《Oracle's Path》


 [B1: Prophecy of Convergence] Chapter 1: Harbinger

    1


    Harbinger


    A light breeze blew, rippling the amber fields of wheat spreading for miles. The setting sun beyond the far-off mountains cast brilliant shades of red and orange across the sky. The woman with slight angular features, standing in the field gazed around, her golden hair wisping about her in the wind, a single unmistakable sapphire-colored streak mixed in with the yellow. She tucked some strands behind her short and pointed half-elven ears with a fair hand.


    Where am I? Last she remembered, she¡¯d lain down for rest in her home.


    ¡°Beautiful, isn¡¯t it, Aviana?¡± a rumbling voice said.


    She spun around, her eyes going wide at the sight of a gargantuan twin-headed dragon standing behind her. The low sun reflected off scales of various precious metal colors.


    Aviana placed one hand on her midriff, her hand covering her navel. She bowed with her free hand extended to the side, palm facing out¡ªa respectful greeting for her people, the Shikala. ¡°Akorith.¡±


    A warm smile spread across both his faces, his words coming from both heads as one single voice. ¡°You know you don¡¯t have to be so formal with me, child.¡±


    She did know. He¡¯d been by her side since her birth. A friend to her. One of the few she¡¯d ever had, even if no one was allowed to know. But a god, especially the god of dragons, and the god of justice and retribution, should be respected.


    He bent closer to her, his heads looking about. ¡°Beautiful, isn¡¯t it?¡± he repeated.


    Aviana nodded. ¡°It is, but where is it?¡±


    ¡°I had Daereena craft it. Another place for us to speak when needed. I thought a change of scenery was in order.¡±


    So she was asleep. That was good to know. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen quite a place like this before. The goddess of dreams did a lovely job. Though, the ocean coastline she created for us years ago was more than satisfactory.¡±


    His gaze shifted to her. ¡°I have a task for you, child. It won¡¯t be easy, but I know you, of all my followers, can accomplish it.¡±


    Aviana took a deep breath. She had known this was coming. The gods didn¡¯t call on mortals often to merely chat, not even Akorith with her. And they certainly didn¡¯t create dream places for that reason, either. ¡°I have followed your light since the very beginning, even when my own people struggle to. I still don¡¯t quite understand why you¡¯ve chosen me, beyond my family name, but if you believe I am worthy of this task, then I¡¯ll listen to what you ask of me.¡±


    His scaly lips pulled back into a toothy smile on both heads. ¡°It is because of who you are that makes you the only one right for this task.¡±


    Voices played out in her mind just then. Male and female. Some strong, some quiet. Many harsh, but many more gentle. The strongest of them swarmed in her mind and said:


    Into the great darkness peer


    Where remains no light nor cheer


    There, a queen on shadowed throne


    A curse her words to madness hone


    In the dragon¡¯s hoard no answers lie


    Take the stranger¡¯s hand and rise


    To a city below the stars, above the earth


    Or watch all life to death give birth


    Aviana blinked and shook her head as the words cleared from her mind. This wasn¡¯t the first prophecy she¡¯d received, but it was no less strange to experience. She replayed the words, trying to make sense of it. A queen on a shadowed throne¡­ Lusara? City below the stars¡­ that could mean Starglade¡­ A city above the earth¡­ Her eyes widened. Candara? But what of this stranger¡¯s hand?


    Aviana twisted and turned the words in her mind, but failed to find the connection between strangers, the lost dragon queen, and the lost great city. ¡°What does it all mean?¡±


    Akorith pulled away. ¡°Your sister is not ready for the task ahead of her. Use this to guide her and answer my call. Save your people. Bring back our old ways. They need you more than ever.¡±


    Aviana frowned. She didn¡¯t like it when he avoided her questions.


    His golden eyes softened. ¡°Take care, my darling Oracle.¡±


    The world around her slipped away and bright light seared her eyes. Shielding them with her arm, Aviana clamped her eyes shut until darkness enveloped her. Her eyes blinked open, and she found herself back in her room, the earthy smells of the tree home surrounding her. The ¡°soft¡± distorted purring of a large creature filled the room, and the morning sunlight peeked through the window, casting soft light into the room filled with books, vials, and herbs, among various other possessions.


    A rough tongue lapped and pulled her cheek, the purring increasing. She grumbled and turned to face her owlcat, Katsula. The unique creature, native to her home of Starglade, looked much like a black tiger with white striping, but this creature came about due to the unique nature of the area, sprouting wings and feathers, and growing to the size of a horse.


    Katsula reached out with one of her front bird-like legs and pulled Aviana in closer with her talons, rubbing her large head against her. Aviana chuckled and scratched her companion under the chin, hearing in response a happy sound that resembled a bird chirp and cat purr. ¡°Good morning, Katsula.¡±


    She cringed when something crashed in the other side of her home. ¡°Sounds like the kittens are awake, too. I guess that means feeding time.¡±


    A caretaker of these magnificent animals, she didn¡¯t know what it meant to sleep in. The fact she¡¯d gotten to sleep to sunrise was a miracle. I don¡¯t doubt Akorith had something to do with it.


    She sent a silent prayer to her god and tried to slip out of bed. Katsula had other plans, holding her tight. Aviana flinched as the feline¡¯s talons dug into her soft flesh. ¡°Katsula, I need to go about the day.¡±


    The owlcat¡¯s bobbed tail twitched, but she wasn¡¯t ready to let Aviana go. Aviana shook her head. She was a stubborn female, but that didn¡¯t mean she could ignore her duties. Duty¡­


    The prophecy played through her mind again. Various emotions hit her. Akorith had given her one other heavy prophecy in the past, but this one felt different. More¡­ impossible to fulfill. The last one, one she still worked on, had been far easier to accomplish than this new task.


    She snorted. Easy, right. One part had been easy, but the other¡­ pain twinged in her chest. She shook the thought away.


    Crash! Aviana sighed and pushed on Katsula. ¡°C¡¯mon, girl. The cubs are going to destroy my house at this rate in their quest for food.¡±


    Katsula huffed and extracted herself, slipping off the bed. Aviana swung her legs over the bed and stood, stretching. She used a nearby mirror to fix her hair, lapis eyes staring back at her. She brushed out tangles and then braided her hair back on one side before snatching a colorful, sheer shawl to pull over her naked form. She tied it loose around her full breasts and then fastened a long cloth around her wide hips into a skirt. In the process, she found bruises and scratches that had marred her skin. Raising wild critters wasn¡¯t easy.


    Crash! She cringed. She¡¯d have to heal herself after settling them down. Her light morning clothes on, she opened the wooden door to let Katsula out, having to duck under a wayward tree branch that¡¯d grown inside the tree home instead of outside. I¡¯m going to have to fix that. A small owlcat, maybe four moons old, sat in front of her door, peering up with bright yellow eyes. Upon seeing Aviana, it purred and its short tail went up before it rushed off.


    Aviana chuckled and went to leave, when a small red and purple dragon toy that had been stored away on a shelf caught her eye. She went over and pulled it down, the collar with a large cut stone moving with the action. The magical flame inside the gem flickered.


    She smiled at the little dragon that had accompanied her on so many of her make-believe adventures growing up. ¡°Looks like I¡¯m going to be going on a new adventure, Firestone. Akorith has assigned me one hell of a task¡ªCandara¡ªthe city that¡¯s been missing for thousands of years.¡±


    Aviana frowned. ¡°I need to find it¡­ somehow, because of some darkness that is coming. My people are in danger. I shouldn¡¯t care, not after what they¡¯ve done to me, but¡­ I can¡¯t turn my back on those who are lost. I promised Mother, and Akorith, that I¡¯d find a way to remind them¡­ to bring us back to our old way, no matter how impossible that task feels.¡±


    Her thumb glided over the old toy¡¯s worn fabric, stopping at a place she¡¯d had to stitch him up after he¡¯d become the unfortunate victim of an owlcat cub. ¡°I can¡¯t bring you with me this time. With Grandpa gone, I can¡¯t risk something bad happening to you. So you¡¯ll have to hold down the house while I¡¯m out.¡±


    Someone banged loudly on her front door, and then a feminine voice called out. ¡°Aviana!¡±


    Aviana chuckled. ¡°And there¡¯s the second part of my momentous task. I have to convince father to let us leave so Temperance can grow, without her mother getting in the way.¡±


    Temperance banged on the door several more times. ¡°Avi, open up! Or¡­ or¡­ or I¡¯ll climb through a window!¡±


    Aviana shook her head. ¡°Yeah, she definitely needs to grow. Shouldn¡¯t be too difficult convincing Father. I¡¯ve managed a few public trips with his approval. Sure, Cryson or Bryson were with me, but he¡¯s a big softy when I ask him for things.¡±


    Temperance made more loud demands, banging more. Aviana knew she couldn¡¯t keep stalling. At this rate, the rest of the clan would complain about the noise, and she didn¡¯t need that headache.


    She stashed Firestone back on the shelf, and went to let her sister in. She wouldn¡¯t tell Temperance yet of the plan¡ªnot until she got the okay. Akorith, help me when breaking the news to Calypso. She¡¯s not going to take it well.


    ? ? ?


    Pounding sounds on wood, as well as her sister¡¯s vocal demands, echoed through the home. Aviana sighed. She¡¯d called out to her sister twice now, trying to get to the front door, and yet it hadn¡¯t stopped her.


    Aviana walked down the stairs leading to her spacious living room. Owlcats lounged about, cubs tussling and playing. A few adults turned their heads her way, blinking in acknowledgement before going about their original business. One, though, stretched out on his back and grabbed for her legs.


    Aviana laughed, dodging him. ¡°Lashul, you¡¯re just as bad as your sister. I need to let Temperance in.¡±


    Temperance banged on the door. ¡°Avi! Make a door for me to come in!¡±The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Aviana¡¯s eyebrow twitched. This was getting old. ¡°Temperance, if you don¡¯t calm down, Akorith help you, I will ban you from my family library.¡±


    Her sister gasped. ¡°But¡­ but¡­ you have fun books¡­¡±


    It wasn¡¯t like she didn¡¯t have access to a lot of books in her own home. The Remenia family was the clan¡¯s history keepers. But for some reason Aviana¡¯s books were ¡°better.¡±


    Aviana stepped over two wrestling cubs, only to be tripped by Lashul after all. Aviana yelped and crashed hard on the wooden floor, groaning in pain. Lashul curled his talons around her bare leg, but didn¡¯t pierce her skin, still lying on the floor. He purred and wagged his tail slowly.


    ¡°Lazy brat,¡± Aviana muttered.


    The two wrestling cubs pulled apart and jumped on her, seeing her as a fun new playmate. Aviana laughed rolled around with them, trying to take advantage of the chance to slip out of Lashul¡¯s grip. It didn¡¯t work, and the fun she was having only upset Temperance more.


    ¡°That¡¯s it, I¡¯m coming through the window!¡±


    Aviana sighed. ¡°No, Temperance, wait.¡±


    She reached out toward the wide door on the tree home. Energy swirled around her¡ªnature¡¯s energy¡ªthe source of at least some of her spellcasting power. Aviana latched onto it, while at the same time, deep within her another kind of energy pulsed¡ªan energy most denied was possible due to her strong connection with nature. But she knew the truth; the Whispering One confirmed it.


    Arcane energy.


    Both energies mingled, though that from nature pulsed stronger, and a low-circle spell leapt from her fingers. A beautifully crafted door handle appeared on the door. She removed it at night as a security measure while she slept¡ªnot that the owlcats weren¡¯t good at keeping her safe on their own. Not a moment later, the door swung open and a petite young half-elven woman with pale freckled skin burst in. She appeared near her early twenties at the oldest. Her vibrant red hair bounced around her shoulders, wild and only tamed by a head scarf on her head. A noticeable black symbol¡ªa forward-facing dragon head¡ªwas tattooed on her forehead. The mark of the Shikala.


    The young woman¡¯s cerulean eyes sparkled bright as the sun, as vibrant as her choice of clothing. ¡°I¡¯m finally in!¡±


    Aviana chuckled. ¡°Yes, you¡¯re in now, Temperance. So why don¡¯t you come and play with these cubs?¡±


    Her sister smiled wide. ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me twice!¡±


    She rushed in and jumped into the play, the cubs more than eager to have another playmate. The adults watched on, happy with the interaction. This gave Aviana the chance to work on Lashul. He still held onto her, now rubbing his massive head on her leg, purring.


    Aviana traced her finger in the air and muttered an incantation to cast a special speaking spell, specifying owlcats as her intended so as not to be overwhelmed by other animals in the vicinity. While learning to communicate with creatures on some level could happen, a spell was the easiest in order to have full conversations. It was a strange experience to most, especially when you communicated with an animal that had limited vocabulary, yet you were still able to get your entire point across and each of you understood the other.


    The spell leapt from her fingers when the incantation finished, a small portion of the same casting energy as before leaving her body. Deep rumbles of conversation between the owlcats and rambunctious chatter of older cubs, once incomprehensible to her ears, now surrounded her.


    ¡°Lashul, let go,¡± Aviana said.


    He pulled her leg closer. ¡°Mine.¡±


    She laughed. ¡°C¡¯mon, buddy, you have to let go.¡±


    Lashul continued to purr and rubbed his massive head against her leg some more. ¡°No, mine.¡±


    Aviana let out an exasperated sigh and fought his physical hold. His superior strength prevented her from succeeding. It wasn¡¯t until Katsula came to the rescue that Aviana broke free.


    Katsula came up to her brother and butted heads, using her full body to roll into him. ¡°Brother, play.¡±


    This finally got Lashul to let go of Aviana, and the two played for a moment. Lashul¡¯s lazy nature didn¡¯t allow for it to last long, though, and he stretched out to snooze away.


    Aviana gave Katsula an affectionate scratch. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    She purred in response, rubbing against Aviana, nearly knocking her over.


    ¡°Temperance, keep the cubs busy while I get their food ready,¡± Aviana said to her in their natural Elvish tongue.


    Her sister¡¯s nose scrunched. ¡°It¡¯s mid-morning. Why haven¡¯t you fed them yet?¡±


    I slept that late? She was both thankful and regretful. ¡°I only woke up a few moments before you showed up.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s brow rose. ¡°Wow, you must have been really tired, Avi. You never sleep in.¡±


    Aviana chuckled. She wasn¡¯t wrong, though it wasn¡¯t exactly by choice. Her sleep habits fell in line with the owlcats¡¯. It was the only way she could make sure to get a decent amount of rest.


    She milled about in the kitchen, getting the special food ready that nourished the cubs in a way their unique bodies needed. The activity drew the cubs from their play into a chorus of hungry cries. Temperance sprung into action and helped Aviana out, always eager to assist in the rearing of the owlcats. She usually complained about how unfair it was that only certain families in Starglade had to privilege of assisting in the rearing of owlcats, and that her family wasn¡¯t one of them.


    Temperance squealed in distress when a cub grabbed onto her, trying to get at something tied to her hip. ¡°No! Bad baby owlcat. You can¡¯t take Kyanite!¡±


    She removed a blue stuffed dragon and held it high up. The blue gem attached to its collar swayed with the motion. ¡°Avi made him special for me. Avi, tell your babies they need to stop trying to take him!¡±


    Temperance took that toy everywhere with her, ever since Aviana had made it for her when she was a child. It reminded her of when Aviana got Firestone from her grandfather. But due to Temperance¡¯s¡­ unusual¡­ behavior for a nineteen-year-old woman, she still carried him around everywhere with her and talked to him. I¡¯m not really that much better, though. Of course, Aviana had a realistic excuse. She didn¡¯t think the toy was alive, unlike Temperance. But at the same time, neither dragon is just a toy.


    Aviana got the cub to calm down. She wasn¡¯t really sure why they went crazy for these toys, either. It was so strange.


    Temperance smiled. ¡°Thank you, Avi. I don¡¯t want Kyanite to get ruined. I know they don¡¯t mean to be rough, but Kyanite is fragile.¡±


    Aviana pat her sister on the head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m always here to help you.¡±


    Her sister pursed her lips and then motioned for Aviana to bend closer. Unsure what she wanted, Aviana complied. Temperance reached out and touched the two sapphire and citrine gemstones embedded into Aviana¡¯s forehead, strategically placed in her tattoo to look like three eyes.


    The pressure caused an uncomfortable sensation to rush through Aviana. She jerked back. ¡°Temperance, you know not to do that.¡±


    Her sister frowned. ¡°Sorry, did I hurt you?¡±


    ¡°Well, no, but like I¡¯ve told you before, it is uncomfortable when they¡¯re played with.¡±


    Temperance cocked her head. ¡°Did it hurt to have it done when you passed your test?¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°Yes. Not as much as the tattoo, though.¡±


    Temperance touched her non-gemmed mark. Most members of the Shikala went through that first test at the age of ten. ¡°Yeah, that hurt a lot. I wish you could tell me what I should expect.¡±


    She gave her younger sister a sympathetic smile. ¡°I know, but you know the rules. No one can speak about the tests to those who aren¡¯t proven adults.¡±


    ¡°But how am I supposed to prepare if I don¡¯t know what to expect?¡±


    Aviana knew this quandary all too well. She asked the same question before her test came along. She reached out and placed a hand on Temperance¡¯s chest, her heart beating beneath. ¡°You¡¯ll know. Trust me.¡±


    Her sister gave a less-than-enthused look. ¡°Not helpful.¡± Her mood switched immediately to a chipper one, a type of switch that was unfortunately common for her. ¡°I can¡¯t wait for my coming-of-age test! I already know what gems I want when I pass.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Aviana poured some special milk, the hungry cubs screaming louder for their breakfast. ¡°Are you going to tell me?¡±


    Temperance shook her head, her red hair bouncing about. ¡°Nope! You just have to wait.¡±


    Aviana chuckled and accepted the answer. Knowing her sister, she¡¯d slip up and tell her later.


    Around the time they¡¯d finished getting the cubs fed, and had given out some fruits to the local parrots Aviana enjoyed feeding, someone knocked on the door.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Temperance answered in a sing-song voice.


    ¡°Uh, Cryson,¡± replied a masculine voice. ¡°Is that you, Temperance?¡±


    ¡°Sure is. I¡¯m helping my sister.¡± She skipped over to the door to open it.


    On the other side, a tall man with russet skin and undercut dark hair, pulled back into a tail in popular warrior fashion, stood outside Aviana¡¯s home. He dressed in loose breeches tied at the ankles, and a loose shirt held closed at the waist by only a black sash. His feet were dirty from walking barefoot all the time, and the morning sun sparkled off the sapphire and emerald gems embedded into his Shikala mark.


    This man was full elven, the distinction his longer pointed ears.


    ¡°Morning, Cryson,¡± Temperance greeted.


    He gave her a goofy grin, his blue eyes warm. ¡°Good morning, little one.¡±


    Temperance puffed out her cheeks and crossed her arms. ¡°I¡¯m not little!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re little to me.¡± Cryson reached out and messed up her hair. She made complaining sounds in response. He then looked to Aviana. ¡°I need to talk to you.¡±


    She smiled. ¡°Good morning to you, too. We can slip outside if you¡¯d like.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s brow furrowed as she fixed her hair. ¡°Hey, secrets don¡¯t make friends. Avi, tell your friend he needs to talk inside.¡±


    Friend. It hurt Aviana to hear that word from her sister¡¯s mouth. She deserved to know the truth. But things were too complicated, and it wasn¡¯t allowed. Not yet, at least.


    She glanced back at the light filtering through the canopy over her balcony. ¡°You know, Temperance, the light in here is really nice. Might make for a nice¡­ painting, perhaps?¡±


    Her younger sister¡¯s eyes went wide as disks. ¡°I could paint the owlcats!¡±


    A sly grin spread across Aviana¡¯s lips. ¡°And, didn¡¯t I give you an easel and make you new paints recently? If I recall, you put them in your room here, instead of taking them home.¡±


    Excitement burst through her sister, who made wordless happy squealing sounds and ran off upstairs. Cryson and Aviana chuckled before slipping outside.


    Before she could speak, he looked her up and down. ¡°You¡¯re not dressed for the day?¡±


    Aviana¡¯s brow rose. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with what I¡¯m wearing?¡±


    He shook her head. ¡°Nothing. It¡¯s just not what you normally wear.¡±


    She laughed. ¡°I don¡¯t wear anything to bed, so I¡¯d say whatever I decided to put on, if I did, counts as normal wear.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fair.¡±


    Clothing was optional in her clan. The body was seen as something strong and powerful, as well as beautiful in all aspects. This acceptance made for interesting clothing trends over the centuries, and not just for her clan. Other towns in the Karma Wilds also had similar ideas and trending styles around them, as well as the desert city of Sandgil, north of the Karidar Pass.


    ¡°Anyway, what do you have to talk to me about that Temperance couldn¡¯t hear, Cryson?¡±


    Cryson crossed his arms and leaned back, placing more weight on one leg. ¡°And are you sure I¡¯m not Bryson?¡±


    Aviana¡¯s eyes darted down to the intricate tattoo on his left arm. Identical twins¡ªimpossible to tell them apart¡­ unless you knew what to look for.


    One of them had the bright idea of getting a matching tattoo, but mirrored. And to this day, even after sixty-nine years of living with their antics, they still tried to pull this question on her¡ªdaily.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure I can tell my idiot brothers apart.¡±


    His lower lip stuck out into a pout. ¡°You¡¯re always so mean, baby sister.¡±


    Aviana chuckled. ¡°You look ridiculous. And I¡¯m not the baby sister anymore.¡±


    Cryson looked at her tree home, his eyes soft, almost sad. ¡°I just want to go in there and tell her the truth. She deserves to know. I want to hear her call me brother.¡±


    Aviana softly placed a hand on his arm. ¡°I know. I hate that Calypso forces us to keep this from her. Temperance will find out she¡¯s Dragkala the moment the transformation takes hold, and there¡¯s no stopping it. Everyone knows that. Calypso is delusional if she thinks otherwise. But she won¡¯t listen to reason right now, and if anyone tells Temperance, their head will be on a spike.¡±


    Aviana chuckled. ¡°Besides, as long as Temperance passes her coming of age test in a few moons, there¡¯s nothing Calypso can do. She can¡¯t control Temperance once she¡¯s recognized as an adult.¡±


    Cryson looked at Aviana. ¡°And even if she was ready, what if the transformation happens before we can tell her?¡±


    A sigh escaped her lips. ¡°This is what I¡¯m hoping doesn¡¯t happen. Temperance won¡¯t take the news well. Not because she¡¯s Dragkala.¡± Aviana chuckled. ¡°We both know she¡¯d be ecstatic about that. It¡¯s the secrets bit she¡¯d not take well.¡±


    Something crashed, and they both heard, ¡°Stay still! I have to paint you!¡±


    The two chuckled, then Cryson spoke. ¡°She¡¯s a long ways away from being ready to pass her test. It¡¯s strange, really. She reminds me of when Bryson and I were her age. And we all know we full dragons age differently on the mental side.¡±


    Aviana snorted, a smirk on her lips. ¡°Yeah. I know. Neither of you two have really grown up yet.¡±


    With lightning reflexes, he cuffed her in the back of her head. ¡°Watch it.¡±


    Aviana rubbed her head. ¡°But I do have a plan that may help us.¡±


    Cryson¡¯s back straightened, his shoulders pulling back. ¡°What is it?¡±


    Here goes nothing. If Cryson protested this idea, then there was no way their father would buy it. ¡°If I can get her away from town to give her the chance to grow in a different way, she may gain the maturity needed to pass. If not, at least there¡¯d be no Calypso to stop me from telling Temperance the truth about her bloodline.¡±


    Cryson¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Just the two of you?¡±


    Aviana¡¯s muscles tensed. His reaction wasn¡¯t good so far. ¡°Yes. I believe, if too many accompany us, she¡¯ll become suspicious of my intension. As immature as she is, there¡¯s a great deal of intelligence in her.¡±


    Her brother grabbed his chin with his finger and thumb. ¡°I don¡¯t know if father will allow that, but he¡¯s said yes to other things you¡¯ve proposed that I didn¡¯t think would work.¡± He nodded. ¡°That settles it. Father wanted to see you anyway about something, so you¡¯ll already be there to propose your crazy scheme.¡±


    Of course, Father wants to see me and Cryson didn¡¯t mention that. Aviana opened the door to the house and poked her head in. She found Temperance all set up with the easel, painting away. Kyanite sat on top looking down at her. ¡°Tempy, I¡¯m going to go to the temple with Cryson for a moment. Can I trust you to not get into trouble?¡±


    Temperance turned back and smiled widely. ¡°Of course!¡±


    Aviana didn¡¯t trust that look one bit, but if anything, the owlcats would keep her in line for the most part. Hopefully this wouldn¡¯t take too long.

 [B1] Chapter 2: Risky Request

    2


    Risky Request


    Dapples of light splashed through the canopy above on the worn dirt path. Aviana and Cryson walked side by side, through the spiraling islands that made up Starglade, connected by ornate bridges infused with arcane. The water of Starlake splashed against the formations. Thanks to arcane intervention, the peaceful sound was never drowned out by the roar of Starfalls, the waterfall that surrounded and protected their home. The mist from the massive circular waterfall filled the air, obscuring much of the sky and surrounding mountains and forest, like a curtain.


    The two strolled past homes built within ancient trees. Only a few trees this far back on the islands¡ªthere were fifteen islands in total¡ªwere businesses. Most had been established on the first four.


    Other clanmates mingling about stopped and stared. Most tossed dark looks in her direction. Some even whispered, purposely loud enough for her to hear the unkind words. It made her gut twist. No matter what Aviana did, she could never get them to let go of their unjust prejudice. Will I ever be welcome here?


    She and Cryson walked past a large stone building, one of only two to exist in Starglade. An elegant sign hung on it. Stargazer¡¯s Lore. Awful sounds, what could be surmised as attempts at making music, squealed and clanged their way through the open front doors, making both Aviana and Cryson cringe. This was their bardic college, and the headmaster, Athar Starsoar, had recently gotten a new batch of students.


    They continued on, passing through the second-to-largest island, dedicated to agricultural needs. Chickens and ducks moved about while alpaca and goats were corralled into specific areas to keep them away from the crops and fruit trees. Several owlcats lay about, acting as sentries.


    There were only three tree homes on this island, belonging to three families who enjoyed their jobs providing for the clan, and like all other businesses here, engaged in friendly competitions to call themselves the best agricultural providers.


    A cool breeze blew, a welcome relief from the humid summer air, but also a promise to what would come in a moon¡¯s time for autumn. Not that autumn and winter were tough here in the tropics of the Karma Wilds, but they were a bit colder. Aviana and her brother came to the last island in the spiral¡ªthe largest of them all, and most protected by being deep within the spiral. An intricately designed temple of marble, precious metal, and stone stood near the backside of the island¡ªthe temple of dragons. This was the only other building in Starglade not made inside the trees, and also the most sacred.


    Beside it, the largest and oldest tree in all the Karma Wilds, the Whispering One, swayed in the breeze, her brilliant colors of arcane-infused nature on display. Owlcats mingled by her massive roots. Pride leaders, easy to spot by their immense size, conversed with each other, based on their ear and tail movements, while also keeping an eye on their respective prides. Queens and other adults watched the cubs of different ages chase after the dapples of multi-colored light the Whispering One¡¯s leaves created.


