into Whitegate without a guard escort.¡± His expression was neutral, but Auraya knew that he was berating her.


    Before she could work herself up into an irritated tirade, Tristan stood, smirking.


    ¡°I¡¯ll head back out, O.¡±


    ¡°Stay safe.¡±


    A nod and he was gone. Auraya looked back at Patten. She opened her mouth to speak, but he got in there first.


    ¡°I am aware that you are perfectly capable of protecting yourself, but it is inappropriate for someone of your station to prance around the city without an escort.¡±


    ¡°Prance?¡± Auraya asked, raising a single brow.


    ¡°Yes, prance,¡± he replied, standing up straighter and squaring his shoulders, but barely managing to maintain a neutral expression.


    Auraya took a breath and thought about it. She did not want an escort. She did not want to have a group of guards at her back as she attended to patients, and whatever else she got up to. But she could not deny that she had been upgraded to royalty. She was no longer Auraya, the first of Reggie¡¯s Orphans. She was no longer an inconspicuous youth in a crowd. Her face was becoming known. She didn¡¯t fear for her life but was merely irritated at the inconvenience.


    She would agree to Patten¡¯s demand to satisfy his need for proprietary, but his men would not be allowed to enter the premises. She knew she wouldn¡¯t be able to shake him, but the others were a different story. She looked up. If they were walking, she would need to leave then and there.


    ¡°Very well,¡± she said, standing up and walking around the desk. ¡°Shall we?¡±


    Patten nodded, a broad smile on his lips.


    ¡°I thought I would have to convince you more,¡± he confessed.


    ¡°Come now, Patten. Your argument was sound.¡±


    He laughed and rolled his eyes, hearing the lie for what it was.


    She nodded farewell to Gina and made her way out of the office. She gave the same to her kin in the antechamber and left the office. They were met by six guards. Two of whom were guarding the entrance to her office and four of whom would accompany them. She recognised one of them, who smirked at her.


    ¡°Emerson,¡± Auraya greeted with a blank nod.


    ¡°Your highness,¡± he replied, nodding politely.


    She walked past him and made her way out of the castle. It was just as much of a fiasco as she had thought it would be. People stared and pointed and whispered. It was as if she were waving a flag. After the fight with Patten over taking a carriage or ¨C Gods forbid ¨C a litter, Auraya kept mostly quiet, observing her surroundings with a simmering irritation.


    They walked through the city, out the west gate and into Whitegate. As Auraya turned into the next street, her stomach churned. Malice hung heavy in the air. A person¡¯s magic, the core where their power lay ¨C dormant or otherwise ¨C spoke many truths about a person, far more than words ever could. Negative emotions leaked from a person in droves, tainting the surroundings, and leaving a trail for those sensitive enough to feel it. Tuning into the malicious auras, Auraya extended her senses. After confirming what she sensed, she turned to an alleyway cloaked in shadow and sent out a call. Scarlet¡¯s body emerged, seeming to solidify from the darkness. She raised two fingers, moved them back slightly then thrust four fingers forward. The barest of nods from Auraya saw the girl sink back into shadow.


    Auraya came to a stop several paces later, halting her company. She ordered the guards into formation at her back. They shared a look with their captain but did as commanded.


    ¡°Captain,¡± Auraya addressed Patten without looking at him. Eyes monitoring the surroundings, scanning the street.  ¡°Something is about to happen, and I need your word that you and your men will not interfere unless given the order.¡±


    ¡°Your highness,¡± the frown could be heard in his voice without putting eyes on him. ¡°How can I give you my word without knowing what I am giving it for?¡±


    ¡°You would have to have faith,¡± she replied with a trace of humour.


    ¡°Highness¡­¡±


    ¡°Your word, Captain,¡± Auraya tried her best to convey her determination and command when she turned to him. It usually came naturally, but she and Patten were still establishing their relationship. It would take time for the captain to trust her judgement. Their eyes lingered for moments, until he turned away, barely concealing a scowl.


    ¡°You have my word,¡± he told her grudgingly.


    Auraya faced forward, watching as the people around gawked. At this time of day, this part of the city rarely had many people in it. They had been traversing through the crafting sector. Workshops lined the street. The sounds of hammers, saws, worker¡¯s shouts, and the like could be heard from all around them. The smaller shops interspersed between were mostly to cater for the workshops. Delivery, specialised tailors, food stalls and so on. The streets usually had delivery boys, potential customers, or business owners going to and from their shops. At this time of the afternoon, most crafters would be busy with their tasks, and the streets would be fairly sparse.


    A man in a tattered tunic and breaches advanced on the group. His muscles were pronounced, and his gait seemed easy. He was dressed similarly to a dock worker, which was odd this time of the day, this far from the docks. His overcoat was that of one of the largest warehouse companies at the north-easter port of Stone Harbour. The company worked primarily within the city walls, shipping in expensive and exotic items for the wealthy. Whitegate was located on the opposite side of the city in the west. There was no discernible reason why this man, and the twenty-three others scattered behind him, should be this far from the docks. Not only that, but dock workers also moved and behaved in a certain way. They had a rugged strength from the constant carrying of heavy loads. It usually led to lower back and knee pains, even in the young. This man did not look nor move like a dock worker. He moved with the surety of someone who trained their body and used it in battle. He may have tried to feign indifference, but the tension was palpable. His gaze kept shifting to the group, and his right hand twitched ever closer to the poorly concealed blade.


    ¡°Your word, Captain,¡± Auraya repeated as a reminder.


    Before he could reply, the tattered man withdrew his weapon and lurched at Auraya, blade raised. It was odd, to say the least. He cried out as he drew his blade and raised it above his head. His poor disguise and suspicious behaviour aside, he had announced his presence and intentions from ten paces away. The sheer lack of professionalism annoyed Auraya far more than it should have. The insult of hiring such poorly trained assassins drew her brows together a touch. As he approached, he brought his blade down to cleave at Auraya¡¯s head. She could sense that Patten and the guards wanted to move, but thankfully, they kept their feet planted.


    After letting go of the annoyance, Auraya watched the man with an indifferent stare and did not move. Amusement had barely registered on the man¡¯s face, for the lack of reaction in his prey and her company. It transformed into surprise when a short brunette came from seemingly nowhere and parried the strike when it was inches from contact. Using the man¡¯s confusion against him, she twisted her single edged sword, jumped from the ground, and ran the edge across the man¡¯s throat. He dropped his weapon and brought both hands to his neck, trying to prevent the inevitable. He was on his knees in moments, and Scarlett used her boot to direct where he fell.


    His gurgles were only heard for moments before an uproarious cry rang out, followed by several others. The other poorly disguised dock worker lookalikes drew their weapons and charged forward.


    Fools, Auraya thought as the annoyance flared up again.


    The guards at her back put their hands to their weapons, eliciting another, ¡°your word, Captain,¡± from Auraya. Patten growled his aggravation but motioned for his men to hold.


    Scarlett stepped over the now dead man at her feet. And readied herself for the confrontation. When she stilled, Rafe and three others appeared at her side: Paddy, Alan, and Ridley. They fanned out on either side of Scarlett and readied themselves. A calm came over Auraya and her kin. They had spent most of their life training, and times like these allowed them to use it.


    The clash followed the same pattern as the first. A wild strike from the attackers, a deflection, and a killing strike from Auraya¡¯s kin. They attacked in singles or pairs with vigour, but each went down with a slashed throat and perhaps a missing limb. Their magic was mostly unnecessary, as the mercenaries were trained but still wild, over-confident and undisciplined. They did not work as a team. They were scattered and chaotic.


    Ridley, one of Rafe¡¯s youngest seemed to be enjoying himself. His magic manifested in a physical enhancement that gave him tremendous speed. At least to the outside observer anyway. He claimed to be able to alter his senses, so the world seemed to slow. It gave him an impressive edge. He still had a way to go before he lost some of his impulsiveness and arrogance. Hopefully, it wouldn¡¯t get the best of him. He let an attacker come close and attempt to strike him. He seemed to blur behind the attacker, slash his legs to bring them down and then make the killing strike. They were all young and fairly small, so they aimed to incapacitate as quickly as possible.


    The rest of the group did not use their talents. They simply deflected and struck. They ploughed through the rest of the attackers with an almost bored ease.


    Auraya searched the group whilst Rafe¡¯s team did their work. Finding what she was looking for, she turned to the captain and smirked at his bewilderment.


    ¡°Your word, Captain,¡± was only met with confusion.


    Auraya reached for her magic and cloaked herself in it. She then used her will to place herself behind a red headed man who was watching the skirmish from the rear, blade in hand. She touched his shoulder and sent her magic into him, commanding his body to render him unconscious. He fell, splayed like a doll. She touched him on the ground, cloaked them both and used her will to return to the Patten.


    Patten looked not only confused now, but outright angry.


    ¡°Highness,¡± he cried out, moving forward.


    Auraya merely smirked and sent herself to the back of another. This one also had hair of fire, but slightly darker. He looked like the other man, but younger. He seemed hesitant to engage, flustered with the near constant drop of his comrades. His twitching caused him to see her before she could lay hands on him. As he raised his blade, she got into the centre of his guard and placed her hands on his face. His fear was strong before he too fell unconscious.


    Returning to the Captain, Auraya raised a hand before he could verbalise his rage. They stared for long moments before he calmed himself and looked back at the dwindling skirmish.


    ¡°Bind them,¡± Auraya commanded to no one in particular. It was done without hesitation by a guard just behind her.


    Returning to her former spot, Auraya watched as her kin dispatched what seemed to be the last of the attackers. Two men caught her eye as they backed up and attempted to run away. She reached into her satchel, produced two small blades, and placed one in each hand. She raised her arms, flicked her wrists, and sent the blades soaring into the back of both of their heads. They fell forward near a group of lingering gawkers watching the gruesome display. Their screams only added to the chaos.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Moments later, Rafe and his team were wiping off their blades and returning to face Auraya.


    Looking at the fallen, Auraya counted twenty-two. Including their prisoners and the count indeed came to twenty-four.


    ¡°You did well,¡± Auraya said, smiling at her kin as she walked towards them. She touched each of them on the shoulder, assessing their injuries and healing what she could. When she came to Ridley, she stopped.


    ¡°Come find me when I return to the castle.¡± He had a gash in his side that would require more than a cursory healing touch. His arrogance had caused him to lose focus.


    He nodded and looked somewhat ashamed. He would require a lecture along with his teas.


    Once she had ascertained the health of her kin, she turned to Rafe.


    ¡°The dungeon?¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Imogen?¡±


    ¡°Please.¡±


    With that, Rafe, his team, the corpses, and the prisoners vanished from sight. Scarlet locked eyes with Auraya, who smiled warmly at the shorter brunette. The edge of Scarlet¡¯s lip tipped up slightly before she stepped into the closest shadow and disappeared.


    The captain approached, once again looking to speak. ¡°Just a moment, Captain,¡± Auraya cut in.


    She turned to face the street. Drawing out her magic, she sent it out like a wave over the street and surrounding alleys. Guided by her senses, she raised her right hand and gathered all the blood she could find, sending it up above the buildings. The street was a mess. Blood came from the floor, the walls, the window and even a few unfortunate gawkers. A substantial amount rose and joined together like a red bubble. Once the blood began to peter off, Auraya raised her left hand and drew her magic just above it. She sparked a flame into existence, raised it up as she fed it more magic, increasing its size and intensity. Once the ball of flame was as hot as it could be, she joined the two together, heating the blood until it evaporated, leaving only traces of ash to be taken by the wind.


    Once done, she turned to the captain expectantly.


    He was watching her. Too many emotions and questions seeming to pass over his features in the time they watched each other. Auraya thought the process must be painful. Gradually, he rebuilt his mask and the window into his mind closed.


    He eventually asked, ¡°where to now, your highness?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s continue on our way, shall we,¡± she said with a smile.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡°So, the rumours are true then?¡± Bettina seemed caught between bemusement and amusement, looking from Auraya to Patten and back again.


    ¡°So, it would seem,¡± Auraya replied as she approached Betty¡¯s cot. A quick examination saw the woman had much improved since her last visit. Her complexion showed healthier colours and her gaze held more mischief than ever.


    ¡°And you still found the time to visit little old me?¡± The older woman could not pull off innocent, though she may have tried.


    ¡°You¡¯re still my patient,¡± Auraya said, failing to hide her own amusement. ¡°Hopefully, now, you¡¯ll follow my directives.¡±


    ¡°Ha,¡± Bettina barked. ¡°Orders you mean.¡±


    ¡°Has Gilly been behaving himself?¡± A subject change would halt the bickering.


    ¡°That boy is a handful,¡± the affectionate expression belied her words. ¡°He fusses worse than you do.¡±


    Auraya chuckled, knowing full well that Gilly was more maternal than most mothers.


    ¡°He¡¯s looked after me and me shop. Learns quick that one.¡±


    Auraya went to her knees beside Bettina¡¯s cot as she spoke, smoothing her hand over the fresh looking bandage. As Bettina relayed the events of the week, Auraya used her senses to track the progress of the healing. She was pleased with what she saw and accelerated it a touch, just for good measure. Betty was clearly beginning to go stir crazy from inactivity. And their magic was not the big secret it once was. At least not out in the open like this.


    ¡°When he told me the news, I didn¡¯t believe him at first. It was too crazy.¡±


    ¡°I barely believed it myself, and I was there,¡± Auraya replied as she finished re-bandaging and applying fresh salve to the foot.


    ¡°I can imagine¡­¡± Bettina trailed off. When Auraya looked up, she had a contemplative look on her face. ¡°Will you all still be healing the slums?¡±


    The flashes of fear and resignation squeezed Auraya¡¯s heart. She laid her hand over Bettina¡¯s and looked into her eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯ve not heard what Winnie¡¯s been up to?¡±


    ¡°I want to hear it from you, dear.¡±


    ¡°Of course, we will,¡± Auraya replied with conviction. ¡°We¡¯ll have more space¡­ and funding.¡± She wiggled her eyebrows at that. ¡°We¡¯ll be able to help more people. There¡¯s still a lot more to figure out, but we¡¯ll always be there if you need us, Betty.¡±


    The blush that stole across Bettina¡¯s face was deep and endearing. As were her next words.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine without you interfering,¡± she huffed. ¡°I mean for those other hopeless fools running around getting themselves injured.¡±


    Auraya laughed, and it was refreshing. Betty¡¯s stubbornness was a testament to her determination to beat the war with death.


    After a brief update from Gilly ¨C and shooing from Bettina ¨C Auraya and the captain exited the much cleaner shop.


    ¡°You¡¯re a mimic,¡± Patten stated. ¡°Like your father.¡±


    ¡°I am,¡± Auraya answered regardless of the lack of inflection, eyeing him. ¡°Absorber is closer to the truth though.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re a healer,¡± he stated again.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯re a child,¡± his confusion was evident. His mask had slipped often that day. Auraya applauded herself for shaking the seemingly unshakeable.


    ¡°Children are far more capable than most assume,¡± Auraya told him, facing in the direction of her next appointment and walking onwards. ¡°Providing they are raised to perform.¡±


    ¡°And who raised you?¡±


    ¡°A great man.¡±


    The captain stared at her impassive face and chose not to probe further. ¡°Another patient?¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡±


    Three more stops and three more similar conversations later and Auraya set her feet in the direction of the castle. She wondered if the cold formation of stone and opulence would ever feel like home.


    The following day, Patten came to find her in her office. He wanted to discuss the events of the previous day in greater detail. He had underestimated them, as most people usually did. They decided to walk to the training yard to find Trevor, to discuss capabilities, training, and guard rosters. She was not really needed for the discussion between the two, but she had been reading a particularly dry tome regarding the history of Moralis. Leaving to see Trevor was simply an excuse to leave it behind. And Patten preferred her to be present for such talks anyway, so she had a viable excuse. She wasn¡¯t usually one to shirk her education but reading a boring book that clearly skewed the facts was not only arduous, but aggravating.


