《The Vivian Wright Series: The Fugitive》


 Chapter 1 - On the Run

    A loud sneeze sounded, cutting across the rustling of the leaves as the wind blew through them.


    Thirteen-year-old Vivian Wright shivered as she wrapped her arms around herself, rubbing them to keep herself warm. Struggling to put one foot in front of the other, she kept moving ahead even though she was starting to lose the feeling in her toes. The icy embrace of the night was seeping across the forest floor as the sun dipped further below the horizon. The sky streaked with pink, yellow and orange was quickly fading into black as the stars started dotting the heavens above. It was going to be another long, cold night.


    Fire¡­ I need fire.


    Hastily assembling a small bramble of twigs and leaves, she got a small flicker of fire going, one that wavered every time a gust of wind blew past. Sitting as close as she possibly could she closed her eyes and curled up into a ball, trying and failing to ignore the loud protests her empty stomach was making.


    If the cold does not kill me, hunger definitely will.


    It had been a week since she ran away from home and so far, the world had not been kind to her. Her bright red hair that used to be her mother¡¯s pride was reduced to a rat¡¯s nest. Her amber eyes had sunk deep into to her skull as if they were trying to hide themselves from the world outside. She was sickly thin, her cheekbones sticking out sharply from her face; the next gust of wind could probably blow her away.


    How much longer will I have to keep running?


    Sighing, she buried her face in her knees and closed her eyes, praying that she would not freeze to death in her sleep. The stress of the past few days came crashing down on her and she found herself slowly drifting off.


    Home¡­ a bowl of soup sat innocently on the floor. A dead cat lay next to it¡­ Familiar faces glanced at her in fear, their gazes never lasting more than a few seconds. She felt her heart constrict in her chest as they slowly backed away in terror¡­ She turned and ran¡­ As fast as she could, as far away as she could¡­ A sea of pitchforks and torches swarmed behind her¡­ The ground disappeared beneath her feet and she felt herself falling¡­


    She startled awake, her hands grasping at the grass beneath her to reassure herself that she was not falling. After a few moments, she relaxed visibly, finally understanding that it was just a dream.


    Well, maybe a little more than a dream.


    It was early in the morning. Vivian got up and stretched, greeting the morning with a rumbling stomach. The fire she had made the night before had flickered out at some point leaving her fingers and toes cold and numb. Letting out a long yawn she set off to find breakfast. She soon found her salvation in the form of a pear tree standing tall with its tantalizing fruit hung like bait for hungry passers. With whatever strength she had left, she clumsily climbed the tree and plucked the biggest pear she could reach, stuffing it into her mouth before reaching for another one.


    ¡®Could toss a few of those down here as well?¡¯ a voice interrupted her pear picking.


    Vivian looked down to see the most suspicious figure she had ever laid eyes on. The man was dressed in black from head to toe with the hood of his cloak pulled over his head hiding his face and had enough weapons on him for an armoury. Tied to his belt was a long sword and a small dagger. A pair of throwing knives were strapped to his thighs and a quiver filled with arrows was slung across his back along with a bow.


    He looks like a mercenary, Vivian thought. Best to do what he says.


    She reached up, plucked a pear and tossed it down to him. The man easily caught it and took a huge bite.


    ¡®Thank you,¡¯ he said.


    ¡®You are welcome.¡¯


    ¡®Toss me a couple more please.¡¯


    Vivian did as he asked. He managed to catch each one with ease. The man still had not lowered his hood, which made her wary. The man however seemed to have no such feelings of doubt, looking as carefree as ever.


    ¡®Will you not join me?¡¯ he asked.


    ¡®I am fine where I am.¡¯


    Silence settled between them as they chewed away on their food. From her perch up in the tree Vivian kept her eyes on the man, not trusting him enough to turn away for even a second. The man on the other hand was visibly relaxed. He sat cross-legged on the ground, his eyes wandering about focusing on nothing in particular.


    ¡®My name is Peri,¡¯ he said suddenly. ¡®What is yours?¡¯


    ¡®¡­ Vivian.¡¯


    ¡®Well thank you for the food Vivian.¡¯ He got up and dusted himself off. ¡®I hope we meet again.¡¯


    He walked away casually and it was not until he was out of her sight did Vivian feel it was safe to come down. As soon as her feet touched the ground, she took off running in the opposite direction. Something told her that man was not normal and the last thing she needed was more trouble.


    For all I know he could be one of them¡­


    ¡­¡­¡­


    It had been a couple of days since her encounter with the strange man. Vivian was still wandering aimlessly in forest, lost on where to go and what to do. She had managed to survive by hunting small animals and eating the fruits she had gathered. However, the nights were getting colder. Winter was fast approaching and the rags she wore would not be enough to make it through it.


    Suddenly a rustle in the undergrowth nearby caught her attention. Expecting it to be a squirrel or if she was lucky a rabbit, she stepped forward hoping to catch it for breakfast. She parted the long grass to see a small, black cat that was fast asleep.


    I wonder if I can eat it, she thought.


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    The cat suddenly shot up and yowled at her, as if it could hear what she was thinking. It launched itself at her face, digging its claws in and hissing in anger. Vivian let out a startled yell and scrambled backwards trying to rip the cat off her face. The two of them rolled about on the ground, neither one willing to give into the other.


    That is until a distant voice interrupted them. The two of them immediately stilled. She overheard a conversation between two men and what she heard made her eyes widen with fear.


    ¡®Where is that damn cat? It was such a good find, a very rare mystic creature. If we don¡¯t find it, the master is going to have our heads.¡¯


    ¡®It could not have gotten far. Let us split up and search. We have to find it before the auction next week.¡¯


    Not even thinking about what she should do, Vivian took off running and for some reason she had grabbed the cat as well.


    Rare mystic creature, auction¡­ there is no doubt about it¡­ they are Hunters, or worse Sentinels¡­


    The cat yowled loudly in her ear from its perch on her shoulder. Vivian looked ahead to see that she was headed directly towards a cliff. Skidding to a stop, she managed to avoid falling off. She bend over and wheezed, her heart pounding in her chest. Curious about the feline, she plucked it off her shoulder and took a closer look at it. That is when she noticed the three long tails swishing around lazily. A glass ring gleamed on each of the tails.


    A cat with three tails¡­ definitely not normal¡­ if I stick with it, it will only bring me trouble.


    She tossed the cat on the ground. The black feline twisted itself in mid-air and landed on its feet, hissing at the one who had thrown it down. Vivian walked away from it, hoping to put as much distance between herself and the cat as possible. The creature itself on the other hand had other plans. Without a single sound, it started to follow her. Vivian picked up her pace and the cat followed suit. Annoyed, she picked up a small rock and threw it at the feline. It easily dodged it and continued following her, looking at her with wide, yellow eyes.


    ¡®Go away,¡¯ she said. ¡®I don¡¯t want any trouble and that is exactly what you are right now.¡¯


    The cat stared at her silently for a moment before turning away and sauntering off. Vivian sighed with relief as the three black tails disappeared into the undergrowth. She continued on her way, looking forward to another day of aimless wandering.


    ¡­¡­¡­


    Vivian knew she was wandering deeper and deeper into the woods. Sunlight barely reached down to where she was now. All she knew was that the sun would set soon and she would freeze to death if she did not find some form of shelter. Her deliverance appeared in the form of a small tree root cave, its roots spread out wide enough for her to squeeze in. Once inside she found out that it was quite cosy, the warmth of the tree seeping into her bones. Though the chilly wind howled away outside she snuggled into the warm earth beneath and went to sleep.


    It was sometime around midnight that she found herself awakening to some rustling nearby. She heard a twig snap and realised that someone or something was nearby. She leaned back as much as she could while trying to quiet her breathing. The murmurs of a conversation reached her ears.


    Who could be out here so late at night?


    ¡®I know that it is here somewhere.¡¯ Vivian recognized the voice as one of the men who was chasing the cat the other day.


    Are they still looking for it?


    Suddenly, something black slipped into the hollow where she was currently hiding. Vivian managed to keep herself from screaming. It was the cat from before. It let out a small mrow before jumping into her arms, seeking safety from the men outside. Afraid that the cat would make a ruckus if she threw it away, Vivian wrapped her arms around it and held it close. She could still hear the rustling from outside. After a few minutes of bated breath it stopped.


    ¡®Let¡¯s look somewhere else,¡¯ the other man said. ¡®It¡¯s not here.¡¯


    Vivian waited until the footsteps were gone and the night was quiet once again before peeking out of the root cave. There was no one in sight. Relieved, she sank back into her little hollow, finally letting go of the cat. The cat stretched, yawned, curled itself up on her lap and immediately went to sleep.


    ¡®You could at least look grateful,¡¯ she muttered. ¡®You are nothing but trouble. Also, how did you fall asleep so fast? It¡¯s annoying. I should just throw you out.¡¯


    However, for some reason she could not find it in herself to throw the cat out. So following its example she soon found herself falling back to sleep too.


    ¡­¡­¡­


    The cat was gone the next morning.


    Good riddance, Vivian thought as she stretched. I hope I never run into it again. Nothing but trouble.


    Casting a sad glance at the tree cave that had sheltered her the previous night, Vivian once again set off. Her growling stomach and parched throat ordered her to search for food and water. Food was found easily in the form of an unsuspecting pigeon. Following her sharp ears, she found a small stream springing out of some boulders. The water was cool and fresh, soothing her throat on the way down.


    ¡®Ah, we meet again,¡¯ a familiar voice said.


    Vivian spat out the water like a water spout, some of it making it into places where water was not meant to go. She hacked as she tried to get the liquid out of her windpipe.


    ¡®My, that is quite the response.¡¯ The comment was accompanied by a low chuckle. ¡®Are you that excited to see me again?¡¯


    She looked up to see the man in black she met before.


    I think his name is Peri.


    He gave her a small smile as she stared at him. He had a waterskin dipped into the stream, which made his reason for being there quite obvious. Vivian stood up and backed away slowly. Her instincts were telling her that she shouldn¡¯t get involved with him.


    ¡®It is nice to see you again, but I have to leave,¡¯ Vivian said trying to end the encounter as soon as possible.


    ¡®Where are you going?¡¯


    ¡®That is none of your business.¡¯


    He shrugged. ¡®Just being curious. What would a child be doing alone out in the middle of nowhere?¡¯


    ¡®Like I said before none of your business,¡¯ Vivian replied tersely.


    ¡®Would you like some company?¡¯


    ¡®No.¡¯


    ¡®As you wish.¡¯ Peri stood up. ¡®Though you should know that these woods are quite dangerous. One should avoid travelling through it alone.¡¯


    ¡®You¡¯re alone.¡¯


    ¡®Yes but I am quite capable of taking care of myself.¡¯ He looked at Vivian. ¡®You, however, look like the next gust of wind could carry you away.¡¯


    ¡®Well you are wrong,¡¯ Vivian replied, a bit irritated at being called weak. ¡®I have survived here on my own for more than two weeks now and I can keep doing it on my own.¡¯


    Peri held his hands up in mick surrender. ¡®Well, looks like you are quite tough¡­ but sometimes being tough is not enough.¡¯


    His voice had turned ominous towards the end and Vivian found herself taking another step back. The man however seemed ignorant of this as he took a swig out of his waterskin. He leaned down once again to fill up what he had drank. He glanced at her before reaching behind and pulling out something and tossing it to her. She fumbled a bit but managed to catch it. It was a simple dagger with a leather grip and sheath, and a foot long blade.


    ¡®What is this?¡¯


    ¡®A gift,¡¯ he replied simply. ¡®You might find it useful.¡¯


    ¡®I cannot accept this from you. We just met.¡¯


    ¡®Too late. A gift once given cannot be taken back. It¡¯s yours now. It will be useful for hunting small animals.¡¯


    Vivian stared at the dagger. He¡¯s not wrong. This would make it easier for me to hunt, but I wonder if I should accept it from a complete stranger¡­ No, best not to. I might be asking for trouble.


    ¡®Thank you for your kindness, but I-¡¯


    The man had already disappeared. Vivian swivelled around; hoping to catch a glimpse of him but it was as if the man had just vanished into thin air.


    Why did I not even hear him leave? My senses are quite sharp. I should have heard him move¡­ Who is that man?


    She looked down at the dagger clasped in her hand. Deciding to keep it for the time being she tucked it away in her pants. She knelt down to splash some water on her face. The sound of the stream cascading over the rocks drowned out all other small noises, which made her unaware of a pair of unfriendly eyes that were watching her. It wasn¡¯t until the man was standing right behind her did she notice his presence. A sharp pain shot through her head as she was hit with something hard and she felt herself slipping into unconsciousness.

 Chapter 2 - The Auction

    Vivian let out a small groan as she came to. Her head was throbbing in pain. She jerked up remembering what happened, her head immediately protesting against the sudden movement. She found herself in an iron cage with shackles made of the same binding her hands. The cage was placed at the centre of a camp set up in a clearing. As soon as she woke up the people around noticed, all gazes immediately shifting towards her. Feeling intimidated by their stares, she tried to make herself as small as possible.


    ¡®Ah you are finally awake.¡¯ A man approached her cage. He had long black hair tied in a neat ponytail and sharp green eyes that seemed to pierce right through everything. Sensing danger Vivian shuffled back until her back hit the bars.


    ¡®You have been asleep for quite some time now.¡¯


    Vivian found her voice. ¡®Asleep? I was knocked out.¡¯


    ¡®Ah, my apologies for that. My men were quite rough with you. I told them to be gentle with the merchandise, but sometimes they get a little excited.¡¯


    ¡®Merchandise?¡¯


    ¡®Why you of course.¡¯ He leaned in closer. ¡®Mages hold quite a high value in the black market. People with money to burn like to keep them as some sort of exotic pets. They have them fight wild beasts or other mages in our arena as a sort of entertainment. It is quite sickening, but it makes good money.¡¯


    Vivian gulped. ¡®I-I¡¯m not a mage,¡¯ she stuttered. ¡®There must be some sort of mistake.¡¯


    ¡®Hmm, I am quite sure you are.¡¯ He pulled out a small glass orb that was glowing slightly. ¡®You see this. It is called a resonator. It glows when it detects magic. Quite a useful tool. As you can see, it seems to be reacting to your presence.¡¯ He tossed the orb and caught it before tucking it away. ¡®Therefore, you are a mage, a weak one considering the resonator¡¯s glow, but a mage nonetheless¡­ and I am sure those rich fools will pay a fortune for you.¡¯


    Vivian¡¯s face was shot through with fear. She had been discovered. The reason why her family tried to poison her, why she had been forced to run away from home had been laid bare.


    ¡®Your kind are such fascinating yet pitiful creatures,¡¯ the man said without a hint of pity in his voice. ¡®In a country where magic is banned, your kind will always face unrelenting oppression. It is a wonder you all haven¡¯t already died out. However,¡¯ he continued in a matter-of-fact tone. ¡®This animosity was started by your kind. We normal people have to defend ourselves.¡¯ He shrugged which filled Vivian with the sudden urge to punch him. ¡®My family has been leading this fight for generations, and they will continue to do so.¡¯


    A sense of dread settled heavily upon Vivian. ¡®Your family? Who are you?¡¯


    ¡®Oh, how rude of me. I never introduced myself.¡¯ He gave a slight bow. ¡®My name is Savant Oryonis. You may have heard of my father Norden Oryonis, the leader of the Sentinels.¡¯


    Vivian¡¯ eyes widened in fear when she heard Oryonis before she let out a resigned sigh. She felt all the tension that was built up in her leave all at once, as she resigned herself to the fact that she was going to die.


    No more wandering about in the woods, starving and shivering¡­ it can end here¡­ Maybe this is not such a bad thing¡­ I can finally stop running.


    ¡®You seem relieved,¡¯ Savant said, cocking his head in confusion. ¡®Usually my family name makes mages like you tremble in fear.¡¯


    ¡®I am just¡­ giving up.¡¯


    Everyone has heard about the Sentinels. They are the largest Hunter organization as well as the most dangerous criminal syndicate in the country. A mage caught by the Sentinels can never escape.


    Besides, I am tired of running¡­


    ¡®You are quite strange. I almost feel like keeping you for myself. Unfortunately I have a quota to meet and Father will be angry if I did not.¡¯


    Vivian did not respond, curling up into a ball in a corner of her cage. Savant left with a few of his men, preparing to set out for a town named Elenzos. He called out orders and his men moved fluidly, pulling down the tents and saddling the horses. Vivian¡¯s cage was strapped to two horses, one of which was ridden by Savant himself.


    ¡®It is a two day trip to our auction site near Elenzos,¡¯ He said to Vivian. ¡®Try to make yourself comfortable.¡¯ He gave her smile that send chills up her spine.


    ¡®There is nothing cosier than a cold iron cage right?¡¯ Vivian asked dryly.


    Savant chuckled before calling out the order to move. The cage rocked gently as they started moving, the horses settling into a steady pace. There were men riding on either side of the cage, matching the pace of their leader and keeping an eye on her. Ignoring them, Vivian closed her eyes and tried to sleep. She was going to be sold as a pet. This might the last time she gets a good sleep before she died.


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡®We will need to clean you up a bit,¡¯ Savant said as he leaned back against the cage.


    It was the second day and they had stopped for lunch. Savant sat next to the cage, leaning back on it as he ate. Inside the cage, Vivian was eating the portion she was given, barely paying any attention to what the man outside was saying.


    He is oddly talkative to his prisoner, or is he just boasting¡­?


    ¡®Nothing too fancy,¡¯ Savant continued. ¡®Just enough to make you look decent. We cannot present you to our customers like this. Presentation is nine-tenths the sale.¡¯


    Vivian did not reply except for pushing her plate towards the door of her cage and leaning back to once again to fall asleep. If it were not for the fact she was going to die, she would have liked her current position. She was provided with food and allowed to sleep as much as she wants. She heard Savant leaving his post by her cage to talk to his men. A snippet of the conversation reached her ears.


    ¡®Have they caught that damn cat yet?¡¯


    ¡®Yes sire. They said that they will meet up with us at the auction site with the creature.¡¯


    ¡®Hmm, good work, though it sure took them long enough. Alright let us continue on our way. Pack up.¡¯


    The group started moving again, all of them settling into the same pace as before. By what Vivian overheard, they would near Elenzos by nightfall. Wrapping the blanket she had been given around herself, she fell asleep.


    She woke up when the cage grounded to a halt. She opened her eyes blearily to find herself surrounded by a dozen cages. Torchlight spilled into the cages revealing people, and in a few, strange creatures of sorts.


    ¡®Are all these people mages?¡¯ she asked, not expecting a reply.


    ¡®Oh no,¡¯ Savant replied. ¡®No, you are the only mage here. They are just people meant to be sold as slaves. They are quite common goods.¡¯


    Vivian glared at him in disbelief, the apathy she had felt for her own situation so far being replaced by anger. ¡®How can you be so calm about throwing away a person¡¯s life? You disgust me.¡¯


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    ¡®Now don¡¯t say that.¡¯ He looked offended. ¡®It¡¯s not like I am some sort of villain planning treason or such. I am a businessman and whatever I do, I do for profit. It is nothing personal. Besides, these people should be glad. If they continued to live the life they had, they would have never had the chance to catch even a glimpse of the nobility or their way of life. I am giving them the opportunity to pursue greatness and glory under the strict patronage of my noble clients.¡¯


    ¡®Phrase it anyway you want, that¡¯s slavery.¡¯


    ¡®I suppose from your limited view it must seem so.¡¯


    He turned away from her barking orders. Vivian¡¯s cage was placed among the others. Her new neighbours looked at her with pity and desolation. The cage next to her held a small girl, probably around five years of age who was shivering with fear. The simmering anger from before boiled into fury as she stared at the child. She felt a tension build up inside her, a wave of power, but it barely lasted for a moment before it dissipated. She felt it draining into the iron manacles around her wrists.


    Was that¡­ my magic?


    ¡®I thought you had resigned yourself to your fate.¡¯ Savant raised a well-shaped eyebrow at her. She glared back at him. ¡®Looks like you still have some fight left in you. That¡¯s good. My customers will pay even more for something feisty.¡¯


    ¡®That girl is just a child,¡¯ she growled.


    ¡®That girl is a product that is going to make me money. Besides, how old are you? Twelve, thirteen¡­ you are a child yourself. You should be more worried about yourself.¡¯


    He walked away, heading towards the tent that had been pitched in the clearing. For a moment Vivian observed the hustle and bustle around her. The auction site was not in Elenzos, but in a forest clearing near the town. Even the Sentinels were not bold enough to conduct an illegal slave auction in the middle of town. As a tarp was thrown over her cage, Vivian leaned back against the bars and closed her eyes. The auction would start tomorrow. There was no way for her to escape.


    Vivian did not realise that she had nodded off, but she was startled awake by the sound of a cage door opening. She peeked out from beneath the tarp to see the three-tailed cat being shoved into a small cage in front of hers. The two men who had brought it in were the same ones that she had heard before in the woods. One of them kicked the cage before they left to join the other Sentinels.


    ¡®So you got caught too,¡¯ she said to the cat.


    It let out a sad mrow in answer.


    ¡®Looks like we are both doomed. Might as well except it. We are going to die.¡¯


    A few hours later, Vivian was once again fast asleep, but not for long. The creaking of a cage door awakened her once again. She looked up groggily to see that her cage door was open and the man crouched in the doorway was-


    ¡®You again!¡¯


    ¡®My name is Peri,¡¯ the black figure said. ¡®Did you forget me already?¡¯


    ¡­¡­¡­


    The auction was starting.


    Cages were pulled into place behind the stage as the first of the buyers settled themselves into the seats provided. Men bustled about adjusting the tarps over the cages to hide their contents from the view of their customers until they were up on the stage. Occasionally a staff was thrust into one of the cages to quieten the prisoners that were starting to protest.


    Vivian sat quietly in her cage. She watched as one by one all the cages were covered and the people and animals quietened down. Two burly men straigtened the tarp over her cage as well, pulling down the corners to cover it completely. They soon left to join their companions on patrol.


    As soon as she was sure that they had left, Vivian shook off the manacles that were loosely fastened around her hands. Kneeling down near the door of her cage, she pulled the tarp up slightly to see if she was truly alone. Satisfied by the absence of guards, she pulled out the key that Peri had given to her the previous night and slowly opened her cage. The door swung out creakingly and she jumped out of her confinement. Taking a few seconds to stretch her legs, she turned to the cat¡¯s cage. Its inhabitant was looking at her expectantly with wide yellow eyes.


    ¡®You know what to do.¡¯


    It mrowed in consent. Pulling out the other key she had, she unlocked the cat¡¯s cage. Once the cat was out, she pushed the now empty cage into the shadow of her own confines and pulled the tarp down properly so that its missing occupant would not be noticed. After that, she climbed back into her own and locked herself in. She tossed both the keys to the cat, who scooped them up in its mouth and left. She once again loosely fastened the manacles around her wrists.


    Now to wait.


    The sound of people was getting louder as the seats were filled. A pair of guards passed by, not noticing the empty cage next to hers. The auction had started. Vivian could hear Savant calling out greetings to the crowd as they finally settled down. Her heartbeat quickened as she heard the first cage being pushed onto the stage.


    ¡®Let us start off with a healthy, young male, aged twenty five years. This product was acquired from the County of Orlen. He has a good physique making him capable of manual¡­¡¯


    Vivian felt nauseous as she listened to Savant talking. Unable to understand how one could be so cruel to others of their kind, she shut out his voice and focused on her breathing. She had a long wait ahead. Peri¡¯s plan would not start until the tenth auction item on the list. Burying her head in her knees she thought back to the conversation she had with the man in black the previous night.


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡®My name is Peri,¡¯ the black figure said. ¡®Did you forget me already?¡¯


    Vivian stared open-mouthed as Peri slipped in and closed the cage door behind him.


    ¡®What are you doing here?¡¯ she hissed. ¡®You¡¯re going to get caught.¡¯


    ¡®Don¡¯t worry. I am not that easy to catch.¡¯


    ¡®How much easier can it be than for a prey to willingly walk into the cage?¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯ll not stay long. I just came to tell you that I can get you out of here.¡¯ He shrugged. ¡®However, if you are not interested, I can leave.¡¯


    Is he¡­ pouting?


    Brushing aside his reaction, she asked, ¡®You said you can get me out¡­ How?¡¯


    ¡®Well, not just you. Everyone.¡¯


    ¡®How?¡¯ she asked again.


    ¡®Leave that to me. All I need you to do tomorrow is to set the cat free.¡¯


    ¡®The cat? What does it have to do with this? Also why can¡¯t we just leave with you now?¡¯


    ¡®The security is tight. I barely managed to sneak myself in. I will not be able to sneak all of you out right now. However tomorrow-¡¯


    ¡®Shhh,¡¯ Vivian hushed. ¡®Someone is coming.¡¯


    The two of the stayed silent, not even daring to breathe hard in fear of being discovered. The pair of footsteps passed their cage and moved away. Once she was sure she could not hear them anymore she nodded to Peri.


    ¡®They¡¯re gone.¡¯


    ¡®That¡¯s a sharp pair of ears you¡¯ve got.¡¯


    Vivian shrugged. ¡®It wasn¡¯t always this good. Ever since I found out-¡¯


    She stopped herself short, wondering whether she should tell him the truth or not.


    What if he decides to abandon me as soon as he finds out?


    ¡®Since you found out you were a mage?¡¯ He asked. ¡®I know already. There¡¯s no need to be afraid.¡¯


    ¡®H-how did you know?¡¯


    ¡®I have a resonator,¡¯ he answered simply. ¡®So I am guessing that your senses were heightened after your magic was awakened.¡¯


    ¡®Yes.¡¯


    ¡®Hmm, a bit of sensory enhancement is quite common when mages first awaken their power. I¡¯m guessing your physique has also improved quite a bit, seeing as how you managed to survive in the forest for more than a week.¡¯


    Vivian looked at her hands, flexing her fingers as if feeling them for the first time. A sense of fascination came over her. ¡®So this is common for mages.¡¯


    Peri waved it aside. ¡®Yes it¡¯s nothing special. Now back to the topic. Tomorrow morning security will be lax, as half of them will be send to keep an eye on the buyers attending the auction. Now I¡¯ll give you the keys to both of your cages. The guards will their rounds to make sure all the cages are secure. Once they¡¯re done, slip out of your cage, release Ebion-¡¯


    ¡®Who is that?¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s the cat. Don¡¯t interrupt me. As soon as you are done get back into your cage. Then give the keys to the cat. The guards will count the keys before the auction to make sure that none of them has been stolen. They have to get back before that¡­ You only have a small window between the check and the key counting to do this.¡¯


    Peri pulled out two keys and gave it to her. He then pulled out a third key and unlocked her shackles.


    ¡®Keep them loosely fastened. We don¡¯t want to raise any suspicion. When the guards are distracted, Ebion will bring you the keys to all the cages. Free them and run for the cover of the woods. Do not stick together. It will only make it easier for them to find you.¡¯


    Vivian nodded, anticipation building up inside her. ¡®Wait¡­ how can I find you again?¡¯


    ¡®Just keep Ebion with you. He knows how to find me.¡¯


    ¡®I am afraid to ask but what will be the distraction?¡¯


    He smiled.


    ¡­¡­¡­


    The tenth cage was being pulled onto the stage. Judging by the sounds that it was making it was definitely not human. They were moving onto the mystical creatures that had been captured. The next would be Ebion¡¯s cage.


    I wonder where that cat is right now¡­ it had better not wandered off somewhere¡­


    ¡®Next we have a real, live stygian wolf. This ferocious beast was captured in these very woods. It is capable of ripping a lion in two and its roar is silent but deadly. This-¡¯


    Suddenly the crowd went quiet. Curious, Vivian lifted the tarp up a bit. From her position behind the stage she could see the black and white stygian wolf in its cage, Savant standing next to it and in front of it was-


    That stupid cat!


    Ebion sat calmly in front of the caged stygian wolf, calmly licking its paw a ring of keys worn around his neck like a necklace. However, the former had a completely different reaction. It scampered back away from the cat, pressing itself against the bars of its cage. It had ripped off its muzzle and its maw was open in a silent roar. Vivian could hear a faint keening sound that sounded more annoying than deadly as Savant previously acclaimed.


    Suddenly the earth started shaking. Small pebbles danced and dust shook itself from the ground as the vibrations got stronger. The sound of hooves slamming against the earth reached Vivian¡¯s ears and she realized what was happening.


    ¡®RUN!¡¯ Savant bellowed. ¡®STAMPEDE!¡¯

 Chapter 3 - Escape and Refuge

    Trees creaked and branches snapped as a herd of antelope came stampeding into the clearing. They were accompanied by a variety of other woodland creatures including several bears, a pack of wolves and many more. Flocks of pigeons and crows swooped down from the sky pecking at every piece of exposed flesh they could find. Squirrels and chipmunks threw nuts and berries at the panicking crowd while snakes snapped at their ankles. Chaos reigned as the animals laid waste to the auction. People screamed and ran for cover, searching for a place where they would be safe from the turmoil. All the guards had moved forward, herding the crowd away from the onslaught while at the same time trying to redirect the animals that were charging at them.


    In all the confusion Ebion had managed to make his way to Vivian¡¯s cage. She reached out through the bars and grabbed the keys, nearly strangling the poor cat as she pulled it off his neck. Ebion gave an angry hiss but did not do anything else, probably deciding to take revenge for that at a later date. Vivian thrust the key into the lock and the door swung open. Without wasting a second, she ran to the other cages, setting the others free as well.


    ¡®RUN FOR THE TREES!¡¯ she yelled to be heard over the din. The people nodded in understanding and took off.


    There was only one more cage; the little girl she had seen when she first arrived. She pulled the door open and lifted her out. However, it seemed like the girl had a sprained ankle, a major inconvenience. She cried with pain when she tried to put her weight on it and looked up at Vivian begging for help. An unusual sense of protectiveness overcame her as she lifted her up on her back and ran for the trees, Ebion following close behind.


    ¡®Are you alright?¡¯ Vivian asked.


    ¡®My foot,¡¯ she sobbed. ¡®It hurts so much.¡¯


    ¡®It is going to be alright. There¡¯s no need to cry. Say, what¡¯s your name?¡¯


    ¡®T-Tessa.¡¯


    ¡®Alright Tessa, you are a very brave girl aren¡¯t you? Now don¡¯t you worry. We will make you feel better soon. So don¡¯t cry alright?¡¯


    Tessa pressed her lips together, trying her best not to cry. She buried her face in Vivian¡¯s hair and tightened her arms around her neck. Vivian smiled at her feeble attempt to hide her pain. It was just a simple sprain. As soon as they got somewhere safe they could treat it easily.


    An arrow cut through the air and struck Vivian¡¯s leg. This was followed by another that pierced right through Tessa¡¯s throat. Vivian cried as the arrow sunk into her leg but Tessa did not even have a chance to make a sound. The body grew heavy and limp on Vivian¡¯s back. She could no longer feel the child¡¯s heartbeat.


    ¡®NOOOO!¡¯ Vivian screamed.


    She rolled Tessa onto her back to see her eyes frozen wide open. Her lips were parted slightly, failing in their last attempt to cry in pain. The pupils were already dilated. She was dead.


    The crunching of grass behind had her swiveling her head around to see Savant approaching her, a bow with an arrow notched in his hands.


    ¡®WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!¡¯ Vivian screamed. ¡®You killed her!¡¯


    ¡®This was your fault to begin with.¡¯ Savant stalked closer with a handful of his men. ¡®You were the one who decided to try and escape. You and that damn cat.¡¯ His face was gaunt as if he truly believed the nonsense he was spewing. ¡®If you had not done so then that girl might still be alive¡­ this child¡¯s death is on you.¡¯


    The stampede was dying down as the animals finally calmed down. The stygian wolf had managed to escape from its cage and was nowhere to be seen. A frantic mrow from Ebion made her turn back. Savant¡¯s men were surrounding them.


    Vivian felt tears build up in her eyes. They were so close, so close to being free. Her grief was replaced with burning fury as she looked at Tessa¡¯s limp form.


    She was just a child¡­ Why did this have to happen?


    Her anger and anguish took the form of heat coursing through her veins. She felt her power surge inside as her skin glowed and her eyes turned into golden discs. Wisps of golden threads materialized in thin air and leaked out of the ground. They were drawn into her, sinking into her skin and making her glow even brighter. A hot pressure was building up inside of her. It felt like a dam that could burst any minute.


    Savant¡¯s eyes widened in fear. ¡®Kill her!¡¯ he commanded.


    Arrows flew and his men charged holding their swords high. Vivian felt the pressure straining against her. Unable to hold it back anymore she let it go.


    An explosive force blast out from her, rocking the earth and blowing everyone within twenty yards off their feet. Trees were ripped out of the ground and rocks were send flying. The ground caved in beneath her because of the excessive force that hammered down on it. An incredible amount of heat radiated from her scorching the earth under her feet. The sound of the explosion made her ears ring. Dust hung in the air like a veil for a few moments before settling down to reveal the damage.