    An old voice penetrated Aviana¡¯s mind. ¡°Well, hello there, Aviana. I wondered if you¡¯d try to slip away from your sister after that fun display this morning.¡±


    Aviana chuckled and spoke back to the sentient tree. ¡°Yes, Whispering One, even I have my limits with her.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s an interesting child. I hope your travel plans will help her grow into the strong woman we know she can become.¡±


    Aviana swallowed. The Whispering One was one of the oldest beings in existence. Her roots grew so far down into the land, they touched the arcane leylines, drawing them up and affecting the land around her. It created the most unique ecosystem Aviana had ever seen in her limited chances to travel.


    This reach, of course, gave her not only a unique existence, but the ability to keep an eye on all the goings-on in the area. Secrets were not easy to keep, especially if she was feeling rather mischievous in a particular day.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t told anyone, right?¡±


    The old tree chuckled. ¡°Not this time. I want to see this all play out in the moment. I need a source of entertainment today.¡±


    Aviana shook her head. The Whispering One was an interesting being, that was for sure.


    However, they didn¡¯t head into the temple. Instead, they walked to the far side of the temple, to a path leading below the backside of the island. At the bottom of the path was a ledge and the wide mouth of a cave. Since it wasn¡¯t walled off, Aviana knew their father was inside and expecting visitors.


    ¡°Did father disable the traps?¡± Aviana asked.


    Cryson nodded. ¡°The usual floor and wall ones, at least.¡±


    Her father wasn¡¯t known for removing the traps that protected his valuables, but sometimes he liked to issue challenges by not even disabling his traps at all. Sometimes she hated those days. Others, she relished the challenge, though she rarely came out unscathed. She wasn¡¯t that great at avoiding or disabling them.


    Her brother snickered. ¡°Means you can¡¯t get sneaky with your sticky fingers.¡±


    Aviana grunted as they entered the cave. ¡°At least I¡¯ve gotten away with it more than you and Cryson¡ªcombined.¡±


    He pushed her into the wall. She glared and tried to grab him, but he was quick and ran off down the cave path.


    ¡°Get back here, Cryson!¡± Aviana rushed after him, but as it usually worked out, he was far faster than her.


    Torch sconces lit the cave tunnel. The walls and floor were smooth from the wears of time. The tunnel opened up to a large chamber filled with mounds of all manner of priceless art, gold, gems, weapons, and more¡ªall glimmering in the low torchlight.


    At the far end of the cave, an enormous dragon with blue scales, frills along the limbs and bulky body, and four back-curving black horns with a slight twist to them growing from his head relaxed.


    Upon their entry, his golden eyes pinned to then. He spoke in draconic, ¡°I see you two are at it, like always.¡±


    Cryson pointed at Aviana and spoke back in draconic. ¡°She started it!¡±


    Aviana rolled her eyes and bowed. ¡°Good morning, Father. And no, I didn¡¯t. He pushed me and then ran off before I could do anything about it.¡±


    Their father shook his head and then shifted, taking the form of a tall and imposing elven man, with long dark hair shaved on either side of his head and dark facial hair, appearing maybe twice Aviana¡¯s age, of russet complexion. He now had intense blue eyes instead of gold, and unlike the others of the clan, he didn¡¯t carry the mark of the Shikala on his forehead. A straight sword with an onyx blade hung at his side.


    ¡°What am I going to do with you two?¡± His words now came out a mix of Draconic and Elvish, though Aviana understood with ease. Since the clan spoke both languages, it was a common occurrence for everyone to meld the two in conversation.


    Aviana¡¯s eyes squinted as she giggled. ¡°Show us how many gray scales we¡¯ve given you?¡±


    Her father ran his fingers through his hair. ¡°No grays. I age gracefully.¡±


    ¡°About as graceful as the old hag is at dancing,¡± Cryson muttered.


    Their father narrowed his eyes at Cryson, who jumped behind Aviana to use her as a shield. She found it amusing.


    ¡°Father, Cryson said you wanted to speak to me?¡± As much as she enjoyed this kind of fun with her family, she did have a task to complete. And she wanted to get through her father¡¯s topic before proposing this crazy travel plan.


    Her father nodded. ¡°Yes. Nothing serious, just a concern I had.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s brow rose. If wasn¡¯t serious, why not come see her? Early in her life, he¡¯d summon her instead of coming to see her, as he deemed it safer. But as the decades passed, their secret meetings meant nothing when the rest of the clan still caused her problems. So, he¡¯d chosen to visit her every now and then instead of keeping up the fa?ade.


    ¡°I¡¯ve sensed arcane energy use around your home,¡± he said.


    Shit. She should have known this would come up. She had to do her best to play this off. She wasn¡¯t able to lie. Not because it was her father and she struggled to do so with him, but because lying wasn¡¯t easy for her at all. She¡¯d never been able to. She tried once, as a small girl, and the lie lodged in her throat.


    However, she¡¯d learned to tell partial truths instead, and that skill came in handy in these kinds of situations. ¡°Of course you do, Father. I care for owlcats. I have food that needs to be made for them. We¡¯ve been over this.¡±


    Her father took a deep breath and placed his hands on her shoulder. ¡°We discussed that infusing arcane into food was the only thing you should do. As a natural magic practitioner, my little sapphire, using arcane in any way is dangerous. Even at the small scale I have allowed, it would be considered madness.¡±


    His jaw set firm. ¡°But you know that¡¯s not what I mean by arcane use. The arcane I sense is far greater than the allotted amount¡ªattempts at spellcasting. You promised me you wouldn¡¯t practice arcane.¡±


    Aviana rested her hands on his and smiled at him. ¡°I promised I¡¯d be careful with my magic studies. And I haven¡¯t broken that promise.¡±


    That was no half-truth. She¡¯d found some arcane books to look over. She knew the dangers of arcane, as well as any other type of spellcasting ability. She also knew just how dangerous it could be to mix any of them. But Aviana was determined. If the Whispering One could exist, then Aviana could find the secret to using both types of magic at the same time.


    Of course, she needed to understand arcane and her natural affinity to it before she did much casting with it. She hadn¡¯t lied to her father. She wouldn¡¯t attempt any spell until she was sure of her abilities. Aviana was almost there, hence her father sensing what she was doing. But Aviana wasn¡¯t foolish enough to push beyond what was safe.


    Her father let out a heavy breath. ¡°Very well. You¡¯re as uncontrollable as your mother. But you¡¯d better not do anything reckless.¡±


    She smiled. ¡°No more than I usually do. Which brings me to something I want to ask you.¡±


    Her father¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I like how you¡¯ve presented this, but tell me what¡¯s on your mind.¡±


    Aviana took a deep breath. ¡°We both know Temperance¡¯s coming-of-age test will happen this year, but she¡¯s far from ready. Not a single person, except maybe her, would claim otherwise.¡±


    Her father chuckled, but let her continue.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to request the opportunity to take her outside of the town to allow her to spread her wings and grow. Just the two of us.¡±


    Her father¡¯s eyes darted to Cryson, who now sat on the ground, lounging. ¡°Did you know she was going to ask this?¡±


    Cryson nodded. ¡°She ran it by me before we came over. The plan wasn¡¯t beyond my level of crazy, so I didn¡¯t see the harm in her bringing it up.¡±


    Their father¡¯s lips pressed together, and his brow knitted. It was a common face he made when thinking. He took a moment to speak. ¡°I can¡¯t say I like this proposal, but I¡¯m willing to hear you out. Tell me your exact plan.¡±


    Excitement built up inside Aviana. This just might work. She¡¯d thought about everything on the walk over, making sure this proposal would be perfect. ¡°Thank you for letting me talk to you about this. I know we don¡¯t allow just anyone to travel anymore. And I wouldn¡¯t feel the need to propose this if it weren¡¯t for how Calypso raised Temperance.¡±


    Her father grunted. ¡°Yes, this is true. And even if I agree to your proposal, we still need to tell her, which won¡¯t go well, I can assure you.¡±


    ¡°Hence me calling this a risky request.¡± Aviana chuckled. ¡°Now, Temperance loves to read. We all know this. So of course our little¡­ bookwyrm thinks she knows everything there is to the races and towns on Alaria. I want her to experience these places. I want her to see how they¡¯ve changed from our books and learn firsthand how others outside this town work. I believe, in doing so, this will help improve her na?ve nature. It¡¯ll force her to critically think about many things, including her own actions and thought.¡±


    Aviana took a breath. Her father still didn¡¯t stop her, so that was a good sign. ¡°I¡¯ve mapped out a rough route. I¡¯d like to start by going to Windshire.¡±


    Her father¡¯s eyes flashed, but he still waited. She knew that town may not sit well with him, but she had to try.


    ¡°It¡¯s the only human-majority town in the Karma Wilds, and because it¡¯s a merchant port, I thought this would be the best place to start her. She¡¯ll learn more about humans and how they act, while also understanding how to deal with merchants that are even more underhanded than ours.¡±


    Her father grunted. ¡°If humans are good at anything, it¡¯s definitely that.¡±


    Aviana didn¡¯t care for his wording, as she¡¯d met many good humans in her times sneaking out of the town, but chose to stay on track. ¡°After Windshire, I will bring her to Lakecross, so she can experience not only halflings, but eccentric ones at that. Then, I¡¯d like to travel over to Kirdarim so she can see the great gnome city¡ª¡±


    Her father held up his hand. ¡°What about Nardrul? That¡¯s closer.¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°I thought about that one, and I could alter our route, but I had hoped to show her a different climate as well.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± He nodded. ¡°Continue.¡±


    ¡°After Kirdarim, I would want to make the long trek to Sandgil. It¡¯ll expose her to the only city where you¡¯ll find Katalara, and because it¡¯s a free city, it has rules she won¡¯t come in contact with anywhere else.


    Her father nodded. ¡°I don¡¯t hate the idea. Continue.¡±


    ¡°I think avoiding Natamere would be something we can agree on. Exposing her to such a zealous environment may not be good for her.¡± Saying it that way stung her tongue. It was true that the holy city of Akorith didn¡¯t have the best reputation for being accepting, but she knew someone from there. Someone important to her, and he wasn¡¯t that bad. And unknown to her father, she wanted to stop in the city if time permitted. But she kept that part of her plan quiet so he wouldn¡¯t shoot her down. There were other elements about the city that meant her father would want to ensure they both stayed far away from it.


    ¡°Avoiding that city, of course, would make for a longer travel to Sandgil without hitting any towns marked on maps. Not ideal when it comes to supplies, since we¡¯re talking about partial desert travel, but it will also test Temperance in ways she may not expect.¡±If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°When you leave Sandgil, where would you head?¡± her father asked.


    ¡°This is where I had planned to head back to the Karma Wilds, stopping in Nardrul. She¡¯ll meet more humans there, as well as dwarves. This will be good exposure to see how mixed-race cities work. And then we¡¯d return home from there.¡±


    Her father grasped his chin with a finger and thumb. ¡°That¡¯s a long travel route. Do you think you could accomplish this by the time her birthday and test come about?¡±


    Aviana worked her lips as she thought. ¡°That¡¯s the only part of my plan I¡¯m struggling with. I don¡¯t know how long that¡¯ll take. I may need to have an extension to do it all. Otherwise, I can modify the route and hope she learns just as much from the shortened experience.¡±


    ¡°Do you think you¡¯ll take on any mercenary jobs?¡±


    Aviana shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I might, to give her that experience, but if they cut into our travel time, or if you and the elders think it¡¯s unwise, I¡¯ll avoid them.¡±


    Her father nodded and thought about everything she¡¯d said. Waiting killed Aviana, but she didn¡¯t want to look desperate. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll allow it.¡±


    Joy rose up and overwhelmed her. She threw her arms around his neck. ¡°Thank you, Father!¡±


    He chuckled and patted her head. ¡°The elders still need to approve. And Calypso also has a say in this.¡±


    She let go and nodded. ¡°I know. But your approval of this makes me happy.¡± She played with her fingers. ¡°I was worried this would come off as stupid to you¡­¡±


    ¡°You need to give yourself credit. You thought everything out and left little room for me to point out errors. You could have made it a little less winded and drawn-out, but I won¡¯t fault you too much.¡±


    Aviana smiled wide. She could accept that criticism.


    Her father reached out and lifted her chin. ¡°You¡¯ve grown more on me.¡±


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°You saw me yesterday. I can¡¯t grow that much in a day.¡±


    ¡°No, not physically. At least not this time.¡± He smiled. ¡°Every day you become more like your mother.¡±


    Aviana smiled. ¡°That¡¯s a good thing, right?¡±


    Her father bent over and kissed her on the forehead. ¡°It will always be a good thing, my little sapphire. Her memory hurts, but you make that pain worth it.¡±


    A bittersweet taste hit her tongue. He mother had disappeared when Aviana was twelve. She¡¯d been told a lie about what had happened, that she was dead, but Aviana saw right through it. Every time she asked her father about the incident, he¡¯d act out of sorts and try to change the topic of conversation, restoring to firm reprimanding if she continued to push the subject.


    He sucked at lying to her. Her father could produce eloquent lies, except with her. Maybe it was because for the longest time she was his only daughter. Maybe it was because she looked so much like her mother. Regardless of the reason, he didn¡¯t repeat the words the elders told her that fateful night.


    And neither did Akorith, when she¡¯d asked him. While the god never gave her a straight answer, he¡¯d hinted that the truth wasn¡¯t likely to be what had been uttered to her. And as long as she did what he asked, she¡¯d find out the truth. It was another reason she¡¯d stopped pestering her father.


    Aviana desperately wanted to understand what happened, among other things related to her mother. Like why Aviana could never shake the feeling her mother didn¡¯t love her.


    She never wanted to believe it. Who ever did? But as the years passed and her mother chose to spend time with two special individuals over spending time with her, leaving Aviana under the supervision of her grandfather, and eventually alone when he¡¯d¡­ passed away. I¡¯m still not convinced of that either. It¡¯d been far too jarring of a situation. Almost as if magic had been involved in some way.


    Far too many lies revolved around her family. And she wanted to dissect them all.


    Of course, that¡¯d have to wait, now that she was going to be leaving with Temperance. If Calypso cooperates, that is.


    Her father took a deep breath. ¡°Shall we head above to break the news to Calypso?¡±


    ? ? ?


    Aviana and her father entered the temple of dragons. He¡¯d sent Cryson to retrieve Calypso while they worked things over with the elders.


    The entrance of the temple, nothing more than an oversized archway, opened to a single spacious chamber. A few other arches and doors tucked away in other parts of the room led to smaller alcoves and rooms. Large columns reached for the high ceiling above.


    Various statues of past exemplary clan members and dragons of varied colors lined the main chamber, their intricately carved appearance enhanced with metal and gems. In the center of the temple, reaching nearly to the highest point of the ceiling, and surrounded by a sparkling pool of water infused with arcane, stood two statues of twin-headed dragons¡ªAkorith and Lusaria. Beside them, made to fit into the space was another dragon, smaller and single-headed, but no less imposing, with impressive double horns growing from his head, and heavily gemmed enhancements¡ªher father¡¯s statue.


    She wished he hadn¡¯t done that with his statue. But it had happened long before her time, when the clan had seen a great darkness¡ªone that caused her trouble to this day for merely breathing, even though things had improved over the past decades. When mother started pursing him. And her father was as stubborn as ever and wouldn¡¯t move it just yet. One day, she¡¯d convince him to move it to a better spot.


    A tall, well-built elven woman with tan skin, appearing maybe a decade or so older than Aviana¡¯s father, strode confidently through the chamber. Her black hair freely flowed behind her as she moved, a few strands of gray hair visible. She carried a flowering staff in her hands.


    The woman noticed the two of them immediately and smiled, her dark eyes squinting. A warm, welcoming aura radiated from her. ¡°Ah, Aviana, Raileth, what an unexpected surprise. Can I help you with anything?¡±


    Aviana bowed. ¡°Good morning, Velatha. We have an urgent matter to discuss with all of the elders, if you wouldn¡¯t mind helping us round them up.¡±


    Velatha nodded. ¡°Of course. Sketha is in the midst of meditation, but shouldn¡¯t be too hard to disturb for an important matter. And I believe Raliff is taking a morning nap. Though Miksha may be¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m right here,¡± an annoyed elderly female voice shouted.


    Everyone turned to see an old, hunched-over elven woman of dark complexion slowly making her way into the temple. She had braided, long gray hair and carried an ebony staff that she used to help her walk, though Aviana knew better. This woman didn¡¯t need help walking. She liked to pretend, in order to catch her victims off guard.


    The light breeze from outside ruffled her loose-fitting red and white dress. A black sash wrapped around her waist, and a pattern of star lilies were designed into the skirted half of the dress. The dress didn¡¯t quite fit her right, relying a great deal on the sash to keep it on her body, exposing quite a bit of skin. From Aviana¡¯s understanding, it was the woman¡¯s favorite from when she was younger¡­ and taller.


    Her staff clicked on the floor as she moved. A deep scowl sat on her face. Aviana swore it was permanently etched there. ¡°The annoying whelp you named Cryson¡­ or Bryson, whichever of the twins it was, interrupted my morning stroll and told me to come back here at your request, Raileth. You¡¯d better have a good reason or I¡¯ll hit ya!¡±


    She waved her staff in the air to add to her threat. Aviana had been hit often enough by that thing to know it was no idle threat. She didn¡¯t wield it properly, hitting for both discipline and fun, simply because she was bored. It was best to not rely on being on her good side all the time, and just stay out of reach as much as possible.


    ¡°Ah, I see you¡¯re in a pleasant mood as always, old hag,¡± Raileth greeted.


    Aviana did her best to keep a straight face. Miksha was the orneriest person in this entire town. Hers rivaled all the possible bad moods from every clan member put together. A warrior in her prime, she still had all the spunk of her youth mixed with the attitude of an aged woman no longer allowed to fight. Many in the town called her old hag, or something similar, because of it. Even Aviana called her it behind her back. And sometimes to her face if she was in an exceptionally foul or cheeky mood.


    Miksha¡¯s dark eyes narrowed. ¡°Don¡¯t try to sweet-talk me, you overgrown lizard.¡±


    Raileth held up his hands. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t dream of it.¡±


    Aviana struggled now to appear neutral. She had to press her lips together so as not to laugh.


    Miksha pointed her staff at Aviana. ¡°You watch yourself, too.¡±


    Aviana held up her hands. ¡°I am staying out of this.¡±


    ¡°Just tell me what¡¯s so important that it has to be discussed now, and maybe I¡¯ll consider you an innocent bystander.¡±


    Aviana wanted to ensure all the elders were here, but Miksha also wasn¡¯t known for her patience. ¡°It¡¯s about prepping Temperance for her coming-of-age.¡±


    Miksha narrowed her eyes and Velatha turned. ¡°Before Miksha can say anything, let me go get the others. No one can argue that this would be an important topic for everyone to present for.¡±


    Miksha grunted. ¡°Fine, fine. But be quick.¡±


    Velatha dashed off. She didn¡¯t look or move like someone you¡¯d expect to be called an elder, a coveted title only given to a select few deemed worthy to make ultimate decisions for the clan. But, due to her druidic ways, she aged far slower than other elves. No one even knew her true age. Except maybe the Whispering One. But even she refused to give that secret.


    As the oldest of all the elders, Miksha had been titled prime elder instead. No one was quite sure why, but someone had the crazy idea to give her the most power. Aviana¡¯s father liked to joke it was because she looked the oldest. Aviana, on the other hand, suspected Miksha could make the best judgment calls out of all of them. Ornery as she was, she took her role seriously. And Aviana had seen a compassionate side to her, as rare as it was.


    Moments passed and Miksha grew more impatient by the second. Aviana worried the old woman would start causing havoc when Velatha returned, two people following her. One, Raliff, was a tall, elderly, dark-skinned elven man. He had long, graying hair pulled back in a tail, and an athletic build that easy carried the two curved blades hanging at his sides. All around he had a well-aged dignified look, though his sleepy dark eyes offset the appearance a bit.


    The other, Sektha, was a tall, lanky woman with umber skin tone and dark eyes. She had undercut gray hair, pulled back into a tail in popular warrior fashion, and wore robes similar to Cryson¡¯s, though unlike him, cloth had been wrapped around her hands and arms.


    ¡°Thank Akorith!¡± Miksha said. ¡°If you took any longer, I might have died of old age.¡±


    ¡°One could only hope,¡± Raileth muttered.


    Miksha¡¯s black staff whistled through the air and slammed into his shoulder with a resounding crack that echoed through the temple. Everyone inside cringed, including the priestesses. Raileth, on the other hand, didn¡¯t flinch.


    His eyes slowly went to the old woman. ¡°You¡¯re losing your touch. You used to hit harder than that.¡±


    A fire lit in her eyes. Aviana jumped in before anything bad could happen. ¡°Can we please get to why we¡¯re all gathered?¡±


    Raliff nodded, stifling a yawn. ¡°Yes, I¡¯d like to get back to my nap.¡±


    Amused chuckles echoed through the group before Aviana gave the elders her proposal. Once she finished, she waited silently for their decision.


    Velatha spoke first, nodding as she did. ¡°Yes, I can see why you wanted to run this by us. Your plan is¡­¡±


    ¡°Outlandish,¡± Raliff said. ¡°This is too crazy to work.¡±


    Sektha shook her head. ¡°I disagree. World experience will always triumph over reading about them. And Akorith knows, Temperance needs such an experience. If not for the sake of her test, the sake of her sheltered mind.¡±


    Miksha grunted. ¡°Sheltered isn¡¯t a word I¡¯d give her. There is something not quite right with the girl.¡±


    Raileth¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Watch it. That¡¯s my daughter you speak of.¡±


    ¡°Yes, well she doesn¡¯t know she¡¯s your daughter, now does she?¡± Miksha shot back.


    ¡°Because of Calypso,¡± Aviana said, doing her best to keep the conversation civil and on topic. ¡°Which we all know is part of the problem here.¡±


    ¡°The woman does what she thinks is best for her daughter,¡± Sektha said.


    Raliff laughed. ¡°No, we all know she does what is best for her. And no one knows what that is, either. She¡¯s not all there in the head these days.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s disturbing,¡± Velatha agreed. ¡°And as the family in charge of our history, we should be mindful of her well-being, as it affects us all.¡±


    Sektha looked away from everyone, toward the entrance of the temple. ¡°Well, we¡¯ll be able to include her in this now, whether we¡¯d all like to or not.¡±


    Everyone looked to find Cryson entering the temple. A lithe, petite elven woman of light complexion followed. Her wild reddish-brown hair bounced around her shoulders, and unlike most of the town, covered much of her visible skin, wearing a midriff-baring top under a long drape of colorful cloth, wrapped from around her waist and slung over her shoulder. The excess draping cloth flowed behind her.


    Her blue eyes were intent on the gathered people. She was a near-spitting image of Temperance, only she looked round Raileth¡¯s age, and had no visible freckles on her skin.


    Velatha smiled. ¡°We¡¯re glad you could join us, Calypso. We know you¡¯re quite busy.¡±


    ¡°Yes, well, I was told this was about my daughter.¡± Calypso¡¯s eyes flashed to Aviana for a moment before focusing on the elders. Aviana had an uneasy feeling about that. ¡°I hope she hasn¡¯t done anything to cause trouble.¡±


    Velatha shook her head, her smile not fading. ¡°No, no. Nothing like that.¡±


    Calypso took a position in the cluster of individuals next to Raileth, and cocked her head. ¡°Then I don¡¯t understand why we need to discuss her.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re discussing her coming-of-age,¡± Aviana said.


    The woman¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡°What are you talking about? She isn¡¯t old enough for this discussion.¡±


    ¡°Calypso, her twentieth year comes in less than a year,¡± Aviana said. She did her best to keep her tone soft. Aviana could already tell this wasn¡¯t going to go well. ¡°And we fear she isn¡¯t ready for it.¡±


    ¡°Of course she¡¯s not ready for it.¡± Calypso¡¯s tone rose a little. ¡°She¡¯s not the right age.¡±


    Miksha tapped her staff on the ground. ¡°Get it together, woman. Have you had your nose in your books so long you¡¯ve forgotten how many years have passed since the girl¡¯s birth?¡±


    ¡°Of course I haven¡¯t! I¡±¡ªCalypso took a deep breath¡ª¡°I apologize. It¡¯s hard knowing my little girl isn¡¯t so little anymore. What seems to be the concern about her coming-of-age? She only just had her birthday three moons ago. Her next is far enough off that I don¡¯t feel it¡¯s necessary for us to be planning her trial.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not,¡± Sektha said. ¡°We¡¯re discussing her behavior. More precisely, her immaturity, which is far too pronounced for someone her age. It¡¯s been proposed she be allowed to get a world view to open her mind.¡±


    Calypso¡¯s eyes flashed and she gritted her teeth. ¡°What? Who thought up such a preposterous idea?¡±


    Velatha opened her mouth to speak, but Aviana spoke up instead. She wouldn¡¯t hide from Calypso. ¡°It was me.¡±


    Rage flared in Calypso¡¯s eyes. ¡°How dare you, you insolent girl! How dare you suggest such a dangerous¡ª¡±


    ¡°I dare because I care for my sister.¡± Aviana refused to back down. As quickly as this had escalated, she had expected it. ¡°I made the request because I care about her well-being. I have run my travel plans by my father and by the elders. None have¡ª¡±


    ¡°How dare you!¡± Calypso raised her hand, energy sparking from it. ¡°You do not make decisions for my daughter!¡±


    Aviana took a step back, her eyes widening. Calypso was a well-known arcane magic user. If the rumors in the clan were true, she could be the most talented, aside from Raileth. And now her eyes flashed wild with such rage¡­ Aviana feared for her own life.


    ¡°You do not get to take her¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare!¡± Raileth stepped in front of Calypso, his posture strong and intimidating. His hand crossed in front of his chest, the back of it poised to strike the woman.


    Calypso shrunk back, her eyes tight with fear, and the magic on her fingers died. But Raileth didn¡¯t strike her. He let out a hard breath and clenched his fist before lowering it, his muscles tight.


    ¡°No, striking you would not be right. I apologize for losing my senses there. But as the Guardian of this clan, I will not tolerate you attacking another clanmate in anger, least of all my eldest daughter. Do you understand me, Calypso?¡±


    The petrified woman didn¡¯t react, not that Aviana blamed her. Not much could rival her father¡¯s rage. She¡¯d seen it a number of time when some clan members had made attempts on her life in the past.


    Raileth moved away. His reduced proximity to Calypso allowed her to recover, though she remained quiet.


    Miksha grunted and tapped her staff on the ground. ¡°While all of us agree that striking her wouldn¡¯t have been appropriate, I say she would have deserved it after that display.¡±


    Calypso¡¯s eyes turned to the ground, shameful for her actions.