    Auraya came to a halt just before Rafe appeared in front of her. She frowned a fraction, knowing he should have been in the northern part of the city at that moment.


    ¡°There¡¯s been a situation,¡± he explained in his usual simplistic fashion. His eyes flicked to the captain and back. It would only have been noticed by those who were paying close attention.


    Auraya turned to the captain with a mischievous smile.


    ¡°Your highness¡­¡± Patten began hesitantly, but in the next moment, he looked around and saw that he was at the entrance to the west wing dungeon. His eyes widened and his queries were halted.


    ¡°Who does your allegiance lie with Patten?¡± They were without the company of his men, allowing for the familiarity.


    Surprise showed from the captain, then annoyance, and then determination.


    ¡°You, your highness,¡± he stated with conviction, before taking a knee before her, and bowing his head.


    ¡°I ask for your fealty. I want your oath, Captain.¡±


    Her words caused his head to snap up. ¡°The Crowning?¡± His fealty and that of the captain of the city guard and the General of the Royal Army would be given during the Crowning ceremony, where the country would celebrate her officially becoming the heir to the throne.


    ¡°It would seem I am in need of it now,¡± she said as she eyed him challengingly.


    ¡°Then you shall have it,¡± he said after a few moments, offering his sword. It was long and heavy, matching him in stature. She stabbed it into the ground in front of her, having no use for it. A reminder of the changes she would need to make to the ceremony. Placing a sword upon a person¡¯s shoulder was a pointless tradition she would not stand for. She wanted his blood.


    She retrieved the dagger from her boot, smiling faintly when she laid eyes on it. It had a wicked curve reflective of countries she had heard of but not visited. One edge was finely serrated whilst the other was thick and had a flat edge. The handle was made of a black wood that shone brightly. It was carved with characters she couldn¡¯t understand. She loved it. It had been her first weapon.


    She sliced her left hand lightly, blood pooled in her palm. Patten gasped faintly, confusion on his face.


    ¡°Your hand,¡± she commanded.


    He gave it after a moment of hesitation. She slid the blade over his left palm and offered her own. They linked hands, connected from palm to elbow and looked each other in the eye.


    ¡°The words, Captain.¡± The words of the ceremony were old and laced with ancient magics. The tradition had long since died out ¨C to say the words whilst sharing blood ¨C but Reggie had trained and educated them well.


    ¡°I, John Patten, pledge my strength, loyalty and life¡­¡± Auraya glanced to their clasped hands. ¡°On this blood. I pledge they shall be yours, Auraya Reevers, from this day until my last. Only death awaits those who break an oath.¡±


    As he spoke, warmth spread through their connected palms, down their forearms to their elbows. On the last word, the heat turned searing for a few moments, causing Auraya to grit her teeth and the Captain to frown in confusion. Once the sensation subsided, Auraya channelled her magic to heal their wounds. They relinquished their hold on one another and stepped back.


    ¡°Rafe,¡± she called, watching Patten¡¯s emotions flick past before his face shuttered and he turned his attention to Rafe.


    ¡°One of the castle guards attempted to kill the prisoners,¡± his face was devoid of emotion as he stated the facts, unlike Patten. ¡°He has been detained.¡±


    It looked like Patten was about to challenge Rafe¡¯s words.


    ¡°Never doubt Rafe,¡± Auraya said in challenge, allowing her annoyance to lace the words.


    He bowed his head in a nod and said nothing.


    Auraya motioned for Rafe to lead the way. They followed him through the door to the dungeon, down the stairs and through the corridors, where darkness and stale air smothered them oppressively. Sconces the only source of light as they walked under the castle.


    When Rafe stopped ¨C outside a door to a cell ¨C he turned to Auraya. She in turn looked at Patten. ¡°Do not speak unless directed.¡± That seemed to annoy him, but he nodded his acceptance.


    When she turned back, Rafe opened the door.


    The room was dark, stale and damp. A mound of hay lay in the right corner of the room, on the left lay a bucket for excretions. At the back of the cell, a man in his late twenties was chained by his arms to the wall. He sat with both arms above his head, clothed in only his undergarments. He looked up at their entry and settled his gaze on the captain.


    ¡°Captain,¡± he implored. ¡°Help me, I didn¡¯t do anything. I wasn¡¯t gonna do anything. These people are crazy. I don¡¯t know why they¡¯ve done this to me.¡±


    His face was obscured by wafts of dark blue smoke. The lies were thick.


    Drawing on her magic, she sent tendrils to wrap around the small toe of his left foot and used her will to draw said toe to her palm. His rambling ended abruptly as the blood flowed and the pain hit him. He didn¡¯t make any noise, but he paled and looked nauseous.


    ¡°I am a truth seeker,¡± Auraya told him, quietly and calmly. ¡°The next time you lie, I will take the whole foot.¡±


    She dropped the toe to the floor and looked back at her captive. He looked angry and defiant.


    ¡°Why did you attempt to kill my prisoners?¡±


    He looked imploringly at the Captain, then his eyes glazed over. His breathing sped up along with his heart rate. Eventually, it seemed he was having trouble drawing breath. His eyes rolled back in his head, and he began to dry retch.


    Auraya ran to him and sank to her knees. She laid her hands on his neck and chest. Probing him, she could sense a poison eating away at him, corroding his insides. It was aggressive and destroyed faster than she could repair, which she did try. Sensing his life slipping away, Auraya drew back her senses and opened her eyes. Bile was flowing in a steady stream from the corner of his mouth.


    ¡°It is the same poison.¡± No inflection, and yet definitely a question from Rafe.


    She nodded before asking, ¡°what happened?¡±


    ¡°I left Taylor with the prisoners. The guard came in, drew a dagger, and aimed for one of them. Taylor apprehended him and brought him here.¡±


    Auraya reached inside herself and directed her magic to her pendant. ¡°Imi, I need you.¡±


    She left the connection open and waited for Imogen to appear. The girl walked around the group and set about reading what she could. It took a while for her to touch all the items on his person, and then finally his corpse. When she finished, she rose and approached Auraya.


    ¡°He talked to countless people. He seemed well liked. He¡­¡± she blushed. ¡°He was having an intimate affair with a man. Dark hair, about six feet. Didn¡¯t really see his face and his clothing were unremarkable. Standard tunic and breeches. They went to the north wing kitchen after their¡­ tryst. They separated and he came straight here. The kitchen seems like the most likely place for the poisoning, it could have been anyone though. I can¡¯t tell who might have got him to come down here. It could have been the lover or someone in the kitchen.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Imi.¡± She smiled and left, returning to the dead mercenaries.


    ¡°Take us to the prisoners,¡± Auraya told Rafe.


    He led the way to a cell a few doors down. This one was larger. It was just as uninviting as the last one but had shackles on the walls to the right and to the left. The prisoners were similarly dressed in just their small clothes. Both looked sharply at the door when it opened. The stench was the first thing that hit Auraya. Human filth. She resisted the urge to gag and stared at her prisoners impassively. Neither of them spoke, although the youngest whimpered.


    Auraya walked towards the oldest and crouched down. He sneered at her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make this easy for you,¡± she told him neutrally. ¡°Either you tell me everything or I make you watch as I cut your little brother into pieces, keeping him alive and awake the entire time.¡±


    It did not take long for him to decide.


    ¡°A man approached us a quarter ago,¡± the older brother¡¯s gravelly tone revealed. ¡°He came with a massive sack of gold. Said we¡¯d get twice as much again for your pretty little head.¡±


    She asked a few questions, but there was little pertinent information to be gained from the man. His story was similar to Meera¡¯s.


    ¡°Well, top marks for effort,¡± Auraya told him at last.


    ¡°What are you going to do with us?¡± He asked gruffly.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Auraya asked incredulously. Touching the foot of the younger man behind her. She didn¡¯t take her eyes off the older man as the young man gasped and cried for breath that would never come. Once the throes had stopped, the older brother looked at her with sorrow and rage. ¡°You tried to kill me for gold, your lives are forfeit.¡±


    Her hand went around his throat, and she watched as he thrashed and struggled to take a breath. For all intents and purposes, his lungs had been turned off. He would suffer the same fate as his brother.


    Eventually, he too stilled. Auraya called for Imogen to collect the bodies for inspection, then left.


    No-one spoke until they were outside. Auraya stood for a few moments, breathing in the fresh air. Her two companions waited for her to turn.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she told them.


    ¡°Where to, your highness?¡± Patten asked warily.


    ¡°If you haven¡¯t guessed, then I suppose it will be a surprise,¡± she teased.


    She flicked her eyes to Rafe, and he took them away. They landed just outside a building on the outskirts of Wheatpole. It looked large from the outside, with enough space around the side and back for a large yard. Auraya marched up to the door and walked inside.


    The interior was dingy. The place was in need of an update. It looked like an old tavern, with a bar along the far wall, and tables and chairs scattered about the room. A gruff looking man stood as they entered, hand going to his pommel.


    ¡°Gather the others,¡± Auraya told him. He seemed to hesitate before complying.


    The man disappeared up a set of stairs to their left, making noise as he went. In no time at all, the room was filled with seven men. They seemed apprehensive and tense. Hands remained on pommels as they gathered.


    ¡°All the men you sent to kill me are dead,¡± Auraya told them lazily.


    That caused them to murmur amongst themselves, most doubting her words.


    ¡°Twenty-four were sent, twenty-four now lie dead in my dungeon.¡±


    An older man of probably fifty cycles stepped forward.


    ¡°We weren¡¯t all happy about going after you,¡± he told her indicating to his companions. ¡°We refused to go.¡±


    ¡°Regardless,¡± she replied, leaning her head to the side inquisitively. ¡°Why should I let you live?¡±


    That stirred a few of them, twitching and commenting about the likelihood of her succeeding. The older man hushed the group though and stepped forward again.


    ¡°We¡¯ll do whatever we can to prove that we would not involve ourselves in regicide.¡±


    She remained silent, raising a brow.


    ¡°We have information about the one who hired us.¡±


    She waited; eyebrow still raised.


    ¡°We know who¡¯s kidnapping them women.¡±


    Both eyebrows went up. She heard Patten make a questioning noise behind her. She raised her hand to him.


    ¡°I want your oaths, in blood,¡± she informed them. ¡°I want the deed. You now belong to me.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that,¡± a young sprite shouted, rushing forward. She moved herself behind the boy and pushed her dagger into his throat. She connected eyes with Rafe, knowing he would protect her back. He looked annoyed. She would have smirked at him if she hadn¡¯t been busy.


    ¡°Your oath, or your life,¡± she whispered to the statuesque boy under her blade. She took herself back to her former position.


    ¡°Any further objections?¡± Auraya asked with a smile.


    ¡°We¡¯ll do it,¡± the older told her.


    ¡°The deed,¡± she ordered.


    He scurried away to get the documentation, whilst the smallest of the group fumed silently. A thin trail of blood stained his tunic, making Auraya smirk at him. She could almost see the fumes escaping his ears.


    It didn¡¯t take long for the older man, Thomas, to appear. It did, however, take some time for the company and its assets to be signed over to Auraya, particularly since Gina wasn¡¯t present. Once that was completed, they set the terms. The company was to aggressively recruit and build up their ranks. No-one outside of the group of seven would know that they were backed by the crown. Letting slip the truth without her permission would result in their deaths, so she wasn¡¯t too worried about it getting out. Trevor would visit to implement new training techniques. A member of Seelie¡¯s team would be brought in to teach reading and writing. Auraya would provide them with funding to renovate and arm themselves. She told them, without remorse, that their comrades were dead because they were unskilled, untrained, undisciplined morons. It upset a few of them, of course, but she assured them that that would change. They would be given the chance to rise above what they once were.


    The older man, in turn, informed them that the man who had paid them was a high born warrior. They had not seen his face, but his gait, clothing and accent gave him away. He also told them that they believed it was the mercenary group manning the west gate that was kidnapping the women of Jude. They had been in a tavern in Whitegate with a few of the guards, and one had run his mouth whilst drunk.


    They left shortly after, promising to return the bodies of the fallen.


    Back in her office, Auraya told Rafe to visit Sal and see if the old goat had any further information. She also wanted reports from Bec and Alan about the temples and the homeless youths, and from Grace about the high temple. They would have a full meeting tomorrow morning. She then relayed the information and orders to Gina so she could delegate and organise the tasks. When she turned, Patten was sat in front of her desk staring into the distance. She walked around it and sat down in front of him.


    ¡°Captain?¡± Auraya enquired.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got too many questions,¡± he informed her after a long breath.


    ¡°You¡¯re one of ours now Patten,¡± Auraya told him gently. ¡°There is far more to us than you probably assumed.¡±


    After thinking on it for a while, Auraya made a choice.


    ¡°Join us tomorrow in our meeting. I ask you to keep an open mind¡­ and remind you of your oath.¡± He looked confused at her mention of the oath. She wanted to remind him that betrayal would result in death. He needed to remember. It was a practice that had fallen out of favour a long time ago after all. ¡°Blood magic is extremely powerful; I just want you to be aware.¡±


    He seemed to understand what she was trying to get across. He nodded.


    ¡°You can have that talk with Trevor after then,¡± she told him with a smile. He returned the smile, then drifted off into his mind. Auraya didn¡¯t interrupt. She picked up the Gods forsaken history book ¨C she wished would spontaneously combust ¨C and began to read.

 Chapter 10 - The Clinic

    Winnie


    Winnie sat at the large rectangular table and played with her seeds. These would prove fun when she took them out for playtime. Most of her senior kin were with her. Auraya sat at the head of the table staring into space. She was probably making plans and getting annoyed by the upcoming Crowning ceremony. The castle tailor was stalking her, trying to convince her to wear a dress. Winnie had never seen Auraya in a dress, a skirt or any item of clothing usually reserved for females. They were impractical and restrictive. How are you supposed to kick someone in the chest when you wear a dress that doesn¡¯t allow you to raise your knees? How are you supposed to remove someone¡¯s head when you don¡¯t have full range of movement in your arms? How are you supposed to run when a bodice restricts your breathing? Winnie liked to dress up when she went out on missions that required subterfuge, but that was always her. Auraya wasn¡¯t much of an actress. Not that Winnie would be invited to join a troupe, but Auraya¡¯s face was usually set to scowl or distaste when she interacted with those she considered scum. Auraya thought her expression was neutral, but all Winnie read at those times was murder.


    The captain of the castle guard, Patten, was with them. He was talking animatedly to Trevor about training and weapons and scheduling. Patten wanted to know how they were able to fight as they do, at such a young age. Well, Winnie could tell him. A slave driver for a training master, multiple training sessions per day, and a strong desire to crush their opponents. Reggie had been relentless in his training. Trevor had taken to it like a moth to a flame. He had thrived and made it his personal mission to push everyone to be the same. Not everyone had taken to the fighting, but it was a requirement that everyone kept fighting fit and was able to defend themselves and their kin. Apprentices got time away from it, but once they returned, it restarted. Winnie¡¯s team were mostly non-combative. They grew their herbs, fruits, and vegetables, and made their cures. They healed the sick and fed their kin. Growing calmed her in a way nothing else could. Sending her mind into the earth and marvelling at how insignificant humans were. It was her passion. Alongside righteous murder, of course.


    Gina had her head in a tome as usual. This new mercenary group they took on was a leech of funds. Gina¡¯s job was to find the money to get it back to turning a profit. Winnie didn¡¯t envy her; she was allergic to arithmetic. Gina took care of all their kin¡¯s finances. She worked alongside Sal to ensure that they always had enough to keep a roof over their head, food in their stomachs and logs in their hearths. She was invaluable. Reggie had gladly handed over that side of his duties when he realised how in tune Gina was with numbers. Rafe had handed her a thick stack of documents when he had arrived, curtesy of Sal. The Dennison fiasco was proving to be quite a profitable endeavour.