    Vivian felt her strength leave her and she fell to her knees, gasping and trembling. She struggled to stay awake. Her eyes landed on Tessa¡¯s corpse, which miraculously was not blown to bits, lying a few feet away. Using whatever strength she could muster she crawled towards it. However, she did not make it. Her vision went blurry before she could reach the child¡¯s body and fell unconscious, her breath feeling hot inside her mouth.


    Savant coughed and struggled onto his feet. His eyes immediately searched for the mage that had caused all this destruction. He found her lying in the middle of the crater that she had just created. Grabbing a nearby sword, he stumbled towards her determined to finish her off. His muscles and bones protested against the movement, but he brushed it aside.


    Pity, I would have made a lot of money from her¡­ but she is too dangerous to be kept alive.


    ¡®Not another step,¡¯ a voice said from behind. ¡®That girl is my responsibility. I cannot have you killing her.¡¯


    Savant turned around and for the second time that day, his eyes widened in fear.


    ¡®You!¡¯


    ¡®Hello,¡¯ Peri said. ¡®It has been a while.¡¯


    ¡­¡­¡­


    Vivian let out a small groan as she awoke. The first thing she noticed was that she was lying on a bed. A cool towel had been placed on her head. With stiff muscles and stiffer joints she ignored her body¡¯s request to keep still and slowly sat up to take in her surroundings. She was in a small, clean room with a single window open to let in fresh air and sunlight. There was a basin of clean water next to the window, probably for her to freshen up. The window opened to a small vegetable garden outside. She could hear someone shuffling about outside, humming to themselves as they worked. Her clothes had been changed while she was unconscious which she was truly grateful for.


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    Getting out of bed, she quickly washed her face to wake herself up before stumbling towards the door and pulling it open. She stepped into what looked like the dining room with a small circular table in the middle. The first thing she noticed was Ebion sunning himself on the windowsill, his three tails swishing lazily and coming very close to knocking a flower vase of his temporary perch. Her swiveled towards the table where Peri and another man sat mumbling to one another. Peri had finally removed the hood of his cloak and Vivian took a moment to study his face.


    Pale blue eyes framed by curly black locks turned to lock themselves on her as she entered. His tanned skin was marked with a scar that ran from the corner of his left eye to his chin. He sat leaned back on his chair with his feet on the table. Switching her gaze over to his companion, she was a bit thrown by the difference between the two men. While Peri gave of an air of ruggedness, his companion exhibited an aura of elegance. The stranger had fair skin and long blond hair twisted into a braid. He sat with his legs crossed, gracefully holding a teacup in one hand. His green eyes focused on Vivian as she entered the room.


    ¡®Finally, you¡¯re awake,¡¯ Peri grunted. ¡®Good thing you woke up. Any longer and we might as well dig a grave for you.¡¯


    ¡®And a good morning to you too,¡¯ Vivian replied dryly. She looked questioningly at the third occupant of the room.


    ¡®Ah yes, let me introduce you,¡¯ Peri said. ¡®Vivian, this is Cyrus. He is a mage just like you. Cyrus, this is Vivian.¡¯


    ¡®Pleasure to make your acquaintance,¡¯ Cyrus said politely.


    ¡®It is nice to meet you too. I¡¯m assuming this is your house. Thank you for taking care of me.¡¯


    Cyrus set his teacup down gently. ¡®Well when the sloth showed up with you slung over his shoulder, I knew I couldn''t say no. He is many things, but a healer is not one of them. If I left you with him, you would probably be dead.¡¯


    ¡®Well that¡¯s exaggerating a bit,¡¯ Peri defended himself. ¡®She wouldn''t die¡­ I think.¡¯


    ¡®That is¡­ reassuring,¡¯ Vivian said hesitatingly. ¡®What happened? How did we end up here? And Tessa¡­¡¯


    She trailed off the image of the dead girl still fresh in her memory.


    ¡®After you passed out, a regiment led by General Jenkins arrived and rounded up all of the buyers and auctioneers,¡¯ Peri said. ¡®I bet they are enjoying some quality time in prison right now. Though I highly doubt that Savant will be staying for long¡­¡¯


    ¡®How did they find us?¡¯


    ¡®Someone must have tipped them off that there was an auction happening somewhere in that area that day.¡¯


    ¡®Was that what you were doing while you were gone?¡¯ Vivian asked. ¡®Why didn''t they come sooner?¡¯


    ¡®I timed it so that they would arrive only after you and Ebion had already left. Of course, that did not go as planned,¡¯ Peri grumbled. ¡®Don¡¯t forget, whether it is the Sentinels or the government they will try to execute you because you are mage.¡¯


    Vivian tried to recall everything that happened at the auction. ¡®That wolf¡­ it was able to remove its muzzle quite easily.¡¯


    ¡®I may have tampered with it a bit before I left.¡¯


    ¡®¡­ And Tessa?¡¯


    ¡®Who?¡¯


    ¡®The girl who was with me.¡¯


    Peri sighed. ¡®I am sorry, but she is dead. There was nothing I could do.¡¯


    Vivian swallowed the sadness that was welling up in her throat. It was weird. She didn¡¯t even know the child and yet somehow, she felt her death settle quite heavily on her shoulders. She clenched her fists as she tried hard not to cry.


    ¡®She was just a child, younger than even me.¡¯ Her voice was trembling, barely a whisper as she spoke. ¡®I thought¡­ I thought I could at least save her with my own hands.¡¯


    ¡®¡­ Reality is cruel, child,¡¯ Cyrus said. ¡®No matter how much we want to, we cannot save everybody. Sometimes people die and there is nothing we can do about it. All we can do is make sure it does not happen again.¡¯


    Vivian rubbed the tears out of her eyes. While it still hurt, she could not dwell on it forever. Tessa might have died but she would not let it happen again. All this time she had been running away from her powers, afraid of how the world would see her if she used them. It took a child dying for her to understand her helplessness. However, if she had learned how to use them, maybe Tessa would still be alive.


    ¡®I want to learn how to use my powers,¡¯ Vivian chokes out. ¡®I want to make sure this never happens again.¡¯


    ¡®Speaking of your powers,¡¯ Peri narrowed his eyes. ¡®Your aura was really weak when we first met. My resonator barely reacted to you. However when you blew everyone away back then, it glowed brighter than I had ever seen before. It grew so hot I thought it was going to melt.¡¯


    ¡®Maybe it¡¯s broken?¡¯ Vivian suggested.


    ¡®No it¡¯s not,¡¯ Cyrus said. ¡®I checked¡­ twice. The Council might know more about this.¡¯ He turned to face Peri. ¡®Are you planning to take her there?¡¯


    ¡®What council?¡¯ Vivian asked.


    ¡®Obviously,¡¯ Peri replied, ignoring Vivian. ¡®Besides where else could she go?¡¯


    ¡®Where are we going?¡¯


    Cyrus looked her over. ¡®She does not look like nobility¡­ they might not take kindly to her.¡¯


    ¡®Now that¡¯s hurtful¡­¡¯


    Peri glowered at her. ¡®Quiet runt. The adults are talking.¡¯


    Vivian pursed her lips tight, resigning herself to listening and not understanding what the two me were talking about. She probably shouldn¡¯t antagonize the people who saved her life.


    ¡®I¡¯m sure I can convince them,¡¯ Peri continued. ¡®After all, they let a normal human like me stay with them. They will not turn their back on a fellow mage just because she happens to have a different background.¡¯


    Cyrus sighed. ¡®Well I hope you are right.¡¯


    The front door was pushed open and a girl with green eyes and blonde pigtails entered carrying a basket of beets and radishes. She set it down near the stove before wiping off the sweat from her freckled cheeks.


    ¡®Um, who¡­?¡¯ Vivian asked.


    ¡®Oh, this is Dixie. She lives here with me and helps around the house,¡¯ Cyrus introduced. ¡®Do not be fooled by her appearance. She is actually a hundred and twenty three year old shifter, though for some reason she has a fetish for the forms of twelve year old girls.¡¯


    ¡®I can hear you,¡¯ she said. ¡®I¡¯m old, not deaf.¡¯


    ¡®Shifter?¡¯ Vivian asked.


    ¡®It means I can do this.¡¯


    Right before her eyes, Dixie transformed. She melted into silver mist which shaped itself into a humanoid form. Colour started leaching back into the silver, defining her features. It was like watching an artist start painting over a sketch. Red hair was coloured in followed by tanned skin, a slight dusting of freckles and golden amber eyes.


    ¡®So, what do you think?¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s¡­ like looking in a mirror,¡¯ Vivian said in awe. ¡®Does this mean you can transform into anyone?¡¯


    ¡®Anyone, anything. No matter how big or small, if I can imagine it, I can change into it.¡¯


    ¡®Careful,¡¯ Cyrus warned, glancing at Vivian. ¡®If she likes it too much she might just decide to stay like that.¡¯


    ¡®What?¡¯ Vivian swirled back to Dixie. ¡®Surely not¡­¡¯


    Dixie brushed a lock of red hair behind her ear. ¡®Hmm, now that you mention it I have not changed forms for a while now.¡¯


    ¡®Wait,¡¯ Vivian said. ¡®Does that mean-¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s settled,¡¯ Dixie proclaimed. ¡®Say hello to the new me.¡¯


    ¡®I knew this would happen,¡¯ Cyrus muttered.


    ¡®Wait, you cannot just use-¡¯


    ¡®As a token of my gratitude for letting me use this form, I will make you dinner.¡¯


    Vivian¡¯s mind immediately shifted to more important matters. ¡®What are you making? I am starving! Do you think you could make some¡­¡¯


    Vivian and Dixie moved towards the kitchen debating the menu. Cyrus took a sip out of his cup before addressing Peri again.


    ¡®From what you have told me, we will be seeing wanted posters for Vivian within a few weeks. Powerful mages like her will not last long on their own. They will need someone to guide them, teach them to control and use their magic.¡¯


    ¡®Why do you think I am taking her back with me? She can have all that and more in Mirran. Besides, the way her powers work is quite interesting. If for nothing else, the Council will agree to keep her just so that they could study her.¡¯ Peri glanced sideways at Cyrus. ¡®You said the Council might know more about it, but why do I get the feeling that you know more than you are letting on.¡¯


    Cyrus took a long draught of his tea. ¡®¡­Perhaps I do.¡¯


    Peri gazed at him for a while before sighing. ¡®Troublesome.¡¯


    ¡®You aren¡¯t exactly a picnic either since you have your own¡­ sordid past.¡¯


    Peri flashed a humourless smile. ¡®I suppose we both have our secrets.¡¯


    ¡®Is there something wrong with that?¡¯


    ¡®¡­ Not at all.¡¯

 Chapter 4 - To the City of Magic

    It had been four days since they left for the Jaggerjack mountains where Mirran, the city of magic was rumoured to be hidden. Cyrus and Dixie had come along as well. Apparently, the two of them worked as merchants and often made these trips to take supplies that were unavailable up in the mountains. They were currently riding in their wagon that creaked every time they hit a bump. Vivian, holding Ebion on her lap was sitting up front with Cyrus, and Dixie sat squeezed in the wagon along with the merchandises and a sleeping Peri. She shoved him occasionally when he started sliding towards her side. The man gave no response and simply flopped over.


    ¡®Do you think he is still alive?¡¯ Vivian asked.


    ¡®Unfortunately,¡¯ Cyrus replied. ¡®If he was that easy to kill, I would have done it a long time ago.¡¯


    ¡®Do you two have a bad history?¡¯ she asked cautiously.


    ¡®No, he just infuriates me.¡¯


    ¡®You don¡¯t say¡­¡¯


    Dixie snorted. ¡®Do not listen to him. He will never admit it, but he sees this drooling idiot as a friend.¡¯


    ¡®We are acquaintances at best.¡¯ His lips were pressed in a displeased line. ¡®I would rather be friends with an ape than him.¡¯


    ¡®You know, they say that the best of friends fight often,¡¯ Vivian said. ¡®So if you two fight a lot, then that means-¡¯


    ¡®Do you really want to finish that sentence?¡¯


    Vivian snickered which she hid behind a cough when Cyrus raised a questioning eyebrow at her. She cleared her throat and changed the subject.


    ¡®How long is he going to sleep? He has been like that since we left.¡¯


    ¡®This is his natural state of being. If he is not eating he is usually sleeping,¡¯ Cyrus said. ¡®He is a sloth born as a man.¡¯


    ¡®I have nothing against him sleeping.¡¯ Dixie wrinkled her nose in disgust as Peri leaned towards her once again. She shoved him away and he flopped over like a dead fish. ¡®But does he have to slobber so much? I¡¯ve seen dogs that drool less.¡¯


    Cyrus chuckled. ¡®In all honesty, I like him better when he is asleep. The world just seems like a better place somehow.¡¯


    Dixie and Vivian laughed. The sudden noise caused Peri to snort in his sleep, but he did not wake up which made them giggle again. Ebion decided to follow Peri, purring slightly before he too fell asleep.


    They had entered the forest that blanketed the base of the Jaggerjacks. The road was quiet and grew bumpy as they ventured deeper into the woods. Wisps of fog appeared and grew thicker as they travelled, obscuring their vision upto a feet feet in front of their wagon. The only sounds heard were the occasional chirping of a bird and the rustling of the grass as a small critter ran through it.


    ¡®How much longer do we have till we reach Mirran?¡¯ Vivian felt a nervous pricking on the back of her neck. Something about the fog was giving her the creeps. It was unnaturally still, as if it had descended just to keep them blinded.


    ¡®About three days, that is if we do not run into any trouble.¡¯


    ¡®What do you mean by trouble?¡¯


    ¡®The Jaggerjacks is one of the few places left in Venith that have a strong magic presence, a surplus of mana. They¡¯re called mana fields, areas with high concentration of pure magic. There are only three of them left after the First Purge; the Jaggerjack Mountains in the northwest, the Gantior Abyss in the south and the Baltum Lake in the northeast,¡¯ Dixie explained. ¡®The closer we get to these regions, the stronger the magic in the air gets and subsequently, our magic gets stronger as well.¡¯


    ¡®Mystic creatures tend to gather in places like these.¡¯ Dixie stared ahead into the fog as she spoke. ¡®They prey on people who wander into the forest carelessly. Victims tend to see visions in the fog, things born right out of their worst nightmares or their greatest dreams. Needless to say, none have made it back alive. People avoid this place like the plague. That¡¯s how it got the name the Baleful Woods.¡¯


    Vivian gulped. ¡®Aren¡¯t we idiots to travel through someplace people avoid with good reason?¡¯


    Cyrus cracked a small smile. ¡®We would be, if not for the fact that this forest is actually the first line of defence for Mirran. If we want to reach Mirran, we must pass through.¡¯


    ¡®Besides, this forest was designed to keep normal humans away. The fog doesn¡¯t work on mages so they are able to easily find their way through, though you should still be wary of the creatures that live here,¡¯ Dixie said.


    The nervous prickling on the back of Vivian¡¯s neck had fully grown into anxiety. ¡®So¡­ I¡¯m not supposed to be able to see the fog?¡¯


    Dixie fixed wary eyes on her. ¡®No, your not¡­ Vivi, do you see the forest shrouded in fog?¡¯


    Vivian didn¡¯t answer. Her mind was miles away as she gazed intensely at the fog, her focus captured by something only she could see. Her mind was suddenly getting hazy as she continued staring, as if the fog had somehow made its way inside her head. A sudden urge to jump off the wagon and run deep into the woods came over her. She leaned forward-


    ¡®Vivian!¡¯ A sharp voice cut through the fog in her mind. She looked back to see Peri studying her, his ice blue eyes looking sharper than ever.


    The wagon had stopped and her three companions were staring at her, Cyrus and Dixie having doubt and suspicion written on their faces. Vivian realized she was standing and slowly sat back down.


    A moment¡¯s pause. ¡®What happened?¡¯ she asked.


    ¡®That¡¯s what we should be asking you,¡¯ Dixie said. ¡®You are a mage. How does the fog effect you?¡¯


    ¡®I-I don¡¯t know.¡¯ Vivian stuttered.


    Oh no, are they doubting I¡¯m a mage? What if they decide to just leave me here? Or worse, they decide to take me back. I don¡¯t think I can survive being hunted a second time. I am a mage! I won¡¯t survive, I won¡¯t, I won¡¯t-


    She was shaken out of her rapid thoughts by a comforting hand on her shoulder. Cyrus, ever the cool headed one leaned forward and smiled gently trying to settle her nerves. ¡®Vivi, we aren¡¯t doubting you, but this is something that has never happened before so we need to know. What exactly did you see in the fog?¡¯


    ¡®People¡­ o-or more like ghosts. They weren¡¯t solid, like they were made of mist but at the same time they felt so real,¡¯ she answered truthfully.


    ¡®No mage has ever been effected by the fog when they passed through,¡¯ Dixie said, her voice heavily laden with suspicion. ¡®It makes me wonder if you really are-¡¯


    ¡®She is a mage,¡¯ both Peri and Cyrus interrupted.


    ¡®How can you be so sure?¡¯ Dixie questioned.


    Peri was the one who responded. ¡®I know what I saw. That day when she escaped, she had no magic items on her and yet the resonator reacted violently when she released that explosion. She is a mage, just not a conventional one.¡¯


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    ¡®Also, Ebion here has taken a liking to her,¡¯ Cyrus added.


    All eyes fixated on Ebion who was peacefully asleep on Vivian¡¯s lap.


    Dixie sighed. ¡®Well, you better hope you¡¯re right. You know they will sift through you memories before they accept her. After this, it¡¯s more likely now that the Council will refuse.¡¯


    Peri grimaced. ¡®I know¡­ You,¡¯ he said to Vivian. ¡®Keep your head down. Don¡¯t look into the fog again.¡¯


    Rayla nodded and did as she was told. The wagon started moving again, albeit a bit faster now as the bumpy road sped by beneath them. An uncomfortable silence fell upon them.


    ¡®Peri, how is it that you are not effected?¡¯ Vivian asked, trying to break the tension. ¡®You are a normal person right?¡¯


    When no response followed her question she turned around, just to see that Peri had already gone back to sleep. Dixie sighed, shook her head and answered in his stead. ¡®His cloak is weaved with a protection spell. As long as he has that he should be fine.¡¯


    ¡®Tell me Vivi, how did you find out that you were a mage?¡¯ Cyrus asked.


    ¡®I was out in the family fields early one morning and I ran into this snake, a behemoth of a snake. I was so scared that I screamed and then the next thing I know, the fields had burst into flames.¡¯


    ¡®Hmm, a typical awakening,¡¯ Cyrus muttered to himself.


    ¡®That¡­ is typical?¡¯


    ¡®Think of your mana, the source of your magic as river and that a dam was built across it at your birth.¡¯ Dixie explained. ¡®Theorists believe this dam or this wall is a natural defense mechanism, since an infant¡¯s body would be incapable of handling that power. However, that wall keeps collecting mana behind it as you grow, like how a dam collects water. Eventually, usually by the time a child turns thirteen, the dam bursts and the excess mana is released all at once. It¡¯s usually quite the expolsive affair.¡¯


    ¡®We¡¯ve heard stories of hurricanes, minor earthquakes and once even a volcano eruption. Now that was a powerful mage,¡¯ Cyrus said, a hint of awe in his voice. ¡®Compared to that, yours was quite tame.¡¯


    ¡®You keep hinting I¡¯m a weak mage, both with the resonator and now¡­ I don¡¯t even want to know the answer, but how weak am I exactly?¡¯


    ¡®I would say¡­ you are the weakest one I have met so far,¡¯ Cyrus said with a gentle smile that did not suit the comment he just made. ¡®Right now, I can¡¯t even sense any mana from you.¡¯


    Vivian was confused. Should I be happy or sad? Magic is banned, so if I don¡¯t react with a resonator that should be a good thing¡­ on the other hand the Sentinels already know I¡¯m a mage, so wouldn¡¯t it have been better if I was a powerful one?


    ¡®This is just great. Not only am I a mage, I¡¯m the most pathetic one,¡¯ Vivian complained. ¡®I can neither return to being a normal person, nor can I be someone special among the mages.¡¯


    ¡®You don¡¯t need to be powerful to be special,¡¯ Cyrus said sagely. ¡®Look at our sloth friend. He¡¯s a normal person, mostly, but he is indispensable to the Council because he is the only one who can move about freely outside of Mirran. He is their source of news and the first person they call when there is a need to accompany a newly awakened mage back to Mirran.¡¯


    Vivian glanced back at her sleeping companion. ¡®I didn¡¯t know he had such an important role. Is that why we met?¡¯


    ¡®Um, I¡¯m afraid not.¡¯ Cyrus scratched his cheek. ¡®The guarding business is only for people who can¡­ afford it. You see, the place where we¡¯re headed was built for the children of nobility who turned out to be mages. So you can expect some¡­ segregation between yourself and them.¡¯


    ¡®So to summarize this tragic comedy called my life, my magic is weak, so weak that the Council might not let me stay as they doubt whether I¡¯m a mage or not. Even if I do stay, I will be looked down upon for being a commoner. Going the other way, if I don¡¯t stay I will be hunted down and killed,¡¯ Vivian listed. ¡®Great! Did I miss anything?¡¯


    ¡®Your poor taste in clothing, your deficiency in brain power, your non-existent personal hygiene,¡¯ Dixie counted off her fingers. ¡®You are going to have a really hard time in Mirran.¡¯


    ¡®It is very disturbing to see myself say that with a smile,¡¯ Vivian said. ¡®Can you please pick someone else to mimic when you are insulting me?¡¯


    Dixie grinned widely. ¡®No, this is fun.¡¯


    ¡®You were right,¡¯ Vivian said to Cyrus. ¡®I do regret it. It¡¯s like I¡¯m offending myself.¡¯


    Cyrus chuckled good-naturedly. ¡®Well I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s too late for regrets. Until she finds another form she likes better, I¡¯m afraid that she will be using yours,¡¯ he said. ¡®Moreover, in all honesty I¡¯d rather have her looking like you than me. She had once decided to change into me as a punishment for when I called her old.¡¯ He shuddered. ¡®It was the most disturbing three weeks of my life.


    ¡­¡­¡­


    It¡¯d been three days since they departed for Mirran. They had finally made it through the Baleful woods and had started their ascent up the mountain. The path they were following narrowed and steepened. Lush green trees shrouded in fog faded into rocky cliffs as they moved ahead. The wagon threatened to turn over every time they hit a bump and Vivian found herself hanging on for dear life despite Cyrus¡¯ constant assurances that they would not fall.


    ¡®How high up the mountain do we have to go?¡¯ Vivian asked, gulping visibly at the sight of the sheer height. A fall from here would be fatal. ¡®Why couldn¡¯t they build this Mirran somewhere safer?¡¯


    ¡®I think you are missing the whole point of a hideout,¡¯ Dixie replied, pushing a snoozing Peri aside for the umpteenth time. ¡®And why do I have to sit back here with him?¡¯


    ¡®Because I do not trust him alone near my wares,¡¯ Cyrus replied simply.


    ¡®If that''s the case make him sit upfront with you.¡¯


    ¡®Then he will be slobbering on my shoulder¡­ No thank you.¡¯


    Dixie grumbled under her breath but didn¡¯t say anything else. She shoved Peri aside again as he began to slide over towards her. Tired of having to do it every single time she moved a barrel of wine between them. The next time they hit a bump, Peri¡¯s head slumped onto the barrel. Now he lay drooling over a cask of wine. The wagon rolled along, the back wheels squeaking every time they turned. Vivian poked her head out to see if they were in any danger of coming loose. That is when she sensed it. A slight presence following them, a pair of eyes watching them. She leaned out a bit more to see if she could spot it, but it suddenly disappeared. Vivian settled back into her seat and looked towards Cyrus.


    ¡®It¡¯s been following us since we left my home,¡¯ Cyrus said, answering her unasked question.


    ¡®What is it?¡¯


    ¡®A stygian wolf¡­ must be the same one Peri let loose during your escape. I am impressed that you saw it. Stygian wolves are very hard to spot since they are creatures of the shadow element.¡¯


    ¡®I didn¡¯t see it. It¡¯s more like I could sense it was there.¡¯


    ¡®¡­ You are a strange one,¡¯ Dixie said.


    Cyrus said nothing but kept his eyes on the road. After a while Vivian spoke up, hoping to keep a conversation going so that she wouldn¡¯t keep thinking about the steep, deadly drop beside her.


    ¡®What did you mean by shadow element?¡¯ she asked. ¡®Are there others?¡¯


    ¡®Well, you see, magic is divided into six categories based on what element is used to cast said magic,¡¯ Cyrus answered. ¡®And each element has their power core located in different parts of the body.¡¯


    ¡®Power core?¡¯


    ¡®Remember how I said that your source of magic is like is like a river filled with mana,¡¯ Dixie replied. ¡®That is your power core. It is a center from which mages and mystic creatures draw their power from,¡¯ Dixie explained. ¡®For example, I¡¯m a creature of the air element. The power core for this element rests within the lungs. That is where I draw my power from each time I transform.¡¯


    ¡®What about you?¡¯ Vivian asked Cyrus. ¡®What¡¯s your element?¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯m a shadow mage,¡¯ Cyrus said. ¡®My core is in my mind.¡¯


    ¡®Then there are the others,¡¯ Dixie interjected. ¡®Earth has its core within the bones. Water¡¯s core is in the blood.¡¯


    ¡®And then there is fire which I believe is your element¡¯ Cyrus looked at her. ¡®The core rests in your stomach. Finally, lightning. Its core is in the spine.¡¯


    ¡®So you think I¡¯m a fire mage?¡¯


    ¡®Most likely,¡¯ Cyrus replied. ¡®Though there are a few rare cases where a person is able to control more than just one element. I¡¯ve seen one who could control lightning and water¡­ He was quite formidable.¡¯


    ¡®However so far we haven¡¯t seen anyone who can control all six,¡¯ Dixie said. ¡®Probably because the strain of having six power cores would be too much and might very well kill the mage. The body probably rejects the use of all six elements just so it can protect itself. It¡¯s a self-preservation instinct.¡¯


    ¡®What about Ebion?¡¯ she asked. She looked down at the cat who peeked at her when his name was called before closing his eyes again. ¡®What element is he?¡¯


    ¡®He¡¯s different. He does not belong to any of the elements,¡¯ Cyrus answered. ¡®He is a sensory cat, which means he can sense the vibrations in the Viribian with those tails of his. This makes him quite valuable as he can be used to find other mages and magic items. While sensory cats are not rare, one with three tails such as him is quite hard to find. He¡¯s the only one in Mirran right now. Cats like him usually attach themselves to powerful mages, but for some reason he seems to have taken a liking to you¡­ I wonder why.¡¯


    Vivian stared at the cat. Why did you pick me?


    Receiving no answer, she turned her attention back to Cyrus. ¡®What¡¯s the Viribian? And vibrations? I¡¯m guessing not ordinary ones.¡¯


    ¡®You can think of the Viribian as the power core of the world.¡¯ Dixie shifted to make herself more comfortable. ¡®However unlike us mages and mystic creatures, it isn¡¯t a single river, but rather a network of tributaries and streams of varying sizes spread out across the land, the seas and the sky.¡¯


    ¡®When a mage awakens their powers they set off vibrations in the Viribian,¡¯ Cyrus explained. ¡®These vibrations are what the resonators pick up on.¡¯


    ¡®Once it starts, it cannot be stopped,¡¯ Dixie continued. ¡®So, even if you don¡¯t use magic as of right this moment, you¡¯re still causing vibrations in the Viribian¡­ Yours, however, are non-existent.¡¯


    Vivian groaned. ¡®I¡¯m headed for absolute ridicule aren¡¯t I?¡¯


    Cyrus chuckled. ¡®I am sure you¡¯ll find a way to manage in your new home.¡¯


    A new home¡­ Vivian thought. I hope it is better than my last one¡­

 Chapter 5 - Arrival

    ¡®When you said it was a hidden city, you didn¡¯t tell me it was hidden in hell,¡¯ Vivian commented, glancing at the tall rock walls that rose up on either side of them.


    The group had stopped their ascent up the mountain and turned off the narrow path, wading through a crevice that was so narrow that the sides of the wagon scrapped against the rock walls. The crevice dipped downwards as if it was heading for the bowels of the mountain. A sudden wave of claustrophobia washed over Vivian, which was strange since she never had problems with small spaces before. Perhaps it was the ominous thought running through her head at the sight of the high rigid walls on either side that was the cause of that.


    An avalanche¡­ or even a small rockslide and we would be buried with nowhere to run. Whoever designed this place should be beaten black and blue and have their license revoked.


    Vivian tried to calm her racing heartbeat as the walls seemed to close in on her. A sudden hand on her head caused to snap her eyes open which she didn¡¯t even realize she had closed. A sudden calm settled over her as her heart went back to normal and the walls seemed to back off a bit.


    ¡®Relax,¡¯ Cyrus interrupted her string of thoughts. ¡®We pass through here every time we come to Mirran.¡¯


    ¡®This crevice is enchanted,¡¯ Dixie said. ¡®Shadow magic is at play here. It causes people to panic and lose all sense of reason. One minute in here and you can see them running back with their tail between their legs.¡¯ Dixie glanced at her, her gaze holding a healthy amount of suspicion. ¡®Well, if you¡¯re not a mage that is¡­¡¯


    Vivian shot her what she believed was a smile but was probably more of a grimace. She turned and focused on the winding path ahead. Light was slowly entering the chasm signaling its end. It grew brighter as they kept moving forward until finally they were out of the dark crevice. Vivian squinted against the sudden bright light as sound rushed back to her ears and the wind finally seemed to be moving again.


    ¡®Here we are,¡¯ Cyrus said grandly. ¡®Welcome to Mirran, the city of magic.¡¯


    They were standing on a narrow cliff high up on the rock wall. A similarly narrow path snaked its way down the rock face and into a lush green valley. Nestled in the centre of the dip was a city unlike any she had ever seen. Arranged in concentric circles, the buildings and roads radiated out from a single central structure that was wrapped around a single towering tree that managed to rise above the entire city, casting the structure under it in eternal shade. Even from where they were Vivian could hear the bustling of the city below them and see the movement of its citizens like a million little ants scurrying through the streets in different directions. Her eyes widened in fascination when she realized that the small dots flying about the city were actually people riding brooms and carpets. A vast forest spread out to the west of the city and to the east lay a large lake whose waters gleamed in the noonday sun. The buildings grew scarcer as they moved away from the centre of the city, fading into farmlands before it reached the forest.


    ¡®This is incredible,¡¯ Vivian said, awe quite apparent in her voice.


    ¡®Just wait till you¡¯re inside. I¡¯ll take you to the best spots in the city,¡¯ Dixie said with a dreamy look in her eyes. ¡®The food street, the boutiques, the top restaurants, the central market, the flea market and the black market. Also, you have to taste the sweets at-¡¯


    ¡®Slow down there Dixie,¡¯ Cyrus stopped her. ¡®Before any of that we have to present her before the council, get her registered in the records, set up accommodations and enroll her in school. If we have time after all that, we can go sightseeing.¡¯


    Dixie puffed out her cheeks in annoyance but did not refute him. Vivian chuckled, a sense of excitement as well as a sense of dread settling and mixing in her stomach. It was a strange feeling.


    They began their descent.


    It took them about three hours to finally reach safe, level ground, by which point the sun was high up in the sky. Vivian almost jumped off and kissed the ground but she restrained herself. The path they were on had swerved west towards the forest making it impossible to get to the city without passing through it. Unaware of everything that was happening, Peri continued sleeping, the wine barrel acting as an impromptu pillow.


    ¡®Should we wake him?¡¯ Vivian asked tentatively. ¡®He¡¯s been asleep the whole time.¡¯


    ¡®Leave him be,¡¯ Cyrus said. ¡®Let¡¯s wake him once we reach the city. We¡¯ll need to take him with us to the Council¡¯


    ¡®I am assuming that¡¯s the building with the tree.¡¯


    ¡®Good guess. Yes, the Council of Seven sits there,¡¯ Cyrus said. ¡®They are the highest authority in Mirran. So, if you wish to live here, you have to gain their permission first.¡¯


    ¡®Do I¡­ have to do something?¡¯ she asked nervously. ¡®Even though it pains me to say this, I think we can all agree that I am weak at magic.¡¯


    ¡®You don¡¯t have to do anything. They¡¯ll just check Peri¡¯s memories to make sure you are a mage¡­ hopefully, that¡¯s all they do.¡¯


    ¡®What do you mean hopefully?¡¯


    Cyrus ignored her and whipped the reins. The horse whinnied and clopped forward, dragging the wagon along. As they neared the trees, Vivian noticed something. Rather than noticed, it was more as if she could sense it. She could feel the vitality in that place. It was so full of life, nothing like she had ever felt before. She could sense each and every one of the creatures hidden in the grass, perched on the trees and buried underground. She could clearly hear the wind whispering gibberish as it whipped about and the trees breathing through their roots. She could sense their roots moving deeper underground in search of water and how each tree was connected to the others around it through those roots creating an intricate network that allowed them to talk to each other.