    ¡°I have made my decision,¡± Miksha said. ¡°Aviana will be granted permission to take Temperance on this trip, to discover her inner adult, if you will.¡±


    Calypso¡¯s eyes widened. She held up her hands as she begged. ¡°No, please. Please, don¡¯t let her take my daughter.¡±


    Miksha¡¯s eyes remained hard. Aviana didn¡¯t know how she did it. Even though the woman had just tried to attack her a moment ago, the desperation in Calypso¡¯s voice tugged at Aviana¡¯s heart. ¡°I will not change my stance.¡±


    Her eyes went to the other elders, who all nodded. ¡°Your display here was unspeakable, Calypso. Instead of hearing out Aviana¡¯s plan and possibly suggesting an alternate route in a calm, mature fashion, you succumbed to immediate rage. You were willing to harm her for no other reason than being concerned for her sister¡¯s current mental well-being.¡±


    Miksha closed her eyes and shook her head. ¡°Aviana is right to be concerned. Her level of maturity does not come close to her physical age. And I¡¯m starting to see why. This travel experience will allow her to spread her wings and grow appropriately, away from the parent who may be clipping them, intentionally or not.¡±


    Calypso¡¯s eyes widened and she swallowed, words lodging in her throat. Miksha had a look that said there would be no more arguing. She¡¯d made up her mind, and all the other elders backed her.


    As the decision sank in, Calypso¡¯s expression became more neutral, but only for a moment. Her eyes sparked a dangerous, livid hue as she turned her gaze to Aviana. ¡°You will regret this, Aviana.¡±


    She spun on her heels and stormed out. Raileth nodded to Cryson. ¡°Keep an eye on her. I don¡¯t want her doing anything funny¡ªespecially not with Temperance.¡±


    Cryson nodded in response and followed the crazy woman. Sektha left the group of elders. ¡°I¡¯ll keep an eye on her as well, just in case she tries to use her magic on Cryson.¡±


    Aviana didn¡¯t blame her for the lack of trust. Calypso had reacted even worse than Aviana had imagined she would. She looked to her father, who stared out at the temple entrance. ¡°Why did you choose her?¡±


    He didn¡¯t look at her as he spoke. ¡°That woman just a moment ago¡­ the one who would have attacked you without hesitation¡­ wasn¡¯t the woman I chose two decades ago.¡±


    He looked at his hand. ¡°I need to go and do some thinking. Let me know if you need anything for your trip, little sapphire.¡±


    Raileth walked away. Confusion plagued Aviana. Miksha and Raliff dispersed to do their own thing, while Velatha came up and stood beside her. ¡°Tributes are tricky.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s eyes darted to the youngest elder, irritation flaring up in her. ¡°She wasn¡¯t a tribute.¡±


    Velatha opened her mouth, but Aviana repeated herself. ¡°Calypso wasn¡¯t a tribute. Don¡¯t think you can pull that dragonshit of a lie over me. I¡¯m far too smart for that. My father may have demanded tributes when he first took over, but those stopped in time as he learned the errors of his ways. We don¡¯t have tributes anymore.¡±


    Her eyes narrowed at Velatha. ¡°My mother wasn¡¯t a tribute, and neither was Calypso. I wish you¡¯d give up on that poorly crafted lie. It serves no purpose except to make things worse in this clan.¡±


    Velatha let out a sigh and patted Aviana on the shoulder. ¡°You¡¯ll understand some day.¡± She looked to the entrance. ¡°Now, you should go and break the exciting news to your sister. I expect to hear her squeals of excitement from here.¡±


    Aviana didn¡¯t like that Velatha was changing the subject, but didn¡¯t feel like pushing it. ¡°We never finished discussing the travel route. I need to know if Temperance has to be back by the exact trial day, or if we will have an extension due to this unique traveling situation.¡±


    ¡°The other elders and I will talk it over.¡± Velatha smiled. ¡°Go about your planned route, and if we feel you both should come home sooner, we¡¯ll send you a message.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t exactly the best answer, and it seemed far too unpredictable. But it was better than nothing.


    Velatha turned to walk away, but stopped. ¡°Oh, and don¡¯t forget to go over this with the owlcats. They¡¯ll need to know you¡¯ll be missing the next birthing season.¡±


    The elder had a point. That may not go over well with some of the prides. Aviana had earned the trust of so many of the prides living in Starglade, their expectation to rely on her was a little too heavy sometimes. Especially during the two seasons when cubs came about.


    First, Temperance, though. That¡¯ll be easier to handle¡­ I hope.

 [B1] Chapter 3: Windshire

    3


    Windshire


    Seagulls flew high in the cloudless autumn afternoon sky, and a warm, gentle breeze carried the smell of ocean salt in the air as Aviana and Temperance moved through the seaport city of Windshire. Aviana¡¯s eyes followed her sister as she darted about, the weight of her travel pack not holding her back in the least. On the other hand, Aviana had to conserve her energy, since she¡¯d equipped herself with heavier weapons in case they needed it. Two scimitars hung at her side, and a staff was strapped to her back. A totem¡ªa dragon carved of cherry wood holding an amethyst crystal¡ªwas tied to the staff, in case she needed some extra help from nature to cast spells.


    ¡°Temperance, don¡¯t go too far,¡± Aviana called after her sister.


    Her sister¡¯s shoulders slumped, and she threw her head back to gaze at Aviana. ¡°But Avi, there are so many new things for me to see¡ªOh, what¡¯s that?¡±


    Aviana chuckled and shook her head. She should have known the moment they approached the town she¡¯d be like this. She wouldn¡¯t stop talking about all the things she knew about the city from her book studies during their trip. And every time Aviana tried to correct something out of date, it turned into a new game of fifty questions, because Temperance struggled to understand how her books were wrong.


    As they passed a shop with large glass windows, Aviana¡¯s gems reflected and sparkled in the mid-afternoon sun. She took a moment to look herself over and straighten her hair. They¡¯d been traveling for about three moons now, putting them into the moon of Xalaria and leaving them only ten more moon cycles before Temperance¡¯s coming-of-age ceremony would be upon them. Unless, of course, Aviana received a magical message with different instructions. The elders had gone back and forth on their decision regarding when they¡¯d have to return. It was frustrating.


    The amount of time it¡¯d taken them to arrive in Windshire didn¡¯t help her situation. Aviana hadn¡¯t expected that traveling by foot would take this long. In her many years of secretly traveling to the city, she¡¯d used a teleporting rune. But since the two of them had gone with permission this time, Aviana couldn¡¯t use it, or she would risk potential punishment if her prior actions were discovered and then seen as treasonous.


    Temperance gasped, her cerulean eyes sparkling with delight. ¡°Avi, look¡ªa white birdie! Oh, what¡¯s that man doing?¡±


    The young woman¡¯s short attention span amused Aviana, as much as it also gave her a headache. This trip would not only test Temperance, but Aviana as well. She¡¯d never spent this amount of time with her sister alone. It was going to push her patience to a whole new level.


    The salt-stained air blew around them, people going about their daily business. To most, Windshire was merely a city known for its exotic traded goods from only the bravest of sailors, as an ominous mist obscured most of the sailable waters around this end of the continent of Alaria. Only a sliver of water parted the mist, allowing boats in and out. But anyone unfortunate enough to veer off course were never heard from again.


    The scarce number of boats that made it through ran the risk of dragons stealing their cargo in the Hidden Treasure Strait. Or, at least, that¡¯s what the sailors claimed. Whether those claims were true or not were only known to a few, and Aviana happened to be one of them.


    Merchants shouted over each other, hoping to entice a few new patrons and make some coin. One human man in particular flashed about gems and jewelry. The sight of the shiny items attracted Aviana and Temperance, though Aviana was sure not to let any silver-tongued seller get the best of her¡ªno matter how hard it was for her to resist such items.


    ¡°Ah, a pair of lovely ladies have come to buy, yes?¡± The man spoke in Common, the universal language humans adopted as theirs. His words were masked with a particularly thick accent, not common for these parts. Aviana had never seen him before, but it wasn¡¯t like she knew everyone in this town. Either he¡¯d recently moved here, or was a traveling merchant.


    Temperance placed her hands on the table and looked around. ¡°So many pretties.¡±


    The young woman had the presence of mind to speak Common back, impressing Aviana. Common wasn¡¯t spoken in Starglade, not since their town closed off the borders to travelers centuries ago, and the use and knowledge of the language fell to obscurity.


    When Aviana first started traveling the Windshire, she struggled with the language, though managed, thanks to its intended design of being created from all major languages on the continent. She made sure Temperance was taught properly for the time the clan¡¯s travel rules finally changed. So seeing her sister take to the language quickly in practice elated her.


    Aviana smiled at the merchant and gazed over his wares, keeping an eye on her sister. They both had sticky fingers, thanks the instinctual struggle they¡¯d inherited from their father, but while Aviana had learned to quell that instinct in a public setting, her sister was another matter. That was partially Aviana¡¯s fault, though. Her own moral compass wasn¡¯t great, even if she did try to be a good person overall, so she hadn¡¯t taught her sister to be a morally outstanding citizen as well as she could have.


    ¡°Tell me, is there anything you may be looking for in particular?¡± the merchant asked. ¡°I¡¯ve produced only the finest made jewelry, from all around Alaria. Ask me for anything, and I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll have it.¡±


    ¡°Rings,¡± Aviana said. ¡°I¡¯m always looking for new rings.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I thought you might be the type.¡± He pulled out a box he¡¯d not put on display and opened it. Over a dozen rings made of different metals and gems sparkled inside. ¡°Come, take a look. They come from all over. Lakecross, Steelmaw Port, Sandgil, even some come from the mysterious area of the Kyrtaar Shade.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s eyes fell over each of them. She even took one in her fingers to inspect, after looking to the man for permission, of course. This particular one was made of gold and had a single green gem.


    ¡°Perfect choice, m¡¯lady,¡± the merchant said. ¡°That one I procured from a talented Katalaran in Sandgil. Quite the craftsman.¡±


    He really needs to work on his act. Maybe it was because Aviana knew what to look for when it came to Katalara craftsmanship, but she felt this salesman was just bad at his job. ¡°Except this isn¡¯t Katalaran handiwork.¡±


    The man pulled back, offended. ¡°Ma¡¯am, I can assure you this¡ª¡±


    Aviana lifted her own hand and pointed to a silver ring she wore, with intricate engravings and set with triple sapphires. ¡°This ring was handcrafted for me by a skilled craftsman in Sandgil.¡±


    She gestured to another ring, this one gold with two dragon heads crafted into the metal, and poised on either side of a single gleaming emerald. Beautifully written Elvish and Draconic scrawled around the centerpiece gem. ¡°And this one was a gift. They had also commissioned this in Sandgil. Do not try to take me for a fool.¡±


    The man struggled to recover from her callout. Aviana turned away. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Temperance.¡±


    Her sister pursed her lips. ¡°But Avi, I¡¯m not done looking.¡±


    ¡°There are more places to shop. This city is large.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    Aviana glanced back. ¡°There are shops by the ocean.¡±


    Her sister gasped and her eyes lit up. ¡°Ocean!¡±


    The redhead took off down the street, though her pace slowed as more stalls distracted her.


    Some time passed, and the two browsed the offered goods. A few times, Temperance almost fell prey to some better-equipped silver tongues, but Aviana stepped in.


    They¡¯d made it halfway through town, close to the southernmost side, when a loud bang echoed through the air and black smoke billowed up into the sky. Townsfolk whispered and pointed, all wondering what might be going on. Aviana¡¯s eyes narrowed. That¡¯s down at the docks. Had it happened farther north, she¡¯d assume an attack by roaming bandits, or some crazy alchemist. But the docks were well protected. Not even pirates were brave enough to try traversing the mist. Maybe an accident with some cargo?


    Before their eyes, another explosion shot into the air, creating more dark smoke. Whatever the cause, it wasn¡¯t good, and Aviana needed to get over there. She may be needed if there were any injuries. ¡°Temperance, follow me and don¡¯t dawdle.¡±


    ¡°But, pretty things at the stores¡­¡± Temperance said.


    Aviana set a pace forward. ¡°We¡¯ll come back, I promise. Right now I¡¯m needed.¡±


    Temperance followed her sister. ¡°Can I help?¡±


    Aviana thought about this. Her sister had only recently started with advanced spellcasting, but she¡¯d taken to it quickly, like everything else thrown at her. ¡°We¡¯ll see if it¡¯s something you can help with when we get there.¡±


    Her sister smiled wide. ¡°Okay!¡±


    The pair rushed through the street, picking side alleys when the curious crowds became too difficult to push through. Aviana¡¯s heart thundered in her ears when another explosion occurred. Something was very wrong.


    The pair shot out of the street, their feet meeting the sandy shore of the beach, and they stopped short. Before them, a grisly sight. A ship, half sunken and on fire, sat tied to the docks. Bodies of dock workers splayed about the white sand, staining it red. Men and women garbed in sailing uniforms wielding swords and bucklers clashed with local militia and paladins from the great city of Natamere. Pirates. She¡¯d been wrong, there were pirates crazy enough to brave these waters.


    Aviana turned to Temperance, who watched the scene with wide, fear-stricken eyes. ¡°Tempy, I need you to go back into the alley and hide.¡±


    Her sister didn¡¯t hear, so Aviana shook her. ¡°Temperance!¡±


    Temperance¡¯s eyes snapped to her older sister. ¡°Avi, what¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Something bad. Take my travel bag and go hide in the alley. I¡¯ll come get you when it¡¯s safe.¡±


    ¡°But I want to help.¡±


    Aviana pressed her lips together in thought. Temperance had done well learning how to fight over the years, but fighting dummies and fighting people were vastly different. She couldn¡¯t be sure her sister had the resolve to take a life if the need came. And I promised I¡¯d keep her safe on this journey.


    Aviana shook her head. ¡°Not with this. Stay in the shadows and out of danger. Now go.¡±


    She pushed her sister back in the direction they¡¯d come and took off down the beach, drawing her two scimitars. Her feet sunk into the soft sand, which would throw anyone else¡¯s balance, but living over a lake and so close to the ocean back home, she¡¯d adapted to such conditions over the past half-century.


    The young woman aimed for the closest target she could find¡ªa buccaneer engaging a young man adorned in heavy plate armor with platinum accents. The pirate swung a short sword at the armored man, the weapon bouncing off his shield. The suns above reflected off the platinum crest of a hammer positioned between a half-sun and half-moon¡ªthe symbol of Akorith.


    The pirate¡¯s attention stayed firm on the paladin, keeping him oblivious to her presence until it was too late. He turned just as she shifted her weight and swung her curved blades with fluid motions, like a dance, striking true against his legs, and then his back with her off-hand swing. The marauder cried out and the paladin took advantage of their opponent¡¯s state, thrusting his sword through. The pirate choked, and then his eyes rolled back as he went limp.


    The paladin threw the man to the side and then addressed Aviana. ¡°Thank you for the assistance, Lady Aviana.¡±


    Aviana held back a scoff. She knew the man in charge of all paladins from the temple of Akorith, High Commander Siverath. They¡¯d met because of her mother. And due to his position, the paladins under him who knew of her, even if she didn''t know of them, had come to call her ¡°Lady.¡± An absurd notion to her, due to the way the Shikala lived, but she¡¯d learned to accept it rather than argue. ¡°We should continue on and push these invaders back.¡±


    The paladin nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll fight alongside you. A joined force is a superior tactic in this situation.¡±


    She agreed. The two of them rushed down the beach. Aviana spied a burly man with russet-brown skin and protruding tusks from his lower jaw, swinging a large hammer at three buccaneers surrounding him. A necklace made of teeth, claws, and feathers similar to Aviana¡¯s earrings hug around his neck. Krax.


    Krax was a half-orc who worked at a local tavern, dealing with overzealous drinking patrons. While not uncommon in these parts due to the Thunderblood orc clan that roamed the Karma Wilds, he was one of the few to live in the town. He could hold his own against these pirates, but as a friend of his, she wasn¡¯t going to sit by and do nothing. He can complain about his honor later.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Aviana checked to ensure that her totem hadn¡¯t fallen off her staff in the scuffle and then took a deep breath. She moved her fingers in a specific pattern and muttered an incantation, the words comprised of different sounds and clicks known as druidic, drawing on a source of energy deep inside of her. Once the incantation left Aviana¡¯s lips, the energy she drew out sprung from her feet, and the sand beneath her quickly shifted in a straight line toward a female marauder who was moving up behind her half-orc friend. The unsuspecting woman readied herself to strike Krax with her scimitar, but before she could, large roots exploded out of the sand and grappled her.


    Surprised by the sudden attack, one of the pirates was unable to dodge Krax¡¯s swing of his hammer. Crack! The head of the hammer slammed into the man¡¯s chest, caving in his ribcage. He gasped for breath, his arms twitching as he tried to move, and then he stilled.


    The paladin beside Aviana rushed in to aid Krax with the remaining pirate, who now was in the process of fleeing; the pirate narrowly dodged a swing of Krax¡¯s hammer. The woman Aviana snared had struggled and found the plants too strong for her. The paladin pursued the fleeing pirate as Krax turned to face Aviana and the woman she¡¯d captured.


    Aviana smirked as she passed her. ¡°You¡¯ll be there for a while, dear. Get used to it.¡±


    Krax¡¯s deep voice rumbled her way as he laughed. ¡°I see you decided to finally show up and join the party, Avi.¡±


    She held up her hands. ¡°I figured if you were joining, it had to be a good one, right?¡±


    He chuckled and then looked her up and down. ¡°That¡¯s true. Though you could have worn something more appropriate.¡±


    She glanced down at her clothes, made of a light cloth material only found in Starglade¡ªStarcloth. It had been fashioned into a shirt with a wide collar, trimmed with gold and decorated with blue faux-scaled designs, and a sapphire wrapped around her neck. Blue starcloth draped from it, wrapping down to encase and secure her breasts, then wrapped around her back.


    Fabric draped from her waist, securing at the hips, but open all the way up the thighs, more like two separate pieces falling to cover her front and back. The back piece flared out behind her, flowing like a train, decorated with an ornate pattern.


    Lavish gold cuffs clung to her wrists, swaths of fabric flowing from them, and cloth sandals wound up her thighs, woven to fit.


    It wasn¡¯t exactly battle material, as she didn¡¯t think to prepare for such a situation, but it had its own advantages¡ªlight and breathable for the tropical climate of Starglade, as well as freedom of movement. The extra skin showing was a bonus for when she needed it. Aviana would have to rely on her skills to avoiding damage than trust her armor to absorbing and mitigate it for her.


    Aviana looked back up at Krax. ¡°Don¡¯t chastise my way of dress. It doesn¡¯t weigh me down, and my people create this cloth in such a way that it¡¯s as durable as leather.¡±


    He snorted. ¡°Right, because with all that exposed skin, you¡¯re so protected.¡±


    Aviana reached up and poked him on the side of the face where an intricate wolf paw and lightning bolt were tattooed, showing off his allegiance to the Thunderblood clan. ¡°Tell that to your clan. Most of them barely wear loincloths.¡±


    He held his head high. ¡°Orc skin is stronger than yours, little elf girl.¡±


    She poked him in the face again. ¡°And your excuse? You¡¯ve barely got any orc in you, thanks to your half-orc father taking a human as a mate.¡±


    He beat his chest once. ¡°Still orc in this blood.¡±


    ¡°Hey, you two,¡± the paladin called out. He stood over the body of the raiders he¡¯d chased down. ¡°Think you two could stop chit-chatting and help us out with these pirates? They¡¯re not going to run off by themselves.¡±


    Krax chuckled and glanced Aviana¡¯s way. ¡°Let¡¯s hope your poor clothing choice doesn¡¯t get you killed, or become too distracting for our allies.¡±


    Aviana snorted. Ever since Krax was young, he had pestered her about her clothes, telling her she needed to be more ¡°appropriate.¡± It was a common complaint down here in Windshire, as Natamere¡¯s control over the city made it the only one in the Karma wilds to have a different opinion on such matters.


    ¡°Any idea why the pirates braved the mist?¡± Aviana asked she and Krax pushed on after the paladin.


    ¡°From what I heard, they followed in a merchant ship, disguised as one themselves, of course.¡±


    Smart tactic. If they could get in, then they¡¯d know how to get out after looting. Too bad for them, this town wasn¡¯t exactly defenseless.


    Something large landed in the sand near her, spraying sandy debris into the air. Aviana screamed. Krax readied himself, but then relaxed when they realized it was a cannon ball.


    "Looks like these pests have magical cannons," Aviana muttered.


    Magic cannons were common for seafaring vessels. By the use of explosive magic forcing an iron ball through their tubular structure, they packed a powerful punch against an enemy ship, or in this case a town¡ªif they aimed correctly.


    Krax laughed. ¡°You¡¯re lucky their aim was off. Those clothes of yours wouldn¡¯t have protected you then.¡±


    Aviana snorted and continued on. "Like you''d have been able to take on a cannon ball."


    ¡°I¡¯d have caught it and threw it back.¡±


    Yeah, sure, keep dreaming, buddy. Aviana dashed up to the paladin they chased after. He¡¯d already engaged with three more buccaneers, and one more with a crossbow hung back behinds his shipmates. Not good.


    The paladin blocked two sword attacks and his armor protected him from another. The crossbowman let a bolt fly, attempting to find a weak point in the man¡¯s plate armor. He failed.


    Aviana extended her hand toward the closest pirate and summoned the energy for a spell. Cold pricked her fingers and then shot out, slamming into her enemy. The woman flinched, ice coalescing on her arm, and her swing against the paladin came up short as the ice locked her up. Krax took the opportunity to strike and slammed his warhammer into her back. She choked and stilled, blood dripping from her mouth onto the sand.


    The paladin mumbled something under his breath, Akorith¡¯s symbol on his shield glowing. The glow faded, and he swung his sword at another pirate, but he¡¯d miscalculated the enemy¡¯s agility and swung wide. Aviana wasn¡¯t sure what type of spell the man had tried, but it appeared to have failed, as was the unfortunate outcome sometimes with spell casting, even when powered by a god.


    The crossbowman took aim at Krax and landed a solid shot into his shoulder. Krax cried out, taking a step back from the force. He ripped the arrow out, blood splattering everywhere, and tossed it aside as if yanking it out was nothing.


    The buccaneer reloaded quicker than expected and shot him again, the arrow hitting Krax in the same shoulder. Krax roared, ripping this arrow out as well. His eyes contracted and his nostrils flared. Aviana swore she could see red in his eyes as his orcish rage took over. Sucks to be them.


    Once Krax got like this, he¡¯d go until either his bloodlust was sated, or he collapsed.


    Now seeing Krax as the biggest threat, the pirates turned their focus on him. The paladin took the opportunity to strike, but his bulk weighed him down in the sand, making him slow and easy to dodge. Not good. Krax could take some heavy hits, and his current state would numb him to a lot of the attacks, but even he wasn¡¯t invincible.


    The crossbowman whistled out something, and he received a return response. Son of a harpy! That exchange could only mean one thing¡ªreinforcements.


    Aviana took a moment to assess the battlefield. Paladins and locals fought pirates all over the beach. Most of the scuffle still remained on the docks, but there were far more raiders than she expected there to be.


    Boom! Another cannon went off. A flying projectile caught her eye. She turned to her allies and screamed, ¡°Scatter!¡±


    She jumped out of the way of the careening ball. Krax didn¡¯t hear her in his haze, and their paladin ally jumped into action, pushing the half-orc with his shield, then tossing the two of them to the ground. The two pirates engaged weren¡¯t so lucky in their attempt to get out of the way.


    Bile rose up in Aviana¡¯s throat as the large metal ball tore through the men. Blood, viscera, and body parts splattered across the sand. She tried to keep herself composed, but couldn¡¯t stop herself from retching. She¡¯d seen some gruesome things¡ªher father had publicly executed three people after their failed assassination attempts on her life, but none of that compared to witnessing this.


    I¡¯m so glad I told Temperance to hide.


    Krax¡¯s bloodthirsty roar pierced the air. Aviana managed to glance up before another retch took her over, watching Krax rush the crossbowman. The marauder shot him with the crossbow, but it did little to stop the raging half-orc. Krax swung and smashed the man into the ground, his body going limp.


    Her body, not done reacting to the cannonball assault, heaved again. Metal armor clanked as the paladin rushed over to her. ¡°Are you alright, Lady Aviana?¡±


    She took a shaky breath, her stomach now settling. ¡°I¡­ I think so. I¡¯d heard horrible stories of how these people worked, but that¡­¡±


    He knelt down and offered her a waterskin, propping up his shield to protect her as they sat out in the open. ¡°Here, take some of this.¡±


    Grateful, she took a swig to clean out her mouth and then another to drink and settle her emptied gut. Krax¡¯s bloodseeking roar echoed into the air and the two of them watched him rush into another skirmish.


    Aviana took a deep breath and stood. ¡°No rest for the weary, it seems.¡±


    ¡°Afraid not, m¡¯lady.¡± The paladin held his shield at the ready. ¡°Shall we join him and send these dishonorable filths back to the sea?¡±


    Aviana swung her two swords. ¡°Can¡¯t let have Krax have all the fun.¡±


    ? ? ?


    A cannon fired. People screamed and ran past the spot Temperance had found to hide in. She¡¯d done what Aviana told her. She didn¡¯t know how long she¡¯d been hiding, but it sounded as if the attack on the beach wasn¡¯t getting any better. Avi, please be safe.


    She hated this. Hiding like she couldn¡¯t handle herself. She could be useful! She did well during practices; Cryson even said so. Of course that was only when he wasn¡¯t playing tricks on her. Her nose scrunched. She didn¡¯t like him very much. Especially when he¡¯d act like she was crazy when she told him to stop, as if he didn¡¯t know what she was talking about.


    Temperance sighed. But if she didn¡¯t listen, Aviana would bring her home and she didn¡¯t want that. The moment Aviana told her about this trip, she could hardly wait to experience it! She stayed up late, reading books to make sure she knew everything there was about the towns they¡¯d see. And so far, this trip was just as fun as she¡¯d hoped! Even though Aviana was being silly sometimes by trying to tell her things that weren¡¯t in her books. Books can¡¯t be wrong!


    She wanted to explore and learn so much more. And go swimming! The water here looked like fun, and maybe had new critters she could befriend. She liked making new friends.


    Another cannon echoed through the air, and this time Temperance heard screams of pain. Her breath caught and she curled into herself, hugging the stuffed blue dragon tight in her arms, her body shaking. ¡°Kyanite, I¡¯m scared now.¡±


    Aviana had given him to her as a present when she was little. He was her best friend and went everywhere with her. He gave her good advice, even if it went against what she wanted to do, and was always there for her when she needed someone.


    Crash! Temperance flinched when crates fell over near the back side of the alley. She swallowed when someone grumbled, and she peeked out of her hiding spot. Temperance spotted a man with a bandana around his neck, leather boots, and ratty vest as he stood up and stumbled forward. He carried a bottle in his hand, some liquid sloshing around in it.


    Temperance¡¯s eyes fell to the swords strapped to the man¡¯s hips. Pirate! Her nose scrunched when an awful smell wafted into the alley. A drunk, unwashed one at that. Ick! But even drunk, that meant she wasn¡¯t safe here. But if she ran, he¡¯d see her, and what if there were others? He could call out and she¡¯d be caught.


    Pirates were mean people. They did many unkind things. At least, that¡¯s what her books told her. She¡¯d ask Kyanite what to do, but if she spoke, he¡¯d notice. She¡¯d just have to stay hidden and hope he didn¡¯t notice her.