    Seelie was sat beside her, equally entrenched in her work. She was leafing through her own stack of documents, making random notations on a separate sheet. Seelie had noticed Winnie attempting to spy at the contents and had explained that it was old legislation. They were reading through all legal documents in the library to date, and would begin compiling a list of those that were obsolete or discriminatory, to abolish or rewrite. It seemed like some fool would just write a law on a whim. For instance, some royal seventy-five cycles back decided it was illegal for those of common blood to own more than one hundred pounds of potatoes. Another stated it was reasonable to murder one¡¯s first wife if they had not birthed a son within five cycles of marriage. There was even a law that stated that one could not make sweet passionate love to one¡¯s livestock if the moon wasn¡¯t full. Why would the phase of the moon make a difference? What specifically constitutes as ¡®sweet¡¯ and ¡®passionate¡¯? It seemed like law makers through the ages were just selfish degenerates. Winnie shook her head. Seelie seemed to enjoy the challenge, if her passionate chatter was anything to go by.


    Rafe stood behind Gina making observations and pointing out this and that. He knew the city, its occupants, and businesses the best, it made sense that he would be able to contribute to Gina¡¯s efforts. He may be quiet, but he saw all and was extremely loyal. Winnie smiled at the memory of miniature Auraya and Rafe taking the beating that had been meant for her. She had never experienced anyone being as protective of her as those two strangers ¨C at the time ¨C had been. She had been a broken and angry little girl, and Rafe¡¯s silent presence had helped her to feel safe for the first time. Auraya¡¯s constant chatter had made her feel joy. She felt a surge of gratitude to the pair, and of course to Reggie. Without him, none of them would be here today.


    The final member of their party materialised in the meeting room. Tristan had grown again. They all had, but it was more noticeable in him. He was away for stretches, and he just kept pushing further skyward. His gleaming yellow hair was in dire need of a chop, and his shoulders had broadened. It made Winnie wonder what they would all look like in five cycles, in ten. He flashed her his customary grin as he walked to the seat beside her.


    ¡°Miss me?¡± Tristan asked with a wink.


    ¡°Like a rash,¡± she countered just as flirtatiously. His laugh was hearty, crinkling his eyes.


    Auraya cleared her throat as all those required had arrived. She indicated for Patten to take a seat on her right, Rafe took the seat on her left, Trevor took his seat in between Patten and Winnie, opposite Gina who sat next to Seelie.


    ¡°Just so you all know,¡± Auraya told the group. ¡°Patten gave his oath yesterday. I want to include him in our operations going forward.¡±


    The announcement was for Tristan¡¯s benefit, but it was still a shock for them all. Auraya was not one to welcome outsiders. She must trust the captain far more than any of them realised.


    ¡°Any objections?¡±


    ¡°Why do you trust him?¡± Winnie asked, someone had to ask.


    ¡°A feeling,¡± she replied with a shrug and a small smile. They all hummed in response. They mostly lived their lives based on instinct and intuition, Auraya rarely led them wrong, so they would trust her gut. Not to say that Winnie wouldn¡¯t remain vigilant. He may have given his oath, but that did not stop him from actually betraying them. It may result in his death, but by that time, the damage could already be done. She nodded her acceptance.


    ¡°I wanted to talk about yesterday and get up to date with everyone,¡± she told the group.


    After that, they went through what they knew. Someone, most likely a noble born city or castle guard, or army officer, was trying to assassinate Auraya. Two attacks could mean more than one instigator, but the likelihood wasn¡¯t high. The possibility wasn¡¯t disregarded though. The poisoning, the attack on the prisoners, and the state of the coins suggested someone with direct access to the castle. Patten had several trusted members of his guard he could get to covertly investigate his unit. Rafe asked for a list of those Pattern might suspect so they could send a shadow or two to investigate as well. That led into a discussion about shadow walkers and their capabilities. Patten was astounded, but also pragmatic. He suggested he let the two teams work together to hunt the culprit, but the idea was vetoed. They may have accepted Patten into their circle, but they were reluctant to bring in others. It was obvious that Patten wanted to protest, but he held his tongue.


    Auraya then turned to Gina.


    ¡°Sal has provided documentation from the Dennison raids,¡± she began quietly but assuredly.


    ¡°Dennison raids¡­?¡± Patten queried.


    Everyone looked a little sheepish to Winnie¡¯s eye. She had been looking forward to this part. The big reveal was always fun.


    Auraya took a breath before addressing the captain with a neutral expression.


    ¡°We dismantled the Lord Dennison¡¯s rilium operation.¡±


    ¡°You murdered him?¡± Patten asked, his tone rising.


    ¡°We disposed of trash,¡± Auraya replied with the slightest of sneers.


    ¡°And all the others¡­¡±


    ¡°Complicit in his crimes.¡±


    Winnie had started to silently giggle at that point. Patten had been getting ever paler as he enquired, his tone ever higher. It must be quite a shock to know that all these things were happening under his nose, and he didn¡¯t even know the half of it. There had only been six open attacks on businesses whose owners had been colluding with Dennison. They had actually targeted twenty-seven different locations, not including the warehouse and the lord¡¯s manor. Tristan subtly shoved his elbow in her ribs. She rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Bathus said he had been carved,¡± Patten breathed, staring at nothing.


    Winnie actually did laugh at that. It escaped her lips in a rush, completely out of her control. Patten looked sharply at her.


    ¡°Murder is not funny,¡± Patten shouted indignantly.


    ¡°We¡¯ll have to agree to disagree,¡± Winnie retorted. She stared him down, not feeling intimidated in the least by his glower.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the first time,¡± he mused as he watched her. Winnie knew that the slight quirk of her lips and minute rising of a brow gave her away. ¡°Lord Davers.¡±


    ¡°Torture dungeon,¡± Auraya informed him, as neutral as ever. She was clearly waiting for his judgement.


    ¡°The butler?¡± Patten asked the room incredulously.


    Winnie lost the battle with her lips as each of her kin ¨C the traitors ¨C turned to look at her. Patten turned to her and stared with his mouth open.


    ¡°I had some new vines to try,¡± she replied with a shrug.


    ¡°Lord Ruben?¡± Patten asked the room.


    ¡°The Wheatpole rapist,¡± Trevor supplied.


    ¡°Lord Herbage?¡±


    ¡°Baby eater,¡± Gina informed him.


    ¡°Lady Winters and her daughters?¡±


    ¡°That was her husband,¡± Winnie said as she chuckled. ¡°He, on the other hand, was mine.¡±


    ¡°Captain Patten,¡± Auraya called authoritatively, drawing his attention. ¡°We investigate wrongdoings, then put down the culprits. We have been doing it for many cycles now and have no intention of stopping. If you do not have the stomach to accompany us down this path, then I suggest you find your way out.¡±


    She stared at him hard. They stayed like that for quite some time before the captain¡¯s manner changed. He squared his shoulders, then looked into the distance again before looking back at her.


    ¡°I was informed only three were involved in the assault of Lord Dennison¡¯s manor.¡± There was no inflection, but it was obviously a question.


    ¡°Rafe, Winnie and I were all that was needed.¡±


    Surprise only showed on his face for mere moments before he nodded.


    ¡°I carved the farewell message into his chest, Captain,¡± Auraya informed him with a challenging look.


    Winnie wished she could dive into that man¡¯s mind at that time. His worldview must have exploded.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Patten told her. ¡°I would like to hear more before I come to any conclusions. I am aware of my oath.¡± He tacked on as Auraya went to speak. She stared at him for a beat longer before she turned back to Gina.


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    ¡°The retrieval teams were able to collect the deeds from each of the businesses¡­ that lost their owners,¡± Gina continued, flicking her eyes to Patten before continuing. ¡°On top of that, Dennison¡¯s estate, his businesses, and the numerous stashes have brought in a considerable amount. They will aid us with¡­¡± she sighed. ¡°The Fire Girl Company.¡±


    ¡°How gauche,¡± Winnie mumbled. Gina and Auraya both glared at her.


    ¡°Louis?¡± Auraya directed at Rafe.


    ¡°He¡¯s returned to Chipia on the same ship,¡± Rafe informed them flatly. ¡°He¡¯ll destroy the rilium farms this time, then move on as discussed.¡±


    ¡°The regent?¡± Auraya directed at Seelie.


    ¡°He wants to limit your power after the coronation,¡± she replied. ¡°I looked already. Only the reigning monarch can rescind their power, portions of it, all of it. It is clearly written. The only way to take the thrown from you is to disprove your talent or your blood. However, the crystal was quite effective closing off that avenue. He does not seem to realise that I have eyes in all corners of the library. He sends his queries as formal requests, rather than looking himself.¡± She shook her head disapprovingly.


    Auraya flicked her eyes to Rafe, lest he have something to add. He shook his head.


    ¡°The former queen?¡± Auraya asked, eyes still on Rafe.


    ¡°She still fears, but nothing of worth.¡±


    ¡°McGavin?¡±


    ¡°Ongoing.¡±


    ¡°Send Jerry some help,¡± Auraya informed him. ¡°The kidnappings?¡±


    ¡°Sal also believes it¡¯s the east gate guard,¡± Rafe replied. ¡°He had a witness end up dead. The Dennison team have been reassigned to investigate.¡±


    Patten sighed but was ignored.


    ¡°Updates?¡± Auraya directed at Tristan.


    He passed down a sheet of paper.


    ¡°What we have found,¡± he told her. ¡°Fourteen young ones brought in so far. Marie is still taking the talentless, she¡¯ll need more convincing.¡±


    Auraya gave the paper a cursory look, then nodded.


    ¡°Updates?¡± Auraya directed at Winnie.


    ¡°Half the rooms are ready,¡± Winnie told her, allowing her eyes to become unfocused. ¡°I¡¯m meeting Delilah and Teresa at noon. Lisa and Viola are spreading the word. We¡¯ve had three patients on the premises, easy fixes. Our yield has increased thrice so far. I¡¯m going to meet an apothecary in Wheatpole, Sal suggested, in three days to begin stocking their shop. Gina has my report. Oh, and I picked up a stray. She seemed¡­ off.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡±


    ¡°Story seemed true, but the delivery seemed rehearsed,¡± Winnie shrugged, looking back at Auraya. ¡°I gave her to Carla.¡±


    Auraya hummed, looked at Trevor, who nodded, then turned to Rafe. ¡°Rothers?¡±


    ¡°Luna is still in place. His wife is keeping him on a tight leash.¡±


    ¡°Lord Rothers?¡± Patten enquires.


    ¡°He is a terrible gambler,¡± Rafe informed the man. ¡°He has had debts. When his debts disappear, so too do one of his staff.¡±


    ¡°What do you suspect?¡±


    ¡°Unknown.¡±


    Patten waited for more, but got nothing. Rafe didn¡¯t waste time on empty words.


    ¡°Updates?¡± Auraya asked of Trevor.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see the mercs tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°The church?¡± Auraya said, turning to Rafe.


    ¡°The foundations and structure are embedded with iron. The shadow realm is impenetrable.¡±


    ¡°Any ideas for infiltration?¡±


    ¡°It will be done.¡±


    ¡°Anything else?¡± Auraya asked the room. When her eyes settled on Patten, she spoke to him directly. ¡°I know you probably have a lot of questions, but we can save those for after everyone leaves.¡±


    He nodded, mollified. He was clearly anxious to be in the know. Winnie could understand. Being ignorant could be dangerous. And irritating.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Auraya told. ¡°Thanks all. Stay safe.¡±


    With that, she went back through to her office followed by Patten. Seelie began collecting her papers. Trevor pestered Gina. Rafe disappeared.


    Winnie turned to Tristan.


    ¡°Fancy dropping me off at the clinic, kind sir?¡± She asked, eyebrows wiggling.


    He stood and offered her the crook of his elbow.


    ¡°But of course, mi¡¯lady. Stay safe all.¡±


    After mumbled replies, Tristan took them to the courtyard of their former home. A few of their kin pottered about, seeing to their chores. Winnie thanked Tristan, bade him farewell and headed to the ruckus in the corner.


    Two women stood in the corner of the courtyard hurling insults at one another. One was roughly fifty cycles with greying brown hair, a flowing dark purple gown, and hawk-like features. The other woman was somewhere close to twenty-cycles, golden brown skin, long black hair, and exotic clothes.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t know your chamomile from your mayweed, you neophyte,¡± screamed the older woman.


    ¡°We can¡¯t all live past a thousand cycles, you old witch,¡± shouted the younger woman.


    Winnie generally enjoyed watching the suffering of others, but their theatrics were going to cause her grief, so she quickly neared the two women and interrupted their argument.


    ¡°Ladies,¡± Winnie soothed. ¡°There¡¯s no need for all this.¡±


    ¡°Winnifred,¡± Delilah shrieked. ¡°What is she doing here?¡±


    Dear Gods, my ears.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Teresa yelled. ¡°What is she doing here?¡±


    Winnie rolled her eyes, letting out a put upon sigh.


    ¡°I asked you both here to discuss a proposal I have for both of you.¡±


    ¡°I cannot¡­¡±


    ¡°I will not¡­¡±


    Winnie cut them both off by talking over them.


    ¡°Please,¡± she implored. ¡°Just give me a chance.¡±


    The women did not look happy about it, but they relented and followed Winnie into her office. Winnie asked one of her kin to bring them tea, and got the ladies situated. Once they were comfortable, Winnie handed them both a sheet of paper.


    ¡°Now,¡± Winnie began. ¡°I brought you both here because I would like to discuss a collaboration between the three of us.¡± She held her hand out to stall the retorts. ¡°You know full well that I trained with you both. I never hid that from either of you. After all,¡± she said turning to Teresa, ¡°with age comes wisdom, and,¡± she said turning to Delilah, ¡°there is not only one way of getting the job done.¡±


    They both deflated slightly at her words.


    ¡°I respect you both,¡± Winnie continued after a time. ¡°Delilah, you have so much knowledge, and have developed a great amount of trust in the community. And Teresa, your knowledge and practices are eclectic and inspirational, enabling us to improve our healing to a great degree. I would like to combine what you both have to offer, so we can be the forerunners in cures and healing.¡±


    Winnie rubbed her curled hand against her lips, looking out the window and sighing.


    ¡°Those damn squirrels get funding from the crown to practice and study,¡± sounds and looks of surprise escaped the ladies at Winnie¡¯s comment. ¡°They¡¯re ahead of us in every area. But,¡± she said with determination, looking at them both in turn. ¡°We have an opportunity to pool our knowledge and move forward. I presume you heard about O?¡±


    They both nodded, Delilah gravely, and Teresa excitedly.


    ¡°We have talent. And we use it to cure. We have healers and growers. We can use the events of the past turn to our advantage. But I need your help.¡±


    Winnie let her words ruminate. She knew both women well. Delilah was astute, knowledgeable, and pragmatic. She had made a name for herself in Whitegate over the past thirty cycles. Her cures were legendary, even though they were the same as most. What stood out was the variation. She had such extensive knowledge of herbs and plants, that she could make several different cures for the same ailment, and depending on the person, they could use the one that was most effective for them. Her mother, and grandmother had sold cures before her, and she had added to the family legacy. Her presence would increase their customer base and cure types.


    Teresa, on the other hand, had come from a land to the north. Argo. Her parents had fled the war torn kingdom with her and her siblings. They had made their money by selling herbs and cures. Thus, their knowledge spanned multiple kingdoms. She was a quick study, and quite the innovator. She spent most of her time experimenting and increasing her knowledge base. She used mostly herbs and spices from across the seas, combined them with the local flora to make ingenious and effective cures. Unfortunately, being of foreign descent meant that trust was hard won and infrequent. It was a shame that more did not see her worth.