    Intruder¡­ intruder... eliminate¡­ The voice echoed inside her head.


    Wait, are they talking about us?!


    ¡®Um, those trees-¡¯ she started.


    ¡®Ah, you noticed,¡¯ Cyrus said, smiling a bit as he looked out into the woods. ¡®Not many do. Yes, these trees are special, though we¡¯re not exactly sure how. They¡¯re called Druscans, hence the name Druscan Woods. We know they can communicate with each other and that they can move, but how or why, no one knows. Still they seem to be intent on protecting Mirran so we leave them be.¡¯


    ¡®They seem¡­¡¯ she searched for the right word. ¡®Unfriendly.¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s fine,¡¯ Dixie said. ¡®As long as we stay on the path, they will leave mages and magical creatures like us alone. However,¡¯ she added cheerfully. ¡®If you step off the path, they will rip you limb from limb.¡¯


    ¡®You seem a little too happy about that,¡¯ Vivian commented dryly.


    ¡®Do I?¡¯ she asked innocently.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Vivian shook her head. In the one week that she had been travelling with them she had realized that Dixie was a bit of an oddball, a violent oddball. Sometimes it was best to ignore what she says.


    Should we do something? Vivian heard the trees whisper to one another. That red hair girl¡­ I cannot sense any magic in her.


    But we¡¯re not supposed to harm anyone on the path¡­


    Maybe she¡¯s a normal human who snuck in here. We should kill her just to be safe¡­


    ¡®Um, can we hurry up?¡¯ Vivian asked. ¡®Those trees are having very unfriendly thoughts about me.¡¯


    Cyrus tilted his head to study her before pulling the reins. They came to a stop.


    ¡®Wh-What are you doing?¡¯ Vivian stuttered. ¡®This is the opposite of what I just said.¡¯


    ¡®Are you saying that you can hear them?¡¯ he asked calmly.


    ¡®Yes, and that¡¯s why I¡¯m telling you we have to get out of this forest.¡¯ She tried to grab the reins but he raised it out of her reach.


    ¡®Try talking back,¡¯ he suggested.


    ¡®What? Do I look insane to you?¡¯


    ¡®You said that you can hear them¡­ try talking back. Maybe they won¡¯t be so hostile.¡¯


    Vivian gaped at him for a moment before sighing in defeat. Knowing how stupid she looked she forced a strained smile to stretch across her face and called out-


    ¡®Hello.¡¯


    The trees had stopped whispering for a moment, shocked at the fact that someone was trying to talk to them, before they started again.


    Is she injured¡­ in the head?


    Must be¡­ poor thing. Life must have been hard for her.


    Maybe the outside world drove her mad and so she¡¯s come here to seek refuge.


    The corner of Vivian¡¯s mouth twitched as she tried to rein in her temper.


    If I start yelling at trees I will truly look insane.


    ¡®I am not insane,¡¯ she said slowly. ¡®Also, I can hear you.¡¯


    Another bout of silence followed. It was broken by the creaking of a tree as it pulled out a root out of the ground followed by another and another. The tree slithered towards the wagon slowly, planting roots and pulling itself forward. Vivian gulped but managed to stay where she was. Finally, the tree stood next to her silently, as if it was pondering about what to say.


    You can hear us? The voice reminded her of the healer in her village. It was deep, gravelly and weighed down with experience, just like the old man back home.


    ¡®Yes I can,¡¯ she answered clearly. ¡®Just so you know I am not insane.¡¯


    This is a first, it hummed inside her head. Never before has a human been able to hear us¡­ What is your name child?


    ¡®Vivian¡­ Do you have a name?¡¯


    Hmm¡­ It hummed. It seemed to be thinking. Rayne¡­ yes, that is my name¡­ Rayne. It has been a while since I used my name¡­ I barely remember it¡­ It feels good to say it again. Thank you¡­ Vivian.


    ¡®Uh, you¡¯re welcome?¡¯


    Since you can hear us, you are definitely not a normal human¡­ go ahead child, and when you find time please do come visit¡­ I would like to talk to you¡­ Vivian.


    ¡®Well,¡¯ she glanced back at Cyrus who simply shrugged. He had no clue of what was being said after all. ¡®As long as you and your friends promise not to kill me, I¡¯ll try to come.¡¯ She smiled awkwardly. ¡®It sounds interesting. Never had a conversation with a tree before.¡¯


    Rayne chuckled. It¡¯s not that different. I will see you soon.


    Vivian watched as Rayne dragged himself back to where he was rooted, his companions already asking him what happened. She let out a breath she did not know she was holding and turned away.


    ¡®That was¡­ different,¡¯ Dixie commented.


    ¡®I told you she was a mage.¡¯ Peri was finally awake. ¡®You lot should trust me more often.¡¯


    ¡®And find ourselves dead at the bottom of a ditch someday,¡¯ Cyrus said. ¡®No, thank you.¡¯


    Peri shot Cyrus a scathing look. ¡®Has anyone ever told you that you are a pain to deal with?¡¯


    ¡®Yes, you. And that statement is a point of pride for me.¡¯


    Peri yawned and leaned back onto his barrel, clearly planning to resume sleeping. Cyrus shook his head at him and whipped the reins urging the horse forward.


    ¡®That was impressive,¡¯ Cyrus said after a while. ¡®I have never seen anyone communicate with them before. What did it say?¡¯


    ¡®Nothing much. He asked my name and I replied. I asked him his and he said his name was Rayne. He also invited me to come talk to him whenever I had the chance.¡¯


    ¡®¡­ He said his name is Rayne?¡¯


    ¡®Yes¡­ Why? What¡¯s wrong?¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s nothing¡­ looks like we have another reason for the Council to keep you. After this, they would have to be idiots to throw you out.¡¯


    ¡®Well then, let us hope they¡¯re not idiots,¡¯ Vivian said, cheerful at the prospect.


    For the next hour Vivian did not hear a single hostile thought from the trees, though she did catch some whispers of the girl who talked to Rayne.


    Hmm, wonder who that could be¡­ she thought smugly.


    Thankfully, they made it through the forest without any other incidents. Vast farmlands stretched before them. Little green creatures worked the fields, mixing manure into the soil, obviously preparing to plant the winter crops.


    ¡®What are those?¡¯


    ¡®Goblins,¡¯ Dixie replied. ¡®They¡¯re the workforce that deals with all menial jobs like farming and keeping the streets clean. Every mage has one or more as their servants.¡¯


    ¡®So they¡¯re public servants,¡¯ Vivian said. ¡®Do¡­ they get paid?¡¯


    ¡®Of course,¡¯ Dixie replied. ¡®They¡¯re not slaves, they¡¯re workers. They are free to quit if they cannot continue to work for a certain master and seek employment elsewhere. They even have a worker¡¯s union to take care of their problems.¡¯


    Cyrus had turned the wagon to the right as they spoke. They were now heading for a large cottage that was situated at the edge of the forest. Grey smoke puffed out of the chimney showing that there were people inside. He pulled the wagon to a stop in front of the house.


    ¡®Come Vivian. Let me introduce you to someone.¡¯


    He jumped off the wagon. Vivian followed suit, scooping up the three-tailed cat that had been fast asleep in her arms for the past week.


    ¡®Are we really going to visit that old hag?¡¯ Dixie squeezed herself past Peri and out of the wagon. She stretched her arms, popping a few joints as she did so. ¡®Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡¯


    ¡®Because I knew you would say no,¡¯ Cyrus replied shortly. ¡®Now be a dear and wake up the sloth would you?¡¯


    Dixie huffed in annoyance, grumbling under her breath about old hag and ugly cat, neither of which made sense to Vivian.


    ¡®Who are we going to meet?¡¯ she asked Cyrus. ¡®Also, why does Dixie seem unhappy about it?¡¯


    ¡®The one we are about meet is named Sith. She is a member of the Council. I thought it might be a good idea to introduce you to her before we present you to the rest of the Council¡­ Also, this is where the sloth lives so we had to stop here either way.¡¯


    ¡®Who are you calling a sloth?¡¯ Peri was standing slouched, a hand running through his messy hair. ¡®I¡¯m not lazy. I¡¯m efficient. If my work¡¯s done why can¡¯t I sleep?¡¯


    Vivian raised an eyebrow. ¡®You slept for an entire week and you claim not to be lazy?¡¯


    ¡®Was there anything else to do?¡¯


    ¡®Hunting, cooking, cleaning, watering the horses- none of which you helped with.¡¯


    ¡®We have you for menial jobs like that.¡¯ Peri looked disinterested. ¡®You¡¯re the youngest and the most inexperienced. It is tradition that these tasks falls to you.¡¯


    ¡®I believe the correct term is harassment.¡¯ Vivian sighed. ¡®Still, I won¡¯t argue, you did save my life. So, I owe you.¡¯


    Cyrus hissed. ¡®Ooh, you shouldn¡¯t have said that. He¡¯s the kind of man who will leech on you forever.¡¯


    ¡®So now I¡¯m a leech?¡¯


    Cyrus shrugged. ¡®If the shoe fits¡­¡¯


    ¡®I can think of a few other places my shoe can fit.¡¯


    ¡®Try me, leech.¡¯


    Peri yawned and loosely gripped the hilt of his sword. ¡®You know, we¡¯re currently standing at thirty-one draws and three wins for me.¡¯ He grinned. ¡®Want to make it four wins?¡¯


    ¡®Clearly you don¡¯t know how to count. We¡¯ve been tied for quite a while now. Those fights where you pulled dirty tricks don¡¯t count.¡¯


    ¡®Well how else is a normal person like me supposed to keep up with a big, strong mage like you?¡¯ Peri said in a mocking tone.


    Cyrus looked at him incredulously. ¡®You stopped the fight so that you could bribe people to beat me up. That wasn¡¯t a win using your own power.¡¯


    Peri shrugged. ¡®Money is a form of power.¡¯


    ¡®Um, should we do something?¡¯ Vivian asked.


    Dixie had a look of contentment on her face. ¡®Nah, let us just watch. You don¡¯t get entertainment like this these days.¡¯


    ¡®I like a good fight as well,¡¯ a voice interrupted from right behind Vivian. ¡®But not in front of my house.¡¯


    Vivian squeaked as she whipped around to see a tall, graceful woman with chestnut brown hair and deep brown eyes. Her dark skin gave her a feeling of warmth and her high cheekbones gave her face a sharp edge. However, something seemed different about her. It took her a moment to put her finger on it but once she did, she could not take her eyes off it. Swishing behind her was a long, brown, spotted tail that matched her hair perfectly.


    ¡®Sh-she has a tail,¡¯ Vivian stuttered.


    Dixie rolled her eyes. ¡®If you¡¯re going to be dumbstruck by every little strange thing you see, it¡¯ll take you a long time to settle in. Learn to roll with it. Besides she¡¯s not that incredible. Nowhere close to me.¡¯


    The cat-woman smiled gently. ¡®Well, well, well¡­ if it isn¡¯t my two favourite idiots¡­ and my least favourite gasbag.

 Chapter 6 - Mirran

    Vivian was seated at the table in the kitchen along with Cyrus and Peri. Cyrus kept glaring at Peri who seemed oblivious to the hostility aimed at him. Dixie was seated in an armchair near the fireplace and Sith, the woman with the tail, leaned against the wall and studied Vivian, making her feel extremely uncomfortable.


    ¡®Firstly, thank you for taking care of Ebion.¡¯ She gestured towards the three-tailed cat on Vivian¡¯s head. ¡®When I gave him to Peri I wasn¡¯t sure if I would get him back alive.¡¯


    ¡®Well that¡¯s hurtful,¡¯ Peri said, slumped over the table.


    ¡®So, why don¡¯t you tell me your story Vivian, because I am sure there is one if you somehow ended up with this group of misfits,¡¯ Sith said.


    ¡®Well, it was around three weeks ago¡­¡¯ Vivian started.


    She recounted everything that had happened to her from the time she left her home until the present. As she spoke, Sith did not interrupt nor did she show any signs of surprise or curiosity. That is, until she reached the part where she claimed to have spoken to the druscans, at which point Sith held up a hand to stop her. It was this point that she realized that her nails were actually sharpened claws.


    ¡®He said his name was Rayne?¡¯


    ¡®Yes.¡¯ Vivian frowned. This was the second time someone had expressed surprise at that name. ¡®Is he someone important?¡¯


    ¡®Are you telling me that you can speak with the druscans?¡¯ Sith continued, ignoring her query.


    ¡®Yes I can¡­ Why?¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s nothing.¡¯ She waved off the question. ¡®Continue.¡¯


    ¡®There is nothing much left to say. After that we came here and, well, you saw the rest.¡¯


    Sith did not speak for a while as she turned over all the information she had received in her head.


    A girl with almost no mana was able to blow away an entire squadron of Sentinels and talk to the druscans. Not to mention¡­


    Sith eyed Ebion who was perched on Vivian¡¯s head.


    ¡­she got Ebion¡¯s attention¡­ This girl is not ordinary.


    ¡®That stygian wolf you spoke of,¡¯ Sith spoke up after a moment. ¡®Where is it?¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s following us from a distance,¡¯ Cyrus said. ¡®It never approached us but just watched from the shadows. It is probably just seeking shelter from the Hunters. It will come out eventually.¡¯


    Sith nodded. ¡®Alright, now that I have heard your story what is it that you want from me?¡¯


    ¡®Well, the Council will not accept her easily as it very hard to determine that she is a mage,¡¯ Peri cut to the point. ¡®We were hoping you could help us sway them.¡¯


    Sith tapped her chin with a long, sharp-clawed finger in contemplation. ¡®You¡¯re right. The Council will not accept her easily. Putting aside the fact that her aura is weak, from the way she speaks I am guessing she is not nobility either. This place partially runs on the funding provided by the families of the noble children send here. Even with her ability to speak to the druscans, it is not enough. To let her stay-¡¯


    Dixie snapped her fingers. ¡®What if we give her work?¡¯


    ¡®Huh?¡¯


    ¡®Put her to work like the goblins. She can earn her keep that way,¡¯ Dixie explained. ¡®Vivian, you said you came from a farmer¡¯s family. So you must know something about farming.¡¯


    ¡®Yes, I used to help my father and brothers in the fields. The whole family did.¡¯


    ¡®What do you think?¡¯ Cyrus asked. ¡®Do you think it will work?¡¯


    ¡®Hmm, the idea has merit¡­ even though it came from the gassy hog-¡¯


    ¡®Who are you calling a hog huh?!¡¯


    So the gassy part is true? Vivian thought, but wisely kept it to herself.


    ¡®It could work. As long as she is paying for her stay in some way, the Council should not have any problems in letting her stay.¡¯ Sith gazed at her. ¡®Add to that the fact she can talk to druscans and the strange way her power works, we should be able to convince them.¡¯


    ¡®She can only work part of the day though,¡¯ Peri said. ¡®She is a mage, so she¡¯ll have to undergo training. That is compulsory.¡¯


    ¡®She probably won¡¯t be paid for her work since it is being taken as her contribution to the system,¡¯ Dixie added. ¡®I doubt they will provide her with accommodations either.¡¯


    ¡®She can stay with us for the time being,¡¯ Peri said. ¡®The attic is free so she can take that.¡¯


    ¡®We can pay for other expenses, on a loan of course,¡¯ Cyrus said. ¡®She can pay us back later. Right¡­ Vivi, what¡¯s wrong?¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s nothing.¡¯ Vivian dried her eyes. ¡®It¡¯s just that, you don¡¯t have to be so concerned about me¡­ but you are, even though you barely know me.¡¯ She made a poor attempt at a grin. ¡®Bringing me here was more than anyone would have done for me.¡¯


    Dixie ruffled her hair. ¡®Don¡¯t be so morose. Just think of it as helping out a fellow fugitive. We scratch your back, you scratch ours.¡¯


    ¡®We¡¯re all in the same boat now¡¯ Cyrus said. ¡®Outcasts, fugitives, criminals. We have to help each other¡­ because no one else will.¡¯


    ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡®She said his name was Rayne,¡¯ Cyrus said. ¡®That cannot be a coincidence.¡¯


    ¡®I believe it¡¯s not,¡¯ Sith said. ¡®Do you think it might be him?¡¯


    ¡®I don¡¯t know. However, as long as she¡¯s here, we may be able to find out.¡¯


    Cyrus and Sith glanced at Vivian who was standing outside in the bright sun. Deciding to pursue the matter at a later date they joined the redhead outside. Peri stood yawning beside her, but he gave them a knowing look as they joined them. He had tried to escape into the covers of his bed but was thwarted by Sith who gave him a sickly sweet smile that send him scurrying outside.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡®You¡¯re the one who found her,¡¯ she nagged. ¡®And the only one who saw her use magic. We¡¯re going to need your testimony.¡¯


    They decided to walk the rest of the way to the city, rather than cramp themselves in the back of Cyrus¡¯ wagon. Ebion resumed his position on Vivian¡¯s head. Cyrus was once again seated in front of his wagon along with Dixie. He planned to head for the market as soon as they entered the city. Dixie had opted to venture into the city and promised to meet up with them once it was over.


    ¡®I am not really all that comfortable around those snobs. Besides I am using your face right now¡­ Given their brain capacity it might be a bit confusing for them to see two of us.¡¯ She winked. ¡®Good luck.¡¯


    ¡®You could always change your appearance and join us.¡¯


    Her suggestion was promptly waved off.


    The small group slowly cut through the fields, heading for the city in the distance. Though Vivian was hoping to fly on a broom or a carpet, this wasn¡¯t too bad either as she could now see those goblins up close. They were quite short reaching only up to her elbows. Their ears were slightly pointed and their green skin was wrinkled. As any other normal person whose knowledge about magical creatures was limited to folklores and stories, she expected them to either have a raspy or nasally voice. However, what came out was a deep, velvety tone that did not match their appearance one bit.


    ¡®The harvest was quite good this time,¡¯ one of them said.


    ¡®I¡¯ll say,¡¯ another agreed.


    Well, I did not expect that¡­ Vivian thought, not realizing that she was staring at them and that they had noticed her intense gaze. Fascinating.


    ¡®Vivian, keep up,¡¯ Sith said. ¡®And stop staring at them. It¡¯s quite rude.¡¯


    Vivian snapped out of her trance to see that several of the goblins nearby were staring back at her.


    ¡®I¡¯m sorry,¡¯ she apologized her ears burning. She bowed quickly, which made the cat on her head hiss in annoyance, and ran to catch up with the others. She could hear snorts of laughter behind her and she felt her ears grow even hotter.


    The city was a bustling mess and every single thing Vivian saw was followed by a series of questions which was either answered by an exasperated Peri or a patient Sith. It was late in the afternoon and the marketplace they were passing through was packed with people. Not just people, but goblins, sprites, dwarves and other creatures she could not identify. There were shops selling flying brooms and carpets, enchanted robes, grimoires, scrying mirrors, cauldrons, protective amulets, storage rings, pets and so much more. Small balls of different coloured lights floated around which Vivian quickly discovered were fairies when one of them flew close enough for her to squint and see a slight figure with wings through the bright light. She kept swivelling her head so fast, her attention jumping from one attraction to another, that Ebion almost fell off once.


    At an intersection near the edge of the marketplace, Cyrus and Dixie left saying had some work that they need to do. Vivian waved them farewell before continuing ahead with Peri and Sith. They moved out of the market and into a quieter area.


    ¡®Mirran is divided into four rings,¡¯ Sith explained as they walked. ¡®The outermost area is the farmlands. The second ring is the market, which we just passed through. The third where we are now is the residential area. The fourth one is the Council building.¡¯


    Vivian nodded along. ¡®So if this is the residential area, why are you and Peri living on the outskirts?¡¯


    ¡®Well, I am the caretaker of the Druscan woods. Also, I prefer to live away from the bustle of the city. As for Peri, well it¡¯s quite obvious he¡¯s not a mage. So he cannot live inside the city, even though he has contributed a bit-¡¯


    ¡®A bit?¡¯ Peri asked incredulously. ¡®I believe I have done a little more than just a bit. Do you know how many brats I had to rescue and bring here? How many hours of sleep I had to sacrifice? Oh, and they never made it easy. Those-¡¯


    ¡®What about Cyrus and Dixie?¡¯ Vivian asked, quickly cutting off Peri¡¯s impending tirade. ¡®Why do they not live here?¡¯


    ¡®Ah, that is a story for another time,¡¯ Sith said. ¡®Let us just say that there is something those two want to do that requires them being outside the city.¡¯


    ¡®¡­Alright, if you say so.¡¯


    The area was quiet, having just a few people out. A pair of well-dressed girls walked past them. They took one look at Vivian and burst into giggles, clearly mocking her rugged appearance. Vivian clenched her teeth and did not respond.


    ¡®Ignore them,¡¯ Sith said. ¡®This place is filled with people like those. I am afraid you will face a lot more ridicule in the days to come.¡¯


    Vivian smiled. ¡®Don¡¯t worry. I faced the Sentinels, didn¡¯t I? It¡¯s going to take a lot more than giggles and finger pointing to bring me down.¡¯


    Peri snorted. ¡®With that attitude, I am betting that you will get into trouble the very first day of school.¡¯


    ¡®I bet that she will be in trouble for the entire first week of school,¡¯ Sith said. ¡®But then again, what¡¯s so wrong about getting into a little trouble. We used to do it all the time.¡¯


    ¡®This school you keep talking about,¡¯ Vivian said, hoping to change the subject. ¡®What is it?¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s a school for new mages such as yourself,¡¯ Peri replied. ¡®It¡¯s a place where you will learn to use your magic.¡¯


    ¡®The training course consists of various disciplines,¡¯ Sith explained. ¡®You will have to have a basic knowledge in all of them. Later after the four years of training you can choose what you want to specialize in and choose your profession accordingly.¡¯


    ¡®So it¡¯s like going to a normal school.¡¯ Vivian laughed nervously. ¡®Will there be any reading involved?¡¯


    ¡®Oh, right. You probably don¡¯t know how to read, do you?¡¯ Vivian shook her head. ¡®Well, that¡¯s alright. We have two months before the school year begins. That is plenty of time to learn.¡¯ Sith gave a dangerously sweet smile. ¡®I will make sure of it.¡¯


    Vivian gulped. Maybe I should ask someone else¡­ like Peri.


    Peri had turned his head the other way, clearly trying his best not to get involved in the conversation.


    I have been abandoned!


    They had walked past the houses and were now standing in front of the three-storeyed council building. The tree in the centre towered above the building, its branches spread out wide, casting it shadow over the building and its surroundings.


    ¡®That is a very big tree,¡¯ Vivian said.


    Peri rolled his eyes. ¡®You don¡¯t say.¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s called Denaski¡¯s Tree,¡¯ Sith explained. ¡®It was planted by the founders of Mirran ninety-three years ago. To this day it has watched over us, holding up the barriers that protect this city from the outside world.¡¯


    ¡®Mages really do name every single thing,¡¯ Vivian muttered.


    ¡®Let¡¯s get this over with.¡¯ Peri yawned. ¡®The sooner it¡¯s done, the better. My bed awaits.¡¯


    ¡®How can you still be tired?¡¯ Vivian asked, both incredulously and slightly impressed. ¡®You have been sleeping for a week.¡¯


    ¡®My body is at its optimal state when I¡¯m in a horizontal position.¡¯


    ¡®How can you say something so ridiculous with a straight face?¡¯ Sith asked.


    Peri shrugged ¡®It¡¯s a gift.¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s a curse,¡¯ Sith snapped back.


    People greeted Sith as they passed by and she replied in kind. They walked into the entrance hall and climbed the impressive marble staircase to the third floor. Right in front of them was a set of double doors embossed with gold.


    Sith turned to look at Vivian. ¡®Are you ready?¡¯


    Vivian was not but she found herself answering, ¡®Yes.¡¯


    ¡®Peri and I will go on ahead. He has to give his statement first. Then they will call you in. Don¡¯t be nervous. Just answer the questions as they are asked and you will be fine.¡¯


    Vivian nodded nervously before rounding on Peri. ¡®Please do not make a mess of this,¡¯ she warned him. ¡®My life is on the line here. I swear, if you-¡¯


    He cut her off as he patted her head like one would a dog. ¡®It¡¯s cute that you think you can threaten me.¡¯ He turned to Sith. ¡®Shall we go?¡¯


    Peri knocked and pushed the doors open. The two of them entered and the heavy doors slammed shut behind them. Vivian paced in front of the hall, biting her fingernails. People who passed her by in the corridor stifled their laughter at her show of anxiety. Silently cursing them in her head, she continued pacing. She could hear muffled speech from within, but for some reason her sharpened hearing couldn¡¯t pick out the words.


    Probably some kind of magic¡­


    About a half hour later, a man poked his head out.


    ¡®The Council has called for you.¡¯


    Nervousness took a firm hold of her as she took a deep, calming breath before she followed him inside.

 Chapter 7 - The Council of Seven

    The moment she stepped into the large, opulent hall, Vivian felt small¡­ insignificant.


    The Council of Seven was seated on a raised marble tier that imposed a sense of authority on anyone who walked through those double doors, as if they could command her to take her own life and she would be forced to do it. A stray thought in her mind wondered if magic was at play here, like the rocky crevice they had passed through on the way here. She took a moment to study their faces. She had expected ancient, wrinkled faces glaring down at her in disdain. However, all of them seemed to around forty to fifty years old. Vivan wasn¡¯t sure if their presence was a comment on their high capabilities or the short lifespan of a mage. The council comprised of three women and four men including Sith, all of whom wore an expressionless face making it very difficult for her to understand what they were thinking. Feeling nervous, Vivian clenched and unclenched her hands, her heart thundering in her chest like a war drum. Noticing her discomfort, Sith gave her an encouraging smile. On the other hand, Peri leaned against a wall to the side with his eyes closed, showing absolutely no interest in the proceedings.


    Don¡¯t tell me he is sleeping again¡­


    All eyes in the room had focused their intense attention on Vivian. Feeling overwhelmed she gave a slight bow, unaware of what exactly she was supposed to do.


    ¡®No need to be nervous,¡¯ Sith said. ¡®This is just a routine check we do for every newcomer. We have to make sure you are not a spy send here to infiltrate our stronghold.¡¯


    Vivian nodded in understanding, unable to form words at the moment.


    ¡®State your full name please,¡¯ a man demanded.


    ¡®Viv-¡¯ She croaked before she cleared her throat and tried again. ¡®Vivian Wright,¡¯ she said clearly.


    The man raised an unimpressed eyebrow at her. Vivan averted her eyes, choosing to focus on the grey veins running through the marble beneath her feet.


    ¡®Wright¡­ Hmm, I have not heard of a family with that name,¡¯ a woman said.


    ¡®Miss Wright here is not from nobility,¡¯ Sith explained. ¡®She is one of the common folk.¡¯


    The council members weren¡¯t wearing indifferent faces anymore. Whispers broke out as the council members looked at each other, some with looks of incredulity, and others with disbelief.


    ¡®How did she make it here on her own?¡¯


    ¡®There is absolutely no way she could have survived.¡¯


    ¡®The hunters should have gotten to her. This is incredibly suspicious.¡¯


    ¡®Perhaps it is best if we ask her what happened.¡¯ the third woman in the room said. ¡®We can judge whether or not she is trustworthy after we hear her out.¡¯


    ¡®Very well Lady Sandra,¡¯ Sith said. ¡®Lord Wernier, would be so kind as to confirm if she is telling the truth?¡¯


    The man who had asked her to state her name earlier gave a short nod before closing his eyes as if he was meditating. Vivian felt a heavy presence wrap itself around her mind and a shiver ran up her spine. It was as if her mind was a book and someone had positioned their thumb at the beginning, ready to turn the page and read the story so as to corroborate everything she was about to say.


    ¡®Miss Wright please tell us your story.¡¯


    Ignoring the feeling of discomfort, she recounted everything for the second time that day from the moment she left her home to the present. As she talked the weight of the events she had experienced bore down on her and she realized just how lucky she was to make it here alive. A number of things could have gone wrong. Even if she were to set aside being hunted by Sentinels, she could have been easily killed during her escape from her village, or starved to death in the forest, or eaten by wild beasts. Moreover, what were the chances that she would run into a mysterious man in the middle of the woods that was inclined to help her, or that the same man would help her escape from the sentinels, take responsibility for her safety, and bring her to the one place where she could be safe. Vivan was never a believer in gods and fate, but even she had to admit that this felt like divine intervention and that it seemed like she was a part of a bigger story that was being written. Recounting all that happened so far, only reminded her of her improbable chances of survival and how grateful she should be to Peri. She glanced over at him, trying to coney her gratitude through her eyes, but the man was still leaned against the wall his eyes closed, though she doubted he was actually asleep.


    I was the same for almost thirteen years, and now I¡¯ve changed so much in just three weeks¡­ wonder if I¡¯ll keep changing, keep getting better and feeling less pain and betrayal¡­


    Vivan realized that she had finished explaining and that the chamber was now silent, as the members looked contemplative, turning her story inside out, trying to find any flaws or holes that would mark her as a spy.


    ¡®That is¡­ quite the story,¡¯ Lady Sandra finally broke the silence. ¡®What say you Lord Wernier?¡¯


    ¡®I sense no falsehoods,¡¯ he replied, finally opening his eyes. She felt the heavy presence disappear and breathed out in relief. ¡®She is telling the truth.¡¯


    ¡®Well that settles it,¡¯ the man sitting next to Sith looked to be in a hurry to get this over with. ¡®She is one of us and so she deserves sanctuary in our city.¡¯


    ¡®Well said Lord Vaux,¡¯ Lady Sith agreed.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    ¡®Well shall we cast a vote?¡¯ Lord Vaux asked. ¡®All in favour of Miss Wright staying¡­¡¯


    Three out of seven members raised their hands.


    ¡®Looks like this will take a little while longer,¡¯ Sith said. ¡®What seems to the problem?¡¯


    ¡®The issue is that this is girl is from a peasant family,¡¯ one of the men said, his eyes narrowed in distaste. ¡®Our entire stronghold is partially dependent on donations that the families of the refugees offer us in return for the protection of their children. This girl has neither status nor money. Wouldn¡¯t it be unfair to the others to let her stay while she contributes nothing to our way of life?¡¯


    I was hoping they would forget about that.


    ¡®Lord Lisht!¡¯ Lady Sandra exclaimed. ¡®How could you even say that?!¡¯


    ¡®It is the truth,¡¯ Lord Wernier added quietly, his tone logical like he was examining a math problem. ¡®This girl cannot help us in any way. Being a peasant, I doubt she even knows how to read so we can¡¯t even think of putting her in an office post. Moreover, her aura is so miniscule that it¡¯s non-existent that I¡¯m having doubts of whether she is truly a mage.¡¯


    Anger echoed vaguely in the back of Vivian¡¯s mind but it was drowned by her mounting anxiety and fear. Her breaths were coming out measured now, her body subconsciously trying to calm her down. Heat was once again slowly building up in her veins, just like it did back at the auction site. She tried to calm it down. An explosion here would not help her case, but the power kept growing slowly.


    The council seemed unaware of the development and were busy arguing among themselves.


    ¡®This stronghold is a safe haven for all mages, regardless of whether they are powerful not,¡¯ Lord Vaux said. ¡®We cannot refuse to accept her just because she has no noble background.¡¯


    ¡®But do you not think that this is unfair to the others?¡¯ the last woman in the hall said. ¡®Their families send over money and essentials that make it possible for us to live in these mountains. If we were to let someone live here for free without providing any sort of assistance whatsoever, what would they think? They will probably demand the same treatment for their charges as well.¡¯


    ¡®I agree with Lady Peliere,¡¯ the last man in the room said, his disinterest on the matter grating on her nerves and causing the heat in her blood to build up faster. ¡®She will be nothing but dead weight.¡¯


    ¡®Lord Adar while that is a valid point we cannot expel her just because of that,¡¯ Lord Vaux said. ¡®She will die if she was on her own.¡¯


    ¡®We can¡¯t save everyone,¡¯ Lord Lisht said callously. ¡®Sometimes we have to make sacrifices for the good of the many.¡¯


    Sacrifice? Vivian thought. Why are you talking about sacrifice? It is not as if you are the one who is going to die. The heat cousing through her was starting to muffle the voices around her. It was getting harder to pick out individual words from the growing buzzing her ears.


    The room dissolved into chaos as everyone started to speak up at once. Voices were raised to be heard above the din, which only led to a further increase in the disorder, which was not helping her. She felt like she was on the verge of exploding when suddenly there was a rough but gentle hand on her head. The fire in her veins took a small step back as she glanced up to look at who it was. She wasn¡¯t all too surprised to see Peri¡¯s blue eyes looking down at her, silently assuring her that it would be alright.


    He turned to face the council. ¡®It seems you lot are as blind as ever.¡¯ He declared.


    The council fell silent, whether it was because of the sudden interruption, or the rudness they were shown, Vivian couldn¡¯t tell. Lord Lisht was the first to recover with a slight shake of his head, and glared at him. ¡®What did you say?¡¯ There was a threatning note behind the question, but to Peri¡¯s credit he didn¡¯t even flinch. In fact he looked downright bored.