    Her eyes fell to her clothes. Easier said than done. Her long head scarf may help her hide, but her outfit was vibrant, like her personality, and her bright red hair and pale freckled skin made her stick out more. Wait, I can cast spells!


    Aviana taught her all kinds of spells. And one in particular would help her hide better. Temperance hugged Kyanite tighter and muttered the incantation. When the spell went off, an energy inside her drained and the spot she hid in darkened, as well as her clothes and skin, like a dark shadow had fallen over her. She slowed her breathing, and waited as the pirate continued to stumble down the alley.


    His feet dragged, and he stumbled a few times. Then, when he was only a few feet away, he stopped. He mumbled to himself and looked her way. She swallowed. Does he see me?


    He mumbled some more and one word caught her ear. ¡°Shiny.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s eyes ticked to her feet and they widened. No, my bag! In her attempt to tuck herself in, she¡¯d kicked it, and some of the small gems she¡¯d pocketed when a shopkeeper wasn¡¯t looking had fallen out. What was she to do now? Would this spell keep her invisible if he entered its radius?


    The buccaneer stumbled and fell on his face. The annoyed ¡°oof¡± he let out made her giggle and she instantly regretted it.


    ¡°Huh?¡± The pirate lifted his head and they locked eyes. Temperance¡¯s body locked up. He sees me! She didn¡¯t know how, but her laughter must have broken the spell. What was she supposed to do? Throw a dagger? Oh!


    Without breaking eye contact, she drew one from her hips, but before she could think to throw it, his eyes widened and he sloppily scrambled back. ¡°D¨Cd¨Cdragon!¡±


    Glee bubbled up inside her. Dragon? Where? Temperance looked up to the sky but saw no dragons flying above. Not even a shadow. There¡¯s no dragon¡­ Her eyes drafted down to Kyanite. Unless¡­


    Boots stepped on the broken cobblestone ground and a dark shadow loomed over Temperance. She looked up to see a tall, muscular half-elf man with short sandy hair and tan skin. He wore tight pants, an open shirt, and leather boots. Who is he?


    The buccaneer stumbled down the alley as he tried to run away. The new man continued to stand in his place, his eyes pinned on the fleeing pirate. Is he the dragon the pirate mentioned? No, don¡¯t be silly, Tempy, he¡¯s not a dragon. That clay-for-brains pirate was talking about Kyanite.


    The man¡¯s nostrils flared out as his chest inhaled deeply, as if he were preparing himself or taking in a pleasant scent, and then he turned his gaze to her. His bright green eyes gazed at her, soft and kind, unlike when he¡¯d stared at the pirate. He¡¯s got pretty eyes. He had strong facial features, too. She also noted he wore chainmaille under his shirt. I think Avi would like this guy. He fits her type.


    ¡°Are you okay, Miss?¡± While his voice came out strong and smooth, he turned to face her. The movement was quick, triggering a startled reaction from her. Temperance screamed and tossed her dagger at him. The man¡¯s eyes widened and he jerked back, his hand coming up at a lightning pace, and he caught the blade by the hilt mere inches from his face.


    Temperance¡¯s mouth hung open. ¡°Wow¡­ That was a good catch, Mister.¡±


    The man chuckled. ¡°As was that throw. I¡¯d appreciate it if you didn¡¯t do it again. I¡¯m not here to hurt you.¡±


    She ducked her head. ¡°Sorry. That pirate scared me.¡±


    He nodded, his posture relaxing, making him a lot less intimidating even with his build. ¡°I suspected as much. It¡¯s okay.¡±


    The man tossed the blade into the air, and caught it in a loose grip before repeating the action. That¡¯s cool. She liked this man. He seemed like a fun type of person.


    She released her hiding spell and stood up. He handed the dagger back to her. ¡°Here¡¯s your¡ª¡±


    Temperance blinked when he didn¡¯t continue, instead merely staring at her. ¡°Something the matter, Mister?¡±


    ¡°That symbol¡­¡± His eyes looked her up and down, but not in the weird way she knew some men did when they looked at Aviana. ¡°Those clothes. You¡¯re a Shikala from Starglade, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    He knows about us? Joy welled up inside her and she nodded. ¡°Yep! I¡¯m traveling with my big sister, Avi!¡±


    The man¡¯s brow twisted. ¡°Avi? As in Aviana?¡±


    She nodded again. ¡°That¡¯s her. Do you know her?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m well acquainted with her.¡± His lips pressed in a thin line. ¡°If you¡¯re here, and you said you were traveling with her, where is she?¡±


    The two of them peered up to the sky as the clouds gathered and darkened quickly. Thunder rolled overhead. ¡°Um, she¡¯s on the beach shooting lightning up the butts of the mean pirates. They must have made her really mad if she¡¯s doing this.¡±


    The man snorted. ¡°Of course she is. Great, now she¡¯s showing me up.¡±


    Temperance cocked her head at the man. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°No time to explain. I should help you get somewhere safe before I go help out on the beach.¡±


    Temperance shook her head, taking back her dagger, and then scooped up her and Aviana¡¯s belongings. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I can find a safer spot on my own. Thank you, though.¡±


    Without letting him protest, or thinking to get his name, she dashed off down the street. Even though she told the man she¡¯d go hide again, she didn¡¯t think that was a good idea. Aviana needed help, and hiding wasn¡¯t going to keep her safe either. So if she could find a way to help her sister and be safe in the process, then Aviana couldn¡¯t possibly get mad at her and send her back home!


    The logic was flawless. She just needed to find her sister and figure out how to help.

 [B1] Chapter 4: Playing with Lightning

    4


    Playing with Lightning


    The scimitars in Aviana¡¯s hand whistled as she pivoted and sliced them through the air against the raiders around her. Her opponents tried to keep up with her movements, but the dance she performed kept their strikes to a minimum.


    Aviana struck down two pirates, and their buddies readjusted their flank, keeping her separated from her allies. Her upper lip curled. Krax, the paladin, and she had joined up with more local militia and paladins to force the raiders back in one unified force, but these pirates meant business. More swarmed out of their waiting boat and from the shadows of the town. It made it difficult to push them back.


    Worse yet, their defensive force wasn¡¯t well equipped to working together. When the pirates swarmed, their tight formation broke into smaller and smaller groups. And this was how Aviana found herself separated from everyone.


    A buccaneer¡¯s shortsword swung at her, and she flinched when it made contact with her hardened skin that now looked a lot like tree bark. While she¡¯d told Krax her clothes could withstand similar blows as leather, he was right about one thing¡ªthe style was not designed to keep her safe from weapons. It allowed her movement, keeping her enemies from touching her, as long as they didn¡¯t have projectiles or surrounded her like this. This flanking maneuver from these pirates forced her to rely on her spells to add to her defenses. But she could only cast so many spells.


    The internal energy spells she used needed to be built up through practice and use. In her sixty-nine years, she¡¯d built up this reservoir of energy, though never found herself in prolonged skirmishes that required her to push those boundaries. And battle took a toll on the body as it was.


    Fatigue threatened Aviana as she dodged and deflected attacks. Sparring with Cryson and Bryson was never easy, but this kind of body stress, it was not something she was prepared for. I can¡¯t fail.


    Aviana screamed in pain when something sharp pierced her thigh. She glanced down to find a crossbow bolt protruding out of her body. Shit. This would make moving a lot more difficult.


    A raider swung at her, their swords clashing, and another took advantage of her predicament to attack with her own two scimitars. Aviana disengaged from the first pirate and narrowly dodged the first swing, but her damaged leg throbbed with pain, slowing her on her defense of the second. She gritted her teeth as the scimitar sliced into her side, her defensive spell protecting her from the worst of the attack.


    She fell into a defensive stance, her scimitars pointed together from opposite directions. Her eyes darted about her various opponents. The crossbowmen needed to be dealt with, but as long as these other pirates blocked her, she couldn¡¯t get close.


    An arrow whizzed through the air and struck clear through a crossbowman¡¯s throat. The marauder coughed and gargled as blood filled his gullet. He tried to shoot off his loaded bolt, but his arms failed him, falling to his side, his crossbow clattering to the ground, catching the attention of his companions. Well, that¡¯s one down.


    Aviana stole a glance when the pirate¡¯s attack momentarily faltered as they attempted to find the new assailant. Aviana glimpsed a raven-haired figure in dark leather armor ducking into the crow¡¯s nest of a nearby ship, the angle perfect for the shot arrow. Whoever he is, I¡¯ll have to thank him for the assist after this is done.


    Aviana took the opportunity to leave her defense and slash out at the nearest raider. Her first swing stuck true in his side, wounding him a great deal, but her second missed when he staggered away from her. His companions focused back on her, and coordinated an assault. Aviana dodged and deflected the best she could, minimizing the damage, but found her physical energy failing. She needed a moment to breath¡ªa moment to think. She needed space. And she had just the spell to give her that.


    Aviana breathed deep and listened past the sounds around her¡ªpast the clashing of steel and cries of pain, past the smell of blood and sweat staining the air. The waves of the ocean crashed on the beach. The gulls called high above the skirmish, as the breeze carried the promise of rain. Nature¡¯s call prevailed, even in a time of darkness. Energy welled up inside her¡ªthe weak arcane energy that lay within her, mingling with nature¡¯s call and weaving into the spell. Most of the spell fed off of nature¡¯s energy, but that small amount of arcane slipped in.


    Aviana¡¯s defensive spell dissipated, her skin returning to normal. The wind picked up, coalescing and swirling around her, building in power. The incantation ended with a sharp whistle, and the wind raged. It swirled and took form into a spiraling vortex, pushing the pirates back, some sent flying with the force. The raging wind kicked up the sand and turned into a stationary sand twister, deafening her to everything but her own mind.


    She took a deep breath, relishing the reprieve, aware that she couldn¡¯t take her time. This spell would only last so long, and if she broke her concentration at all, it¡¯d fail, putting her in the same situation as before. And these pirates wouldn¡¯t let her try this a second time. She needed to figure out a plan of action.


    The town¡¯s defenses couldn¡¯t stop these pirates, so forcing a retreat was the only plausible option. She needed to think of something to make them run for their ship and sail off. Her eyes drifted up when a shadow fell over her. The dark side of a cloud blocked out the sun above for a moment. That¡¯s it!


    A wicked smile spread across her lips. Every spellcaster had a favored element, and Aviana¡¯s was quite the destructive one. Her love for storms and lightning had helped in her trials to befriend the Thunderblood orcs. They thrived in such conditions, as did she.


    Aviana took a deep breath¡ªshe needed to time this right. The moment she began casting the next spell, her concentration on this one would fall, opening her to any attacks waiting for her. This spell also fell into the highest circle she could cast. It would take a great deal more energy from her, so wasting it wasn¡¯t an option.


    She took a moment to prepare for what she¡¯d just realized and then rolled her head back, her eyes focusing on the cloud above. Her arms stretched out as energy surged within her, and the druidic chant slipped out of her throat and off her tongue. The sky darkened, the clouds swirling in agitation.


    As the spell built, Draconic slipped in, amplifying the power.


    The wind and sand swirling around her lessened as she lost control of the spell, until it died completely, exposing her to the skirmish beyond her realm of safety. Most of the raiders had moved on to engage with the rest of the militia, but several of the crossbowmen remained, their eyes trained on her. As a spellcaster, she was an inevitable target. As a martial fighter as well, she posed a serious threat no matter where she stood in a battle. And these pirates knew this.


    The moment the wind failed, they fired their arrows. Two arched wide, caught up in the dissipating gust, but one met its mark, in the same thigh that had been hit earlier. Aviana choked on the pain, her leg buckling. She fought through it all to keep her chant from faltering. She was almost there.


    One buccaneer reloaded faster than the others, and landed a direct hit in her shoulder. The last of the incantation leapt from her tongue before she cried out in pain and doubled over, her arms still extended. She took a deep breath, maintaining her concentration on her spell. Sparks of electrical energy crackled off her body, her eyes rising to meet those of the crossbowmen.


    They took a step back, fear flashing across their faces. A smirk slid up Aviana¡¯s face as Draconic rolled off her tongue. ¡°You are going to regret that, insect.¡±


    Her body tensed and she flicked her wrist. A bolt of brilliant white light crashed down on her three assailants, the strike so quick and powerful, they didn¡¯t even have a chance to scream. Thunder cracked in the graphite sky above. Their bodies lay on the sand, face down, their skin blackened and scarred from the lightning.


    Aviana¡¯s eyes ticked to the other pirates, their knees already shaking. One twitch of her lips sent them fleeing for the docks. The militia cheered, and the paladins made chase. Krax roared and rushed after them as well, taking out an unfortunate straggler. Aviana called down another strike of lightning, not close enough to kill anymore, just to scare them further.


    The sails of their ship pulled and they tried to hoist their anchor before even half of the crew was onboard. Aviana, for her own pleasure, and an extra measure, struck a bolt down near the dock again, but not close enough to risk setting it on fire.


    Several paladins laid their hands on various amulets or symbols of Akorith. Shortly after, the weapons of those who carried them began to glow in an ethereal light, while brilliant white flames jumped from the fingers of others and were aimed at the side of the ship. The paladins joined in and struck the ship with their blessed swords until a fire broke out, just as the raiders managed to pull away from the port. Several pirates tried to defend their boat with arrows, and a couple more turned a cannon onto them. Oh, no you don¡¯t!


    Aviana called down another bolt of hot energy, striking the cannon and the men and women around it. The wooden ship cracked and splintered, the heat of the lightning setting a fire larger than what the paladins had already started. The pirates panicked and the paladins cheered, the boat now out of their reach, the sails catching the good wind Aviana¡¯s storm had brought in.


    She went to give them one last send-off blast to remember her by when her body locked up. Pain pulsed in her mind, destroying her concentration on her spell. No, not now¡­


    A sprawling temple of white marble stood tall and proud at the center of a walled city. Platinum and gold metal murals scrawled up its surfaces, and a large stained glass window constructed on a domed tower stretched over its full arched surface in one long strip, casting colored light from the shining sun above, following its east-to-west shift.


    Aviana stood in a courtyard, paladins and clerics of Akorith going about their daily routines. Before her, massive marble steps led up to the entrance of the main part of the temple. A human man in white and gold robes with cobalt accents stood at the top, but she couldn¡¯t see his face¡ªonly the smile on his mouth. The smile sent a wave of unease over her.


    It twitched and then twisted into a malicious grin. Darkness spread across the unknown man¡¯s face.


    Aviana blinked, and her eyes no longer saw a beautiful city. Before her, a horrific sight of a broken and burning city¡ªthe sky now black and red. The temple lay in ruins, and bodies of fallen holy men and women were strewn about the courtyard. The man in robes still remained on the stairs. But he¡¯d now become twisted and distorted¡ªhis form no longer human.


    A voice much like Akorith¡¯s, but more feminine in nature, chuckled in her mind. ¡°You¡¯re welcome, little oracle.¡±The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    She was back on the beach, her eyes now clear. Exhaustion from all the fighting and spellcasting flooded over her. What the hell? She¡¯d received visions before, but only in her dreams. And only one had ever been so¡ª


    ¡°Lady Aviana, behind you!¡± the paladin she¡¯d fought alongside today yelled out.


    Aviana turned to find the female buccaneer she¡¯d bound earlier swinging her sword. The warning came too late. Aviana couldn¡¯t move out of the way in time.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch my sister!¡±


    Aviana¡¯s eyes widened. Temperance?


    The buccaneer froze, her eyes going wide and her breath choking in her throat. Her arms went limp and then she fell over, her body sliding away from the two daggers Temperance had shoved into two points of her back.


    Temperance¡¯s eyes went wide at the sight of crimson liquid dripping off her blades and the woman twitching at her feet before she stilled. ¡°A¨CAvi¡­ I¡­ I didn¡¯t mean to.¡± The daggers dropped into the blood-soaked sand. ¡°I just¡­ I just¡­¡±


    Aviana reached out and hobbled the few inches over to her sister, the two crossbow bolts in her leg making movement difficult. She pulled her sister into a comforting hug, hushing her. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Temperance. It¡¯s okay. You did good.¡±


    Temperance buried her face into Aviana¡¯s chest. ¡°But¡­ I killed her.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Aviana kissed her sister¡¯s head. ¡°But if you hadn¡¯t, she would have gotten me. You saved me, Tempy.¡±


    Her sister looked up at her, bright eyes brimming with tears. Aviana brushed a wayward curl away, but before she could say anything more, a chest-rumbling roar pierced the air. Everyone on the beach looked to the sky. Many murmured at the sight of the large brown-and-green-scaled dragon careening toward them, while others cheered.


    The creature¡¯s bat-like wings beat strongly, propelling it close enough to take in its features. Plated crests formed along the cheeks and eyes of its angular head, spines growing at the tips, resembling webbing. Known for its ability to swim, this dragon had dorsal webbing and spines along its back, as well as some webbing between its limbs and body. Aviana also knew them to have special webbing between their toes to aid in traversing watery terrain.


    The dragon¡¯s brown and green scales had a metallic sheen, shimmering in the afternoon sun. The green scale patterns allowed Aviana to identify this dragon.


    She chuckled. ¡°About time he showed up.¡± She nudged her sister and pointed. ¡°Tempy, look.¡±


    Her sister¡¯s brow twisted and followed the gesture. Her cerulean eyes went wide, and the brightest smile she¡¯d ever seen on her sister¡¯s face spread across it. ¡°A dragon! Avi, a bronze dragon!¡±


    Temperance pulled Kyanite from her hip. Aviana just now realized the young woman didn¡¯t have either of their bags on her. She¡¯d need to find out where they were once Temperance calmed down. ¡°Kyanite, look! Another dragon! It¡¯s a bronze. He¡¯ll help us.¡±


    The bronze dragon flew over them, green eyes intent on the pirate ship. Better late than never, I suppose. Aviana wasn¡¯t sure what he¡¯d do now that the sea mongrels were on the run, but it should be entertaining. Knowing him, he¡¯d toy with them for a bit.


    Wavy red hair ran past her as Temperance ran after the dragon, stopping when she was on the docks. She stopped near Krax and gazed out into the ocean. The bronze dragon circled the ship, roaring at it. Aviana picked up a couple words from the wind as he taunted the pirates. He even breathed some lightning into the air. That got an ¡°oooh¡± from Temperance. Some of the men and women around her chuckled.


    Weakness overcame Aviana and she fell to her knees, gritting her teeth from the pain the bolts in her leg caused. She needed to get these out of her.


    ¡°Lady Aviana!¡± the paladin from before called out. She glanced up to find him rushing toward her. ¡°Lady Aviana, are you all right?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°I¡¯m in pain, and weak from battle, but alive. I overdid it with that third circle spell.¡±


    The paladin knelt down next to her and removed his helmet, his fair hair rolling to his shoulders. Her eyes met his soft green ones and she took in his features¡ªfair skin and slightly darker facial hair around his chin and upper lip. Aviana guessed him to be in his late twenties, much like many thought she was. But, unlike her, he was human, meaning his age wasn¡¯t prolonged and deceptive. ¡°A third circle spell is no simple feat. You¡¯re quite the capable woman.¡±


    A smile slipped up her face, her head tilting a bit. ¡°Thank you¡­ um¡­¡±


    His eyes widened. ¡°Oh, my apologies, m¡¯lady. Wyatt. Wyatt Stormcrest.¡±


    Her smile deepened. ¡°Well, thank you for the assistance, Wyatt. I¡¯ll¡ª¡±


    A cannon went off and Temperance screamed. Aviana and Wyatt¡¯s attention snapped to the ocean, catching the horrifying sight of a cannon ball striking the bronze dragon. The creature¡¯s toughened scales seemed to have shielded him, the cannonball falling to the water without breaking the dragon¡¯s skin, but Aviana knew a direct hit like that would cause some severe bruising, if not internal bleeding, even for a dragon.


    Then the worst came. The unmistakable sound of a harpoon firing off a ballista. Aviana¡¯s hand¡¯s flew up to her mouth, her breath catching, as the sharp projectile pierced the same spot the cannon ball had struck. The dragon roared a pain-and-rage-filled cry. Then lightning rained down onto the ship from the dragon¡¯s razor-sharp maw.


    The boat splintered and cracked, catching on fire. Even from this distance, Aviana could see many of the pirates jumping into the water, desperate to brave the currents and sharks over that attack.


    Temperance cheered. ¡°That¡¯s what you get for attacking my dragon!¡±


    Wyatt glanced her way with a raised brow. ¡°Her dragon?¡±


    Aviana chuckled. ¡°She¡¯s never met him. Best to just accept it and leave it be.¡±


    He nodded. ¡°As you wish.¡± He gazed out at the scene before them. ¡°Do you think he¡¯ll be okay?¡±


    The dragon swooped down and grabbed the ship, beating his impressive wings and lifting the massive boat out of the water. He then flew off into the mist obscuring the horizon. ¡°He¡¯s a tough one. That wound won¡¯t slow him down, as long as he gets some healing treatment.¡±


    Wyatt¡¯s eyes ticked to her. ¡°And if he doesn¡¯t? He¡¯s quite stubborn.¡±


    She smirked, her eyes glinting. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure of it.¡±


    The fair paladin chuckled. ¡°I won¡¯t question your methods. But let¡¯s get you fixed up before you take care of him. I¡¯ll go find a cleric.¡±


    Aviana held up her hand. ¡°No need. I can heal myself.¡±


    His brow furrowed. ¡°Are you sure? You¡¯ve placed a great deal of stress on yourself already. It¡¯d be no trouble.¡±


    Aviana smiled. He was a sweet man. ¡°I¡¯d rather they focus on the other injured.¡±


    Krax¡¯s booming voice laughed. ¡°She¡¯s as stubborn as that barnacle-brained whelp.¡±


    The two glanced his way, watching him approach from the docks. Temperance scurried after him. Krax held out a strip of leather. ¡°Compromise, though, is something she will do. Avi, you can bite down on this. The two of us men can pull those arrows out.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll agree to that.¡±


    Temperance looked to Aviana with fear-stricken eyes. ¡°Avi, is the dragon going to be okay?¡±


    Krax let out a boisterous laugh. ¡°You¡¯re not concerned for her?¡±


    Temperance shrugged. ¡°No. Avi is the toughest person I know. Some stupid crossbow bolts won¡¯t stop her.¡±


    Wyatt and Krax laughed, Wyatt¡¯s eyes landing on Aviana. ¡°I¡¯m even more impressed, Lady Aviana. You¡¯ve now been deemed tougher than a dragon.¡±


    Aviana smirked. ¡°Of course I am.¡± She turned her gaze to her sister. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Temperance. That dragon is tough.¡±


    Her smile widened. ¡°Good!¡± She blinked when Krax handed her his war hammer. ¡°What¡¯s this, Mister?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like you to hold onto Paintbrush for me while I help Aviana out,¡± Krax said.


    Temperance¡¯s face twisted. ¡°You named your hammer Paintbrush?¡±


    Krax grinned and knelt by Aviana. ¡°No, my mother did. When she retired, she passed it on to me.¡±


    Her confused expression didn¡¯t change. ¡°I don¡¯t get it.¡±


    Aviana glanced to Krax as he offered the leather strap again and she grinned. ¡°Krax¡¯s family is rather artistic.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s eyes went wide and she gasped. ¡°You¡¯re artistic, too? I love painting! I¡¯ll go get my bag to show you.¡±


    She ran off without another word, abandoning the hammer. Krax chuckled. ¡°That must be the little sister you¡¯ve told me about. She¡¯s just as eccentric as you mentioned.¡±


    Aviana rolled her eyes. ¡°You have no idea.¡±


    Wyatt turned to watch the young woman for a moment. ¡°She¡¯s handing that first kill rather well now.¡±


    ¡°Because something distracted her,¡± Aviana explained. ¡°It¡¯ll come back to her, and I¡¯ll help her through it.¡±


    Wyatt nodded and then helped remove the three crossbow bolts. The shoulder one came out first, allowing her to heal her leg wound with both hands. With each removal, she clamped down hard on the leather, stifling her screams as much as possible.


    As she healed herself, an energy different from her spell energy moved about in her body. Unlike spells, which came from holy, natural, or arcane origins, healing magic had a unique source¡ªthe caster¡¯s life. This life transference required specialized training to reduce the risk of the caster killing themselves, but even that wasn¡¯t a guarantee if the healer used a casting circle higher than they should, or overexerted themselves. Even self-healing wasn¡¯t without risk. Self-healing recycled the energy back into the body, but the process took its toll due to the amplification required for the healing to happen.


    Aviana exhaled when her treatment finished, and then removed the leather from her mouth. ¡°That should do it.¡±


    Wyatt rested his hand on her shoulder. ¡°You look better. If you have any more healing in you, save it for our dragon friend. I suspect he¡¯ll need it.¡±


    She chuckled. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m expecting him to be the typical pain he is.¡± She smiled at him. ¡°And thank you. Your help today was invaluable. I¡¯ll be sure to tell Siverath of the deeds you and the others have done today.¡±


    Eagerness fell over his face. ¡°Thank you, Lady Aviana. Such commending praise is not needed, but is appreciated, I can assure you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t do it because it¡¯s required. I do it because you¡¯ve earned it.¡± She grazed his jaw with a soft stroke of the back of her index finger, and then stood.


    Wyatt¡¯s face reddened and words failed him for a moment. When they did come, it was a near-outburst. ¡°H¨CHigh Commander S¨CSiverath is not in town!¡±


    Aviana chuckled as he tried to recover, her eyes turned toward him with an alluring gaze. ¡°Is that so?¡±


    Wyatt swallowed and took a deep breath before standing. ¡°My apologies. I should have worded myself better. I suspect you¡¯re in town to speak with him. But I¡¯m afraid you missed him by a week.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not surprised. I always seem to miss him.¡± She couldn¡¯t deny the prick of disappointment in her gut. Over the years she saw him less and less. She understood he was a busy man, but she missed him. And that also meant she had to deal with his son instead. And the two of them had a¡­ rocky relationship.


    ¡°If you¡¯d like us to pass along a message to him, several members of the order will be heading back to Natamere in a few days. We¡¯ve been tasked to escort a friend of his.¡±


    Natamere. Was that¡ª She¡¯d never been there, but based on how her mother and Siverath described the city, she feared her vision was about the same place. Should I tell him? No. She needed to process it before telling anyone. She didn¡¯t need to spread unneeded panic. But a vague warning to the right people wouldn¡¯t hurt.


    Aviana nodded. ¡°Thank you for the offer. I¡¯ll write up a letter tonight.¡±


    ¡°Aviana, I¡¯m back!¡± Temperance¡¯s sing-song voice called out.


    She rushed up to the three of them and dropped their travel bags at Aviana¡¯s feet. She held up a long piece of parchment with a lovely painting of an owl. She¡¯d stayed up all night a few days ago to get that painting right. ¡°See! I paint.¡±


    Wyatt bent over, his gloved hand touching his chin. ¡°Amazing. You did this?¡±


    Temperance nodded, a wide grin on her face. ¡°I made it the other day. Avi made my paint.¡±


    Wyatt straightened and looked to Aviana. ¡°You make paint?¡±


    ¡°I make them from various plants and sea shells, to be mixed with a liquid base,¡± Aviana said. ¡°It¡¯s a common skill where we¡¯re from.¡±


    ¡°Liquid base?¡± He gave her a thoughtful glance. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t be an alchemist by chance, would you?¡±


    Aviana gave a closed-mouth chuckle. ¡°Guilty as charged.¡±


    ¡°Would you happen to specialize in potions?¡±


    ¡°Aviana makes the best potions!¡± Temperance beamed.


