《Path to the Pantheon [FANTASY]》


 Chapter 1: Returning Home

    He can¡¯t escape their past, like his paw prints in the sand; it trailed behind him wherever he went. The desert kingdom survived against the whirling sandstorms for centuries within the shelter of a vast canyon. But in the early hours of the morning the desert was serene. The air was cool, the world still, and his busy thoughts began to settle.


    Eclipse hadn¡¯t planned to spend so much time there. He assumed Chancellor Godfrey would see him as a nuisance and try to settle their business as quickly as possible.  Instead, the Council avoided him and cancelled appointments at short notice.  It didn¡¯t help that he managed to get himself distracted with another, less reputable, situation. He hoped Moira, his Mage, would forgive him. But if the rumours were correct, then the missing man was a concerning matter. Eclipse was older now, and with age his naivety washed away. Before he wouldn¡¯t dare question the rule of law. But the Ferryman was different. No family name, no collaborating description, nothing but a whisper on the wind.


    To the Mages he was a bedtime story. A folk legend told in the slums. But to the Innocents of the Kingdom of Ancients, he was real. Not a whisper but a person. He was their only way out. The laws restrict Innocents from leaving the kingdom proper without official paperwork. He arranged passage to the continent, for a steep price. His very existence proved that not all was right among the non-magic users of the kingdom.


    Back then the rabbit hole was deep and twisting. While Moira studied for her classes, he investigated. And after two years, right before Moira¡¯s expulsion he saw him. It was a sleeve of a dusty robe sitting upon a nondescript camel drawn cart. But it was him. His first confirmed sighting. It had been almost two years since he was last in the desert. And knowing the mythical man was gone, gave him pause. A thought nagged at him, as it does when there was no acceptable answer. Where did the unsung hero go? And what was happening to the Innocents who desperately needed him.


    He tried to push those thoughts from his mind as he walked through the narrow streets towards the temple carved out of the canyon base.  The Council Chambers were the center of the political life, the Mage Academy (the largest) was the core of educational and creativity, and the building before him was the center of the religious world. Statues of two great angels decorated the doorway. The bottom of their folded feather wings rested at the top step. Each arm with an outstretched hand, reached beyond the desert to anyone in need. Torches burned in the night, reminding people that the Holy House always welcomed those who seek it. The door opened, revealing a smiling young girl.


    ¡°Lord Orbit! We were so worried!¡± she welcomed him into the firelit atrium closing the door behind them.


    ¡°No need to worry Tahel, is she awake?¡±


    She nodded. He caught a whiff of clay and varnish as she led him over the marble floor. Her beige skirt was tied to her thigh with splotches of red clay over the lightweight material. She must have emerged from the kiln. Her brown hair grew passed her shoulders. She wore intricate jewelry like the other temple maidens. Painted wooden and clay beads. Gold and silver bangles on her wrists. When she spoke her voice still twinkled. Everything about Tahel sparkled, even at this late hour in the shadows of the temple.


    Across the large square space held the largest altar to the Gods anywhere on the continent. Several stories tall, stood The Celestial Family carved in stone against the eastern wall, decorated in gold, silver and jewels. Zander stood tall and imposing with a sun crown on his head. His blind eyes staring forward towards the door. Alona, the Mother Goddess, draped in stars held a chalice in her palms. With antlers and arrows Ferus stood on guard. Flames decorated her warrior brother, Haddak¡¯s, armour. Sherseas¡¯s elegant fish tail curled poised to attack. And the Twins, Tesup and Taru, were last. Tesup¡¯s blind eyes seemed to stare into Eclipse¡¯s soul while Taru¡¯s gapping jaw reminded him of a snapping crocodile.


    Oil lamps cast shadows on the carved faces, creating threatening grimace over their angelic features. The altar in front of the statues held a copy of the Holy Scriptures. Flagging the text were relics and candles used by parishioners to communicate to the Gods. On the perimeter of the temple area was a section of columns and clay brick barriers separating the public from the clergy¡¯s private quarters.


    Tahel was the Oracle¡¯s Maiden. The highest position for any servant of the Temple.  She bowed her head, placing her hands to her chest as a mark of respect as they passed the altar. Near the back of the temple was a set of large double doors. She pulled a set of keys on a metal ring from her skirt pocket. The locking mechanism came to life with a loud clang allowing them access to Grandmother¡¯s private quarters.


    The sitting area was richly decorated with rare paintings, illuminated manuscripts on display and other religious relics. All emitted a sense of history, power, and authority. Off to the side was a cabinet of tiny porcelain figurines encased behind glass. They were so lifelike he imagined them springing to life. It wouldn¡¯t be the first time he caught one shifting from its stand.


    Each have unique expressions and stances. The lamplight flickered over their glossy varnish.  He saw a large throne like chair in the center of the room standing on an ornate rug with a few uncomfortable chairs sitting before it. Eclipse knew she wouldn¡¯t be there; the room was for official visits, which she hated more than lukewarm tea. Tahel led him to a door to the left, she smiled again, and patted his head.


    ¡°I am so glad you are safe, Grandmother said you would be, but you know how I worry. Especially with how everything is.¡±


    She kissed his forehead. He had lost most of his friends after the Council''s decision. Loyal companions turned from him, fearing backlash from the powers at be. Few wanted to cross Godfrey, a lesson he learned the hard way. But he was lucky to still have an ally in Tehal and Grandmother.


    He descended into the dark underground; narrow steps so familiar he didn¡¯t need to see to know the way. Instead, he watched for the warm glow of the candles and lanterns that decorated the basement apartment. As his paws felt the cool stone, the mix of burning logs and tea flooded his nose. His heart glowed as he greeted the smells of his childhood home. Bookshelves and cabinets with hundreds of ornaments crowded the windowless space.


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    Most were animals, she tended to favour kittens, but there were people, flowers, sometimes there were little cottages. Stacks of old atlas¡¯s rose from the floor, sometimes holding abandoned teacups. Various weaving projects laid unfinished on the dusty shelves. In the center of the room, almost buried under all her things sat the Mage Elder, known affectionally as Grandmother.


    She didn¡¯t seem bothered by the potential catastrophe that could arise if one of the free-standing projects collapsed. Instead, she sat with her feet extended out from the chair with an old quilt on her lap. Her grey head bent down looking at the knitting that occupy her hands. The only sound was the crackling of the fireplace which she was comfortably placed and the ticking and tapping of her needles. Opposite her chair was a worn sofa. The whole scene that awaited Eclipse was a simple image of an everyday grandmother in a home where she had raised generations of her family.


    But she, although tiny and frail, was far from ordinary. Her residence alone was stranger than most could imagine. Moira once confessed she caught one of the figurines moving on their own. But it was the ceiling that caused guests to pause. There were no windows, but the glittering crystals hanging from the ceiling cast a pleasant light over the space. He¡¯s studied enough charts to see the patterns, constellations and planets sprawled above him. Every time he visited; they were often in different positions; liked they mimicked the night sky above.


    ¡°Welcome home, my pet¡± she smiled, peering through her large thick round glasses. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting you know. It¡¯s not nice to make an old lady like me wait. Who knows how many days us old people have.¡±


    ¡°At this rate I am sure you will outlive us all.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing you don¡¯t gamble, eh? Sit, sit. Tahel will be down in a bit.¡± He jumped on the sofa, hanging his head over the armrest, allowing his tired body to stretch out. ¡°You had a long day, out chasing rats again my dear?¡±


    ¡°The biggest ones I have ever seen,¡± He let out a sigh, ¡°I arranged a meeting with the headmistress of the Academy. After spending days getting the run around, I finally managed to speak to someone.¡±


    ¡°Do you believe you can make Verena change her mind?¡±


    ¡°She deserves it Sinna. I admit granting Moira the rank back then might have been premature, but she deserves it now. I saw her use the final element in the Alexanderian mountains. And flawlessly if I might add. They need to recognise her accomplishment.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s rare for the Council to amend previous decisions. Especially this one.¡±


    ¡°That night was not her fault. If you would speak to them, tell them what you saw¡ª¡±


    ¡°My boy, you know I am only allowed to share the details of my visions with those directly involved in them. It was between Moira and Rian and no one else. Why are you pushing for reconciliation now; I thought you both had moved on?¡±


    ¡°She is sad.¡± Even in the middle of a desert he felt the weight of her heart. "It is hard to describe."


    ¡°And you feel useless because this is the first time you can¡¯t help her,¡±


    ¡°I want to secure her future in the Order. My time is limited. I want her to be safe then maybe¡ª¡±


    ¡°She¡¯ll be the Mage you hope she will be?¡± She smiled that knowing smile he had grown accustomed too. ¡°Do you know what my first thought was when you arrived?¡±


    ¡°I can only guess.¡±


    ¡°I said to myself ¡®why did the Gods send me such a chubby creature! I couldn¡¯t imagine the cub who couldn¡¯t find his way out of that yarn basket could fulfill the immense job the Gods had planned for you.¡±


    ¡°Is this you trying to make me feel better?¡±


    ¡°I have seen thousands of things; past, present and things yet to come. And if there¡¯s one thing, I know is that you raised a good Mage. Eclipse, I know you have fought hard to ensure she was ready for the difficult path the Gods have chosen for her. I didn¡¯t think you were ready when I had to deliver you to her, but she needed you and I let you go. Now you must do the same.¡±


    ¡°Is it too much to ask you to tell me how this all happens to end?¡±


    ¡°Some paths are like a fog. I can¡¯t always see the details...¡±


    ¡°And Moira is one of those foggy paths?¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, her path is clear as day. And I am afraid, the worse is yet to come.¡±


    She had never been wrong before, but he didn¡¯t want to accept that something worse could happen to his Mage. Even now, he felt her growing distant. It hurt to experience it. To know she was suffering. How could he pull away when he wanted to be with her; especially now. Sighing he let his head drop over the edge of the sofa. He wanted her back; he wished that she never returned to Alexanderia.


    He heard Tahel making her way down the stairs. He also smelled the aroma of raspberry scones and tea. She emerged from the shadows, her hair and bright eyes catching the glimpses of firelight. She rearranged the mess of the cluttered table with ease then placed the large tray in the middle.


    ¡°Here you go Grandmother,¡±


    ¡°Thank you my dear, Tahel takes great care of me."


    ¡°I have never met someone who loved my cooking as much as her,¡± she joked as she placed a plate with two scones next to him.


    ¡°Thank you, this smell delicious.¡±


    ¡°You are my favourite after all,¡± she winked before retiring upstairs.


    ¡°She seems happy.¡±


    ¡°Yes, she does.¡±


    ¡°But?¡±


    ¡°She has begun to have the visions. She hasn¡¯t realized it yet, not fully. She assumes she falls asleep because we keep odd hours. But she will soon discover that we keep odd hours because of the toll the visions take on our bodies.¡±


    ¡°She is unaware she is to be your successor?¡±


    ¡°She was so young when I removed her from her family. This is the only life she knows. But the Gods will reveal the truth soon enough. She confessed to having dreams of happy parents and smiling daughters. I haven¡¯t the heart to tell what she sees are her parents and their new family. But it is all part of the process. I went through the same thing and so shall she and the girl after her.¡±


    ¡°I refer to your expertise in this matter.¡± Eclipse once again settled himself on the sofa. He was enjoying the crackling of the fire and tapping of the knitting needles. But another matter nagged at him. The disappearance of the Ferryman coincided with something else. ¡°I heard rumours of the Council¡¯s new project to the north.¡±


    ¡°Godfrey will do anything in the name of progress...¡±


    ¡°How can you stand by and watch it happen? Those people¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the price I pay¡ª that we all pay; the Gods are as spiteful as they are kind.¡±

 Chapter 2: Among the Mortals

    Today was the day she would make her Papa proud. She studied with him for centuries to ensure she was well informed of politics, scripture, and history. It was her first time on Umara, and Kelani was determined to do everything correctly; to the letter. The only problem was, there was so much of the mortal world she didn¡¯t know. Her books were always second-hand accounts written by her kind. This was her chance to learn firsthand knowledge that would grace their bookshelves. She was living history in the making.


    The Mortal world was much drier and dustier than she imagined. She floated above the sand, avoiding getting rocks in her sandals. Also, the noise. Everything made a sound. Living breathing life filled the world. The travellers around them chatted, laughed, or whispered. Even the animals accompanying them spoke in their own language. Some more disgruntled than others.


    Her mind loved facts. Papa said it was a positive quality to have. But at every word her mind seized on it, with an iron grip trying to submit into her immortal memory. Names, gossip, directions, and instructions all swirled together into a jarring dissonance. It took every effort to focus. If she wasn¡¯t careful, she would have unsavory gossip about a woman¡¯s neighbour imprinted in her brain for eternity.


    Kelani followed behind another group of travellers. A family carrying everything they own with a four-legged creature with a wagging tail in tow. The Passage of Prosperity snaked under the hot desert and led travellers to the Kingdom of the First Mages. Mortals call it the Kingdom of Ancients, but she liked the name in her own tongue. Iron lanterns, with elaborate designs lined the walls, casting shadows over the smooth stone. Carvings, bigger than houses depicting the first encounters with her kind. She spied Papa, the chief god, delivering the sacred tableaus to the Mages. She watched their history, their growth, and developments as she passed.


    How simple it all looked, neatly depicted in the artist¡¯s talented hand. The growth of their civilization bloomed over the stone face. But so did the wars, the countless battles between the mortals and the mythical beast leaders of the continent. But as she passed by the story of the building of the First Kingdom, she paused. From the records she knew the period was rife with wars. Mages and Innocents fought for power and land. Governance switched rulers so often they only had three lines in history marking their achievements and existence. But that period was nowhere on the mural.


    Odd, she thought, stepping closer to inspect the carvings. Running her fingers over the dull grooves, she noticed the colour didn¡¯t match the rest of the wall. The other panels on either side where smoother, someone took great care to sand the rough toolmarks away. The edges of the engravings were softer, worn down over centuries. But the panel that caught her eye, was missing that level of care. It was still beautiful, but it was newer. At the bottom corner, she spied the faded edges of older letters. Someone was rewriting history. Worse yet it was out in the open for anyone to see. No guilt or shame, blatant disrespect to the Gods and the story of creation. Why the Mages covered it up, created an uneasy feeling in her stomach.


    ¡°Lani!¡± a voice called from her left. To her horror, the translucent form of her younger sister dangled from the top of a cart full of squawking creatures in cages. ¡°Look what I found!¡±


    ¡°Osana, get down from there.¡±


    They were careful to use their magic to conceal themselves from the mortals. But that didn¡¯t stop Osana from getting herself in trouble. Kelani whisked herself across the passage, crossing the space in a blink of an eye. Her sister crawled over the cages and had successfully spooked the feathered ones.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be such a wet blanket,¡± she hung off a bigger cage with hoof horned animals chewing hay. ¡°Papa has one of these in his garden. They chew anything you give them.¡±


    ¡°Do these creatures not have a palate or any discernment?¡±


    ¡°I dunno, Papa called them goats. Look he¡¯s happy!¡±


    ¡°How can you possibly know that without touching him?¡±


    ¡°His little tail, tails wag when they¡¯re happy.¡±


    If her education failed her, it was in the category of creatures. Her texts illustrated the rare elusive ones from the ancient days but left out the common ones in the mortal world. Papa had a realm full of both kinds, which Osana frequented more often than her. Her sister was more capable of understanding them. It had something to do with emotions, something Kelani also didn¡¯t understand.


    Happy? An interesting observation, she thought as she snapped her fingers. A pop sounded from above and a heavy silver adorned book fell into her waiting hands. On its own, it opened to a fresh page, and she used her finger to write a note; wagging tails means happy. She smiled at her work; not even one day with the mortals and she was making great progress. She closed it with a satisfying slam before banishing it away with another snap of her fingers.


    The ground under her feet groaned like an ancient behemoth waking from its slumber. The sound of stone grating against stone, drew her eyes to the tunnel ahead. A sliver of sunlight crawled towards her. Inching the length of the space until she felt the warmth on her toes. It exploded over them, vanquishing the shadows and the people near her. As her eyes adjusted, she saw the exit. Joining her sister¡¯s side, she witnessed four Mages in crimson robes used staffs to coax the doors open.


    At first, she thought they moved on their own, but the fluttering of magic led her to notice the staffs in their hands. The gemstones resting on top glowed as they responded to their master¡¯s commands. She waited, watching the obedient sandstone reveal what was on the other side. Osana couldn¡¯t wait any longer, she yanked her through the passageway; approaching the rocky path bathed in daylight. A wide canyon stretched in front of them. The entire kingdom nestled into the rock haven. Buildings crowded the center space while small trails of water meandered over the sand. Leafy trees, plants, and fountains decorated market squares.


    ¡°This is actually happening¡­¡± she whispered watching the groups maneuver over the path.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this great!¡± The excitement bubbled over Osana¡¯s lithe frame. Her short hair floated out past her ears as she bobbed a few inches over the ground. ¡°We¡¯re doing it, can you believe it Lani, it¡¯s happening!¡±


    Osana was waiting for centuries to explore the mortal world. Ever since Papa allowed her to play in the Garden with all his pets. It was all she talked about. Seeing Umara for herself. In the wild. But it wasn''t wild, there were homes, towers, and winding streets. Even the tall spire climbing above the buildings signified the culture that prosper under the burning sun. From the vantage point she spied the Oracle¡¯s temple carved into the canyon wall. Sculptures of two angels stand larger than life flanking the winding stairs.


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    Her heart fluttered, all the wisdom and knowledge ever known by the mortals was before her. And she dreamed of reading every word. She never forgot the moment Papa told her there were books still unread. Stories she never heard, and they were under her nose all along. In a dusty mortal land, that for the longest time, she never thought much about.


    She didn¡¯t plan to visit until they were further along. But everything changed when Sherseas dropped that book. It wasn¡¯t as impressive as Jhee, a simple paper with stained and bent pages. Sherseas didn¡¯t think much of it and left it behind before setting off for something else. When Kilani saw it, she plucked it from the floor recognising the problem. It wasn¡¯t one of theirs.


    Papa insisted nothing from the Mortal Realm enter the Pantheon. And nothing from the Pantheon got left behind in the Mortal Realm. But Sherseas was careless. The temptation of the forbidden knowledge was too great. It clamped to her chest and sent tingles over her body. In a secluded place she opened her prize. Poetry. Lines and stanzas of love, beauty, grief, and anger. She never knew those emotions. That¡¯s Osana¡¯s magic. But the passion of the words and imagery hooked her. It wasn¡¯t simply knowing them. She needed to know them beyond knowing. She didn¡¯t know at the time but what she was so desperate to understand was how to feel.


    ¡°We must remember our objective.¡±


    ¡°I know, I know, but we can still have fun. You don¡¯t have to be so serious all the time Lani, let down your hair.¡± She tugged on her braid and chuckled.


    ¡°This is serious. We spent a century convincing Papa to let us do this. We need to prove to him that we are worthy enough to be part of the Pantheon. That we can assist the mortals; able to confidently answer their prayers.¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll get to have little shrines in their little houses. Oh, do you think they¡¯ll talk to us? Won¡¯t that be great, it¡¯ll be like having little friends all over Umara. We won¡¯t be alone anymore!¡±


    Osana took her hand and pulled her over the path with the biggest smile on her face. They enter the busy market, where she grips Osana''s hand. Partly to keep her from wandering but also to keep focused. The world seemed to fill with people at accelerated rate. She had trouble hearing her own thoughts. Worse yet, she struggled to remember her plan. The directions and instructions spilled together as the trembling tambourines sang out from a line of dancers.


    They ducked into an empty alley, hoping to get a break from the noise and the sun. From the shadows Osana gawked at the people passing by. But the only thing that could settle Kelani¡¯s mind, was reading. She snapped her fingers, summoning Jhee into her palms. She flipped passed pages of historical figures to one of a calendar. It¡¯s the day of Blessings. She looked around, noticing groups of people heading towards the Oracle¡¯s Temple. Today was the day they could offer their blessing to the gods through the Oracle and receive one in return.


    ¡°So, what do we do first?¡± her sister asked, staring at the musicians by the fountain.


    ¡°The best course of action will be to find a mortal to assist.¡±


    ¡°Easy, look there, that one is trying to give away that food. If we take it from him, I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be grateful.¡±


    ¡°No, it must be important. A worthy mortal who has a problem they are struggling to solve. But with our abilities we should be able to give them a better life. So, taking someone¡¯s food is not going to satisfy the criteria. And it is one mortal each. That is what Papa said.¡±


    ¡°Wait we aren¡¯t doing this together? But we do everything together.¡±


    ¡°Rules are rules. Papa was clear. Also, we need to use our abilities wisely. Mages do not possess our kind of magic and we do not want to draw attention to ourselves.¡±


    ¡°Are we going to use that amulet Alma gave us?¡±


    ¡°Oh right,¡± she reached into her bag and fumbled with the objects inside until she found it. ¡°Alma said we should disguise ourselves in a mortal vessel. She warned us that our magic may be limited because of the fragile body. Good news is, even in human form we are still immortal. Just don¡¯t break the vessel or the mortal will see our true form.¡±


    ¡°Is that bad,¡±


    ¡°It is not recommended; mortals cannot be trusted to think rationally in times of distress.¡±


    ¡°I got it. How do we find someone to help?¡±


    ¡°I suspect we have to go out there and look.¡±


    It was a simple answer, but as Kelani watched the throngs of people from the alleyway, doubt crept in. There¡¯re more people than she imagined. Everything looked bigger from the ground. mortals came in all shapes and sizes. Some smiled and laugh. Other¡¯s frown and grimace. She wanted to set the example for her sister, give her the information she needed to succeed. But even she struggled with determining whether a mortal was worthy or not. There were too many of them; she couldn¡¯t predict how they would react to her. Her body began to curl into itself.


    ¡°It¡¯s time Lani,¡±


    For once her sister was right. She held the amulet in the palm of her hand. Alma was wise and possessed all the knowledge of countless lifetimes. She constructed the charm with twisted strands of her hair, a metallic rock that glimmered with specks of flickering stars, and fragments of human bones carved into various skulls. When Osana placed her hand in hers, Alama¡¯s magic washed over them.


    It swam through her, quick like melting silver and warm to the touch. It spread like tiny feelers absorbing the details around her. As her body read the world, it familiarized itself with every inch of the alley. The coarse sand beneath, the cool stones of the buildings, even the fragrant spices mixing with the hot air. Her muscles relaxed. The foreign landscape revealed itself as she floated to the ground. It was soft. The sand slipped between her toes; it was unlike anything she¡¯d felt before. Beside her Osana hopped from one foot to the next, kicking up dust and giggling.


    ¡°We did it!¡± Then her eyes widen, ¡°¡­we did it.¡±


    She stood spellbound, watching her sister transform before her eyes. The silver in her ear length hair washed away, turning into a dark brown with pink streak on her left side. A russet, reddish brown, hue bloomed over her skin, the first time a form of colour kissed it. Her golden eyes remained. Kelani felt the magic transforming her, turning her translucent skin into a warm copper hue. She no longer felt wispy and spectral, but solid.


    ¡°Lani, look¡­¡±


    Osana grabbed her long braid, holding the end for her to see. Her silver colour also vanished, becoming a brownish black but her usual orange streak remained.


    ¡°We look like one of them now.¡±


    She inspected her clothes, noting the weight of the cottons and silk sleeves. Alma told them the magic would work, but she never believed she would see her body change in such a way. She held out her hands and see that it blocked the sunlight. Under the weight crushing her chest, a small flutter pulsed. She was ready to interact with them, without drawing attention to herself. To live among them, even for a short time, and learn their secrets.