    ¡®If any of you have doubts on whether this girl is mage, just open your eyes and look at her now.¡¯


    The council¡¯s focus was once again directed at her, and one by one, Vivan saw the realization dawn on their faces. The heat was slowly fading from her, Peri¡¯s hand on her head acting as an anchor in this sea of chaos.


    ¡®I¡¯m sure that this has put your doubts to rest.¡¯ Peri stepped forward, his hand dropping from her head. Vivan missed the hand, but her breathing was going back to normal and she was no longer shaking. She let him speak for her, as she couldn¡¯t find her own voice, stuck as it were somewhere at the back of her throat.


    ¡®If my memories and her own weren¡¯t enough to settle your reservations, this should surely do so. And to further point out your blindness,¡¯ A choked voice sounded from Lord Adar, but Peri continued as if he didn¡¯t hear it. ¡®None of you seemed to notice that her magic worked quite differently from any of yours.¡¯


    ¡®Different,¡¯ Lord Adar scoffed. ¡®I didn¡¯t see anything different. So she blew away a few sentinels. There are many mages that are capable of that.¡¯


    ¡®Did you notice that none of them died,¡¯ Peri pointed out quietly. ¡®Nor did the body next to her get vapourised.¡¯ Peri turned to Vivan. ¡®Vivian, even when you cast your magic, you didn¡¯t want to kill anyone right?¡¯


    Vivan thought back to when she had caused the explosion. She was angry, yes and distraught, and she wanted to make them hurt. But not kill, never kill. Slowly she nodded.


    ¡®No I didn¡¯t want to kill anyone.¡¯


    ¡®So she was unable to kill anyone. The explosion was a fluke,¡¯ Lady Peliere dismissed. ¡®It was all smoke and mirrors, loud noises and dust and nothing of substance.¡¯


    ¡®We are going around in circles,¡¯ Sith said, annoyance leaking into her voice. ¡®No fluke could cause a crater six feet deep and rip massive trees out of the ground. Her surroundings were assaulted by her magic. Only the people were fine. Knocked out, yes, but fine otherwise.¡¯ Sith turned her head to fix her eyes on Vivian, a gleam of curiosity sparkling in their depths. ¡®The only explanation for it is that she was able to instinctively cast a very complex spell that didnt just carry a simple intent of explode like most do, but it was also ingrained with a intent to protect the little girl¡¯s corpse as well as to not kill anyone.¡¯


    Vivian had lost track of the conversation. The word intent was being stressed like it was something important to magic but she couldn¡¯t for the life of her, understand why it was so. However, it seemed to be working as out of the four who had originally opposed her staying, Lord Wernier and Lady Peliere were looking very interested now, leaning forward slightly in their seats to get a good look at her.


    ¡®A spell with three intents,¡¯ Lord Wernier whispered, almost to himself. ¡®It¡¯s unheard of, but you¡¯re right. That is fascinating.¡¯


    ¡®Are you really buying this?¡¯ Lord Adar hissed.


    Lord Wernier fixed him with a cool stare. ¡®Do you have a better explanation?¡¯


    Lord Adar glared at him while Lord Wernier looked back at him impassively. Lord Adar huffed and looked away first and Vivian felt a small sense of vindication. At least the biggest issue with her acceptance into Mirran was dealt with.


    ¡®Fine, she¡¯s a mage,¡¯ Lord Lisht spat out. ¡®But it still doesn¡¯t change the fact that she is still a commoner. And we cannot endorse letting her in no matter how unique her magic is.¡¯


    ¡®While I do see where you¡¯re coming from,¡¯ Lady Peliere said, ¡®Won¡¯t the problem be solved if we were to provide the child with another means to pay her dues to the city? It would be a shame to let go of such a unique specimen just because of the origin of her blood.¡¯


    Vivian, Peri and Sith exchanged knowing looks. Back in Sith¡¯s home, they had already discussed what was to be said about this matter. It¡¯s a good thing that it was brought up by someone else first. Now Sith merely needed to build on it.


    ¡®I have a proposition.¡¯

 Chapter 8 - A New Home

    Vivian felt like she was moving through a dream as she stepped out of the council chamber, followed closely by Peri.


    ¡®Glad that¡¯s over and done with.¡¯ Peri yawned and stretched like a cat, raising his arms above his head and popping his joints. ¡®Wasn¡¯t as hard as I thought it would it be. What do you say we head home?¡¯


    Vivian nodded, still feeling dazed about the fact that she had been allowed to stay. Peri said that it was easy but from where she was standing it seemed like a close call. True, it came with a few extra duties that she had to undertake, but still, she was allowed to stay.


    She was safe.


    Vivian let out a deep breath, her anxiety and fear flowing out of her along with it. She jumped a bit when something rubbed itself against her leg. She looked down to see Ebion looking up at her with big yellow eyes, almost seeming to ask if she was alright. She hadn¡¯t even noticed that he had jumped off her head before she entered the council chamber.


    Just goes to show how scared I actually was.


    Her voice, which had decided to hide at the back of her throat halfway through the council inquiry, had returned. She turned to face Peri and nodded in answer to his question.


    ¡®Back to the cottage?¡¯ she asked.


    ¡®Yes.¡¯ He ran a critical eye over her. ¡®You really need to get some sleep. I know I do.¡¯


    Vivian let out a weak laugh. ¡®When do you not?¡¯


    Peri cracked a small smile as well. ¡®Never. Shall we?¡¯


    Vivian followed Peri out of the Council and back into the residential streets outside, with Ebion once again secure in her arms. She hadn¡¯t realized how long the inquiry had gone on for, but the sun was beginning its descent from the sky, painting it in bright orange. Now that she was no longer afraid of having to leave the city, she was able to take in the sights a bit more. The residential area comprised of large townhouses, probably big enough to house at least four bedrooms each, with balconies opening out over the main streets. Some balconies had groups of girls tittering over tea, while others held people either reading or knitting. Some of them glanced down at them as they passed, quite a few nodding and calling out greetings to Peri, who mostly replied with a gruff nod, not slowing his pace a bit. A few did notice Vivian, only to retreat behind unfolded fans and hiding hands to whisper and gossip about the obvious commoner in their midst.


    At one point, Ebion got bored of being carried and jumped out of her arms. He sauntered down the streets with his tail held high, soon disappearing round a bend. Vivian made to go after him but was stopped by Peri.


    ¡®He¡¯ll make it home by dinner time. He knows the way.¡¯


    There were a few people on the street, some walking with purpose and others simply enjoying a stroll. An older man marched by with a clear look of distaste on his face. However, it wasn¡¯t directed at her. It was pointed at Peri. The man¡¯s distaste turned into a glare when Peri¡¯s eyes rose up to meet his, scoffing to himself as he stomped away. In fact, there were quite a few people who were glancing at Peri with mistrust and moved out of the way as he approached. It must have happened when they were heading to the Council as well, but she hadn¡¯t noticed as she had been a bit preoccupied.


    ¡®Why do they look like they don¡¯t like you?¡¯


    ¡®That¡¯s because they don¡¯t.¡¯ Peri shrugged. ¡®I¡¯m not a mage remember. That fact brings with it a healthy amount of suspicion.¡¯


    ¡®They all seem to be older than you,¡¯ Vivian observed. ¡®The ones my age seem to like you.¡¯


    ¡®That¡¯s because my primary job is to rescue mages and bring them here, something I only started doing after I came here a decade ago. So most of the younger ones accept me¡­ for now.¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯m not complaining, but how did you get accepted here?¡¯ Vivian was curious. If it was so difficult for a mage like her to be accepted, what exactly did Peri have that made them accept him?


    ¡®A story for another time,¡¯ Peri replied shortly, stopping any further discussion on the topic.


    Vivian took the cue and turned to observe the streets again. Despite being called the residential area there were a few shops here as well. She spotted a boutique, a bakery and even a bookshop a little further down the road. Under the awning of the bookshop, she noticed a boy around her age. From this distance Vivian could only make out his black hair and a sword strapped to his side. He appeared to be waiting for someone, an assumption that was proven correct when another boy, this one with blonde hair so light it was almost white, stumbled out of the bookshop. The newcomer flung an arm around the waiting boy¡¯s shoulders, drawing an irritated look from the later which was answered with a wide grin from the former.


    As the Vivian and Peri approached, the two of them looked up from their conversation, noticing Peri immediately. They raised a hand in greeting which Peri reciprocated. Their glance then shifted to her, curiosity in the blonde¡¯s eyes and a strong hint of disdain in his friend¡¯s gaze. This set off a whirl of anger in herself, a very familiar concept at this point. Vivian was starting to believe that maybe her family was right about her having a short temper.


    She stuck her tongue out at him as they passed by.


    She knew it was childish, that she could have ignored it and walked away, but after an hour of being called useless and dead weight by the council, she wasn¡¯t in a forgiving mood, even for something as trivial as this.


    The black hair boy raised a well-shaped eyebrow in response to her childish display while his friend let out a snort of laughter. Vivian faced forward and refused to look back at the two of them. She ran a little to catch up with Peri who had moved on ahead during their little exchange. She could hear the blonde boy teasing his friend but she didn¡¯t turn to look.


    ¡®What was that?¡¯ Peri asked, a strange mix of confusion and second-hand embarrassment on his face.


    ¡®Nothing,¡¯ she mumbled.


    ¡®Well then, let¡¯s hope you never do nothing again. Once was plenty embarrassing.¡¯


    Vivian opened her mouth to defend herself before clicking her jaw shut. She had no way of explaining what she did as anything other than childish and petty.


    They had moved out of the residential district and were passing through the market when they heard a call from behind them. Vivian barely had time to turn around before Dixie had slung an arm laden with heavy bags across her shoulder, causing her to stagger a bit so as to adjust to the sudden weight.


    ¡®You¡¯re done?¡¯ Dixie blew a strand of red hair out of her face. ¡®That was quick. I expected you lot to be there for another hour at least.¡¯


    ¡®Seemed pretty long to me,¡¯ Vivian grumbled. She noticed Cyrus who was weaving his way through the crowd towards them and she raised a hand in acknowledgement.


    ¡®So, what¡¯s the verdict?¡¯ Cyrus asked, finally extracting himself from the throng around them to step into their little bubble.


    ¡®I¡¯m staying,¡¯ Vivian raised her voice a bit to be heard above the crowd. ¡®With a few extra duties.¡¯


    Peri yawned. ¡®They named her a forest ranger.¡¯


    Dixie raised an eyebrow in question. ¡®What¡¯s a forest ranger?¡¯


    ¡®A position they created just for me. Apparently, talking to trees is not insanity, but rather a very valuable skill. I¡¯m supposed to explore and document the Druscan woods, which I have no idea how to do.¡¯


    ¡®You could start by learning how to study and draw maps,¡¯ Cyrus suggested.


    Peri shook his head. ¡®No, we need to start with learning how to read and write.¡¯Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    ¡®You don¡¯t know how to read?¡¯ Dixie asked incredulously.


    ¡®I¡¯m a peasant form the countryside. Of course I don¡¯t know how to read.¡¯


    ¡®I thought all humans could read.¡¯


    ¡®That¡¯s because most humans you¡¯ve met are of the upper class,¡¯ Cyrus explained. ¡®The lower classes never learn because it serves little purpose for them.¡¯


    ¡®Makes sense. I didn¡¯t know how to read either until I started staying with you.¡¯ Dixie nudged Cyrus, smiling a small smile.


    ¡®Cyrus taught you how to read?¡¯ Vivian asked.


    Dixie nodded. ¡®And write. And numbers and a bit of mathematics. We shifters usually tend to live as roaming packs in the forests. Very few of us venture into cities and the like. I was one of the few.¡¯ When met with a questioning look from Vivian she continued, ¡®I was bored. One can only look at twigs and leaves for so long.¡¯


    The throngs of people around them seemed to intensify as the evening crowd made their way onto the streets, heading for restaurants and taverns, or simply loitering along the sides in groups, chatting and laughing.


    ¡®We should head back,¡¯ Peri said. ¡®It¡¯s only going to get even more crowded.¡¯


    ¡®But I thought we could take a tour, see the sights,¡¯ Dixie whined. ¡®You want to, don¡¯t you Vivi?¡¯


    Vivian chuckled. ¡®Maybe tomorrow. I¡¯m dead on my feet, and right now I just want to eat and sleep.¡¯


    Dixie visibly deflated. ¡®Very well. I suppose we can do it tomorrow.¡¯


    ¡®Well, we¡¯ll be staying at the Rusty Kettle,¡¯ Cyrus said, pointing a large inn a little further down the road. The building was being swarmed by customers, and warm light spilled out of its windows accompanied by cheery music. ¡®Meet us there tomorrow after breakfast and we can take a walk around the city, get you registered in school and buy your essentials.¡¯


    Vivian nodded. ¡®Sounds great. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow then. Good night.¡¯


    They parted ways, Vivian following after Peri, who didn¡¯t seem to realize that his legs were much longer than hers, forcing her to jog slightly to keep up. They were soon passing through the farmlands, now devoid of the goblins that were tending them in the morning.


    ¡®How long do you think it will take me to learn how to read?¡¯


    ¡®It should take about a month to learn the basics, that is if you aren¡¯t too stupid.¡¯


    Vivian nodded along. ¡®Two months then.¡¯ She joked and grinned, trying to cajole a smile out of the older man.


    Instead, Peri studied her out of the corner of his eye. ¡®I noticed this before, but you¡¯re a bit self-deprecating, aren¡¯t you?¡¯


    ¡®I am not,¡¯ Vivian instinctively objected, her grin slipping from her face. ¡®I¡¯m just¡­¡¯ She struggled a bit for words. ¡®Just having a bad day, is all. I¡¯m not self-depr-¡­ well, whatever it is you said.¡¯


    ¡®Self-deprecating. It means having no self-respect.¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s a bit hard to find something I respect in myself right now,¡¯ Vivian mumbled.


    Peri hesitated. ¡®¡­ Do you want to talk about it?¡¯ His face was begging her to say no.


    ¡®No.¡¯


    ¡®Oh good.¡¯ Peri let out a small sigh. ¡®I¡¯d be the worst person to offer comfort¡­ But if you ever do feel like talking about it,¡¯ Vivian looked up to meet his eyes. ¡®¡­ find Sith. She¡¯s better at giving advice. And under no circumstances ask Dixie.¡¯


    Vivian snorted, which developed into a laugh, leaching out the tension of the day. She heaved a large sigh as they climbed up the steps of the cottage and pushed open the front door. The fire was still burning merrily in the hearth, warming them the moment they stepped into the living room. Vivian made her way to the fire, letting the heat soak into her bones.


    ¡®Why don¡¯t you go take a look around,¡¯ Peri said. ¡®I¡¯ll see if I can find us some dinner.¡¯


    Peri strode straight through the living room towards what Vivian assumed was the dining room. Vivian stood in front of the fire for a bit longer before deciding to take Peri¡¯s advice and explore what would be her new home.


    The house was decorated with cozy rugs and comfy armchairs, a few paintings hanging on the stone walls and strange carved pieces on the mantle and tables. A staircase climbed its way to the upper floors along the right wall. On the right there was locked door that seemed to lead to a bedroom. To the left of the living room was a small library with a desk and bookshelves lining the walls and a small round table with three chairs in the centre. Further left was a door that led to the porch outside, looking into the Druscan woods that lay beyond. At the back of the library was a glass door that stepped down into a greenhouse filled with potted plants and small plots of growing crops. To the left was a door that led outside the cottage to a well and an outhouse. Across the greenhouse was a set of wooden double doors that were locked, but she could hear some sort of chittering and fluttering behind them. Deciding to ask Peri about it later, she headed back to the living room and proceeded to follow the direction Peri left. She stepped into a spacious dining room with a door to the right leading to the kitchen.


    A savoury smell made its way to her and she found herself following it to the kitchen in the back. Peri was standing over a central hearth, a bubbling pot of stew suspended over the burning pit. He looked quite odd with a ladle in his hand, occasionally stirring the contents of the pot. He looked up as she approached.


    ¡®Finished exploring?¡¯


    ¡®I didn¡¯t go upstairs yet.¡¯


    He nodded. ¡®I hope you like day-old stew. Grab a couple of bowls, would you? There¡¯s also bread in the store.¡¯ Peri nodded at a door to his right. ¡®And get a couple of cups for water.¡¯


    Vivian moved to follow his directions. She found a few loaves of bread from the store and a couple of clean bowls. She held out the bowls as Peri generously ladled out some stew into each and went to set them on the table along with a water jug and a pair of cups. She sat down and waited for Peri to join her. The stew smelled delicious, and once Peri was seated as well, they dug in without a word. They ate in silence, enjoying the first good meal they¡¯ve had since they left Cyrus¡¯ home. It didn¡¯t take long for Vivian to clean off her plate, the feeling of a full stomach putting a satisfied smile on her face.


    ¡®The house has only three bedrooms, all occupied.¡¯ Peri put his spoon down. ¡®So, we¡¯ll have to put you up in the attic.¡¯


    ¡®That¡¯s fine¡­ Whose is the third?¡¯


    ¡®A beastman named Reno. He¡¯s off on a job right now, should be back by next month¡­ You¡¯ll have to clean up the attic a bit before you can use it.¡¯


    ¡®Alright.¡¯ Vivian let out a wide yawn. ¡®What about that door in the living room? Isn¡¯t that a bedroom.


    ¡®Used to be, but Sith uses it as a laboratory now.¡¯


    Vivian stood up and gathered her bowl and plate. ¡®I should get started on the attic then.¡¯


    Peri stood up, grabbed his plates as well and dropped them into the washtub and Vivian followed likewise. ¡®There¡¯s a broom, some rags and a bucket in the storeroom. Grab them and follow me.¡¯


    They climbed the stairs to the first floor which opened out into a drawing room with a couch placed facing the tall glass windows that looked out towards the city. Three doors faced into the drawing room leading to the bedrooms. In the far corner of the drawing room, tucked into a niche was a circular staircase which Vivian guessed probably led to the attic. Peri led her up the tight spiral and pushed open a trapdoor to an attic that was more spacious than Vivian had expected.


    ¡®It¡¯s bigger than I expected.¡¯ Vivian stepped into what was to be her new room, running her hand over the cold, stone walls. The room was bare, devoid of any furniture. A musty smell hung over the place, causing her to sneeze a couple of times. There was a window at the very end of the attic which creaked as Vivian pushed it open. She looked out to see the bright lights of the city in the distance, a dull hum of the noisy, crowded streets managing to make it as far as the cottage. Down below, the path they had walked down earlier, snaked its way through farmlands to end at their doorstep. The Druscan woods stood quiet and mysterious, a gentle breeze slipping through the trees and rustling the leaves.


    ¡®It gets a bit cold up here in the winter but its pleasant otherwise.¡¯ Peri moved into the room, his hands in his pockets. ¡®We can furnish it in time, but for now I¡¯ll get you a mattress and some quilts for the night.¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s perfect.¡¯ Vivian turned away from the window and grabbed the broom. ¡®I should get started.¡¯


    Peri nodded. ¡®Come see me once you¡¯re done. I¡¯ll be in the drawing room.¡¯ And he left.


    It didn¡¯t take long for her to get the attic clean. It looked well maintained. A quick sweep got rid of the little dust that had gathered and a thorough scrub of the floor with a wet rag took care of any mud or dirt that lingered. She returned the cleaning tools to the store and climbed up again. Peri was sitting on the couch in the upstairs drawing room, a fire now merrily burning in the once empty fireplace. A stack of quilts, a pillow and a folded mattress was placed on the small table in front of him.


    Peri wrinkled his nose as she approached. ¡®If you wish to bathe there¡¯s a tub in the outhouse.¡¯


    Vivian gathered her sheets and mattress. ¡®I¡¯ll do that, but I want to lay out my bed first.¡¯


    ¡®Very well.¡¯ Peri glanced out of the window at the dark sky. ¡®It¡¯s late. I¡¯m off to bed. Sith should return within the hour, so don¡¯t be too scared if you hear some movement downstairs.¡¯


    Vivian nodded in understanding. ¡®Good night.¡¯


    Peri grunted in reply before entering his room and shutting the door behind him.


    Vivian scurried upstairs and quickly laid out her bed, fluffing up the pillow and shaking out the blankets. After it was done, she went downstairs and made her way to the outhouse for a quick bath. It took some back and forth from the well to fill up the tub. The water was cold when she dipped in but she quickly scrubbed herself clean, stepped out and emptied the tub, shivering in the night. Feeling cleaner and more human, she ran back to the house and plopped herself in the drawing room. Thankfully, the fire was still going strong.


    She sat there for a while, thinking about nothing and everything. She didn¡¯t even realize she was dozing off until she was startled awake by the sound of the front door opening. She grudgingly moved away from the warmth of the fireplace and made her way downstairs. Sith was hanging her cloak on the stand next to the door, rubbing her hands along her arms as she hurried towards the hearth.


    ¡®Hello,¡¯ Vivian greeted. ¡®Welcome back,¡¯


    Sith glanced up and smiled, a warm smile that made her feel the same inside. ¡®Good to be home. I assume you¡¯ve already settled yourself. Had dinner?¡¯


    Vivian nodded. ¡®The stew was delicious.¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯m glad to hear. I was afraid that Peri would make straight for his bed and leave you to figure things out.¡¯


    ¡®No, we ate together. He fell asleep a half-hour ago.¡¯


    ¡®Good.¡¯ Sith nodded at the stairs she had just descended. ¡®You should do the same. I know you have questions but you need rest. We can talk more in the morning.¡¯


    ¡®I won¡¯t argue with that.¡¯ Vivian stifled a yawn. ¡®Good night, Sith.¡¯


    ¡®Good night, Vivian.¡¯


    Vivian trudged back upstairs, heading for her attic. She climbed up into her room and shut the trapdoor before falling into her sheets. She rolled over onto her back, surveying the empty room around her. Slowly sleep tugged at her as she closed her eyes and fell asleep.


    Yes¡­ my attic, my room, my bed¡­ my new home.

 Chapter 9 - A New Beginning

    Vivian woke up to an unfamiliar ceiling.


    Taking a moment to orient herself, she sat up, pushing the covers off and stretching her arms above her head. She glanced out of the window. Light shone through the dusty glass, which she should clean sooner rather than later. It was early morning and it was quite chilly in the attic. She rubbed her arms as she made her way downstairs, past the drawing room where the fireplace was now empty, down to the living room. The gentle sound of cup being set down drew her to the dining.


    ¡®Oh, good morning,¡¯ Sith greeted. She was seated at the dining table, an empty plate in front of her as she sipped from a cup of what looked to be tea. Her other hand held a bunch of official looking papers. ¡®Did you sleep well last night?¡¯


    ¡®Yes.¡¯ Vivian stifled a yawn. ¡®Better than I have for days¡­ Is Peri awake yet?¡¯


    ¡®No, and don¡¯t expect him to any time soon.¡¯ Sith drained the last of her tea. ¡®I¡¯ll be leaving for work in another half-hour. Need to get dressed. Once Peri is awake, you two can make your way to the city and meet up with Cyrus and Dixie.¡¯


    She stood up with her plate and cup and walked off into the kitchen. Vivian followed close behind.


    ¡®Um, where can I wash my face?¡¯


    ¡®Oh right.¡¯ She pointed at a door at the back of the kitchen that led outside. ¡®For now, use the well. You can buy a basin and jug for your room when you go out today.¡¯


    Nodding her head in thanks, Vivian pushed open the backdoor and stepped out on to a porch. The sight of the Druscan woods greeted her. She stood still for a moment letting the crisp, morning air seep into her lungs and wake her up properly. The wind carried with it the smell of the woods, a soothing scent that she quite enjoyed. She quickly washed her face, making sure to gurgle a mouthful of water to get rid of her morning breath.


    Sith was still in the kitchen when she came back, wiping her washed plate and cup with a clean rag before placing it on the drying rack.


    ¡®You must be busy. I could¡¯ve done that for you.¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s alright.¡¯ Sith wiped her hands on the rag. ¡®Reno runs a tight ship. We all have to do these things on our own.¡¯


    ¡®He sounds¡­ strict.¡¯


    ¡®Nah, but he does go into a sulk if we don¡¯t do it.¡¯


    ¡®Peri said he was a beastman.¡¯ Vivian glanced at her tail that was curled around her thigh. ¡®Are you also¡­?¡¯


    ¡®Yes, I¡¯m a beastman, just like Reno. In fact, the two of us come from the same tribe. I brought him here with me when I came from Rhyzos.¡¯


    ¡®Why did you leave?¡¯


    A small, sad smile made its way across Sith¡¯s lips. ¡®Let¡¯s just say I¡¯m no longer welcome there.¡¯


    It was a clear cue to not ask any further. Just like Peri.


    Sith marched out into the dining room to grab her papers from the table.


    ¡®I hope you¡¯re fine with bread and cheese for breakfast.¡¯ Sith shuffled her papers together. ¡®There¡¯s plenty in the pantry, so help yourself. There¡¯s tea in the kettle. It might¡¯ve grown a bit cold so heat it up.¡¯


    ¡®Thank you.¡¯


    Sith nodded. ¡®I should get ready.¡¯


    Vivian turned towards the store as she heard Sith¡¯s footsteps make their way up the stairs. She grabbed some bread and cheese on a plate, and put the kettle on the fire. She poured herself a glass of hot tea and sat down at the dining table with her breakfast. She was munching on the last piece of bread when she heard footsteps descending the staircase. Quickly swallowing she hurried out into the sitting room. Sith was standing near the front door, searching for something in a satchel swung across her shoulder. She was wearing a simple blue shift dress with a brown belt to cinch it at her waist and a pair of pants underneath.


    ¡®When will you be back?¡¯


    Sith stopped rummaging in her bag for a moment. ¡®I¡¯ll be back for lunch¡­ Then again you lot might still be in town at that time, so I might just join you there. We¡¯ll see.¡¯


    Vivian nodded. ¡®Have a nice day then.¡¯


    ¡®Hopefully, though I wouldn¡¯t bet on it¡­ If Peri doesn¡¯t wake up by noon feel free to break his door down and drag him out.¡¯


    ¡®I¡­ won¡¯t be doing that.¡¯ Vivian shook her head. ¡®I¡¯ll knock.¡¯


    Sith rolled her eyes. ¡®Right, because none of us have ever tried that before.¡¯


    Sith pulled open the front door and stepped out into the bright morning light. She stepped around the house and grabbed a saddle that was leaning against the side. Taking a breath, she let out a long whistle, the sound cutting cleanly through the quiet morning air. Before Vivian could even wonder at what she was doing, she heard the sound of large wings beating against the air. A strong gust whipped up around them and she was forced to cover her eyes. When the gust finally died down, she slowly peered out from beneath her eyelids. What she glimpsed had her turning wide-eyed in a moment.


    ¡®Vivian,¡¯ Sith said, placing her hand on a brown, feathered neck. ¡®Meet Pontos.¡¯


    Vivian let out an exhale as bright yellow eyes studied her. A sharp beak parted itself to let out a sharp screech. White feathers adorned its head and neck all the way down to its chest. Sharp talons clawed the earth beneath it, while behind them a pair of large lion paws shifted on the ground. A long tail twitched, caution evident in its stiffness. Vivian had heard several stories and folklore about the creature, but seeing one in the flesh was exhilarating.


    ¡®A griffin,¡¯ she whispered in awe.


    Sith grinned. ¡®Thought you might like it. Yes, this is my griffin Pontos. I raised him from an egg myself.¡¯ She scratched Pontos along his neck, and the griffin crowed in delight. She tossed the saddle she was holding across his back and fastened the buckles with practiced ease. ¡®Though you should stay a bit far away. Griffins, in general, are quite skittish around strangers.¡¯


    ¡®I noticed,¡¯ Vivian said. Pontos the griffin had not taken his eyes off of her for even a moment since he landed. She took a step back into the house. ¡®I¡¯m just going to stay here, far away.¡¯The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡®He¡¯ll get used to you eventually.¡¯ Sith grabbed the saddle that was now strapped on Pontos¡¯ back and hauled herself up. She held onto the handle on the front of the saddle as the griffin jerked a bit to adjust to her weight. ¡®Right, well I¡¯ll see you in the afternoon.¡¯


    Vivan tore her eyes away from Pontos to raise a hand in farewell. ¡®See you then.¡¯


    Sith nudged Pontos with her heels and the griffin spread its large wings. With a mighty beat the creature leapt into the air, quickly gaining altitude and distance until both griffin and rider were a small speck in the distant sky. Vivian stood there for a while, marvelling at the strength and grace of the creature even after it was long gone. A harsh caw from a crow nearby snapped her out of her daze. Giving herself a small shake she headed back inside and closed the door.


    ¡­¡­¡­


    Thankfully, Vivian didn¡¯t have to break down any doors.


    Peri lumbered downstairs with messy hair and creases that suggested that he hadn¡¯t bothered with a mirror and had instead simply decided to roll right out of bed and amble downstairs for breakfast. Vivian was in the greenhouse, examining the plants that were being grown there when she heard him shuffling down the stairs and into the kitchen. She walked into the kitchen just in time to see him try to hang a cutting board above the fire.


    ¡®Um, good morning.¡¯ Vivian quickly moved forward and snatched the board out of the fire. ¡®That¡¯s not¡­ Why don¡¯t you sit? I¡¯ll bring you breakfast.¡¯


    Peri grunted and shuffled out of the kitchen. Vivian heard a chair scraping as she hung the kettle above the fire. She grabbed a plate and dipped into the store to get some bread and cheese. Pouring a cup of the now hot tea she brought Peri¡¯s breakfast to the dining table and set it before him, before settling in chair herself. The man in question was slumped on the table and only raised his head when he heard the plate being set down.


    ¡®Not a morning person, are you?¡¯ Vivian watched as he ripped out a chunk of bread swallowed it dry.


    Another grunt followed by silence was her answer.


    Once he was done, his eyes seemed to have finally opened all the way, the tea helping especially with waking him up. He leaned back in his chair and yawned, stretching his arms above his head and cracking his knuckles. Vivian made to grab his plates but he waved her away.


    ¡®I¡¯m awake now. I¡¯ll do it.¡¯


    He stumbled back into the kitchen and she heard him washing the plates in the tub. She glanced around the room, looking for something to occupy her interest when a sudden movement by the window caught her eye. Something small and black leapt onto the windowsill, causing her heart to leap with it before she recognized who it was.


    ¡®I thought you would be back yesterday evening,¡¯ she said as Ebion climbed onto her lap. ¡®What were you doing?¡¯


    ¡®Probably got something to eat somewhere else.¡¯ Peri came back in and threw himself in his chair once more. ¡®And slept the night on the roof or something. He tends to come and go as he pleases. Only listens to Sith, and that too occasionally.¡¯


    ¡®He¡¯s a troublemaker, is he?¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯ve met worse.¡¯ He looked at her pointedly.


    ¡®What did I do?¡¯


    ¡®Nothing¡­ yet.¡¯


    Vivian huffed, but there wasn¡¯t much anger behind it. ¡®We should get going. We said we would meet up with Cyrus and Dixie.¡¯


    ¡®Academy registration first.¡¯ Peri pulled himself out of his chair. ¡®Everything else comes after.¡¯


    It didn¡¯t take long before they were once again walking down the winding path away from the cottage. Ebion had opted to stay behind, curling up on the living room couch for a long nap. Peri and Vivian weaved their way through the farmlands, Vivian occasionally calling out greetings to the working goblins. Some stared at her in surprise, while a few responded in kind. The streets weren¡¯t too crowded when they arrived and they quickly made their way to the Rusty Kettle. Cyrus and Dixie were already downstairs in the inn¡¯s dining area. Thankfully, Dixie had finally decided to change her appearance from Vivian¡¯s. Now she sported short blond hair and bright green eyes on a young, chubby, freckled face. As soon as they spotted Peri and Vivian through the window, Cyrus and Dixie moved to meet them outside.


    ¡®Good morning,¡¯ Dixie greeted cheerfully. ¡®Had a good night¡¯s sleep?¡¯


    ¡®Best I¡¯ve had in a while.¡¯


    ¡®Bet you feel like a whole new person.¡¯ Dixie looked her up and down. ¡®Now we just need to match the outside to the inside.¡¯


    ¡®No, no.¡¯ Peri shook his head. ¡®Registration first.¡¯


    Dixie glared at him. ¡®Absolutely not. It was bad enough that she stood in front of the Council wearing those rags. If she steps into the academy in those, she will never live it down. If the other children see-¡¯


    ¡®They¡¯re children,¡¯ Cyrus interrupted. ¡®Not bloodthirsty monsters waiting to tear into someone.¡¯


    ¡®They aren¡¯t angels either,¡¯ Dixie shot back. ¡®Children are terrifying. Why do you think I prefer to wear their faces?¡¯


    Peri rolled his eyes. ¡®Dixie we can¡¯t-¡¯


    ¡®Let¡¯s just buy one to wear to the academy, and get the rest afterwards,¡¯ Dixie compromised. ¡®It¡¯ll only take ten minutes.¡¯


    Cyrus sighed before nodding. ¡®Fine. But only ten minutes.¡¯


    Dixie clapped her hands and grabbed Vivian¡¯s hand. ¡®Great! You two can stay here. You¡¯ll be useless anyways.¡¯ She pulled Vivian along as she made to walk down the street. ¡®We¡¯ll see you in twenty minutes.¡¯


    ¡®You said ten minutes!¡¯ Peri called out after them but they were already gone.