    A light flickered on in Aviana¡¯s mind. ¡°I have vitality potions on me.¡±


    She rummaged through her pack. Vitality potions were a positive alternative to healing magic. It cost a pretty gold piece depending on the strength, but there had never been any negative side effects for anyone.


    Aviana pulled out several round bottles with gold etchings of the Shikala mark. Inside, a light red liquid sloshed about. When it settled, a pulsing light could be seen, much like a heartbeat. ¡°I didn¡¯t pack any of my stronger potions, but I have some basic ones.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s nose scrunched. ¡°You didn¡¯t use the better-looking bottles, either.¡±


    Aviana chuckled. ¡°I told you, Temperance, each bottle style I have has its use. These types of potions don¡¯t go with the more expensive bottles.¡±


    Temperance huffed and turned away.


    Aviana pulled out a few square bottles with similar markings as the round. A shimmering light blue liquid swirled inside. ¡°I also have some restoration potions. They¡¯ll help the clerics recover faster from all the healing they¡¯ll be doing, with the added benefit of curing any minor curses, diseases, or poisons that may be afflicting them.¡±


    Wyatt¡¯s eyes shone. ¡°Those are perfect! How much will we owe you for those?¡±


    Aviana secured the pack to her body before standing. Her eyes squinted and turned as she smiled at Wyatt. She leaned in and pecked him on the lips. His face turned scarlet. ¡°That¡¯ll be your payment.¡±


    She walked off, looking for those who needed her supplies. Temperance giggled and ran after her. ¡°I wanna help!¡±


    Aviana handed her sister some vitality potions and pointed to individuals that appeared to need assistance. The redheaded woman ran off, eager to complete her new task.


    ¡°Avi,¡± Krax called out. She glanced back at him, standing next to a still-red-faced Wyatt. ¡°When you¡¯re done handing out sissy-potions, we¡¯ll go to the tavern. Erik will want to see you. And a good meal will help you recover some more.¡±


    She chuckled, taking in his cut-up skin. ¡°One of these potions has your name on it.¡±


    He grunted. ¡°Pass.¡±


    She shook her head and went about her duty, keeping an eye out for that man in dark armor from before. She¡¯d get Krax to take one. He always did. And if he was too difficult, Erik would help. There was a reason he could keep Krax in line at his tavern.

 [B1] Chapter 5: Shark Bait

    5


    Shark Bait


    Krax led the way through the merchant district of Windshire. The mess at the docks now dealt with, many of them needed a good pick-me-up. Aviana had been unsuccessful in tracking down the man in dark leather. No one seemed to know who she was talking about either when she asked around.


    Aviana and Krax conversed on several topics, catching up like the old friends they were. He told her how today¡¯s attack wasn¡¯t the only issue as of late. Trade had picked up these last few moons and the unsavory types in town had been moving extra things about, which explained the temple¡¯s increased presence. She wished Siverath wouldn¡¯t try to force their removal. As long as they weren¡¯t dealing with illegal slave or animal trade, it was better to leave them be. And the more you tried to eradicate them, the more they¡¯d grow until they did become an actual problem.


    Aviana also understood there was some benefit to that kind of trade. Even she had a contact for when she needed something special, both here in Windshire and in Sandgil. Though the Sandgil contact was far more agreeable to work with.


    Krax went on to discuss the movement of his clan. They were heading North, following a storm and a few good hunts. They¡¯d lost a couple members, some young orcs who didn¡¯t make it through their grueling coming of age trial. But they had a new birth, a welcomed good sign to her. The orcs were some of the toughest around. She couldn¡¯t imagine living like the way they did, but she respected their ways, and celebrated their accomplishments when they came.


    ¡°How is your mother doing?¡± Aviana asked.


    Krax chuckled. ¡°She¡¯s old and crotchety. Death won¡¯t take her any time soon.¡±


    Aviana laughed. ¡°No, she¡¯s too stubborn to die.¡±


    Temperance looked up at her half-orc friend. ¡°Mr. Krax, does your mom also hit people on the head?¡±


    Krax grinned. ¡°All the time.¡±


    Her nose scrunched. ¡°She¡¯s like Miksha, then.¡±


    Krax shot Aviana a questioning glance. She chuckled. ¡°One of our elders. I told you about her before. Old, crotchety, and has a propensity to hit others over the head for her own amusement.¡±


    Krax¡¯s head flew back as he belted out a hearty laugh. ¡°I think I want to meet this woman.¡±


    ¡°Maybe one day you could.¡± She hoped he could. Aviana wanted to find the answer to convincing her clan and her father to finally get along and open Starglade back up to the world. Hiding away was not doing them any good.


    Tucked away in the merchant district, the group came upon a multi-level building with shingle roof. Ornate bronze trimming decorated the roof and windows and two large dragon statues were poised in front of the entrance. A metal sign hung over the door reading, Dragonwallow Inn.


    Temperance squealed and ran over to the statues. ¡°Look, Avi!¡±


    Before Aviana could say anything, Temperance pulled out Kyanite and held him up to a statue. ¡°Look, Kyanite, a dragon statue! He could be, like, your cousin or something. Maybe.¡±


    Krax and Aviana glanced at each other, bemused smiles on their lips. She¡¯d done this earlier while walking, showing Kyanite all the different happening in the district. So, Krax and the others with them learned that Temperance truly believed her toy was alive and could talk to her.


    ¡°Temperance,¡± Aviana said. ¡°Let¡¯s go inside.¡±


    Her sister looked at her with big pleading eyes. ¡°Avi, can I please stay out here for a moment? I promise I won¡¯t wander off.¡±


    Aviana worked her jaw. ¡°I¡¯m not comfortable leaving you out here by yourself. Not after what happened earlier.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s look did change. ¡°I promise!¡±


    Aviana took a deep breath. As hard as it was, she was going to have to learn to let Temperance out of the boundaries. She¡¯d become so protective of her sister, this journey was as much of a learning experience for her sister as it was for Aviana. ¡°Okay. I¡¯m going to trust you this time.¡±


    A grin spread across her sister¡¯s face. ¡°Good, cause I would have stayed out here regardless, right, Kyanite?¡±


    Silence filled the air. Temperance¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°No, I wouldn¡¯t have listened to her if she told me to go inside. This dragon is more important, Kyanite.¡±


    Everyone watched as she listened to her toy again. ¡°No, that¡¯s not true, Kyanite. And I could totally carry it away if no one was watching me.¡±


    More waiting. ¡°Yes I could!¡±


    She stored her toy with a humph and went to ogling the dragon statue. Aviana received some questioning glances that rolled right off her. This was normal behavior for Temperance.


    Wyatt pushed the tavern door open and gestured for her to enter. ¡°After you, m¡¯lady.¡±


    Aviana smiled, her eyes lingering on him as she touched his face with a light hand for a moment before entering. Upon entering she was slammed with the loud banter of tavern patrons and the smell of sweaty men and women and their copious amount of drinks. Although only a few hours past mid-day, Aviana could see many patrons had gotten a little too carried away and were now slumped over on their chairs.


    Aviana looked for the tavern owner. She spotted the burly, dark-skinned human man with short dark hair and facial hair in his late sixties on the other side of the bar cleaning a mug. ¡°Erik!¡±


    The man¡¯s dark eyes snapped to her and a wide grin spread across his face, showing a few of his missing teeth. ¡°Our lady savior Aviana has finally joined us!¡±


    His deep voice boomed through the tavern, quieting it down. Several eyes in fell on her, though none of them were cold and dark. Not something she was used to due to what attention got her back home.


    Erik came around the bar and the two embraced in a friendly hug.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you, Erik,¡± Aviana said as she pulled away. ¡°But lady savior? Hardly. I merely assisted with pushing those pirates back.¡±


    Erik slipped behind the bar again. ¡°Not from what I hear.¡± He winked. ¡°You drove off a legion of pirates all on your own with the power of thunder and sky fire.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t deny that lavish story was impressive. ¡°Tall tales already spread that fast?¡±


    Erik gestured to a dark-haired, dark-skinned human man in the corner of the tavern, wearing ostentatious clothes and tuning a lute. ¡°It¡¯s about to get even more lavish with our new bard crafting up a song.¡±


    Aviana laughed, her hand touching her chest. ¡°A song? Are we really going to make this into that kind of spectacle? And why me? Use Krax, or Wyatt. They took out more pirates.¡±


    ¡°You flatter me, m¡¯lady, but I do agree with their muse choice,¡± Wyatt said, a smile on his handsome face.


    Krax grunted. ¡°And I don¡¯t want any silly songs or poems. War cry, sure.¡±


    Aviana shook her head. ¡°Well, I can¡¯t really stop it, now can I?¡±


    The bard winked an amber eye at her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Aviana, I¡¯ll be sure to portray you in a light that matches your exquisite beauty, and a fighting style as deadly as a dragon.¡±


    His compliment of her fighting technique sent a pulse of pride through her. A major compliment from an outsider who didn¡¯t know her clan¡¯s ways. A warm and alluring smile crossed Aviana¡¯s lips, her eyes squinting a bit. ¡°Well, I can¡¯t possibly say no now with such high praise, can I? I look forward to this song.¡±


    The bard winked at her again and when back to his lute work. Wyatt patted her on the back. ¡°Be prepared, you might be decimating a legion of dragons at the end of this.¡±


    Aviana shook her head. ¡°I hope not.¡±


    Erik grunted. ¡°That would be a well sought after accomplishment for most.¡±


    ¡°But not my people.¡± Aviana shook her head again. ¡°It¡¯d be a great sin.¡±


    Wyatt sat down at the bar. ¡°High Commander Siverath mentioned once or twice you were from a clan called Shikala, is that correct?¡±


    Aviana sat down next to him. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Krax took a seat beside her. ¡°An elusive people from what Avi has told us.¡± He nudged her. ¡°Not even she will divulge their secrets.¡±


    Aviana looked down at her hands. ¡°My people have their reasons. One day I hope those to go away and we can open our borders to outsiders again.¡±


    ¡°What can you tell us about your clan?¡± Wyatt leaned closer to her. ¡°And yourself.¡±


    A grin spread across Aviana¡¯s face. Krax grunted. ¡°I¡¯m going back to work.¡±


    Aviana laughed. ¡°Erik, get him some ale on me before he goes.¡±


    Erik nodded and poured a drink for Krax from an oak cask. Krax patted Aviana on the shoulder in thanks and left to stand at his post with his drink. Aviana focused on Wyatt again. ¡°My people are a complicated lot with many deep customs and secrets. But what I can tell you is that dragons are quite important to us. Their very existence drives much of our culture.¡±


    This drew the bard¡¯s attention again. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Aviana. I will be sure to paint your relationship with dragons in a great light. A dragon queen perhaps.¡±


    Aviana laughed. The idea was appealing. ¡°That might be a little too farfetched, but we¡¯ll see how your skills prevail.¡±


    The bard chuckled and played a light tune. It was a standard song bards played for atmosphere. She wondered how long it¡¯d take this bard to come up with this unneeded tale about her.


    Wyatt pulled her attention back. ¡°And what about you? Are you as complicated as your people?¡±


    Aviana leaned in, her fingers brushing his arm, and held eye contact with him. ¡°You have no idea.¡±


    His cheeks tinted and words failed him for a moment. When he did speak, he turned to Erik. ¡°I think I need a round.¡±


    Aviana pulled away, a bemused smile on her face, and Erik chuckled, pouring two mugs of ale. ¡°You¡¯ll need both of these to keep up with her, lad.¡±


    Wyatt gave an awkward laugh and downed the first mug quick. Aviana couldn¡¯t stop smiling. It wasn¡¯t hard to see Wyatt lacked what she didn¡¯t. Her people didn¡¯t frown upon sexual freedom, and at her age, she¡¯d acquired a great deal of experience. She had her reasons for never settling on anyone in particular, and the age gap between her and Wyatt wasn¡¯t an issue in her mind. It wasn¡¯t like she was a stranger to that. She gauged he¡¯d be quite fun¡ªif he didn¡¯t shy away in the end. The day was still young. Anything could happen.


    A cup was set down in front of her, the amber liquid steaming. She smiled at the older, heavyset woman in her late sixties with gray-black hair and tan weathered skin now standing next to Erik. ¡°Thank you, Lily. It¡¯s good to see you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re here, Avi.¡± Lily smiled. ¡°And it looks like you¡¯ve made it out of that skirmish with little wear and tear, which is relieving to see. My old heart couldn¡¯t take knowing something happened to you.¡±


    Aviana bit her tongue. Lily didn¡¯t need to know the details of the battle. She took a sip of the tea and smiled. ¡°It¡¯s delicious.¡±


    Lily smiled wide. ¡°Shiah will be so glad to hear. She¡¯s been working hard to understand the proper brewing of those leaves. We went through quite a bit, but at least she¡¯s gotten it down now. Shiah and Ollie are out fetching supplies right now, but I¡¯ll be sure to tell her once she returns.¡±


    Shiah and Ollie were their two youngest children. They had five in total.


    Aviana reached down for her travel bag. Rummaging around, she found a large sack she¡¯d tucked away. She pulled it out and set it on the table. ¡°I do have more for you. Should be enough to get you through for a while.¡±


    Lily¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°That¡¯ll set us for months. Thank you, Avi.¡±


    Aviana smiled. ¡°Good. I¡¯ll be gone for some time, so I didn¡¯t want you running out while I was gone.¡±


    Erik tilted his head. ¡°Going on another trip?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°I¡¯m showing my sister the continent. She needed to get out of the town and grow.¡±


    His brow rose. ¡°Sister?¡±


    The door to the inn flew open and Temperance entered. ¡°Avi, I¡¯m hungry.¡±


    Aviana smiled and patted the empty bar stool next to her. ¡°Well, come and sit and I¡¯ll see what can be fixed up for you.¡±


    Temperance skipped over and sat down, staring at Erik and Lily. ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Temperance, Avi¡¯s sister.¡±


    The pair glanced at each other and smiled. Lily spoke. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Temperance. Your sister just started telling us about you. I¡¯m Lily and this is my husband Erik.¡±


    ¡°You own this cool place?¡± Temperance asked.


    ¡°We do.¡±


    ¡°I like your dragons outside.¡±


    Erik smiled. ¡°Those were my idea.¡±


    ¡°Well you have good ideas.¡±


    Erik grinned at Lily who rolled her eyes.


    Temperance looked to Aviana. ¡°Avi, when can I eat?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get you something, sweetie,¡± Lily said. ¡°We have fresh cooked fish, cheese and bread.¡±


    Temperance shrunk back, pulling Kyanite up to her face. ¡°The fishies won¡¯t stare at me, right?¡±


    Lily gave a sympathetic smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, dear, I¡¯ll make sure they don¡¯t.¡±


    The red-head perked up. ¡°Okay! That sounds yummy.¡±


    Lily took the bag of tea leaves and slipped into the kitchen. Aviana looked to Erik as he poured Wyatt another drink. ¡°So, how¡¯s the family?¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± He passed the drink off. ¡°Jace is still off training. Determined to be strong enough to protect us so the past doesn¡¯t repeat.¡±


    A pang hit her chest. Jace was Erik and Lily¡¯s oldest son. His family had fallen victim of a bandit raid a few years back. Aviana herself had caught the tail end of it, and assisted where she could, but it¡¯d been too late for Jace¡¯s family. He¡¯d vowed to never fail like that again and ran off to be part of the Knights of Order. They had no political or holy affiliations¡ªmerely worked for the people of Alaria to keep them safe.


    ¡°Syed¡±¡ªErik scowled¡ª¡°who should be here, is off gallivanting with his sweetheart.¡±


    Aviana grinned. ¡°Same young lady as last time?¡±


    Erik nodded. ¡°This one may be the one that sticks around and keep him in line finally.¡±


    Her brow rose. ¡°In line? If that were the case, he¡¯d be here working.¡±


    Erik grunted. ¡°I didn¡¯t say she was perfect.¡±


    Aviana snickered. ¡°How is Scarlet?¡±


    He smiled. ¡°Also doing well. She¡¯s excelling in her magic studies at the academy and she stops in every few months so we can see her and our grandson.¡±


    ¡°Any word on her husband?¡±


    Erik shook his head. ¡°Afraid not. But we¡¯re not giving up hope we¡¯ll find him.¡±


    Aviana frowned. It¡¯d been a few years since her husband had disappeared. Aviana doubted he¡¯d be found at this point. ¡°And Lily is keeping you in line of course.¡±


    Erik went to speak, but Lily, who was coming out with a tray of food, beat him to it. ¡°Of course I am.¡±


    She placed the food down in front of Aviana and Temperance and punched her husband in the arm. ¡°Shiah and Ollie have started helping too.¡±


    Erik grumbled and cleaned more mugs. Aviana looked down at the food to find just what Lily promised, and she¡¯d cut the heads off the fish for Temperance¡¯s sake. Thank the gods for understanding mothers. Lily, of all women Aviana knew, wouldn¡¯t have any trouble handling Temperance¡¯s unusual behavior.


    ¡°So, Mister Barkeep,¡± Temperance said. ¡°How do you know Avi? You act like you¡¯re a friend of hers.¡±


    Erik leaned on the bar. ¡°Your sister and I have known each other for a very long time.¡±Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Temperance bit into some cheese, cocking her head. ¡°How long is that?¡±


    The older man¡¯s brow twisted. ¡°Well, let¡¯s see. We were in our early twenties when we met¡­¡±


    Her sister¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Avi, you left the town? Why didn¡¯t you tell me? Why couldn¡¯t I come?¡±


    Aviana broke into a loaf of bread. ¡°Because you weren¡¯t born yet.¡±


    Temperance pursed her lips. ¡°Oh, right. But what about after? If you left once, then you did again. How did you get permission? Why were you able to leave and I couldn¡¯t? Tell me!¡±


    The music the bard played changed, pulling her sister¡¯s attention. ¡°Oh, I like this music.¡±


    The four of them laughed. Erik leaned in and whispered to her. ¡°I see you made sure her Common was better than yours when you first came here.¡±


    Aviana pushed him away. ¡°I wasn¡¯t that bad.¡±


    Erik chuckled and winked. ¡°Food weapons.¡±


    Aviana sputtered a laugh. That had been one of her finer mess-ups back in the day, when asking for a utensil. Luckily Erik and his family helped her through the stumbling and in no time she had the language down. Learning something such as that spurred on her desire to learn many languages over the years.


    Wyatt leaned closer to Aviana. ¡°I noticed you didn¡¯t want to answer your sister¡¯s questions, and I am curious what your answer to them would be.¡±


    Aviana rested her hand on his arm and leaned in closer, her lips almost touching his ear. ¡°That¡¯s a special kind of request. Are you sure you¡¯re up to paying the cost?¡±


    He visibly swallowed, his eyes wide as he glanced her way. Before he could respond, Temperance cut in with a gasp. ¡°Avi, I know why I like this music!¡±


    She paused, staring at the pair, confused. ¡°Um, did I interrupt something?¡±


    Wyatt cleared his throat and lifted his mug. ¡°No. What did you want to tell your sister?¡±


    Temperance, oblivious as ever, shrugged, and focused back on her topic. ¡°The music reminds me of home. But it¡¯s different somehow. What did he do to our music, Avi? How did he get our music?¡±


    Aviana patted her sister¡¯s hand and listened as the bard played his tune. ¡°This isn¡¯t Starglade music. It¡¯s music you¡¯d hear in Lakecross or Nardrul. It¡¯s an interesting mix of music from Sandgil and Starglade.¡±


    Her younger sister pursed her lips. ¡°But how would they know what Starglade music sounds like?¡±


    ¡°Starglade¡¯s music is ancient. And a long time ago we mingled with other towns.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Why did we stop?¡±


    Aviana sipped her tea. ¡°That¡¯s a discussion for another time.¡±


    Temperance didn¡¯t like that answer and puffed out her cheeks. ¡°Tell me!¡±


    Aviana pointed to the plate of food. ¡°Your fish is getting cold.¡±


    Temperance gasped and ripped into her food.


    Aviana let out a mental sigh. Sometimes it was easy to get her sister to let go of topics, while other times she proved a bit more difficult. Aviana wanted to tell her sister the truth¡ªwanted to tell her many truths she was denied under her mother¡¯s watchful gaze, but those discussions were to be had in private, not around outsiders. Some discussions may not be received well from those who didn¡¯t understand. I hope Temperance can handle some of these truths. They¡¯re not easy to believe.


    Temperance¡¯s fork clattered on the plate suddenly, her back straightening and her eyes going wide. ¡°Avi, you should go dance!¡±


    Erik cocked a brow as he filled a stein for a patron and Wyatt looked at her with interest; as did a few other tavern patrons. Aviana bit her lip. As much as she enjoyed dancing, she wasn¡¯t a fan of being center of a crowd¡¯s attention. Growing up, that was never a good thing for her. It usually resulted in some sort of pain¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea, Tempy. I¡¯m not that great of a dancer.¡±


    ¡°Nu-uh! You¡¯re super great. Like, the greatest in all of Aecis!¡±


    Erik chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s quite the high praise.¡±


    Aviana sipped her tea. ¡°She¡¯s exaggerating.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Wyatt grinned. ¡°She doesn¡¯t come off as they type that can lie easily.¡±


    ¡°Can too!¡± Temperance held her head high. ¡°I just won¡¯t with Avi because she deserves better.¡±


    Aviana went to refuse again when a familiar male voice and an approaching lute song cut in. ¡°I heard someone is interested in dancing.¡±


    She turned to see the bard approaching. He smiled. ¡°I¡¯m happy to share the floor with a lovely beauty if she wishes she dance to my songs.¡±


    Aviana relented. What was the harm? This wasn¡¯t home. The people didn¡¯t know what she was and were far friendlier because of it. ¡°Okay, okay, I¡¯ll dance.¡±


    Temperance and the men cheered. Aviana undid the braids on the right side of her head, running her fingers through the golden strands to snag a couple untangled areas. The bard offered his hand to Aviana and she accepted the gesture, sliding off her barstool. He spun her slowly, strumming a few strings on his lute with one hand.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I caught your name,¡± Aviana said.


    ¡°Damion.¡±


    Aviana gave an alluring smile. ¡°Well, Damion, think you can keep up with me?¡±


    A half smile curled up half his face, his amber eyes gleaming. ¡°I¡¯m confident I have the experience to.¡±


    If she couldn¡¯t tempt Wyatt enough, she may just be able to have her fun with this man. She didn¡¯t want anything permanent. That wasn¡¯t ever on the table for her. But a little fun never hurt anyone.


    Damion plucked the strings of his lute, creating a perfect tune to get Aviana¡¯s feet moving. Her arms extended and twisted and her body moved in rhythm of the music¡ªjerking, flowing, spinning. The tempo built her movements becoming more sensual and pulling her farther into the room. The dance roused their audience. They cheered, whistled, and clapped along with the music.


    Krax helped lift her up onto a table, her movements never faulting. She lost herself in the music, her hips and body swaying to the mixed beat, the dance a combination of what she¡¯d learned in Sandgil and what she knew at home. It all came to her as she went, nothing pre-trained, and while it wasn¡¯t perfect, she wasn¡¯t stumbling over her feet.


    She wasn¡¯t the best blade dancer in Starglade, but the form called to her regardless. She¡¯d trained hard on her own to understand the dance and fighting style. She learned how to incorporate many beats to inspire her movements, if there was a beat at all. And even without her blades drawn, she drew from this practice, finding herself more adept than she once thought.


    The tavern door swung open and the giggling of young woman caught Aviana¡¯s ear. Holding strong with her dance, she let her eyes wander, her gaze falling to the sandy-haired, tan-skinned muscular half-elf with strong facial features wandering inside. A gaggle of girls hung off and followed him. Looks like you decided to finally join the party, Xalanath.


    Aviana¡¯s blue eyes met his green for a brief moment before her dance pulled her away. Xalanath continued into the building, heading for the stairs leading to an upper level. He spoke quietly to the ladies with him, getting them to giggle and swoon over him. Their eyes met a second time as he ascended the stairs. Xalanath smirked at her before going back to impressing his company. You never change.


    As Aviana twirled, she noticed Temperance¡¯s interest in the group for a moment. The way her sister stared, it was as if she were trying to piece something together. Oh, right, yet another aspect of life I¡¯m going to have to explain because Calypso refused. She didn¡¯t understand the older woman. She didn¡¯t act like anyone else in the town, like she was some outsider wearing a Shikala skin.


    Calypso had always made Aviana uneasy, even before her actions that day in the temple when breaking the news about this planned trip. Calypso always seemed to have hated her the most back home before Temperance came around, and even after Temperance¡¯s birth, there was more of a tentative truce than anything between them. There was just something off about the woman, who had no family, few friends, and stuck to protecting and recording the clan¡¯s history collection from sun up to sun down. Really, why did Father pick her?


    The song came to an end and Aviana bowed. Her captive audience clapped, cheered, and whistled. She then gestured to Damion who also bowed and then helped her off the table. He collected the money their joint performance accrued and he split it between them. While he did, she twisted her hair back into her half side braids.


    ¡°Thank you for playing, Damion,¡± Aviana said, her hand lingering an extra moment before pulling her hand away with her payment. ¡°That was fun. I look forward to hearing the new song.¡±


    A smirk slid up the side of his face. ¡°Pleasure was all mine. I hope the new song will get you to dance again.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s eyes lingered on him before she turned and went back to the bar. Temperance nibbled on the remaining food from their shared plate and Wyatt watched her, smiling. ¡°Your sister was right. That was lovely to watch, Lady Aviana.¡±


    Aviana returned the smile and slipped onto her barstool. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    He pushed his empty mug toward Erik. ¡°Unfortunately I must be going.¡±


    Aviana tilted her head and leaned on the bar. She made sure her arms framed her chest just right. ¡°So soon?¡±


    Wyatt¡¯s eyes widened and it took him a moment to respond. ¡°Y¨Cyes, I¡¯m afraid I need to report in.¡±


    Aviana played with her tea cup and then looked at him again. ¡°Well, it¡¯s been a pleasure meeting you, Wyatt. When I finish my letter, you wouldn¡¯t mind personally ensuring Siverath receives it, right? That is, if you¡¯re one of the several heading back to Natamere.¡±


    ¡°O¨Cof course not, m¡¯lady.¡± He bowed. ¡°I¡¯d be quite honored.¡±


    She smiled. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    He excused himself and left, a few more paladins exiting with him. Erik chuckled. ¡°Missed on that one.¡±


    Aviana shrugged and pushed her tea cup forward. ¡°Some need a little more convincing. And sometimes it doesn¡¯t work out. It happens. I don¡¯t take it personally.¡±


    Erik shook his head. ¡°Well, just keep your hands off Shiah.¡±


    Aviana sighed. ¡°Fine, but only because it¡¯s you. She¡¯s a fine young lady.¡±


    He waged a finger at her. ¡°And she¡¯s going to stay a lady, and not be tempted by your heathen ways.¡±


    Aviana placed her fingers on her chest, faking hurt. ¡°Oh, Erik, you wound me.¡±


    The two then laughed. While many in this town didn¡¯t agree with her antics, Erik had come to accept them. It didn¡¯t hurt that he¡¯d learned a few decades ago just how hard it was to resist her.