    Osana squealed and danced around the alley. Her excitement was contagious, and she hopped in one spot, trying to dispel the energy bubbling inside her. It was happening, it was real, she was standing in the mortal world. She couldn¡¯t believe it. But her sister grabbed her hand and together they stepped from the shadows.

 Chapter 3: Commotion at the Temple

    The world was jam packed with people, smells, and animals. Her sister buzzed with excitement beside her, eager to taste, touch, smell everything the market offered. They wandered past stalls and shrines, pausing to study the flags and decorations coating every surface.


    The music drew Kalani to festive street corners. Flute players, handheld drums, a variety of string instruments played in perfect harmony. The melody floated over the pockets of people dancing along. Osana swayed her hands and stomped her feet, even grabbing her hand to swing her body in time. But her feet were heavy, sluggish and awkward. Despite the encouragement of the onlookers her face grew warm. Once the song ended, she pulled her sister along, trying to distance herself from her pathetic display. It was then that Osana paused, drawing her attention to a black panther weaving through the crowd. A red ruby decorated his forehead.


    ¡°Is that who I think it is?¡± she whispered. ¡°He¡¯s so pretty, do you think he¡¯ll let me pat him? What do you think the red patch feels like?¡±


    ¡°Do not dare.¡± She hissed back. ¡°Papa was quite clear. We do not engage with the panther the mortals named Eclipse.¡±


    ¡°But his coat is so smooth¡­¡±


    ¡°No, his Mage is off limits to us, thus so is he. It¡¯s Papa¡¯s command.¡±


    ¡°It sucks to come all this way, and we can¡¯t even play with a living Guardian.¡±


    ¡°Look, there¡¯s other Guardians for you to play with.¡± While Eclipse was off on his own, there were other exotic creatures relaxing near a small shrine with statues of maidens and flowers. A long moss colour boa curled around the base, nodding as a vibrant pink bird flapped their wings over the sand.


    ¡°What if they don¡¯t like me?¡± she whispered back.


    She watched them from a far, all of them have a mark from the gods. Each with a purpose of great importance. They sat for millennium on their shelf waiting for the day the great Oracle awakened them. She knew they have better things to do than be poked and prodded by her sister.


    She wrung her hands, looking sideways at the crowds. Despite reading everything she could, it felt different from where they stood. She imagined the hundreds of ways she could solve their problems. How they would greet her, accept her and be in awe of her knowledge. But now, in the thick of it, her brain was at a loss. Her sister glanced to her, and Kelani licked her lips, in the determined way she did when she found an ancient riddle to solve.


    ¡°We should take a walk around and see if there is anyone who needs our help.¡±


    The only way to return home was to finish their mission. The only way to finish was to start.


    ¡°Split up? Going alone?¡±


    ¡°Only for a little while, how about we meet there at the statue at sunset?¡±


    Beside them was a carved monument dedicated to Alma. A tall chalice carved in stone with silver and ivory accents. Beautiful women adorned the base, their contorted bodies holding the chalice high about them. She liked how it paid tribute to Alma¡¯s feminine side. The ever-flowing chalice of life and birth. It was a fitting place for them to start their adventure.


    An adventure like the myths she read. A brave hero facing unknown odds to save the day. Perils, challenges, strange encounters awaited her. All she had to do was fine someone. Anyone. She consulted Jhee again, finding a map to the Temple and headed there. The festival was well underway, everyone who wanted anything would be in line to visit the Oracle. All she had to do was listen to their prayers and select the best one. This is easier than I thought.


    She spied the monolithic statutes jutting from the canyon wall. The marble angels beckoned her closer. The windows with their worn ledges had sheer silky fabric blowing in the breeze. Somewhere inside large fires burned, producing the grey smoke twisting from the roof into the sky. She clutched the book under her arm, reaching the end of a snake like line leading to the entrance steps. On either side, tall and slender fountains gushed bubbling water into flower petal basins. People from all walks of life stood patiently in single file.


    She brushed by some, the less attentive ones, and grazed their arms. In a heartbeat her magic made contact, snaking through them, and connecting her mind to theirs. Their thoughts boomed in her head, some in dialects her brain had to translate. They practiced their prayers for the Oracle, and she listened. A hairy merchant wanted confirmation his ship''s cargo would arrive safely. A mother wished good health for her family. A widower with his toddler strapped to his back, thought of his late wife, and wished she was in Paradise with her sisters.


    None of these will do. She pursed her lips, tapping her book with her fingers.


    She scurried further up the line, hoping to find a more reasonable target. She grew nearer to the Temple entrance, and saw the stone throne adorned with flowers. Sitting upon it was a short woman sitting hunched over with her hands resting on her lap. It had to be her, the Oracle. Only the gods on the pantheon we¡¯re granted to speak through her. What would she give to have a conversation with such a mortal. But she couldn¡¯t, not yet. Once she proved herself, then she could have all the things she desperately wanted. She focused on a group of young Mages, dressed in their academic robes when a familiar voice yelled at her.


    ¡°Out of the way!¡±


    Frenzied bleating erupted as a dust plume raced towards her, knocking people out of the way. People shouted, the animals thundered, and in the chaos, she noticed her sister riding the lead sheep. She screamed to her, waving one hand in the air while the other hand gripped the curved horns.


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    ¡°I told you not to¡ª¡±


    Osana¡¯s grin washed away as she lost complete control. The onlookers abandoned their post, leaving her alone in the road to face the herd. She shielded herself, hiding behind her beloved book. Her mind went blank, her body froze, and the hooves raced closer.


    "Move!" another voice shouted.


    A force knocked her sideways and sends her tumbling over the fountain¡¯s rim. The cool water swirled around her; she trembled as the whooshing sound rolled in her ears. Then wet slippery fingers wrapped around her wrist and yanked her upwards.


    She gulped as fresh air flooded her lungs. She hugged the fountain¡¯s edge and came face to face with her hero. She was younger than she thought. With a tawny complexion and curly auburn hair tied behind her neck. She held Kelani¡¯s hand running her finger over her knuckles. Warm magic fluttered over the young woman¡¯s skin.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    The Mage¡¯s magic was soothing, and it anchored her back to the present. She wore red school robes, with a crest sewn into it. She turned to Jhee for information, but it was gone.


    ¡°My book!¡±


    Staring at her from the bottom of the clear pool was Jhee. Her life¡¯s work, thousands of hours of painstakingly dictating every fact and figure. The cramped hands from drawing the intricate illustrations in the dim candlelight. Every ounce of her magic dripped into every page. No. No, no.


    Pushing past the nausea, she reached through the bubbles and pulled it free. The silver shimmered as the droplets rolled over the surface. The text was darker, more subdued than before. Water dripped from the stitched binding.


    ¡°Is your book ruined?¡±


    It was a soppy mess, the pages stuck together in one large clump. The letters and glyphs ran together. It was impossible to read anything. At least the illustration of a plant was still intact, albeit more waterlogged.


    ¡°I had one of my schoolbooks fall into a watering hole in second year. I¡¯m sure if you leave it out to dry, it¡¯ll be okay. It''s what I did, it turned out fine. A bit wrinkly but fine.¡±


    She didn¡¯t want a wrinkly book. She wanted her pretty, pristine book of All Knowledge and Advice. Her bestiary, her recipes, her guides to plants, to holy days, and her maps. She wanted the list of important historical events and people at her fingertips. And most importantly she wanted it to look like how it used to be; readable. But it wasn¡¯t the Mage¡¯s fault, she had prevented her from being trampled. Osana, on the other hand, would need a talking too.


    ¡°This is a minor setback. But nonetheless, I will persist. Thank you for saving me.¡±


    The girl smiled and her shoulders relaxed. It was pleasant to see the Oath living in real time. A Mage was to assist those in need; and she was never so grateful for someone obeying Papa¡¯s command.


    ¡°Saule!¡± A male teen in a green uniform called. ¡°Where were you, we have to go. Our challenge is soon.¡±


    ¡°Now? I thought I had more time?¡±


    Saule plucked a bundle of food and a collar from the ground at her feet. She glanced at the line then the items she carried. She was so close, only about twenty people left and it would be her turn.


    ¡°Someone didn¡¯t show up so one team got disqualified. So, our match got pushed up. You know Bryden will lose his mind if you¡¯re a no show too.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    She couldn¡¯t bear the frown on the girl¡¯s face. She must¡¯ve been in line for hours. Whatever she wanted must have been of great importance.


    ¡°How about I give your offering to the Oracle?¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Sure, you were so nice to help me from those awful creatures, it¡¯s the least I can do. Go with your friend I¡¯ll make sure Grandmother gets your gift.¡±


    ¡°Oh, thank you! Thank you so much!¡±


    She handed her the offerings with gratitude before dashing off with her friend. Once she was gone, Kelani dipped behind a busy tent and snapped Jhee away with a pang of regret. I¡¯ll fix you; I promise. When she was sure no one was looking she planted her feet in the warm sand and slowed her heartrate. Channeling her magic flowing through her she began to transform. It started in her toes, the coldness took over, making them numb to the hot ground. It climbed her body, and as it did, she felt herself separating from the surroundings. Her skin colour became muted, until it was beyond mortal sight.


    She climbed the steps adorned with flower petals. But at the top she stopped in her tracks. A temple Maiden beside the Oracle stared at her. Kalani met her honey eyes, and it made her mouth go dry. It had to be her imagination. How else would she explain a mortal seeing past her enchantment. But this Maiden stared directly at her. There was no accusations or puzzlement in her gaze. It was as plain and any ordinary event. But it wasn¡¯t ordinary, this woman saw into the celestial realm.


    She took a step further, testing the limits of her freedom. But she said nothing. She couldn¡¯t read the thoughts crossing over her face. When the old lady motioned for her, she snapped to life and carried out her task. Kalani hurried past approaching the table where the other offerings were placed. The interaction lingered like a tummy ache. Did she have the gift? Impossible. Only one oracle is chosen at a time.


    The table was overflowing with offerings. Food, jewelry, ceramic pots, everything from gold to most treasured ordinary possessions. Saule probably expected her to wait in line, but why would she use the Oracle when she had direct access? She untied the bundle of cloth, revealing a fruity spice bread. It smelled delicious. It was too irresistible; she ripped a corner of the loaf and stuffed the piece in her mouth.


    The flavor exploded over her tongue, the spice, raisins and dates were a tasty combination. She turned to the collar. It was well worn, and the leather was fraying at the edges. It must¡¯ve belonged to an old pet; she saw the damage to the holes as the animal¡¯s neck grew wider.


    She held it tight in her hand, her magic reached out and contacted the energy field surrounding it. It started with flickers of light, then muted coloured objects. Everything switched into focus as the last moments of the animal played in front of her eyes. She saw Saule at an isolated mountain path. Flickering flames danced on the top of her staff. But the angle of the image was lower, the animal must¡¯ve been medium sized. After her training they descend over the narrow path, but the image shook. Her head spun as the scene rattled and tumbled. The next few moments were of Saule brushing the fur on its head. There was a warm hearth next to them. Finally, the scene went dark.


    She was there till the end.


    She placed the collar on the table, saying a prayer for his soul. Telling him his girl didn¡¯t forget him and she loved him. She wished him peace, then made the sign of the Gods before leaving the offering next to it.


    ¡°What a lovely girl,¡± Kelani whispered. ¡°One good deed deserves another.¡±

 Chapter 4: A Dessert to Remember

    The first thing Osana recognized was a fruity sweet aroma drifting from a market stall a head of her.  An old woman, with a crooked back, sat on a stool sliding a cast iron pan over a small fire pit. Peeking over the heads of the children, she watched the contents swirl.  Sending another wave the intoxicating aroma to her nose.  The woman stirred the thick syrupy fruit then sprinkled cinnamon over it. Then, taking a large wooden spoon she poured it into a boy¡¯s waiting bowl.


    With each spoonful she licked her lips, anticipating the dessert. She was almost in the front of the line when it dawned on her. Her hands were empty. All the children in line had the same red clay bowl. It wasn''t a coincidence; she then noticed the rickety wooden stall beside her. On the countertop stood towers of the identical bowls. Sitting on a stool under the yellow canopy was a young woman taking coins from a child in exchange for the coveted item.


    Kelani once told her it was called currency. Mortals used coins in exchanged for desired items. She watched the parents present the coins, the child received a bowl, but then the stand owner handed the parent another coin.


    ¡°If she already has coins, then why does she need more?¡±


    She creeped beside the stand, hiding out of sight, observing another transaction. He handed her one coin, and then she handed him a smaller one, and the child ran off with a bowl. Osana frowned, determining the stall owner was greedy. Especially taking the larger coin and only giving a small one in return. If mortals were as greedy as that woman was, then they need a stern talking to from Papa.


    Her self-righteous indignation would have to wait, since the fact remained; she had no coin and no bowl. Her stomach grumbled, rippling through her belly button. Kelani told her to behave, to not take things that didn¡¯t belong to her. But was it wrong if she took something from a greedy woman?


    She set her jaw and went into action. When another customer approached the counter, she crouched around the corner.  Her fingers tapped the counter until they nudged the stack of bowls. With a bit of luck and quick hands, she plucked the top bowl without knocking the rest over.


    A smile grew on her face. Her mouth was watering at the thought of the morsel of dessert she was about to consume. She stood in line, behind a child shorter than her and waited. Her excitement bubbled as she inched closer to the woman with the spoon.


    Watching the blob of gooey sweetness drip in her bowl made her hop with joy. But the woman at the counter shrieked, angrily pointing at her. She didn¡¯t understand her dialect, but her expression was clear. Stop!


    A man ripped her bowl from her hand and the adults turned on her. They circled her, trapping her like a hare. Shouted, holding their hands out for coins she owed, even the children cried. Their anger festered in her chest, her heart raced, and she glanced around for an escape.


    Their voices boomed, drowning her under their protest. She sought freedom. An air pocket and refuge. A gap in a man''s legs, was as good as any. Throwing herself to the sand, she squirmed between his ankles until she was out from under the crowd. The demanding woman chased her, screeching for her money but Osana didn¡¯t look back. Something hard hit her head. A wayward rock zoomed past her. The old biddy''s throwing rocks.


    An impatient bleating caught her attention. A pen of stout woolly horned sheep called to each other from inside. A group of shoppers walked towards her, taking the chance, she sped through the middle causing the pursuer to collide with them. In the commotion she slipped into the pen; no one the wiser. Except for the sheep, the deemed her presence was a great offense.


    Their snorting stirred their feet into action. Soon they were stomping, pushing, and squeezing her against the fence. One was dead set on flattening her to pebbles. His horns had the largest curl, and he wasn''t shy about using them. The timber behind her cracked, she flung her arms around a sheep¡¯s soft body. Wrestling against his bucking until she was on his back. The others, too caught up in the frenzy to notice, charged their pen. The timber crumbled and, their freedom to tempting to ignore, unleashed the stampede.


    Her valiant steed led the herd through the unexpecting streets. Chaos ensued, tents and food carts fell victim to their hooves. Parent¡¯s plucked small children from the streets carrying them to the safety of the fountains. Osana didn¡¯t know where they were heading, but she spied the Oracle¡¯s temple a head of them and thought it was a good a place as any. She motioned for her sheep to stop. But he refused. Panic set in. She tugged, kicked, but the sheep only protested and ran faster. Ahead of her, a familiar form peeked from the crowd.


    ¡°Lani! Get out of the way! Lani!" She closed her eyes, anticipating the impact that didn¡¯t come. The sheep raced past, she looked back, to see a girl in red, pull her sister from the fountain. ¡°Sorry!¡±


    The sheep veered to the left, separating itself from the herd. In its frantic state, it headed to the steps of the canyon shops. At the last minute Osana jumped off and landed in the prickly bushes. She watched in horror as a large man confronted the animal. Him and a few others tossed ropes around his neck and feet. After the commotion subsided, she dusted the dirt from her clothes and decided to leave the area before anything else happened.


    She was on the lookout for the greedy woman with the rocks, but soon gave up when a group of people started to sing. They meandered through the street handing out ribbons. They wore bright coloured clothes with gold and silver sashes across their chest. No hoods, but the women''s hair had flakes of gold and flower petals. The men had gold earrings, some with chains connecting to their eyebrows or nose.  They handed her a ribbon, a beautiful emerald cloth with silver letters stitched on to it. She couldn¡¯t read their language, but she thought it was pretty and stuffed it in her bag. She followed them, as they sang upbeat songs.


    They led her back to the temple, which seemed to be where most of the people gathered. She hummed the song as she explored the tent area. While people waited in line to see the Oracle, there were groups of people celebrating in white tents a few meters away from the entrance. Where aromas of food and liquor, made her mouth water and her empty stomach gurgle.


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    Being wary of the greedy ones, she concealed herself with her magic, before slipping inside. Everyone inside were dress in finer clothes than anyone else she saw that day. Sprawling over long tables was piles of food on golden trays. Men and woman drank from golden cups and talked amongst themselves as musicians played from the tent corner.


    She approached the table, but before she could choose a dessert, a man in white robes caught her eye. He had silver hair, cold grey eyes, and carried himself with an air of authority that was off putting. He was talking quietly with fair haired man with rounded glasses perched on his nose. From the contempt the man was trying to hide, she knew their conversation wasn¡¯t going to end well. The younger man, struggled to keep his voice low, and when she heard the frustration in his tone, the older man raised a hand indicating the conversation was over.


    There was a courteous bow before the younger man left, but she saw the set jaw and the anger flash in his eyes. The thought of following him crossed her mind. But then she remembered the snacks on the table. With her treasures tucked safely inside her bag she wandered around noting the flower petals over the rugs. Laughing in one tent drew her attention and she went to investigate. Inside was a group of teenagers about her age dressed in brown robes with black trim. While the group laughed and stuffed their faces with fruit and dates from the nearby table a girl stood off to the side with her back to the group.


    Her hair was as black as coal and reached the bottom of her chin. She was pale, with thin lips and dark eyes. But the scowl on her face caused Osana to pause. Every face she¡¯d seen that day had a smile. The atmosphere was light and bubbly, the sound of celebration flooded the air. But none of it reached this girl. It was too nice of a day for someone to not celebrate. She broke her enchantment with the hope she could help the mortal enjoy herself. She approached her, digging into her pocket and offering her a spice loaf.


    ¡°Are you hungry?¡±


    The girl glanced at her, clutching her arms around her chest. She glanced back at the group before speaking in a hushed tone.


    ¡°How did you get in here?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem to be having fun, I thought you could use a treat to make you feel better.¡±


    ¡°Where did you get that!¡± she gasped, ¡°you got it from over there didn¡¯t you?¡± she nodded towards the direction Osana had come.


    ¡°It¡¯s a piece of spice loaf.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s this Rebekah?¡± A girl with a brown braid sneer. ¡°Got yourself a little friend.¡±


    ¡°Oh look, she brought you a snack. How cute,¡± another boy added.


    ¡°Well go on, take it. It¡¯s the least you can do.¡±


    ¡°She stole it from the Council¡¯s tent.¡± Rebekah said through gritted teeth. ¡°She¡¯s a thief.¡±


    ¡°Why do people keep calling me that.¡±


    ¡°Just go,¡±


    ¡°Awe Rebekah don¡¯t be so mean to your friend. Why don¡¯t you eat the loaf. What harm will it do.¡± The girl laughed before turning away to talk to the others. Rebekah squeezed herself staring at her polished leather shoes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to¡­¡± she reached out to soothe her, putting her hand on her shoulder.


    Animosity. It cut through her like a bolt of lightning. She didn''t like that emotion; it churned her insides and made her uncomfortable. She looked closer at Rebekah¡¯s face; everything from her breathing to her body was tense. Controlled. This girl carried a lot of anger inside but judging by her exterior no one would notice. Her neutral appearance put her on edge. Her magic warmed inside her veins mimicking the girl¡¯s resentment.


    She never felt such anger before. She wondered what this mortal was capable of. She slipped out of sight, finding a perch near the tent to observe the girl from a safe distance. She didn¡¯t interact with the others but watched the adults in the other tent. Her hand slipped into the pocket of her uniform. She fiddled with something inside which piqued Osana¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Rebekah!¡± barked a man from the next tent. She jumped, yanking her hand from her pocket, and darted to the voice. The man in white robes from earlier handed her a note which she placed in the other pocket before exiting.


    Osana followed, she needed to apologize again, needed to make sure she understood she didn''t mean any harm. But Rebekah didn''t idle, she went to her task as if her life depended on it. She delivered the note but instead of returning as instructed, she went to the market district. She slipped into the thick of the crowds, trying to follow her target. Rebekah walked with purpose, weaving between the shoppers and lines with ease. She slipped into a narrow alley, but Osana picked up her trail. To her relief Rebekah stopped in front of a run-down building on a quiet deserted street.


    The sign read Mrs. Knaggs Pawn Shop. The lopsided building was jammed between a brothel and a boarding house bearing the same owner¡¯s name. Rebekah clenched her jaw and pulled a small metal box from her pocket. After steeling her nerves, she steps inside. Osana followed her into the dusty cluttered store. The bookcases blocked most of the light from the dirty windows. Items were so crammed into the shelves that it felt like they would tumble off them and bury her. Rebekah tiptoed to the counter, the uneven floorboards creaking under her shoes.


    A door from the back room burst opened, and a woman emerged from the dust and cobwebs with an armful of mysterious bottles. Her knotted dark hair sprung from her head at different angles. Thick make up caked her aging face in a veiled attempt to make herself look younger. Her dress was of lace and frills but looked like she tried to squeeze herself into it. She placed the bottles on the floor before taking her place behind the desk.


    ¡°What can I do for you dearie?¡± Rebekah placed her frugal box on the desk, sliding it towards her.


    ¡°I have these to sell.¡± Mrs. Knaggs unclasped the lock and pulled the items out looking at them with a disinterested eye. She rhymed off a number and Osana felt the air leave the room. ¡°That¡¯s not enough!¡±


    ¡°What do you expect me to do? These things are the odds and ends, you probably picked them off the floor. No one wants one spoon, dearie. You give me tiny pieces I give you tiny prices.¡±


    ¡°But I need this money, I was counting on more.¡±


    ¡°We all want more; doesn¡¯t mean we all get it. Take the money Dovey or leave it.¡± Rebekah didn''t answer, her mouth twisted as she decided what to say. ¡°You won¡¯t find a place that will pay that price for crap like this. I guarantee you that.¡± Finally, she nodded, and Mrs. Knaggs dropped the brass coins into her calloused hand. ¡°That¡¯s a good girl.¡±


    ¡°What will it take to get a better deal?¡±


    ¡°Easy lovie, start stealing me something good and you¡¯ll get the money you need to get out.¡±


    ¡°Out?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what you want right? Do you think you¡¯re the first Innocent to walk into this shop wanting extra money to pay the Ferryman? Seats don¡¯t come cheap; you know better than me that Innocent¡¯s like you don¡¯t leave this kingdom alive. But don¡¯t worry dearie," her mouth twisted into a sickly-sweet grin, ¡°I¡¯ll keep your secret.¡±

 Chapter 5: The End of Year Evaluations

    Kelani grinned at the sight of the towering spire climbing above the canyon wall.  The Mage Academy was legendary. Constructed inside the rock, except for the sandstone tower marking the entrance. The tower also contained the famous library which was rumoured to hold every book ever written. Decorating the surface was intricate designs paying homage to the magical knowledge inside. She imagined the classrooms full of experimentation and learning. Of artifacts and records. The dust that bred a connection to the distant past. But also, the hum of the energetic young students rushing through the halls.


    Her only partner in learning was Osana, but she always wondered what it would be like to have a room full of peers. Everyone coming together for the common good. The absorption of knowledge passed down from the experience of their elders. That was the Mage¡¯s optimal place, learning, teaching, and safeguarding the past and future. Bumps rolled over her skin, at the thought of being in the center of it. Witnessing her Papa¡¯s work in action.