    Combined, the two women could do great things. They just needed to see past their differences and focus on the bigger picture. Both ladies had been hassled by the guild. From discrediting them, to paying off their customers to stop buying from them. They had even gone so far as to pick all the wild herbs in the forests beyond Jude, so neither woman could use them. It was petty and irritating, and would have crippled them both if Winnie hadn¡¯t been able to supply them. That had been when the squirrels had turned their attention to Reggie¡¯s Orphans. They had come to an arrangement ¨C only healing and selling outside the walls ¨C but that had not stopped the guild from trying to hinder their efforts any way they could. The gardens at the palace had given Winnie the space she needed to solve the yield problem. Now, she wanted to consolidate the knowledge and unite their efforts.


    They spent the next mark or so discussing Winnie¡¯s proposal. They were still reluctant to work together, but it was growing more evident by the day that they would not be able to keep their businesses afloat unless they worked together. It would probably take more convincing, but Winnie was hopeful. Neither woman was a fool, and they would not let their pride see them ruined.


    A buzz at the edge of her senses drew Winnie¡¯s attention away. She wrapped up the meeting, inviting the women to return, then hastily made her way to the front entrance.


    When she arrived, she saw two women looking somewhat bedraggled. One was holding a seemingly lifeless child in her arms. Both women looked distraught and on the verge of panic. The younger of the two women had a steady stream of tears flowing down her face. The older of the two was explaining the situation with calm urgency.


    ¡°He¡¯s too damn proud,¡± she told them. ¡°He¡¯d rather see his own daughter to the grave than ask for help.¡±


    ¡°Mum,¡± the younger woman cried.


    ¡°It¡¯s true, Meredith,¡± the older woman exclaimed. ¡°Remember when you got bit? He just¡­¡±


    ¡°Gladys,¡± Winnie called.


    ¡°Oh Winnifred, darling,¡± the older woman replied, looking relieved.


    ¡°Can you explain what¡¯s happened for me.¡±


    ¡°My granddaughter, the poor thing. She won¡¯t wake. She¡¯s hot to touch, and she¡¯s got a Gods awful rash. The damn thing¡¯s spreading everywhere. I¡¯ve done everything I could, but I fear for the child. Winnifred,¡± she implored shakily. ¡°Please. All I¡¯ve got is cloth, but please¡­ please save me granddaughter.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s get her to a room, shall we?¡± Winnie said as she directed the two women to the door at the back of the entranceway.


    Winnie led the pair to a room on the ground floor. There was a bed in the centre with crisp white sheets. A window on the far wall looking into the courtyard. Thin curtains framing it. A small fireplace sat on the wall to the right. A table with a variety of healing implements sat on the back wall next to a small chest of drawers.


    They laid the little girl on the bed, and two of Winnie¡¯s kin attended to her, conducting the initial assessment, and cleaning and changing her. Winnie stayed with the pair, comforting them when needed, assuring them when their faith seemed to falter.


    Eventually, her kin told her that they needed a healer. The girl¡¯s condition was dire and beyond their capability. The comment elicited a moan of despair from the mother and a sniffle from the grandmother.


    ¡°Have faith, ladies,¡± Winnie told them, grasping their shoulders. ¡°All is not lost yet.¡±


    With that, Winnie stepped out and directed her magic to her pendant.


    ¡°O.¡±


    ¡°Winnie.¡±


    ¡°Got a bad one.¡±


    In lieu of response, Auraya appeared at her side with an only slightly perturbed Patten next to her.


    ¡°I thought you should see more of the other side of our work,¡± Auraya told him.


    ¡°A little warning would be nice,¡± he grumbled quietly.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the fun in that?¡± Auraya retorted. The smile slipped off her face as she turned to the door, looking at Winnie. A nod confirmed she had the right place and she entered.


    The older woman looked a little shocked at the newcomers. The younger woman seemed to be too engrossed in her grief to notice who had joined them. Winnie reclaimed her place between the two women and watched as Auraya lay her hands on the little girl. Winnie sensed as Auraya¡¯s magic gathered and entered the girl. To Winnie¡¯s perception, it seemed like thin threads were weaving their way through the girl¡¯s body. They would then branch off further threads and probe seemingly at will. Respect and pride flooded Winnie as she watched Auraya weave such complex magic. The threads spread through the girl, then pulses of magic escaped from their ends, each with slightly different effects. It was difficult to understand without the requisite knowledge of the body and of course, that particular talent, but whatever was happening, it appeared to be working. The girl had been sweating and shaking, but both symptoms seemed to fade away and halt. Her panting and whimpers of distress eased. Her excessively rosy cheeks faded to a light pink. The deep red splotches that covered her body soon shrank and disappeared. Her fluttering eyelashes eventually stilled, then opened.


    ¡°Mama,¡± the little girl croaked.


    ¡°Lily,¡± the mother cried, running over to her, and cradling her head. ¡°Oh, my baby.¡±


    After Auraya had extricated herself from the little girl, she walked over to Winnie.


    ¡°Gladys,¡± Auraya said with a small smile.


    ¡°My child,¡± Gladys replied, laying a hand on her shoulder. ¡°You have grown. I can¡¯t thank you enough. I don¡¯t know what would have become of us if we¡¯d lost her. Her father was no use. Too much pride, the fool.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°The damn guild wanted more than the house was worth to help her. Took all their savings to get her seen. They had nothing left. And I¡¯m hardly any help. I put all I had into some fancy cloth, for some posh fool a half turn ago.¡± Gladys glanced over at her granddaughter for a time, then sighed, looking back. ¡°I went to visit last quarter. Poor child could barely hold her head up. Every day was worse. She said she could feel her bones. I think, she was aching. The rashes came after. We took her to the guild when the fever hit. Damn selfish squirrels. Letting a little girl suffer. When they refused to help, I told them of you all. But Sid wouldn¡¯t hear of it. Wouldn¡¯t stoop so low, he says. As if his daughter¡¯s life was worth so little. When she wouldn¡¯t wake this morning, I told Merry, enough is enough. So, we took her and left.¡± Gladys sighed again. ¡°He¡¯s going to be angry, the fool. Angry we defied him. Not happy we saved her. I probably won¡¯t see her for a while. I best get a squidge in before they go back.¡±


    This time, she wrapped her arms around Auraya, then squeezed Winnie¡¯s shoulder with a relieved smile.


    ¡°I can¡¯t thank you enough, girls. All I have is cloth. I¡­¡±


    ¡°Come back tomorrow, Gladys,¡± Winnie told her.  ¡°Be with your girls for now.¡±


    A few more thanks and unwanted deference were thrown their way by all three generations of female before Auraya, Winnie and Patten left the room.


    ¡°That was awful kind of you,¡± Patten commented as they walked away from the room.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t kindness,¡± Auraya retorted. ¡°It was the right thing to do.¡±


    Judging by Patten¡¯s face, Winnie could tell he sensed the lie too. Auraya had never been able to take a compliment or gratitude well. Her discomfort was always evident.


    ¡°Thanks, O,¡± Winnie cooed, eliciting a frown from her kin.


    ¡°Anytime,¡± came the mumbled and cut off reply as Auraya took the pair back to the castle.


    Winnie sighed and went back to her office. Her kin could handle the rest, she needed to focus on the growth of their clinic. The people shouldn¡¯t be left at the mercy of those damn greedy squirrels. Enough was indeed enough.

 Chapter 11 - The Crowning

    Auraya


    Striding through the training yard, Auraya spotted her target. The young girl was standing with her hands behind her back, staring into the distance. She looked tense, shoulder hunched, brow furrowed. Her long brown hair was tied in a bun high on her head, the end of which almost reached her bottom. Her contradictory blue eyes seemed sad to Auraya¡¯s eyes. She had been warned about the girl¡¯s temperament, but her reedy frame betrayed her anxiety.


    ¡°Rhee,¡± Auraya called out. The girl turned, and a small shy smile graced her lips.


    ¡°Auraya,¡± she murmured. ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°Call me O,¡± Auraya told her with a smile. ¡°I hear you¡¯ve been having some trouble since activation.¡±


    ¡°I can''t get the wind obey me,¡± she confirmed, shoulders sagging.


    ¡°Let''s sit,¡± Auraya pointed to the ground and sat with her legs crossed. Hopefully, the informality would ease the girl¡¯s tension.


    ¡°Show me,¡± she commanded, holding her hands up and closing her eyes. There was a slight pause before the she complied.


    Auraya sent her mind inwards, awaiting the girl¡¯s invitation. At the edge of our senses, she could feel the tickle of the girl¡¯s magic, inviting her to share in her perception. She latched onto it and allowed the images to overlay her own. The wave of disorientation was fleeting as she set aside her own perceptions and accepted the girl¡¯s. What she saw and sensed was not much different from her own perceptions, so alignment did not take long. The girl, however, was not confident in her talent nor in her ability, so the images flickered and wavered, showing how uncomfortable and unconfident she was.


    Regardless, Auraya saw that the girl sent her mind to her well of magic. There, in the depths, Auraya spied a spherical, viscous type liquid floating in a void. Rheanna roughly tore a ¨C Glob? Lump? Blob? ¨C dollop of her magic, which reformed into a smaller dollop before rising up and out into the world. The dollop kept rising, probing each gust it came across. It moved erratically, stretching from multiple points of the sphere, attempting to lace the gusts with her magic, so she could latch on. Each attempt was unsuccessful. Auraya could feel Rheanna¡¯s frustration growing and eventually indicated that the girl should withdraw. Once her magic had returned, they let each other go and opened their eyes.


    ¡°You perceive your magic as a liquid.¡±


    The girl blushed.


    ¡°I was activated with two water elementals and three earth,¡± she explained. ¡°It was easier to think similarly to them.¡±


    Auraya nodded her understanding.


    ¡°What do you know of the wind?¡±


    ¡°It¡­¡± Rheanna¡¯s eyes glazed over as she looked to the skies. ¡°It does what it wants. One moment it¡¯s here, the next it changes course. At random. It¡¯s confusing.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. It''s erratic, unpredictable, obstinate even. It can be as gentle as a mother''s kiss or as cutting as our blades. It can carry the warmth of the sun or the chill of winter. It moves as though dancing to unheard music that can change tempo or pitch in an instant.¡± Auraya looked for comprehension before continuing. ¡°Usually, we do not interfere with another¡¯s perception of their magic. It is intimate and personal, and we must all find our own way. You, however, as the only air elemental amongst our kin, are unique. I think we should try something together. Would you be amenable?¡±


    The girl eagerly nodded, smiling. Auraya raised her hands again.


    ¡°Look,¡± she said in invitation.


    When they had reconnected hands and closed their eyes, Auraya sent a tendril of her magic towards the girl. Rheanna latched on eagerly and opened herself to the images. Auraya waited for the disorientation to pass before sinking to the place that held her magic.


    ¡°Do you see?¡± Auraya asked.


    ¡°Yes¡­ It''s beautiful.¡±


    Auraya¡¯s magic could be perceived as a collection of floating specks of golden light. The ebb and flow was gentle and somewhat mesmerising, as the specks undulated amongst themselves.


    ¡°You know of my talent?¡±


    ¡°An absorber.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. With so many different talents, I find the need to change my perception at will. I find this form most compatible in general.¡±


    She altered her perception to her flames.


    ¡°This, I like for healing. Do you recognise this?¡±


    ¡°That''s... That''s the magic I shared with you,¡± Auraya could sense Rheanna¡¯s wonder through the mind link as if it were her own. She had delved deep into the core of her magic where she kept the magics of others. It was obvious that they did not come from her. It was not something one could tell with the five senses; it was just a sense of differentness.


    ¡°Yes. It has been difficult to learn to control. But...¡±


    Auraya altered the perception of her magic once again, drawing a gasp from the girl.


    ¡°It¡¯s like smoke.¡±


    Her magic now curled and coiled around itself like a wisp of stolen a fire and moulded into an orb.


    ¡°Do you think you can change your own perception?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ can try,¡± she replied hesitantly.


    There was nothing more to do than to be patient. They kept a grip on one another, although they reversed control again, allowing Auraya to watch Rheanna¡¯s progression. It changed in fits and starts. Slowly changing form before sharply reverting back. It may not have been long since her activation, but Rheanna had become comfortable in her perception. Changing it was quite a task.


    Once she was able to hold the new form in her mind, Auraya decided to move on.


    ¡°Let''s dance together,¡± she told the girl gently. ¡°Let your senses roam.¡±


    Knowing it would be easier for the girl if she did so first, Auraya sent her senses outward. Her awareness shifted as her mind processed her surroundings without her eyes. She no longer needed to close her eyes in order to do this, but it was how they taught the young ones.


    She sent a wisp of her magic out. A long tendril that flitted and swayed, twisted and writhed at random. Soon, the girl joined her, moving uncertainly at first, but in the absence of pressure to obtain a goal, she relaxed and began to explore. They sent their magic higher and danced together until Auraya sensed Rheanna¡¯s confidence grow. It was then that Auraya directed her magic to ride a gust. She didn''t try to control it, merely stayed with it for a time before riding another. Rheanna followed her lead before striking out on her own and riding her own breeze.


    ¡°Look,¡± Auraya said, sending images to the girl again.


    She sent her magic to a gentle breeze that was flowing a few yards from the ground. She moved with it, but this time, she made her magic drift through the gust and take hold of it. Once she had ample control, she moved it with her will, barely changing its behaviour of random flitting. She drew the gust down and sent it through the girl¡¯s hair, who giggled with delight. Letting the wind go, Auraya opened her eyes and smiled at Rheanna.


    ¡°That was amazing,¡± the girl beamed.


    ¡°When you feel you are ready, try it,¡± Auraya told her with an encouraging smile. ¡°Until then, let''s dance with the wind whilst we do our movements.¡±


    They stood. The girl¡¯s uncertainty had returned somewhat, but not to the degree it had been when Auraya had first arrived. It was gladdening.


    ¡°Start with one and just keep going, two beat hold.¡±


    ¡°Can I close my eyes?¡±


    ¡°If it helps.¡±


    They took position side by side, roughly three yards from one another. Their hands curled into fists, wrists pointing upwards, resting on their hips. Feet, shoulder width apart. They then sucked in a long breath through their noses and released it, closing their eyes.


    The movements were drilled into them from the moment they were able to walk with some coordination. For those who arrived older, it was one of the first things they were taught before training could begin. The movements were ingrained into each of them, allowing for fluidity as they moved their bodies instinctively. They held each stance for two breaths, keeping the movements slow. Their magics tangled in the air; they danced and darted about in an imitation of the wind.


    Auraya sensed the others but ignored them. Soon, they were joined by at least ten of their kin who had risen for morning training. It was a common sight for them to run movements together. Trevor liked to run at least a few of them every morning as part of the warm-up. It was calming and comfortable. It kept them fresh in their memories and bound them as kin, as a unit. A few other magics joined them in the sky. Their movements were not in harmony with Auraya and Rheanna, but the practise of control was valuable to all.


    Trevor soon arrived and took control of the morning training. Today, he focused on using talents during combat. He split them into groups with similar talents, then paired everyone off to be the untalented attacker and the talented defender. Those with passive talents were made to perform drills, then began to spar amongst themselves.


    Auraya sparred with Rafe, as per usual, throwing everything she had at him. It was always close. Rafe knew her, so avoiding her attacks had steadily become easier over the cycles. It meant she had to be creative and flexible. Falling into a particular style and remaining that way meant she would never best him.


    Out of the corner of her eye, she spied a figure waving frantically at her. Auraya sighed and made her way over to him.


    ¡°Your highness,¡± Evans began. The deep frown Auraya sent him made him retract though. ¡°Auraya, Celia is waiting.¡±


    Auraya sighed again, heavily. She did not want to speak to that woman.