    Temperance looked between then, eyes innocent. ¡°What are you two talking about?¡±


    Aviana patted the younger woman on the head. ¡°I¡¯ll explain later.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Temperance went to eating the last of the cheese.


    Erik¡¯s eyes cut to the stairs. ¡°I suppose you¡¯re planning on conversing with our favorite whorehound sometime today, yes? I know his entrance didn¡¯t escape you.¡±


    Aviana laughed. ¡°You know he¡¯s not actually doing anything with those women. It¡¯s all for show.¡±


    He grunted and filled three steins for Lily to deliver. ¡°Real or not, those ladies think it was, and it¡¯s bad for my business¡¯ reputation.¡±


    She shook her head and slipped off the stool. ¡°You and I know it¡¯s all magic and your business is unaffected, because he was doing this even when your father ran the place.¡±


    Erik grunted and pulled out a key from his shirt pocket. ¡°Since you¡¯re going upstairs, might as well take your room key. I doubt you want to lug your possessions around.¡±


    Aviana accepted the metal object and then tapped Temperance¡¯s shoulder. ¡°C¡¯mon, you. We¡¯re going upstairs.¡±


    Temperance cocked her head. ¡°Why?¡±


    Of course she hadn¡¯t paid attention. ¡°We¡¯re going to meet someone and settle into our room for the night.¡±


    Her eyes lit up. ¡°Okay! Thanks for the food, Mister Barkeep.¡±


    Temperance snatched her bag and Kyanite, and followed Aviana up the stairs and down the hall. Unlike the downstairs living quarters, which were cheap and looked it, this area was well decorated and kept up for the higher paying patrons that came in and out of town.


    The laughter of one man and several women echoed through the narrow hall. Temperance cocked her head. ¡°Avi¡­¡±


    She knew what was going on his her younger sister¡¯s mind. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s not that kind of place.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s nose scrunched. ¡°You sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Her sister held Kyanite close and spoke to him, her voice slightly hushed as if she were whispering, but she wasn¡¯t. ¡°Kyanite, I think Avi is trying to pull a fast one on me.¡±


    Silence.


    ¡°Yes, of course I think it¡¯s one of those places momma told me to never go to.¡±


    Silence.


    ¡°Of course I¡¯ve seen a naked man. They walk around Starglade! But she said them walking around and being in those forbidden places was different.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s brow rose. Her sister¡¯s antics were a source of entertainment sometimes.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t know why Momma claims it¡¯s different. She¡¯s weird like that. She acts strange whenever she sees someone not wearing a lot of clothes when no one else cares.¡±


    Temperance nodded to something Kyanite ¡°said.¡± ¡°Of course I don¡¯t agree with her! Avi poses for me all the time for my paintings.¡± Temperance looked to Aviana. ¡°You make for a great model, Avi.¡±


    Aviana smiled at her sister. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m glad you think so.¡±


    ¡°Do you know why Momma acts so weird about naked people and our clothing style?¡±


    Aviana patted her sister¡¯s head. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. But everyone has a reason they do or say something.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Temperance shrugged. ¡°So this guy isn¡¯t naked?¡±


    ¡°I highly doubt he is.¡± It¡¯d be a miracle if those women got the chance to remove his shirt.


    Her sister skipped ahead. ¡°Okay.¡±


    The mirth grew louder and the sisters came to a large common room decorated in various dragon memorabilia from portraits on the wall to more statues like the ones outside, as well as ornate decorative weapons and objects. Temperance gasped and immediately ran over to a large painting depicting a dragon with a large frilled crest, lithe body, enormous forward curling horns, and golden scales reading in a dense library. Aviana found the image rather ironic, as most gold dragons were war focused these days, but she supposed there were a few out there that still focused on learning. Either way, golds were the most obsessive color out there, never doing things by halves.


    On the other side of the room, Xalanath lounged in a luxurious and ornately designed seat. His female companions surrounded and fawned over him as he told some sort of story. From what she could tell, he was embellishing the fight down at the beach, making him sound like the savior of the town. Yep, you never change. It was time to break up his little party.


    ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s how it went, Sparky?¡± She grinned as all eyes fell on her. ¡°Because I remember it quite differently.¡±


    Xalanath¡¯s green eyes flashed and then a sly grin spread across his face as he held his arms to the side. ¡°Well, it¡¯s about time you joined the real party, Shark Bait. I was beginning to worry you didn¡¯t have any taste.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s eyes swept over the congregated women. One of them she recognized on a¡­ friendly level¡ªOlivia. The young brunette of darker complexion smiled at her. ¡°Oh, I have taste¡±¡ªher eyes snapped back to Xalanath¡ª¡°don¡¯t you worry about that.¡±


    Aviana shifted her gaze to her sister. ¡°Temperance, we need to put our stuff away.¡±


    ¡°But Avi¡ª¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll come right back.¡±


    Her sister hesitated and then turned to face Aviana, but stopped when she spotted Xalanath. Here we go. ¡°Hey, I know you.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s brow spiked. That wasn¡¯t what she expected out of the young woman¡¯s mouth.


    Xalanath smiled at Temperance. ¡°I see you found your sister. I¡¯m glad.¡±


    Aviana glanced between them before crossing her arms. ¡°I think an explanation is in order.¡±


    Xalanath smirked at her. ¡°I saved her from a pirate.¡±


    ¡°No you didn¡¯t.¡± All eyes fell on Temperance. Her nose scrunched, showing her displeasure, and she held out her toy dragon. ¡°Kyanite saved me.¡±


    The women around Xalanath exchanged amused glances.


    Temperance continued. ¡°The pirate was afraid of a dragon. He even said so. And you, mister, are no dragon.¡±


    Aviana pressed her lips together. Xalanath, of all people, stared at the young woman, rendered speechless. The women hanging on him giggled. Wow, way to go Temperance. It wasn¡¯t every day this man couldn¡¯t make some sort of witty comeback.


    Xalanath finally nodded once and smiled, chuckling a little. ¡°You¡¯re quite right, young lady. I am no dragon. My deepest apologies for taking the credit from your¡­ little dragon.¡±


    There it is. Temperance stuck up her nose and stalked over to Aviana. Aviana placed a hand on her sister¡¯s shoulder and guided her down another hall, though at a rather slow pace to eaves drop on the conversation starting up around Xalanath.


    ¡°Who was the woman?¡± one lady asked.


    Another giggled. Aviana knew it belonged to Olivia. ¡°That¡¯s Aviana. She¡¯s the talk of the town with all the help she gave during the battle.¡±


    Another woman scoffed. ¡°She can¡¯t be that amazing, can she?¡±


    ¡°They say she took out three legions of pirates on her own,¡± Olivia said. Now it¡¯s three legions? ¡°My cousin is even writing a song about her as we speak.¡±


    Was she really Damion¡¯s cousin? Or was she using it for leverage later? Would be interesting if it were true.


    ¡°Xalanath, love, didn¡¯t you say you took out three legions on your own?¡± another woman asked. ¡°There¡¯s no way six legions of pirates made into the bay. So what¡¯s the truth?¡±


    Xalanath chuckled. ¡°The answer is quite simple, dear. Her story is far exaggerated.¡±


    Aviana projected her voice. ¡°No it¡¯s not, you credit-stealing, freeloading, magic inept, wannabe wizard.¡±


    ¡°Sorcerer, thank you, Shark Bait.¡±


    The women around him laughed, as did she, since he only corrected that part. He hated when she called him a wizard. The cocky bastard was a skilled arcane magic user. And truthfully, she¡¯d only met two other arcane users who could possibly outmatch him, Calypso and her father. And because of Xalanath¡¯s skill, he thought little of wizards who had to remain studious to the arcane to keep their connection to the arcane magics, unlike the innate affinity sorcerers had. Though, he wasn¡¯t the only one to act this way.


    Aviana rarely met a sorcerer who didn¡¯t have an ego. She tended to like wizards more because of it. Plus, most of them were scholars and had fun information to share.


    Aviana unlocked the room door and ushered her sister in. Temperance gazed around the room with double bed and private wash room. ¡°Wow, Avi, it¡¯s so big!¡±


    She ran over to the bed and jumped on it. ¡°The bed isn¡¯t as nice as back home, but it¡¯s better than sleeping on the ground.¡± Her blue eyes gazed at Aviana. ¡°Avi, how come these humans don¡¯t build their homes in trees like us?¡±


    Aviana set her bag down. ¡°Well, that¡¯s because they prefer to build their homes on the ground. It¡¯s the most common way to build a home outside of Starglade.¡±


    Temperance looked around some more. ¡°So strange. I like it.¡±


    Aviana chuckled and then pulled out a round bottle with decorative metal in the shape of waves accenting it. Clear liquid and one kelp leaf sloshed around inside. Bubbles floated and popped in a particular pattern, the movement of the liquid never ruining it. She inserted the bottle into a special holster and secured it to her hip. There were still hours left to the day, and she didn¡¯t want to waste it when there was still time to allow her sister to experience the city and decompress after what she¡¯d gone through today. ¡°Temperance, put your stuff down so we can head out.¡±


    Temperance cocked her head. ¡°Go where?¡±


    Aviana smiled. ¡°It¡¯s a surprise.¡±


    ¡°Am I still going to be able to look at the dragon stuff?¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°Of course.¡±


    Excitement burst through the younger woman. She snatched up Kyanite and bolted out the door. Aviana shook her head and followed, locking the room behind her. By the time she reentered the common room, Temperance found a new painting to ogle, this time one of a dragon with blue scales, frills along the limbs and bulky body, and four back-curving black horns with a slight twist to them, battling with a bronze dragon. Magic flew about on the blue dragon¡¯s side, while the bronze dragon, face twisted with rage, fought with strength alone.


    Aviana knew the battle this painting depicted all too well. Her mother told her the story many times so she¡¯d one day come up with a plan to right this wrong. But as the decades passed, that idea became more of a dream for the stars than a possible reality.


    Her eyes drifted to Xalanath. He¡¯d gone back to telling yet another farfetched tale. ¡°Sorry to break up your story time, Sparky, but I¡¯m going to have to steal you away from your little fan club for a bit.¡±


    He gave her a quizzical look. ¡°Do you now? I¡¯d much prefer to finish my story.¡±


    Aviana crossed her arms. ¡°We have official business to discuss. You can finish your thrilling tale when we return.¡± She grinned. ¡°You might just find a way to make it more farfetched and entertaining while you¡¯re away.¡±


    A few of the women giggled, while the others didn¡¯t care for Aviana¡¯s jest. Xalanath sat up. ¡°Fine, fine. I¡¯m afraid, ladies, I have a nuisance to deal with.¡±


    ¡°Nuisance?¡± Aviana scoffed. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to write that in my report to your father.¡±


    Xalanath¡¯s eyes narrowed. He always hated when she told Siverath about his less than pleasant behavior around her. Mostly because it meant he would get at least an hour long lecture.


    Olivia, amused by Aviana¡¯s and Xalanath¡¯s interactions, giggled and then rose to her feet when whimsical music lofted up the stairs. She took Aviana¡¯s hand and pulled her into a slow twirling dance.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t lost your step, Olivia,¡± Aviana said, pulling the woman closer.


    ¡°I had a good teacher.¡± Olivia winked. ¡°Will I get to see you dance more while you¡¯re here?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps.¡± Aviana grinned. ¡°It all depends if your cousin finishes that song for me or not. Or depending on my mood, it won¡¯t need to be a requirement.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Olivia pulled away and headed for the stairs, giving Aviana a knowing glance. ¡°I¡¯ll let him know it¡¯ll be important to finish tonight.¡±


    Aviana blew the young woman a kiss. ¡°I¡¯d appreciate it.¡±


    Olivia waved for the other women to follow. ¡°Ladies, I think it¡¯s time to introduce you to my cousin. He¡¯s quite handy with a lute.¡±


    The women hanging off Xalanath begrudgingly extracted themselves from him when he gave them an urging nod. He didn¡¯t speak to her until they¡¯d all left. And when he did, he sighed and leaned on his legs first. ¡°Must you?¡±


    Aviana feigned innocence. ¡°Must I what?¡±


    ¡°Get in my way.¡± He gestured to the stairs. ¡°Steal my women.¡±


    She shrugged. ¡°Look, it¡¯s not my fault you¡¯re not skilled enough to keep them. Why else craft magic spells to make them believe they¡¯ve shared your bed?¡±


    Xalanath scoffed. ¡°I don¡¯t require such cowardly measures. My prowess brings in all the ladies.¡±


    Aviana strolled up to him and leaned forward, a faint whiff of blood surrounding Xalanath catching her nose. Xalanath swallowed hard and pulled back, his eyes darting away from the sight she presented. A grin spread across Aviana¡¯s lips. ¡°You can¡¯t fool me of all people, Xal. We both know you¡¯d faint if you ever laid eyes on a naked woman.¡±


    She reached out and grabbed his pointed ear, giving a good tug. ¡°Now let¡¯s go.¡±


    He verbally protested, but didn¡¯t fight her grip. Aviana threw her voice to her sister. ¡°Temperance, come along, we¡¯re leaving for a bit.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ but, Avi. Dragons!¡±


    She smiled at her younger sister. ¡°We¡¯re going back down the beach.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s eyes went wide and shone bright. ¡°Can I go swimming?¡±


    Aviana tapped her holstered potion bottle. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be that mean to you.¡±


    Temperance danced in a circle and then skipped for the stairs, her red curls bouncing about her shoulders. Aviana followed, dragging Xalanath with her. At this point he did fight against her grip.


    ¡°Will you let go?¡± he demanded when his struggle fail and resulted in Aviana digging her nails into his skin.


    She gave him an innocent smile. ¡°Now, why would I do that, when this is so much fun for me?¡±


    Xalanath narrowed his eyes at her and something sparked her hand from his ear, as if she had grabbed metal after rubbing her feet against a carpet. Aviana instinctively let go. He grinned and she narrowed her eyes at him. Not amused by his little trick, Aviana reached for his arm, and a surge of electrical energy that was even more natural and innate than the energy she used to caster her spells, flowed through her fingertips. Xalanath jumped, but laughed it off as if it had no effect on him.


    Aviana didn¡¯t expect any other response. Lightning didn¡¯t affect him like it did others. A perk of his heritage.


    ¡°Now, this is fun an all, but I¡¯m curious what we need to speak about at the beach.¡± He stroked his chin and a sly grin spread across his lips. ¡°Unless you just want to get me alone.¡±


    Aviana scoffed. ¡°Not in a million years. I have real business to discuss with you, and the water will keep Temperance out of our hair.¡±


    Her sister, hearing her name, turned around. ¡°Why do you want me out of your hair, Avi? How would I even get in your hair? I know it¡¯s long, but I¡¯m not small enough to hide in it.¡±


    Xalanath tossed Aviana a quizzical glance while she chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s an expression, Temperance. What Xalanath and I plan to talk about will bore you, so I want you have something fun to do.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s lips spread into a thin line as she scrutinized her older sister. Before she could say something, a loud crash downstairs caught her attention. Temperance cocked her head. ¡°Avi, what was that?¡±


    ¡°Probably Krax showing off his artistic skills.¡±


    Her sister¡¯s brow furrowed and then ran off to investigate this claim. Aviana and Xalanath passed each other a glance before following. This would be interesting.

 [B1] Chapter 6: Blood and Water

    6


    Blood and Water


    Hair bouncing about, Temperance pranced down the stairs to the main floor of the tavern. She wanted to know how the crashing sound was related to art as Aviana claimed.


    Something crashed again, this time a man cried out. Temperance ducked her head under the railing and peered down. Krax stood on the far side by a wall with an unusual shaped dent. Two men lay in a heap against the wall in question. Temperance turned her head. What¡¯s going on?


    Aviana slipped past her and called out to her half-orc friend. ¡°Not bad, Krax, but that last one could have been angled a little more.¡±


    The half-orc turned and grunted. ¡°Always the critic.¡±


    Aviana placed her hand on her chest. ¡°I¡¯ve always been a supporter of your ability, Krax. Ever since you were a little boy.¡±


    Little boy? How long had she known this odd half-orc? The barkeep said he¡¯d known her for a long time too. Since he was twenty¡­ or something like that. How long did half-orcs live?


    From the looks of it, Krax had more human than orc, but even still, according to the books she read, orcs lived about as long as humans, though due to their aggressive lifestyles usually didn¡¯t make it that long. So he wasn¡¯t as old as the barkeep. Actually, he doesn¡¯t look all that older than me or Avi. Well, Aviana didn¡¯t count. She was fifty years Temperance¡¯s senior, even though she didn¡¯t look much older than mid-to-late twenties. Maybe he¡¯s ten or fifteen years older than me then?


    Krax¡¯s face scrunched. ¡°Must you bring that up?¡±


    Aviana smiled. ¡°You¡¯d worry if I didn¡¯t.¡±


    The half-orc looked to Temperance. ¡°Well, little one, what do you think of my unique artistic talent?¡±


    Temperance¡¯s nose scrunched. ¡°I¡¯m not little!¡±


    She then slipped under the railing and jumped off the stairs, sticking her landing, and skipped over to the burly man as if she hadn¡¯t jumped from such a height. Krax looked at her as if he was impressed, but she didn¡¯t understand why. It wasn¡¯t that difficult of a jump.


    ¡°How did you make this art?¡± Temperance asked.


    Krax pointed at the two moaning men on the floor. They smelled funny and made funny faces. They must be drunk. Temperance gazed at his wall art, cocking her head to the side. Aviana taught her not all art was the same, some was¡­ subjective, or whatever. This art had to fall under that unusual kind. She¡¯d never heard of someone making art by throwing people.


    ¡°How did the wall not break?¡± she asked.


    ¡°We learned to reinforce it when Lydia worked here,¡± the barkeep said.


    Temperance¡¯s brow twisted. ¡°Who is that?¡±


    Krax held his head high. ¡°My mother.¡±


    Oh, that explained a lot. Krax said his warhammer he got from his mom was named paintbrush. He must have got his unique art preference from her.


    Temperance moved closer, stepping on the two drunks. This allowed her to see the specs of red smattered into the dented wall. It added something to the piece that she liked. She held Kyanite up so he could look at it too and then pulled him back to talk to him. ¡°What do you think, Kyanite?¡±


    The little blue dragon stared at her, but a warm tingling sensation hit her fingers. This made her smile. Temperance stepped back and gazed up at the half-orc. ¡°Kyanite and I like it!¡±


    Krax grinned and Temperance looked over to her sister who was accepting money from Xalanath. ¡°Avi, what¡¯s that?¡±


    Aviana smiled at her. ¡°Sparky here thought you wouldn¡¯t like it. So I bet he was wrong.¡±


    ¡°Can you not call me that around people, Shark Bait?¡± Xalanath muttered.


    A wide grin spread across Temperance¡¯s face. ¡°That¡¯s cause you know me well, Avi.¡±


    She looked back at Krax¡¯s art and a light went off in her mind. She grabbed one of the drunks to drag him into a better position. Unfortunately, he was a lot heavier than he looked. Try as she might, with whatever strained sounds she could muster to ¡°help¡± her, she couldn¡¯t get either of them to budge.


    Temperance looked up at Krax with big eyes. ¡°Help? I want to pull them on their backs.¡±


    Krax gave a curious look but helped regardless. When the two drunks lay on their backs, one held down by Krax when he didn¡¯t want to play along, Temperance looked to Aviana. ¡°Avi, I need paint.¡±


    Aviana reached into a pouch attached to her side and pulled out three small bottles with thick colored liquid. Knew it! ¡°I thought his art might inspire you. Kept these three new paints on me just in case. They¡¯ll be perfect for this situation.¡±


    New paint? Aviana got her new paint? Excitement burst through her. This was bound to be fun.


    Her sister tossed the three bottles to her in quick succession. Temperance moved quickly, jumping off a stool and catching all three, one of them with her mouth. She held up her hands and muffled out a ¡°Tah-dah!¡±


    She received a few claps. Though disappointed she didn¡¯t get a better response, she didn¡¯t dwell on it. There was painting to be done. Temperance looked at the bottles and swirled the blue, red, and green liquid. It didn¡¯t move like water, more like molasses. This is Avi¡¯s special paint.


    She didn¡¯t get to make it often, because it needed walnut or linseed oil, and that wasn¡¯t easy to come by back home. Her sister would obtain it somehow every now and then¡ªTemperance now realizing her sister was probably getting them when she left town without her knowing¡ªand then make her these special paints so she didn¡¯t have to only use her pigment blocks and water. Of course, Temperance liked painting with the pigment and water the most.


    She skipped over to the two men on the floor and started applying the paint directly to them. She swirled some red and blues into one¡¯s mustache, twirling it for a funny look, and made patterns on their clothes and skin. Krax watched her, intrigued.


    As she bent over one of them, she leaned a little too far and her blue paint splashed out onto the man. She gasped. ¡°Oh no!¡±


    She¡¯d been careless with the special paint and now wasted it. Or¡­ did I? Temperance looked at the red bottle and down at the large glob of blue paint spreading out across the man. She smeared the blue more, making what looked to be a giant mess, but she had a plan.


    Carefully dripped the red onto the blue paint and then used her finger to draw thin lines and swirls. There!


    She stood up and looked around. She found the wall she wanted, and pointed. ¡°Mister Krax, try that wall. Throw this guy first.¡±


    Krax¡¯s tusked face grew into a deep grin, now seeing what Temperance was up to.


    ¡°Hey, whoa, hold on,¡± the barkeep shouted out. ¡°No one said anything about putting paint on the wall.¡±


    ¡°Oh, lighten up, Erik,¡± Aviana chastised. ¡°Let them have their fun.¡±


    Oh yeah, that¡¯s his name. Erik sighed and let it be, Temperance grateful. This would be so much fun!


    Krax lifted the first man and threw him into the wall with a thud and splat. The man groaned on impact, and again when he hit the ground. A most unusual highlighted human shape indented the wall. Temperance¡¯s paint transferred quite well for the application style.


    The half-orc picked up the less painted man and tossed him as well, at a different angle than the first. A larger dent was created and his less pigmented form added something unique to the overall composition by removing some of the excess paint the first man had. Temperance giggled when she noticed the second man¡¯s altered mustache left a mark.


    Krax gazed at their handiwork and then looked down at her, a smile on his face. ¡°We made a nice piece.¡±


    Temperance beamed. ¡°I think so too!¡±


    The half-orc held up a meaty hand and she smacked hers against it.


    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Erik said. ¡°It¡¯s nice work. Now, Krax, would you get those two out of here like you were supposed to?¡±


    Temperance frowned. Meanie. Krax grunted and grabbed the two men by the collars and dragged them out the door. Her fun now killed she looked to her sister and her weird friend. The two stood at the bar, Xalanath leaning against it telling Aviana something. She rolled her eyes in response so much Temperance thought they may fall right out of her head.


    She didn¡¯t understand her sister¡¯s relationship with this man. Well, she didn¡¯t understand Aviana¡¯s relationship with many people, but this man was especially intriguing for Temperance. She¡¯d have to keep a close eye on the two to figure it out.


    Temperance skipped over to her sister who smiled at her approach. ¡°All done painting?¡±


    She nodded and her eyes cut to Erik, her nose scrunching. ¡°Someone took away my fun.¡±


    Erik cleaned a mug and went to say something when his pretty wife poked her head out of the kitchen area. ¡°Erik, you¡¯d better not be picking on little girls again.¡±


    Erik scoffed. ¡°No.¡±


    Temperance pointed at him and shouted. ¡°Yes he is! Yes he is!¡±


    Lily¡¯s eyes narrowed and Aviana and Xalanath laughed. Her sister then ushered Temperance to the door. ¡°Okay, trouble maker, let¡¯s get going.¡±


    Oh yeah, the beach! Temperance scampered out of the building past Krax, but put on the brakes when she came to the dragon statues outside. She held Kyanite close and gazed up. She really wanted to take them home.


    Aviana touched her shoulder, pulling her attention, and beckoned for her to follow. She did, and the three of them made their way through the harbor city.


    People milled about, shopping or trying to get to their destination as quick as possible. Her sister at one point stopped and gazed down an alley, but soon caught back up, shaking her head.


    Temperance looked up at her with curious eyes. ¡°What¡¯s up, Avi?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, Temperance. I thought I saw someone from the battle earlier. He¡¯d helped me out but disappeared before I could thank him.¡±


    ¡°Did you see him just now?¡±


    Aviana shook her head. ¡°I thought I did, but no.¡±


    Temperance frowned. That was disappointing. Hopefully her sister would find the man.


    The ground shook underneath them suddenly. People shouted out warnings to get out of the way. Temperance looked forward in time to see an out of control wagon whip around a street corner and charge up the street at them. The wagon driver pulled on the reins of his horses, but the fearful beasts ignored the commands.


    Temperance¡¯s heart sped up. She wanted to move out of the way, but the speed of the incoming threat froze her in place. A strong hang grabbed her arm, and before she knew it, Xalanath pushed her and Aviana out of the way against a building. Temperance peered around him to spot three men and a dog running after the runaway wagon.


    A wide grin spread across Xalanath¡¯s face as he gazed at Aviana. ¡°That was a close one, Shark Bait. Good thing I was here to save you.¡±


    Aviana rolled her eyes. Temperance watched the street spectacle and looked at her older sister. The threat of being trampled now gone, she saw the situation in a different light. ¡°That looks fun, can we do that?¡±


    ¡°Definitely not.¡±


    Temperance pouted. It looked so fun.


    The pouting didn¡¯t last long when wares for sale in the windows of the nearby shops caught her eye. All types of different products sat in small displays of a few of them, each looking more exotic than the last.


    When they came to a window for the Windy Spell magic shop, she paused. An orb sat on display, but something wasn¡¯t quite right about it. The intricate designs made of gem encrusted gold curling around the orb reminded her of a magical item she read about in a book. The item was said to change one¡¯s fate but at great cost. The book also said the artifact was lost when its last user didn¡¯t formulate their wish right. How could this shop have found it?


    Temperance peered at the item closer. Something wasn¡¯t right about the magical energy. As if it were weak. Or¡­ is it an illusion? She cocked her head. ¡°That¡¯s fake!¡±


    Aviana placed her hand over her mouth to help stifle a giggle while Xalanath stared at Temperance, jaw slack.


    Another item caught Temperance¡¯s eye and it too wasn¡¯t right for a magic shop. A scroll case with red dragons painted on it, much like another artifact entry she read about. Any scroll stored in the case would obtain the proper spell for someone to breath fire, like a red dragon. But the book said an empress on Arul currently possessed it, and this case also didn¡¯t have a magical feel to it. ¡°And that¡¯s fake.¡±


    She pointed to more items further into the building, seeing through the fa?ade thanks to her books or sensing something not quite right about the magical energy they possessed. ¡°And that one. And that¡¯s definitely fake!¡±


    ¡°Hey, hey, hey,¡± Xalanath hushed her, grabbing her arm. ¡°Don¡¯t be shouting that out so loud, little one.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°But it¡¯s fake. A magic shop that sells fake magic items isn¡¯t a magic shop at all.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s odd friend glanced around, as if he were worried someone might see them. ¡°They do sell real magic items too, but some of these shops also sell fake items to make extra money. Those with arcane affinity would know they¡¯re fake right away and not purchase them.¡±


    Temperance gasped. ¡°That¡¯s so mean!¡±


    Xalanath nodded. ¡°Yes, but it¡¯s legal so they¡¯re allowed to do it.¡± He scrutinized her a moment. ¡°How did you know they were fake though? Aviana told me you were studying natural magic like her.¡±


    Before her sister could say something, Temperance grinned. ¡°Momma uses arcane magic.¡±


    His brow ticked up. ¡°Fascinating.¡±


    Temperance loved watching her mom use her magic. It was a fun spectacle most days, and crazy new creations that may or may not work on other ones. They even had a broom that swept the floor all on its own!