    A small line of people waited outside the tall wooden double doors. A wise man told her it was the Academy¡¯s end of year exams. A rare instance where the Academy opens its doors to the populace where spectators can watch the tournament. That was where her mortal was. She had to admit, she was curious what the modern Mage was capable of. What kind of Mage was she. The magic and fighting style said a lot about the person. And if Kelani wanted to help her, she needed to know if they were a match.


    Learning how the Mages used their magical blessings intrigued her. Papa granted them unique abilities she had never seen in person. Everything in the Mortal Realm was bound to the cycle of life and death. Everything existed for a limited time, even the Mage''s magic. To compensate for the limitation of a physical body, Mages became creative. Using manipulation to alter the elements to solve problems or out smart a foe. They pushed their magic further than Papa first considered. And she longed to witness it in person.


    The hallways had elegant lanterns guiding the way. She passed rounded columns supported the high vaulted ceilings. Her group joined another one, where children talked about their favorite manipulations, they¡¯ve seen earlier that day. The hallway ended, and they exited through a tall narrow doorway leading outside. The bright sun flooded over her. Once her eyes adjusted, she saw the rows of seats circling the battleground in the center.


    A match was already underway, it was two versus two and she spied the girl named Saule below. She had changed out of her robes and wore red flowy pants and a matching light weight blouse. Her partner was to the left wearing dusty yellow and brown robes and using a diamond topped staff. She recognized the boy from earlier, he fought the other boy and wore green trousers and a sleeveless green shirt that emphasised his muscles. Next to him was a girl in an olive skirt and white tunic shirt.


    She sat in the back and watched as they flung streams of fire and rocks at the other. But she wanted more. She needed to be there, to experience it for herself. Relaxing her shoulders, she planted her feet flat on the floor. She steadied her breathing, but clearing her mind was a bit more difficult. The world around her spoke and it took more effort to silence the voices.


    She focused on Saule, the dirt under her feet, the sweat over her skin. Her magic curled in her chest, exploding into her limbs, then flung her through space. Kelani¡¯s body slammed against the compact dirt of the dueling arena. But it wasn''t her body, she glanced at her hand, noting the warm brown undertones. It was Saule''s hand. The Mage''s thoughts became her own, and Kelani was there as a passenger.


    The sharp pain shooting across her back told her to stay put. The end of year practical, tested not only her physical strength but her willpower. Fighting her aching muscles, she pulled herself to her feet. Refusing to submit to the voice telling her to quit. Her knees trembled under her weight. She tried to steady herself, squeezing her staff, and feeling the wood handle under her calloused hands. It was time to show them she was more than a poor charity case.


    Her dueling partner, Bryden, was engaged with Janus to her left, which left Eevi for her. The tall brunette stood opposite her with her dark oak and emerald staff poised for the next attack. Usually, she had an advantage over an Earth Mage like her. But her footwork was off. So was her timing, which resulted in ineffective protective barriers. She cursed her failures under her breath. But when Eevi smiled a crooked smirk, she imagined rubbing her flawless face into the dirt.


    She moved her staff to the front of her body, as her opponent mirrored her movement. They had fought alongside and against each other for the last five years. She knew Eevi would use her speed to get the upper hand. Another deep breath, she shifted her feet to prepare for the onslaught that would be her final attack.


    Eevi extended her staff, pointing the glowing Emerald to the ground where she made a spectacle of tapping it three times. Saule waited. Last time she had acted too carelessly and ended up on her back. She relaxed her shoulders, moving her palm over the top of the translucent Sunstone on her staff.  She exhaled over the polished stone, feeling the heat emitting from it. The ground under her quivered and she knew her opponent was almost ready.


    Her staff pulsated as she dragged the tip across the arena floor, igniting a spark at her feet. A low groan seeped from below the surface before the ground burst open. Whipping vines climbed towards the clouds before they descended on to their target. Her breath hitched. She pictured them piercing her chest leaving her impaled as a message to the survivors. Then she remembered the rules; it was a duel, all she needed to do was to disarm the opponent.


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    She counted the seconds. And the inches as the vines crossed the threshold between her and their master. Her staff¡¯s handle grew hotter, the sunstone burst into flames, and at the final second she unleashed the fire. It climbed through the air- licking the encroaching vines. It was too late for Eevi to change their direction. The roots pushed through- but collapsed into ashes once they reached a foot in front of her face. The wind gathered up the remains, scattering them across the arena. The fire remained intact, and Saule pictured the dumbfounded face Eevi wore on the other side of the wall.


    Pulling the staff behind her, the flames followed, as if tied on a string. Flicking her wrist, the movement of the staff forced the flowing flames to become tighter. They constricted, turning the flames into a rope. Another flick, and the forked end whipped towards her opponent.  She couldn''t react in time, and the flames wrapped around her staff. She yelped, dropping the staff, as the flames licked her skin. In a final moment of victory, Saule threw the staff a few meters from her opponent. A horn sounded, ending the duel. She left the arena cradling her hand and wearing a venomous look on her face.


    To her left, Bryden was still dueling against Janus. His usual stoic face showed signs of exhaustion. They''ve trained together for years; she knew when he was struggling. Janus''s strategy was different than his sister''s. She was strategic while he preferred brute force until his opponent surrendered. Janus was in a different year, but his strength pushed him into their bracket. A rare situation, but her partner was ready. He studied Janus''s duels and memorized his methods. But it didn¡¯t take a genius to realise squaring against someone who hit like an ox would exhaust even the most prepared Mage.


    Her plan, on the other hand, was simple. Distract him enough for Bryden to recover. Janus wiped the sweat off his dirty forehead before giving her a wide excited grin. He lived for duels. Like Eevi he was an Earth Mage, but he lacked the subtlety of his sister. He slammed the bottom of his staff into the ground causing a twisting fissure to snake to her feet. She jumped back before she fell into the bottomless pit. The shaking rocked the arena, even the audience¡¯s jeers thought it was too close for comfort. She hopped between fissures which appeared as fast as she could dodge. Her knees wobbled as she miscalculated her landing and fell in the dirt.


    ¡°Are you a Mage or a new fawn?¡± Janus taunted.


    ¡°Oh, you just wait!¡±


    She had one more move up her sleeve.  Her chest swelled at the thought of taking him down and getting the victory for them. She pointed the stone to the sky, making circular swirling motions above her head. Fire ignited at the tip and she managed to send a fire ball whizzing towards his head before the second earthquake caused her to jump out of the way.


    As she looked at his grinning face, a knot twisted in her stomach. His eyes narrowed, like a bull about to charge, he lowered his staff and extended his free hand palm facing the ground. She braced herself as the arena floor shook. A gap ripped open at his feet.  He moved his hands upwards and dragged a large boulder the size of a wagon from its earthy tomb. It rested over his head, balancing in the air, waiting for the next command. She felt the colour flush from her face.


    She thought of the last chapter she had reviewed before bed. It detailed an advanced manipulation called a Fire Tunnel. In theory it could work, but she had never tried it before. Pointing the staff at the rock, she tried to focus. Tried to ignore the fear bubbling inside her chest. She pictured the hot red flames tumbling and convening into and around each other.


    Their bright brilliance becoming an unmoveable force. At the same time Janus released the rock from his grasp. She pushed the flames forward. She watched as the fire consumed it, engulfing it like a serpent with unhooked jaws. She pushed harder. But the rock still charged towards her.


    As doubt crept over her, a scream echoed in her head. A distant nightmare she wanted to forget. No, not now. Her the heat of her magic licked her skin. The flames were floundering. The scream continued, but she pushed past it, focusing on the serpent in her mind. But the snake''s body, twisted, becoming a delicate veil obscuring her vision. Focus. Behind the cloth was a shape. A body wrapped in bandages. The scream sounded again, louder than before. She thought it¡¯ll split her head open. Thick red spilled across the white bandages; consuming everything until the scream fell silent.


    In a heartbeat she was back at the arena. Janus''s boulder was inching closer to her. She fought to push back but the heat wasn''t hot enough. He was too strong; her heart sank with each backwards step. The panic and failure becoming a desperate reality. Her muscles ached. Her manipulation flickered. Weakening with each step.


    A wind gathered up her mess of curls from behind. A wave of disappointment flooded over her. Bryden had recovered and was rejoining the fight. She watched as his southerly wind consumed her flames. What was once bright reds and oranges, flickered into paler shades then blew out as she lost the drive to continue. He stepped forward, tall and lanky and always exquisitely put together.


    His whirlwind swallowed the boulder, stopping it dead in its tracks. Janus pushed it against the tornado. But Bryden remained steadfast sending the boulder soaring high into the sky. It was almost beautiful, like a dance of wind and rock spinning in the sunlight. As it reached its peak, the performance stopped, and the rock came crashing down.  Cracking in half with a clatter as it slammed into the ground.


    Bryden dealt the final blow, summoning another gust this time sending it at him. He resisted at first, covering his face with his arms, but soon his feet shifted. Then slipped from under him. Janus was on his back. As the final act, he allowed his staff to roll from his hand. The horn sounded and the duel finished. They had won. Bryden grinned. But her failure was scene on the pink burns on her arms.


    <hr>

 Chapter 6: Special Assignment

    Kelani sat with the heaviness of Saule''s emotions. They left her feeling empty somehow, uncomfortable like a thick wet quilt holding her in place. The celebration of the victory exploded around her; the people cheered. The winners were named, and she was certain Papa could hear them from his Garden. When the audience filed out, she stayed behind.


    She watched as Mages employed by the Academy mended the battlefield. With a wave of a staff the debris was cleared. The edges of the fissures were pushed together creating a seamless surface. Erasing every presence of the battle¡¯s existence. Even now, as Saule¡¯s emotions faded, she wondered if she truly felt them in the first place. They vanished, slowly, like the lazy lapping waves. They weren¡¯t hers to own to experience. It felt like a dream. But why did her heart ache.


    She recalled the duel, experiencing through the Mage''s body was surreal. She didn''t have words, but it felt like everything all at once. The erratic heartbeat, the labored breathing, the aching muscles. But there was more. Kelani sensed the magic flowing inside her. The warmth that was the opposite of hers. Flowing through veins of red vibrant life-giving blood. She wished she stayed longer, but the all-encompassing emotions overwhelmed her, overpowering her sense of reason. Like a coward Kelani retreated to her own vessel. The safety of her immortality.


    Her thoughts returned, she settled into her familiar form. It felt vacant compared to the swirling emotions Saule had coursing through her body. But at last, she could address the pressing matter with a calculating reason she relied on. Saule''s abilities were growing. The child was impressive, and the talent she displayed proved it. But something held her back.


    The memories. The injured woman spilling blood. It was vivid, terrifyingly real. It was different than the bittersweet memories of her loyal pet. The horror of it had stopped the Mage in her tracks. Stalled a successful attack and left her incapacitated. If it wasn¡¯t for her partner, they would have lost. How could someone let fear take over and ruin their success. Mortals were proving to be more complicated than she thought.


    The glowing orange sun dipped behind the mountains, bringing some reprieve to the day¡¯s heat. The music and dancing swirled around her. But she stood beside the fountain of the Chalice with her head low. The day started with such promise and enthusiasm. A kingdom full of people, of wishes and hope. But those feelings soured the longer she thought of Saule. Kelani shrugged, allowing her body to float upward towards a rooftop above. Her feet hung over the edge as young children place lit candles on lily pads.


    She watched them float in the fountain basin. They giggle and she can¡¯t help but wonder if Saule was similar at their age. She pulled her from the fountain without a second thought. But when Kelani drove into her mind, she found something troubling. Despite her talent for magic, and her blessings from Haddak, Saule¡¯s heart was fragile. Not in the physical sense, but her confidence and courage, struggled to shine. It held onto those unsettling images with an iron grip.


    Kelani saw a glimpse of truth in her heart, she had every chance to become great. A wonderful, powerful Mage, who could accomplish anything she wanted. But her fear held her back. Kelani never knew fear. It came with a possibility of death; something her kind did not experience. What could she truly lose, that she couldn¡¯t recreate? Her magic was endless, and so were the possibilities. Fear was for mortals, not her. As she pondered how to help Saule, a soft pop beside her indicated Osana had found their meeting spot.


    ¡°I said sunset,¡± she teased. The twilight descended over the canyon, splashing the sky with a rich purple. Below them a river of candles twinkled, as the people joined the procession to the temple.


    ¡°Sorry, I got distracted.¡± She sighed, pulling her knees to her chest.


    ¡°Not with more sheep, I hope. You nearly ruined Jhee with that stunt of yours. I told you to blend in.


    ¡°Sorry about that, these mortals are confusing. They flip flop all the time, it¡¯s hard to figure out what you¡¯re supposed to do and not do.¡±


    ¡°They are definitely more complex than I thought.¡±


    ¡°Did you find your mortal yet?¡±


    ¡°There is this young Mage who seems to be struggling with her confidence. I would very much like to help her, to repay the help she given me. What about you?¡±


    ¡°I found this strange girl; she looked so calm on the outside. But very angry on the inside.¡±


    ¡°I do not believe she is a good target. She may be dangerous.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so, I think she¡¯s sad.¡±


    ¡°But you said she was angry?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but I think her anger stems from her sadness.¡±


    Kelani sighed, experiencing two opposing positions at once was impossible. It wasn¡¯t logical, but she knew her sister wouldn¡¯t listen. They had the argument a hundred and two times already and she assumed the hundredth and third, would end the same.


    ¡°Well, this is your area of expertise, after all.¡±


    ¡°I wish I could do what you do though, see into a mortal¡¯s mind. I would love to know what she¡¯s thinking about.¡±


    ¡°Why not ask her?¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t seem to like me. I did something to make her mad.¡±


    ¡°I see. I may have something to help.¡± She reached into her bag, feeling past the prayer stones, the pencils, and the other relics she packed until the square shape brushed her fingers.


    She pulled the amulet free and presented it to her sister. Delicate slivers of silver held a clear vial of glass. Inside was four compartments and three contained a glittering mauve coloured dust.


    ¡°Is that¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is something Alma and I have been working on. With the help of the Great Star. It will allow you to enter someone¡¯s mind for a short period of time. Until the sand runs out that is. Once that happens your mind returns to your body, and no one is the wiser. However, you cannot interact while inside, you are a bystander only. Understand?¡±


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    ¡°Oh wow, this is amazing.¡±


    ¡°You have three chances, so make sure it is the person you want. You need to see them, or it will not work. All you do is press this spot here and the shelf inside with break activating the sand. Any questions?¡± She shook her head and held open her hand. ¡°I hope it helps.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Lani!! You¡¯re the best. Once I get in her head, I can start figuring out why she¡¯s so angry all the time. Then I¡¯ll show her that she doesn¡¯t need to be sad either. Do you think she¡¯ll be my friend?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not here to make friends, Osana. We are to help someone in need so we can become a member of the Pantheon...¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll have all the friends!¡±


    But her laughter faded as she watched the procession below. It was darker now, and the stars splashed the night sky. Kelani glanced upwards; knowing their Papa watched from above. This will not be so easy, he told her. All the preparations in the all the realms cannot combat the unexpected. Expect hardships granddaughter. And keep each other safe.


    ¡°Are you sure we can do this?¡± Osana''s tone was soft, unsure, and teetered on regret.


    ¡°We must try.¡± She squeezed her hand, ¡°we have Papa¡¯s blessing, he would not have given it if he did not believe in us.¡±


    They sit together watching the people sing into the night. Their hopes and dreams float into the heavens. Their sorrow finds comfort among the flickering flames.


    Tomorrow our quest truly begins.


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty here.¡± Osana whispered; the fire flickered in her wide eyes.


    ¡°Yes, it is.¡±


    The next morning Kelani wandered the quiet hallways of the Academy. There wasn¡¯t a student in sight. She wanted to speak to Saule again, although she had no idea how to proceed. The dusty scent of knowledge and parchment soothed her. She still didn¡¯t know what she was doing, how to introduce herself to Saule without scaring her. She entered a sunbathed courtyard with bubbling pools of water and vine covered columns.


    Hallways branched off into several darker tunnels. Above was a glassless window with a cloudless blue sky. To her surprise Saule stood beside the water watching a small grey lizard crawl up the tree. The arches connecting the towers and the hallways baked in the afternoon sun. This is it, she thought. She stepped out of the shadow of the archway as a voice spoke from across the way.


    ¡°Saule!¡± Eevi, yesterday¡¯s opponent, emerged from an entranceway. ¡°Do not think for a second that yesterday''s win makes you better than me.¡±


    ¡°It was just a duel, we all made it to the final round meaning we succeeded another year.¡±


    ¡°It is not just any duel. It sets up next year¡¯s rankings. And I refuse to come behind the likes of you.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°You know exactly what I mean. Your type shouldn¡¯t even be here. It was a fluke you even got accepted in the first place.¡±


    ¡°Whatever Eevi, I¡¯m here now. And in another year or two we¡¯ll graduate, and you won¡¯t have to see my face again.¡±


    ¡°You really think you¡¯ll graduate.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m ranked third, Eevi. I¡¯ll manage.¡±


    Another student joined her side. Kelani recognised him as Janus, Eevi¡¯s partner. When Eevi¡¯s eyes met his, she lost her crumbling composure. The girl¡¯s hands balled into fists as her lips twisted into a pucker. Janus¡¯s hand reached for her shoulder, but she unleashed a scream.


    ¡°No! You aren¡¯t getting it. I¡¯ve worked my ass off to get to Council Elect, there¡¯s only two spots left, and one is mine!¡±


    ¡°Sis,¡± the boy said.


    ¡°It¡¯s my birthright, there¡¯s no way I¡¯m letting you take it from me.¡±


    She flung herself at Saule, who held her back by wedging her staff between them. She didn¡¯t care whether the wood was digging into her arms, Eevi was still screaming.


    ¡°If you want Council Elect, you¡¯re going to go through me to get it!¡±


    ¡°Shut up you mut!¡±


    ¡°Enough Eevi!¡± Janus gripped her shoulders and yanked her away. She continued to scream while he apologised. ¡°Sorry Saule,¡± he blushed before dragging his sister away.


    "Is everything all right Saule?" Her friend Bryden crossed from the shadows into the beams of light.  "I was heading to the library, and I heard a commotion.¡±


    "Just Eevi being Eevi," she muttered. ¡°Are you going to study this afternoon?¡± Bryden leaned against the pillar, a book under his arm.


    ¡°Yes, did you want to join me?" A blush creeped over Saule''s face before she answered.


    "I have that special assignment today."


    "Ah yes, the special guest. Nervous?¡±


    ¡°A little. His request to see the Headmistress was surprising. Having an escort is just as unusual.¡±


    ¡°Well considering the controversy from before. Would you blame them for insisting he be watched?¡±


    ¡°What is he going to do Bryden? Seriously, it¡¯s all over and done with.¡±


    ¡°It was his Mage that caused all the issues.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s paid the price for it. Can¡¯t everyone just move on?¡±


    ¡°Have you even considered his intention upon returning here? What has brought his lordship, Lord Orbit, back to where it all started?¡±


    Oh no. No, no no. This is not a good idea. I need to leave. But Saule¡¯s answer caused her to pause.


    ¡°Of course, I have. But that doesn¡¯t give me the right to be judgmental.¡±


    ¡°Saule, they deserve the punishment they received. I know you admired her, but it is best if you separate yourself from people like her. And the likes of him.¡±


    She glanced at her boot and suppressed a frown.


    ¡°Saule, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Do you ever feel like you might not belong here?¡±


    ¡°No. This is the only place that matters, where else would we be?¡± But she frowned again, ¡°Saule, you are not considering what I think you are? We have been through this, our place is here, the Kingdom of Ancients. The Innocents are leading themselves into darkness. If they refuse to see it our way, then why bother trying to help them. Let them be damned.¡±


    Is this true?  Kelani stepped back behind the column. According to Jhee, Innocents and Mages live in harmony together. Is one being led astray? Why didn¡¯t Papa say anything. She saw their posture change, the jumped upright as if they touched something hot. Bryden shook his head and pulled his book closer to his side.


    ¡°Looks like he¡¯s here. Good luck.¡± He waved his hand as he disappeared through the archway he entered through.


    Saule exhaled, trying to compose herself before she came face to face with her visitor. From the shadow of the hallway a dark figure, half the size of a man, slinked into the light. Bright yellow eyes glowed as they approached her. She straightened her back.


    ¡°Lord Orbit¡± she bowed,


    ¡°Mistress Dufour, I assume?¡±

 Chapter 7: The Guardian

    ¡°At your service¡± Saule smiled. The large Black Panther stepped forward into the bright sun, revealing his sleek black fur that covered every inch of him.


    Kelani stayed back, watching from the shadow of an entranceway. Papa forbade them from interacting with the Guardian, but no one told her exactly why. And why did the Mages in this kingdom distrust him? She tasted a mystery on her tongue, it was too tempting not to pursue. Every fiber told her to leave. To obey Zander¡¯s command. But she needed answers. Answers she wouldn¡¯t find in a book.


    ¡°What would you like to do first?¡±


    ¡°I need to see the Headmistress. Sadly, time is short. I have wasted enough of it as it is.¡±


    ¡°So, this is business?¡±


    ¡°No other reason would warrant my return. Now if you please, I must have an official escort throughout the Academy.¡±


    He continued on his way, seemingly knowing the layout of the building already. She grabbed her staff, and ran to catch up with him. Kelani followed, hugging the columns to conceal her presence. Between his padded footsteps and Saule¡¯s boots, sat an uncomfortable silence. His hips and tail swung from side to side. The tip of his tail flicked with each step. But Saule walked with her staff to her chest, cherishing it like it was a sacred memory. Her eyes watched the floor.


    ¡°Are you enjoying your time here, Mistress Mage?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am having a wonderful year,¡±


    ¡°You are not spending your vacation on the continent?¡±


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t want to. Although my friend is. He''s sent letters about his adventures and all the things he learned. I¡¯m a little jealous, I think next year I will go for sure.¡±


    ¡°It is a great experience to have. You become so isolated here. A new perspective and change of scenery can cause a momentous improvement to one''s wellbeing. Especially if you dream on being a Council Member.¡±


    ¡°Me? I don¡¯t know about that.¡±


    ¡°But you will begin the testing for the Council Elect position, will you not?¡± he looked up; seeing her nod he continued, ¡°then you are halfway there.¡±


    She gave a weak smile before changing the subject, ¡°How is Mistress Avalon? Is she well?¡±


    ¡°She is in good health, adjusting to being home after so many years abroad.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can imagine how happy it must be to be home with her family again,¡±


    ¡°She is adjusting to the routine accordingly.¡±


    He stopped in front of a heavy polished wood door. The size dwarfed the others on the opposite wall. Its commanding presence meant it had to be the Headmistress¡¯s office. The final authority of the education of the next generation of Mages. The one who safeguards Papa¡¯s teachings. An important position for the worthiest of tasks. Polished amethyst and other stones decorated the doorway; catching bits of light from the flickering lamps. Above the door was an inscription in the languages of their forefathers. It was familiar on her tongue, the school¡¯s motto: ''First Among Equals''.


    ¡°Is she inside?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Of course, she¡¯s expecting you, where else would she be?¡±


    He didn¡¯t answer. Saule approached the intimidating door placing her hand on the gold ring handle. Pulling it open she bowed as the panther entered. She remained in the hall; choosing to stand instead of sitting on the uncomfortable bench beside the office. She tapped the base of her hawthorn staff; the sunstone resting inside a nest of twisted wood.  She ran her hands over the polished surface admiring the soft but strong texture of her faithful friend.