    Thirty minutes later, Dixie and Vivian left Madame Jeanne¡¯s Boutique, with the shop¡¯s namesake and proprietor inviting them to visit again. Madame Jeanne was quite the sharp-eyed elf, with a kind nature that Vivian deeply appreciated as she felt quite lost standing among the rows of clothes. Vivian tried not to stare too much at her pointed ears as it was her first time seeing an elf, but she was not very discreet. Madame Jeanne took no offense, though and simply smiled at her.


    ¡®Are you new to the city?¡¯


    Vivian nodded. ¡®Just arrived yesterday.¡¯


    Madame Jeanne nodded and moved on with her work. She quickly understood what they were looking for and wasted no time. With precise movements she took her measurements and suggested some outfits for her to try. Vivian ended up wearing a pair of black woollen pants, a full-sleeved white tunic, a brown leather jerkin with simple clasps in front and a pair of black boots, all of which felt quite rich on her skin. She never had clothes this fine. Most of her clothing were hand-me-downs from her brothers that her mother altered for her. It was a novel feeling to have something new all for herself.


    They had discarded the clothes she was wearing until then as they were beyond salvaging, though Vivian¡¯s hands twitched at the thought of wasting the fabric. Surely it could be used for something else, but Dixie was adamant.


    ¡®Leave it. We¡¯ll be buying you a whole new wardrobe. On a loan of course.¡¯


    ¡®Lucky me.¡¯


    ¡®That will be ten denos.¡¯ Madame Jeanne smiled graciously.


    Dixie counted out the coins and paid for the order. They left the shop and headed straight back to the inn, where Peri and Cyrus were waiting for them. They had made themselves comfortable on one of the benches along the street, deep in a quiet argument. Vivian and Dixie waited for a carriage to move past before crossing over to join the two men.


    ¡®Alright, we¡¯re done,¡¯ Dixie said. ¡®For now.¡¯


    Peri looked Vivian up and down. ¡®You look human.¡¯


    ¡®Thank you. That¡¯s what I was going for.¡¯


    ¡®If there is nothing else, let¡¯s make our way to the academy,¡¯ Cyrus suggested.


    ¡®Where is this school?¡¯ Vivian asked as they started walking.


    ¡®It¡¯s a bit far,¡¯ Cyrus replied. ¡®It¡¯s on the other side of marketplace, near the lake. It should take us about half-hour to reach.¡¯


    The crowd was growing as they walked through the market. Even though she had already passed through the area twice she still couldn¡¯t help looking at every single thing around her with fascination, though this time she had fewer questions to ask. The marketplace was comprised of cobbled streets with shops on either side. These streets fed into plazas and courtyards that provided places to stop and rest for a while. Bakeries and eateries lined these plazas with their awning providing shade to the customers seated outside. Fountains danced in the centre of the square while birds bathed in the waters it spouted forth. There were even designated landing zones for griffins, carpets and any other means of flying.


    They had passed through two such plazas and on the third Vivian found herself standing in front a large set of iron gates. A compound wall stretched out on either side made of unyielding stone. By this point the hustle and bustle of the market had faded, with only a few restaurants and bookshops nearby, probably meant to serve students and professors. Beyond the gates lay well-manicured lawns cut into the sides of a hill. Steps led up through the lawns to a giant, stately building on the crest with more rooms than she could count, its whitewashed walls gleaming in the sunlight.


    Cyrus placed a hand on her head and ruffled her hair slightly. ¡®This is where you will be learning to control and use your magic¡­ This is Almos Academy.¡¯

 Chapter 10 - Almos Academy of Magic

    The gates swung open before they even touched it.


    ¡®That seems like a safety hazard,¡¯ Vivian pointed out. ¡®Does it just let in anyone?¡¯


    Cyrus chuckled and shook his head. ¡®I was once a student here so the academy recognizes me¡­ or rather it recognizes my mana. It¡¯s part of the registration, they teach the gates to identify you.¡¯


    ¡®Still seems risky,¡¯ she replied. ¡®You aren¡¯t a student here now. And people can change.¡¯


    ¡®Such cynicism.¡¯ Peri nodded in approval. ¡®Same as when we first met in the forest. Maybe there¡¯s hope for you after all.¡¯


    ¡®There are other security measures,¡¯ Cyrus continued, ignoring Peri. ¡®The gates are just the visible ones.¡¯


    ¡®Let¡¯s not dawdle.¡¯ Dixie gently pushed Vivian ahead. ¡®The academy office closes at the fourth hour. And since the school year will be starting soon, it will be quite crowded.¡¯


    As they walked up to the academy, Vivian spotted other children her age roaming through the lawns or sitting on benches. They were clearly students as they all were wearing a waist-long, black, hooded cape as a uniform, which looked the same on the outside but had inner linings of different colours. Some of them gave Vivian a cursory glance as she passed by before returning to whatever activity they were engaged in.


    They were also obviously of noble standing, both their appearance and posture giving it away. Vivian was feeling more and more out of place with every step she took. She didn¡¯t belong in this crowd, not with these people who seemed to ooze confidence, like they were the gods divine blessing on this earth. Vivian doubted her back could be so straight, or her head held so high. Their glances were brief but incredibly scrutinizing, as if they could learn everything about her from a single look. Some of them started to whisper among themselves. She wanted to hide. As people turned to look at her, she kept her head down and avoided eye contact.


    ¡®You¡¯re small enough as it is,¡¯ Peri remarked. He nudged her sharply with his elbow. ¡®Do you really want to shrink even further?¡¯


    ¡®But they¡¯re staring at me.¡¯ Vivian mumbled. ¡®It¡¯s uncomfortable.¡¯


    ¡®Yes, they are,¡¯ Dixie said. ¡®And they will continue to do so for a long time because you are not a noble like them. But if you cower before them, they will start to take liberties with you.¡¯ Dixie gripped her hand encouragingly. ¡®So, unless you want to spend the next four years acting as a lackey, raise your head and look them in the eye. Show them you are not afraid, that you have every right to be here, just like them.¡¯


    Vivian took a deep breath. It was such a small problem, nothing at all compared to what she had been through so far. And yet it was much harder for her to look these people in the eye than it was to escape from the Sentinels. All her life she had been taught that as a commoner she had to bow and show absolute respect to a noble. Any noble. no matter what they said or did, should always be appeased and never angered as they could easily ruin their lives. Her mother had drummed it into her head since she was a child. It had become instinct for her to immediately bow her head in front of anyone wearing gold and finery. It was hard to fight instinct.


    However, there was truth in what Dixie said. If she didn¡¯t want to spend the next four years being pushed around and bullied, she had to confront them. She had to learn to stand her ground. With another deep breath, she drew herself up and lifted her head. She caught the eye of the next noble who was looking at her, determined not to look away.


    Only it must have come out as a glare rather than the steadfast gaze she was hoping for, because she spotted a pair of blue eyes and a familiar eyebrow rise in question.


    ¡®Why are you glaring at me?¡¯ It was the black hair boy she had seen yesterday. The one she had childishly stuck her tongue out at. How she wished she could go back and slap herself. She could already feel the embarrassment creeping up her neck.


    The boy looked to be heading to the academy as well. His blonde friend, who was with him the other day as well, popped his head out from his side, giving her a friendly grin. ¡®Hello,¡¯ his friend greeted, his bright green eyes twinkling with curiosity. ¡®We meet again.¡¯


    ¡®Ye-yes,¡¯ Vivian stuttered, tearing her eyes away from the boy, praying for someone to intervene and break the awkwardness.


    ¡®Good afternoon.¡¯ Cyrus stepped up next to Vivian, and she sighed in relief. ¡®Are the two of you headed to register as well?¡¯


    The boy finally lifted his disapproving gaze from her. ¡®Yes,¡¯ he answered shortly.


    His friend decided to elaborate, thankfully taking the attention away from her. ¡®We thought we might as well get it over with. No need to put it off till the end.¡¯


    ¡®Then let¡¯s go together.¡¯ Cyrus nodded at Vivian. ¡®She¡¯s also heading there to register.¡¯


    ¡®Really? Is this your first year at the academy?¡¯ the blonde looked at her with no judgement or malice in his eyes. Vivian felt a bit less discomfort speaking to him rather than his friend. She nodded in answer.


    ¡®Us too.¡¯ The blonde gestured at himself and his friend. ¡®I guess that means we¡¯ll be in the same class.¡¯ He held out a hand to shake. ¡®I¡¯m Felix.¡¯


    Vivian hesitated for a moment before grasping his hand and giving it a firm shake. ¡®Vivian. Um, pleased to meet you.¡¯


    Did I say that last part right? I think that¡¯s how nobles greet each other.


    ¡®No need to be so stiff.¡¯ Felix grinned again. He nudged his friend who was standing with his arms crossed, silent as stone. ¡®And this grouch here is Aiden. He¡¯s not particularly friendly,¡¯ Aiden turned to glare at Felix. ¡®But give it time and he will learn to tolerate you.¡¯


    ¡®Uh, alright.¡¯ Vivian wasn¡¯t sure if she even wanted to keep company with them. Unsure of how to continue from this point, she discreetly nudged Peri, who thankfully stepped up to break up the conversation.


    ¡®This is really touching, making your first friends, but it would be even better if we can get you registered today.¡¯ Peri said. ¡®We do have other things to do as well and I am not spending another day on this.¡¯


    ¡®Right, right we¡¯re wasting time.¡¯ Cyrus urged everyone forward. ¡®Straight to the office.¡¯


    Vivian fell into step beside Felix and Aiden, the latter looking straight ahead and avoiding conversation. Felix, on the other hand, had no such reservations.


    ¡®So, when did you arrive?¡¯ he asked.


    ¡®Yesterday afternoon.¡¯


    Felix nodded. ¡®I figured as much. You were an unfamiliar face. I myself arrived here two months ago. Aiden got here around two weeks after that.¡¯


    ¡®Did you two know each other before you came here?¡¯ Vivian asked. They seemed pretty close.


    ¡®We¡¯ve met occasionally. Our families were usually invited to the same events. Our fathers know each other well, but we had only met a few times so we¡¯re not that close. Still, this is a new life and it¡¯s nice to have a familiar face here, so we usually spend our free time together.¡¯


    ¡®Aren¡¯t all the children here nobles?¡¯ Vivian looked at him curiously. ¡®I thought all nobles knew each other.¡¯


    ¡®We know of each other. We don¡¯t get too close. Never know when we will end up at each other¡¯s throats.¡¯


    Vivian shuddered. ¡®Sounds brutal¡­ and sad.¡¯


    ¡®He¡¯s making it sound worse than it actually is,¡¯ Aiden finally spoke up. His gaze shifted for a moment to look at her before shifting back to the path ahead. ¡®It¡¯s not that bad.¡¯


    Felix raised his hands up. ¡®Alright, maybe I exaggerated a bit. But it¡¯s true we don¡¯t get very close to anyone.¡¯ He fixed his gaze on her. ¡®I bet you never had a problem like that.¡¯This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    It took Vivian a moment to realize that he was trying to confirm if she was a commoner without sounding condescending. She was grateful for that consideration and finally smiled back at him.


    ¡®No, never had that problem. One of the benefits of being a commoner I suppose.¡¯


    ¡®You¡¯re the first one here.¡¯ Aiden commented, finally deciding to join the conversation. ¡®How did you survive? The hunt for mages is brutal out there.¡¯


    ¡®He¡¯s right,¡¯ Felix said. ¡®If Peri hadn¡¯t been with me, I would¡¯ve definitely died on the way here. We came close several times.¡¯


    Vivian shrugged. ¡®I didn¡¯t do anything special. Just hid in the woods as best I could.¡¯


    Truth was she already knew why she was able to escape notice. However, she didn¡¯t want to reveal just yet that it was because her aura was so weak that it didn¡¯t even register on a resonator. They would find out soon enough, so until then she wanted to keep the easy conversation going and pretend that she had friends. It was pathetic, but she was long past having any pride to defend. Not since she arrogantly believed she could save someone and ended up getting a five-year-old girl killed.


    ¡®But still¡­¡¯ Felix trailed off as they stepped into the shadow of the academy. ¡®Oh well, important thing is that you made it here alive and in one piece.¡¯


    The Academy loomed over her, even more imposing from up close. The large double doors were open, with the occasional student or adult passing through. They stepped into a grand entrance hall, a golden chandelier hanging high above them, decorative pieces and paintings hung on the walls around them and marble flooring beneath their feet. A grand staircase climbed up and split into two sides as they led up to the upper floors. There were doors ahead that led to rooms beyond but Vivian couldn¡¯t glimpse the interiors from where she was standing. There were more people inside, all of them moving with purpose and a destination in mind.


    ¡®Where to now?¡¯ Vivian asked.


    ¡®This way.¡¯ Cyrus led the way to the left, passing through an archway to a long corridor with floor to ceiling windows on one side and rooms on the other. ¡®I was sent here to the teacher¡¯s lounge quite a few times when I was here.¡¯


    ¡®What for?¡¯ Felix asked.


    ¡®Experimenting on fellow classmates.¡¯ He shrugged. ¡®One time, there was this bully, a real thug, and I wanted to see how fast I could get him to screw himself over. So, I used little bit of my magic and made him believe that he was invisible¡­¡¯


    Vivian frowned. ¡®That doesn¡¯t sound so bad.¡¯


    Cyrus shook his head. ¡®The idiot went and pranked a teacher he had a grudge against, tripped him down the stairs and got himself in detention. It didn¡¯t take long after that for the professors to realize I was the one behind it, though I still don¡¯t understand why I had to be punished.¡¯


    ¡®If you think about it, you shouldn¡¯t have,¡¯ Felix agreed. ¡®You did them a service by catching a bully in the act.¡¯


    ¡®Yes well, they didn¡¯t think so and I spend a month with that boy, toiling away long hours in the academy¡¯s greenhouse.¡¯ Cyrus made a face. ¡®Longest month of my life¡­ Ah, here we are.¡¯


    Cyrus knocked before pushing open the fifth door in the corridor. They stepped into a large room divided between the waiting area and the staff area by a long counter. There were long queues of people already waiting for their turn.


    ¡®Looks like we are a bit late,¡¯ Peri noted.


    ¡®We¡¯re not too late.¡¯ Dixie looked around at the number of people. ¡®I think we can get it done today.¡¯


    Peri looked at Cyrus and nodded at the line. ¡®Princess, you¡¯re the alumni, you¡¯ve done this before. Why don¡¯t you take the children? I¡¯ll wait here.¡¯


    Cyrus shot a glare at him, but didn¡¯t respond. Peri moved aside to the couches along the wall, quickly joined by Dixie, while the rest of their group quickly joined the smallest line. The other people in the room were students like themselves. Vivian caught some of their gazes, and this time instead of flinching away, she gave a small smile and nodded in silent greeting. Some nodded back, others quickly averted their gaze like they had spotted something nasty.


    Little by little, the line moved forward, until finally it was their turn. Cyrus stepped forward with the three of them close behind.


    ¡®Purpose of visit?¡¯ A severe looking woman with glasses drawled out in a monotone voice.


    ¡®First year registration. Three of them.¡¯ He gestured at the three children behind him.


    ¡®Name please.¡¯


    Aiden spoke up first. ¡®Aiden Tenebris.¡¯


    The woman noted it down. ¡®Do you know your element or do you need to be tested?¡¯


    ¡®Shadow.¡¯


    Another small scribble. ¡®Date of birth?¡¯


    ¡®September 14<sup>th</sup>, X910.¡¯


    She wrote it down. Then she picked up a needle and a small, rectangular glass plate from behind the desk. The plate was small enough to fit in the palm of her hand. ¡®I¡¯m going to need a few drops of blood. Do you consent?¡¯


    ¡®What for?¡¯ Aiden asked, his eyes narrowed in suspicion.


    ¡®To forge your identification token. You¡¯ll need it to access the academy and its resources.¡¯


    Aiden nodded and held out his hand. The woman quickly pricked his finger and let a few drops of blood fall on the glass plate. The moment the blood touched the plate, black lines spread across the plate, gleaming like polished obsidian. The lines split into smaller and smaller lines, forming complex geometric patterns within the glass. One the pattern was finished forming, the woman took the plate and pressed it against the parchment she was taking notes on. Shining gold letters appeared on the now patterned glass plate, spelling out his name, element and date of birth.


    ¡®Congratulations.¡¯ There wasn¡¯t even the slightest bit of enthusiasm in her voice. She held out the glass plate to Aiden. ¡®You have been officially registered to Almos Academy.¡¯ She gestured at the notice board behind them. ¡®Please check the notice board before you leave for further details. Next please.¡¯


    Aiden took his token and moved aside beside Cyrus without a word. Felix stepped up, a wide smile on his face.


    ¡®Name please,¡¯ the woman began again.


    ¡®Felix Redcliffe,¡¯ he said jovially. ¡®And you are Miss¡­?¡¯


    The woman studied him for a moment before answering. ¡®Alice. Do you know your element or do you need to be tested?¡¯


    ¡®Well, I believe it is air, Miss Alice.¡¯ He shot her a small grin. ¡®Either that or it was an actual hurricane that tore through my house and blew Aunt Betty¡¯s wig off her head. Mind you, she deserved it.¡¯


    ¡®In my experience, most aunts do,¡¯ Cyrus added.


    ¡®I¡¯m sure,¡¯ Alice replied in a monotone voice, but Vivian noticed the corners of her mouth was slightly uplifted in a suppressed smile. ¡®Date of birth?¡¯


    ¡®February 6<sup>th</sup>, X910. Now that I think about it, I believe there was a storm on that very same day. Completely unrelated, I¡¯m sure.¡¯


    ¡®Or perhaps it was a warning from the gods,¡¯ Vivian said before she could stop herself.


    Felix, to his credit, didn¡¯t look the slightest bit insulted. He laughed. ¡®Maybe. But if it is, the gods should¡¯ve picked a better medium for communication. Don¡¯t know how we mortals are supposed to interpret a storm. No one I know speaks angry wind.¡¯


    Vivian couldn¡¯t help it. She laughed and grinned back at Felix. Alice cleared her throat in an attempt to bring the conversation back on track, but Vivian could see that she had stopped trying to hide her smile. ¡®I¡¯ll need a few drops of blood.¡¯


    ¡®Please be gentle with me. I¡¯m delicate.¡¯


    Aiden gave him a disbelieving look as Alice rolled her eyes in good fun and pricked his hand with the needle. Just as with Aiden, she let the blood drip onto a glass plate. White slowly bled into the transparent glass with each drop, swirling around lazily before freezing in place. It looked like white smoke trapped inside the glass. She tapped it against the parchment and his details were transferred to plate, completing his identification token.


    Alice handed the token to him with a polite smile. ¡®You¡¯re all set. Please do take a look at the notice board before you leave. It¡¯ll tell you when the school starts and where to buy your books, as well as a list of rules and regulations.¡¯ She gave him a scrutinising look. ¡®I have a feeling you will need it.¡¯


    Felix held a hand to his heart in mock offense. ¡®Am I being profiled? I haven¡¯t even done anything yet.¡¯ He shrugged. ¡®While I do think your gut feeling is probably right, this is discrimination.¡¯


    Alice nodded. ¡®Uh-huh. So, I¡¯ll be seeing you soon in the teacher¡¯s lounge.¡¯


    ¡®Only if I get caught.¡¯


    Alice laughed. ¡®Alright, alright step aside. Next please.¡¯


    Finally, it was Vivian¡¯s turn. ¡®Name please.¡¯


    ¡®Vivian Wright.¡¯


    ¡®Do you know your element or do you need to be tested?¡¯


    ¡®Um, it¡¯s fire I think.¡¯


    ¡®Date of birth?¡¯


    ¡®June 13<sup>th</sup>, X910¡­ there were no natural disasters involved.¡¯


    ¡®Except for the one being born,¡¯ Felix teased.


    Alice placed another glass plate on the counter. ¡®A few drops of blood. May I?¡¯ She held out a hand.


    Vivian let her prick her finger. She leaned forward, curious to see what sort of colour and pattern her magic would form. She held her breathe as the first drop fell and was absorbed.


    Nothing.


    Alice frowned and slightly squeezed her cut finger. Another drop fell, and another.


    Still nothing. The glass plate remained transparent, same as before.


    ¡®This is odd.¡¯ Alice rubbed her chin. ¡®It¡¯s the first time I¡¯m seeing this.¡¯


    ¡®She¡¯s a bit of a special case,¡¯ Cyrus interjected before her suspicion could grow any further. ¡®But the council has approved her stay, so you can just go ahead and transfer her details onto it now.¡¯


    ¡®Alright.¡¯ Alice looked hesitant. ¡®But I will have to report this to the headmaster.¡¯


    ¡®Of course. Vivian here is just¡­ different from the others, but I assure you she is a mage.¡¯


    Alice nodded and tapped the empty glass plate against the parchment. Gold lettering appeared, displaying her details and Alice handed the plain token to Vivian, who accepted it with disappointment. She was really hoping that at least one thing about her was the same as the others.


    She was broken out of her own thoughts when Felix leaned forward to take a closer look at her token. ¡®Well, that¡¯s different.¡¯


    ¡®That¡¯s a nicer way to put it,¡¯ Aiden commented. ¡®It¡¯s empty. It¡¯s like you don¡¯t have magic.¡¯


    ¡®I have magic,¡¯ Vivian retorted. She turned her token over in her palm, hoping to catch a glimpse of something¡­ anything. ¡®I¡¯ve used it before, but¡­ I don¡¯t know¡­¡¯


    ¡®Best not to dwell on it,¡¯ Cyrus advised. ¡®We always knew you were different. In time, we¡¯ll learn more about how your powers work. For now, let¡¯s go get your uniforms and books.¡¯


    ¡®Sure,¡¯ she agreed glumly. She looked at the two boys and asked, ¡®Do you want to come with us?¡¯


    If they say no, then this¡­ well it¡¯s not friendship¡­ Whatever it is, it will end now¡­ Please-


    Aiden gave short nod. ¡®Let¡¯s go. We wanted to get it all done with today anyway.¡¯


    ¡®We could also have lunch together.¡¯ Felix looked excited. ¡®I found this great place in the market zone that serves the best pies.¡¯


    Vivian managed to keep a straight face, but she was sighing with relief inside. She was not alone¡­ for now at least.


    ¡®Great! Sounds like a plan.¡¯

 Chapter 11 - The Scent of Opportunity

    ¡®We had a plan,¡¯ Peri stated. ¡®A simple, lovely plan. What happened to it?¡¯


    Peri stood with his arms crossed in the middle of Madame Jeanne¡¯s Boutique, his eyes shifting to the door every once in a while, with a longing gaze. The man was understandably annoyed as according to his calculations they were supposed to be back home by now, with him under his covers in bed. Instead, three hours after they left the school, he was standing in the middle of the boutique watching Felix flamboyantly flaunt himself in front of a mirror and asking him for his opinions on his clothes. Peri¡¯s hand was dangerously close to the dagger on his belt.


    Vivian was standing to the side, her new clothes and school cape already wrapped up into neat parcels clutched in her arms. She could sense the mounting tension between the two of them. Honestly, she was with Peri on this. When she had agreed to go shopping together, she didn¡¯t expect to spend so much time at the boutique. She had so much more shopping she needed to do and Felix was wasting daylight. Still, she reigned in her temper and instead glanced at Dixie, hoping she would intervene. The shifter merely smiled and winked at her.


    Right, I should probably try to avoid asking any more favours from them. I¡¯m already in so much debt¡­


    Still, better being in debt than about to be murdered, which is exactly what Felix was edging Peri towards. She looked at Aiden who had made the smart decision two hours ago. He sat in an armchair away from them with his parcels on the floor by his feet, pretending as if he couldn¡¯t even see them. He had a book open in one hand and seemed completely disinterested in his friend¡¯s approaching demise. Vivian was tempted to join him, to leave Felix to deal to his much-deserved fate, but stood rooted to the spot because of a vague sense of loyalty to Felix.


    I just met him today, don¡¯t even know him that well¡­ Still, he was nice to me.


    So, she tried to send Felix a warning with her eyes, telling him to stop pushing Peri to commit murder. He didn¡¯t get the message.


    ¡®What do you think Peri?¡¯ Felix gave a twirl. ¡®I think it brings out my green eyes.¡¯


    ¡®I should¡¯ve left you to die.¡¯


    Felix paused for a moment. ¡®Well, if you hate it that much, I¡¯ll pick out something else.¡¯ He held up a hand to signal one of the shop assistants over.


    Vivian started forward when she saw Peri grasp the handle of his knife, ready to pull it out. Thankfully, Cyrus stopped him.


    Cyrus placed himself between Peri and Felix. ¡®You can¡¯t kill him.¡¯


    ¡®Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll make it look like an accident.¡¯


    ¡®That¡¯s not the problem here.¡¯


    ¡®Also, how would you make a stabbing look accidental?¡¯ Vivian asked, also placing herself in front of Peri to block his way to Felix.


    ¡®He tripped.¡¯


    ¡®He tripped?¡¯ Vivian asked incredulously.


    Peri shrugged. ¡®He tripped straight onto my blade.¡¯


    ¡®I don¡¯t think anyone will believe that.¡¯


    ¡®Fine.¡¯ He let go of his dagger and grabbed a scarf instead. ¡®Strangulation then.¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be done soon,¡¯ Vivian said placatingly, tugging the scarf out of his hands.


    ¡®Soon was two hours ago,¡¯ Peri hissed, reluctantly letting go of the scarf. ¡®And why am I even here? Can¡¯t you do this on your own?¡¯


    ¡®Someone needs to help me carry all my things back,¡¯ Vivian pointed out.


    ¡®Do I look like your slave?¡¯


    ¡®No,¡¯ Dixie interjected. ¡®But you are her guardian.¡¯


    ¡®Excuse me!¡¯ Peri looked genuinely flabbergasted. ¡®I don¡¯t remember taking on the runt as my ward.¡¯


    ¡®You did vouch for her in front of the council,¡¯ Dixie said. ¡®And she does stay with you.¡¯


    ¡®She also stays with Sith.¡¯


    ¡®Who is a member of the council and can¡¯t just sponsor anyone she wants.¡¯ Cyrus gave Peri a small smile. ¡®Besides, you were the one who led her defence in the council chambers. Sith merely supported you.¡¯


    Peri groaned. ¡®Why? Why me?¡¯


    Vivian gave a strained smile. ¡®I¡¯m standing right here.¡¯


    ¡®Ignore him,¡¯ Dixie said. ¡®Just remember that if you do anything wrong, he is answerable. So, I highly advise you to make as much trouble as you can.¡¯


    ¡®Do not give her any ideas,¡¯ Peri warned.


    ¡®She¡¯s a commoner about to attend a school meant for nobles,¡¯ Dixie said. ¡®Trouble¡¯s coming your way whether you like it or not.¡¯


    Peri cursed, drawing a few gasps from the crowd around them, and stomped over to where Aiden was sitting, slumping down in the chair opposite to him. Aiden flinched as the man fixed a glare on him, daring him to start a conversation. Aiden wisely raised his book a bit higher to serve as an impromptu wall between them. Peri grumbled a bit more before leaning back in his armchair and closing his eyes, attempting to fall asleep in the middle of the crowded shop.


    ¡®Well, that was quite a reaction,¡¯ Cyrus said. ¡®Though I suppose that¡¯s only to be expected from him. Such drama.¡¯


    ¡®Why do I even need a guardian?¡¯ Vivian asked. ¡®Does everyone here have one?¡¯


    ¡®Well for most of us, it¡¯s our own families,¡¯ Felix answered. He ducked behind a changing screen. ¡®It¡¯s nothing too serious. They send a few letters once in a while to our parents about our lives here as well as our performance.¡¯


    ¡®Performance?¡¯


    ¡®Well, this is a city of refugees,¡¯ Felix stepped out from behind the changing screen and handed a blue tunic to the sales-elf next to him. ¡®Each of us have to carry our own weight. If we don¡¯t, or worse, we end up burdening someone else, we get a lower grade. I¡¯ve heard that the lowest grades get expelled from the city.¡¯


    ¡®No.¡¯ Dixie shook her head. ¡®Those are just rumours.¡¯


    ¡®She¡¯s right,¡¯ Cyrus interjected. ¡®There are very few mages left. The council won¡¯t exile someone just because they aren¡¯t useful. So, even if you have the lowest grade, they still try to put you up somewhere. You only get expelled if you¡¯re considered a danger to others.¡¯


    Vivian gestured at Felix. ¡®So being an annoying prat is alright, but no assault or murder.¡¯ Her annoyance at him was slipping through.


    Felix gasped; a hand held dramatically over his heart. ¡®Annoying prat?! I thought you liked me.¡¯


    ¡®I did¡­ at least, up until an hour ago I did,¡¯ Vivian admitted. ¡®But you have tried on seven different blue tunics since then and haven¡¯t picked one.¡¯ She held her forefinger and thumb close together. ¡®And I am this close to continuing what Peri started.¡¯


    Felix huffed. ¡®Well, I see that you¡¯re picking up all the wrong things from that man. Very well then, if you think it¡¯s so easy, you choose one and I¡¯ll buy it.¡¯


    ¡®The last one,¡¯ Vivian answered immediately.


    ¡®No, wait, you¡¯re supposed to-¡¯


    ¡®The last one.¡¯


    ¡®- deliberate and think it over before-¡®


    ¡®I don¡¯t care enough to do that. You said you would buy the one I chose and I choose the last one.¡¯


    Felix held up another blue tunic. ¡®But this one is made of fairy silk. Feel how soft and-¡¯


    ¡®I don¡¯t care,¡¯ Vivian stressed. ¡®I have a lot more things I need to buy and we have wasted enough time here. I said the last one. You are getting the last one. Pack it up and let¡¯s go.¡¯


    Felix sighed in defeat. ¡®Fine. I suppose this one is too expensive.¡¯ He looked sorrowful as he let go of the fairy silk tunic and turned to the sales-elf who was assisting him. ¡®Pack up the rest please.¡¯Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    The elf bowed her head slightly. ¡®As you wish sir.¡¯


    Cyrus let out a small sigh of relief before moving to wake Peri, to tell him that the nightmare was over. Aiden finally put down his book and joined them once he realized that Felix was done.


    Felix bit his lip as he watched the elf take the fairy silk tunic back to the shelves. ¡®Why did it have to be so damn expensive?¡¯


    ¡®Because fairy silk is hard to get.¡¯ Dixie patted his back comfortingly while simultaneously pushing him towards the counter where Madame Jeanne was waiting. ¡®It¡¯s made from the cocoons of fairies from when they undergo metamorphosis to grow their wings.¡¯


    ¡®Let me guess,¡¯ Felix said. ¡®They do this somewhere hidden and hard to find.¡¯


    ¡®The local fairy population have a place deep in the Druscan woods where the young ones go to change,¡¯ Cyrus added, pulling a sleepy Peri behind him by the arm. ¡®Most of them leave the cocoons there since it¡¯s too heavy for them to carry back. The few we do get are ones that were pushed to the edge of the woods by coincidence, either by wild beasts or strong winds.¡¯


    ¡®Such a waste,¡¯ Madame Jeanne commented, as she settled Felix¡¯s account. ¡®I would love to get my hands on those cocoons. The things I could make¡­¡¯


    Cyrus looked contemplative for a moment before he nudged Vivian forward. She shot him a confused look before realizing what he was suggesting.


    ¡®Um, well, the council has appointed me as a forest ranger to explore the woods. If you want, I could keep an eye out for them,¡¯ Vivian offered hesitatingly. ¡®Bring back any I find.¡¯


    Madame Jeanne eyes widened in surprise. ¡®Are you really? The council told you to explore the woods? By yourself.¡¯


    Vivian shrugged. ¡®Apparently, I¡¯m the only one who can talk to them, so they told me to document the woods.¡¯


    ¡®You can talk to druscans?¡¯ Aiden finally spoke, looking mildly impressed.


    Vivian nodded in answer before turning back to Madame Jeanne. ¡®So, do you want to?¡¯


    Madame Jeanne laughed. ¡®I won¡¯t say no to that offer. No one in their right mind would. Bring me any that you can find. I¡¯ll pay generously for them.¡¯


    ¡®How generous?¡¯ Cyrus asked.


    Madame Jeanne ran a through a few mental calculations. ¡®I can give you about fifty denos per cocoon. Damaged ones will be a bit lesser.¡¯


    Fifty denos?! That¡¯s more than my entire wardrobe¡­ Vivian glanced at Dixie. Goodbye, debt.


    Of course, it was this point that Peri had to ruin her celebration by being the voice of reason.