    ¡°Give me half a mark to bathe, then come find me.¡±


    After the allotted time, she found Evans standing outside the bathhouse, as promised. She was hoping he would forget or perhaps fell down a well. But alas, he had not, so she walked to her fate with dignity. However¡­


    ¡°First, come with me,¡± she told him. Directing him to the far end of the training yard. Some of her kin were still left training, whilst others had left to perform their own duties. They walked past ignoring the lot.


    As they approached the lone standing building, the clang of hammer on metal met their ears. When they entered, the wave of heat almost knocked the breath from their chests. Auraya waited for the clanging to end before attempting to gain the patron¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Auraya,¡± he greeted with a grin when he spotted her.


    ¡°Rupert,¡± she said with her own smile.


    ¡°Today¡¯s the big day, is it?¡±


    ¡°So it would seem.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all done,¡± he informed her, walking over to a rack. He removed one of the items and made his way back to her. He passed it over tenderly and Auraya let out a little noise of appreciation. The sword was beautiful. Elegant and finely decorated, but practical. The scabbard was made of a matte black leather, trimmed with polished steal, and imprinted with runes. Pulling the sword out slowly, another gust of appreciation escaped her lips as she eyed the blade. The steel shone with silvers and purples. It was quite a sight. An internal light shone from seemingly nowhere. It was captivating.


    ¡°Happy nameday Aury.¡±


    ¡°What¡­?¡± Auraya tried to ask; her eyes flicking upwards.


    ¡°Beautiful, isn¡¯t she,¡± Rupert confirmed, amazement curling his lips. ¡°All thanks to our little friend.¡±


    He turned around slightly and indicated to the open door at the back of the workshop. As he finished speaking, a young girl with dirty blond hair sauntered into the room with a cheeky smile on her face.


    ¡°Misha,¡± Auraya exclaimed. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Uncle Rupe has promised to take me on,¡± she replied elbowing the older man.


    ¡°Why? What happened?¡± Auraya asked, smile slipping.


    ¡°Nothing of consequence,¡± Micha replied nonchalantly, shrugging.


    Auraya narrowed her eyes, unsatisfied with the response.


    ¡°Nothing to worry about today,¡± Micha told her, raising her hands to placate. ¡°Let¡¯s just say, they won¡¯t be making the same mistake again soon.¡±


    Auraya winced internally at the implication from Winnie¡¯s prot¨¦g¨¦, and the wicked grin sent her way. She would look forward to hearing the story.


    ¡°So? Do you like it?¡± Misha asked eagerly.


    ¡°Of course. What did you do?¡±


    ¡°I finally figured it out, O. Here, look,¡± she said as she raised her hand. Auraya clasped it and closed her eyes.


    She allowed Micha to send images of her perception. She had a tempered short blade in her hand ready to be sharpened and buffed. Auraya followed the path of her magic to the blade. It resembled fine grains of sand, tumbling and rolling over each other in their race to the blade. When they reached it, they settled into the blade as if they had been absorbed by a sponge. Once the blade was full to bursting with her magic, they began to vibrate so sharply it was almost audible. Whatever the structure of the metal was, it responded to Misha¡¯s magic as if she were its guardian. The imperfections slowly smoothed out and vanished, the edges rearranged themselves to create an otherworldly sharpness. The blade was steadily beginning to resemble a finished product. After several beats, Auraya sensed Misha gathering her magic inside herself again and lacing it with intention; to remain sharp. It was far more complicated than that, her will was laced with notions of tools and processes that Auraya couldn¡¯t fathom. Misha¡¯s knowledge of steel and blacksmithing had really come along during her apprenticeship.


    When Misha opened her eyes, so did Auraya. They looked at the blade, now ready to be given a pommel and sheath. Auraya was awed.


    ¡°Superb,¡± Auraya breathed.


    ¡°Take it, O,¡± Misha told her. She could feel Misha¡¯s magic pushing at the edge of her own. It was like an eager puppy, jumping around and nudging at her. Auraya laughed quietly, then accepted the gift. She latched onto the magic, then severed it and lay it to rest at her core. She took a few breaths as it settled, then looked at Misha.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she told her kin. ¡°I won¡¯t do¡­ what did you do?¡±


    ¡°Enchanting,¡± Micha told her. ¡°I gave the blade instructions to keep itself sharp. As long as magic remains within the blade, it will do as commanded.¡±


    ¡°Once again, superb, Mishe. You¡¯ll have to train me to sharpen.¡±


    ¡°Of course, anytime.¡±


    ¡°And this one?¡± Auraya asked, indicating to the blade in her hand.


    ¡°We mixed the metals, steel, and another I found deep. Looks pretty, but its durable, and flexible, and lightweight, and¡­¡± Micha trailed off looking away and scratching her head. ¡°Anyway, I gave it a few enchantments too. Sharpening, self-cleaning, damage absorption, and¡­ you know, this and that.¡±


    ¡°Mishe¡­¡± Auraya almost gushed.


    A clearing of two throats drew the girls¡¯ attention back to the other two present. Misha looked sheepish, but Auraya simply raised her brow.


    ¡°Celia,¡± Evans began. Auraya sighed loudly, eliciting a deep snort from Rupert.


    ¡°Before you go, Auraya,¡± Rupert said, looking surprisingly shy. ¡°Sandy¡¯s coming up soon with the order. The two of us¡­ we¡¯re to be wed.¡±


    ¡°You kept that quiet,¡± Auraya replied after a few beats of astonishment. ¡°Congratulations.¡± Her shoulders sagged a little. ¡°Are you moving back to Whitegate then?¡±


    ¡°Well, we were hoping she could move in with me here. The cottage is too big for just me anyway.¡±


    ¡°Of course. Will she take the oath?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s ready.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s have it here¡­ The wedding.¡±


    ¡°Oh, we wouldn¡¯t want to cause a fuss.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense, you helped raise us just as much as Reggie and Sal did, Uncle Rupe.¡±


    The man glowed at the compliment. He had been a stray that Reggie had picked up about ten cycles ago. He had lost not only his wife and child in a fire, but also both their parents, and siblings. The family had gathered for a celebration when the building had caught on fire. Everyone had been sleeping, and the poorly built house had crumbled around them, trapping them all inside. Rupert had earlier snuck out to his workshop to finish Auraya¡¯s first sword for Reggie. He had fallen asleep satisfied and proud, but woke up distraught and broken. Reggie had spent a great deal of time putting the pieces of the man back together. Auraya thought back on that time and believed that a wedding in their new home, for someone who meant so much to them, would be good for her kin.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    ¡°Besides, Evans here would love to organise a wedding in the castle,¡± she said, clapping Evans on the shoulder.


    He hesitated for but a moment before his etiquette training kicked in.


    ¡°It would be my pleasure, sir.¡±


    ¡°Definitely not a sir. But,¡± he glanced between the two, seeing expectant expressions. When he looked at Misha ¨C no doubt for back-up ¨C he was only met with a grin. His shoulders sagged and Auraya knew she had won. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll talk to Sandy.¡±


    ¡°I look forward to it. Now,¡± he said, looking expectantly at Auraya. She relented; she had stalled enough.


    ¡°Let me know how she feels, and we¡¯ll start circulation,¡± Rupert called as they left. Auraya waved over her shoulder.


    They made their way back to the castle and walked towards the north wing. Evans kept giving her sideways looks, opening and closing his mouth. If he had been sitting, he would have been fidgeting.


    ¡°Out with it, Evans,¡± Auraya told him impatiently.


    ¡°Have you thought on Patten¡¯s suggestion?¡± Evans asked tentatively.


    ¡°He roped you into confronting me?¡±


    ¡°He may have,¡± Evans conceded sheepishly. ¡°But I do agree with him.¡±


    Auraya rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Is it so hard to trust outsiders?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Do you not trust me?¡±


    ¡°We exchanged blood, I trust you.¡±


    ¡°So, trust, in your opinion, can only be gained through a blood oath?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± Auraya replied with a sigh. ¡°The oath is the beginning. I trust you, particularly, because you have never lied to me, and you don¡¯t hold back your opinions.¡±


    Evans beamed at the comment. Auraya remained impassive.


    ¡°You trust Patten.¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°And he trusts his men. Some more than others, given his list.¡±


    ¡°We would be revealing a large portion of ourselves to outsiders. The few that we have to already has been hard enough.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ surely you have to start somewhere?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you get it, Evans. Growing up in Whitegate taught us that if you give your trust out without caution, you will end up face down in a ditch with a dagger in your back.¡±


    ¡°I may have been raised in this castle, but I do know what it¡¯s like to have to watch my back.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to undermine your upbringing, Evans. For that, I apologise. I meant, after everything my kin have been through, I am reluctant to expose them to potential treachery.¡±


    ¡°I understand. But you are more now.¡±


    ¡°Upgraded indeed,¡± Auraya muttered.


    ¡°Hmmm?¡±


    ¡°Never mind, I¡¯ll think on it.¡±


    They fell silent after that. Auraya contemplated whether she should accept Patten¡¯s offer. To add more of his men to their inner circle was a risk. One she was still not certain she was willing to take.


    Eventually, they passed the guards at the passage leading away from the west wing and into the north wing. There were more people there, rushing about and making noise. They made their way to the second floor and knocked on the door that was labelled ¡®Royal Tailor¡¯.


    ¡°Come in,¡± said a feminine voice from beyond the door. Evans opened it and indicated for Auraya to walk in ahead of him.


    The room was fairly large, occupied with several women attending to mannequins. They were making various items of clothing for both men and women. The designs were lavish, and the material was costly. The room itself was brightly lit with many sconces, candelabras, and chandeliers. Rolls of material lined the left wall, chest of drawers were lined up under the windows on the far wall. The right wall had several doors with shelves in-between filled with tailor type paraphernalia: balls of wool, yard sticks, foot long spools of thread, a variety of scissors, baskets of swatches, awls, knitting needles, and many closed containers. Multiple thick rugs seemed to designate the staff members¡¯ work areas, with a desk, chair, and mannequin in each workspace.


    Auraya looked around impassively, annoyed that she had to be there. A woman approached her, arms wide, smile bright.


    ¡°Your ¡®ighness,¡± she called. ¡°Very big day, yes. Come, come.¡±


    Celia led the way to one of the doors on the right and ushered her in. Evans tried to leave her to it, but a glare from Auraya had him following the pair into the room.


    A loud sigh escaped Auraya¡¯s lips as she entered. There were at least ten mannequins in the room, and as far as Auraya could see ¨C as she could only see a few of them from her position ¨C they were adorned with dresses. And not tasteful, practical ones. They were all frilly, garish affairs that made Auraya wrinkle her nose in distaste. She had already told the woman ¨C multiple times ¨C that she would rather be gutted and left for the crows than wear anything with lace or a hoop. The damn woman had hounded her for the last half turn, pouncing on her whenever she left her study. Auraya could have sworn the woman had spies, relaying her movements. It had only been the last few days that the woman had relented. Auraya had threatened to go elsewhere for her clothing. The rest of her kin were being clothed by Sandy; Auraya saw no reason why she couldn¡¯t either. She couldn¡¯t comprehend why clothing was even an issue. It was so inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. She would never understand those who obsessed over foot coverings or warmth providers.


    ¡°Now, your ¡®ighness,¡± Celia called from in between two gaudy monstrosities. ¡°I ¡®ave examples for you to try.¡±


    Auraya glared at the woman, refusing to engage. She raised a single brow.


    ¡°I know you say you no like ze dress, but you would look so very beautiful. ¡®Ere we ¡®ave a lovely forest green gown that would look fab-bulous wiz your eyes.¡± She looked at Auraya expectantly. As she was met with the same glare she always did, she moved on to the next one. ¡°¡®Ow about zis midnight blue¡­¡±


    Evans cleared his throat, putting them both out of their misery.


    ¡°I think her highness was quite clear Celine,¡± he told her delicately but firmly. Auraya commended him for his conversational superiority. ¡°Do you have what she requested?¡±


    The put-upon sigh the woman let out was overly dramatic in Auraya¡¯s opinion. She had plenty of empty-headed prancers to dress-up like dolls.


    Celine looked between the two for several moments before heading to the back of the room. The final two mannequins had the clothes and leather armour Auraya had requested. She walked up to them and smiled softly. Regardless of how much of a pest the woman was, she certainly did good work. The thread work was fine, the material was soft, the leather was high quality and appropriately stiff, and Auraya could tell just by looking that it would all fit perfectly. This would probably be the best set of clothing and armour she had ever owned. No matter how annoyed she was, she was thankful and would treasure them.


    ¡°Thank you, Celine,¡± Auraya told the woman with a small smile as she fingered the coat. ¡°They look perfect.¡±


    The woman ushered her behind the changing screen and handed her each item of clothing. She hooked her dagger and her new sword to her belt and walked out.


    Evans¡¯ breath caught, and Celine¡¯s smile was a little sad, but extremely proud. She promised to return Auraya¡¯s clothing to her office and bade them farewell.


    Auraya and Evans left the office and made their way back to the west wing. They walked along the ground floor corridor that connected both the north and south wing passages. When they reached the south wing passage, they were met by Auraya¡¯s senior kin ¨C those she had been with the longest ¨C and four castle guards. Rafe, Winnie, Gina, Trevor, Seelie, and Tristan were all equally dressed in new clothes and armour. Sandy had taken up the task of clothing her kin, and she had done a great job. The material perhaps wasn¡¯t as costly, but the thread work was equally as fine. Emerson, and three other guards ¨C Ackers, Rhodes, and Walston ¨C stood to the side, watching on. No-one spoke; they all looked at each other with small expectant smiles.


    After long moments, Auraya nodded her head.


    They made their way to the south wing, twisting and turning through almost bare corridors. It would seem that most of the castle¡¯s occupants had assembled. They walked past the private throne room where the Choosing had taken place and walked towards the front of the south wing. The doors to the main throne room ¨C to the left of the main entrance ¨C were stood slightly ajar.


    Evans and her kin walked into the room ¨C leaving Auraya behind with the guards ¨C to join the rest of her kin and to announce her arrival. Something stirred in Auraya¡¯s stomach. It wasn¡¯t nerves. She was not nervous, but she felt a growing anticipation. This was yet another step on the road to fixing Moralis. Or, at least, improving it so not only the nobility live comfortably. She felt the weight of more lives steadily being placed on her shoulders. Reggie had always told her that her job was to protect her kin, to help guide them when he wasn¡¯t around, to lead them in his stead. Her education ¨C alongside healing and combat ¨C had included leadership and governance. Auraya had presumed that that had been for their orphanage and future clinic, but now she wondered. Things just didn¡¯t seem to add up.


    Auraya noticed that the voices that had drifted from the hall steadily hushed to nothing. The quiet was then punctuated by a group of obnoxious horns. The sound made Auraya wince. Recognising her cue ¨C and Emerson¡¯s unnecessary encouragement ¨C she began to walk through the doors, which had been opened wide.


    She walked forward, through the crowd until she reached the centre of the room. She turned right and faced the dais. Still flanked by her guards, Auraya walked purposefully towards her fate, head high, face expressionless. She could feel the eyes on her, prickling her skin, but just like the Choosing, she ignored them all. Her kin were positioned to the right, along with the lesser nobles and influential persons of Moralis. The left was taken up by the wealthier and more influential nobles and their chit. She kept her focus on the throne. The throne that would soon be hers.


    Closer to the front, a group of assembled knights of the royal army were clustered on both her right and left. They stood at attention, watching her impassively. After the knights were the members of the council, wardens of the regions, and their families. Most looked on disdainfully, whereas others simply looked curious. Auraya again, tried to block them out, focusing on the throne. Her guards peeled away as she approached the dais.