    Kelani¡¯s palms began to sweat. She finally had her alone, but now what. She had rehearsed what she would say, was up late into the night finding the perfect words. Standing a few meters from her though, caused all the words to fail her. Her ascension dependent on helping someone. And she chose Saule, but she never considered what if the mortal refused? She shook her head, took a deep breath, and gathered her nerve to step from her hiding place.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Saule.¡± She stood tall, trying to sound more confident than she felt.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re the one from the fountain yesterday. Is your book okay?¡±


    ¡°Intact, but still wet in some parts.¡±


    ¡°Maybe open the pages and let them dry in the sun, that¡¯ll do the trick.¡±


    Leave Jhee out in the sandy desert, with the sun fading my precious illustrations? Ridiculous.


    ¡°I wanted to convey to you that the Oracle had received your offering.¡±


    ¡°Oh, thank you! I hope you didn¡¯t have too long to wait in line.¡±


    ¡°No, not at all. I reached the front in short order.¡±


    Saule studied her, noting her strange clothes and lingering on the charms hanging from her bag. Kelani shifted under her gaze; this was the longest interaction she had with a mortal. Every extended second was a possibility to make a fool of herself.


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem to be from around here. What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Kelani, I am new to this kingdom.¡±


    ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    Her throat closed shut. Revealing too much to mortals could have unforeseen consequences. But she needed to say something. Saule cocked her head to the side. Mortals, she was told, could be unreasonable if taken off guard. So, she settled for an explanation she would likely understand.


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    ¡°I love to read, and I wished to visit the library here.¡±


    ¡°You must really like reading, if you came all this way.¡±


    ¡°I must confess my ulterior motive. I came looking for you,¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°I was hoping to repay you for your assistance yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Oh no, don¡¯t worry.¡± She waved her hands to dismiss the thought. ¡°I was just doing my part. I¡¯m sure someone would¡¯ve done the same.¡±


    ¡°But they didn¡¯t. You were the only one who stepped from the line to help; giving up your place to help a stranger.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± She clutched the staff to her chest again, making herself smaller.


    ¡°Please let me help you. I want to give you what your heart desires.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t seem like something anyone can give someone.¡±


    ¡°If you have faith in me, I promise I can. All you need to do, is tell me what it is you want.¡±


    Behind them the door slid open, and the door handle slammed against the wood. A woman in white robes with short grey hair wore a scowl on her face as Lord Orbit slunk from the office. He paused, turning to face the Headmistress one last time.


    "One more point before we depart. What is your opinion on Eyden''s Passage?"


    "I have no recollection of such a place."


    "As helpful as always."


    "Farewell Lord Orbit." She slammed the door behind her.


    "I guess it didn''t go well..." Saule whispered as he approached. "Apologies Lord Orbit, she isn''t the friendliest person."


    "Do not apologize for the like of her my dear. She will answer for her choices at the Gate like everyone else."


    He paused again, this time noticing Kelani standing beside the Mage. She knew of his kind, but it was the first time she was so close to one. From the panther''s large claw tipped paws to the jaw that can bite through a prey''s skull he was a top predator. But it was his aura that gave her pause. It was ancient magic, older than hers. It felt heavy, a weight of millennia of knowledge, experience, and victories. It radiated from his body, but Saule didn''t seem to notice. The Guardian must''ve seen her face, he stared as if she was a letter to decipher. She found herself shuffling under his gaze. If anyone could discover what she was, she knew it would be this Guardian.


    "Have we met before?" he asked.


    "I am new to this kingdom."


    "Her name is Kelani, she''s here to visit our library." What ever thought passed through his mind, his face didn''t reveal it. But Saule continued before he asked for more details. "If you don''t mind, but why are you asking about Eyden''s Passage?"


    "I desire information."


    "Should we go to the library next?" Saule''s mood grew happier the longer he spoke to her.


    "I''m afraid what I need is not in the library. But I appreciate the offer. It is time for me to leave." He continued down the hallway, forcing the girls to keep up.


    "If you need to, I can take you there." she said finally, and the panther stopped.


    "You know where it is?"


    "I have an idea, of a likely location of the entrance. I''ll be happy to take you there." Kelani saw the concern on his face. His ears folded as he was contemplating his options. "Please, let me be of use to you. It''s the least I can do after everything you and Mistress Avalon did for me."


    "Saule... it''s too dangerous. Not to mention I must finish my official business before I seek out another."


    "What if Kelani comes with me? Two is better than one. You conduct your official duties and we will survey the area and return with the information you seek."


    "Are you a Mage Mistress Kelani?"


    "I assure you I can keep her safe."


    "Yes, perhaps you can." He paused again, glancing at Saule who struggled not to bounce out of her boots. "A survey mission. Nothing more, understand?"


    "Of course. There and back. What is it that we should be looking for?"


    "You will know it when you see it. And remember, no one must know. Not at this time."


    "Don''t worry Lord Orbit, we won''t let you down."


    After he left, Kelani pulled her mortal aside. Every part of her brain was telling her it was a terrible idea. That she was disobeying Papa. She was supposed to stay away from him, not volunteer for his mission. What was so important about that passage anyway.


    "Saule are you sure about this?"


    "You asked me what I wanted more than anything. Well, it''s simple, I want to be better. Have you ever felt blocked? Like there¡¯s some heavy rock blocking the flow of your magic?¡±


    Her body shifted under the Mage¡¯s gaze. She had never expressed the sentiment before, but she understood the question better than anyone. It was difficult to explain, especially to her sister. For a while now, Kelani had sensed something was wrong with her magic. Everything worked and succeeded as it should, but she had recently felt stunted. Like her abilities reached a limit, and no matter what she did, it never got better. She never grew stronger, her abilities never developed past where they were. She knew she was capable of more, but something held her back.


    Then Papa told her about the Pantheon. Her and her sister would not reach their full potential until they were accepted to the Pantheon. Not that Osanna really cared about the fact. Her abilities were always the strongest. But for Kelani, having the limit was holding her back. If that was what Saule was feeling, then she understood how important being ¡°better¡± meant.


    ¡°I¡¯ve trained every day to keep my body healthy. I meditate, pray, even consult my instructors; but none of them can help me push past this block. You see I picture what I want, every detail, as vivid as possible. My body has memorized the movements, but it always falls short.¡±


    "How is helping the Guardian going to resolve this?"


    "Because rumours say Eyden''s Passage is a rich training ground. Full of beasts and obstacles. Simply travelling there could help hone my skills tenfold. Yesterday I failed at a manipulation, and I can''t let it happen again."


    ¡°You seem preoccupied with this manipulation. Why are you focused on this one, there are many others you no doubt have mastered already.¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯s the one I can¡¯t master. Look at this place, look around you; every student comes from a rich and powerful family. I don¡¯t. My dad¡¯s a simple carpenter. I entered the initiation trials and won my place here. Receiving one of few tuitions paid by the Academy. If I can¡¯t remain competitive or top of my class, then I lose everything I worked so hard for.¡±


    Is that what Eevi meant yesterday, when she said Saule¡¯s type didn¡¯t belong at the Academy. The hostility from her rival left Kelani unnerved. She never experienced such raw rage. Even Osana, as extroverted as she was, never became unhinged. She made a note to add an amendment to Jhee. It was clear there was a hierarchy between the Mages. Not just political but economical as well. Another complicated layer, especially for Saule.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid my friends will outperform me. I¡¯ve worked hard to make my family proud. And now I¡¯m worried that I¡¯m so close to reaching the top ranks I might not. I need to figure out what is wrong with my magic.¡±


    ¡°Consider it done.¡±


    ¡°You can help me, really?¡±


    Yes, she was sure of it. She had found a mortal with an honorable heart and she was ready to commit. Together she would guarantee her mortal¡¯s success. And when she did, she would be welcomed to the Pantheon alongside her kin. Fully capable of reaching her full potential as well.


    ¡°I Kelani, the eldest daughter of my tribe, will do everything in my abilities to see to it that you Saule, daughter of the carpenter, unleashes your full magical potential.¡±

 Chapter 8: Back Alley Dealings

    The thousands of glass tiles coating the ceiling reflected every inch of lantern light. It was a dazzling piece of art and workmanship he never grew tired of seeing. Eclipse stepped into the Headmistress¡¯s office while she shut the heavy door behind them. Plaster busts of scholars and glass vases stood on columns leading to the heavy stone desk. Behind her desk was a large bird cage, with several colourful birds bobbing from perch to perch. Their songs floated through the space but as he approached, they grew quiet. She stood away from him, securing the latch and the pets before she addressed him.


    ¡°Lord Orbit, don¡¯t you grow tired of this game?¡± Her short grey hair curled under her ears, and she regarded him with sharp eyes. She was tall, with narrow shoulders and wore the white Imperial Robes. White pants, matching jacket, and a golden silk sash at her waist.


    ¡°Every day, Headmistress, but we cannot let the softness of the body win against the will of the mind.¡±


    She took a seat across from him, settling into her high-backed chair. Neither of them spoke, but she steepled her fingers waiting for him to begin. The seconds crawled passed. His ears twitched as the sand from the hourglass on the desk¡¯s edge fell into a pile. The corner of her eye twitched in the silence. Her fingertips tapped. But he wasn¡¯t in any rush to speak. He didn¡¯t like wasting time. But having his time wasted, was worse. He was tired of games. Well, their games.


    ¡°I cannot give you what you want,¡± she stated.


    ¡°I assure you, that you can.¡±


    ¡°Let me rephrase, I will not grant your request.¡±


    ¡°At least we are finally being honest with each other.¡±


    ¡°I do not appreciate your flippant tone, Lord Orbit.¡±


    ¡°My apologies, perhaps my tone would be more agreeable if it had not taken me a week to secure this meeting. Do you need three assistants to schedule an appointment? Or am I hitting a spot of bad luck where everyone in the Academy is conveniently out with an illness.¡±


    She pursed her lips while she fidgeted with the pearl ring on her middle finger. A new addition since the last time he saw her. The light caught the stone, which drew his full attention to the jewelry. It wasn¡¯t a pearl. It was an opal. He¡¯s spent enough time with Moira¡¯s staff to know the difference.


    ¡°Sometimes new jewelry takes time to adjust to.¡± He commented. She caught herself and moved her hand to her lap.


    ¡°Let us be frank. I cannot reverse a Council decision. My hands are tied, it is above me.¡±


    For once he believed her. But only in part. ¡°Are you implying that you, the headmistress of the most influential Mage Academy on the continent, has not even the slightest sway over a bureaucrat? All I am asking for is your support. A letter at most.¡±


    ¡°And what of the victim¡¯s family? If they hear we are challenging the verdict, then they will be knocking on my door making their own demands and seeking my support. It is over Lord Orbit. It is best if everyone moves on.¡±


    ¡°The family will not protest to a new investigation. A real one.¡±


    ¡°We investigated. We examined everything. I will not put my students and their families through further interviews all for the sake of your Mage¡¯s comfort.¡±


    ¡°We are many things Madame Seidel, but liars are not one of them. I saw the same reports as you. The official ones with all the official seals. And we both know the investigation did not go far enough. Godfrey latched onto a scapegoat, and it never went passed that.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just a Guardian. A Guardian to an outcast Mage, nonetheless. You¡¯re in no position to make demands of any of us. Return to Alexanderia and live out the rest of your days babysitting her. Zander knows she needs it.¡±


    Their conversation ran its course, and she escorted him from the office. He hadn¡¯t plan to bring up Eyden''s Pass, but he had a hunch. It was once a prosperous Opal mine in the old days. And with the rumours of digging and slaves in the north, he had to make sure the two weren¡¯t connected. She denied knowing about it, but the surprise on her face told another story. The inflection in her voice told him there might be another avenue to investigate. His only regret was allowing Saule and her friend to investigate on his behalf.


    He met Saule in her first year, on her first day to be exact. Moira had helped mend her robes after the girl fell down the steps. Since that day Moira kept tabs on her. Ensuring she was making friends, following along in her studies, and being an ear if she needed it. He had no doubt she could handle herself out in the outskirts, but she was still undertraining. Despite her successes, when he looked at her, he still saw the ten-year-old from that day. But as soon as he agreed to Saule''s offer, his stomach sank. He didn''t have a good feeling about it. Unfortunately, he couldn''t take it back, Umara spins forward, and so must he.


    The wise course of action was to return to the temple. But the opal on Seidel''s finger was a concern. The Council forbade any member of the Imperial rank to wear it. Going as far as to ban it from the kingdom altogether. The gem was a potent magic enhancer and to wear it, even as a ring, could act the same as a staff. To his knowledge the only Opal staff in existence was Moira¡¯s. Anything else was rumour or legend. And if it wasn¡¯t for her parentage, they would¡¯ve forced her to use a different one. So, while his Mage was an edge case, he wondered how Seidel got her new accessory.


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    With most official channels blocked, he resorted to his less accredited associates. As the terrible saying was, there was more than one way to skin a cat. He hadn¡¯t made it as far in life as he did, by always playing by the rules. If the legitimate businesses were off limits than it left him no choice but to visit Horace.


    The market had a different atmosphere than the orderly shops on the canyon walls. New stalls seemingly appear overnight, claiming any small part of the desert floor as their own. The narrow streets were always changing. But some stalls were staples. Present for years and were the foundation of the market. One of them was Hoarce¡¯s stall. Eclipse meandered through the crowds, careful to avoid the eyes of the Crims. The crimson robed Enforcers. They kept order in the market, one way or another, and he knew they would disagree with his presence.


    Hoarce glanced over at him from a pile of gold bangles. Ropes of glass beads and crystal pendants dangle from their wooden stands. His wife sat on a stool shifting her gaze between Eclipse and her husband. Whatever unspoken conversation passed between them, led to Hoarce sighing, and motioning for him come behind the stand. Eclipse slipped under the back curtain as his wife exited. She gave him a warm smile before adjusting her shopping basket and leaving. Hoarce motioned him to lay low so the shoppers wouldn¡¯t see him.


    ¡°Eclipse, old man, what are you doing? You shouldn¡¯t be here.¡± He watched the passing customers and tried not to look at him for too long.


    ¡°My apologies Hoarce, I need information.¡±


    ¡°I want to help, I do, but the Council is strict.¡±


    "You have bypassed them before; you will stand here and tell me you have cleaned up your act?"


    ¡°No one makes any money here by being honest." He chuckled to himself. "If you must ask, ask. We don¡¯t have much time.¡±


    ¡°I require opals.¡± Hoarce¡¯s face puckered like he sucked on a lemon. He glanced around the street, hoping no one was close enough to overhear.


    ¡°Old man, my friend, you know those are prohibited.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but there is always a way.¡±


    Hoarce pondered for a moment, rubbing the thick beard on his face. He took the edge of his sleeve and wiped the sweat from his forehead.


    ¡°No self-respecting vendor will ever sell them.¡±


    ¡°I assumed not. I am more interested in how they came to be sold. Last time I was here it was impossible to get any. But now it seems, pathways have been made.¡±


    ¡°When you were here last, the opal supply was nonexistent.¡±


    ¡°Was a supply found or brought in?¡±


    ¡°Not sure.¡± He waved his hands in front of his chest, ¡°I don¡¯t deal in gems, too regulated. I don¡¯t know where they came from, or how. But I heard if you ask the right people, you can get your hands on one.¡±


    ¡°Like the Ferryman?¡±


    ¡°No, they stay out of it. People are more lucrative.¡±


    ¡°Husband,¡± his wife¡¯s head appeared between the curtains. ¡°The Crims are about.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry old man, I wish I could do more.¡±


    ¡°I will make my leave, thank you Hoarce. Nayan, always a pleasure. May Zander light your path.¡±


    He slipped from the stall, hugging the back of the others, hoping the crates of merchandise concealed him. He chewed on Hoarce¡¯s words. A new supply of opals. He couldn¡¯t shake the disappearance of the Ferryman. Despite his friend¡¯s opinion it was possible the new gem enterprise was too tempting to ignore. If there was one person who could sneak opals into the kingdom and avoid the Crims, it would be the Ferryman.


    The sand under him stiffened under his padded feet. Then a firm tug sent him crashing face first into the sand. The hum of magic fizzled with the settling dust. Between the plumes he saw the iconic robes, that gave the Enforces their name. Two, with staffs at the ready; poised to unleash another attack.


    The sand shifted, this time his feet acted first. He leapt from the ground to a stack of barrels beside a bar. One of the Crims shouted for him to stop, but he was already racing into an alley. He hugged the shadows, but they followed. Between abandoned planks, barrels, and trash he went unseen. The magic around them vibrated, he shuffled faster until he saw the other side of the street. All he had to do was slip into a crowd, then he was free.


    Their magic fizzled in the air. He ran faster, but the ground slid away. Every time he jumped ahead hoping to out race it. But every foot gained sent him back two. The weight of the dirt smashed into the stalls; bowling over unsuspecting bystanders. Behind him the wind roared, and the sand crashed over him. Again and again, until all he saw was the wall of golden misery. Until he felt the weight pressing him downwards. Until his vision went black. When whooshing flooded his ears and squeezed his chest. Then he swam. His paws fought against the tide, clawing inch by inch until he felt the sun on his fur. His lungs burned as he pushed his aching muscles forward. Then, like a vision from the Gods, he saw the sky.


    Each wave brought the Enforcers closer. Between the smell of dirt was the scent of their sweat. He couldn''t give up, not when the sand was up to his knees, he had to keep going. It slides under him again, he summoned a burst of energy and leapt on top of the bobbing debris. From crate to broken barrel he overcame the worse of it. A head of him was salvation. A clay brick building with a low hanging wooden awning above the entrance.


    The Crims howled as the wave thundered behind him. They sensed the end, his end, knowing he had nowhere else to go. But his desperation only spurred him on. Because of Moira¡¯s love of the ocean, he napped on his share of beaches. The waves were rhythmic, and the desert wasn''t any different. His eyes were too blurry to look back, but he listened. Listened to their last desperate attempt. Destroying the poverty-stricken merchants were one thing. Damaging the expensive brick businesses was different.


    He listened to the wave. Each little pebble rolling, tumbling until it grew into the collective; ready to strike. The plank under him was giving way. It slid backward, his safety growing further away in a blink. The wave rose, casting everything in shadow as it blocked out the sun. Clumps of sand piled over him and pelted his back. Higher he climbed, until the sun burned his back. Then he saw the shop. And in a breath, he was careening downwards.


    It happened in a heartbeat. Solid ground appeared under his feet. He lay on his side, panting as his heart thumped against his ribs. Below people screamed, the sound of cascading sound muffled the arguing. He misjudged the distance, he missed the awning, but the roof was a fortunate happenstance. Before the Crims could make their way to him, he pulled himself upright and raced to the other side. With any luck from the Goddess, he could still make it to the Temple.

 Chapter 9: Finding the Worker Bees

    Osana sat at the edge of a fountain, kicking her bare feet in the still water. The day before all the fountains were beautiful and filled with gushing streams. Today they seemed tired, only able to give half the energy they had from the day before. She kept thinking about Rebekah and her conversation with the pawn shop owner. Lani mentioned the word ferryman before. But it was always associated with a person travelling on a boat. But the way the mortals whispered his name, told her it was something more to the word. For some reason Rebekah wanted out. Out of what or why she didn¡¯t know. But the mystery intrigued her.


    She didn¡¯t like secrets. It was almost on par to her hating lies. Both led to trouble. If her mission was to help a mortal, then the best way was to help Rebekah stay out of trouble. The only problem, she didn¡¯t know where Rebekah was. After the pawn shop, Osana lost her in the crowds and the girl seemed to have vanished during the celebrations. She hoped she would see her again near the temple, but she was there all morning and no one who looked like her appeared. The market center proved a bit better. Although she didn¡¯t see Rebekah, she saw enough people in a similar uniform.


    They were busy like honeybees, darting from one place to another. Some traveled in pairs but mostly they were alone. They all seemed to have different purposes in the market. She watched them shop and fill baskets full of items. Others acted like messengers, and she watched parchment notes pass between hands. But no Rebekah. Where was her worker bee?


    Patience was never her strong suit. Her feet swished the water around, but her legs begged to move. She was wasting her time waiting around for someone who might never arrive. Climbing from the basin, she determined to find her mortal herself. And the first step was to follow Rebekah¡¯s peers around until they brought her to their hive. She meandered through the streets, admiring the trees and cacti who were in flower. Until a young man caught her attention. He was standing on the corner holding a piece of paper, trying to shove it in every passerby¡¯s face. His frantic calls drew her in. He was tall with wide shoulders and a thin but trimmed beard. His clothes where old and mended in several places.


    ¡°My brother, please have you seen him?¡± A woman paused, and Osana peeked at the crude drawing in his hand. It looked like an adolescent boy, with ears that poked from his head and a small button nose. ¡°Please, have you seen him. He didn¡¯t return home one night. Our mother is sick with worry.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I haven¡¯t seen him. What is his name?¡±


    ¡°Daud, he is this high,¡± he held his hand to his waist. ¡°He has a scar on his arms from when an eagle chased him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I hope you find him soon. I will keep my eyes open.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, thank you.¡±


    He looked at Osana with pleading eyes, showing her the drawing again. He was apologetic at its crudeness. She felt the grief radiating from him. So young to feel that level of loss. She wished she could wipe it away, but even that magic was beyond her. She never considered the idea of losing Lani, it seemed impossible to imagine. But her heart ached, knowing if she ever did, she would be on every street corner shouting her name too. She offered a kind word before sending a prayer to Papa, hoping someone was watching out for the boy.


    After the interaction she was careful to conceal herself, just as Lani taught her. She only used the magic to sneak up on the deer in Papa¡¯s Garden, but it proved to have better purposes in the mortal realm. She tugged her light wrap around her shoulders and did her best to avoid bumping into shoppers. A pair of worker bees caught her attention. A boy and girl, browsing the stalls. She watched from a distance until they reached a brick shelter with steps leading underground.


    She followed, listening to them chatter, until they enter a winding tunnel. Torches lit their path, the cobwebs in the corners caught the flickering light. It was cooler underground. The flagstones under her feet had a light sprinkling of sand. She didn¡¯t know how long they walked; the tunnel snaked for what felt like hours. As they turned a corner a voice barked.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡±


    ¡°Helot Bastian¡± the boy called out. ¡°And Helot Leona. We are returning from the market.¡±


    They approached two men in scarlet robes. A black face covering concealed their mouths and nose. The gold lining in their sleeves shimmered in the torch light. They were tall imposing gatekeepers with their heavy staffs poised at their side. Behind them was a metal cage door leading to a brightly lit stairwell. Osana stepped backwards, hoping to keep her distance. Her mouth went dry, at the magic surrounding them. Unlike the mortals she followed, these two were Mages.


    Their aura was strong and imposing. But the contempt in their eyes made her heart race. It only happened once before. When Alma introduced them to the Drakur guarding the entrance to the underworld. The willowy wraiths never snarled at them, but she sensed their viciousness. And the red Mages before her, standing over the small mortals, gave the same sense of dread. The girl felt it too, she refused to make eye contact as the heavy gate groaned open. The boy nodded in gratitude as they passed. Osana shuffled passed, hoping the Mages didn''t have the same second sight as the Drakur.


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    She continued up the stone steps unnoticed. It was narrow and dusty, forcing the group into a single file. The spirited energy they had in the market, that bubbled with every step, was gone. It faded with each step as they prepared themselves for what awaited them at the top of the stairs. They didn¡¯t need to speak, Osana felt it. It clung to her, the feeling of crawling through mud until the body was too exhausted to move. They¡¯re smiles vanished and they took on a dull distant demeanour. As they stepped into a busy atrium, they glanced at one another with a brief sadness in their eyes.