    ¡®Before you go building castles in the sky, perhaps you should first verify if you¡¯re even allowed to sell items from the woods. For all you know the council may find a need to regulate the sale of the products obtained.¡¯


    Vivian visibly deflated as Peri¡¯s reasoning thrashed her dreams black and blue. Welcome back, debt.


    ¡®I highly doubt it. Even if the cocoons are in the Druscan woods, they still belong to the fairies.¡¯ Felix pointed out. ¡®If the fairies were able to sell their own cocoons, they wouldn¡¯t face any interference from the council whatsoever. So, I think if you were to get the fairies¡¯ permission to collect and sell them on their behalf, and split the profits, the council cannot interfere. You¡¯d simply be acting as a middle-man, providing transportation for the goods. But you must get permission from the fairies.¡¯


    ¡®Where can I go to get that?¡¯ Vivian asked.


    ¡®Lucky for you that¡¯s our next stop.¡¯ Cyrus smiled at her. ¡®We need to get your textbooks and any other writing supplies you need. The Secret Garden is a bookshop run by fairies. We can ask them when we see them.¡¯


    ¡­¡­¡­


    The Secret Garden lived up to its name. The exterior of the shop looked ordinary, with its plain white fa?ade and glass windows that displayed several books on red, velvet cushions. However, the moment Vivian stepped inside the shop, she found herself in the middle of a lush green forest with grass under her feet and the smell of fresh flowers in the air. A cobblestone path led up to the counter, winding its way past tall trees that seemed to hold up the ceiling. Their wide trunks had been hollowed out to store books and their thick roots twisted themselves into benches. The counter itself looked like a large tree stump with tiny lights bobbing along its surface. On closer examination Vivian realized that they were fairies, slender figures with gossamer wings outlined in the light. Several more floated around the shop, some of them working together to lift books in and out of the trees. Vivian watched in fascination as two of them worked together just to lift a single book off the shelves.


    No wonder they don¡¯t bring back their cocoons¡­


    Peri had decided not join them in the shop, citing that he had spent enough time with them to last a lifetime, glaring at an oblivious Felix as he said so.


    ¡®If I see that boy wasting my time once more, we¡¯ll all be finding out whether a book can be used to bludgeon someone to death. I¡¯ll be at the inn. Come find me when you¡¯re done.¡¯


    Vivian raised an eyebrow. ¡®Such violence¡­ but I agree with the sentiment.¡¯


    And so, the group minus Peri entered the bookshop. Cyrus strode forward towards the counter in the centre of the room, his eyes fixed on a pink light bobbing above its surface. The light dimmed as he approached, allowing them to see the fairy clearly.


    ¡®Good afternoon, Miss Vyn,¡¯ Cyrus greeted. ¡®I hope you¡¯re well.¡¯


    ¡®As well as I can be, what with the school year starting soon,¡¯ Miss Vyn replied. Everything about her was pink, from her hair to her skin and even her clothes. ¡®We need to start packing the books now if we want to have the sets ready by the time the students come to purchase. Look at me. I¡¯m so stressed that my wings are moulting.¡¯ She shook her wings to prove her point, glittery dust flittering down as she did so.


    Cyrus chuckles. ¡®Seems hard, but I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll get through it. After all, you do this every year.¡¯


    Miss Vyn huffed and placed her hands on her hips. ¡®And it never gets easier.¡¯ She glanced at Vivian and the others. ¡®Are these friends of yours? I see some new faces.¡¯ She smiled politely. ¡®Hello, I¡¯m miss Vyn, the owner of the Secret Garden, if that wasn¡¯t obvious.¡¯


    ¡®Um, hello. I¡¯m Vivian,¡¯ Vivian introduced herself awkwardly. ¡®I just arrived yesterday, so all of this is pretty new to me. Sorry in advance if you catch me staring.¡¯


    Miss Vyn tossed her hair back and laughed. ¡®Welcome to Mirran, Vivian. It¡¯s nice to have another mage join us. As for the staring, we come across a lot of newcomers and they always stare. We¡¯re fine with it as long as you keep your hands to yourselves.¡¯ She wagged a finger. ¡®No grabbing the fairies.¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯ll¡­ keep that in mind.¡¯


    ¡®And your friends are¡­?¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯m Felix.¡¯ Felix held out his right pinkie finger for miss Vyn to shake. She raised an eyebrow at the action, before acquiescing and giving the appendage a firm shake. ¡®And my friend here with the permanent scowl,¡¯ he gestured at Aiden. ¡®Is Aiden. Don¡¯t expect an introduction. He came out of the womb socially inept.¡¯


    Vivian frowned. ¡®Didn¡¯t we all?¡¯


    Miss Vyn chuckled and shook her head. ¡®Did you two arrive recently as well?¡¯


    ¡®Yes. I, myself arrived here two months ago but I must admit I never had the opportunity to visit your beautiful shop. It is quite marvellous.¡¯ He pointed at the trees in shop. ¡®Are those real trees or just pillars designed to look like them?


    Miss Vyn seemed to be puffing with pride. ¡®Those are real. I wanted the shop to remind my people of our home. It took a lot of effort to grow them inside the shop. We had to wait till they were fully grown to place the ceiling. And then we had to be careful while carving out those niches in the bark for the books. We couldn¡¯t cut too deep or it could compromise the tree¡¯s integrity and bring the ceiling down on us. It was quite the endeavour. Still, it was worth it.¡¯


    ¡®Fascinating,¡¯ Felix marvelled. ¡®Just what kind of magic did you use to make them? Is it earth magic?¡¯


    ¡®No, not really. It¡¯s a combination of four elements actually. Plants are not sustained on earth alone. They need water to drink, the sun¡¯s fire for light and heat as well as the air to breathe. It was a large joint spell, cast by around ten of us at a time for over two weeks.¡¯


    ¡®That¡¯s incredible,¡¯ Vivian looked around in awe. ¡®It¡¯s almost like I can sense it, the magic in this place. It¡¯s so warm. I didn¡¯t know magic could feel so¡­ comforting.¡¯


    ¡®You can feel magic¡­?¡¯ Miss Vyn looked at her curiously. ¡®Now that¡¯s something you don¡¯t hear every day.¡¯


    ¡®Can¡¯t others feel it?¡¯


    ¡®No, not usually. The effects of magic can be seen or heard by most. But you seem to be sensing magic itself.¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s¡­ just a feeling I get. I don¡¯t even know if that¡¯s what I¡¯m sensing.¡¯


    ¡®Hmm, curious.¡¯ She tapped her chin with a slender finger.


    ¡®Anyway,¡¯ Dixie interjected. ¡®Getting back to the matter at hand, we need three sets of first year textbooks for the children.¡¯


    Vivian bit her lip. ¡®Does anyone else find it disturbing when a child that looks younger than us calls us children? Or is it just me?¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s not just you,¡¯ Aiden muttered.


    Miss Vyn called out another fairy at the back of the shop. ''Irie, three parcels for first years. Get them ready.¡¯ She turned back to her customers. ¡®They¡¯ll be ready soon. Perhaps you¡¯d like to browse our collection while you wait?¡¯


    ¡®Actually, there is another matter we wish to discuss with you,¡¯ Cyrus said. He nudged Vivian forward. ¡®Vivian here has a proposal for you.¡¯


    ¡®Oh.¡¯ Miss Vyn examined her. ¡®Let¡¯s hear it then.¡¯


    Vivian quickly stumbled through an explanation about the fairy silk, how they could collect and sell them and split the profits. She wasn¡¯t sure she did a good job convincing Miss Vyn, but at least the idea wasn¡¯t dismissed outright. She seemed to be thinking it through, carefully weighing her options.


    ¡®Hmm, it¡¯s an interesting proposal. Definitely worth considering, but I¡¯ll need some time to discuss this with the others.¡¯


    ¡®That¡¯s alright. Take as much time as you need,¡¯ Vivian replied. ¡®Perhaps I can drop by later this week?¡¯


    ¡®Yes, I should have an answer for you by then.¡¯


    ¡®Here you go.¡¯ Three sets of textbooks, neatly tied with twine, was hauled onto the counter with a thud by a team of more than fifteen fairies. ¡®Three sets as requested.¡¯ A green fairy was gasping for breath as he leaned against one of the stacks of books. ¡®Anything else you need? Please say no.¡¯


    Miss Vyn scowled at him. ¡®Irie, don¡¯t be rude to our customers.¡¯


    Irie slumped down to sit on the counter, still heaving for breath. ¡®I wasn¡¯t rude. I said please, didn¡¯t I?¡¯


    Miss Vyn rolled her eyes and turned back towards them. ¡®Sorry about him. He¡¯s still in training.¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯ve been here for ten years now.¡¯


    ¡®And yet you¡¯re still in training. It¡¯s embarrassing for both of us. Now, if your done loafing off, go help the others.¡¯


    Irie groaned loudly, but still pushed himself to his feet and flitted away to join his co-workers. Miss Vyn, once again, turned to face them.


    ¡®So, anything else I can help you with?¡¯


    ¡®No that will be all.¡¯ Cyrus grabbed one of the book sets and handed it to Vivian. ¡®Ring us up please.¡¯


    They quickly settled their tab and left, with Vivian once again promising to visit later in the week to get her answer.


    Dixie looked up at the sun. ¡®What do you lot say to some lunch?¡¯


    Vivian nodded enthusiastically. ¡®I could eat. A whole lot.¡¯ She was already turning towards the inn where Peri was waiting for them.


    ¡®Will you be joining us?¡¯ Cyrus asked Felix and Aiden. Aiden shook his head in a definitive no.


    ¡®We¡¯d love too,¡¯ Felix answered.


    ¡®We?¡¯ Aiden hissed.


    ¡®Oh, come on. What are you even going to do if you go home now? Probably, brood in the darkness? I know your element is shadow but don¡¯t you think you¡¯re leaning into it too much.¡¯


    ¡®I don¡¯t brood, I contemplate.¡¯


    ¡®You can eat and contemplate,¡¯ Vivian suggested. ¡®You don¡¯t have to talk if you don¡¯t want to.'' She shrugged. ''You haven¡¯t the whole day. Almost forgot you were there. Besides, no one is jumping at the chance to-¡¯


    ¡®Wait, look at that?¡¯ Dixie pointed at the sky. Thick, dark smoke was rising high into the air. A few people around had their heads raised, looking at the smoke with apprehension. A sense of dread filled Vivian as she mentally tried to map where it was coming from.


    ¡®That¡¯s from the Druscan forest,¡¯ she gasped. ¡®And it¡¯s near my home.¡¯

 Chapter 12 - Playing with fire

    Vivian was running before she even knew it. People gasped and hurriedly stepped out of the way as she sprinted down the street. The ones that didn¡¯t move in time found themselves nursing a bumped shoulder or a stomped foot, which was followed by an apology from a moving, red blur. She heard Cyrus calling from behind, telling her to wait, but she didn¡¯t stop.


    She¡¯d just got a new home. She wasn¡¯t going to lose it.


    She saw Peri step out of the inn as she passed by, his gaze immediately locking onto her. He glanced up at the smoke billowing into the sky. He didn¡¯t say a word but joined in her sprint towards their home, though he fell behind quickly. She had left the city behind and was tearing through the fields when Vivian glimpsed the fire.


    The entire forest front near their cottage was on fire, the lit branches leaning a little too close to the house. They were one broken branch away from their cottage going up in flames. And as if that was bad enough, added to them were the groans of pain from more than a hundred druscans being burnt alive, echoing around her head. Vivian clasped her hands over her ears even though she knew it wouldn¡¯t stop the noise. The cries grew louder as the fire raged.


    Help¡­ please¡­ IT BURNS!


    ¡®What do we do?!¡¯ she gasped out through the cacophony in her head, her fingers squeezing her temples. ¡®Gods, I can¡¯t think.¡¯


    She looked back to see if anyone had followed her, but they were far behind. From her position she could see small spots leaving the city and moving through the fields towards her, but it would take too long. A groaning druscan with a cracking trunk leaning dangerously close to the cottage roof enforced this point.


    What to do? What to do?! She bit her lip as she anxiously shifted her weight from one foot to another, not knowing what to do but unable to stand still. This is fire. I¡¯m a fire mage. Surely, I can do something!


    But the fact was that she hadn¡¯t learned how to use her magic. She had pulled off a single bout of accidental magic back in the Sentinel¡¯s auction, but she had no idea how she did it. She tried to recall what had happened, remember how it felt. It¡¯d felt like she was pulling something into herself, something warm and powerful¡­


    Maybe I can do the same to this fire. But I exploded right after, and I don¡¯t want to do that so close to the house.


    She glanced at the leaning druscan. Any second now it was going to snap in two. The groaning had turned into screaming and her head felt like it was being carved into with a sharp, hot knife.


    Alright new plan. Draw all the fire in, and then run like hell away from here and then explode.


    She held her hands up trying to concentrate on the feeling she had experienced back at the auction. She focused on the fire, roaring, raging, burning. It was like a beast going on a rampage. She imagined pulling that beast into her body, forcing it to enter her body and contain it there.


    Nothing happened.


    She let out a frustrated noise and shook her hands out before trying again, but she got no response. In fact, the fire burned brighter, its flames leaping up to the sky, as if it sensed her attempts to contain it and it wasn¡¯t happy about it. The druscan gave another ominous creak followed by a loud crack.


    Alright. Maybe I shouldn¡¯t force it. It wasn¡¯t forced the last time. It just flowed into me¡­ Gently now, little by little¡­


    She forced herself to calm down before holding out her arms. This time, she held them out like she was trying to give a hug rather than dominate the fire.


    This time she coaxed the beast to move into her veins, gently prodding it in her direction. The fire was hesitant at first, like a child that didn¡¯t like being told what to do. But eventually it gave in, listening to her soft nudges. Vivian slowly started to siphon off the fire, at first only a few wisps bleeding through her fingertips and into her blood. But the stream quickly grew larger. She could feel the heat entering her body, spreading through her veins and warming her all over. The heat wasn¡¯t uncomfortable, at least at first. It slowly built up as more of the fire was pulled into her, growing hotter and hotter, until she felt like her brain would melt. Still, she kept at it, drawing in every lick of flame, her eyes scanning the forest to make sure she hadn¡¯t missed any flickering embers that could start the fire again. The heat was almost unbearable now, roiling around in her blood, boiling her from the inside.


    When the last flicker of fire had disappeared under her skin, she collapsed on the ground, digging her fingers into the grass. The groaning was quieter now, but she could still sense that the druscans were in pain. A smoky smell reached her nose and she realized that she had just burned the grass she was grasping. She quickly jumped up, a head rush following her as she stood up too quickly. She stumbled back and was about to fall, when a hand on her back steadied her, before quickly being withdrawn with a hiss of pain.


    ¡®By the gods, you¡¯re burning up!¡¯ Aiden exclaimed. He glanced at the smoking forest, not a hint of fire to be seen. ¡®What did you do?¡¯


    His voice was muffled, like it was coming from the other side of a door. She leaned down on her knees as she tried to speak back. The fire rolling around inside her veins was making it very difficult for her to formulate her thoughts.


    ¡®I need¡­ to get away from here.¡¯ She took a deep breath. ¡®I¡¯m going to explode.¡¯


    Aiden eyes widen in shock at her revelation. He took an unsure step forward to help, just as the others reached them. He held out an arm as Felix tried to grasp her shoulder.


    ¡®Don¡¯t. She¡¯s burning up, as hot as the fire.¡¯


    Felix quickly withdrew his hand. ¡®Well, what do we do?¡¯


    ¡®I can¡¯t hold this fire for long.¡¯ Vivian clutched her heart as the heat pierced through it. ¡®I need to move somewhere else, somewhere¡­ where I can release it.¡¯


    ¡®What?¡¯ Dixie asked. ¡®What do you mean release it?¡¯


    Thankfully, Peri stepped forward and took charge. ¡®I¡¯ve seen this before. She¡¯s going to release all that fire in a single explosion. We need to get her to the lake. It¡¯s the only place where we won¡¯t run a risk of damage.¡¯


    ¡®You still have that chariot in your stable?¡¯ Cyrus asked, moving towards the back of the cottage. Peri nodded in response. ¡®Good. Dixie, turn into something fast. You¡¯re going to have to pull it.¡¯ He sprinted for the back of the house. Dixie crouched down her form turning into white smoke once more, before shaping itself into strong, slender, winged figure. She took off after Cyrus.


    ¡®A stag¡­ with wings?¡¯ Felix wondered out loud. ¡®What is that?¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s called a peryton.¡¯ Peri¡¯s eyes were fixed on Vivian, his gaze never wavering. ¡®There are herds of them in the Druscan woods.¡¯


    A chilly breeze flitted across Vivian¡¯s skin, providing her a small relief as the wind cooled her down a bit. She looked up to see Felix with a look of deep concentration on his face, his hands stretched towards her.


    ¡®Thank you.¡¯


    He grinned. ¡®Don¡¯t mention it. Just trying not to get blown apart.¡¯


    ¡®You could just-¡¯ she let out a grunt of pain as the fire shot through her stomach. ¡®You could always leave.¡¯


    Felix shook his head. ¡®Nah, I think I¡¯ll stick around. You¡¯re the most interesting thing to happen ever since I got here.¡¯ He nodded at Aiden. ¡®Captain Repressed thinks so as well.¡¯


    Aiden scowled. ¡®I am not repressed.¡¯If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡®You define repressed.¡¯


    ¡®Repressed is your student.¡¯ Vivian smiled through the pain. ¡®It learned from you.¡¯


    A loud creaking interrupted their bickering as their attention was drawn to the druscan that was leaning towards the cottage. The fire had done too much damage, eating away it at its once strong trunk, and it was barely standing. As she watched the tree¡¯s trunk finally snapped and its top half fell right onto the roof, crushing the attic underneath its weight. Dust, tiles and stones crashed down as the druscan groaned once, the voice loudly echoing in her head, before it went quiet. Vivian swallowed against the lump in her throat, a small sense of grief worming its way into her heart as she realized that she had just listened to the druscan¡¯s dying cry. It was a very strange sentiment since she had seen trees felled before but had never associated the action with death. She blinked out the beginning of tears in her eyes, trying to concentrate on containing the fire, but turmoil had taken root in her. She let out a shuddering breath as she tried to calm herself down, her agitation causing a few sparks and flames to dance along her skin and burn the grass under her.


    ¡®Easy now,¡¯ Aiden¡¯s voice pulled her out of her thoughts. He quickly stomped out the fire that had started around her. ¡®You¡¯re losing control. Keep yourself calm.


    Felix surveyed the destroyed roof. ¡®At least it¡¯s only the attic that¡¯s gone.¡¯ The chilly wind picked up speed as he tried to cool her down further. ¡®It can be easily fixed.¡¯


    ¡®That¡¯s not why I¡¯m-¡¯ she grunted as another wave of fire rode through her veins. She glanced at the fallen druscan.


    Felix followed her gaze. Understanding bloomed on his face. ¡®Ah¡­ yes. You did say that you could hear them.¡¯ He looked at Aiden for support who merely shrugged. ¡®That is unfortunate.¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s ridiculous, isn¡¯t it?¡¯ Vivian let out a slightly unhinged laugh. ¡®This is isn¡¯t the first time I¡¯ve seen a tree felled. Why does it feel worse now?¡¯


    Vivian was spiralling, she knew she was, but she didn¡¯t know how to stop it. She closed her eyes and tried to reign in her thoughts which were affecting the fire she was containing, causing it spike and rumble in response to her distress. She gasped as a particularly painful jab almost made her lose control. Her vision blurred as tears filled her eyes in pain.


    ¡®I don¡¯t think¡­ I can¡­¡¯


    Peri grabbed both Aiden and Felix and tugged them back. ¡®She¡¯s becoming unstable. Both of you, step back.¡¯


    Aiden shook off his tight grip. ¡®Wait. Let me try something. Felix, talk to her, try to calm her down.¡¯


    Felix nodded. He cautiously stepped closer to her; his hands held up in a peaceful gesture. ¡®Vivian, listen to me. This must be distressing. We¡¯ve all seen tress felled before, but this wasn¡¯t a normal tree.¡¯ His voice was calm, soothing, like a mother trying to lull a child to sleep. The wind blew gently across her overheated skin. ¡®It was a druscan, and while we couldn¡¯t hear them, you could. To you, they were sentient beings, creatures that could feel and think. And their death affects you just like the death of another human being, even if they were a stranger.¡¯ He placed a hand as close to her shoulder as he could without burning himself. ¡®But right now you need to concentrate, or we¡¯ll be joining him¡­ Let us help you.¡¯


    She felt a light presence in her head, little wisps of consciousness nudging her mind away from the melancholy that was building up in her. She glanced up to see Aiden calmly looking at her, his eyes radiating a stability that she desperately needed. She nodded her thanks, indulging in his calming presence, allowing him to control her emotions for the time being.


    Peri prowled nearby, ready to pull the boys out of the way if it seemed like Vivian could no longer control the raging inferno in her. ¡®Where is that damn princess?¡¯


    As if he had summoned him, the sound of a wagon reached her ears. Dixie, in peryton form, came cantering towards them, pulling behind her a sleek, black chariot with Cyrus at the reins.


    ¡®Quickly now,¡¯ Cyrus ordered. ¡®Climb in the back.¡¯


    Vivian awkwardly climbed into the chariot, her hand sizzling against the wood wherever she touched it. Aiden and Felix climbed in behind her, retaining a safe distance from the ready-to-detonate girl, their magic still working to keep her calm and cool. Peri stayed back.


    ¡®Sith will be here soon, along with others from the council. I¡¯ll explain the situation to them. Now go!¡¯


    Cyrus didn¡¯t hesitate. He whipped the reins and Dixie took to the sky, pulling the chariot with her. There must have been some kind of magic placed on the chariot as it didn¡¯t immediately tip over and spill out its passengers. Instead, it glided along with Dixie as she beat her wings as fast as possible, shooting through the sky towards the lake. Vivian looked longingly at the waters as they approached, itching to sink herself into its cool grasp.


    ¡®We¡¯re almost there,¡¯ Felix encouraged. ¡®Just hold on a bit longer.¡¯


    ¡®Don¡¯t you dare explode,¡¯ Aiden threatened her. ¡®I didn¡¯t survive mage hunters just to be blown up by an idiot who bit off more than she could chew.¡¯


    Felix raised a disapproving eyebrow at him. ¡®Is that how you encourage people?¡¯


    ¡®Yes.¡¯


    ¡®Try harder¡­ and better. Especially, when we¡¯re sitting a foot away from someone ready to explode. Literally.¡¯


    Vivian gasped for breath. ¡®I would rather you just didn¡¯t talk. Silence is golden when it comes to you.¡¯


    ¡®Alright, we¡¯re almost there,¡¯ Cyrus called out from the front. ¡®We don¡¯t have time to land, so you boys are going to have to push her out.¡¯


    Vivian¡¯s eyes widened. ¡®What?!¡¯


    Aiden and Felix, completely unfazed with tossing someone out of a flying chariot, nodded in unison. ¡®Alright.¡¯


    ¡®Wait! Wait a minute! I can hold it long enough-¡¯


    ¡®Now!¡¯ Cyrus shouted, yanking on the reins so that the back of the chariot was facing the lake¡¯s waters below.


    Without missing a beat both Aiden and Felix kicked Vivian off the chariot, the leather of their boots smouldering as it came into contact with her skin. Vivian screamed as she fell through the air, her hands flailing in thin air as she tried to slow down her descent. The scream turned into a cascade froth and bubbles as she hit the water that obscured her vision. She quickly closed her mouth to preserve what air she had left in her lungs. Despite the panic, the water felt cool and soothing against her skin as she sank. She twisted around in the water, thrashing her arms and legs, trying to reach for the surface. The fire was still roiling under her skin, ready to be unleashed. Remembering that she was to detonate once she hit the waters, she took a moment to calm herself before finally letting go of the fire.


    ¡­¡­¡­


    Up above, on the surface, Cyrus had landed the chariot on one of the school terraces overlooking the lake. A few students and teachers had come to see what all the commotion was about, curiously poking their heads out. They sure weren¡¯t expecting to see a chariot pulled by a peryton three storeys above the ground. Felix grinned and waved at them. ¡®Nice day for a ride, isn¡¯t it?¡¯


    The spectators stared back blankly, still trying to understand what they were looking at. Felix joined the others at the railing to watch the lake. A moment passed and no head popped up above the water¡¯s surface.


    Felix scratched his chin nervously. ¡®¡­ Did she know how to swim?¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s a bit late for that question.¡¯ Aiden kept his eyes fixed on the lake, looking for any sign of a redhead.


    ¡®Oh, please tell me we didn¡¯t just-¡¯


    Felix was interrupted by a large explosion of water which burst out from the depths of the lake, spraying water as high as fifty feet into the air. The ground rumbled as the shockwaves hit the shore, causing the onlookers to grab onto railings and pillars as their footing became unstable. Steam hung suspended in the air, dense and warm, making it a bit difficult to breath. Even though they were standing as high up as the third floor, everyone was drenched in lake water by the impromptu fountain, showering upon them like heavy, pouring rain. It took a few moments for the ground to stop shaking, allowing them to regain their footing. The waters below still rippled out from the explosion, disturbing the once peaceful surface of the lake.


    ¡®Well, that¡¯s done,¡¯ Dixie commented, yelling to be heard through the momentary deafness that had settled on all of them. The noise had momentarily deafened everyone within hearing range. She was back in her child form. ¡®Let¡¯s go see if she survived.¡¯


    The group rushed down the stairs, making their way out of the school and around to the shores of the lake. The students they passed either looked dazed or confused, snapping their fingers against their ears to clear their hearing.


    ¡®I guess it was pretty loud!¡¯ Felix yelled.


    ¡®You think?!¡¯ Aiden snapped back, equally loud.


    Cyrus was scanning the waters before them. ¡®Do you see her?!¡¯


    They stood for a moment, waiting for a redhead to pop out of the waters. The final ripples were settling and the lake was returning to its tranquil state.


    Aiden let out a frustrated sound. ¡®Stupid peasant!¡¯ He took off his boots and jerkin, ready to jump in.


    Dixie grabbed his arm before he could wade into the lake. ¡®Wait! Look over there!¡¯ She pointed out far into the lake. ¡®That¡¯s her, isn¡¯t it?!¡¯


    Aiden followed Dixie¡¯s finger to see a head of bright, red hair bobbing along the waves, making her way to the shore. Aiden let out a small, inaudible sigh of relief, before his face returned to its usual stony appearance, trying to hide his concern.


    ¡®Nice try, but I heard that.¡¯ Felix grinned at him. ¡®You care.¡¯


    ¡®Oh, so now your hearing is fine.¡¯


    ¡®Miraculously so.¡¯


    Vivian was within hearing distance now, and she took full advantage of it. ¡®You idiots! You didn¡¯t even ask if I could swim!¡¯


    Aiden shrugged. ¡®We took a chance based on extensive risk calculation.¡¯


    ¡®You didn¡¯t calculate anything!¡¯ She waded out of the water, heaving for breath as she placed one foot in front of the other. The shortness of breath, however, didn¡¯t stop her yelling at them. She pointed accusingly at Cyrus. ¡®He said push, and you pushed!¡¯


    ¡®Yes, you¡¯re right,¡¯ Felix agreed a little too quickly. ¡®So doesn¡¯t that make this whole situation his fault.¡¯


    Cyrus glared at Felix before putting on the most elegant and wise expression he could muster. ¡®Vivian, you must understand that under the circumstances, it was our best choice.¡¯


    Vivian narrowed her eyes at him. ¡®Just because you say something in a calm and elegant manner, doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s actually right.¡¯


    Cyrus shrugged. ¡®Worth a shot.¡¯


    Vivian groaned. She was too tired for this. ¡®How did I get involved with someone as insane as you?¡¯


    ¡®Blame Peri,¡¯ Dixie suggested. ¡®He¡¯s the one who introduced you to us.¡¯


    Vivian wobbled; her legs having lost the last of its strength. ¡®Alright, I¡¯m about to pass out. When I wake up, I better be in the softest bed ever invented, being waited on hand and foot. And remember¡­ this conversation is not over.¡¯


    Saying this, Vivian promptly collapsed into a dead faint.

 Chapter 13 - Accusations

    Consciousness came slowly. First was her sense of touch, smooth sheets that felt soft under her touch, cool against her skin. Next was hearing, faint and muffled, like someone trying to speak through a gag, growing clearer by the second. Her sense of smell followed; the scent of tonics that she knew would taste bitter filled her nose. She didn¡¯t open her eyes just yet, giving herself time to adjust to her new surroundings through her other senses. Once she felt a bit more grounded, she opened her eyes.


    Bright, harsh light pierced her eyes, causing spots to dance across her vision. She was lying in a bed with clean, white linen sheets with a warm blanket drawn up to her chest. There were beds similar to the one she was in on either side of her. Vivian struggled to sit up, feeling tired and weighed down with fatigue. Above, a vaulted ceiling rose high, painted stark white, causing even the slightest noise to echo, something she discovered when her elbow accidently bumped into the water jug on the nightstand. The sound of the shattering jug on the stone floor echoed back and forth through the hall, breaking the harsh silence.


    The noise summoned a plump woman with frizzy brown hair tied back in a tight bun. Her kind brown eyes immediately snapped to the only occupant in the room. She strode over to her, her hands already reaching out to check her temperature.


    ¡®So, finally awake, are we?¡¯ She didn¡¯t seem to be looking for an answer, so Vivian stayed quiet and let the woman fuss over her. ¡®You¡¯ve been out for almost six hours now, so I hope you had a good rest. You needed it, after that underwater jaunt.¡¯


    Vivian glanced outside the nearest window. The vibrant shades of orange and red in the sky indicated that it was close to sunset. ¡®I¡­ did, have a good rest that is, Miss¡­¡¯


    ¡®Madame Reen,¡¯ she corrected. ¡®I¡¯m the healer in charge of the academy infirmary.¡¯


    ¡®The academy infirmary?¡¯ Vivian looked around her, at the grand hall and the stained-glass windows. ¡®I¡¯m in the school?¡¯


    Madame Reen snorted. ¡®Well, you did cause that explosive display right beside it.¡¯ She placed two fingers against her inner wrist, reading her pulse. ¡®You¡¯re the first student in the academy¡¯s history that has visited the infirmary before the classroom.¡¯


    Vivian bit her lip. ¡®Sorry.¡¯


    Madame Reen waved her apology aside. ¡®What do you have to apologise for? If anything, we should be thanking you. I heard that you were the one who contained that fire in the woods. Though, next time, I would appreciate if you didn¡¯t blow up right next to the academy.¡¯


    ¡®Next time?¡¯ Vivian was a bit insulted at the insinuation. ¡®What makes you think there will be a next time?¡¯


    Madame Reen studied her with a raised eyebrow. ¡®Oh, I¡¯m sure there will be a next time. Call it a hunch, but I have a feeling I¡¯ll be seeing a lot more of you in here.¡¯


    Vivian pursed her lips but didn¡¯t say anything. She didn¡¯t think it was good idea to argue back and antagonise the healer, not when she was holding a sickly, green potion in her hand. She held it out to her expectantly.


    ¡®Down in one gulp now.¡¯ Madame Reen pushed the vial into her hand. ¡®I can¡¯t speak for the taste, but it will get you back on your feet. So, don¡¯t sip, you will throw up.¡¯


    Vivian took the vial gingerly. ¡®Thank you?¡¯ She popped off the cork and lifted it to her lips. She took a sniff, gagged and looked to Madame Reen for mercy. The woman crossed her arms and stared her down. The message was clear. Get on with it.


    Vivian took a deep breath and downed the vile looking potion in one gulp. It immediately tried to make its way back up, but she clamped her mouth shut and forced it down again.


    ¡®That has to be the worst thing I have ever tasted, and I¡¯ve once eaten my brother¡¯s cooking.¡¯ She took a shuddering breath. ¡®What was in it?¡¯


    ¡®You don¡¯t want to know,¡¯ Madame Reen whispered gravelly.


    Vivian shuddered as the potion started to take effect. Her bones no longer felt like they were being weighed down by mountains and she was gaining strength back in her limbs. She flexed her fingers and curled her toes experimentally, testing her extremities.


    ¡®That feels better. So, can I go home now?¡¯


    Madame Reen huffed. ¡®As if! You are going to stay right there till you guardian comes to pick you up.¡¯


    ¡®My guardian¡­?¡¯ Vivian was confused for a bit before she remembered. ¡®That¡¯s Peri, I think.¡¯


    Madame Reen gave her a pitiful look. ¡®You¡¯re going to be here a while then. Make yourself comfortable. Let me know if you need anything.¡¯


    The healer left, leaving Vivian alone once more. She groaned and slumped back into her sheets, though her annoyance at being confined quickly dissipated when she realized just how soft the mattress under her was.


    Maybe this isn¡¯t so bad¡­ I¡¯m sure a few more hours of sleep won¡¯t hurt.


    She was just beginning to drift off when the large double doors at the end of the infirmary slammed open, the sound ringing in the silence and assaulting her recently sensitized hearing. She jumped up at the sudden disturbance, blinking sleep out of her eyes to focus on the quickly approaching figures. Thankfully, the noise had also brought Madame Reen out of her office, rushing swiftly to her side.