    Xalanath snapped his fingers and the items inside the shop all turned a bright pink. Temperance¡¯s eyes bugged out. He knows arcane too! Temperance sort of recognized the spell. She was fairly sure her mom used it for various things.


    Temperance always wanted to learn arcane, but for some reason her mom wouldn¡¯t let her. She once overheard Aviana and her mom arguing about it. Aviana knew Temperance had the affinity for it, but her mother refused to have it. It¡¯s why she could tell some of these items were fake. Something about arcane magic hummed, alerting her to the presence of it.


    ¡°Can you do that again?¡± She asked Xalanath. She wanted to see how he did it. She wanted to learn this magic. What Momma doesn¡¯t know, won¡¯t hurt her.


    Xalanath cast a glance to Aviana, who nodded. Temperance smiled. Her sister would know why she wanted him to do it, and still she approved. Temperance rarely had to study spells. She just had to see the spell in action a few times and then bam! she could use it. Temperance wasn¡¯t sure how to explain it, except use a word Aviana called her every now and then¡ªProt¨¦g¨¦.


    Xalanath extended his hand and snapped his fingers. Temperance made extra sure to watch the entire motion. Her actions rewarded her with a flicker of energy sparking off his fingertips. There! She then glanced at the items on display, and they¡¯d gone from pink to a sickly green. The shop curator was also now starting to take notice.


    Okay, I think I see how he did it. The spark of energy wasn¡¯t much, so it had to be the lowest circle of spellcasting. This circle took so little energy, it could be used indefinitely for most people. That also meant the spell had more limitations. I think this is the same spell Momma uses to clean small areas, distract me with bright sparkles, warm up cooling food, and even snuff out some of our candles¡ªthe real, non-magical ones. Temperance didn¡¯t know the name of the spell, but it was quite versatile, and common for arcane casters to know.


    She took a deep breath. Here I go. She focused on a statue and then on finding the energy inside her. Aviana had taught her once how to find it, another reason Temperance knew she could touch the arcane. A chaotic sensation pricked inside her. There! She then imagined the color purple, her favorite color, figuring that¡¯s how Xalanath had done the spell. Temperance snapped her fingers, and the energy she sensed earlier leaped from her fingertips. Before her eyes, the statue turned a rich shade of purple.


    Temperance¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°I did it!¡± She jumped around, holding Kyanite up. ¡°Kyanite, I did it! I did it!¡±


    Xalanath stared at her, amazed, and Aviana smiled. When Temperance calmed down, she looked up at her older sister. She saw only pride beaming off her face. Rarely did Temperance ever disappoint her sister. But sometimes, when she learned things, Aviana acted odd. Right now didn¡¯t seem to be one of those times.


    The shop keeper, a portly gentleman, threw open his door, looming over Temperance. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing, young lady?¡±


    She wouldn¡¯t let this jerk intimidate her. She stuck her tongue out and spoke louder than she needed. ¡°That¡¯s for selling fake magic items!¡±The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    She then skipped away. Aviana laughed at this point. ¡°Good luck fixing that fall out, Brett.¡±


    Temperance glanced up at her sister, finding her still amused and not mad at the outburst. ¡°Do you not like him, Avi?¡±


    Aviana shook her head. ¡°He tried to swindle me too many times. Even tried to pass off a half-enchanted item as a full.¡±


    Temperance didn¡¯t know a lot about enchantments, yet, but what she did know, they were used to add magical properties to an ordinary item. And a half-enchantment was a single use spell. Usually you saw them on scrolls. Aviana also told her more powerful half-enchantments could have up to five uses before running out.


    ¡°Well, had I not been there to tell you about them, he would have made out like a bandit,¡± Xalanath said.


    Aviana scoffed. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare steal credit, Sparky. I saw right through his silver tongue, and after I saw through his fake items.¡±


    Xalanath shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s not possible, Shark Bait. You¡¯re a natural magic user. There¡¯s no way you would see arcane.¡±


    ¡°I do have an affinity for arcane!¡± Aviana¡¯s lip curled into a partial snarl. Temperance suspected this was a constant conversation between the two of them. But, then again, Aviana got a bit twitchy when someone told her she was incapable of doing something.


    ¡°I know natural magic and I learned that spell,¡± Temperance said, wanting to help her sister. If she could do it, then Aviana could too. She¡¯d heard the argument someone couldn¡¯t use both, but Aviana always argued that wasn¡¯t true, and Temperance believed her. And for the same reason¡ªthe Whispering One.


    ¡°You¡¯re not as far along in your studies,¡± Xalanath countered. ¡°Aviana knows far more spells and has immersed herself in that way for far longer.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s face scrunched. ¡°I know lots of spells, you big meanie!¡±


    Xalanath¡¯s eyes snapped to Aviana. ¡°Let me teach her.¡±


    Her sister¡¯s head jerked back. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°She learned an arcane spell just by watching.¡±


    ¡°I do that with all the spells I know,¡± Temperance said.


    His eyes sparkled¡­ for some reason. ¡°Even the more reason for me to teach you.¡±


    Aviana crossed her arms. ¡°You don¡¯t take pupils.¡±


    Temperance frowned. A subtle shift took place in her older sister. She¡¯d come to see when this would happen, so she¡¯d know not to push her sister too far, else the consequences be dire. This wasn¡¯t a good subject for them to be on.


    ¡°Or at least, that¡¯s what you told me when I asked you to teach me a few spells.¡±


    Yep¡­ Things weren¡¯t going to go well from here.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s because you¡¯re not a prot¨¦g¨¦ student.¡±


    Wow¡­ That was far from kind.


    Aviana¡¯s eyes darkened. It upset Temperance. This is what she wanted to avoid. Aviana was amazing at so many things. But when her older sister taught her stuff, and she caught on like it was easy, her sister struggled to be supportive. Aviana tried so hard. Trial and error were how she had to learn. And Temperance admired her sister for that. All the determination she had, it encourage Temperance so much.


    Temperance knew showing off in front of her sister hurt her, so sometimes she¡¯d hide what she learned just so Aviana wouldn¡¯t feel bad about herself. And this ¡°Sparky¡± was making that impossible.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to teach me,¡± Temperance announced.


    Aviana¡¯s brow spiked and Xalanath placed his hand on his chest, as if he were offended. Dramatic much? ¡°Why not, Temperance? I¡¯m a skilled sorcerer. If it¡¯s because of your mother, I can promise what she doesn¡¯t know, won¡¯t hurt her.¡±


    Hands on her hips, Temperance narrowed her eyes at him. ¡°Because you insulted my big sister. She may not be a prot¨¦g¨¦, but she is amazing. She works hard to learn what she knows and she¡¯s the best at it. And if you, stupid ink-for-brains, can¡¯t understand that, then I don¡¯t want you to teach me anything!¡±


    Xalanath¡¯s mouth fell open and Aviana gave him a smug smile. This pleased Temperance. She didn¡¯t want her sister to be upset with her because of this stupid man.


    ¡°Aviana, talk some sense into her,¡± Xalanath begged.


    Aviana¡¯s foot stepped hard on his. Xalanath bit his tongue and muffled a painful howl with choppy humming.


    Her sister placed her hand on her chest. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry, Sparky, I didn¡¯t mean to do that. Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Oops.¡± Temperance giggled away, following her sister¡¯s path down the road.


    Xalanath sighed and rejoined them.


    ¡°Avi, how come you call him, Sparky?¡± Temperance asked.


    Aviana smirked. ¡°He¡¯s all talk, no power.¡±


    Xalanath held up his hands. ¡°Whoa, I think you¡¯ve confused me with another, less powerful and handsome sorcerer. Thunder would be far more accurate.¡±


    Aviana snorted and Temperance giggled.


    The three veered off onto a less traveled path that led them through a rocky landscape. The moment the vast expanse of the Stracex Sea came into full view and unhindered, Temperance gasped and bolted for the water¡¯s edge.


    ¡°Wait, Temperance,¡± Aviana said.


    She dug her heels into the sand and cocked her head. Her sister removed a bottle from a holster on her hip. ¡°Don¡¯t forget to take this.¡±


    Oh yeah! The perk of having her older sister around. As an alchemist, she could make all kinds of potions. This one would allow her to breathe underwater for a whole hour! Specifically salt water based on the kelp in this bottle.


    She didn¡¯t quite understand why the potion was different than a spell she¡¯d seen in Aviana¡¯s spell book, which allowed you to breath in either kind of water, but Aviana insisted there was a reason. One day I¡¯ll learn that spell and then I won¡¯t need this potion!


    Aviana uncorked the potion bottle and traded it for Kyanite, so he wouldn¡¯t get wet. Temperance trusted her sister to take good care of him. She took a swig, consuming a third of it.


    A tingling sensation fell over her and her neck started to itch. She scratched the skin, only for long openings in her neck to appear. She moved her head and felt air rush through her new gills. She squealed, and in her excitement almost forgot to give back the bottle before tearing down to the shore.


    Temperance made it to the water¡¯s edge, but before she splashed in, a crab skittering across the sand caught her attention. Temperance smiled wide and bent over it. ¡°Hello, Mister Crab.¡±


    The creature scuttled quicker to get away from her and she frowned. ¡°No, Mister Crab, don¡¯t go. I want to be your friend!¡±


    ? ? ?


    A quiet chuckle escaped Aviana¡¯s throat as her sister chased after a poor crab before it scuttled into the salty water. Temperance pouted but when a sea shell washed in, she gasped and went about collecting it and more. No doubt she¡¯d want Aviana to make more paints with them. Or just up and collect them. She was unpredictable like that.


    Xalanath stood next to Aviana, chuckling. ¡°She¡¯s something else.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the understatement of the era.¡±


    He gestured to a small rocky outcrop shaded by some trees nearby. ¡°We should go sit and chat.¡±


    That¡¯d be a perfect place for them to speak. Aviana could keep an eye on her sister when on the beach, and still keep them far enough away Temperance wouldn¡¯t hear or see anything she didn¡¯t need to.


    The two found a spot to sit and Aviana looked around. The sandy beach spanned for miles and the Stracex Sea leagues more. In the distance the ominous Veiled Mist obscured the southern half of the continent and a section of the Hidden Mist Isles to the south.


    ¡°So, this talk you want with me,¡± Xalanath said. ¡°I presume it explains why you brought your sister here with you.¡±


    Aviana nodded and turned to face him. ¡°Yes. But first, let¡¯s take a look at that wound of yours.¡±


    Xalanath scoffed. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°I can smell the fresh blood on you, Xalanath. Now take off your shirt.¡±


    A sly grin spread across his stupidly handsome face, and he pulled open his shirt a bit at the collar. ¡°Well, if you¡¯re really that eager to get my clothes off.¡±


    Her eyes narrowed, not in the mood for his games. ¡°Would you rather I just dump a vitality potion on you? Because I¡¯ll gladly do so.¡±


    Xalanath sighed. ¡°Fine, fine. Always ruining my fun.¡±


    He undid the few clasped buttons of his shirt and slipped it off his shoulders. This left him in his chainmaille shirt, which proved more difficult for him to remove. Knew it. Aviana assisted him, Xalanath wincing any time he moved wrong.


    He dropped the metal linked shirt on the stony ground, and leaned back to give Aviana unfettered access to the bloodied bandaged crudely wrapped around his waist. Gentle as she could be, Aviana removed the soaked cloths strip and did her best to not squirm at the sight of the ugly wound he sported.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ you¡¯re fine. Of course you are. You take a cannon ball and then a harpoon and come out just fine.¡± She shook her head and touched the bruising tender areas around the worst part of the wound. ¡°Honestly, you¡¯re lucky that harpoon didn¡¯t tear your insides out, you reckless fool.¡±


    ¡°I know how to properly remove an arrow,¡± Xalanath said. ¡°A harpoon isn¡¯t much different. Especially in my real shape. Besides, I have you to heal me up.¡±


    ¡°Cocky bronze scale¡­¡± she muttered.


    ¡°I know mine¡¯s rather impressive, but I wouldn¡¯t say all of me is one.¡± Another grin spread across his face. ¡°Unless you¡¯d liked to assess that yourself.¡±


    Aviana smacked him, aiming low enough to tap part of his bruising. Xalanath cringed. ¡°Okay, okay. I¡¯ll lay off the jokes.¡±


    She grunted, not believing it for a second and took one final assessment of the wound. ¡°I won¡¯t be able to heal all of this in one go. That¡¯s beyond my abilities. But I can get this in a better spot where this won¡¯t be life threatening anymore.¡±


    Xalanath became uncharacteristically serious. ¡°How many healing sessions do you think this needs, Avi?¡±


    The use of her nickname gave her pause. He rarely ever spoke to her that way, always calling her Shark Bait. Even her full name was rarely uttered off his lips. And if he did, no one else was ever around. ¡°Three or four unless you find someone with more healing experience. I¡¯d give you some vitality potions, if I had them on¡ª¡±


    He waved her off. ¡°I know a master alchemist who could whip me up a few strong ones.¡±


    Her eyes narrowed. ¡°I can make you some when I get back to the inn.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯re not a master alchemist.¡±


    Irritation flared in her chest. ¡°Your point? I can still make strong vitality potions.¡±


    ¡°I know, but you have your hands full with your sister. I don¡¯t need to distract you from that.¡±


    That response took her by surprise. Whenever he was nice to her it threw her for a loop. Of course, after the initial shock, she closed herself off from it. He¡¯d proven in the past he couldn¡¯t be trusted to be kind to her. ¡°Let¡¯s just get you through this healing session for now.¡±


    Xalanath didn¡¯t fuss while she hovered her hands over the wound. Aviana¡¯s hands glowed in a green-blue light and then did his wound. Unlike her smaller wounds from the battle, this would take several minutes to improve before it ultimately drained her too much.


    ¡°Are you able to hold conversation while doing this?¡± he asked. ¡°I know healing isn¡¯t easy, even for the most dedicated of casters.¡±


    ¡°Depends on the topics. Though, I suspect I know the one you mean, and that should be fine to talk about.¡±


    ¡°Does your presence here today have anything to do with your sister?¡± he asked. ¡°I¡¯ll admit, I was surprised to see her. And the fact you¡¯re both so open about the matter, it¡¯s as if she wasn¡¯t snuck out.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because she wasn¡¯t.¡± Aviana adjusted her positioning without losing concentration. ¡°Temperance will be coming of age soon, but before she can be accepted as an adult she needs to go through her trials.¡± Her eyes briefly ticked up to him. ¡°As you may have surmised, in her current state, there¡¯s no way she could pass.¡±


    ¡°She does act rather young for her age. More than a decade too young.¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°Her mother has her on a tight leash. Tighter than it should be.¡±


    Xalanath shifted. ¡°She doesn¡¯t know what she is, does she?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    His face scrunched. ¡°That explains why you didn¡¯t tell her what I am.¡±


    Aviana smiled. ¡°Aw, someone¡¯s upset. If it¡¯s any consolation, she was delighted to see you fly over the beach and take on the pirate ship after I ran them off.¡±


    Xalanath chuckled. ¡°Of course she was. I am magnificent.¡±


    ¡°And so humble.¡± She let the sarcasm ooze from her. ¡°And, before you ask, yes, she¡¯s obsessed with dragons. But that¡¯s part of our culture, we revere the dragons, you know this. Temperance just takes that reverence up to the next level into obsession. She¡¯s read every book I could bring her and knows every written story about them. She can¡¯t get enough of them.¡±


    ¡°And yet, she doesn¡¯t know what she is? Why? It¡¯s not like she won¡¯t know eventually.¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°I know. So many of us have tried to explain this to Calypso.¡±


    His brow ticked up. ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Her mother.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± There was a strange glint in his eye, as if he were trying to piece something together. Aviana let it be. He was a strange one.


    ¡°As I was saying, Calypso for some reason believes she can keep Temperance from the truth. I¡¯ve tried to reason with her, that my sister will experience the same change shortly after her twentieth birthday as all of us Dragkala do, but she won¡¯t have it.¡± Aviana took a moment to breathe and concentrate on her healing. ¡°Temperance doesn¡¯t know who her father is, or how many siblings she actually has. The poor girl is basically cooped up in her own home unless I¡¯ve been granted permission to bring her out and explore around Starglade.¡±


    ¡°Then how did you¡ªwhoa, what is she doing?¡±


    Aviana¡¯s healing ceased and her head snapped in the direction of the water, her nerves now on end. But what she saw was nothing more than Temperance removing her top. Aviana looked back at Xalanath. ¡°Looks like she¡¯s finally stopped harassing the beach crabs and going for a swim.¡±


    He had already averted his gaze, a slight pink shade on his cheeks. ¡°Why is she removing her clothes?¡±


    ¡°Uh, because you can¡¯t swim with your clothes on?¡± Aviana couldn¡¯t stop herself from grinning. She leaned her elbows on her legs and bent over enough to rest her breasts on them. ¡°It¡¯ll weigh you down, and you don¡¯t want to be walking around in sopping wet clothes when you¡¯re done. That¡¯s uncomfortable. Especially with salt water.¡±


    Xalanath looked at her to say something and then snapped his gaze away. ¡°Really? Must you?¡±


    Aviana¡¯s golden hair dipped farther down over her shoulder as she tilted her head and rested her cheek on her partially curled hand. ¡°Must I was, Xal?¡±


    ¡°Sit so indecently. Sit up.¡±


    Her lips curled into a deeper grin. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you mean. I¡¯m sitting just fine I think.¡±


    Xalanath glanced at her, but for only a moment when she still hadn¡¯t moved. ¡°Please just go back to healing me.¡±


    Aviana chuckled, pleased to have gotten a small rise out of him, and focused on healing him again. ¡°You are too amusing, you know that?¡±


    ¡°Well I don¡¯t think either of you are. You two need to learn some modesty.¡±


    Aviana shrugged. ¡°What you call modesty we call shame in Starglade. You know this.¡±


    He grumbled but knew he couldn¡¯t win this argument, not that it was much of one to Aviana. No matter how much time she spent outside the town, this was one topic she struggled to understand.


    ¡°Besides,¡± Aviana continued. ¡°Temperance will still have some covering to her. She doesn¡¯t lack total modesty according to your strange standards.¡±


    ¡°Yes, well you could benefit from learning a thing or two from her.¡± He sighed. ¡°Anyway, if her mother is so protective, how in Akorith¡¯s name did you get her all the way out here? I highly doubt the overgrown pond snake knows.¡±


    Anger rose up deep from within Aviana in an instant. Her eyes snapped to him. ¡°Don¡¯t. Don¡¯t you call him that.¡±


    Xalanath gave her an amused smile, as if he enjoyed the reaction from her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, blue scale, don¡¯t like me talking about your father like that?¡±


    Aviana ceased her healing again. ¡°I will only warn you once, Xalanath. Do not speak of him that way. You don¡¯t know him. He allowed us to leave. My goal is to get Temperance to grow, away from her mother¡¯s controlling influence. I plan to tell her about what she is, and prepare her for that fact, because as it stands, she is not ready to accept that reality. She will not believe me if I told her.¡±


    Her muscles twitched in her neck. ¡°My father understands this, and allowed us to walk out of town without issue.¡±


    Xalanath¡¯s lip curled. ¡°Like I¡¯d believe he¡¯d allow his latest tribute prize to just up and leave.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s eyes constricted. ¡°Temperance is not a tribute prize. Calypso was not a tribute. He picked her. Just as he picked my mother.¡±


    ¡°Right, and that¡¯s why he killed her, right, Aviana?¡±


    ¡°My father didn¡¯t kill my mother!¡± Rage built up inside her. She always tried to keep her emotions in check. But there were just some situations she couldn¡¯t control herself in. ¡°I don¡¯t care what anyone says. It¡¯s a lie. She was his mate. He loved her. He¡¯d never harm her!¡±


    Xalanath bared his teeth. ¡°Your father doesn¡¯t care for anyone but himself.¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s you.¡± Aviana rose to her feet, her eyes burning into him. ¡°Unlike you, my father is capable of change. He¡¯s not some heartless beast. He¡¯s capable of compassion and love. He was there for me when I was born a whole moon cycle early. He was there for my mother as she lost sleep, fearful the moment she closed her eyes, I¡¯d stop breathing. My father has been the only one there for me my entire life. No conditions. No expectations. But I wouldn¡¯t expect an outsider like you to understand.¡±


    Xalanath¡¯s eyes flickered. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be an outsider had your father not usurped mine!¡±


    ¡°My father challenged yours to an honorable combat. It¡¯s not my fault your father lost.¡±


    ¡°So it¡¯s mine?¡±


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s not. But unlike you, I don¡¯t treat you like it is!¡± Aviana sighed and turned away. ¡°Forget it. I don¡¯t even know why I bother anymore. You will always show prejudice toward those you believe have wronged you, even if we haven¡¯t.¡±


    Aviana headed down the beach a bit, but then stopped. She didn¡¯t look at him. ¡°Mother once told me, when I¡¯d finally get to meet you and your father, you would be the easiest to show I meant no harm. That you¡¯d be able to see I have no sins of the past to mar me as an enemy. She said Siverath would be too old, too jaded, too stuck in his ways to see beyond what half of me is.¡±


    She let her eyes go back to Xalanath, where he sat, glowering at her. ¡°But she was wrong. Your father accepted me so quick it was off-putting at first. I¡¯d never had anyone outside of a few of my brothers, accept what I was instead of wanting to see my head on a spike for committing only the sin of existing. But you¡­ born after the war like me, away from it all to have no memory of what happened beyond what you were told, and yet you only pretend niceties, even after knowing each other for half a century.¡±


    Aviana turned away, heading down the beach once more. ¡°I will be looking forward to seeing Siverath in my travels to show Temperance parts of Alaria before we have to return to Starglade for her trial. I think she¡¯ll like Natamere. And I think they will like each other. He¡¯ll accept her. It¡¯s a shame I can¡¯t say the same about you.¡±


    Xalanath let out a contempt grunt but no other rebuttal. As Aviana headed for the shore, their argument swarmed her mind. Her mother¡¯s face flashed through, piercing her heart with a pang of longing. How she missed her mother. How she wished she could get so many answers. What had happened to her? Why did she care for Xalanath and Siverath so much? Though, Aviana knew the answer to that last question.


    Both were impressive dragons. Siverath strong and devoted and Xalanath charismatic and talented. All things Aviana wasn¡¯t¡­ She banished those negative thoughts. Her mother loved her. She did. All that time she spent away with these two without Aviana¡¯s father knowing, she¡¯d done it for a reason.


    A reason that forced her here as well.


    Mother, Akorith, I don¡¯t know why either of you think I can fix things. So much time had passed since her clan had been whole. So much darkness had spread, splitting the people and the dragons into a senseless war that left the clan shattered and torn apart¡ªleft lasting scars and fueled hatreds and vendettas even to this day, even if many didn¡¯t know the origins to this dark thinking anymore.


    As much as Aviana would like to see the Shikala brought back to its former glory, where she would be accepted for what she was, that looked more and like some child¡¯s dream than a reality as the days passed.


    Crystal blue water lapped against the beach, cooling her toes as she stood by Temperance¡¯s discarded clothes. The salty air tugged at her hair and sea birds called overhead. Aviana reached up and grazed the side of her face near her right eye with her finger, feeling the invisible rough texture behind a spell. Her chest squeezed on her.


    She longed for a day she didn¡¯t have to hide. She longed for a time like the past where being Dragkala¡ªblessed wing¡ªhalf dragon¡ªof her color wasn¡¯t a life threatening existence.


    The giggling of a woman caught her attention. Aviana¡¯s gaze drifted, spotting a young man and woman walking the beach, holding hands¡ªsmiling and enjoying each other company. Wouldn¡¯t it be nice to find someone who wouldn¡¯t turn on me when they found out the truth?


    Aviana shook herself. Love was not in her cards. She¡¯d come to accept this reality. She needed to focus on important things. Temperance needed to grow, and while she was out here, Aviana needed to look for clues for Candara.


    Today hadn¡¯t gone to plan at all. Aviana never imagined her sister would face her first life or death choice so soon.


    ¡°Pirates and strange visions, it can¡¯t be a coincidence,¡± she mumbled. Aviana held Kyanite up to her face. ¡°I need you to keep protecting her, Kyanite, you hear? I don¡¯t know what¡¯s in store for us in these coming days, but today was just a warning. She needs you.¡±


    Kyanite stared back at her, a lifeless toy.


    Someone may think she was just as nutty as Temperance for talking to a toy, but deep down, Aviana knew Kyanite wasn¡¯t just a toy¡ªjust as Firestone wasn¡¯t. Aviana had found the notes on how her grandfather made Firestone and replicated his steps to make Kyanite. There was something about that process that made them different. She just¡­ wasn¡¯t sure how right now. One day she would, she was sure of it.


    Water splashed and Aviana looked up in time to see a dolphin dive back into the water. Ah, the pod is here. In her time visiting Windshire, this pod of dolphins came to the reef just off shore every day. Though, because of the commotion on the docs, Aviana assumed they would stay away for a while. It seemed they were only deterred by a few hours.


    I wonder if Temperance has spotted them yet. Aviana grunted the moment the thought made its way through her mind. Of course her sister had. She had a keen eye, even underwater. She couldn¡¯t get enough of the wet substance, allowing her to train herself to see better than other non-aquatic individuals. Honestly, sometimes I think she¡¯s merfolk or something.


    And Aviana didn¡¯t doubt her sister would try to communicate with the pod, even without the ability to cast the specific spell to do so. It was a major complaint Temperance had with the pacing of her spell studies. Aviana didn¡¯t think she was quite ready for that spell yet. Though, she was closer than Temperance realized.


    Aviana set Kyanite down on Temperance¡¯s clothes and stripped down. She might as well join her sister instead of standing there doing nothing. A bit of fun wouldn¡¯t hurt them on this journey.


    Taking a swig of her water breathing potion, the slight uncomfortable sensation of growing gills fell over her neck. Aviana dove into the warm surf. Her pace was slow. If she could take the shape of a marine creature this would be easier, but she still needed more practice. Land creatures she had down. She just needed to spend time with a new one, an hour or two at most, and she could successfully take its shape from then on.


    Creatures of water and sky were a much more complicated case for her. She was close to a breakthrough with the marine creatures, she knew it, but flying creatures, she wasn¡¯t even close. It was amazing to how quickly fledglings learned compared to her.