    ¡°Goodbye Helot Bastian.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye Helot Leona.¡±


    They left in opposite directions, and never looked back. Osana never felt lonely, there was always something or someone to talk to. But watching the loneliness grow between them as they part ways, hurt her. Wherever they were, the building she was standing in, was the last place either of them wanted to be. But she didn¡¯t understand. Glancing around, she found it difficult to imagine the sense of dread in such a beautiful space.


    The airy space was bustling with life. People scurried over marble before disappearing behind corridors lining the atrium. Midnight coloured glass decorated the vaulted ceilings. When the light from the tall windows kissed the glass, it transformed the ceiling into the night sky. With thousands of stars. From the white columns to the white and black marble floors; everything was pristine. It was the only place she had been that didn¡¯t have sand at her feet.


    It felt luxurious, like stepping into another world. One of which the people in it wore fine robes. They weren¡¯t the type to be lugging crates or carts full of animals. They carried themselves taller, looked straight ahead and never down. She felt out of place, even more of an outsider than she already did. She noticed an older lady behind a curved desk near the entrance. She and two others wore purple tunics with an embroidered badge on their chest. She greeted the visitors who entered through tall wooden doors with a welcoming smile. The two others, a young woman and man, busied themselves with writing in ledgers.


    ¡°Welcome to the Council Citadel. How can I help you today?¡± The woman greeted the next visitor.


    Is that what this is?


    A man with glasses carrying a pile of scrolls, almost bumped into her forcing her to take cover near a pillar. More and more people were exiting through the side doors and their chatter was making it hard to think. The Council. She probed her memory to the boring lesson Kelani was trying to teach her before they arrived. The Council was the group of Mages that created laws and policies.


    Did the brown robe mortals work for the Council?


    A smile broke on her face, she did it. Even if everyone thought she was clumsy and a poor listener, she did it. I found where the Mortal worker bees go! She was going to prove once and for all she was as capable as Lani. She might do things different, but she was certain she was on the right path. All she had to do was find Rebekah. She headed to a set of stairs, but after a few steps her feet ached and refused another step.


    How do mortals walk everywhere?


    The thought of the steps sprawled in front of her made her legs protest. The size of the building, and the full weight of her task set in. Between the possibility of countless rooms, and her lonely target, the task was impossible. It could take days, years, even lifetimes to find her among the rooms and people. Why is everything so hard here? She didn''t want to spend that long, she had places to see, foods to eat, and things to do. The faster she helped Rebekah the sooner the fun could begin. I''m done doing it the mortal way. Lani warned her about using her magic around mortals, but was it that bad? She doubted anyone really enjoyed climbing stairs anyway.


    The magic coursing through her began to fizzle, like bubbles tickling her muscles. She felt light, weightless, and the energy pulsed inside her. When it felt like it was going to burst, she thought of a spot on the top of the stairs. She shut her eyes, and pop. From the mortal plain, to the outer, then back in a flash. When she opened her eyes, she was at the top of the steps staring down a curving corridor.


    The hallway curled around until the end disappeared. The arched windows had no glass allowing the breeze to drift through the hallway. The wooden shutters had intricated floral metal work on their hinges. But there was no Rebekah. She teleported inside an office. Three men sat in uncomfortable chairs as a fourth behind a wide desked spoke. She didn¡¯t stick around to hear the conversation, everyone¡¯s face shared the same bored expression. If Rebekah wasn¡¯t there, she had no reason to stay. The next few rooms and hallways were a repeat of the first.


    That was until she heard the screaming as her feet teleported into a different hallway. Her heart thumped against her ribs as the wallow of pain echoed through the quiet floor. It rolled over her skin like lightning. Bristles of fear and pain shocked her body. She didn''t want to, but something spurred her towards it. In a blink she entered the office. A young man, a Helot, screamed as he leaned against the wall. It was like he was sitting on an invisible chair. In his hands a large hourglass counted the seconds. Sweat poured over his skin, his arms and his legs trembled. When he screamed again a Mage, in rich jade robes, flipped the timepiece, starting the punishment over again. He wore a cruel smirk as the Helot struggled to hold the timepiece steady.


    ¡°You embarrassed me, Helot.¡± His voice even and cold. ¡°Never embarrass me in front of the Council Members.¡±


    ¡°No sir, it won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    Tears threatened her eyes, she blinked, and her body was on a different floor. The screams were gone. But she knew it wasn¡¯t over. Not for the Helot. Her knees trembled; a wave of panic washed over her as she lost control of her body. The cool stone wall caressed her hand, and she navigated her weak form to the floor. With her knees to her chest, she steadied her breathing.


    Kelani taught her that Mages had the responsibility to protect and guide the Innocent. At the time, it made sense to her, those with magical abilities should keep those who don¡¯t safe. She pictured Mages helping build homes, protecting them from predators, or helping them grow crops. But the Helot¡¯s scream wormed inside her mind. That wasn¡¯t helping. It wasn¡¯t protecting.


    That was¡­harm. But Kelani told me¡­ Did she lie?

 Chapter 10: Into in the Hive

    She wandered the building, hugging her cloak tighter. She knew they won¡¯t see her, but she couldn¡¯t shake the vulnerability gripping her chest. It felt like she entered the lion¡¯s den, and she couldn¡¯t help but look over her shoulder. Every smile could hide a threat. Every open hand was capable of harm. What if someone punished Rebekah like they did the Helot upstairs. Any moment her mortal''s life could end.


    Her heart constricted, like a hand squeezing it too tight. She needed to find Rebekah. She pushed down the corridor, hoping if she saw her face the fear bubbling inside would vanish. She turned a corner; nothing. The world seemed bigger than she ever thought before.


    A spicey aroma hit her nose as she stepped into a wide hallway. People with trays and covered plates rushed about, entering, and exiting two double wooden doors. Her stomach gurgled. Inside the clanging of utensils, pots, and dishes thundered. The kitchen, the glorious center of any home. A tasty treat would improve her mood.


    Her feet sprung to life, wasting no time to reach the door. As it swung open and a Helot fled with a hot tray, she spied her. Rebekah, stoic and walking with purpose to the kitchen. Praise Papa! She bounced on her toes, ready to meet her with a greeting. But then she remembered the last time they spoke. The coldness in her tone, the taught lips, and the crossed arms. What if she''s still mad at me?


    Then a thought struck her, Kelani''s special gift. Rummaging through her bag, she fumbled with smooth stones, coins, trinkets, and utensils until she felt it. The soft glass with the sand that was cool to the touch. Even in the desert heat, the sand never lost its astral properties. Yanking the relic free, she held it in her hand. Alma, Great Star, help me help her. Then she pressed her thumbs on the diamonds on either side of the sand. As Rebekah approached, she focused on her face, asking her mind to grant her access.


    The glass cracked under her fingers and the tiny grains of sand tumbled into the empty vial. It floated into her ears, growing louder and louder until she felt the sand was roaring like a deadly waterfall. The room swayed, almost knocking her off her feet. When she opened her eyes again, she was inside the kitchen. But she wasn''t inside her body.


    She grew taller and had no issues grabbing cups from the top cabinet. But stranger still, the voice in her mind belonged to someone else. Her body, acting on its own, navigated the bustling kitchen. She maneuvered past prep hands to where they place the Chancellor¡¯s afternoon tea. Putting the ceramic pot and cups on a tray she managed to get out of the kitchen without spilling anything. The worry bubbled inside her, as she gripped the tray harder, hoping her sweaty palms won¡¯t cause her to drop it. Mages liked their tea. And she had spilled enough of the Chancellor¡¯s tea to garner threats of firing multiple times a week.


    Of all the Mages she had ever met, she hated the Chancellor most of all. Godfrey was the head of the entire Mage Order, the highest political figure in the land. She was lucky enough to deliver letters and fetch his tea. However, serving the goat farmers would have been better than Godfrey. The banker yelled, the wives shrieked, and the children taunted. But Godfrey did something worse- he ignored her. Regarding her with a cold indifference that made her skin crawl. Not all the Council members were as distant, but Godfrey was the worse.


    She balanced the tray, as she counted the passageways to the Chancellor¡¯s chambers. Helots had special access to alternate passageways that most people didn''t know existed. She emerged from the cracked stairs to the common areas of the Citadel. Here, the Council members and their associates carried on their day-to-day business. Mages in dress robes passed each other in droves. Assistants pushed and maneuvered through the crowds. While scribes rushed among them to the next meeting. The grand foyer was booming with countless voices, the world seemed to have congregated in the high ceiling marble prison.


    She stood in the doorway gathering the courage to cross the front lines. One careful step after another she managed to get by the crowd without anything spilling. Walking her usual path to Godfrey¡¯s office she made it there just in time to see another Mage enter. She faced a dilemma¡ªinterrupt the Chancellor or forgo his request for refreshments. In the end she decided to knock on the door. Better to face the scorn of disturbing him than deal with the punishment for being lazy.


    ¡°Enter,¡± came her boss¡¯s voice.


    The visitor continued speaking as if she wasn¡¯t there. But Godfrey, sitting behind his polished desk, regarded her with his narrow grey eyes. His silver hair was kept short and neatly trimmed. She never once saw him with facial hair due to his strict grooming routine. He always wore a bored expression, unless, of course, someone was telling him something he disliked. He frowned at her and made a motion with his hand, indicating where to put the tray.


    She glanced at the visitor who stood in his formal white Imperial Robes. She knew enough about their clothing to know that those who wore white robes were important people. Also, the ones to avoid at all costs. The young man¡¯s lanky frame and short messy brown hair. He had large round glasses and wore gold chain over his robes. She recognized the voice as Lord Toranis, a junior Council Member. She worked slowly; her curiosity getting the better of her. She heard Godfrey recline into his chair.


    ¡°I received word of his presence in the Kingdom.¡± Toranis said. ¡°What is it you want us to do?¡±


    ¡°We both know what he wants. He is not as clever as he believes he is. I had hoped that after these years he would have accepted the whole mess and moved on.¡±


    ¡°Apparently not, My lord Chancellor. Should I have the guards remove him from the kingdom?¡±


    ¡°Do not be so quick to action Toranis, remember it is his Mage that is no longer welcomed, not him. Although it seems he may be pushing his luck.¡±


    ¡°Then what is the plan? Are we going to let him come back here and cause a disturbance?¡±


    ¡°No, we will wait to see what his next move is. We will force him to show us his hand. Contact Verena, inform her that when he approaches her, she is to report their conversation to us.¡±


    ¡°Is she loyal enough to commit herself and the Academy to your will?¡±


    "It is in her best interest to be agreeable, for her benefit and future employment depend on it."


    Rebekah left the room before he asked her too. A lesson she had learned the hard way. She was to be invisible and efficient. With her dark hair and pale plain features, she blended in with the marble decorations. She was always good at becoming another face in the crowd. Efficient on the other hand, was something she needed to work on. She was already behind on her chores.


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    She slipped into the narrow passageway behind a statue and descended a long dark stairwell. Emerging on the other side she entered the room across from her. Narrow windows near the top of the wall, allowed the sunlight to beam in. Under the piles of shopping baskets, and parchment wrapped packages was a rickety table. Chairs lined the walls. Partially blocked by a stack of broken chairs was an unlit fireplace.


    It had everything the Helots needed to keep their Council members days running smoothly. Calendars with important dates and schedules pinned to the walls. Piles of shirts that needed mending, boots that needed cleaning. A cabinet of office supplies. And another cabinet for the Helots themselves, usually stocked with a spare robe if something spills. On one wall was a row of brass bells which connect to various rooms above.


    The only other soul inside was her roommate Naomi. She sat by the window mending a shirt. Her eyes squinted as her fingers fumbled with the delicate fabric. She glanced at the pile of expensive clothes; one shirt had tiny gems sewn into the stitching. A thought struck her, followed by Mrs. Knaggs cackling laugh. How much would this get her? Was it enough for a ticket?


    ¡°Rebekah, were you to the market today?"


    "No, the Chancellor needed me here. Why?"


    "Another boy went missing. I''m worried."


    "Children go missing all the time, I''m sure he''ll turn up somewhere."


    "Why do you always sound so cold? Like you don''t care about any of us."


    "I didn''t mean.... I''m sorry."


    "Have you seen Sam recently?"


    She paused. On any day she saw him at least once, usually in passing, and he always smiled. Sam was kind. He spent a lot of time with Naomi and her friend Mary during their off hours. But as she thought harder, it had been a few days since she saw him at the Citadel.


    "No, actually I haven''t..."


    ¡°Mary is worried, apparently Sam hasn¡¯t showed up to work lately. It¡¯s like he just vanished. Do you think something happened to him? So many of us are going missing."


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, whatever is going on he¡¯ll turn up soon.¡± This time she smiled, and it seemed to put Naomi at ease.


    The truth was the whole situation was concerning. Innocents didn¡¯t leave the kingdom, not without consent. They¡¯re owned by the kingdom and can only roam or exist within the commands of their employer. How would they vanish anyway? She spent enough time plotting her escape to know that every plan resulted in either imprisonment or death.


    The bell above them rang, and Naomi shot from the chair. Reading the label under it, she knew it was her turn to rush upstairs, leaving Rebekah alone with her thoughts. She had been collecting items for months. Painstakingly hiding and concealing her plans from everyone. She was the only one responsible for her future. Only she could grant herself the freedom she deserved. She grabbed the shirt, running her fingers over the jewels.


    A glass cracking exploded in Osana''s ears. The image before her eyes deteriorated and crumbled like grains of sand, piling to the floor in neat nests. A tingle prickles the inside of her head and climbs over her limbs. When her vision returns, she''s in the hallway outside the kitchen. In her hands was the relic. The first bar of sand had run out. Who and what she was, returned in pieces. Images and sensations crawled over her mind like a fat slug on a leaf.


    She saw the black hair girl in the cramped room. She''s important, said a voice in her head. Rebekah! Her mission flooded back. Her mortal was about to get herself in trouble. Tugging at her magic, she teleported to the statue. To the narrow passageway and then to the door.


    ¡°How did you get in here?¡± Rebekah''s sharp tone brought her attention behind her. Her mortal stood a few steps above her with a bundle of napkins in her arms. ¡°Are you following me?¡±


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t know me, but I know what you¡¯re going to do, and I don¡¯t want you to get in trouble.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± she whispered and took a few calculated steps towards her. ¡°What do you think I¡¯m going to do?¡±


    There was a danger in her eyes, something Osana didn¡¯t plan. She was about to explain, but Rebekah shoved her hand over her mouth. An iron grip clamped over her upper arm and before she thought about it, the mortal pushed her into a closet. She felt Rebekah¡¯s breath on her cheek.


    ¡°Are you a spy? I knew there was something weird about you yesterday. Why are you following me?¡±


    ¡°I want to help,¡± she mumbled.


    ¡°Help me? How?¡±


    ¡°Please, I can¡¯t go back home until I help someone achieve what their heart desires most.¡±


    ¡°Heart desires?¡¯ You¡¯re not from around here, are you?¡±


    ¡°Is it that obvious?¡± She heard the air escape her nose and pictured Rebekah¡¯s brief smile. ¡°My name is Osana. If you trust me, I can help you. But I admit I don¡¯t understand this world. You¡¯re the first Innocent I met, and I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on here.¡±


    ¡°Are you a Mage then?¡±


    ¡°No not exactly.¡±


    ¡°Then how can you help me?¡±


    ¡°What do you want the most?¡±


    ¡°My freedom.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?"


    ¡°You really don''t understand? The Mages own me. Owns most of us. Unless you¡¯re born here, then you¡¯re fine. But I¡¯m not.¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not right. Mages are supposed to look after Innocents.¡±


    ¡°Oh, they look after us alright, dictate everything we do. Because they feel like they know best.¡±


    ¡°And they won¡¯t let you leave?¡±


    ¡°The Crims keep eyes on us. Then there¡¯s the soldiers outside the kingdom that will kill us on sight. Listen, I get this isn¡¯t what you expected. The Mages on the outside don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening here. But you need to keep your mouth shut. If you want to help me, you won¡¯t say a word to anyone.¡±


    Osana didn¡¯t understand secrets, but she didn¡¯t like them. It somehow made her feel deceitful. A tight ball formed at the bottom of her stomach. Everything she said, contradicted what Kelani told her. Why are the Mages disobeying Papa? Nothing made sense. But her goal was to help her friend, and nothing else mattered. She reached into the bag at her hip and pulled out a smooth gem. A dazzling amethyst glowed in her palm.


    ¡°Is this enough for you to get away?¡±


    ¡°Where did you get that? Never mind, it might be best if I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Take it, if this is what you want, then I¡¯ll help.¡± She felt Rebekah¡¯s hesitation. ¡°No strings attached, here. Now go and get that ticket or whatever and have a chance at a better life.¡±


    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡±


    ¡°I told you, I¡¯m here to help someone and I chose you. It¡¯s that simple.¡±

 Chapter 11: The Fatal Sting

    Rebekah pulled her inside the empty room and directed her to watch the door in case anyone entered. Each moment sent a new wave of dread washing over her. She wanted to help her mortal more than anything, which was why she handed her the amethyst.


    It wasn¡¯t anything special, something she kept on a shelf back home, she thought it was pretty. She had no idea what a simple gift could do to her mortal. She answered in short impatient sentences. Snapping at her if she asked too many questions.


    The way Rebekah clutched it to her chest, made her feel uneasy. It reminded her of goblins hoarding their treasure. The death grip, the way her eyes darted to any sound, it all made Osana regret her decision. Her mortal muttered something to herself as she searched through the pile of shirts.


    The quick smile when she pulled out a handkerchief made Osana''s chest flutter. It was silk, with deep purple embroidery at the edges. A pretty flower with the same embroidery decorated the opposing squares. Rebekah wrapped the gem in the material before shoving it into her robe pocket. The bell shrieked, calling their attention to the label that read Chancellor.


    ¡°That¡¯s me. Stay out of sight, we¡¯ll see Mrs. Knaggs after I¡¯m done.¡±


    She never liked the idea of staying put, so she shimmered her magic over her skin and faded from mortal view. She followed closely behind, but Rebekah wasn¡¯t deceived. She whispered for her to be quiet as they approached the Chancellor¡¯s chambers.


    The man she saw at the tent by the temple sat at his desk, scribbling something on pages of parchment. No wonder Rebekah was angry when she met her, she had stolen from her employer. The other man was gone, leaving Godfrey alone with the ticking of the sand from the hourglass on his desk. She stood in the doorway, not making a sound. Waiting like a hunting hound for his command.


    ¡°Tea.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir.¡±


    Even from where she stood, she could sense Rebekah¡¯s heart slamming against her chest. Anxiousness permeated over her, and she clenched her jaw to keep from giving the truth away. Her hands trembled as she poured the tea. When she was almost at his desk her foot snagged on the rug, but she caught herself before she fell.


    ¡°Stupid Helot, watch what you¡¯re doing!¡±


    She placed the cup and saucer on the desk before anything else could happen. Godfrey reached for it, glancing at her for the first time. Rebekah''s body was stiff, standing straight and looked forward. Not at Godfrey but the wall behind him. Osana froze in place, remembering the argument between him and the man with glasses the other day. His threat earlier about ruining the woman''s life if she didn''t do as he wanted.


    ¡°What¡¯s that in your pocket?¡±


    ¡°My Lord?¡± she squeaked; Osana¡¯s throat tightened.


    ¡°I never repeat myself.¡±


    She noticed the handkerchief poking out of her pocket, something rich and fancy against her dull brown uniform. His eyes narrowed on Rebekah. His impatience as thick as the heat outside. Taking a deep breath to steady her shaking hand she reached for the cloth. Osana heard the gentle plunk of the gem falling loose in her pocket. She then pulled the cloth out.


    ¡°Madame Wayland''s Helot asked me to press it for her.¡± The sand in the hourglass spilled at a snail¡¯s pace. An eternity passed before he pursed his lips.


    ¡°Your sloppy appearance reflects poorly on me. If I catch you looking like a dishevelled idiot again, there will be consequences. Understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes Sir, is there anything else I can get for you?¡±


    Rebekah¡¯s obedient appearance didn¡¯t change but she felt something bubbling to the surface. Her fa?ade was cracking but Osana didn¡¯t know what it would unleash. He shook his head, motioning for her to take the teapot, and dismissed her with a wave of his hand. Osana shuffled behind her, wary of the close call they had.


    ¡°Can we go visit Mrs. Knaggs now?¡± she whispered in her ear.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m done with this place, and everyone in it.¡±


    Inside Mrs. Knaggs dirty shop Rebekah presented the handkerchief like an offering to a sacred idol. The pawnbroker unwrapped it, licking her dry thin lips as she pulled each corner of the cloth. Placing a thin finger to her chin she turned to Rebekah.


    ¡°Where did you get this?¡±


    ¡°Does it matter?¡± ?The woman thought for a moment, glancing between the gem and the helot uniform.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll give you what you need, it¡¯s a lovely thing. I¡¯ll get good money for it.¡± She opened a chest beside her and counted a few gold and silver coins, placing them on the counter before glancing at Rebekah one last time. ¡°There you are lovie, may Zander¡¯s light bless your path.¡±


    Outside, she noticed the smile on Rebekah''s face. The one of victory and hope. She had done it. She looked at her prize, the precious metal glistening in the sun. Nothing could stop her now; her new life was in reach. Then the door to the pawn shop slammed open.


    ¡°Guards! Thief! Stop that girl!¡±


    The words cut through Osana. Her magic shroud fluttered then broke, revealing her form. She, along with the others, were too distracted to notice her sudden appearance. But she met Rebekah¡¯s eyes, seeing the realisation of the betrayal wash over her body.


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    Mrs. Knaggs shouted again, calling the street vendors to her side. It summoned the sound of swords pulled from their sheaths. Shuffling across sand. Dropped items bouncing over the ground. It all played before Osana as she watched spellbound as men swarmed the girl. A scream caught in her throat, as they tackled her friend into the sand.


    The coins rolled from her fingers, and the soft clink rattled in her ears. The old hag kept screeching. Shrill and angry; the voice of injustice. A large man pushed Rebekah to the ground yanking her hands behind her back. The group shouted, spit and kicked sand in her face. The message was clear, the market people didn¡¯t approve of thieves. And Mrs. Knaggs, cackled with glee at the sight.


    ¡°Make them stop!¡± Osana shouted. ¡°You lied!¡±


    ¡°Out of my hands now,¡± she motioned to the three men in crimson robes approaching the mob. ¡°The Crims will teach her to keep where she belongs.¡±


    The mob parted allowing the guards from the tunnel to enter the circle. They seemed to float over the ground like a wraith. The black masks cover their mouths, but she saw their eyes. Sharp like a hunter. Honed to the prey they seek. She imagined the hell beasts at the gate. Imagined the snarl under the cloak. Ready to snuff out any signs of life. And at that moment, they held Rebekah¡¯s collar in their grasp.


    ¡°You¡¯re the little thief huh?¡± He spat.


    ¡°That¡¯s her, Master Mage¡± Mrs. Knaggs had joined the crowd. ¡°She¡¯s an evil one; you should have heard the things she called me in there- threatened my life she did. Such horrible language, things I never want any child of mine to say. I feared for my life. She had a knife, think she tossed it in an alley somewhere.¡±


    ¡°Is it true, you whelp?¡±


    ¡°No! She gave me that money. I gave her a¡ªI sold something to her.¡±


    ¡°Well," Mrs. Knaggs sneered. "What was it, I may recall if you know the item.¡±


    Osana¡¯s heart sank, as the disappointment flushed over her friend¡¯s face. Everyone around them was foaming at the mouth to see the girl punished. What would they do if they found out about her gift? Who knew a little gem could cause such havoc.