    ¡®What is the meaning of this?! You can¡¯t just-¡¯ Madame Reen stopped when she realized who she was speaking to. ¡®Oh, Lord Lisht, Lord Adar. What brings you here?¡¯


    ¡®Good evening, Madame Reen.¡¯ Lord Adar nodded in greeting. ¡®Sorry to barge in here so suddenly, but this is a matter of utmost urgency and we need to talk to the girl.¡¯


    Madame Reen frowned. ¡®Can¡¯t this wait till the morning, my Lord. Vivian is my patient and she needs to rest. She went through quite an ordeal today.¡¯


    ¡®That is what we wish to speak to her about,¡¯ Lord Lisht snapped, his impatience showing. ¡®This is council matters. Please step aside.¡¯


    Madame Reen pursed her lips in displeasure but took a step back, though she kept a sharp eye on them. Lord Adar gave her a genial smile. ¡®We were hoping to have some privacy.¡¯


    ¡®I need to be here to monitor her condition, my lord.¡¯ The title no longer sounded respectful, coming from her lips.


    Lord Adar¡¯s smile didn¡¯t falter. ¡®If something changes, I¡¯ll call for you at once. You have my word.¡¯


    Vivian glanced at her worriedly. She didn¡¯t want to be left alone, especially not with the two men who had most vehemently opposed her acceptance into Mirran. Madame Reen studied her with a pained look, one that was clearly apologising, before she nodded to Lord Adar in compliance and left.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Vivian swallowed, her heart thundering in her chest as the two men focused their attention on her. At least they can¡¯t kill me¡­ I hope.


    Lord Lisht harrumphed. ¡®Don¡¯t you know it¡¯s basic etiquette to stand and bow before a noble?¡¯ He sat down with an angry grace in one of the chairs next to the bed. ¡®This is why commoners will always remain at the bottom. They can¡¯t, for the life of them, learn how to show proper respect.¡¯


    Vivian clenched the sheets in her hands but didn¡¯t respond. She didn¡¯t get up either. She simply stared back at him, hoping he would get to the point of his visit sooner. He surely didn¡¯t stop by just to make sure she was doing alright.


    Lord Lisht¡¯s gaze narrowed in anger. ¡®Why you arrogant, little-¡¯


    Lord Adar cleared his throat. ¡®Let¡¯s discuss why we¡¯re here.¡¯ He honestly looked a bit miffed that Lord Lisht had taken the only chair next to the bed, leaving him with no choice but to stand.


    Ooh¡­ the tension.


    He focused his hostile gaze back on Vivian and she felt the hairs on her arms raise in trepidation. Nothing good was going to come of this conversation. That she was sure of.


    ¡®I¡¯ll be direct.¡¯ He fixed her with an impassive glare. Vivian fidget under the glare. She was hoping they could have a polite conversation, but it didn¡¯t seem that way. At the very least, seeing as how she was the one in a precarious situation, she should try to be respectful. ¡®You caused the fire in the Druscan woods, didn¡¯t you?¡¯


    ¡®What?!¡¯ All thoughts of being respectful flew out the window as Vivian stared dumbstruck at Lord Adar. She shot a look at Lord Lisht. Surely this was a joke. He stared back stonily. ¡®I¡¯m not- I didn¡¯t- I¡¯m the one who stopped it!¡¯


    Lord Adar huffed. ¡®Perhaps. But that doesn¡¯t mean you weren¡¯t the one that started it in the first place.¡¯


    ¡®I wasn¡¯t!¡¯ Not the best defence, but Vivian was rightfully shocked at the accusation. ¡®I wasn¡¯t even near the woods when it started!¡¯


    ¡®Then you must have used a delayed spell,¡¯ Lord List accused.


    ¡®What even is a delayed spell?!¡¯ she asked exasperatedly.


    ¡®Mind your tone, peasant!¡¯ Lord Lisht snarled. ¡®You¡¯re speaking to a noble and one of the highest authorities in this city. You will address me as my Lord. I will have respect!¡¯


    Something in Vivian snapped, probably her patience for this entire conversation. ¡®I only tend to respect people who don¡¯t throw wild accusations at me for no apparent reason.¡¯


    Lord Lisht looked flabbergasted for a moment. He probably had never been spoken to in that manner in his whole life. Vivian felt proud of herself for putting that expression on his face, but it didn¡¯t last long.


    ¡®Miss Wright, please mind your words,¡¯ Lord Adar said sternly. For some reason, he seemed more frightening than Lord Lisht. ¡®We are here to get to the bottom of what happened in the woods.¡¯ He was towering over her, looking down with the most condescending look she had ever seen. She now wished that she had stood up when they came in.


    Instead, she glared right back at him. ¡®I told you what happened, my lord.¡¯


    He drew himself up to make himself even more impossibly imposing. ¡®The Druscan woods have always stood as a bastion for the city. Not once was it ever in danger of being breached. And yet, just one day after you, a fire mage, started to live next to it, the woods caught fire.¡¯


    ¡®I was not the one who started the fire.¡¯ Her voice was trembling slightly, but she wasn¡¯t going to take this lying down. ¡®I was the one who put it out.¡¯


    Lord Lisht¡¯s nose wrinkled like he had smelled something particularly nasty. ¡®So you say.¡¯


    ¡®I say so as well,¡¯ a familiar voice interrupted. All three of them whipped around towards the new figures that were making their way towards her bed. ¡®And so does my friend here. And seeing as the two of us were actually there when the incident took place, our word carries quite the weight, wouldn¡¯t you agree.¡¯


    Saying that Lord looked displeased was an understatement. ¡®Master Tenebris, Master Redcliffe. This is a private interrogation.¡¯


    ¡®Without her guardian present?¡¯ Felix asked, an innocent yet sharp smile on his face. ¡®Doesn¡¯t seem right.¡¯


    ¡®The council is allowed to make drastic decisions under extenuating circumstances if necessary.¡¯ Lord Lisht rose to his feet as the boys approached. ¡®This commoner put our entire city at risk when she set those woods on fire.¡¯


    ¡®Allegedly set them on fire, you mean.¡¯ A thirteen-year-old boy shouldn¡¯t be able to look threatening in front of an adult, yet Aiden managed to pull it off. ¡®I find it hard to believe she managed to do that, seeing as she was with us the whole day.¡¯


    ¡®Unless you¡¯re suggesting that a commoner is somehow able to create a delayed spell,¡¯ Felix added. ¡®Which is something even most adult mages struggle with. Do you really think that she is such a talented mage, to be able to do something that complex without any form of training or guidance?¡¯


    Lord Adar gritted his teeth. ¡®The fact remains that the timing is too suspicious. The fire happened just after she arrived.¡¯


    ¡®Do you want to know what else is suspicious?¡¯ Aiden had his arms folded in front of his chest. ¡®Two adult men trying to interrogate a girl who is a minor without the presence of her guardian. It¡¯s almost like you want to coerce her into an admission of guilt.¡¯


    Lord Lisht was turning an interesting shade of red throughout the conversation. ¡®Now see here-¡¯


    ¡®Perhaps you should be looking into whether someone wants to frame her for the crime.¡¯ Felix suggested. ¡®After all, I¡¯m sure that the two of you aren¡¯t the only ones unhappy with letting one of the commonfolk into the city.¡¯


    Lord Adar took a deep breath, his face turning back into an impassive mask. The interrogation had spiralled out of his control, and he knew it. ¡®Very well. We shall leave it here¡­ for now.¡¯ He turned to fix a cold glare on Vivian. ¡®We¡¯ll send a scribe to get a detailed account from you as well as any other witnesses.¡¯ He crossed his hands behind his back. ¡®Good evening.¡¯


    He swept out of the infirmary just as quickly as he had entered. Lord Lisht stood baffled for a moment before gathering his wits and following suit without so much as a farewell. The door slammed shut behind him just as loudly as it has opened. The moment it was closed, Madame Reen came striding out of her office, a look of clear displeasure on her face. She glared at the closed door before turning towards Vivian, her gaze immediately turning kind.


    ¡®Are you alright, dear?¡¯


    Vivian nodded, still a little shaken. ¡®What was that about?¡¯


    ¡®That would be a couple of nobles trying to frame you for something you didn¡¯t do.¡¯ Felix plopped himself down near the foot of her bed. ¡®But if you¡¯re inquiring as to why they did it, I have no clue.¡¯


    ¡®That was completely unethical!¡¯ Madame Reen busied herself checking Vivian¡¯s temperature and pulse, even though she had just done a few minutes ago. ¡®Two grown men bullying a young girl! Doesn¡¯t matter if they¡¯re members of the council, they should be ashamed of themselves!¡¯


    Vivian smiled in spite of the situation. It felt nice to have someone indignant on her behalf. ¡®Thank you, Madame Reen. But I¡¯ll live.¡¯


    The healer gave her one last look over before leaving once again, giving her patient strict instructions to go to sleep soon.


    ¡®Why were they pushing so hard?¡¯ Aiden leaned against the night stand beside the bed. ¡®Why go through all this trouble to frame you?¡¯


    Vivian shrugged. ¡®Maybe because I¡¯m a commoner. Cyrus did mention that they expel anyone who is considered a danger to others. Perhaps they want me out of Mirran.¡¯


    Aiden shook his head. ¡®Perhaps that is the case with Lord Lisht. But Lord Adar never seemed prejudiced to me. And yet he seemed more dead set on expelling you than Lord Lisht.¡¯ He frowned. ¡®Something doesn¡¯t add up.¡¯


    Vivian let out a deep sigh. ¡®Well, whatever the reason, thank you for helping me.¡¯ She smiled at the Aiden and Felix. ¡®If you hadn¡¯t come along, I don¡¯t know what I would¡¯ve done.¡¯


    Aiden bristled, as if gratitude was the most uncomfortable sensation he had ever encountered. ¡®I only told the truth. Them accusing you of lying, means that I, in turn, am also being accused of lying. I was merely defending myself.¡¯


    Felix shook his head in exasperation. ¡®What His Royal Stuffiness means to say is, you¡¯re welcome.¡¯


    Vivian chuckled. ¡®Yes, I think I¡¯m starting to understand his language. No means yes, and go away means don¡¯t leave me alone.¡¯


    ¡®I see you¡¯re a fast learner of Aiden-ic,¡¯ Felix snorted. ¡®Took me a while to learn myself.¡¯


    Both Vivian and Felix laughed as Aiden lips thinned in displeasure of being mocked. Still, he didn¡¯t leave in frustration, settling himself more comfortably on bed beside hers. They soon delved into a more relaxed conversation about Mirran. Felix and Aiden had been there for a few months now, so they knew the city better than Vivian. They talked about a few interesting places they could visit together once she was discharged. It wasn¡¯t until late in the evening, long after the sun had set that Madame Reen came back to shoo them out of the infirmary.


    ¡®She needs to rest.¡¯ She stood with her hands on her hips, a human sized barrier between the boys and Vivian. ¡®You can talk again in the morning.¡¯


    Saying their farewells, Aiden and Felix left, promising to come back the next day. Madame Reen pushed Vivian back under the covers, pulling the blanket up to her chin and tucking her in. Vivian protested at the coddling but Madame Reen silenced her with a single look. She let out a long yawn and realised that her rest earlier had been interrupted by the unwelcome visitors. Her exhaustion was coming back full force now. She fell asleep before the healer even left the room.

 Chapter 14 - Into the Woods

    Peri looked guilty. Or something close to it, at the very least. It was hard to tell when he was chugging back a bottle of wine like it was water, stopping only to snatch food off of Vivian¡¯s lunch plate. The only indication of guilt was the occasional wary glance he gave towards Madame Reen. The healer stood with her arms crossed, glaring at the man. He quickly averted his gaze. He reached for Vivian¡¯s plate again, only for Madame Reen to make an angry noise and slap his hand away. He pulled his hand back with the look of a wounded puppy.


    ¡®Where have you been?!¡¯ Madame folded her arms back again, her glare firmly fixed on the irresponsible man. ¡®You better have a good explanation as to why you dumped your ward in my infirmary for three days, leaving her to fend for herself against those¡­ those men. Honestly, if it weren¡¯t for those sweet boys, they would¡¯ve arrested her then and there.¡¯


    Peri slumped further into his seat, trying to make himself look small. ¡®I was busy. I¡¯m here now, aren¡¯t I?¡¯


    Madame Reen¡¯s arms unfolded to settle her hands against her hips. ¡®Only because I send three letters telling you to come pick up your ward.¡¯ She shook her head. ¡®What idiot put a child in your charge?¡¯


    ¡®That¡¯s what I¡¯d like to know,¡¯ Peri grumbled under his breath, his slouch deepening as he sunk further into the chair. He seemed to be trying to meld into the couch so as to hide from the wrathful woman¡¯s gaze.


    ¡®Stop slouching!¡¯ Madame Reen snapped, finally turning her attention away from Peri to run a final check on Vivian, who had finally been able to finish her lunch without unwanted hands snatching food off her plate. She pushed the plate back, waiting for Madame Reen to finish and discharge her.


    Vivian was quite eager to leave. It¡¯d been three whole days of nothing but eating and sleeping. If it weren¡¯t the frequent visits from Aiden and Felix, she would¡¯ve been bored out of her mind. Even though they had never said it out loud, the two boys had taken it upon themselves to check up on her so as to make sure that no more unwanted visitors tried to coerce her into making a false confession. Vivian was grateful for their help, something she seemed to be receiving quite a bit of it from the people around her. She needed to find a way to pay it back.


    ¡®Very well, you¡¯re good to go.¡¯ Madame Reen stepped back. ¡®But I still want you to be careful for another week. If you feel anything strange, come tell me at once.¡¯ She turned to glare at Peri. ¡®I would tell you to keep an eye on her, but since I know that won¡¯t happen, at least try to not stress her out.¡¯


    Peri shrugged. ¡®No promises.¡¯


    Madame Reen let out a deep sigh, turning to look at Vivian. ¡®Good luck child. You¡¯re going to need it.¡¯ She smiled kindly. ¡®Now go. I know you¡¯ve been itching to leave.¡¯


    Vivian shuffled out of the bed. ¡®Thank you, Madame Reen. I¡¯ll try not to come back too soon.¡¯


    ¡®I hope that was a poor joke and not a prediction¡­ See you around, Vivian.¡¯


    Peri nodded his towards the doors. ¡®Let¡¯s go.¡¯ He marched out without a backward glance, eager to be out of the healer¡¯s line of sight. Vivian bid Madame Reen farewell before hurrying to catch up with him. The infirmary was on the ground floor of the academy, in the right wing opposite to the administrative section they had visited earlier for registration. There were still a few students milling about the entrance hall, some in groups chatting and laughing and others with their heads bowed down into the books they were reading. Peri and Vivian walked out the grand double doors and were making their way down the front steps when she spotted two familiar figures approaching from a distance. She raised a hand in greeting.


    ¡®I see you finally managed to escape the infirmary.¡¯ Felix grinned as he approached. ¡®Good to see you back on your feet.¡¯


    ¡®You would have seen me on them two days ago if someone¡­¡¯ Vivian nodded at Peri. ¡®Had come to pick me up.¡¯


    ¡®I came now, didn¡¯t I?¡¯


    Aiden snorted. ¡®After Madame Reen¡¯s third letter. That is not an accomplishment.¡¯


    ¡®Look we had to get your room fixed up anyway.¡¯ Peri was digging around in his pockets for something. ¡®A druscan fell and caved in the attic remember?¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s fixed already?¡¯ Vivian was surprised. ¡®That was quick.¡¯


    ¡®Yes, well magic is handy like that.¡¯ Peri finally pulled out what he was looking for out of his pocket. It was her identification token. ¡®Speaking of magic, take a look at yours.¡¯ He handed the glass card to her. ¡®I swear girl, you get more and more strange by the day.¡¯


    Vivian agreed with the sentiment; her eyes wide as she took the glass token from Peri. It was no longer empty. Instead, thin tendrils of gold spread through the glass, forming a pattern like the branches of a tree. They sparkled and shone as she held it up to the light, the tendrils almost seeming to move as if they were alive, as if the tree was still growing, putting out new branches.


    Wait, not almost.


    ¡®It¡¯s still moving,¡¯ she whispered, as if she was afraid any loud noises would frighten it into stopping. But no, the branches were growing, causing the pattern to grow denser slowly. She looked at the older man for an explanation.


    Peri shrugged. ¡®I don¡¯t know any more than you do.¡¯


    Felix let out a low whistle. ¡®It¡¯s still growing. Do you think it¡¯ll stop when the glass is full?¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯ll probably fade out before then.¡¯ Peri tapped the glass token. ¡®It¡¯s not as bright as it was three days ago.¡¯


    Aiden leaned in to take a closer look at the token. ¡®Perhaps one of the professors here might know what it is. They are masters in the field of magic.¡¯


    Peri shook his head. ¡®I think we should keep this quiet for now. There is too much negative attention on you right now. They might find this ominous rather than a curiosity.¡¯


    Vivian reluctantly nodded in agreement. She wasn¡¯t magic-less and yet she couldn¡¯t show it to anyone. Still, she understood the need for caution right now, especially after Lord Adar and Lord Lisht¡¯s impromptu visit the day before.


    ¡®Well, we best be heading home,¡¯ Peri said. ¡®Come along now, Vivian.¡¯


    ¡®We¡¯ll walk with you,¡¯ Felix offered before Aiden could say farewell. ¡®We came to see you anyway.¡¯


    Vivian couldn¡¯t help the smile that spread across her face or the warm, happy feeling in her chest. ¡®Sure. That would be great!¡¯


    Aiden rolled his eyes in exasperation, but still followed quietly as they left the academy grounds and entered the marketplace.


    ¡®Oh, we could stop on the way at that bakery I was telling you about,¡¯ Felix suggested. ¡®Their cakes are simply divine!¡¯


    Vivian rubbed her head sheepishly. ¡®I don¡¯t really like sweets.¡¯


    Aiden gasped softly. ¡®Heathen!¡¯


    Vivian shot him a look. ¡®I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t realize sweets were your religion.¡¯


    Felix grinned. ¡®He¡¯s got a real sweet tooth. It¡¯s a wonder he still has any teeth left.¡¯


    ¡®I brush,¡¯ Aiden snapped back. ¡®You may not have heard of it before, but it¡¯s called oral hygiene.¡¯


    The three of them bickered back and forth as they walked through the streets towards home. The streets were nearly empty, the afternoon crowd had not started yet. The weather was pleasant as they strolled down the cobblestone path. It was only when they passed the Secret Garden did she suddenly remember.


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    ¡®Peri, about the fairy silk¡­ do you know what I¡¯ve to do next?¡¯


    ¡®Sith¡¯s looking into that, so you should ask her. Meanwhile, you should get ready to start working, forest ranger.¡¯


    Aiden frowned. ¡®Why the hurry?¡¯


    Peri sighed. ¡®One of the clerks send by the council to investigate the fire told me that some of the members were starting to have second thoughts. We need to show some results before these doubts have time to solidify.¡¯


    ¡®But I can¡¯t even read yet, let alone draw maps and keep records!¡¯


    ¡®I can draw maps,¡¯ Felix offered. ¡®If you want, I could do it. Aiden could help.¡¯


    Aiden glared at the blonde. ¡®Or perhaps Aiden has other plans¡­¡¯


    Felix raised an eyebrow. ¡®Like what?¡¯


    Aiden opened and closed his mouth a couple of times before giving up his search for an answer. Felix grinned in triumph.


    ¡®Thank you.¡¯ Vivian smiled gratefully at them. ¡®I don¡¯t how I can repay you.¡¯


    ¡®Well, if you ever do get permission to start selling items from the woods, I expect a heavy discount.¡¯ Felix rubbed his hands together. ¡®Or perhaps a share of the profits.¡¯


    Aiden flicked Felix¡¯s ear and he let out a yelp. The blonde turned to glare at his friend. ¡®We don¡¯t even know if we can enter the woods. For all we know, she might be the only one who can.¡¯


    ¡®Well let¡¯s find out now.¡¯ Vivian pushed herself in between the two boys before Felix could retaliate. ¡®We¡¯re headed there anyway.¡¯


    They had left behind the city, passing through the fields tended to by the goblins who raised their heads as they passed by. Vivian nodded and greeted a few of them politely as they followed the winding path up to the cottage. Her eyes were immediately drawn to roof which had caved in and was glad to see not a single shingle out of place.


    Felix looked up at the fixed roof. ¡®It looks as good as new.¡¯


    ¡®That¡¯s dwarven handiwork for you.¡¯ Peri pushed open the front door and stepped in. ¡®It¡¯s impossible to find fault. Quality work at its finest. We also paid them to go ahead and furnish it as a bedroom while they were at it.¡¯


    Vivian grinned and followed him. ¡®My own room. I never had a room of my own.¡¯


    Aiden looked at her curiously. ¡®Where did you sleep?¡¯


    ¡®I shared the floor and a quilt with my three brothers.¡¯ Vivian made a face. ¡®It was a tight fit and they all snored.¡¯


    ¡®Younger or older?¡¯ Felix asked.


    ¡®Older, all of them.¡¯ Vivian rolled her eyes. ¡®And they never let me forget it.¡¯


    Vivian wondered how they were all doing right now, after they had tried to poison her. She shook herself out of her thoughts as they seemed to be heading down a dark path.


    ¡®Sith must be home.¡¯ Peri walked towards the dining room where the clattering of spoons and plates could be heard. ¡®Come along now, let¡¯s ask her about that silk business.¡¯


    The three thirteen-year-olds shuffled into the room behind Peri. He was right. Sith sat at the dining table, finish off the last of her lunch. She looked up as they entered and gave her a warm smile.


    ¡®Welcome home, Vivian.¡¯ She placed her spoon down in her empty bowl. ¡®How are you feeling now?¡¯


    ¡®Great!¡¯ Vivian smiled back. It was a good feeling to be welcomed back. ¡®Madame Reen took good care of me.¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯m glad to hear it.¡¯ Sith rhythmically tapped her claws on the table. ¡®Though I heard that your stay wasn¡¯t completely uneventful.¡¯


    ¡®Oh, it was awful!¡¯ Vivian crossed her arms and shuddered. ¡®They seemed hell-bent on blaming me for the fire. They should really make up their minds. Am I too weak a mage to use magic or am I powerful enough to start a raging forest fire?¡¯


    ¡®I can understand why Lisht acted that way. He¡¯s always been a snob. Hates commoners and believes that all other species are somehow underneath him. You should¡¯ve seen the tantrum he threw when I became a part of the Council.¡¯ Sith stopped drumming her fingers on the table. ¡®But Adar is a surprise. He¡¯s usually quite cordial. And not nearly as big a fool as Lisht.¡¯


    ¡®I don¡¯t know why, but for some reason he seemed more dangerous than Lisht.¡¯ Goosebumps rose up Vivian¡¯s arms. ¡®Thankfully, these two,¡¯ she looked at Aiden and Felix. ¡®Came along and put an end to it.¡¯


    Sith nodded at them. ¡®For that, I am grateful. It¡¯s hard to find people with a backbone these days. So, if you ever find yourself in need of my assistance, do not hesitate to ask.¡¯


    Felix rubbed his head shyly. ¡®We didn¡¯t do much. Anyone would have done the same.¡¯


    ¡®I think we all know that they wouldn¡¯t have.¡¯ Peri put his feet up on the dining table, but immediately removed them when Sith scowled at him.


    ¡®Well then, we will keep your offer in mind,¡¯ Aiden said. ¡®But I hope we never have to call in this favour. If we get into trouble big enough to require your help¡­¡¯ He sighed and looked at Felix and Vivian. ¡®Well, if I keep walking around with these two, I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll happen soon enough.¡¯


    Felix smirked at Vivian. ¡®Did you hear that?¡¯


    She smiled back. ¡®I did. He plans on sticking around.¡¯


    ¡®And here I thought he would bolt the first chance he gets.¡¯


    Vivian placed a hand on her heart in a dramatic motion. ¡®It¡¯s so touching. His commitment to us is so sweet.¡¯


    Aiden scowled at her. ¡®I should¡¯ve kicked you off the carriage harder.¡¯


    Sith chuckled and stood up. ¡®Alright, alright, enough with the teasing.¡¯


    Vivian raised her hands in mock surrender. ¡®You¡¯re right, we have plenty of time later¡­ now that he¡¯s committed himself to us.¡¯


    Aiden growled. ¡®I¡¯m leaving.¡¯


    Vivian grabbed him by his sleeve before he could take a step. ¡®Alright, I¡¯ll stop teasing!¡¯


    Aiden glared at her but stayed. ¡®I¡¯m only staying because we need to check whether we can enter the woods with you.¡¯


    Sith looked between the three children. ¡®What¡¯s this now?¡¯


    ¡®Oh, we were talking about me starting my job as a forest ranger and they offered to help with mapping and recording since I can¡¯t read yet,¡¯ Vivian explained. ¡®Also, if I¡¯m going to be hunting down resources in the woods, like that fairy silk, I could use a few extra pairs of hands¡­ speaking of which, what about the silk business. What do I do next?¡¯


    ¡®Well, I spoke to Council about it.¡¯ Sith shrugged. ¡®As expected, they were hesitant at first, but I managed to convince them to let you do it, provided that you take a trade license.¡¯


    ¡®That way they can tax you for the trades you make.¡¯ Aiden nodded. ¡®I suppose they don¡¯t care as long as they get a share of the profit.¡¯


    ¡®Alright then,¡¯ Sith pushed the chair back in. ¡®I need to get back to work. You children have fun.¡¯


    ¡®Quiet fun,¡¯ Peri warned. ¡®I¡¯ll be sleeping so don¡¯t you dare wake me up.¡¯


    ¡®But you are such a delight when you¡¯re awake,¡¯ Vivian said, sarcasm evident in her tone. ¡®Still, we will try to restrain ourselves.¡¯


    Peri fixed a glare on her but didn¡¯t say a word before marching himself upstairs to his room. Sith shook her head in exasperation as she watched the man leave. She bid farewell to the three of them before leaving as well. They heard the front door shut behind her.


    ¡®So,¡¯ Vivian nodded towards the back door. ¡®Shall we?¡¯


    The three of them trooped out of the cottage heading for the line of druscans behind the house. The forest looked tranquil, branches swaying in a gentle breeze that carried with a melodic birdsong.


    Vivian looked back at Aiden and Felix. ¡®Alright, here goes nothing.¡¯


    Felix clapped her on the back. ¡®Good luck!¡¯


    Vivian reached out to the nearest druscan and placed a hand against its trunk. Behind her she could hear Aiden muttering under his breath. ¡®Please say no, please say no.¡¯


    Vivian turned her attention back to the druscan in front of her. Um, how do I start¡­? Maybe an introduction¡­


    Yes, that would probably be best¡­ also, in case you didn¡¯t know, your thoughts are very loud.


    Vivian jumped a bit when a strange voice invaded her mind. She cautiously turned her attention towards the foreign presence in her head.


    You can hear me?


    Yes, for some apparent reason¡­ you must be the child Rayne was talking about¡­ Um Valorie?


    Vivian, Vivian Wright¡­


    I like Valorie better¡­ ever considered changing your name?


    Vivian shook her head. No, I¡¯m keeping it¡­ And, you are?


    The druscans branches shuddered and seemed to stand up straighter. I am Loherangrin Glendale the third, son of Hoel Glendale, Late Count of Mergrand.


    If trees could look smug, this one truly did. His branches seemed to be preening and his trunk looked like a chest puffed out. Vivian looked back to Aiden and Felix with an incredulous look but the two them merely shrugged.


    ¡®Look we can¡¯t hear it,¡¯ Aiden pointed out.


    ¡®Him,¡¯ Vivian corrected. ¡®It¡¯s Lohe-something. And he seems to be boasting.¡¯


    The name is Loherangrin Glendale the third, son of Hoel Glendale, Late Count of Mergrand and I am not boasting, you churl! Honestly, can I never get a conversation partner with even a modicum of intelligence, if not decency.


    Listen, Loher. I need-


    That is not my name!


    Think of it as a pet name, because there is no way that I¡¯m going to remember the long version.


    I do not want a pet name, whatever that is¡­


    Look, I just wanted to ask if I could bring these two inside the woods with me. Do you have a leader or someone I could ask? Perhaps Rayne.


    A huff sounded inside her head. We do not have a leader, but I suppose he comes closest. Consider yourself lucky that Rayne has spoken for you, otherwise you would be finding yourself on the wrong end of my razor-sharp roots. The druscan shifted his roots a bit to emphasis his point and the three of them took a cautious step back. Go on then. Rayne has been waiting for you. The others will let you pass.


    And as for my friends¡­?


    As long as you¡¯re under Rayne¡¯s commendation and you¡¯re with them, they may enter the woods just this once. But unless you get explicit permission from Rayne, there won¡¯t be a second time.


    The druscan grudgingly named as Loher, moved aside followed by the other druscans behind him, creating a path through the woods for them. Vivian looked back to her friends and nodded.


    ¡®He said you can come along just this once. But we have to get permission from Rayne if you want to come again.¡¯


    ¡®Damn it!¡¯ Sheath cursed. Felix hooked an arm around his shoulders and dragged him forward, following after Vivian who cautiously took a step onto the newly created path. She glanced back once more.


    ¡®Last chance to turn back.¡¯


    Felix grinned and slapped a hand on Aiden¡¯s mouth, muffling his protests. ¡®No chance. We¡¯re coming.¡¯


    Vivian grinned. ¡®Alright then, let¡¯s go find Rayne.¡¯

 Chapter 15 - A warning

    ¡®Do all of them speak?¡¯ Felix knocked his knuckles against a tall spruce tree. ¡®Can you hear them right now?¡¯


    They had been trudging through the woods for a good twenty minutes, carefully stepping over twisted roots and ducking under low hanging branches. They had gone around the burnt part of the woods, the silence in that area oddly grating on Vivian¡¯s nerves. The trees rustled softly as they watched them pass by, a low whispering of voices in her head following them as they made their way down the new path made just for them.


    ¡®I can hear them whispering to each other, but I can¡¯t make anything out unless I concentrate on the conversation.¡¯


    ¡®What would trees even talk about?¡¯ Aiden looked suspiciously at a nearby oak. ¡®I can¡¯t imagine that there¡¯s a wide variety of conversation topics.¡¯


    Felix shrugged. ¡®Perhaps where the good soil is, or which way to grow their roots to get water?¡¯


    Vivian tilted her head as if listening to conversation. ¡®No, most of them are complaining about the upcoming shedding season¡­ I suppose they mean winter. A few comments on a particular fir that has gained weight and a lot more comments on a teak wood that has already shed its leaves and gone bald.¡¯


    ¡®This line of conversation feels so familiar.¡¯ Aiden frowned. ¡®I feel as though I am back in the capital surrounded by the nobility once more.¡¯


    ¡®Well, if what that Loher fellow claimed was true, they might actually be nobles.¡¯ Vivian scratched her head in thought. ¡®Though how they came to be trees, I don¡¯t know.¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s a little creepy, if you think about them as real people stuck as trees.¡¯ Felix shuddered. ¡®Were they cursed somehow? And more importantly, is the same going to happen to us?¡¯


    Vivian shook head. ¡®I don¡¯t know. I asked Sith about this as well, but since I¡¯m the first one that could talk to them, they didn¡¯t even know they were sentient before. They assumed druscans were some sort of magic hybrid trees. And for some reason, they¡¯re aggressive towards sentient beings like humans, beastmen, elves and dwarves.¡¯


    ¡®But they are fine with fairies,¡¯ Aiden pointed out.


    Vivian shrugged. ¡®I know as much as you do, which isn¡¯t much.¡¯


    ¡®Perhaps we can ask this Rayne fellow for more details.¡¯ Felix carefully ducked below a low growing branch. ¡®Where is he anyway?¡¯


    Vivian pointed ahead. ¡®Just a bit further. He¡¯s near the edge of the woods. We¡¯re almost there.¡¯


    ¡®The edge of the woods huh?¡¯ Felix brushed a few leaves out of his hair. ¡®I remember walking for more than an hour to cross it when I first came here.¡¯


    ¡®Convenient, isn¡¯t it?¡¯ Vivian kicked a stray pebble to the side. ¡®Took us twenty minutes to get here¡­ Ah! There he is.¡¯


    Vivian pointed out a tall, green spruce tree, that rustled and creaked as she rushed over, closely followed by Aiden and Felix. She placed a hand on his trunk, a feeling of warmth and serenity washing over her immediately upon contact. She smiled.


    ¡®Hello Rayne.¡¯


    The tree¡¯s branches creaked as they lowered themselves, as if it was a person bending down closer to listen to her. Hello child. It¡¯s good to see you again. How have you been?


    Vivian shrugged. I¡¯m doing well. I¡¯m still settling in. Thankfully the council allowed me to stay, though it was a close call. They agreed to let me stay since I¡¯m the only one who can speak to druscans, so they want me to start documenting the woods.


    Looks like everything worked out well. I¡¯m glad¡­ who are these children with you?