    When she was mere steps away, she looked to see the group assembled there. Stifling a sigh, she noticed priest Truman standing next to high priest Fellows. He looked disapproving next to Fellows¡¯ small, amused smile. She saw Smythe standing next to the high priest. He too had not entirely masked his disapproval. Celine may have been persistent and annoying, but at least she knew how to keep her mouth shut. No doubt if Smythe had known she wouldn¡¯t be wearing a frilly impractical dessert masquerading as clothing, he would have vetoed her request. He had informed her that Celine would be in charge of her new wardrobe. Auraya hadn¡¯t deigned to reply to the comment. She would dress how she chose. When she finally met the woman, her patience had soured to new heights. In the end, Evans had been a balm to her frayed temper. He had handled the woman with an efficacy only one who had been raised amongst the nobility could achieve. She would certainly be hearing a few words of Smythe¡¯s displeasure later.


    When she reached the dais, she took a knee on the step below the high priest.


    ¡°Welcome child,¡± he greeted. She ignored him and kept her head low. The soft chuckle and the huff told her how the slight had been received by both priests.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen,¡± Fellows called to the hall. ¡°We are gathered to bestow the title of Crown Princess to Auraya Reevers, daughter of Hamilton Reevers and¡­¡±


    ¡°Ophelia,¡± Auraya supplied softly. The small gasp at her response caused her to look up. The priest had a strange expression on his face when their eyes connected. It quickly slipped back to amused before Auraya could identify the associated emotion. ¡°My mother¡¯s name was Ophelia.¡±


    ¡°Daughter of Hamilton Reevers and Ophelia,¡± he told the room after a few beats. ¡°We are here to welcome the heiress apparent and hear her oaths.¡±


    Fellows turned his attention to Truman then, who retrieved a familiar looking pillow from a table behind him. He handed it to the high priest, who lowered it to Auraya.


    ¡°Firstly,¡± Fellows told the room. ¡°To reaffirm legitimacy, the crystal will shine brightly to indicate the presence of royal blood and magical talent.¡±


    He looked down at Auraya, and on cue, she raised her hand to touch the crystal. She closed her eyes, before the blinding pain began. As she was prepared this time, she focused so she could sense the crystal¡¯s draw. As she tried to understand what the crystal was supposed to be doing, she found it was beyond her comprehension. It drew on the person¡¯s blood, but then went deeper ¨C smaller? ¨C and read information from deep within the blood. It acted like the blood was a tome to be read, that the information found within the deepest recesses of one¡¯s blood was linked to one¡¯s ancestors. Auraya was aware that there was material in the world smaller than the eye could see, but to imagine that information was stored in those things was¡­ Well, she didn¡¯t quite know what it was, and that moment was hardly the time to think on it.


    After the crystal had ascertained that the blood belonged to the correct lineage, it then checked whether said person¡¯s talent had been activated. The light was triggered when both conditions had been met.


    Auraya removed her hand after a few moments, then slowly opened her eyes. Fellows passed the cushion back to Trueman and accepted a sword. It was an impractical, gaudy looking eyesore, covered in gems with unnecessary pieces of precious metal hanging off of it. Auraya kept the eye roll internal as the blade was placed on her shoulder. She sliced her finger subtly with her dagger.


    ¡°Your oath,¡± Fellows indicated.


    ¡°I, Auraya Reevers, pledge my strength, loyalty, and life on my blood and on this sword. I pledge them to this kingdom, Moralis, and its citizens, from this day until my last. I pledge to uphold and dispense justice for the betterment of my people, from this day until my last. I pledge to govern my people with diligence and consideration, ensuring their safety and prosperity, from this day until my last. Only death awaits those who break an oath.¡±


    When she finished speaking, the few beats of silence caused her to raise her head. Smythe was looking at her with an expression trapped between exasperation and irritation. Fellows¡¯ usual amusement was magnified. Auraya raised her eyebrows, prompting the high priest to relieve himself of the sword and retrieve the silver circlet from an equally pretentious pillow as the crystal had been resting upon. He raised it up and placed it on her head.


    ¡°I present,¡± Fellows called in a louder tone urging Auraya to stand. ¡°Her royal highness, Crown Princess Auraya Reevers.¡±


    The cheer, led by Auraya¡¯s kin, turned deafening, eliciting the corner of Auraya¡¯s mouth to turn up.


    After the high priest settled the crowd back down, three people moved to Auraya¡¯s former position and took a knee. Fellows tried to get her attention, gaudy sword in hand, and tried to pass it to her.


    Auraya retrieved her dagger and told him, ¡°I have my own, thank you.¡± The surprise came and went in a blink.


    Auraya stepped forward. ¡°Rise, Captain Patten.¡± Auraya could hear Smythe¡¯s noises of confusion behind her but she ignored it.


    As prearranged, Patten rose. Auraya used her dagger to cut her own hand, then Patten¡¯s offered palm. She ignored the scattered gasps and whispers. They grasped from palm to elbow, and Patten repeated his vow.


    ¡°I, John Patten, pledge my strength, loyalty, and life on this blood. I pledge they shall be yours, Auraya Reevers, from this day until my last. Only death awaits those who break an oath.¡±


    There was no sensation this time, as the oath was merely for show, but Auraya smiled slightly, nonetheless. She healed his hand, then he stepped back and took a knee once again. She then moved to the next person.


    ¡°Arise, General Braston,¡± she commanded.


    The man did as directed. When he rose, Auraya saw that he rivalled Patten¡¯s height and girth. Clad in full armour too, it may be hidden, but Auraya could tell his body was well-maintained. His brown hair was short, his features were hard, and his expression was stoic.


    ¡°Your left hand,¡± Auraya demanded.


    She commended him. He offered his hand without complaint and seemed to adapt to this change of events with ease.


    Once their hands were clasped, he spoke the words.


    ¡°I, Aaron Braston, pledge my strength, loyalty, and life¡­ on this blood. I pledge they shall be yours, Auraya Reevers, from this day until my last. Only death awaits those who break an oath.¡±


    The feeling elicited by the oath did absolutely nothing to the man. He did not seem shocked, and he did not flinch. Once she had healed his hand, he went to take a knee again.


    Auraya then walked to the third man. He was quite different from the general. He was rounded, well-fed, and his emotions leaked from him. His hair, a blend of black and greys, fell about his armour clad shoulders. His eyes cast about, seemingly searching for an escape.


    ¡°Arise, Captain Bathus,¡± she ordered. He did so slowly, looking from her to Smythe.


    ¡°Is this truly necessary?¡± Bathus asked nervously.


    ¡°Giving your oath?¡± Auraya asked, knowing he was referring to the method and not the oath itself.


    ¡°The blood,¡± Bathus replied with a grimace.


    ¡°I have no use for empty platitudes, Captain Bathus,¡± she told him with only a little disdain. ¡°Your oath must be freely given. It is your choice if you wish to remain in your position.¡±


    His face fell at her threat. He was steadily descending into anger, when Auraya felt a presence at her side.


    ¡°Perhaps the traditional oath would be more appropriate,¡± Smythe interjected.


    ¡°I am performing the traditional oath,¡± Auraya told him. ¡°This bastardised ¨C and pointless ¨C version of tapping a sword on the shoulder has only been in use for the last one hundred and fifty cycles. As I said, I have no use for empty platitudes. I want oaths in blood and magic. To do otherwise is meaningless. What say you, Captain?¡±


    The silence was deafening. Auraya was employing the principle of ¡®start as you mean to go on¡¯. These people had their ideas, and she would not back down if they were irrational or worthless. She eyed the man in front of her. She could see the resentment he directed at her for putting him in this situation, but Auraya remained impassive. She would get what she wanted, or he would ¨C eventually ¨C have to go.


    It seemed like he sucked in any excuses he may have been devising and offered his hand. She sliced it lightly, ignoring the man¡¯s wince. After they had clasped, it took him several moments to say the words.


    ¡°I, David Bathus, pledge my strength, loyalty¡­ and life¡­ on this blood,¡± Bathus¡¯ hesitation seemed to be due to both the searing sensation and the content of the oath. ¡°I pledge they shall be yours, Auraya Reevers, from this day¡­ until my last.¡± The captain stared into her eyes, taking a long breath before he continued. Auraya wasn¡¯t sure if he realised that his hesitation was prolonging the pain.


    ¡°Only death awaits those who break an oath,¡± he finally muttered. He sighed in relief when the sensation finally eased and disappeared.


    Bathus then sunk back to his knee and Auraya stepped back to join Smythe and Fellows, having healed both their wounds.


    ¡°With that,¡± Fellows called to the room. ¡°The three branches of defence have given their fealty to their future queen.¡±


    The ceremony rounded off with more pointless chatter about the future and greatness and blood and whatnot. Auraya tuned it out and listened to her kin. They were chatting amongst themselves through the pendant. Comments about the way people were dressed, who was throwing them the evil eye, and potential threats. It was quite amusing. Most of them were not paying attention at all.


    When the ceremony finally came to an end, Auraya and Smythe walked side by side out of the hall, and up the stairs, flanked guards. Once all the fawners and hangers-on had drifted away, Smythe finally voiced his displeasure.


    ¡°Were you not told to allow Celine to clothe you?¡± Smythe asked with clear exasperation.


    ¡°She did,¡± Auraya replied neutrally.


    He looked her over at that comment. ¡°And that is what she chose.¡±


    ¡°She will never choose what I wear. She did make it, however.¡±


    ¡°It is inappropriate¡­¡±


    ¡°I will always choose what I wear,¡± she told him forcefully, cutting him off. ¡°Let it go, Lord Regent.¡±


    The breath forced out of his nose reflected his annoyance well.


    ¡°You altered the pledge?¡±


    ¡°The version you suggested was pointless and biased.¡±


    ¡°Biased¡­¡±


    ¡°I will not pledge myself to the nobility. All the people are my people. I will endeavour to ensure they all prosper.¡±


    Again, he sighed.


    ¡°The oaths,¡± he asked without inflection and with definite resignation.


    ¡°Empty platitudes are pointless.¡±


    They walked on in silence after that.


    Eventually they reached their destination. Auraya waited whilst Smythe spoke, loud and clear. The doors opened a little while later, indicating her cue to walk onto the balcony.


    It would be a lie if she were to say she was not nervous. It wasn¡¯t fear or anxiety, but a trembling in her stomach as she looked over the largest crowd she had ever seen. They were gathered in every available space of the front courtyard. They were waiting for her. They had expectations that she was required to live up to. The nobility would no doubt presume that she would fail. That she would tow the line or be quashed. The commoners would hope she would allow their voices to be heard, or that she might just turn into one of them. She would endeavour to take her own route; she would do as she saw fit. She would make the improvements that she and her kin thought were best. The expectations of others were weighty, but in the grand scheme of things, she could only do what she felt was right.


    ¡°I present to you,¡± Smythe called out. ¡°Crown Princess, Auraya Reevers.¡±


    The roar of the crowd seemed to shake the very foundations of the castle. The crowd looked to be a mixture of the rich and the poor, the noble and the common, the young and the old, men and women. A smile stretched Auraya¡¯s lips as she looked on. The cheering went on for so long, Auraya thought she might deafen. It eventually did calm down though, so she stepped closer to the wall.


    ¡°I have given my oaths, on the ceremonial sword and in blood. From this day forth, I pledge my life to the betterment of our mighty kingdom, and for all its people. Thank you.¡±


    She raised her hands, and the cheer deafened them once again. It took some time for the crowd to calm. Then Evans got to work. Castle staff directed the crowd to tables loaded with food and drink, clusters of tables and chairs, bonfires, and groups of entertainers. She and Smythe stayed on the balcony for a while, looking over the crowd, making her presence known.


    Eventually, they made their way down to the ballroom. Their presence was announced, and they walked in. Instantly, they were both accosted by well-wishers and simperers. Smythe was immediately sucked up by the crowd, leaving Auraya to deal with one noble after the other by herself. She sent a call to her kin and was eventually found by Gina and Seelie. It made addressing the nobles far easier. Seelie, who never forgot anything she read, was a well of information and Gina was the best pair of eyes amongst her kin. She saw all and absorbed all.


    The evening wore on as nobles tried to either gain her favour, or ¨C not-so-subtly ¨C insult her. She wasn¡¯t sure what they thought they would gain from the insults. She would be their sovereign soon; did they not value their positions? She put the thought out of her mind as a distasteful figure appeared in front of her.


    ¡°Your highness,¡± the man said politely with a shallow bow.


    ¡°Amhurst,¡± Auraya replied impassively.


    They both eyed each other, sizing one another. It had been quite a few cycles since Auraya had laid eyes on the leader of the Healer¡¯s Guild. He had more grey in his hair than before. He was tall and striking. Sharp, regal features. Well-fitted clothing, and stylishly coiffed hair. His black eyes were probing and intelligent.


    ¡°I was hoping to find your benefactor here,¡± he told her, looking around as if he might be close. The blue smoke revealed the lie for what it was.


    Always with the theatrics. Auraya remained silent, waiting for the display to run its course.


    ¡°It would seem we need to go over the terms of our agreement,¡± Amhurst informed her.


    ¡°The agreement is still in place.¡±


    ¡°And yet,¡± he replied with a baffled expression, tapping his bottom lip. ¡°I was informed that Lily Mayers, daughter of Sid and Meredith Mayers, was healed by your¡­ kin.¡±


    ¡°They came to Whitegate for healing.¡±


    ¡°They are residents of Forest Wall, and as such, reside within the walls.¡±


    ¡°As you well know, the agreement states the location of the healing, not the residence of the individual being healed.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± Amhurst hummed, looking at her consideringly. ¡°Perhaps the agreement needs to be revisited.¡±


    ¡°The agreement will stand.¡±


    ¡°The agreement is meaningless if those within the walls simply walk to an inferior establishment.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps they wouldn¡¯t seek help elsewhere if you and yours did not leave children to die.¡±


    ¡°We do not provide charity,¡± he replied disdainfully.


    ¡°Then it should not concern you where they go once you have refused them.¡±


    He opened his mouth, but Auraya had had enough.


    ¡°That little girl was six years old,¡± Auraya told him, raising her voice. ¡°She would have died within two days if they had not come to us. Do not dare to preach to me about what I can or cannot do. I will heal any who comes to me without impunity, and you, Amhurst do not have a say in it. This is not the first time, those within the walls have come to us because you will not help them. If that irks you, then change your practices.¡± She took a breath.


    ¡°The agreement will stand,¡± she repeated, then turned on her heels and walked away. It was only then that she realised they had an audience. She had been so consumed by Amhurst¡¯s little performance that she had forgotten her surroundings. People were gawking and whispering and pointing. She sighed for airing her dirty linens amongst the nobility.


    ¡°Can I cut him?¡± Winnie asked from her left.


    ¡°Not today,¡± Auraya sighed.


    ¡°Tomorrow?¡± Winnie asked again, tilting her head to the side, expression serious.


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± she replied with a laugh.

 Chapter 12 - The Plague

    Winnie


    Staring at the seed in her palm, Winnie sighed. It was a troublesome little thing. Although it spoke no words, it seemed to complain a great deal. It was too cold, the humidity was too low, the water tasted funny, the soil consistency was odd, the concentration of food in the soil was wrong. On and on its complaints went. She looked at the other seeds, sensing similar complaints from the lot. Teresa had brought a selection of rare, exotic seeds she used, so Winnie could see about adding them to their cultivation schedule. It would be a challenge, but not impossible.


    Winnie called out to seven of her kin and waited for them to join her in the shed. Once they had assembled, she informed them of their duty. They would each be given a seed to grow. She went through each of the seeds¡¯ complaints and offered suggestions as to how to combat them. Warming stones and glass houses for the heat issue. Turning plants into mulch to nourish the soil. Incorporating cleaned sand into the soil perhaps. They would benefit from working together for some of the issues, but the task was their own. She informed them of the space on the castle grounds that they could use for their projects and sent them on their way.


    As she was leaving the shed with Delilah and Teresa, a voice drew her attention.


    ¡°Win,¡± Tristan called to her.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on Tris?¡± Winnie asked. It was odd for Tristan to contact them when he was roaming. He would usually just show up if he needed something.