    ¡°It was a bracelet.¡±


    ¡°Nope nothing like that crossed my way today.¡±


    ¡°Want to try again girl?¡± the Mage ordered.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t steal from her.¡±


    ¡°Say it again?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what they all say.¡±


    She tossed herself from side to side and broke free from their grasp. In two steps another had grabbed her by the collar. Rebekah was like an eel, and squirmed free. As she rolled under her captors'' feet, a bystander cut her off finally ending her escape. The public encircled them, keeping her in. But they failed to keep Osana out.


    Her magic pumped through her body, like a rushing current it cascaded over her muscles. Discovering every interconnected tendon until it seized them with an unyielding grasp.


    Each stationary moment was a waste of time. The mortals were acting poorly. She couldn¡¯t let Rebekah suffer for their disobedience. Her muscles constricted, a scream burst from her throat, and from the explosion of energy she leapt on the shoulders of a wide man twice her height.


    Despite her short stature and lanky limbs her muscles were always solid. But as the magic flowed through her biceps and calves, they became dense. The rest of her muscles followed suit, and she wrapped her legs around the man¡¯s neck.


    She wrestled serpents three times her size, and this man wasn¡¯t half as threatening. He yelled and bucked like a bull. Flinging her this way and that; but she held on. Until she balled her hand into a fist and punched the base of his neck. She rolled backwards as he crumpled to the ground.


    A voice in her mind whispered for her to stop. But it was forgotten as another person lunged at her. Her shape changed into an unyielding mass of muscles and brawn. Dodging the next challenger, she leapt out of range of their flailing arms.


    She lavished in the euphoria of flying through the air. Feeling the strength in her limbs as she frog-hopped around the crowd. One by one sending them toppling over. Over and under their limbs like she was swinging through a jungle. And it all came to a head when she flung herself towards the Crim that had Rebekah.


    The air around her cooled. It was slight but, in a heartbeat, it transformed into a rope that yanked her from the air. As she stumbled to stand the sand swirled around her. Through blurry vision she saw the red sleeves reaching for her. An iron grip twisted her wrists before another slammed her onto her stomach. The sandstorm ended and she was face to face with the masked Enforcers.


    ¡°Restraint her before she kills someone!¡±


    Kill? She surveyed the street. There were people writhing on the ground in pain. Some weren¡¯t moving. Her stomach churned and the bile climbed into her throat. Mortals weren¡¯t that weak, were they? Before she could consider the inevitable, they yanked her to her feet.


    The will to fight evaporated from her body. She stared too long at the one who wasn¡¯t moving. Killing was forbidden. A chill kissed her skin as the iron clasped around her wrists. They tossed her into a wagon with a metal cage that had arrived. Her friend was already inside, dirty, and shackled.


    The snarls from the onlookers followed as they door locked with a clang. Even a little of her power was too much for them to survive. What have I done?  As the wagon drove off, she caught a glimpse at Mrs. Knaggs. The smug expression on her face made her skin burn. She didn¡¯t want to kill, but she¡¯ll make an exception for that mortal.


    Rebekah sat with her knees to her chin, staring out the small gaps between the bars.? A grim memory scrolled over her face. It was her fault her friend was there. Captured and sent only Papa knew where. She made everything worse. Much worse.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she whispered but her friend refused to look at her. ¡°I didn¡¯t know this was going to happen...¡±


    Rebekah took a deep breath and glanced at the chains around her feet.


    "Do you think this is how the others went missing."


    "The missing Helots? The ones your roommate talked about?"


    ¡°It''s an open secret that Mrs. Knaggs can get you a ticket for the Ferryman. What if Sam didn''t run away. What if he tried to get out... and they took him. Just like they did us.?Most Innocents from the Citadel have went missing over the last couple of months. I should''ve been more suspicious, asked more questions as to why she was so happy to help.¡±


    "You can''t blame yourself; you didn''t know this was going to happen.¡±


    But Rebekah didn¡¯t answer. A silence slipped between them where they listened to the sounds of the streets as they passed. Osana curled against the bars watching the dusty landscape blow by.


    She imagined herself anywhere else. Her chest felt hallow, and she had to blink the tears away. She never experienced loneliness before. But in Umara, in a strange world with stranger people, was the loneliest she ever felt.


    She thought of Lani, how simpler it was when they were home. She wanted to go to the mortal realm, for as long as she could remember. And now that she was there, she wanted nothing more than to leave.

 Chapter 12: Into the Desert

    Kelani waited by the statue of the Chalice; flipping through Jhee¡¯s pages. There had to be mention of Eyden¡¯s Passage somewhere. How could the mortals have secret knowledge she didn¡¯t? She was about to give up, when Jhee took over. The pages sprang to life as they flipped open to the bestiary section. The ink had dried, but the smears remained.


    Under the streaks and crinkles was a grotesque illustration of a many mouthed worm. Rows of teeth stared at her, while the pale slimy creature erupted from the ground. ''King Shadeseeker, the Volatile''. Her stomach tightened at the thought of witnessing the pointed teeth firsthand. Apparently, Eyden¡¯s Passage wasn¡¯t the abandoned settlement she thought. It was a territory for ancient monsters called Shadeseeker.


    She shut the book with a thud. Her insides churned as countless thoughts whisked around in her brain. The hundreds of possibilities and outcomes spun into a whirring waterfall. Loud, deafening and dangerous. Pull yourself together Lani, we can do this. If this is Saule¡¯s path, then it''s her responsibility to see her through it.


    If Osana were there, she wouldn¡¯t hesitate. A chance to see a beast of lore in real life would have sent her jumping for joy. If only some of her fearlessness rubbed off on her.


    ¡°Morning Kelani!¡±


    Saule wore a bright smile and waved as she crossed the square. The Mage wore her pack slung on her back. No longer wearing the Academy robes, she chose lightweight fabric shirt and pants. A vibrant orange scarf wrapped around her head allowing enough room for two braids to fall to her shoulders.


    ¡°Where¡¯s your pack?¡± She asked. Kelani pointed to the bag at her hip with the strap strung over one shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s it? Don¡¯t you need more?¡±


    ¡°This bag is under an enchantment that makes it infinite. Trust me it has everything you or I could possibly need.¡±


    ¡°Hey Saule!¡± A teenage boy called from a fruit stand. He handed the produce he was buying to another woman before approaching them.


    ¡°Janus, what are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Shopping,¡± he motioned to a servant wearing mauve and grey robes at the fruit stand. ¡°Sort of. She¡¯s shopping and I¡¯m avoiding the house until Eevi¡¯s tantrum subsides.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, I guess I¡¯m to blame for that.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t fret, it happens more often than you think. We¡¯re all used to it. Although, her loss to you really set her off, usually she gives up by now. Oh sorry, who¡¯s your friend?¡±


    ¡°Kelani, she¡¯s a foreigner. She¡¯s going to help me train.¡±


    ¡°Oh, do you have some secret methods to be bestow on to us?¡± His grin made Kelani¡¯s face flush, she hugged Jhee to her chest and composed herself.


    ¡°I have the wisdom of the ages,¡± she held up Jhee for him to see. ¡°Everything from the past is at our fingertips.¡±


    ¡°Impressive. But Saule doesn¡¯t need help, she¡¯s one of the best already. Did you see that win the other day?¡±


    ¡°Were we at the same match?¡± Saule counters, ¡°I barely pulled off that last attack. Your sister¡¯s right, I was lucky. And luck isn¡¯t enough to become Council Elect.¡±


    ¡°Eevie¡¯s a pushy brat, don¡¯t let her get to you. But if you¡¯re going on some fancy training, count me in.¡±


    ¡°Wait, I did not agree to two,¡±


    ¡°Why not, you can¡¯t just play favourite. Will a second person be that impossible?¡±


    ¡°Janus, you don¡¯t even have any supplies,¡± Saule added glancing at Kelani. Of course, there was more to their adventure than simple training. The Guardian wanted them to survey the obscure area for an unknown purpose. She doubted he wanted additional people in on his plans. Despite Saule¡¯s objection, he turned and snapped his fingers.


    ¡°Cami!¡± he called, summoning the woman to his side. ¡°If my mother asks, tell her I will be late.¡± He removed the bag from the servant and slung it over his shoulders. ¡°Okay, got a pack. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Janus this is absurd.¡±


    ¡°Can you simply do that?¡± Kelani watched as Cami bowed before returning to the nearby spice stand. ¡°You stole her bag?¡±


    ¡°Her bag? It''s my father¡¯s money that paid for all of it. As his son, it''s basically my bag.¡±


    ¡°Will she get reprimanded when she returns without the items?¡± The way he paused told her everything she needed to know. ¡°Perhaps it is for the best if you stay here,¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t I be part of your secret club?¡± He turned to Saule for support, ¡°I won¡¯t be a problem. I promise, you won¡¯t even know I¡¯m here.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay Kelani, he¡¯ll be good. Won¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°The best. Please, Kelani?¡±


    ¡°If you must, but do not get in our way.¡±


    Saule led them from the market and down the quiet streets of a residential area. Homes made of bricks lined the meandering streets. From her home among the stars the desert seemed barren. But walking among the homes told a different story. Entrances were decorated with hanging flower baskets, the cacti in flower growing on street corners, and people wearing every assortment of colour, revealed a beautiful scene. The people were friendly enough to nod as they passed but not enough to ask questions.


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    Towering over the flat roofs was a giant stone arch, which marked their exit. As they got closer, she spied a set of heavy doors like the one from the Passage to Prosperity her and Osana had used to first enter the kingdom. And like before, four hooded Mages in crimson robes stood guard. ?Larger than life paintings decorated the stone walls. It marked the vitality of the desert after the rains. She marvelled at the vibrant colours used to depict a lush scene with plants, flowers, and a variety of animals.


    ¡°Why are there so many guards posted here?¡± She whispered to her Mage.


    ¡°To make sure the Mages leaving the kingdom have the proper safety measures in place.¡±


    ¡°What safety measures exactly?¡±


    ¡°Our staffs. And to make sure we travel in groups. The desert is dangerous. Unless you¡¯re an experienced Mage, most of the students need to travel with others.¡±


    ¡°Wait, I am without a staff.¡±


    But the Mortals had already approached the guards. She wracked her brain, thinking of a way to prove herself without revealing her identity. The guards towered over Saule and studied her sunstone staff. The other, took Janus¡¯s emerald staff in his hand and held it to the sky. Flickers of green light reflected over his hood. It was the first time she noticed the guards concealed most of their face in black fabric.


    Their eyes were mortal, but something about how they carried themselves reminded her of old legends she once read. Supernatural creatures that roam the dark countryside, hunting their prey. The nameless, faceless predators that devoured magic until their greed swallowed it all. The Mages before her were mortal. Based on the square of their shoulders and size of their hands, all four of them were men. Their leader was the tallest. But still the image of the night creatures raced in her mind.


    ¡°No staff?¡± The third guard barked at her. ¡°Do you have your letter?¡±


    ¡°She isn¡¯t an Innocent, she¡¯s a Mage, so she doesn''t need a letter. She''s a foreigner, that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°Someone as young as you with no staff must have been poorly trained. You¡¯re better off staying here.¡±


    ¡°Impossible, I need to leave with them.¡±


    ¡°Mages under training have staffs here.¡±


    ¡°Where I come from, we have no use for them.¡±


    ¡°Prove it.¡±


    She didn¡¯t like his tone. Nor the insinuation that she was inadequate. She had no doubts she could handle some desert insects or wild dogs. ¡°As you wish. Saule, stand there and attack me.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Now hurry up, we do not have all day to waste.¡±


    Mages, born from Umara, had elemental magic rooted in their world. It was impossible for her to mimic it. But she had something that could suffice. Saule faced her and moved her staff to the attack position. She chewed her lip before waving her hand over the gem, summoning a flame on top of it.


    Kelani planted her feet, and awkward movement, considering she rarely needed the stability. But Mages couldn¡¯t float on command, and she needed to blend in. Hands together with her two fingers pointed, she channelled the magic from within. Little feelers, like a prickly plant, rolled over her body. She watched as the flame glowed brighter, snaking into the air.


    With a gentle coaxing her magic reached her skin, wormed over her arms to her fingertips. From there, its enthusiasm bubbled; flickering like the mortal¡¯s fire. Kelani pushed her magic harder, the feelers swayed in the air. When they found each other, they latched on, connecting with rigid angles. Translucent panels floated in front of her, like shimmering windowpanes.


    She nodded to Saule, who let out a deep breath before flicking her wrist and launching a fire ball in her direction. Kelani tapped her fingers together and the panels snapped together forming a ridged wall. The flames spun, soaring at top speed and smashed against the panel. The vibration radiated through her body. But the magic held, the spinning ball evaporated into the air.


    ¡°Kelani, how did you do that?¡± Saule shuffled to her side.


    ¡°Like I said, we have no use of staffs in my lands.¡± She turned to the guards. ¡°I am more than capable of surviving whatever creature is out there.¡±


    ¡°A young Mage without a staff is as good as dead.¡± The lead guard stated. ¡°But your fate is not my concern, go and try your luck. But do not cry to us upon your return.¡±


    Another one snickered as the other two opened one of the heavy doors. Kelani bit her tongue, trying to keep her opinion to herself. Saule approached the door first, when she was promptly stopped.


    ¡°Where is it that you three are heading?¡±


    ¡°Oh, the riverbed. Thought we¡¯ll get some training in before the next semester begins.¡±


    The guard seemed to approve and the three of them exited the kingdom proper. Passing under the arch, brought her face to face with the canyon bottom. Cliffs rose to the sky, making her feel small and insignificant. Sparse trees grew in small groups, usually with harsh brush at the base. They walked in silence, but as the doors shuttered close behind them, Janus nudged Saule with his elbow.


    ¡°Okay where are we really going?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t play dumb. The riverbed is for novices. So, where''s this secret training place?¡±


    ¡°Eyden¡¯s Passage¡±


    ¡°Seriously? I thought that was a story the Assistant Instructors told to scare us.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s a real place, and I think I know where it is.¡±


    ¡°If you are too frightened, there is no shame in returning home.¡± Kelani added.


    ¡°Oh no, I¡¯m coming. I can¡¯t let you girls have all the fun.¡±


    Janus strolled ahead of them, smiling and pointing out items of interest. He pointed to canyon caves his friends explored. Enthusiastically recounting the time they found a Sand Cobra, claiming they barely escaped with their lives. Her mind drifted away, leaving his childish tales to Saule to bare. She thought back to Jhee and the Shadeseeker from the passage.


    She knew her abilities made Umara a safer than the guards believed. But for the first time she considered the two students before her. Were they capable of challenging a mythic beast? Being superior in the arena was one thing. But in the wild. She wasn''t sure.


    Saule seemed dead set on going, even after the Guardian¡¯s warning. She was hungry to prove herself. An aspect of her character, Kelani needed to investigate. A part of her wished they would remain at the riverbed. Whatever her mortal''s relationship with the Guardian was, his presence emboldened her. Whether it was a hindrance, or a blessing was yet to be decided.

 Chapter 13: Rolling Stones

    The vibrant flora around the riverbed was more stunning in person than she ever imagined. Leafy trees swayed in the cool breeze as the river meandered to the kingdom proper. Little creatures with feathers bobbed on the surface. Saule pointed to a herd of larger animals she called Nasodax. The four-legged beasts had short sandy fur over their bodies.


    White markings decorated their necks long faces. She admired their curved horns resting on top of their head. The younger hornless ones jumped and tapped their cloven feet on the ground as they played. The mortal called them wild, but Kelani had seen them pulling carts on the market streets.  It was a desert creature the mortals must''ve domesticated long ago.


    The orange flowers were her favourite. Soft wide petals stretched from the green stems, smiling at the sun. The orange faded to magenta as it reached the center with tall golden Staman dancing in the breeze. It gave off a sweet light scent that refreshed her tired spirit. Saule plucked one from the bundle. Her touch was delicate, like a bee landing on a petal, as placed the flower between her braided strands.


    ¡°Kelani, you look so pretty. Janus don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure the ants won¡¯t mind a new spot to nest,¡± he chuckled.


    ¡°Ants!¡± She knew of them, the tiny little creatures with too many legs that crawl over everything.


    ¡°There¡¯s no ants on it, he¡¯s just being a jerk.¡± She directed the last part to him.


    They changed course, leaving the frolicking riverbed behind. Her heart waved farewell to the plants, fish and rocky shore. She made a mental note to return and add more additions to Jhee later. Without her pristine map, she had to follow Saule through the brush and rocks. The worn road they were following vanished under sand and sparse trees. Janus shared a concerned glance with her, before approaching Saule. After some whispering, he fell in line, and they walked towards the cliffs.


    The sheer rock face invoked something in her that made her body freeze on the spot. Layers of stripes ripped through the stone, creating horizontal patterns of grey and orange. If she had seen the image in a book, she would have considered it beautiful. But staring at it, how it climbed high into the sky. How it overshadowed the trees around them made her think otherwise. At any moment it could collapse on her, burying her under mountains of rock. It was hard to believe something could make her feel small and insignificant. She didn¡¯t like it, and she pushed the thought from her mind.


    Focusing instead on Saule shuffling around the base of the canyon, crawling around trees like a furry rodent. Janus stood beside her sharing a similar posture. After a moment his expression slipped from confused to bored. The sun bore down on them, and even in the shade of the tree, it caused sweat to roll over her skin. Then an excited gasp drew her attention to the mortal.


    ¡°Over here! Guys I think I found it!¡±


    They followed her voice, searching between the brush and cacti until they found her. Standing on a narrow path behind a group of palm trees. From where Kelani stood, she didn¡¯t understand what she was pointing too. If anything, it looked like the same canyon wall they¡¯ve been staring at all along. Janus let out a long whistle, before ushering her to their side. There, adjusting her angle, she saw it. A path, barely a ledge, cut into the rock leading to the top. Whoever designed it, made sure it was only visible to someone who knew how to look for it. But how did Saule know where to look?


    Clumps of dirt slipped from the edge as they hiked upwards. She watched her feet, ensuring she stepped where her companions did. Their footing was so certain, never hesitating which spot was solid or on the verge of crumbling. She wondered if it had anything to do with the colour of the dirt. Or the distance it was from the wall and whether there was a plant near it. She knew they had a secret knowledge to traverse the terrain. Knowledge that only came from growing up in the desert.


    Beads of sweat rolled down the base of her neck. It clung to her skin, making it glisten in the afternoon sun. She didn¡¯t know if she would ever grow accustomed to the heat. But she reminded herself to have patience. Once she was a member of the pantheon, with access to her full abilities, sweating in the desert wouldn''t seem so terrible.


    Osana dreamed of friendships with the mortals. She hated being lonely as much as she hated being hungry. But the one thing Osana didn¡¯t realise, or more likely forgot, was they weren¡¯t full goddesses. They had abilities the mortals only dreamed of, but it was only a fraction of their full potential. Joining the Pantheon granted them everything they deserved. She dreamed of that day; imagining what the future had in store for her.


    Would she control the waves like Sherseas? Have skills of the great Forge like Haddak. Or will she have something different? It was an endless boundless dream. It was why, when she thought of Saule¡¯s problem, she had to act. Her limitations were out of her control, but Saule wasn¡¯t stuck like she was. She was going to ensure Saule became the top Mage at the Academy. Even if the sun burned her skin off.


    ¡°Look down there Kelani, see how small everything looks.¡± Janus pointed to the trees, which seemed no higher than a hearty bush from where she stood.


    ¡°The river is so thin from here,¡±


    She didn¡¯t want to go too close to the edge, in case it crumbled under her vessel¡¯s weight. He pointed to a spot in the distance, explaining the kingdom they left was on the other side of the pointed rocks. It became clear that they weren¡¯t returning before dark.


    Sand fell from above, smacking her braid as it tumbled to the ground below. Before her mind told her, Janus had pointed upwards to the canyon ledge. A large boulder rolled itself into view. Teetering as it contemplated its fate. She didn¡¯t hear her friend scream, or Janus¡¯s directions. All she saw was the rock tumble over, bouncing against the canyon wall as it headed for them.


    Saule grabbed Janus¡¯s arm pulling him from the rock¡¯s path. It brushed against Kelani, knocking her backwards. Her foot slipped on the dirt and the path gave way. As she fell, she saw more boulders tumble over the cliff.


    Above her Janus was using his staff to yank shards of rock from the canyon. They acted as stairs for him and Saule to climb. As they got smaller, she realized how fast she was falling to the bottom. And she would be dammed if she had to start over and climb the whole path again.


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    Her magic shuddered over her body as she came to a complete stop above the trees. But her respite was short lived. A boulder crashed beside her. The force tossed her out of the way. Another tumbled toward her flinging her into the unwelcoming branches of a palm tree. The threatening thorns jab into her hand, already it was starting to sting and swell. Pushing herself free, her flower dropped from her hair. It vanished into the debris below while the chaos above ensued.


    The last of the boulders fell and she spied Saule and Janus climb over the top of the canyon to safety. Pushing herself upward she soared into the air feeling the wind tickle her face. As she neared the cliff, she saw Saule¡¯s flames. A threatening fire whip lashed into the sky.


    An attack?


    Wasting no time, she scaled the rest of the canyon, nicking the sharp rocks as she brushed passed. A wave of sand washed over her; no doubt Janus had joined the fight. Clenching her jaw, she pushed through it, emerging above the fighting. What she saw was unexpected.


    Her Mages were facing a group of people shooting arrows and spears. Janus summoned more sand unto them. A ferocious wave splashed over the armed group. But they held their ground, refusing to break their defensive formation. Another round of arrows took flight, but Saule¡¯s flames made matchsticks of them in no time.


    She glanced at the cliff, where several more boulders were precariously placed near the edge. Her stomach dropped, when she realised it only took two of them to push them over. The newcomers weren''t passing by. The boulders, the events playing out before her, was part of their plan. Her brain tried to calculate the rhyme or reason for any of it. Then sand brushed her feet, drawing her attention to Janus.


    He was pushing himself too hard. His magic fluctuated between strong bursts to push the sand forward to wobbling effort to drag it backwards. That was when she noticed it. It was usually harder to notice the absence of something amid the chaos. While she sensed the magic burning through her mortals, she didn¡¯t with the others. Their beige clothes concealed their gender and identity. Made them almost invisible in the desert landscape. But the one thing they couldn¡¯t hide from her was their magic. Which meant one thing: they didn¡¯t have any.


    They¡¯re attacking Innocents! She swooped down, behind Saule and got close to her ear.


    ¡°Stop. They¡¯re Innocents, you mustn¡¯t use magic against them.¡±


    ¡°I know Kelani, I¡¯m a bit busy at the moment.¡± The heat from her attack kissed her skin.


    ¡°You know, and you¡¯re still attacking?¡±


    ¡°They started it!¡± Janus called over the rushing sand. ¡°And we¡¯re going to finish it.¡±


    His words hit her like a brick wall. The world around her slowed to a crawl as she floated backwards to the edge of the cliff. She kept watching them, fighting with such intensity it seemed cruel. The Innocents didn¡¯t seem to be willing to surrender. Their tactics, although not effective against magic, was sound.


    She reviewed strategies written by masters of war. One way to gain a victory against a Mage was to tire them out. Magic was infinite, but the body was not. These Innocents weren¡¯t stupid. They were either going to wear her mortals down and kill them or force the Mages to destroy themselves for a victory.


    Her chest hardened, like cooling steel, before the blacksmith¡¯s hammer. She wasn¡¯t going to let the Innocents trick her Mages into disobeying Papa. She took to the sky, speeding over the flames and sand. If her Mages weren¡¯t going to keep to their Oath, then she needed to step in.