    Vivian looked back at her friends. Felix was looking around at the trees around them, walking in lazy circles and knocking on random trees as if he could somehow nudge them into a conversation with him. Aiden, on the other hand, had a white knuckled grip on his sword¡¯s hilt, ready to draw it at a moment¡¯s notice, his eyes darting back and forth in suspicion. He caught her staring and cocked his head to the side, a silent ¡®what?¡¯ being clearly communicated.


    Vivian chuckled. The one going around poking and irritating the trees is Felix. And the one who¡¯s raring to fight a forest is Aiden. They¡¯ve agreed to help me with my work.


    I see you have made friends already. That¡¯s good. Good friends are the solution to all problems.


    Vivian remembered how they had kept her cool and calm back when she had absorbed the forest fire. They had also kicked her out of a flying chariot and into a lake. They also cause just as many problems¡­


    A chuckle sounded in her head. Yes, that¡¯s true. Unfortunately, that is a part of the package. You can¡¯t get one without the other.


    Vivian smiled. I wanted to ask if they could enter the woods with me as I work. I¡¯m floundering right now, and I could use all the help I could get.


    Rayne was quiet for moment, deep in thought, or so it seemed. It was hard to tell without a face. Shapers are usually not allowed within the woods¡­ but as long as they are with you, I suppose we can make an exception.


    Vivian tilted her head. Shapers?


    That¡¯s how we refer to humans, beastmen, elves and dwarves. Creatures that reshape the natural world rather than live in accordance with its laws.


    Vivian remembered the fairies, the bookshop with its trees towering over them. Is that why the fairies are allowed in the woods?


    Yes, even though a few have joined your civilization, most remain secluded in forests and woods¡­ and even the ones that have entered your city, bring nature with them.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Vivian nodded. Yes, I¡¯ve seen their shop. It¡¯s like they plucked out a portion of the forest and planted it there.


    A throat cleared behind her. Vivian turned to see Aiden looking impatient as he suspiciously edged away from a shifting root. ¡®Are you done yet?¡¯


    ¡®Oh, yes. Sorry, I forgot you were waiting.¡¯


    ¡®You forgot-¡¯ Aiden sighed a heavy sigh. ¡®Never mind. What did he say?¡¯ A hopeful look gleamed in his eyes. ¡®He said no, yes?¡¯


    ¡®Actually, he said yes.¡¯ And the hope disappeared.


    Felix guffawed and slung an arm around Aiden¡¯s shoulders. ¡®You hear that. He said yes. There is no escape now.¡¯


    Aiden rubbed his face with his hands, as if that would somehow make this entire situation disappear. He glared at Vivian when it didn¡¯t and she smiled back as sweetly as she could.


    ¡®Gods help me¡­¡¯ Aiden shoved off Felix and took a deep breath. ¡®Fine, I¡¯ll help you. But be assured that I do so very grudgingly.¡¯


    Vivian raised an eyebrow. ¡®I haven¡¯t known you long, but I have a feeling you do everything grudgingly. I bet you brush your teeth in the morning very reluctantly.¡¯


    Felix snorted. ¡®I bet glares at his pants as he puts them on.¡¯


    ¡®I bet he-¡¯


    ¡®I bet I will murder the two of you in time.¡¯ Aiden grip on his sword hilt tightened. ¡®And enjoy it.¡¯


    Both Vivian and Felix raised their hands and stepped back. No need to poke the bear¡­ at least not any more than they already had. Aiden huffed and folded his arms across his chest. ¡°If we are done talking to the trees, could we please leave.¡¯


    ¡®Alright, alright, calm down.¡¯ Vivian turned back towards Rayne. ¡®I¡¯ll just say goodbye and we can leave.¡¯


    ¡®Oh, wait! Before you do that.¡¯ Felix gestured her closer so he could whisper to her. ¡®Ask him about the fire. Perhaps he saw something.¡¯


    ¡®Why?¡¯ Vivian was confused. ¡®Wasn¡¯t it an accidental forest fire?¡¯


    Felix shook his head. ¡®If it was an accident, the council would have been able to confirm that immediately. Yet they came after you, blaming you for the fire. Which means they are sure that magic was involved somehow.¡¯


    ¡®Magic always leaves traces,¡¯ Aiden added. ¡®Ones that can be picked up by a resonator.¡¯


    ¡®Alright, I¡¯ll ask him.¡¯ Vivian turned towards Rayne. ¡®Rayne, do you know anything about the fire that happened three days ago?¡¯


    Hmm, well now that you mention it, some of the druscans at the border of the woods said that they sensed the presence of a mage nearby, just before the fire started¡­


    But this is a city of mages, so that¡¯s not really suspicious, is it?


    Oh, but it is. Most mages stay away from the woods since they know we are hostile. Honestly, only a handful approach us, such as you as well as that beastman, I believe her name is Sith. Most steer clear of us, so it is strange that a mage came so close to the woods.


    ¡®So, you¡¯re saying that a mage from the city set fire to the woods on purpose? Why would they do that?¡¯


    I¡¯m not sure¡­ It could¡¯ve been an accidental bout of magic, but something about this doesn¡¯t sit right with me¡­ It¡¯s not just the fire. There¡¯s something different in these woods, something hidden¡­ and it¡¯s making suspicious moves but we are unable to track them for some reason¡­


    Well, that¡¯s worrisome¡­ perhaps I should tell Sith about this. She might be able to make sense of it.


    I hope that this amounts to nothing, but its best to be cautious¡­ especially you and your friends, since you¡¯ll be exploring these woods from now on. Be careful.


    I will¡­ I should go before Aiden blows a vein. I¡¯ll come talk to you again soon.


    See you later, Vivian. And good luck.


    Vivian nodded in answer and stepped away from Rayne, turning around to face Aiden and Felix.


    ¡®So, what did he say?¡¯ Felix leaned in curiously. ¡®Did he know something?¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯ll explain on the way back.¡¯ She looked up to catch a glimpse of the darkening sky though the thick foliage. ¡®It¡¯s getting late. We should head back.¡¯


    On the way back, Vivian recounted her conversation with Rayne, the two boys listening with rapt attention as she spoke. It was only when she mentioned a mage setting the fire, that Aiden interrupted.


    ¡®A mage set the fire?¡¯ he asked, suspicion evident in his voice.


    Vivian shrugged. ¡®Rayne said could¡¯ve been accidental magic.¡¯


    Aiden snorted. ¡®And where was this accident-prone mage when we arrived? I didn¡¯t see him, did you?¡¯


    ¡®The more concerning part is that it was on the inner border of the woods.¡¯ Felix frowned. ¡®It was a mage on the inside that did it. If someone is trying to destroy the woods¡­¡¯


    A haunting silence followed as they understood the weight of those words.


    ¡®We should tell Sith and Peri about this.¡¯ Vivian picked up her pace, the edge of the woods getting closer and closer. ¡®They¡¯ll know what to do.¡¯


    The three of them half ran back to the cottage, trying to squeeze through the front door at the same time in their hurry. They heard the sound of footsteps on the floor above and scrambled up the stairs to find Peri just settling himself down on the couch in front of the large glass windows in the drawing room, a glass of whiskey clutched in his hand. He raised as eyebrow in question as the three of them rushed over to him and immediately started talking over each other.


    ¡®We have a problem, and its-¡¯


    ¡®The fire wasn¡¯t an accident, it was-¡¯


    ¡®Rayne said that there¡¯s something-¡¯


    Peri raised a hand and silence fell. He set down his glass and rubbed his forehead. ¡®Will just one of you speak?¡¯ Felix opened his mouth to answer, but the scar on Peri¡¯s face scrunched as he glowered at him. ¡®Not you, Felix.¡¯


    Felix pouted a bit but stepped back. Vivian spoke up instead.


    ¡®We spoke to Rayne. He said the fire might not have been an accident. He said some of the druscans sensed a mage near the area just before the fire began.¡¯


    Peri leaned forward. ¡®Rayne said this.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t a question. He looked deep in thought as he mulled over the information. ¡®If he is suspicious of foul play, then it must be true.¡¯


    Once again, Vivian noted the tone of familiarity in his voice as he talked about Rayne. First Cyrus, then Sith and now him. She was tempted to ask how they knew him, but the last two times she had tried she had been promptly ignored. She glanced at Aiden and Felix, who were also thinking what she was thinking, and shook her head.


    There¡¯s no point in asking¡­ he won¡¯t answer.


    Peri looked up at them, drawing himself out of his thoughts. ¡®Have you told anyone else about this?¡¯


    Aiden shook his head. ¡®No, we thought it best if you knew first.¡¯


    ¡®Glad to know you have at least a little bit of sense.¡¯ Peri picked up his glass again. ¡®Listen, this stays between us. I¡¯ll talk this over with Sith and Cyrus later, but you children need to keep your mouths shut.¡¯ He glanced at Felix. ¡®Actually, you two need to keep his mouth shut as well.¡¯


    Felix gasped. ¡®I have never been so insulted!¡¯


    Peri smirked and took a sip of his whiskey. ¡®Looks like I¡¯m doing something right, then.¡¯


    ¡®I can keep a secret,¡¯ Felix defended himself.


    ¡®I¡¯ll believe it when I see it.¡¯ Peri waved them off. ¡®Go on now, there¡¯s food down in the kitchen if you¡¯re hungry.¡¯ He pointed and Aiden and Felix. ¡®And you two need to get home.¡¯


    Vivian glanced out of the window. ¡®He¡¯s right. It¡¯s getting dark.¡¯


    Felix nodded. ¡®We¡¯ll see you tomorrow? We need to start planning how exactly we¡¯re going to do this forest documentation.¡¯


    Peri¡¯s head snapped towards Felix. ¡®He¡¯s coming back?!¡¯


    Felix grinned deviously. ¡®Oh yes, we have permission to enter the woods with Vivian. So, we¡¯ll be here. Every. Single. Day.¡¯ Felix rubbed his hands together in glee. ¡®This will be fun.¡¯


    Peri looked at his empty glass longingly. ¡®One¡¯s not enough.¡¯ He grabbed the bottle on the table and poured himself another glass, which he chugged down like water, before pouring a third.


    Aiden looked at Peri with concern. ¡®I know the effect that human pustule can have on people better that anyone. But still, you should slow down.¡¯ He tried to move the bottle of whiskey away from Peri but the older man snatched it up and hugged it to his chest. He growled at Aiden like a feral dog and the boy backed away a few steps, his hands raised in surrender.


    Felix laughed loudly. ¡®Ah, just when things were starting to get boring around here.¡¯ He slung an arm around Vivian¡¯s shoulders. ¡®I knew it. I knew you would be interesting.¡¯


    Vivian wasn¡¯t sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. She was still a bit worried about the fire and the rogue mage that had set it. Not to mention the council lords that seemed hellbent on blaming her. But at least now, whatever it was, she wouldn¡¯t have to face it alone.

 Chapter 16 - A not-so-friendly Encounter

    Settling into a new routine was easy.


    For the next week, every morning Vivian woke up in her newly furnished room in the attic, in a bed softer than any she had ever slept in before, though taking into account that she used to sleep on hay spread on the floor, that might not be much of a comparison. After a quick wash she would sit down for breakfast with Sith, already dressed and ready to leave for work. After Sith left, she would spend the next couple of hours tending to the greenhouse. When she heard Peri eventually amble downstairs, she would pop her head into the dining room to call out a greeting, to which there would be a mumbled response she had yet to decipher. Soon after Peri had settled down with his morning coffee and breakfast, Aiden and Felix would arrive. They would gather in the library to study any maps they could find in Sith¡¯s collection. Felix would work on outlining the existing borders of the Druscan woods, while Aiden studied any texts and books that could give them any information about the same, reading them out loud for Vivian¡¯s sake.


    After a couple of hours they would leave for the city, wandering around the streets, discovering new shops and restaurants. Vivian made it a point to ask as many shop owners if there was something they required from the woods, things she could sell to them once she received her trade license. The list was quite long. For lunch, they would retreat either to Felix¡¯s or Aiden¡¯s townhouse in the residential district. Both of them were gorgeous, three-storeyed, white marble structures with several terraces and bedrooms within, most of which stood empty without use.


    ¡®Does everyone get their own townhouse?¡¯ Vivian had gaped up at the large front double doors that led into Aiden¡¯s entrance hall the first time she was there. It didn¡¯t take long for the wonder to fade away. ¡®Seems a bit excessive.¡¯


    ¡®For most nobles, this is small.¡¯ Felix skipped up the front stairs and into the hall. ¡®Though I do agree that it¡¯s a waste of space. What would I even do with six bedrooms?¡¯


    Aiden handed his coat to the goblin who had opened the door. ¡®Thank you Bruz. Any news while I was out?¡¯


    The goblin Bruz gave a small bow. ¡®Yes sir. A letter from Miss Shyling arrived earlier this afternoon. I¡¯ve left it in your study for your perusal.¡¯ His deep voice was soothing to listen to. ¡®Additionally, Miss Simony had paid a visit, said she wished to meet you and was willing to wait.¡¯


    Aiden quickly looked around and his voice dropped to a whisper. ¡®Is she here?¡¯


    Bruz looked affronted. ¡®What do you take me for sir? This isn¡¯t my first day as a butler. I know I serve an introvert who attracts girls like flies to a corpse.¡¯


    ¡®Bruz,¡¯ Aiden said warningly.


    Bruz gave a small teasing smile. ¡®It was with great pleasure that I told her that you were out with another girl.¡¯


    ¡®You what?!¡¯


    ¡®Oops. Should I have not done that?¡¯ Bruz tilted his head in mock confusion. ¡®Then I probably shouldn¡¯t have told Miss Vinster that you were now spending your days in another girl¡¯s home.¡¯


    Aiden rubbed his forehead. ¡®Bruz, why do I keep you around?¡¯


    ¡®To be completely frank sir, I don¡¯t know either.¡¯ Bruz gave him a slightly mischievous smile. ¡®Perhaps it¡¯s because of your fear of conversation with your peers and I provide quite the effective repellent to said peers.¡¯


    ¡®I am not afraid-¡¯


    Vivian placed a hand on his shoulder. ¡®No, you are. You really are.¡¯


    ¡®You can¡¯t imagine how delighted I was when Master Felix came to visit for the very first time.¡¯ Bruz gave Felix a slight bow who grinned in return. ¡®If I wasn¡¯t a butler, I would have jumped and clicked my heels with joy. As it were, I settled for indulging in some pudding.¡¯


    Aiden slowly turned towards him. ¡®You mean the pudding I was saving for myself. I wondered what had happened to that.¡¯


    ¡®You really needed to cut back on your sweets intake, sir.¡¯ Bruz shook his head gravelly. ¡®And so, like any good butler that cares for their master, I decided to take the arrow for you.¡¯


    Aiden took a deep, calming breath. ¡®I had ordered a cake yesterday. Is it¡­?¡¯


    Bruz gently wiped his lips. ¡®Someday, you will thank me.¡¯


    ¡®I doubt that,¡¯ Aiden grumbled. He sighed loudly. ¡®Is lunch ready, or did you inhale that for my sake as well?¡¯


    ¡®Oh no, no. Of course not.¡¯ Bruz shook his head. ¡®I can¡¯t stand asparagus. Makes me feel bloated.¡¯


    Aiden gave him an incredulous look and opened his mouth to say something, but stopped and thought better of it. Another sigh escaped him as he turned and climbed up the stairs. ¡®Please serve lunch on the drawing room balcony, that is if it¡¯s alright with you.¡¯


    ¡®I suppose I could, though carrying everything upstairs is a bit of a chore¡­¡¯ Bruz gave a short sigh. ¡®Very well, sir.¡¯ The goblin ignored the glare that Aiden had fixed on him by this point. He gave a deep bow and disappeared into the dining room.


    ¡®Honestly, of all the goblins I could¡¯ve been assigned, I get the most nosy and obstinate one.¡¯


    ¡®I think he¡¯s good for you.¡¯ Vivian followed Aiden up the stairs to a luxurious and decadent drawing room. ¡®I have a feeling you¡¯d have sat around in completely silence, with the windows shut and curtains drawn closed if it weren¡¯t for him.¡¯


    ¡®That¡¯s exactly what he was doing when he first came here.¡¯ Felix threw himself into a comfy armchair by the unlit fireplace. ¡®That first week before Bruz was assigned to him, no one saw hide or hair of him.¡¯


    ¡®I was¡­ processing my new situation.¡¯ Aiden sat down as well. ¡®It was a big change, finding out I was a mage. I needed some time to reorient myself.¡¯


    ¡®How about now?¡¯ Vivian pushed open the balcony windows to let in some fresh air and sunlight. ¡®You feel adjusted?¡¯


    ¡®I don¡¯t think I ever will.¡¯


    Vivian shrugged. ¡®I don¡¯t blame you. I¡¯ve been here almost two weeks and I still feel¡­ unsteady.¡¯


    ¡®Yes well, there¡¯s no point to getting settled.¡¯ Felix let out a wide yawn. ¡®We¡¯re only going to be here for five years.¡¯


    Vivian¡¯s head snapped around. ¡®Wh-what do you mean only five years?¡¯


    Aiden leaned forward. ¡®You do know that this is only a temporary situation, yes?¡¯


    ¡®I think it¡¯s quite obvious that I did not.¡¯ She settled down on the couch next to Aiden. ¡®Wait, so you mean to tell me that you¡¯ll be leaving Mirran after five years.¡¯


    ¡®Well, we¡¯re only here to learn how to control our powers. That¡¯s the whole reason our families have sent us here.¡¯ Felix picked at the threads on the armchair. ¡®Once that''s done we¡¯ll go back to serve our families again.¡¯


    ¡®But... magic is illegal in Venith.¡¯ Vivian was confused. ¡®It¡¯s the whole reason for us running and hiding like this. You¡¯d be hunted down by Sentinels and the like if you return. How are you-¡¯


    It was at this moment that Bruz arrived, precariously balancing several plates on his arms. He was moving at a snail¡¯s pace so as to not tip any of them over. The three of them watched as he slowly made his way to the terrace.


    ¡®Oh please, don¡¯t get up.¡¯ His arms gave a little wobble. ¡®If the food falls I suppose you could always eat it off the floor.¡¯


    ¡®You could just ask for help.¡¯ Vivian moved forward to grab a few of the plates. ¡®We¡¯re not mind readers.¡¯


    ¡®Also it¡¯s your job,¡¯ Aiden pointed out, but still picked up a plate from the goblin. ¡®It¡¯s what I pay you for.¡¯


    ¡®You don¡¯t pay me sir, the council does.¡¯


    ¡®With my father¡¯s money.¡¯


    ¡®Which is not your money, it¡¯s your father¡¯s.¡¯ Bruz finally managed to set the plates down on terrace table. ¡®I also think I should be paid extra for tuition, since I am currently educating you on how to talk to other people.¡¯


    ¡®A service I never asked for.¡¯ The three of them sat down at the table, ready to tuck into the small feast in front of them.


    ¡®Really sir? Then will I get paid for keeping away unwanted guests such as Miss Shyling and that elf that tried to buy your kidney?¡¯


    Vivian choked on the chicken she was swallowing. ¡®What?!¡¯


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    ¡®Miss Shyling is a very unpleasant girl that shows up at our doorstep every once in a while, asking to meet Master Aiden,¡¯ Bruz explained. A note of petulance entered his voice. ¡®She is snobby, rude, generally unpleasant and I don¡¯t like her. I don¡¯t like her one bit.¡¯


    ¡®I was actually asking about that elf...¡¯ Vivian mumbled.


    ¡®That¡¯s most nobles.¡¯ Felix popped a piece of bread in his mouth.


    ¡®If you say so sir.¡¯ Bruz sighed as he filled up the glasses with water. ¡®If those people are the nobility in charge of governing your country, I fear for the human race.¡¯


    ¡®Yes, yes,¡¯ Aiden said impatiently. ¡®It¡¯s a wonder we aren¡¯t extinct yet. Now do you mind, we would like to eat.¡¯


    Bruz set down the water jug with a huff. ¡®So rude. I wonder if the academy has classes on manners¡­ you should definitely sign up, sir.¡¯


    ¡®Bruz.¡¯ Aiden looked like he had given up. ¡®Please leave, I¡¯m begging you.¡¯


    ¡®You don¡¯t look like you¡¯re begging, sir.¡¯ Bruz drew himself up and stepped back. ¡®Very well, I suppose I¡¯ll stop the teasing here¡­ for now.¡¯ He looked at Vivian and Felix and gave a short bow to each. ¡®Master Felix, Miss Vivian¡­¡¯


    ¡®Just Vivian is fine,¡¯ Vivian replied. ¡®I¡¯m no lady.¡¯


    ¡®You are certainly more of one than any of the other girls that have visited so far.¡¯ Bruz gave a small smile. ¡®You¡¯re also a friend and a guest of my master, so it is only right that I respect you accordingly.¡¯ He leaned in a bit and whispered conspiratorially. ¡®I¡¯m also going to be using your name a lot to keep the other so-called ladies away from the house.¡¯


    Vivian swallowed the stew she was eating. ¡®I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea.¡¯


    Bruz shrugged. ¡®Perhaps not for you, but it makes my life easier. My thanks and apologies in advance.¡¯ Bruz whirred around in a flurry of coattails and left before Vivian could protest any further.


    Vivian looked back at Felix and Aiden. ¡®I feel like I will be getting a lot of undeserved hate from a bunch of strangers.¡¯


    ¡®You will.¡¯ Felix let out a bark of laughter. ¡®Oh, I love that goblin. He sows chaos so easily wherever he goes¡­ Wonder if he takes students.¡¯


    Aiden¡¯s eyes widened slightly in alarm. ¡®You¡¯re chaotic enough already. Imagining you and Bruz teaming up.¡¯ He gave a shudder. ¡®I don¡¯t want to think about it.¡¯


    Vivian agreed with Aiden. ¡®He¡¯s right. I don¡¯t think the world can handle that deadly combination.¡¯


    ¡®Well, I think we would have a blast.¡¯


    ¡®Yes, you would,¡¯ Vivian agreed. ¡®That¡¯s the problem.¡¯


    ¡®You know, you don¡¯t get to go around pointing fingers Miss-I-blew-up-a-lake-on-my-second-day.¡¯ Felix wagged his finger at her. ¡®If anything, you¡¯re the most chaotic person here.¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s not like I did it on purpose!¡¯


    ¡®And that¡¯s what makes it worse,¡¯ Aiden said, switching sides and agreeing with Felix. ¡®You¡¯re accidentally chaotic. At least if you were doing it on purpose, I would feel content blaming you. But I can¡¯t do that, can I?¡¯


    Vivian pouted and stuffed a piece of bread soaked in delicious stew into her mouth. ¡®Oh, I¡¯m sorry, did you want the woods to go up in flames?¡¯


    ¡®The woods would¡¯ve been fine. The council was already on their way to contain the fire.¡¯ Aiden slathered some butter on a piece of bread. ¡®You just jumped in before they could, head first straight into a literal fire.¡¯


    ¡®In all seriousness, did you even have a plan?¡¯ Felix asked. ¡®Or did you just run towards a raging fire with no thought whatsoever?¡¯


    ¡®A plan?¡¯ Vivian snorted. ¡®I didn¡¯t even know I could use my magic like that, let alone make it a part of a plan. Honestly, it was all a happy accident that it all worked out the way it did.¡¯


    ¡®Thanks to us,¡¯ Aiden pointed out. He sighed. ¡®It¡¯s going to be a long five years.¡¯


    Vivian suddenly remembered what they were talking about before Bruz had come in with lunch. ¡®About that, I meant to ask, how exactly are you planning to avoid Sentinels and the like after you return? They didn¡¯t seem like the kind to turn a blind eye to magic just because you¡¯re nobles.¡¯


    Felix looked up. ¡®You¡¯ve met Sentinels? How did you escape?¡¯


    ¡®Peri,¡¯ was the simple answer she gave. ¡®I would¡¯ve been sold for some sort of exotic pet to fight in some arena if Peri didn¡¯t come and save me.¡¯


    ¡®Well, there you go.¡¯ Aiden took a gulp of water. ¡®That¡¯s your answer. The Sentinels leave us alone as long as we participate in their gladiatorial fights. It¡¯s a deal that all noble families make when they find out that there is a mage in the family.¡¯


    ¡®That¡¯s¡­ horrible.¡¯


    Felix shrugged. ¡®It is what it is. You know, despite the ban on magic, most noble families are happy when a mage is born into them. After all, magic is a form of power, and who doesn¡¯t love power¡­¡¯


    Aiden hummed in agreement. ¡®And they get to keep that power secret as long as they send their mages to fight in the Sentinel¡¯s arena¡­ along with a few sizable donations.¡¯


    ¡®So, what I¡¯m understanding is that you two will be returning to your families in five years¡¯ time to be used as their secret weapon which if they want to keep secret, they have to pay the Sentinels as well as make you compete in their arena fights for the entertainment of other nobles¡­ And I thought my future looked bleak.¡¯


    Felix spread his arms in a grand gesture. ¡®Welcome to noble society. We love doing the things we tell others not to.¡¯


    ¡®There¡¯s no point worrying about it now.¡¯ Aiden set down his glass that he was clutching a bit too tightly, tight enough for it to have cracked. ¡®We will just have to deal with it when it happens.¡¯


    ¡®Right, let¡¯s just change the subject.¡¯ Felix suggested. ¡®How about our work in the woods. I¡¯m almost finished with outlining the borders. What next?¡¯


    Vivian thought for a moment. ¡®We could ask the fairies where they leave their silk? Sith said that she should receive my trade license today.¡¯


    ¡®That¡¯s great! We might as well get started then.¡¯ Felix wiped his mouth with a napkin. ¡®Let¡¯s go speak to the fairies after lunch and ask them.¡¯


    And so with this plan in mind, they headed for the Secret Garden Bookshop after lunch. The shop only had one customer when they arrived who soon left.


    ¡®Oh, it¡¯s you three!¡¯ Miss Vyn flitted over to them. ¡®How can I help you children?¡¯


    ¡®Hello Miss Vyn,¡¯ Vivian greeted. ¡®I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t come last week. I was a bit busy.¡¯


    Miss Vyn shook her head. ¡®No need for apologies. Cyrus dropped by and explained why you couldn¡¯t come.¡¯ A look of curiosity gleamed in her eyes. ¡®Did you really blow up the lake?¡¯


    ¡®Uh, yes, yes I did.¡¯


    Miss Vyn whistled low. ¡®Must have been quite the explosion. We heard the sound all the way here.¡¯ She nodded at Irie who was lazily drifting around overhead. ¡®Startled Irie right off one of the top shelves. Barely caught himself before he hit the ground.¡¯


    Irie turned upright with his hands on hips, a bit miffed. ¡®You¡¯re lucky that I had wings, otherwise I would be demanding compensation.¡¯


    Vivian rubbed her head sheepishly. ¡®Sorry.¡¯


    Miss Vyn gave him a threatening glare. ¡®The only reason you were up that high was because you were hiding from me while taking a nap¡­ if anyone¡¯s asking for compensation, it¡¯ll be me.¡¯


    Irie stuck his tongue out her and flew off, probably to go take another nap. Miss Vyn shook her head as he zoomed off. ¡®What am I going to do with him¡­?¡¯ She turned back to Vivian and gave a small smile. ¡®Well anyway, that¡¯s my problem. How about you? Are you all right now?¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯m fine, barely a scratch.¡¯


    ¡®Actually, we came to talk about the fairy silk that we mentioned the last time we were here,¡¯ Felix said, getting the conversation back on track. ¡®So, are you interested in the offer?¡¯


    Miss Vyn landed on the counter, her wings folding behind her back as she did so. ¡®Yes, I have discussed it with the others in my village. We find the offer lucrative and are willing to enter into the deal, provided we split the profits evenly.¡¯


    ¡®Hold on now. ¡®Felix stepped forward, taking over the conversation. ¡®That doesn¡¯t seem quite right. An even split? Seeing as we are the ones doing all the work, that doesn¡¯t seem fair.¡¯


    Miss Vyn drew herself up to her full height, which was only about six inches. ¡®Seems fair to me. The fairy silk belongs to the fairies.¡¯


    ¡®And they will remain lost deep in the woods if we didn¡¯t retrieve them, seeing as how we¡¯re the only ones who can retrieve them,¡¯ Felix replied. ¡®We¡¯re the ones who has to transport, store and sell the goods. Not to mention the fact that the Druscan woods are filled with dangerous creatures, so there has to be a hazard pay.¡¯


    Miss Vyn tapped her shoe rhythmically, considering his words for a moment. ¡®Very well then. What did you have in mind then?¡¯


    ¡®An eighty-twenty split. We take the eighty, of course.¡¯


    ¡®Are you serious? That¡¯s not an offer, that¡¯s a joke. Sixty-forty,¡¯ she counteroffered.


    ¡®Seventy-five-twenty-five.¡¯


    Miss Vyn pursed her lips. ¡®Seventy-thirty. Last offer. Take it or the silk can remain where it is.¡¯


    Felix gave a respectful nod. ¡®Very well, we have an agreement. A seventy-thirty split after taxes.¡¯ He nudged Vivian forward to close the deal. With her mouth still a bit agape with awe she extended a pinkie finger for Miss Vyn to shake.


    ¡®I look forward to doing business with you.¡¯


    Vivian was unsure how to respond in this situation, so she went with, ¡®Um, pleasure¡¯s mine?¡¯


    Miss Vyn let go of Vivian¡¯s finger, her arms settling back on her hips. ¡®The Changing Grounds is right next to our village so please be careful when you make your way there. Try not disturb them too much. The elder of our village is a grumpy, old fairy. He won¡¯t be happy with your presence.¡¯


    ¡®Oh, will that be a problem?¡¯ Vivian asked worriedly.


    Miss Vyn waved a hand dismissively. ¡®All he can do is grumble. Since the majority of the village has agreed to this, he has no right to stop you. So don¡¯t worry¡­ I can spare someone this weekend to show you the way¡­ now who should I send?¡¯


    Her eyes alighted on Irie who was sleeping in a book nook in one of the trees. A glint of mischief entered her eyes as she smiled. ¡®I¡¯m sure Irie wouldn¡¯t mind showing you the way.¡¯


    ¡®That fairy is a glutton for punishment,¡¯ Aiden muttered.


    A bell rang as someone entered the shop, and Miss Vyn¡¯s attention shifted to the new customer. ¡®I have to go. So, I will see you all here on Sunday.¡¯


    Vivian nodded. ¡®Thank you for your time, Miss Vyn.¡¯ She turned to Aiden and Felix. ¡®Shall we leave?¡¯


    ¡®Yes, let¡¯s¡¯ Aiden replied shortly, already turning towards the door. But they had barely made it six steps outside the shop when the door was swung open and hurried footsteps followed behind them. A voice called out behind them.


    ¡®Master Aiden!¡¯


    ¡®Oh no,¡¯ Aiden groaned. ¡®No, not today. Not any day.¡¯


    A girl with dark brown hair and sharp green eyes was striding towards them, a cordial smile on her face and a glint of anticipation in her eyes. Aiden instinctively took a small step behind Vivian, using her as an impromptu shield between himself and the approaching figure. The action didn¡¯t go unnoticed as the girl¡¯s smile immediately hardened into something more strained.


    ¡®Hello Miss Shyling,¡¯ Felix intercepted her, sensing the danger. ¡®How lovely to see you this fine morning.¡¯


    The strained smile never left her face. In fact, it became more contorted as she reluctantly turned to address Felix. ¡®Yes Master Felix, it is indeed a fine morning. I hope you don¡¯t mind my rudeness, but I wish to speak to Master Aiden alone.¡¯


    ¡®Actually, we are a bit busy. There are a few things we need to attend to.¡¯


    ¡®All three of you?¡¯ Her glare fixed itself on Vivian, sharp green eyes studying her from head to toe. ¡®What business could you have with the likes of her?¡¯


    Vivian swallowed and stood stock still. She was wondering when this class disparity between herself and the others was going to rear its ugly head.


    ¡®The urgent kind.¡¯ Felix¡¯s voice had grown quite cold as he spoke. ¡®I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll have to meet with Master Aiden another day.¡¯


    Her eyes narrowed. ¡®I am sure that Master Aiden is more than capable of speaking for himself.¡¯


    ¡®He¡¯s right, we do need to go,¡¯ Aiden finally spoke up. ¡®Perhaps another time.¡¯


    She clenched her hands into fists but said nothing. Finally she let out a huff. ¡®Very well, another time then.¡¯ She shot one last look of contempt at Vivian before striding back into the bookshop.


    The moment she disappeared, the three of them heaved a collective sigh of relief.


    ¡®Come on, let¡¯s go.¡¯ Aiden turned around and strode down the street.


    ¡®Where are you going?¡¯ Vivian pointed back over her shoulder. ¡®Your home is that way.¡¯


    ¡®I need to hide, just for a little while. Let¡¯s go to your place. No one will come looking for me so close to the woods.¡¯ He walked away briskly without so much as a backward glance. Vivian and Felix exchanged a look and jogged to catch up with him.


    Why do I feel like I just made an enemy today?