    ¡°I¡¯ve just reached the outskirts of Steinacton,¡± he informed her, sending the feeling of gravity. ¡°The town is overcome with a plague. The people are leaving in droves.¡±


    ¡°Damn,¡± she said out loud. She shook her head to her two companions and walked a few paces away. ¡°Recall your roamers. Get them to block the roads. I¡¯ll be sending people to meet them but get them in place for now. Knock people out if they¡¯re unco-operative. Tell them the crown has sent cures. I¡¯ll gather a team and be with you in a mark or so. Secure the temple, get the priest on board. Gather the sick together.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Win,¡± he replied with relief.


    ¡°None needed. See you shortly.¡±


    Winnie turned back to the two women and asked them to help manage cure production whilst she was away. They readily agreed, eyeing each other suspiciously. Winnie rolled her eyes and asked them to wait while she prepared to leave.


    The first thing she did as she walked back to her office was to inform her team of the situation and what she required of them immediately and whilst she was gone. That included Auraya, as technically, Auraya was one of her healers. This situation was going to interfere with their plans, but there was nothing for it. They had chosen to take this path, so follow it they would.


    For the initial healing, she would need two healers. Well, she would prefer to have one hundred healers, but as she only had access to three, two would have to do. One would have to remain to attend the home visits and the clinic. Luckily, they had been transitioning their patients to mostly attend the clinic. It cut time and increased revenue. They could see more patients and attend to more of the ones who couldn¡¯t pay. There were still a few who they still attended in their homes, but they were few. Out of Lisa and Viola, Lisa was the more senior healer. Not by much, the girls were only a cycle apart in age, but Lisa had been with them for six cycles, whereas Viola had been with them for four. They had begun their training as soon as they had arrived. They had both proved to be diligent, but Viola¡¯s past affected her confidence. Lisa had a similar story to Seelie. She had been discarded by her parents when they had not been able to afford her. They had left her on the road from Schlu to Horswolpirs with only the clothes on her back. It was only luck that Tristan and Reggie had found her the following day. They had been testing Tristan¡¯s range and had stumbled upon her sitting at the side of the road. She had been wary at first, as any girl of nine should be of a strange man and boy. In the end, the lure of food and the excitement of being talented had drawn her in. She had committed and moved on, making the orphanage her new home and accepting those within as her new family.


    Viola, on the other hand, had been born to an unreasonably young mother, who had died in childbirth, and to a bitter and spiteful father, who had wanted a son. She had been blamed for the death of her mother and for her lack of reproductive organs on the outside. Her father had always made her feel worthless. About four cycles prior, Auraya and Reggie had been in Schlu for some reason, and, as Auraya is wont to do, she had brought home a stray. Auraya had seen the two in the market. The older man had been shouting at, denigrating, and belittling the young girl in his company. She had been thin, meek, and malnourished. When he had raised his hand to her, Auraya had defended the girl and threatened the man. The man had said that if Auraya was so troubled with the girl¡¯s welfare, then she could take her. Auraya had agreed and taken the girl away. It had taken their kin about a turn or so to make Viola feel safe and wanted. Her studies had helped her focus, and constant praise had increased her self-worth, but her previous self sometimes surfaced.


    Winnie would prefer to take Lisa, as she would need less micro-management in Steinacton, but sensed that it would be better to leave her in charge of the clinic. Viola would probably need a bit more hand holding, but Winnie didn¡¯t feel comfortable leaving her in Jude.


    With that decided, she called them both in. Neither should be far, so she did not need to ask for help to bring them in quickly. Whilst she waited, she contacted Auraya and told her to prepare to leave for a few quarters. There was no use asking if she was free to leave, or if she had any commitments to attend to. Auraya would come regardless, and there was no point in arguing with her. The girl could hold a grudge. She told Auraya to organise a small company of guards to come along. They would need a little fanfare.


    She then contacted Trevor and asked for a group of his team to come with her. She gave them timings and locations, then stood to go find her team. She then contacted Rafe and asked for a bit of help. By the time she had given him timings and locations, she stood before her team.


    They had assembled in the courtyard and were waiting for her to address them. She told them of the situation again, who she would need to take, and the responsibilities of those who remained. Trevor would be sending members of his team to help whilst a large group of them were away. Delilah and Teresa would be present to help with the cure side, and Lisa would oversee the healing. She made sure that everyone knew what they were doing and had no questions before turning to Rafe.


    He had materialised at the edge of the courtyard and was waiting for them to finish. The group due to leave collected the bundles, boxes, and bags of supplies they had gathered and went over to him. When they were ready, he took them to the castle. Everyone, including Winnie, rushed off to pack a travel bag before meeting in the training yard.


    After packing her bag, Winnie made her way down to Auraya¡¯s office. There, she walked in on an argument between Auraya and Patten. Or, more accurately, Auraya was sitting at her desk with her arms crossed, glaring at Patten, whilst he lectured her as he paced. Winnie listened for a few moments but heard nothing of worth.


    ¡°It is inappropriate for you to¡­¡± Patten was saying.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Winnie told him. He whirled around, glaring at her. ¡°Why the hell are you still here? You need to collect the men you intend to bring and be in the training yard in a quarter mark.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°You heard,¡± Winnie said harshly through her teeth. ¡°Less noise, more getting a move on. Unless you intend to stay behind.¡±


    ¡°You have no right¡­¡±


    Within a few breaths, Winnie was right in front of Patten, glaring at him. Granted he did not flinch, but his eyebrows did twitch.


    ¡°Now you listen here,¡± Winnie seethed. ¡°We don¡¯t have time for you to be acting like a spoilt princess. We have a Gods damned job to do. You were warned. You are either with us, or you can bloody leave. Make a choice now and stop wasting time.¡±


    The staring contest held between the two, as they both panted through their rage, lasted for long moments. Patten conceded first, looking at Auraya.


    ¡°You intend for me to come with you?¡± Patten asked her. Winnie raised an eyebrow at Auraya.


    ¡°I was trying to tell you,¡± Auraya replied with a great deal of exasperation.


    ¡°Very well,¡± he told her, brushing non-existing lint off his doublet. ¡°My men and I will meet you in a quarter mark.¡±


    ¡°No less than ten,¡± Winnie called after him as he was leaving. ¡°Right. Are you ready?¡±


    ¡°I am,¡± Auraya told her.


    They bid farewell to Gina and made their way down to the training yard where most of their kin had already assembled. Winnie began to organise them into groups. Her kin from the clinic distributed supplies amongst the groups but kept the main bulk for the group heading to the temple. Patten arrived shortly before the deadline with over a dozen of his knights. Winnie divided them into the separate groups, eyeing anyone who questioned her. She saw a touch of arrogance from a few, but most seemed to accept her orders. She hadn¡¯t been around much since the Crowning, so she didn¡¯t know which of the knights had taken the oath. She knew their names, but not their faces. She would need to amend that.


    Winnie put those thoughts out of her mind and surveyed the assembled group. Auraya, Patten and seventeen of his guards, Rafe and six of his steppers, eighteen from Trevor¡¯s team and twenty-six from her own team. Once she was satisfied everyone knew their roles and destinations, Winnie ordered the road blocking teams to head out. She then directed those who would search the surrounding villages of Steinacton to set out and join the roamers. Finally, she ordered her own group to leave as soon as word arrived from Tristan.


    Winnie blinked and found herself in a large yard at the back of a temple. There she found Tristan and a young priest in worn robes. After giving thanks to Rafe, Winnie approached Tristan and ignored the priest¡¯s shock.


    ¡°What do we have?¡±


    ¡°From what I can tell, at least one person from each household has fallen ill,¡± Tristan told them. ¡°From infection, it takes half a turn before death takes them. It started perhaps a turn and a half ago. Many have been lost. About a turn ago, Lady Edwyn ordered for the gates town to be closed. Priest Johnson believes the guild has contained the sickness within, but no help has been given to those without.¡±


    Winnie turned to Johnson with a frown. The young man flinched but Winnie didn¡¯t bother to correct his clear assumption that she was angry at him. All her anger was reserved for the guild and affluent. The situation was appalling. They had left these people die, and potentially infect the rest of Moralis.


    ¡°Priest Johnson has assembled aid from business owners and families outside the walls. A space has been provided for the sick. They are being moved from their homes as we speak.¡±


    ¡°Lead on,¡± Winnie told him.


    They followed Tristan and the priest through the temple and out the front door. Like the main temple in Jude, the structure was attached to a square of sorts. Businesses sat in a rough square around a large, cobbled area. Winnie spotted a cluster of townsfolk moving wooden structures to the side. Market stalls. In their place, rough sheets of canvas were being strung up to form large tents. As they watched, prone figures were being carried into the tents that had already been erected. Winnie was impressed. She had faith in Tristan, but little in others. She had not thought that the people would move as quickly as they had. People still had to ability to surprise her. Priest Johnson must have good standing within the community.


    Winnie took a deep breath, then began relaying orders. She directed the healers to the closest tent to begin their assessment of the sick. Patten and Emerson went with them, trailing after Auraya. She divided the remaining guards and Trevor¡¯s team to help the townsfolk. She asked Tristan and the priest to remain in contact with the roaming teams to ensure that the sickness did not spread too far. As people had been evacuating when Tristan had arrived, there was no doubt that the sickness would touch the surrounding villages, but they hoped to limit its reach. It would be disastrous if it reached another city or town. Given the distance, it was improbable, but not impossible. The roamers would have their work cut out for them. The presence of the castle guards should help though. She ordered the priest to gather maps of the surrounding areas to ensure they covered the area effectively and efficiently. He readily marched off with Tristan.


    Once they went on their way, Winnie went to find Auraya. She found her sat next to an older man who looked emaciated, pale, and on the verge of death. As Winnie approached, the man¡¯s pallor improved, he coughed and opened his eyes. His queries and confusion were ignored as Auraya moved onto the next person. One of Winnie¡¯s kin quickly filled the empty space and soothed the man. When Auraya had finished healing a young boy, Winnie caught her attention.


    ¡°What do you know?¡± Winnie asked of her.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­¡± Auraya began, brow furrowing. ¡°A tiny life. It multiplies inside and stops the body¡¯s functions. It is aggressive, and we don¡¯t have a natural way to fight it. Those who have caught it though¡­ will probably survive, if they were to catch it again.¡±


    ¡°How do we contain it?¡±


    ¡°Heat¡­¡± Auraya murmured; her eyes distant.


    ¡°Heat?¡±


    ¡°Everything the sick have touched must either be burnt or cleansed. Use lavender and oregano for hands and surfaces. Mouths and noses must be covered; it dances in the air. A tincture of sage, garlic and the like should be consumed as a preventative.¡±


    ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°Not yet,¡± she replied airily, she had already moved onto the next person.


    Winnie turned and walked to one of her kin. Gloves and face coverings would be distributed amongst those who would work with the sick. A hand washing station would be set up at the entrance of the tents, regularly changed, heated, and infused with the herbs. She directed another of her kin to begin washing the sick and their clothing. She moved to a smaller tent that had been occupied by her apothecaries and relayed instructions for the blends they would need. As she left the tent, a group of townsfolk approached her. They were noisy and tense. Winnie kept walking until she had reached the tent that Auraya occupied.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± The leader of the group shouted at Winnie, a burly woman with a tight scowl. Instead of replying, Winnie directed her eyes at Patten. She raised her brows to him, and he made his way out of the tent.


    ¡°I¡¯m talking to you,¡± the woman shouted.


    ¡°I am aware,¡± Winnie replied. ¡°My name is Winnifred. I run a clinic in Jude. When we heard there was an outbreak in Steinacton, we came to help.¡±


    ¡°Why should we accept help from¡­ children,¡± the women cried in disbelief.


    Winnie felt his presence but didn¡¯t turn.


    ¡°My lady,¡± Patten greeted softly.


    ¡°You¡­¡± the woman said. ¡°You¡¯re from the Castle Guard in Jude.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Patten responded stepping forward and stretching out a hand. ¡°I am John Patten, Captain of the Castle Guard in Jude. Her highness and her kin have come to aid you in your time of need.¡±


    The shock silenced the woman for only moments. ¡°But¡­ they¡¯re children.¡±


    ¡°That they are,¡± Patten replied with a wry laugh. ¡°And yet they are quite accomplished.¡± He patted Winnie on the shoulder, irking her but she remained silent. ¡°Winnifred here may be young, but she is efficient and judicious. Come look, some are already recovering.¡±


    Patten led the group into the tent before they could make another remark. They were clearly astonished at the sight of their family members returning from the brink of illness. Many a tear was shed. Winnie waited for an appropriate amount of time for the realisation to sink in. For them to realise that they could and would help the people of the town.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°This is merely the beginning,¡± she told the group. ¡°There is much to do, and we will need your help.¡±


    The group eyed her silently. She waited, Patten¡¯s presence had given her some legitimacy, but it would still be a leap of faith for them to put their lives in her hands.


    ¡°What do you need of us?¡± The burly woman asked.


    From there, Winnie sent a few of the group to gather more help. This would only work if they could get the whole town somewhat involved. She wanted word to spread throughout the outer town that they would need the aid of each and every household. She directed a few to find large containers to be cleaned and filled with water. She ordered a few out to collect wood for fires. Those who were familiar with cures and herbs were directed to the smaller tent where her kin were blending. She directed a pair to summon the town¡¯s apothecaries. The supplies they had brought would only go so far; they would need to find a local source. Those who were familiar with healing were directed to help the ailing and aid the organisation of those arriving. With only two healers, they would need to prioritise those who were closest to death or at the greatest risk. Those in the earlier stages of illness would be cleaned, fed, and made comfortable whilst they waited to be healed. Winnie then sent several of the townsfolk to ensure that all the sick were being brought to the square. She was certain there would be households that would be reluctant to bring their sick and ailing. She needed the locals to thoroughly spread the word that they were there, and they were helping. Once people were aware that the sick were actually cured, it should help to convince the sceptical. She let them know that they would heal all ailments, but the plague they were fighting would take precedence. Winnie then directed a few to begin making a large quantity of food. They were divided into two; one group went to gather cooking implements to bring to the square, whilst the other group went to gather ingredients.


    By that point, other groups had gathered, and sent to join this group or that group. Patten remained with her to assuage those who joined after his speech. Not everyone was accepting of her authority. When they saw the castle guards following her orders though, it seemed to pacify some. But others still needed to hear that they had been endorsed by the crown. No-one had realised that Auraya was one of the healers yet, and Winnie hoped to keep it that way. She was flanked by two guards and two of Trevor¡¯s warriors at any given time, but it would be best if her presence was kept quiet. She would leave that to Patten and his men. Winnie put it to the back of her mind and made a note talk to Patten.


    As yet another tent went up and began to be filled, Winnie turned her eyes to the sound of wheels on cobblestones. One of the roamers and a castle guard were hurtling into the yard. She raised an eyebrow at their speed, and the grin on Timmy¡¯s face. The knight was hanging on for dear life, looking extremely unsettled. Timmy reined the horses in, quite forcefully, bringing the wagon to a halt several paces from Winnie. He jumped down and walked over to her.


    ¡°Found this family scurrying off to Streibe,¡± Timmy told her, poking a thumb over his shoulder. Winnie followed him to the open backed wagon to see a family of six unconscious. Winnie eyed him.


    ¡°They wouldn¡¯t change their mind,¡± he told her with a shrug. She hadn¡¯t actually been admonishing him.


    ¡°Good work,¡± she told him.


    She indicated for a group to take the family into the empty tent that had been reserved for the roamers. She waited until Viola had finished attending to an older woman before leading her into the tent. After a quick assessment, the girl pronounced that they were all in the early stages of sickness. Winnie thanked her, then directed her kin to move the family to the main tents. She gave orders for her kin to monitor the tent for new arrivals on a regular basis, and for Viola to be summoned to check perform an assessment of their health.


    Once that was done, she took Timmy and his guard to the cures tent.