    As Janus summoned another wave, she shot downwards; dodging the whipping flames. Steadying herself on the volatile ground she clasped her hands in front of her chest. Her magic prickled her skin, the long spindly threads stretched from her form. Ahead of her the sand was mounting for another attack. Gathering its resolve like a python about to strike. The arrows shot overhead and snapped against the streams of fire.


    Their power was building; each thread made their critical connection with the other. Larger than life transparent panels expand over her head; stretching high above her. She felt the sand thunder in her chest. The panels snapped together with a click, and she made a motion with her hand to lock them in place. They shuddered with a deafening thud as Janus¡¯s sand engulfed the sky.


    Swirling winds, sand and debris accumulate like an ocean storm. Her hair whipped her face, stinging the already sunburn skin. The world around her rumbled, vibrating in her chest. She pushed her palms out, bracing her shield to impact as the sand blocked out the sun.


    It smashed with the weight of an exploding star. The force rang through her ears. Her feet slid against the sand as she braced the barrier.  Then she heard it, the sound of glass cracking. But a scream from the other side signalled something worse.


    The sand collapsed to her feet, and when the dust cleared, she saw it. Saule falling through the air, and over the canyon edge. Janus spurred into action. She was about to teleport to her side when something grabbed her arm. His forceful grasp drew her eyes to his. They¡¯re men. His brown eyes glared into hers, while shouting something her brain didn¡¯t translate. But she saw the blade in his free hand told her everything she needed to know.


    ¡°You die!¡± He screamed and held the knife above her.


    ¡°Brother, stop!¡± Another came to her side. A taller man grabbed the wrist with the knife and steps between her and the other man.


    ¡°Why hesitate, we¡¯ll get her when she is weak. Get them while distracted. It¡¯s time to act!¡±


    ¡°Enough, our brothers are wounded. We must retreat and fight another day. The Gods smile upon us, let¡¯s not spit on their blessing by harming her.¡±


    She glanced over their shoulders and saw the extent of the damage the Mages caused. Some leaned on their spears for support. Others clutched wounds and their burnt clothes. Their faces painted an image she saw of soldiers returning from war.


    The man replaced his blade in its sheath and stormed towards the others without a word. The other turned to her, looking down at her with deep brown eyes. His head covered in the same beige as the others. His skin stained by the sun and sand which made him look older than he sounded.


    ¡°Take yourself and your companions far away from here.¡±


    ¡°I am afraid I must decline. I am on a quest, and I must not stray from the path set before me.¡±


    ¡°I will not save you next time,¡±


    ¡°Then I pray to the Goddess that our paths shall never cross again.¡±


    He seemed pleased, but she saw a sense of concern behind his eyes as he returned to his men. The others followed, some glaring at her, some nodding as they left. She rushed to Saule, who was safely on solid ground once more. She laid over the sand catching her breath. Tired and panting, she gave her a weary smile. Which put her heart at ease. Then she heard Janus behind her followed by two strong hands against her back.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing!¡± He shouted with a rage she hadn¡¯t heard from him before. ¡°You could¡¯ve killed her!¡±


    He moved to shove her again. But she wasn¡¯t going to let it happen a second time.

 Chapter 14: Suspicions in the Shade of Turtle Rock

    ¡°What were you thinking? She almost died!¡± Janus shouted and shoved her again.


    The insolence, she thought. She didn¡¯t know where to start. Them breaking their Oath and wounding Innocents. Or the audacity the mortal had to touch her with such aggression. When his hands pressed against her shoulders, she pushed back. Shoving him harder than he expected. He stumbled backwards but remained on his feet.


    ¡°It was your magic hitting my barrier that caused the blow back. Not mine! You chose an unequal battle, expect consequences.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re the one deciding the consequences now?¡±


    ¡°Stop! Both of you!¡± Saule stepped between them. ¡°Janus she¡¯s right. We could have seriously hurt them.¡±


    ¡°They started it Saule, they attacked first.¡±


    ¡°We aren¡¯t supposed to attack Innocents, we swore our Oath.¡±


    ¡°So, we¡¯re supposed to just let them kill us next time?¡±


    ¡°Disarm them,¡± Kelani shot back. ¡°Disarm and disengage. What did the Academy teach you? If this was a misunderstanding, you ruined any chance to discover their intentions. If they were not true enemies before, you bet they are now.¡±


    Janus huffed, yanking at his curls before pacing several steps in front of them. Her mortal was the only one showing regret, which was why she directed the next question to her.


    ¡°What would have happened to your soul in Paradise if you had killed them?¡±


    To most mortals Alona, the Mother Goddess was compassionate to all that lived and died. But the elders knew the truth. She knew better than most. To Alama the cycle of life was never broken, sometimes tragic, but it must continue. It was never a death that upset her. She oversaw the cycle like a wife overseeing her husband''s estate. She tallied checks and balances, and the mortal world spun in harmony.


    To a Mage, the afterlife took a different path. While all souls face judgement at the Gate, those who swore the Oath to Zander face a harsher inquiry. There was little room for a Mage soul to negotiate. They either obeyed the Oath and Code of Conduct, or they didn¡¯t. Even if Alama wanted a different outcome, the contract bounded her to keep her husband''s word. Her mortal looked pale and hugged her staff to her chest.


    ¡°My soul would have been turned away...¡±


    ¡°This is dumb!¡± Janus shouted again. ¡°I don¡¯t care what you have to say, you¡¯re just some foreigner. You don¡¯t know how it works around here. We stood up for ourselves, we either fight or die. You don¡¯t survive out here by hiding behind promises.¡±


    ¡°I hope you live a long life and accomplish everything your heart dreams of. And when it is time to face the Judgement, remember that line. Tell it to Alona with your full chest and accept her judgement with the same enthusiasm as you have now.¡±


    He huffed again; red faced with his chest out. She dared for him to try to hit her, instead he stormed to the boulders at the edge of the cliff. Saule placed a hand on her arm motioning for her to walk with her.


    ¡°He just needs a minute or two. How about we get those thorns out. They look painful.¡±


    She looked at the black thorns in her fingers. Her confrontation with Janus had distracted her from the painful swelling. But now, her skin was puffy, and a burning itch was becoming too much to bear. They found a place near a rock formation shaped like the water creatures with shells on their back. She had read a folktale about a great island resting on the creatures back far off in the ocean. They called it a sea turtle. The shade was a blessing, and as the sun dipped the air cooled. Saule pulled out a pair of tweezers from her pack and pulled the black thorns from her hands.


    By the time Janus joined them, his anger had tempered. He had an armful of sticks and branches for a fire that Saule was setting up. He didn¡¯t apologize. And she didn¡¯t believe she needed too either. It was awkward for the most part but as the fire sparked and the sun began to set, a tentative peace had fallen over them.


    ¡°Do you think they¡¯ll come back?¡± Saule asked roasting some of the vegetables from Janus¡¯s bag.


    ¡°I believe they are in no state to attack us again.¡± Saule winced at her words. And Kelani tried a different approach. ¡°I spoke to their leader, he adamant that we return to the Kingdom of Ancients. However, I told him that it was impossible, and we would continue our quest. I assume from his response our safety depends on whether we stay out of their way or not.¡±


    ¡°Wait, you¡¯re still going through with this?¡± He piped up.


    ¡°I am afraid we have no choice.¡± She turned to Saule, ¡°we have urgent business.¡±


    ¡°I thought you were out here doing training?¡±


    ¡°Not...exactly...¡±


    ¡°What are you two hiding?¡± He glanced from Saule to glare at her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t blame Kelani, it¡¯s my fault. I insisted. You see, Lord Orbit was wondering about Eyden¡¯s Passage, and I agreed to survey the area for him and report back. Kelani only came with me to keep me safe.¡±


    ¡°How come that name sounds familiar.¡±


    ¡°Apparently he is a Guardian that is on bad terms with the Academy Headmistress.¡±


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    ¡°We¡¯ll the entire Council altogether. They expelled his Mage from the Academy a few years ago and he¡¯s back for some reason he won¡¯t talk about.¡±


    ¡°That Guardian? Saule, why are you mixed up with him?¡±


    ¡°Can we drop it? I don¡¯t want to get into that, right now.¡±


    ¡°Okay, fine then. If Eyden¡¯s Passage is the plan, then how do we get there?¡±


    Saule pulled a folded piece of parchment from her bag. She moved between them and flattened it out before them on the sand. Kelani''s attention piqued as she studied the crude lines and scribbled symbols. They weren''t in a language she knew. She half expected Ancient Umarian but it looked nothing like the Old Tongue.


    It wasn¡¯t until she spied the compass directions in the corner did, she realise it was a map. A poorly drawn one, but a map, nonetheless. Saule pointed to what appeared to be the gate they exited from and the river they had visited. Kelani moved her hand over the paper, using her second sight to read the memory attached to it.


    Before her vision was a scene of a small two floor house, cramped with furniture and cooking pots. A mother was busy with a boiling pot near an open fire pit. Two young children, one barely able to walk on his own played with wooden toys on the floor. In a spare room off to the side was Saule and a man, hammering nails into decorative bookshelf.


    ¡°My dad¡¯s a carpenter, and mom sells jams at the market, so they know a lot of people. A few weeks ago, a neighbour visits and asks for me. I don¡¯t really know him, but mom knows his grandma, so we let him in. Turns out some noble is trying to acquire his grandmother''s land along the river. To prevent the nobleman from taking it she needs to prove its hers. So, he asks me if I can go to the library and find anything to help.¡±


    The image changes to her in a library late at night digging through old parchments and scrolls. Kelani spied the tall windows she saw from outside the Academy the day of the duel. Inside was everything she imagined. Walls of scrolls tucked inside square shelves. Worn carpets under heavy chairs and tables. candelabra scattered among the tables, providing enough light for a late-night investigation.


    ¡°While I was in the Academy¡¯s library looking at old maps of land titles, I saw something else. A different map, a much older one. It had all these old names for places. And then I found it, Eyden¡¯s Passage. I knew better than to take that old map from Fergus''s special collection, so I copied it. As best as I could. Art isn¡¯t my strongest subject.¡±


    ¡°So, you found this thing, and then what were you going to do? Set off to see where it led?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, at some point. We all heard about the creatures there, I was thinking I could train there over the summer. But I got scared and I hid it away in my room. Then Lord Orbit asked about it and well here we are.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s true, then you both better keep your mouths shut. No one with any sense wants to be associated with that Mage or her Guardian.¡±


    ¡°Why is this topic taboo? What did this Mage do?¡± Saule wouldn¡¯t look at her, but Janus reluctantly spoke.


    ¡°You¡¯re not from around here, so I¡¯ll give you the basics. That Mage, she¡¯s a murderer. She lost control of her emotions and magic, and killed two people. We don¡¯t talk about her, and she isn¡¯t welcomed back into the Academy or the kingdom.¡±


    ¡°Is that true? Why are we helping a Guardian whose Mage committed murder?¡±


    ¡°Good question, Kelani. Saule, do you have an answer?¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re wrong! Moira and Eclipse are the kindest people I know. And whatever happened that day, well. You have it all wrong.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying,¡± he began, "that you know something the Council doesn¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°No. I¡¯m not sure. I just know that, in my gut, there¡¯s something they¡¯re not telling us.¡± She rolled the map in a haste, which allowed her magic to graze her skin. It was only a flicker, but that image from before flashed in her mind. A woman under a bloody blanket. Then it was gone, and Janus spoke again.


    ¡°Who¡¯s they?¡±


    ¡°I believe she is implying the Council is hiding something from you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t expect any of you to get it.¡± She rose to her feet and stormed off to the other side of the rock formation.


    ¡°I am afraid I do not fully understand.¡±


    ¡°You and me both,¡± he sighed. He reclined in the shade; it didn¡¯t take long before she heard soft snoring. She summoned Jhee, to her palm. His weight on her lap was a comfort she forgot she needed. Like countless times before, when she had lost her direction, she flipped the pages. Hoping for anything, an answer, a path, something to show her the way.


    As she flipped, her motivation diminished. Papa insisted they avoid that particular Guardian. She failed to understand why he was protecting him. His Mage murdered someone, why should she not confront him and shame him for his failure. Jhee offered nothing on the matter. She didn¡¯t want to think the worse of her mortal either. She seemed to be the only one, who spoke of the Guardian in a positive way.


    The pages sprung to life and flipped on their own accord. She glanced back at Janus, but the noise didn¡¯t seem to disturb his sleep. Each crinkle and flip sounded like thunder. At any moment he could wake up and ask questions. She breathed a sigh of relief when Jhee found what he was looking for.


    ¡°Interesting¡­¡± she mumbled, running her finger over the text.


    She read the passage explaining an historical of the Treaty of Restoration. According to the record it was a short-lived treaty between Chancellor Wyon and the Naymagi tribe. It was a promise of equal access to fertile land and unite the Mages and Innocents into a central kingdom. To her dismay Jhee lacked the details her mind demanded.


    However, it was clear that Wyon had no intention to continue the peace treaty once he gained access to the lands near the river. He attacked the Naymagi and the land fell into another decade of war. She chewed on the passage, as Jhee flipped to another page. A similar event with a similar result.


    Yes, I understand now. The Council has a history for betraying their word. But Janus seemed confident in his loyalty. The truth stared at her from the page. Saule was right to distrust the Council. Another difficult question bubbled to the surface; one she didn¡¯t think of before. Does Janus and the others know of the Council¡¯s hypocrisy?


    The thought sat with her like vinegar in her stomach. It was one thing to read each passage on its own, but another to see the evidence formulating in front of her. But there was more to it than what Jhee found. She had seen it for herself.


    The entire walls of engravings in the Passage of Prosperity. Where panels were erased and redone to tell another half-truth. She had to be imagining it. Papa built a strong civilization, with strong moral laws. There was no way the mortal authority would disavow all His work.


    Then there were the men in the desert. The Innocents who didn''t hesitate to attack. She felt the venom in their voice when he demanded her death. She doubted their hate was for a particular Mage. After all, her mortals were young and inexperienced. Barely known outside the circles they socialise in. The desert Innocents would not know who they were. No, their hate was brewing for decades, if not longer.


    As unsettling as it was, perhaps it was all connected. Out there the Innocents were regrouping. Somewhere in the kingdom proper the Guardian was investigating his own mystery. And at the centre was the high authority of the Mage Order. She prayed to Alma they would reach the Passage sooner rather than later. Whatever they were a part of she wanted out of it as fast as the stars allowed.

 Chapter 15: Resistance under the Stairs

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 Chapter 16: Peril at the Riverbed

    Belmont¡¯s proposal wrapped around his neck like a new leash. It¡¯s rigidity slowly suffocating him. He raced along the rooftops, hoping it will clear his mind. He¡¯s only goal was to speak on his Mage¡¯s behalf. But now he found himself stuck in the middle of something worse. The Council was making weapons to raise an army. For what, he didn¡¯t know. But he couldn¡¯t ignore the impact it would have on his Mage in Alexanderia. He needed proof. And if Belmont was right, it was at Eyden¡¯s Passage.


    The more he thought about it, the worse the regret seeped into him. He had sent those two young girls into the desert. At first, he suspected smugglers, bringing in the illegal gems through the Passage. But if the mines were fully operational, then Saule¡¯s life was in danger. She trusted him. She was eager to prove her worth and she agreed without a second thought. He remembered Moira begging to try her luck in the wild. He saw the same excitement in Saule¡¯s eyes the other day at the Academy. A young woman wanting to excel, grow strong in the face of adversity.


    She¡¯s going to get herself killed.


    That was what he should¡¯ve told her. He was too preoccupied with his own business that he didn¡¯t think it through. Active mines meant more Crims and more Mages loyal to the Council. And a restricted area that if entered might lead to her expulsion from the Academy.


    He leapt over the gap between two rooftops. The thought of him causing a second student to lose her dream of Council Elect gnawed at him. He pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the task at hand. He was approaching the desert gate, and it was always guarded. He didn¡¯t want to waste more time. If he could intercept Saule and her friend, order them back to the kingdom he could continue alone. And the girls would be safe.


    All he needed to do was pass the gate without detection. Chancing a look beneath him, he surveyed the empty streets. The afternoon heat had forced most people indoors. Despite the sun-baked bricks burning the pads on his feet, he kept to the rooftops. They were easy to navigate, and it kept him out of sight of the wandering patrols. He couldn¡¯t risk Godfrey discovering what he knew. He didn¡¯t know what lengths he would go to keep his plans from the populace.


    He appreciated the residential areas of the kingdom. Rows of winding roads of homes stacked side by side sprawled towards the exit. The kingdom whizzed by as he ran. Streets snaked in a blur that followed alongside him. He dodged old furniture from the people who used the rooftop as extra storage. Some converted it into beautiful outside living spaces with rugs, canopies and benches.


    In front of him the gate appeared. Its vibrant colours made it a marvel to look upon. There were many creatures that only existed in the desert climates. Some lizards that were too strange to be believed. But there they were, stretching out before him. Animals of all shapes and sizes living in harmony around the oasis. He reached the end of the row of buildings and hopped from awnings to crates until he had reached the ground. To his right was the gate itself, tall and heavy, and guarded by four Crims.


    He hugged the side of the buildings, concealing himself behind carts until he reached the wall. There he found a row of perfect trees. Strong branches, thick trunks, and just tall enough to reach the top. It was a difficult climb for a clumsy human, but the high branches and thick bark suited him. He climbed it without drawing the attention of the Crims a few meters away. From there, it was a short excursion over the wall, and then freedom.


    The river bustled with life as he wandered under the overhanging palms and between the leafy plants. Enjoying the camouflage that reminded him of younger days where he hunted for that day''s meal. The stroll to the river''s edge seemed longer than he remembered. And he wondered if the lazy birds swimming over the surface knew whether the depth had shrunk.


    Taking the chance, he approached, surveying the brush beside him. Paying additional attention to the predators lurking under the surface. The crocodiles ignored him, choosing to float along as they digested their last meal. He slurped the cool liquid, enjoying every drop as it slipped down his dry throat. Catching his reflection, his mind brought him back to another time.


    The river was the same, but he felt like he had aged decades since that day. It was Moira¡¯s first year at the Academy. Her class enjoyed an afternoon of practising by the river. And after a short while, their vigour subsided into a carefree play. Her peers swam, splashed or laid in the shade. Moira sat perched on the edge, watching the current take wayward debris downriver. He remembered the sadness on her face as she watched the others laugh and splash each other. It hurt to see her so alone.


    ¡°Eclipse, am I broken?¡±


    ¡°You are perfectly complete the way you are. Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t get it. Why can¡¯t I make friends? I¡¯m nice, I offer to help people, I don¡¯t bother anyone either. I get good marks; I finish my homework. I don¡¯t smell nearly as bad as that boy in history class. But still, I¡¯m always alone.¡±


    ¡°Am I not company enough?¡± He tried to joke but she seemed too distracted to notice the humour.


    ¡°You know what I mean.¡±


    He did. He was afraid it would happen. The intolerance associated with having a Guardian. The reason for his existence was even a secret to him. He was born with a duty to his Mage. To protect, guide, and live long enough for them to stand on their own. But why some Mages had one and others didn''t was unclear.


    The consensus was a Mage with a Guardian would struggle in some destructive way. The Guardian was the key to bring them into the fold- to be the right kind of person for society''s greater good. Unfortunately for him, even with all his knowledge, he couldn¡¯t decipher the complexities of children¡¯s social development. Their relationships to each other were far more unpredictable than any political alliance.


    ¡°It will not be like this forever Little One. Just like the river, we all change and grow. In time, you will find your way.¡±   If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°How long does that take?¡± She sighed, falling on her back in the dirt.


    ¡°How ever long the Gods see fit.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, you sound like father.¡±


    ¡°Are these feelings stemming from missing home? Missing your father perhaps?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he hasn¡¯t realized I left yet.¡±


    ¡°That is not funny Moira.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true, I¡¯m sure he misses me, when he realizes I''m not there. But how many times a day did he ever check on me? Eat with me? He has his lords to tend to, they¡¯ll keep him busy. If I miss anything, it¡¯s the ocean.¡±


    She climbed to her feet and stepped to the edge of the rock. Outstretching her arms like a great heron about to take flight, she leapt into the river. The splash sprinkled his fur. He waited, almost holding his breath for her to surface. He knew her games, and she liked to take her time before coming up for air. However, she was pushing his patience. As he stood the surface broke and her soaking blonde head emerged.


    ¡°Come swim with me, the water¡¯s nice.¡±


    The surface of the water rippled, distorting the memory before it faded away. He glanced at the canyon walls. Passing the rock, the rolling dunes, and the mountains was the green rocky kingdom of Alexanderia. There his Mage waited for him. He sighed and flopped on the riverbed. Watching the lazy birds drift by until something glistening caught his eye.


    At first glance it looked like broken sticks. All jumbled together like a nest that collapsed into the river. As the debris floated closer, he spied bleached bone arrowheads mixed within the mess. Heads and shafts and feathered fletching came downriver in clumps. It dawned on him that he was watching the remnants of a battle. Who the victor was he didn¡¯t know, but the need to find the answer brought him to his tired feet.


    The sinking sensation in his gut told him it related to Saule. It might not make sense to him at the moment, but he knew she was nearby. The broken arrows were a harbinger of worse to come. He raced along the bank, keeping alert to any sign of the girls. Any indication of the archers. Anything at all that might tell him where she was.


    The tranquillity shattered as the birds on the riverbank took to the sky in a gust of chatter and flapping wings. The clamouring of noise and feathers swooped over him. He dodged and ducked, barely missing the creatures that flew at him. Then the ground shuddered. Pushing the sand in clumps until two giant claws stretched towards the sun.


    Spindly legs pushed the giant from the sand. Its claws snapped at the sky, celebrating as the black segmented body revealed itself. His heart raced, daring not to make a move. Fear gripped his chest as a long tail with a deadly stinger rose above it. He crouched, trying to make himself as small as possible.


    He never heard of a Giant Scorpion being so close to the riverbed. Their appearance in the mid-day was even more extreme. They preferred to hunt at night, or in their tunnels deep in the cliffs. His gaze fell upon him, and the beady black eyes sent a shudder of terror over his spine. The fanged mouth rubbed together and urged its eight legs forward.


    The pincers, heavy and fat, spread themselves wide as it neared. Eclipse backed away, scouring the area for the higher ground. But the pincers boxed him in. The stinger was delicately poised for the final deadly attack. A growl vibrated from his throat. The enemy tensed. A roar echoed off the canyon walls. But their dance continued. One losing ground as the other claimed it.


    The creature lunged; a claw swooped over the ground. He dodged it, but the second one came next, faster than the first. The whoosh of its force brushed over his fur. The tail curled above him, like a knife wielded by a madman. The creature constricted his body upward, the pincers surrounded him. As his fate flashed before his eyes, the ruby mark on his forehead glowed.


    His muscles and very being, constricted, sending a familiar pain through his body. His magic pulled itself from his life force, swimming over him until the mark on his head began to burn. Above, the tail whipped backwards, then in a blink it flung forward.


    Piercing the air and landing inches from his side. The closest pincer whipped at him, sending him crashing into the rocky shore. The edges of the river licked his shoulders. The acidic scent of its venom floated to his nostrils. He pulled his aching body to his feet and faced it one more time.


    The dull ache pounding behind his eyes made his vision blur. The fuzzy shape of the creature crawled toward him, claws snapping at the air in victory. The tail once more poised to end it all. When the pain was at its worst, he planted his feet. Drew a deep breath and let the magic take over his body. The birthmark glowed, not a dull light as before. But a bright steady stream exploded from the mark. Instantly the pressure washed away, leaving his mind clear.