    ¡°Is it ready?¡± Winnie asked one of her kin.


    ¡°The first batch is done,¡± she was informed. The girl looked over Winnie¡¯s shoulder, then handed her three vials. Winnie turned after giving her thanks and headed back to the pair.


    ¡°Drink this,¡± she told them, thrusting the vials at each of them.


    ¡°What is it?¡± The guard asked, eyeing the concoction warily.


    ¡°A mix of garlic, oregano, sage, and other herbs,¡± she informed him. To his still bemused expression, she continued. ¡°It should help to prevent you falling ill from the same sickness here.¡±


    He eyed it, then drank it in one, grimacing at the taste. Both Timmy and Winnie mimicked him. After retrieving the vials and placing them in a bucket to be cleaned and reused, Winnie approached another table. She grabbed two vials and walked back to the pair.


    ¡°Before you leave, use the washing station by the entrance,¡± she ordered, handing over the vials. ¡°Use this on your hands if you come into contact with any you suspect may be sick.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s in this one?¡± The guard asked.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Winnie asked, eyeing him.


    ¡°Ackers,¡± he told her, squaring his shoulders and straightening his spine. ¡°Jeremy Ackers, Second Lieutenant of the Jude Castle Guard.¡±


    Winnie didn¡¯t really know what his rank meant, but she could discern that he wasn¡¯t wet behind the ears. The guard was tall, broad of shoulder, but slightly thin of waste. His hair was somewhere between gold and brown, long-enough to be wind-swept, but still short enough not to be a nuisance. His features were soft, but the stubble made him seem slightly rugged. If Winnie was reading him correctly, he was simply curious. He did not project suspicion or distrust.


    ¡°It contains a mix of lavender and oregano and such,¡± Winnie told him slightly exasperated. ¡°It should prevent the illness from lingering on your skin. External use only.¡±


    The guard nodded, seemingly pacified. Timmy looked between the two, eyebrows raised. Winnie nodded her head, and the boy led the guard away.


    Winnie turned to see two men and a woman being led towards her. One man was sneering, the other looked curious, and the woman¡­ the woman looked high. Winnie sighed, readying herself for another confrontation.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± The sneering man complained.


    The lead woman from the earlier confrontation, Sam, ignored the man and introduced the trio to Winnie as the three leading apothecary owners in the town.


    ¡°The herbs we brought will not last,¡± Winnie told the group without preamble. ¡°The group in that tent will inform you what we are in need of, and how much.¡±


    ¡°What exactly do you think you¡¯re going to do with the supplies?¡± The sneering man asked.


    Winnie¡¯s face dropped from impassive to contemptuous between one blink and the next.


    ¡°I¡¯m confused. Have you not noticed that an outbreak has occurred in your town,¡± Winnie explained as if he were simple. ¡°We are using the cures to reduce fevers and nourish. The rest is used for cleansing, and a preventative from catching the sickness.¡±


    ¡°There is no cure to this illness,¡± the sneering man informed her with an absurd amount of triumph when referring to the death of innocents.


    ¡°And as you might have realised, had you listened, I did not claim to be making a cure to dispel the illness itself.¡±


    ¡°Then your efforts are fruitless,¡± he spat dismissively, looking around at the hustle and bustle. ¡°What is it you think you children can do, when the guild was not able to help us?¡±


    Winnie took a breath and placed her hand in her pocket. She fingered her seeds whilst staring at the man. Long moments, she stood silently, imagining his neck riddled with sores. When she had calmed, she turned and indicated to a group of guards working amongst the townsfolk.


    ¡°Do you recognise the livery of those guards?¡±


    ¡°Purple¡­ a tree. They¡¯re¡­ the Castle Guard of Jude,¡± he replied hesitantly, seeming slightly unnerved.


    ¡°We are backed by the crown,¡± she told him, calmly. ¡°I presume you know what that means.¡±


    ¡°The talented are among us,¡± he murmured, still regarding the guards.


    ¡°Indeed. The illness is slowly being cured by those with such talents. However,¡± she said forcefully, regaining his attention. ¡°They are few, so we must do what we can to keep the ailing alive and prevent others from catching it.¡±


    ¡°Winnifred,¡± the dazed looking woman said in an airy tone. Winnie looked at her, brows scrunching a little at her countenance. ¡°Winnifred of Jude.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    ¡°It would be a pleasure to work with you,¡± the woman said with a small smile. The two men eyed her suspiciously. When she noticed their regard, she spoke again.


    ¡°Delilah¡¯s apprentice.¡±


    Winnie reeled for moments. She could not imagine Delilah spending time with a woman such as this. Her head clearly inhabited a plane far from their own. Perhaps she had misjudged the obviously stoned woman. Perhaps she was brilliant at her profession, and ingesting narcotics was her muse. Regardless, Winnie would not see her anywhere near the cures.


    At the mention of Delilah, the men turned to Winnie with something close to awe.


    ¡°You all know of Delilah,¡± Winnie asked them. Winnie had not left Jude for some cycles; she didn¡¯t know much of what occurred elsewhere in Moralis.


    ¡°Her family has a legacy of greatness amongst apothecaries,¡± the curious man told her. ¡°She visits perhaps once a cycle. Some cycles back, she spoke of an apprentice who would likely succeed her.¡±


    Winnie was unwittingly touched by the man¡¯s words. A slight warmth invaded her cheeks. Delilah rarely doled out praise, so to hear it so far away from home was a surprised. Shaking her thoughts back into line, Winnie faced the trio.


    ¡°Will you aid us?¡±


    ¡°Payment?¡± The sneering man asked hesitantly. Winnie had the impression that the man¡¯s face rested in a sneer. His tone did not reflect his expression.


    ¡°You will be re-imbursed by the crown,¡± Winnie told him with resignation.


    After hashing out the details, Winnie left the group to their tasks. The dazed woman would assemble a group to go gathering in the forests surrounding Steinacton. The curious man would join the healers, as he only made cures to apply to his patients. The sneering man would work with those in the tent to prepare the cures and cleansers. They all left to gather their supplies from their respective shops, to gather their colleagues and acquaintances, and to commence their tasks.


    As she walked over to the corner that would provide them with food, another roamer appeared and was directed to the appropriate tent. This time the family were awake, but visibly shaken. Winnie ignored them and carried on her way.


    A rotund man had taken control of the cooking area, he was shouting out orders to his helpers: cut this, wash that, move this, pick up that, wash your damn hands. Winnie was satisfied that he seemed to have everything under control. She asked him if he needed anything. He claimed that he could do with more vegetables. She left after informing him that she would see to it. After enquiring with a few passers-by, Winnie called for two of her kin that she could spare and walked them over to a nearby garden. After rooting around in her satchel, she passed out true potato seeds, red and green pepper seeds, carrot seeds, and cabbage seeds. She told her kin to grow as much as they could without tiring too much.


    After that, she went to the temple. It would seem far more roamers had returned than she had realised. In perhaps three marks, most of them would be able to return. They would still leave three groups out to continue cycle through the surrounding villages and three to block the roads. There were three roads that led from Steinacton. North led to Streibe, which only had the one road between the two towns. The smaller town was quite isolated, so it was unlikely that anyone travelling in that direction had gone further. It would not take long to check the town and the surrounding villages to the north. The western road led to Frohngenfeld, and Achertengen. It would take time to check along those routes, given that the earliest the infected could have left would have been about two turns ago. In the south, the road split. One route went to Jude, and the other led to the rest of Moralis. They would need to focus their efforts on that route. Jude was close and large. It would be cataphoric if the sickness were to reach the capital. Likewise, if they lost a family or two to the south, there was no telling how far the sickness could reach. Given the amount of time since the sickness had begun, they would have noticed if it had reached Jude, but Winnie sent a message to her kin regardless to keep watch for it. The road from Steinacton led straight into Whitegate, so they would be the first to see it.


    At any rate, the roamers were doing well with their searches. The presence of the guards was helping ¨C not all the time though ¨C the people seemed more likely to trust their word when they saw a guard emblazoned with the livery of the crown. For those who were still reluctant to leave, the roamers simply incapacitated them and brought them back anyway. There was no room for selfishness. As far as Winnie knew, there were only three people in Moralis capable of combating this sickness. They did not afford to let people spread it.


    Once she had left them to it, Winnie noticed a group had assembled towards the edge of the square. They had filled the square with tents and were awaiting new instructions. She directed the large group of townsfolk, her kin, and guards to follow her. She found Sam with a group along the way and led them all to food area. The rotund man, Peter, offered them bread, cheese, and ale. Whilst they ate, Winnie explained her next plan.


    ¡°As you¡¯ve probably heard, or realised,¡± Winnie told them between bites. ¡°This sickness lingers on surfaces and in the air. We can heal and help as much as we like, but if we do not remove the sickness from your homes, it will all be for naught.¡±


    Some looked a little confused at her words.


    ¡°It lingers¡­ in the air?¡± One man asked looking around. ¡°How can you tell such a thing?¡±


    ¡°Our healers can sense it in the body,¡± she told them. ¡°They don¡¯t need their eyes to find it.¡±


    She hoped the mysterious nature of the talented would silence some the questions she couldn¡¯t or did not want to answer. There was a great deal she didn¡¯t understand about the sickness. Auraya had called it a small life. A sickness that was alive and inside us wreaking havoc. It was disconcerting to say the least. She put the thoughts out of her mind, she needed to get these people to do as she directed.


    ¡°So,¡± she continued. ¡°As we can¡¯t see it, we need to burn or clean everything.¡±


    She let her words sink in as she chewed slowly on her cheese. She looked around, gauging emotions. Some looked tired. Some looked disbelieving, whilst others looked determined. She wasn¡¯t sure whether they fully understood yet.


    ¡°I mean every house, shop, shed, and pig pen in Steinacton.¡±


    She watched as her words sunk in. This would not be an easy venture.


    ¡°The streets will need to be cleaned, litter will need to be removed, walls and windows will need to be washed.¡±


    The group settled into silence as they thought about what she was asking.


    ¡°There are many who will not agree,¡± a short woman told her.


    ¡°That¡¯s why we have guards,¡± Winnie replied with a shrug. ¡°Inform them that more will be commissioned if they are unco-operative.¡±


    Winnie sighed at the group¡¯s scepticism. She needed to impress upon them the gravity of the situation.


    ¡°We have neither the means, nor the method to create a cure for this illness, and we only have two talented healers. The going is slow. We have people out searching for those that have left because if this spreads, it could mean the end of Moralis. It holds no prejudice, infecting the young, the old, the rich, the poor. It kills with impunity and so far, no-one has survived. As far as we can tell at least. It needs to end here, and to do that, we need to eradicate all corners that may harbour the illness.¡±


    She took a breath, looking at her audience, seeing that she had their full attention.


    ¡°It needs to end here. And if there are people who wish to fight our efforts, then they will need to be put down.¡±


    The gasps of shock made her backtrack.


    ¡°Rendered unconscious whilst we do our work, I mean.¡±


    One of the guards eyed her suspiciously. She ignored him. His opinion did not matter.


    They discussed how they were going to tackle the project. The group eventually made its way to the temple to look over maps of the town. There were roughly one thousand building in the outer town. A mixture of homes and businesses. The group that had gathered to aid them was but a fraction of the town¡¯s population. They would need far more help to see the endeavour to fruition ¨C in a timely fashion. As such, they divided the town into sections. A group would gather cleaning solutions, cures, and rags in a cart to take to each of the sections. They would go door to door and inform the residents of their activities and their need for aid. They would insist on helping the resident clean in the presence of a guard, to ensure that it was done. Winnie was not satisfied with taking anyone on their word that they would do the job appropriately. It would only take a few perfunctory efforts and the whole endeavour would be for naught. Once a row of buildings had been attended to, a water and a fire elemental would be sent to clean the streets and the outsides of the structures, whilst two or three people collected litter and detritus. She directed a small group to prepare the tubs for washing clothing and linens, and she sent another small group to prepare a fire on the on outskirts of town. The burnings would commence the following day and all would be offered a chance to wash their belongings in the cleansing tubs. Once they had ironed out a few more details, the groups set off to work.


    Left alone again, Winnie exited the temple and walked towards the tents. A buzz at the back of her mind caused her to direct a trinkle of magic to her pendant.


    ¡°Winnie?¡± Gina called.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, sweet?¡±


    ¡°Smythe came looking for O and Patten.¡±


    ¡°Evasive?¡±


    ¡°Yes, though I¡¯m not sure how long that will last.¡±


    ¡°Keep at it. Let me know if there¡¯s a problem.¡±


    ¡°Ok. Stay safe.¡±


    ¡°And you.¡±


    Winnie pondered whether to tell Auraya. She would be engrossed in healing, and hearing about Smythe might annoy her to the point of distraction. She settled with informing Patten, then stopped. She wondered when she had begun to rely on him. That morning, she had shouted at him, and hadn¡¯t apologised when she had realised it was Auraya being Auraya that had caused the situation. She had to admit to herself, that he was somewhat reliable.


    She spent time over the next few marks ensuring everyone had what they needed, knew what needed to be done, and resolving issues. Their numbers thankfully rose after a mark or two. Winnie directed them where they were needed and continued to supervise.


    Soon, the number of healed began to swell. They were mostly fed and sent on their way. Those who were still fragile from the illness were sent to a tent reserved for them. The old, the young and compromised would still need care and cures to regain their strength. A merchant tried to cause a fuss at having been forcibly returned to Steinacton, but when he was told he was infected, he quickly quieted.


    Winnie walked whilst using her senses to find her kin. The sun was touching the horizon, telling her that the day would soon be over. She wondered if she should recall the cleaning groups but decided to wait another mark. The day had rushed past her without her taking much notice.


    She walked into the entrance of a tent, washed her hands, and donned a mask. She walked past rows of the sick, heading for Auraya but then stopped. When she laid eyes on her kin, she noticed that Auraya was pale with shadows under her eyes. She looked like she had not slept or eaten properly in the last turn. Patten was stood behind her, murmuring incessantly. She had been about to rebuke him and demand he explain why Auraya looked like a stiff breeze would blow her through the veil. But it looked like the older man was arguing with her. Or at least, arguing at her. She appeared to be ignoring him, pouring her magic into a frail little girl.


    Winnie let her senses roam and found that the girl was on the verge of death. Her light was fading, and Auraya was throwing everything she had into keeping the girl alive. Winnie started moving again when she realised what was happening. She wasn¡¯t quite fast enough. All the tension suddenly left Auraya¡¯s body and she went down. Winnie tried to reach her, but it was unnecessary. Patten caught Auraya, and lifted her into his arms. As Winnie approached, she could hear him cursing and complaining. A small smile touched her lips to see the captain¡¯s composure slip. She interrupted his little tirade.


    ¡°She¡¯ll be okay,¡± Winnie told him with a wry smile. ¡°She does this sometimes. You just have to make sure she sleeps for at least five hours and eats heartily.¡±


    ¡°Five hours?¡± Patten exclaimed in disbelief.


    ¡°Well, eight would be ideal, but it¡¯s unlikely she will agree to that. Five is the minimum though, if she wishes to continue tomorrow.¡±


    Patten sighed, looking down at the girl in his arms. She looked small and young and innocent. The defiance that usually sat in her expression was gone. She looked relaxed and at ease. Winnie looked at Patten again. The fact that Auraya had let herself reach the point of exhaustion with only Patten to rely on, spoke of how much she trusted him. It was a rarity, but Winnie was beginning to feel the same. The man was loyal and honourable. He spoke his mind and seemed to want the best for her. There was nothing worse than having a simpering, spineless fool for a companion. One could never be at ease. Patten was not that in the least.


    Winnie took a breath and tried to accept the older man. She was not fond of change, nor of people, but she thought she could tolerate the addition of this man.


    Winnie shook her head, then followed the pair into the temple to organise their sleeping arrangements.