    The stinger stabbed again, but he focused on the light. It solidified before his eyes, spanning the space above him. It was thin as glass but strong as a diamond. Ruby Light, his gift from the Gods. The stinger, with all its might, jabbed into the magic barrier. Its impact snapped the tip like a sewing needle into stone. The beast unleashed a hiss like scream. Stumbled backwards further inland.


    Each step he took forward felt like pushing a boulder uphill. The light expanded before him, acting as his shield, it was his turn to corner the creature. The death dance had a new lead, he pushed, slowly but surely forward. Stepping over the rocks and cacti that got in his way. All his focus was on the light and the creature. The panic in its movements, the chaotic shifting of its legs. The bleeding tail, oozing a deadly venom over the ground.


    It bludgeoned the barrier with everything it had. The fury of a desperate creature. Slamming the pincers and whipping it with its tail; all to no avail. Each strike bounced off. Another step forward, another step backward. His tail grazed a rock wall. It was trapped.


    Eclipse didn¡¯t stop, he had him now. His body was weakening under the strain of his magic. barrier. The final push, he shoved the creature against the rock. Taking the opportunity when its claws swiped, to push it on its side. There with its belly exposed and his claws pinned he went in for the kill.


    Channelling the last of his strength he funnelled his power into the middle of the barrier. A single pole formed, inch by inch it grew, until it sharpened itself into a jagged point. The beast flailed as it pressed against the armour plating of its body. He stepped forward, driving the spear further into the thick scales.


    It felt like minutes for the point to pierce the body, but when it did the creature screeched. It vibrated over the walls, filling his ears and heart with a newfound terror. He pushed on, further until the creature was fully impaled and still. When he saw the black bile spill from its body, he stopped.


    The light flickered, faded then vanished all together. He dropped to the sand, panting and sweating as his strength drained from him. But he was alive to fight another day. He thanked the Gods, asked forgiveness for the brutality of his fight, and closed his eyes.

 Chapter 17: The Day the Her World Changed

    Her captors had collected more prisoners while traveling through the kingdom. While the cage wasn¡¯t cramped additional people took up the limited space. Osana shuffled closer to Rebekah, while the girl didn¡¯t mind, she also didn¡¯t speak. She watched the desert through the gap in the tarp that protected them from the blowing sand and sun.


    The other prisoners, mainly men, had lots of questions but less answers. Any time their voices rose higher than a whisper, something made of iron banged against the bars. The vibration rumbled in her chest and made her slink further to the floor. Deep down, she knew she was strong enough to break free. And she still wanted to. Every time the idea fluttered in her head; she looked at Rebekah.


    The mortal¡¯s clench jaw and downward gaze made her feel so small. It was her fault they were there. And even if she did break them out, would it make their situation worse. After all, they were in the middle of somewhere only Jhee probably knew. With no map and no supplies. She glanced at the men around her. Dusty ripped clothes with faded patches. None of them were fighters. At best farmers. At Worse thieves and murderers.


    She decided not to make a move, until she had Rebekah¡¯s approval. The mortal seemed to know more about the dynamics of their situation better than most. But she hated the idea of sitting around and waiting for the next move. She took inventory of her person. The Crims had taken her belongings, but they missed Kelani¡¯s gift that she hid in her pocket.


    It was a blessing and a curse when the waggon stopped for the final time. They yanked her into the sun, and she stumbled to stand on wobbly feet. When her eyes adjusted, she saw rows of canvas tents. Their jailers pulled them, shackled together and led by a chain through the dusty encampment. She glanced at her companions. Their hunched shoulders, their shuffling feet, spelled defeat.


    Rebekah trudged beside her, staring blankly before them. Her expression didn¡¯t seem to register the bustling tent life around them. Hundreds of men and teen boys tramped towards the gash in the mountains to the west. Women and children cooked over hot cauldrons and fire pits. Her stomach grumbled at the smell of broth and stone bread. With a tug of the chain, they were dragged passed the kitchen tents to their destination.


    They stopped in front of a round canvas tent with a pointed top. They moved her and Rebekah inside and chained them to a metal bar hammered into the ground. It was empty, to her relief, and the men continued somewhere down the way. Rebekah''s silence continued. She curled herself in a corner against some wooden barrels and shut her eyes.


    But Osana couldn¡¯t sleep. The sky was a watercolour of reds and oranges casting long shadows outside the tent door. Kidnapped, shipped, and chained all because of a little gem. Glancing at the shackles around her thin wrists she spied the red sores already forming. Her ankles were beginning to bleed. Even Papa¡¯s animals were treated better.


    She sat there, hearing the mumbling from the tent next door and watched the sun finally set. The air grew cooler, and tiny bumps prickled her skin. A gruff man with a long beard popped into the open door and tossed two wool blankets and left without a word. It was then she noticed her friend shivering. She wrapped the blanket around her and rubbed her shoulders.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, this is all my fault.¡±


    ¡°No, it''s not. That hag wasn¡¯t ever going to give me enough for the ticket. Rat faced liar. She probably gets a cut of each one of us she sends here. This is why you can¡¯t trust a Mage. We¡¯d be better off without them.¡±


    ¡°Do you know where we are?¡±


    ¡°Looks like a work camp or something.¡±


    She folded her hands on her covered lap, staring at the metal. She didn¡¯t like how it felt against her skin. It wasn¡¯t like her golden bangles she wore at home. It was heavy, ugly, and it made her feel bad. She closed her eyes, pushing against the shuffling of the camp, and opened her heart.


    She felt it. The waves of sorrow emanating from each tent. The anxious fear and despair. At the outer edges she recognized a lick of determination. But it was quickly followed by another wave of sadness.


    ¡°Is this what the Mages do here?¡± She whispered. To her surprised Rebekah answered.


    ¡°Yeah. They take you from what you know and use you until you¡¯re done.¡±


    She didn¡¯t need to touch her to sense the despair seeping from her friend. The anger was gone, washed away and replaced with her true heart. What she mistook for as rage at their first meeting, masked the complete absence of hope at her centre. Her own body felt heavy, defeated at the realisation of the weight her friend carried. There was no healing that pain.


    ¡°Is that what they did to you?¡±


    ¡°They did it to most of us. There¡¯s some, native born, but most of us are brought in like me and Ma were.¡±


    ¡°Your mother? She must be worried sick.¡±


    ¡°Doubt it, buried her a few months ago. It¡¯s just me now.¡±


    ¡°Where are you from? How did you end up here?¡±


    ¡°It''s too long of a story, and I¡¯m too tired.¡±


    ¡°Then show me.¡± She fumbled in the layer of clothes until she managed to pull Kelani¡¯s relic free. ¡°Think of the memory you want me to see then touch the relic. Please, I want to help you.¡±


    ¡°No disrespect but you¡¯ve done enough.¡±


    ¡°I was stupid before. I acted without thinking. My sister calls me impulsive, and she¡¯s right. Now I understand, to truly help you, I need to know you. Please show me.¡±


    Rebekah stared at the item, studying the glittering flecks mixed in with the sand. Raising an eyebrow when she noticed the empty chamber. Whether she suspected she used the relic before, Osana didn¡¯t know. But she was grateful when she placed her fingertips on it.


    Her mind drifted to a far-off place, grey and white swirls spun across her vision. Voices sing at the edge of her perception but when she focused on them, they slip away. The space brightens, fills with a luminous light then fades revealing a vibrant grass field that carpeted the entire world. Across the winding river were gentle tree capped mountains. Rebekah¡¯s voice spoke softly in her ears. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Back then I didn¡¯t know what a Mage was. All I knew was how good it was to run bare foot in the cool grass.


    A run-down shack appeared perched happily on the grassy hill. The cool breeze made the laundry hanging on the line dance. A woman with rolled up sleeves and a baby strapped to her back emerged from the door with an empty basket.


    The gentleness of the sun¡¯s warmth, the soft grass under her feet made her heart swell. As a toddler emerged from behind the shack holding a slug for her Ma to admire, Osana realised how far from home her friend truly was.


    She felt herself slip deeper into the memory. Digging her toes in the dirt, running her hands over the rough boards of their home. Plucking the tiny buttercups that grew wild over the yard. If she didn¡¯t already see Paradise, she expected it would look like Rebekah¡¯s home.


    The sick feeling in her stomach washed away. She imagined living barefoot on the hills for an eternity. Then a rolling thunder exploded, yanking her from her tranquillity.


    The second thing I remember was the look of fear in Ma¡¯s eyes on the day they took us.


    It was three heartbeats for her to recognise the sound of racing horses. The dust plume followed them up the side of the hill. On the fourth Rebekah¡¯s mother screamed. Osana saw them, ten powerful horses each carrying a rider dressed in scarlet robes.


    They crashed through the pitiful fence. The horses snarled like nasty beasts; snorting and stomping the ground as they chased the family through the yard.


    The noise flooded her ears, stinging her eyes and her body fell to her knees. The wails and screams of the children. The fighting and shouting. All in time with the thundering of dangerous hooves, caused the memory to turn black. Her heart slammed against her chest; threatening to break her ribs. With each beat she became aware of the cool sand under her legs. The rough blanket against her skin. Then she heard Rebekah¡¯s calm voice:


    ¡°Did you want to keep going. You don¡¯t look too good."


    Through her tears she saw Rebekah¡¯s stoic face. Her chest was heavy, rising and falling as if she ran for miles. She didn¡¯t experience fear on her own, but touching Rebekah¡¯s was almost too much. But her hand was still on the relic, her friend hadn¡¯t given up; only paused when she was struggling. But she couldn¡¯t run away anymore. She needed to know, to be certain. Only with the truth would she be able to help.


    ¡°Show me what happened next.¡±


    She slipped into the memory, as she did before. The rolling of heavy wooden wheels replaced the peaceful songbirds. She couldn¡¯t see anything, but Rebekah¡¯s voice guided her through the darkness.


    I didn¡¯t know how long we were in that waggon for. I watched the landscape pass by, turning from grass to mountains. Riders would leave and return with more women and children and chained them next to us. Then the nights got colder. By the time we were on the other side the baby was gone.


    Osana sat herself on top of the waggon, listening to the horses and the whimpering from under the canvas. The fertile mountains turned to grass plains, then it turned to sand. The desert heat stung her eyes. There was nowhere to hide from it. As the sun dipped, the sky turned the softest gold, then vanished behind the tall mountains of sand.


    Time stretched as the sun rose and set; they crossed the dizzying sand and under the cover of night they approach a towering rock face. An ominous set of double doors stare down at her. Like heavy giants overseeing the desert wasteland.


    When the clouds revealed the moon, the light illuminated the metallic symbols carved into their surface. Papa said the Mages didn¡¯t speak the old language anymore. But what was a dead language to them, Umarian, was the language of her family, spoken at the meal table.


    She read the words, and her heart sank. It was a familiar phrase that anchored both the Mortal and Celestial world together. Taken directly from the Revered Oath, a swore agreement between her kin and every Mage. ¡®Our magic will ever be a beacon; A light for truth, justice, and hope. Glowing brightly against the fog of lies, injustice, and despair. Shining for eternity.¡¯


    She knew that door. The Passage of Prosperity. Her and Kelani entered it on their arrival. She read the words before, but they took on a new twisted and ugly meaning. A vile hiss escaped her throat as she passed the Crims and entered the tunnel.


    The same carvings as before, depicting a loving relationship between nature and the Gods, rolled past them. With each lie her heart harden. A callous resolve grew. And she made a silent promise to herself, once she helped Rebekah, the Mages would pay for what they¡¯ve done.


    The waggon rode through the maze of the run-down neighbourhoods. Traversing the narrow streets and cramped lodgings, they travelled unseen. They took the long way around the kingdom until they reached a richly carved home in the side of the canyon.


    She followed the captives as they¡¯re led by a slave master into the basement of the home. After the dark stairwell they enter a room bathed in light from hundreds of candles. Mirrors reflected the sparkling crystals hanging from the chandeliers mounted on the ceiling.


    There were no chairs, or tables just a wide empty space. Chaos erupted when Mages in black masks, wearing dark silken robes, yanked the children from the adults. Rebekah clung to her mother¡¯s side, but they were no match to the clubs their capture¡¯s used.


    She stuck close to the child, her breathing fast and her eyes focused on the child and nothing but the child. Like a new lamb they¡¯re the most vulnerable outside their mother¡¯s watchful eye. They moved through a corral like cattle.


    They removed their rags, then shoved in deep troughs where attendants washed off any dirt caking their skin. They brushed the tangles and dressed them in new sack like clothes.


    She followed the children as they were reunited with the adults dressed in similar sack clothes. They returned to the large candlelit room. There was a central stage, she didn¡¯t notice before. But more candles ignited, and the room fell into a frightening ominous glow. Drums and an organ played from somewhere, filling up the room making it hard to breathe or think.


    Masked individuals file along the stairs, blocking the exits, and arrange themselves before them. It felt like every inch of space was taken over by a dangerous shadowy stranger. The adults held the children close as someone in a hood took center stage.


    ¡°The Gods be praised at your safe arrival. Those of you who have survived the turmoil of your old lives and the hard journey, have proved worthy of a most gracious and enlightened life. Praise be the Goddess, the Holy Mother, for her love and Praise be the Holy Father for sending you justice. Tonight is the first night of the rest of your lives.¡±


    Low whispering hummed around her. The holy man continued:


    ¡°You have been delivered to this Holy of Lands. We, the Protectors of the Just, the Innocent, and the Pure, will now be your most humble of Keepers. We promise to clothe you, feed you, cherish you and keep you in all your needs. Here you will find the God¡¯s Paradise reincarnated. All we, my fellow brothers and sisters, ask in exchange is that you dedicate yourselves to us.¡±


    The whispering boiled into outrage; an angry protest shouted to the ceiling. The people on stage set out a loud cry, and the fire from the candles came to life. The flames twisted into a swooping dragon; licking at the crowd. Silence fell over them, forcing them to listen.


    ¡°Our graciousness comes with a price; our protection costs a large debt. Once which must be paid. You do this, by giving us your service. Work well, be obedient, work with love of the Gods in your heart then consider your payment paid in full. We all must do our part to be worthy of the Gods and their gifts. When you are worthy, the Gods will reply in kind."


    ¡°If not, the Gods can be spiteful and treacherous, and you will be cast into the desert without favour. Your skin will burn, your throat will dry, your stomachs shrink, and you will shake, collapse and the sand will become your grave. The Gods are quick in their vengeance and swift with their judgement. So, it is written, thus, it must be obeyed.¡±


    That was my first encounter with a Mage. In that moment I became a Helot. And I was never the same again.

 Chapter 18: Life at the Northern Expanse

    At dawn, still weary and sore from the journey, they were pulled from the tent. Their jailer, to her surprise wasn¡¯t a Crim, but his size was intimidating enough to keep her and Rebekah from asking too many questions. Not that he answered them anyway. He didn¡¯t talk, mostly grunted and ushered them through the road that was slowly filling up with tired looking people. Their chains were removed, and her brief feeling of freedom was dashed away when two firm hands, shoved Osana into a hot humid tent. Rebekah stumbled inside beside her.


    ¡°Dishes is women¡¯s work,¡± he grumbled and then left leaving them standing in the entrance.


    The clanging of dishes and the quick short commands exploded around them. Women and girls worked in quick succession; scraping food from bowls, washing, drying, then stacking them in leaning towers on a table. Towards the back of the tent, larger women with rolled sleeves scrubbed large pots in soapy basins.


    What kind of mortal torture is this?


    She watched the women work, it was like a dance, perfectly in time and efficient. Except, it was a dance no one seemed to like. There was no smile on their faces or fun in their movements. One woman with a stern face and commanding tone ordered them to the group near the foul-smelling garbage. She followed whatever Rebekah did, taking the spoon they gave her and scraped the food into the bin.


    It worked well enough, until she grabbed a bowl that had been in the sun too long. It took her twice as long to pry the sun-baked food from the surface. If she didn¡¯t do a good enough job the woman who washes would send it back to her for her to scrape again. After about the third time, her neutral stance on bowls was turning into down-rate hate.


    When they placed the last bowl at the top of the teetering tower the ladies breathed a sigh of relief. They stretched, wiped their brow and filed out of the tent. Osana and Rebekah stayed behind, slumping onto a rug in the corner to give their tired feet a break. Everything ached, her back, her shoulders, her knees and neck.


    ¡°That was terrible!¡±


    ¡°I hate dishes¡­¡± Rebekah added. ¡°The smell from the bin is all over my clothes.¡±


    ¡°Is this our life now?¡± She whined. She was one bowl away from begging the Crims to lock her up again.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± piped a voice from the tent entrance. A boy around Rebekah¡¯s age with a brown head covering entered carrying a stack of four bowls. ¡°I found some bowls laying around. They told me to bring them here.¡±


    ¡°Sam?¡± Rebekah asked. ¡°Is that you?¡±


    ¡°No way, Rebekah, I didn¡¯t expect to see you here.¡±


    ¡°Me? What about you. You¡¯re always the one who seemed to enjoy life at the Citadel. You¡¯re the last one any of us expected to look for a way out.¡±


    ¡°Looks can be deceiving,¡± he smirked. ¡°Come on, I¡¯ll show you around.¡±


    Rebekah introduced them, confirming he was the missing Helot her roommate Naomi spoke about. Sam was as tall as Rebekah, but his clothes were an inch or so too short for him. His toes stuck out from his worn sandals. Rock dust coated every inch of him. Save for his face, which he seemed to have used a quick splashed of water. Revealing his soft brown eyes and a mole under his left eye. She paused to study the faded turquoise band pinned to his sleeve and wondered what it meant. Naomi thought he ran away to start a better life, but the truth in the matter was he was there the whole time.


    They walked the dusty roads, following his carefree stride. Osana noted he was always watchful of those around him, but if he was suspicious of anyone it didn¡¯t show on his face. For the first time in a while Rebekah smiled. It was faint, barely noticeable to most, but compared to the grim look she wore recently, it was a breath of fresh air. Until Sam asked about Naomi and the others.


    ¡°How¡¯s everyone back home?¡±


    Home. After learning her friend''s story, the word stung. And Rebekah¡¯s mouth returned to the straight line it usually was. ¡°Fine, I mean as fine as they can be. They¡¯re worried about you though.¡±


    ¡°I wanted to leave a note, but I was afraid someone might give it to the councillors, and they¡¯ll track me down. It¡¯s good to see you though, it''s nice to have a familiar face around here.¡±


    Rebekah recounted the events that led them to the camp. After already living it, Osana had no interest in experiencing it a second time. She strolled behind them as they climbed a hill and stopped to overlook the area. From where they stood, Osana had a vantage point of the camp. Rows of tents cramped between uneven roads. Somewhere wide enough for wagons, others were a cow path. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Most of the tents were the same beige shape but others had painted rocks outside the door. Some seemed to want to make that place a home and tried to decorate it with various discarded items. It looked like trash to Osana. But then she thought of her shelf of treasures she collected from her adventures. Odds and ends that alone had no meaning, but to her it was everything. It brought new meaning to the broken pieces of pottery one woman delicately placed at the edge of her tent.


    Beyond the tents was an open space with a deep hole. It looked like someone cut Umara open and left the wound to fester in the sun. Wagons full of rocks travelled from the hole while empty ones travelled in the opposite direction. They navigated their paths like ants, coming and going like the nest depended on it. Poking from the dunes, was huge, sculpted heads, and broken hands. Monuments from the ancients left to drown in the sand.


    Sam called her attention to the wall at the end of the road. It wasn¡¯t constructed of bricks like she saw in the kingdom. That wall looked like the rocky centre of the world was pulled to the surface and left there. The jagged and uneven top surrounded the entire area. Guard towers grew at even intervals each with an archer on careful watch.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I left one prison for another.¡± Rebekah sighed, wrapping her arms around herself.


    ¡°What is that place?¡± Osana pointed to the hole.


    ¡°The mines. Its why all of us are here. The men dig, and the women...¡±


    ¡°Dishes...¡± she sighed.


    ¡°It''s dangerous. Be grateful they haven''t started sending the women in yet. Between collapses, infections, and sickness, we lose more men every day. That¡¯s why the Crims keep grabbing new people to replace the injured. You should see it Rebekah, I¡¯ve never seen anything like it.¡±


    ¡°You go down there?¡±


    ¡°Got no choice, once you get to the Northern Expanse, you either work or be killed.¡± He said it so flippantly Osana paused.


    ¡°How come no one knows you both are here? You¡¯re Helots to the Council aren¡¯t you. Aren¡¯t the Councillors concerned their slaves are missing?¡±


    ¡°They clearly know what¡¯s going on," Sam answered. "One thing the Council isn¡¯t, and that¡¯s incompetent.¡± Sam¡¯s words hung in the air while Osana tried to read their faces. A conversation passed between them; she didn¡¯t hear any words, but the pained expression told her enough.


    She hated the idea of thinking of her friend like she was property. But she couldn''t escape the truth. If the Council¡¯s property was stolen, then it would be a terrible crime. No doubt after Sam¡¯s disappearance someone would say something. The Chancellor would at least have someone investigate. But none of that happened. The only conclusion was that their property wasn''t stolen. But given- willingly -or at least without contest.


    ¡°We are on our own here.¡± He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s up to the Gods now.¡±


    That¡¯s it.


    They might be helpless, but she wasn¡¯t. It was up to her to save them, to right the wrongs and show them the correct path. The path Papa always wanted them to follow, the one they lost sight of. Once she stopped the mine owners then everyone would be free. Rebekah could have a new life, and everyone would go back to serving Papa again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sad Rebekah, I¡¯ll get you out of here!¡±


    Her friend¡¯s protest got caught in the wind as Osana sprinted to the group of Crims on patrol. She was going to fix everything. They turned to her as she reached them, with their full attention she blurted out:


    ¡°Take me to the person in charge!¡±


    It was lightning fast, her jaw throbbed, and it sent her flying to the ground. Her head was a blur, but her eyes focused on the staff in the Crim''s hand. He held it above his head, waiting to club her again.


    ¡°You don¡¯t make demands of us!¡± his voice boomed. The staff came down, she recoiled but the gem on top smashed into her back.


    ¡°Osana!¡±


    ¡°No please!¡± Sam moved between her and them. Using his hands to brace for the next attack. The Crim spit at his feet then swung. She shut her eyes.


    ¡°Enough!¡± commanded a deep voice beside her.


    She saw another Crim had joined them and used a mace to halt the attack. Both weapons crossed above her head where she had a clear view of the challenger. The tip of the mace had a gem, a brown honey like colour with black edges she had never seen. The man holding it was dressed in scarlet like the others. But his sleeves had an intricate pattern sewn in golden silk. His red hood covered his head, but long white braid poked out and reached the middle of his back.


    ¡°Sir,¡± the other Crims saluted. Her opponent lowered his staff and backed away. ¡°We...¡±


    ¡°We are beyond your excuses. The mines take enough souls, how about you refrain from taking more in the streets. Carry on with your patrols.¡±


    The men left, and the stranger turned to Sam, who stammered through an apology. The man¡¯s red eyes sent chills down her spine. Never had she seen a mortal with such pale skin and eyes the colour of blood. He didn¡¯t say a word to her, or Rebekah who had joined her side. He left without looking back. She climbed to her feet and moved to go after him.


    ¡°Osana stop. He saved us, don¡¯t push our luck.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s right, its best to keep your distance from him.¡± Sam added, helping her to her feet.


    ¡°Who was he?¡±


    ¡°Laertes, the Commander of the Crims. He''s a stranger from a faraway land. But don''t let that fool you, he''s as dangerous as the mines.¡±

 Chapter 19: Midnight Messenger and Dangerous Runes

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


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