    A drop off several feet in front of her with brightly colored objects poking up over the ridge caught her attention. Using the pull of the current, Aviana pushed on, clearing the ridge and looking down. A webbing of shimmering sunlight glistened over a wide range of colorful coral and plants while all manner of reef fish swam about. A lone reef shark cruised the bottom of the floor, minding its own business as it usually did, and a pair of sea turtles flapped their way along the large coral outcropping. It was a spectacular sight to behold, even for Aviana who had seen it a number of times.


    She dove deeper into the reef, careful not to touch the coral too much. Aviana didn¡¯t want to risk damaging the sensitive structures. Her mother once explained to her, as much as they looked like plants, they were actually creatures of some sort, and a sensitive one to change. Aviana, as much as she understood of nature, struggled to understand how they could be an animal, but in the end it didn¡¯t really matter. She¡¯d seen the damage too much handling caused and didn¡¯t want to be the source of that.


    Fish darted around her and continued as if she were only a minor inconvenience. Watching them brought up a memory of Temperance begging to be taught how to speak to fish so she could make them her friend. Aviana did her best to explain fish didn¡¯t make great conversationalist or friends because of their low intelligence, but her sister refused to believe that because they swam in schools, so of course they had to be smart.


    The memory brought a smile to Aviana¡¯s face. As much as she cursed Temperance¡¯s child-like mind, her innocence brought out the fun in life. It reminded Aviana not to be too serious. She had a habit of doing that, as much of her own childhood had been stolen. Dark thoughts swam in her head. She couldn¡¯t recall many moments of time where her life hadn¡¯t been a struggle.


    Aviana banished it all, not wanting to dwell in the past, and moved on, spotting her sister and the dolphin pod already interacting just as she assumed would happen. Now was the time to have some fun for once.

 [B1] Chapter 7: Choice and Consequences

    7


    Choice and Consequences


    Aviana and Temperance wandered through the streets. Their time with the dolphins had been fun, but not quite long enough according to Temperance. Unfortunately for her, she shouldn¡¯t convince the sea creatures to stay when they decided to move on.


    When they¡¯d gotten back to the beach, they¡¯d found a few people going through their belongings. They ran off, luckily only managing to take what was left of the water breathing potion. This upset Temperance, but Aviana assure her she could make more, if she hadn¡¯t master the the water breathing spell in her book by then.


    Temperance tried out her new spell to dry the two women off. Her mastery over the spell impressed Aviana. It may be part of the lowest circle of arcane spellcasting, but that didn¡¯t make it easy to learn outright the way her sister had. There was so much untapped potential in her. It both excited and frightened Aviana.


    There was also the matter of her using arcane in general. Aviana remembered her father telling her the Dragkala transformation came on quicker for those who used arcane. She suspected this was the true reason why Calypso refused to allow Temperance to practice the magic. And it meant Aviana would have to monitor her sister¡¯s use. She doubted the change would happen before her birthday, as she hadn¡¯t even used as much arcane as Aviana by the time hers came about early, yet still after her own birthday. But still, it was wise to stay cautious and plan.


    Currently, Temperance talked to Kyanite, telling him all about the reef adventure she had and how mean Aviana was for not teaching her how to speak with animal yet, while at the same time waving the ability in her face by communicating with the dolphins herself. What Temperance didn¡¯t know, was Aviana evaluated how she interacted with the dolphins.


    Even without the ability to communicate with the creatures, she understood them on an intuitive level and still created a positive and reactive environment. She¡¯s almost ready. Aviana just needed her to grow a little more and finish studying how to take on animal forms. Then her sister would be ready to tackle both tasks.


    The two of them wandered through town, Aviana engaging with shop keepers to show Temperance a thing or two on how to get around their persuasive nature. Temperance, unfortunately, only half paid attention. She was more interested in her one-sided conversation with Kyanite.


    In the end, Aviana gave up and focused more on trying to find some possible gossip about floating cities, or even just weird sightings in the sky. Her inquiries proved fruitless in that aspect, but she did have several people gossip about strange happenings north of Kirdarim. Mentions of an influx of humans who had no idea where they were, and a spike in dangerous creature activity; some of which were claimed to be creatures not seen before, whatever that meant. A few people even spoke of how the Velethul Woods had changed in areas, as if part of it had been replaced unnaturally with another patch of forest not native to the area.


    Aviana wasn¡¯t sure what to make of these claims, but it didn¡¯t sound good. If she and Temperance wanted to head for Natamere eventually, they¡¯d have to pass through the southeast portion of the Velethul Woods.


    Without any more leads, and with the sun setting on the horizon, Aviana figured it was time to head back to the inn.


    On the way, she managed to engage Temperance on a personal level to gauge how she was feeling after what she¡¯d done during the battle. To her surprise, Temperance was doing okay, more than just saying so. Aviana would keep an eye on her sister in the coming days to see if it¡¯d come back to haunt Temperance, but maybe she¡¯d underestimated what her sister could handle. Wouldn¡¯t be the first time Aviana had made that mistake. She wasn¡¯t perfect.


    By the time they came up on the Dragonwallow Inn Temperance¡¯s belly rumbled. She touched it. ¡°Avi, I¡¯m hungry.¡±


    She chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m sure Erik and Lily has something ready for us already.¡±


    Temperance cheered and ran ahead so she could ogle at the dragon statues outside the building. Damion¡¯s music played through the door, as well as the rowdy banter of patrons. The two entered the tavern once Aviana convinced her sister she couldn¡¯t eat otherwise, and they found an empty spot at the bar. No easy feat as the place was a bit livelier than Aviana expected.


    A woman with lovely russet skin in her early twenties ran about serving patrons at tables and a young boy, around the age of ten helped. Looks like Shiah and Ollie made it back.


    Shiah and Aviana¡¯s gazes met as she ran back to the kitchen. The young woman smiled, her wavy hair curtaining her lovely dark eyes, and then disappeared. I might not be able to keep my promise to Erik.


    Lily set down some tea for the two women before Aviana could even ask for something. Aviana smiled her thanks. ¡°What¡¯s on the menu?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve still got fish and bread,¡± Lily said. ¡°And I¡¯ve got some chicken nearly finished. Oh, and meat pies.¡±


    ¡°Do you have any bacon?¡± Temperance asked.


    Lily nodded. ¡°Yes, as a matter of fact I do.¡±


    Her sister¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Bacon!¡±


    She repeated the word several times, bouncing in her seat, before Aviana had to clamp her hand over her sister¡¯s mouth. ¡°Yes, we all now know you love bacon.¡±


    Lily laughed. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to get you some. And how about some more fish and bread?¡±


    Temperance nodded, mumbling something against Aviana¡¯s hand.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a pie,¡± Aviana said.


    Erik gave her an odd look as he poured some ale. ¡°I¡¯ll never understand your food choices.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s brow spiked. ¡°What do you mean? I eat like everyone else.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but I remember when I was a boy and your mother would come here. The most meat she¡¯d eat would be fish and shellfish. She said it had to do with her druidic ways. But here you are, and you don¡¯t do the same.¡±


    Aviana shrugged. ¡°I may follow some of the druid tenants, but I don¡¯t subscribe to them all. Neither did my mother. That¡¯s why she ate certain water life.¡±


    ¡°Interesting.¡± Erik served a few more patrons.


    Temperance mumbled something and then licked Aviana¡¯s hand. Aviana¡¯s face contorted and she grumbled a complaint. Her younger sister gave her an indignant look. ¡°That¡¯s for not letting go.¡±


    Aviana flicked her sister in the nose as reprimand. She yipped and rubbed her nose, telling Kyanite how mean she was.


    Erik leaned on the bar, giving them both curious glances. ¡°I thought you two went swimming.¡±


    Temperance smiled wide. ¡°We did!¡±


    His brow rose. ¡°You two don¡¯t look like you were swimming.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s cause I know magicy-magic and can dry us off!¡±


    Erik nodded, a cautious glance thrown to Aviana. She though wasn¡¯t focused on that part of the conversation. ¡°Erik, how did you know we were swimming? I never mentioned where the three of us had gone off to.¡±


    ¡°Xalanath. When I asked where you were he said ¡®swimming or something like that.¡¯ He was a bit moody.¡± His eyes darted up and behind the two women.


    Aviana turned in her seat and looked up at the mezzanine to find Xalanath leaning on the railing, staring down at her. Both of them scowled and he stalked off.


    Erik let out a low whistle. ¡°If looks were spells that boy would have been dead. Something happen?¡±


    Aviana turned in her seat and lifted her tea cup. ¡°You could say that.¡±


    ¡°Another fight?¡±


    ¡°Always.¡± Wasn¡¯t a lie. As much as she tried to get along with Xalanath, it wasn¡¯t easy for her to do so ever since some things went down a few decades ago.


    Temperance took a sip of her tea. ¡°It¡¯s okay. The two love each other, so they¡¯ll make up.¡±


    Aviana choked on her drink. Erik jumped back and patrons around them gave confused glances. ¡°I what?¡±


    ¡°Love him. He¡¯s your beloved right? I figured it out when you two went to talk while I collected sea shells.¡± She played with one of the larger ones she picked up.


    This was bad. Her sister had a wild imagination and in her seclusion enjoyed playing matchmaker. She didn¡¯t need to know the people. She¡¯d just stare out her window and pair people up.


    If Aviana didn¡¯t fix this immediately, it would get worse. She held up her hand. ¡°No, Tempy, that¡¯s not correct. He will never by my beloved. Not even if he ended up being the last person on Aecis.¡± Trust me, I was made aware of this decades ago it would never be an option.


    Temperance¡¯s brow furrowed and her lips pressed into a thin line. ¡°Are you sure? He gives you a funny gaze when you¡¯re not looking. It¡¯s kinda similar to how people get after you flirt with them for a bit.¡±


    Erik snickered and Aviana shot him an ugly look. A lot of people thought she had some secret affair going on with Xalanath. Erik was one of them. But what Temperance said was a bit strange. She must be imagining things. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t touch him even if you paid me. Even if I had a ten foot pole.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯d have a pole?¡± Erik smirked. ¡°It might be shoved up his father¡¯s backside.¡±


    She shouldn¡¯t laugh, but Aviana couldn¡¯t help herself. This confused Temperance. ¡°I don¡¯t get it.¡±


    ¡°Siverath is¡­ special,¡± Aviana said, struggling to find the right words. ¡°He can be a bit of a stick in the mud sometimes.¡±


    Erik snorted. ¡°A lot of times. I swear that man doesn¡¯t have a fun bone in his body.¡±


    ¡°I need to meet him!¡± Temperance declared. ¡°That way I can show him.¡±


    ¡°Now I¡¯d pay to see that,¡± Erik said.


    ¡°We¡¯re getting off topic,¡± Temperance grumbled. ¡°It¡¯s okay to have a beau, Avi.¡± Her voice lowered to the point it sounded like she was trying to mutter to herself, but Aviana¡¯s good hearing picked it up. ¡°Akorith knows you could use one.¡±


    Erik roared with laughter, having also picked it up. Aviana fixed her sister with a hard stare. ¡°Temperance, there is nothing between us. Now this conversation is over, and you¡¯re not to bring it up again.¡±


    Temperance crossed her arms and let out a ¡°humph.¡±


    Aviana looked to Erik. ¡°I need more tea.¡±


    ¡°Not something strong?¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°You and I both know I can¡¯t hold my liquor.¡±


    Erik chuckled. ¡°Yes, you turn into your sister. Quite the sight.¡±


    ¡°Avi, can I drink?¡± Temperance asked. ¡°Momma said no, but she¡¯s not here.¡±


    Aviana regarded her sister for a moment. ¡°Erik, get her a cider if you would?¡±


    Erik hesitated. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I¡¯m comfortable with that, Aviana.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s old enough by human standards.¡±


    ¡°But not by your clan, right?¡± He pointed to his forehead. ¡°You once told me those gems signified being an adult. She doesn¡¯t have that.¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°That¡¯s true, but what we allow prior to full adulthood is different than you may think. Drinking is permitted at sixteen. She¡¯s three years older than that.¡±


    He sighed. ¡°Alright, but I¡¯m not responsible if something happens to her.¡±


    Both ducked when a wooden chair sailed through the air and crashed behind the bar. Krax shouted a threat at someone to settle down or suffer.


    ¡°Get something strong for Krax while you¡¯re at it,¡± Aviana said. ¡°On my tab of course. I think he could use the extra help after today.¡±


    Erik nodded and went about pouring the two drinks. He set Temperance¡¯s glass down in front of her and handed the ale off to Shiah to deliver to Krax. Aviana and Shiah exchanged glances again. Erik growled. ¡°Stop that.¡±


    Aviana let out a dramatic sigh. ¡°It¡¯s not my fault she catches my eye. And it¡¯s not a one-sided catch.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care.¡± He looked to Temperance. ¡°Now, little lady, you tell me what you think of that cider.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not little,¡± Temperance muttered before lifting the glass to her lips. She took a small sip and then licked her lips and her brow made many motions as she internalized her reaction. She sipped again, and this time she made a pleased sound. ¡°So sweet and tasty!¡±


    Aviana¡¯s eyes widened as her sister then chugged the cider down. Temperance smacked her lips together with an ¡°ahh¡± and held the glass to Erik. ¡°More please.¡±


    Erik glanced to Aviana who shrugged. Couldn¡¯t hurt. As he poured her sister another glass, Lily returned with food, Ollie helping. When he set down the pie, Aviana motioned for him to come around to her. The young boy ran over. She reached behind his ear and performed a trick, making a gold coin ¡°magically¡± appear. The big eyes and goofy grin she received in response made it worth it. She handed him the coin and he ran off. ¡°Thanks, auntie Avi.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s nose scrunched. ¡°You¡¯re not his aunt.¡±


    Aviana patted her sister on the head. ¡°It¡¯s just what he calls me.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± She bit into some bacon.


    Aviana ate some of her pie before the strumming of a lute approach from behind caught her attention. The music held a similar tone to the one Aviana danced to earlier. A smile slipped up half of Aviana¡¯s face as she turned around to face Damion. ¡°What a lovely tune.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so glad you say that, Aviana.¡± Damion let go of the lute, but it didn¡¯t fall. Instead it floated, no doubt by the use of arcane magic, and continued to play. This proved he was a true bard and not a minstrel posing as one. ¡°I finished your song. Are you ready to be tempted to dance?¡±


    Aviana crossed her legs and leaned against the bar. ¡°Please, tempt me.¡±


    A grin slipped up the side of his face, and his eyes glinted a moment. Damion then spun around to address the tavern. ¡°Good people, if I could have your attention please.¡±


    Not a whole lot of them stopped their activities, but Damion continued to project his voice as if he had the whole house¡¯s attention. ¡°No doubt word has spread to most of you of the events that transpired earlier this afternoon on at the docks. And one particular individual accompanied the tales.¡±


    The tavern quieted as he spoke, all eager to find out what more could be said about the rumors and stories.


    ¡°Tonight, that very individual graces us with her presence.¡± Damion gestured to Aviana. ¡°Aviana has graciously allowed me to immortalize her deeds in a song.¡± He grinned. ¡°And, if she deems it satisfactory enough, she¡¯d promised a performance of her own.¡±


    This received more clamor than Aviana expected. She didn¡¯t expect her tale to be so popular. And she wasn¡¯t sure how to feel about it. She wasn¡¯t the only one who fought hard today.


    Erik leaned in to whisper in her ear. ¡°I know that look, Avi. Don¡¯t worry about the one sided fame. There is always one or two in a battle that is recognized over all who fight just as hard. Your dramatic flair just so happened to catch everyone¡¯s eye.¡±


    ¡°I guess I¡¯ve been hanging around Xalanath too much, then.¡±


    Erik belted out a hearty laugh and went to cleaning some steins.


    Damion snapped his fingers and an ethereal bendir appeared behind him. Without anything touching it, a beat pulsed from the instrument, low and strong. The lute continued to strum and a midrange hum came from Damion. The combined sound reverberated through Aviana¡¯s chest, already urging her to move. Oh, he¡¯s good.


    I¡¯ll tell you a tale of a dragon queen


    A sorceress who rules o¡¯re land and sea


    With magic sharp and a scimitar keen


    The bewitching, fabled Aviana!


    Into fair Windshire in the Fall


    Aviana came for men¡¯s spirits to inquire


    She found the folk pleasing, merry all


    Moreso by the company of Aviana!


    Windshire¡¯s cheer was wiped away


    As from the fog, a nearby canon shot


    And the town was beset by a ship at the quay


    Filled with a greedy pirate crew!


    Our dragon queen did not hesitate


    With scimitar drawn she rushed the beach


    She greeted the seadogs with a dance of fate


    The graceful, blade dancing Aviana!


    Ancient words fell from her lips


    And summoned a glorious dragon gold


    They built a storm that obscured the ship


    Filled the air with wailing sand!


    I tell you a tale of a dragon queen


    A sorceress who rules o¡¯re land and sea


    With magic sharp and a scimitar keen


    Our bewitching, fabled Aviana!


    When the lightning finally faded


    The angry gale and magics ceased


    The pirate ship and crew lay decimated


    Defeated by the dragon queen, Aviana!


    Damion received applause when the vocals ended, all deserved. Aviana struggled to stay in her seat. Such a perfect song, if a bit over the top.


    Damion looked her way, his arm stretched out to her, his instruments still playing the beat. He¡¯s confident in his skill. ¡°Well, m¡¯lady?¡±


    Patrons shifted their gaze, eager to either lay eyes on the immortalized ¡±sorceress¡± who held lightning captive, or just to find out her reaction to the song.


    Her legs uncrossed and Aviana rose to her feet. She floated across the floor in time with the instrumental beat. ¡°I think you need to play that song again, dear Damion.¡±


    Excitement filled the tavern. Damion¡¯s captivating amber eyes pinned to her, a grin hard on his face. ¡°I had so hoped you¡¯d say that, Aviana.¡±


    The song started again, and Aviana let it capture her senses and control her movements. Just as before when she danced, her movements flowed and jerked with the timing of the song. Shiah, making her rounds, fell captive to the song when Aviana decided to pull her in as a temporary dance partner. The young human woman laughed and tried her best to keep up, but eventually bowed out, much to the patrons¡¯ disappointment.


    Aviana didn¡¯t let it stop her and she decided to kick it up a notch, dancing her way up on the tables. Using what spell energy she had left after tapping into so much today, she summoned flaming scimitars into her hands. Gasps and other happy and surprised responses rang out in response.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    As she stood into a standard blade dancing position, Damion¡¯s song ended. The two exchanged a glance and he jumped into a new song¡ªone just as powerful and upbeat, but more suitable for her dance in her opinion. His skills are impeccable. It was if he¡¯d seen this dance style before.


    Aviana¡¯s body flowed to the dance, tempting her to get lost in the music. But she knew better, else she may fall off the tables pulled together by patrons during the first dance.


    A flash of colored energy coalesced on her skin. Alarm raced through her, but before she could end her dance to stop whatever was going on, new clothes appeared on her body. Her movements didn¡¯t falter as she did her best to take in the new outfit, something far more suited for dancing as it flowed around her. It still fit the Shikala style¡­ But how?


    Her eyes darted to Damion but he looked impressed by the new clothes. As strange as it was for him to know her dance, there was no way he could be so familiar with her people¡¯s style of dress. Then who?


    Aviana glanced up to the mezzanine. Xalanath leaned on the rails again, his fingers poised in a concentration hold. He had a light expression, as if the two hadn¡¯t fought an hour ago. What is he playing at?


    She couldn¡¯t dwell. Hers and Damion¡¯s audience loved the change so she might as well finish the show.


    Damion hopped up on the tables with her, his eyes requesting to join her routine. Luckily for him, this dance very much could be partnered, though intimately. She liked the idea.


    Aviana floated the flaming swords out of her hand, spinning them in sync with her dance motions. She took Damion by the hand and the two danced, sometimes apart, sometimes close¡ªreal close. Their bodies in rhythm, their breathing in sync¡ªhe was quite good at this.


    As the song came to an end, Aviana and Damion danced off the table and came to a stop in each other¡¯s arms. Breaths heavy, they soaked in each other¡¯s gazes as patrons cheered and left their tips. Aviana was the first to pull away, her conjured dance clothes and weapons dissipating at the same time. Damion dismissed his instruments, including his real lute. Aviana suspected he sent it to some pocket dimension of sorts. The two of them collected the tips, everything from copper to gold to trinkets. Some drunks even tried to tip with lint.


    When everything was collected, Damion came up behind Aviana and wrapped an arm around her waist. He bent close to her ear, keeping his voice low. ¡°I think a discussion in private is in order over how to divvy up this loot. Don¡¯t you?¡±


    A seductive grin spread across Aviana¡¯s lips. ¡°I do believe you¡¯re right.¡±


    Damion¡¯s grip on her tightened and he escorted her to the stairs. Aviana called out to her sister. ¡°Temperance, don¡¯t get into trouble. Damion and I have a few matters to discuss.¡±


    Temperance let out a muffled reply, her mouth full of bacon.


    The pair headed up the stairs. Xalanath had already disappeared from the mezzanine, not that Aviana cared. Damion guided her through the upstairs common room and they slipped into a room farther down the hall than her own. The door shut behind them and he haphazardly tossed the bag of collected tips on a table. One item remained in his hand though, she soon found out what.


    Damion held a gold necklace with red gems up to her neck from behind her. Aviana guessed them to be garnets. She doubted any of the folks down stairs had the money for rubies. Though, if she had the time to inspect them, she would know for certain. ¡°As much as this would look nice on me, I do believe you would do it more justice.¡±


    Aviana was not going to say no to this prize. She pulled her hair up to give him better access and Damion attached it to her neck.


    ¡°Perfect,¡± he murmured in her ear. ¡°Though, I believe it¡¯d look even more so by itself on you.¡±


    ¡°My opinion would be bias.¡± Aviana unclipped her collar, her supple breasts spilling from the now loosened attached cloth. ¡°So I¡¯ll let you decide that.¡±


    Damion¡¯s hands found her waist and he pulled her closer, pressing his face into her hair. He hummed after a deep inhale, as if her smell pleased him, and then dipped his head lower, pressing his lips against her neck. Aviana relaxed into him, exposing her neck more. Her lips parted as Damion¡¯s hands roamed her body, the sensation of his firm calloused hands touching her skin simmering desire.


    A quick tug to her top over her head, he dropped it on the floor. Damion captured both her breasts in his hands, playing and teasing them. Need built inside Aviana, and a hummed moan escaped her lips. He rolled her sensitive peaks through his fingers, careful of the rings piercing her nipples. Aviana moaned, losing herself in her primal desires. ¡°You really know what a woman wants.¡±


    Damion nipped at her jaw. ¡°I aim to please.¡±


    She turned her head to gaze at him and he captured her lips with his. Aviana sucked in a tight breath and kissed him back. She turned around and pressed her body into him, their tongues wrestling. Damion¡¯s hand threaded through her loose hair, while capturing the other side of her face with a first grip.


    Aviana¡¯s fingers fussed with the buttons of his jacket, the garment dropping to the floor once she succeeded and pushed it over his shoulders. His shirt was next, her hands gliding over peak and valley of his hidden muscular form.


    The process of removing his shirt broke their fevered kiss, and Aviana took a step back to unclasp the gold fasteners holding her bottom cloth together. It pooled at her angles and she stepped out of it, back toward the bed. Damion¡¯s eyes wandered over her as he removed his belt and boot in a hurry. Aviana beckoned him to follow with a finger, not bothering with her sandals. While the particular starcloth used had a great deal of stretch, their complex lacing in the back made them a pain to deal with in these situations.


    Damion¡¯s eyes continued to take her in, a deep grin on his face. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing I¡¯m not a gambling man. I would have lost on just the magnitude of your beauty.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s eyes hooded and a deep seductive smile spread across her lips. She beckoned him again with a finger, still continuing to back away toward the bed. ¡°Why don¡¯t you come closer, and find out just how far this beauty goes?¡±


    He didn¡¯t need to be asked twice. Damion closed the distance in only a few strides, his posture confident and hungry. He wrapped his hand around the back of her neck and pulled her against his hard strong form, claiming her lips. Their hands roamed each other, Aviana getting lost in the sensations of desire.


    Her back hit the bed, the sudden motion eliciting an amused giggle from her. Damion towered over her, his eyes raking over every inch of her curvaceous form, his amber eyes glowing with lust. He fussed with the ties on his trousers and slipped them off, his swollen member springing forth, eager and ready. Desire and need pulsed in Aviana¡¯s core. He was just as impressive as she¡¯d hoped.


    Damion kneeled over her on the bed and dipped his head to kiss her neck. His lips trailed down to her collarbone over her aching breast. His tongue darted out over her rosy buds. Aviana gasped and then moaned as he captured them with his lips, nipping and sucking. She threaded her fingers into his short dark hair, holding him captive against her.


    His hands ran down her sides, over her wide hips, and between her thigh, finding her slick and ready heat. Aviana¡¯s mouth fell open, her eyes hooding, desire burning through her veins. She moaned, rocking her hips with the motions of his fingers, her heart pounding against her chest.


    Damion nudged her legs apart with his knee and she didn¡¯t resist. He withdrew his hands from her and placed a firm grip on her hips, hovering over her for a moment before thrusting into her. Aviana¡¯s mouth fell open, a strangled moan escaping as she accepted him. He found rhythm in his thrusts quickly, and Aviana matched them with the rocking of her own hips.


    Aviana¡¯s breathing labored, desire building and sizzling all over, until euphoria burst through her. She fisted the blankets and her back arched as an uncontained cry screamed forth. Damion continued his motion, his grip digging into her skin, until he groaned and spent himself inside her.


    His thrusting ceased and he pulled away, falling on his back on the bed next to her, their heavy breathing the only thing to be heard in the room. Aviana brushed a damp tress of hair away from her cheek. Damion reached out and wrapped the same lock of hair in his fingers, drawing her gaze. ¡°Good?¡±


    ¡°Hmm,¡± she responded in a breathy sigh. Been the best she¡¯d had in a while, that was for sure. It was a shame he couldn¡¯t be more permanent. ¡°You don¡¯t act too worried about any consequences of our actions. Most men would have been far more careful at the end.¡±


    ¡°I heard through the grape vine you were an alchemist. With our casual flirting earlier I suspected you¡¯d made special arrangements to not have to worry about anything.¡±


    Aviana chuckled. ¡°Talented and smart.¡±


    The Xenre family had run an elixir shop in Starglade for generations, always having a master alchemist to craft the potions until her mother disappeared. Aviana may not be a master alchemist yet, but she worked hard to keep her family potions alive. Her family happened to be holders of three special kinds of potions. The fabled love elixir, and potions that increased or decreased fertility. Aviana was set for some time when it came to the worries of another smaller her running around.


    Damion reached out and threaded his fingers through her hair. ¡°Though, I¡¯ll admit, I wouldn¡¯t be too heartbroken to bind myself to such a magnificent beauty.¡±


    Stinging heat rushed to Aviana¡¯s cheeks, though she tried her hardest to keep it at bay. She couldn¡¯t allow herself to get caught up in his flattery. She knew the boundaries. I need some distance. She couldn¡¯t tempt fate and risk desiring more than she was allowed. I won¡¯t make the same mistake as before.


    Forcing a smile Aviana sat up, draping her legs over the bed. ¡°You flatter me.¡±


    Damion took a moment to watch her, and then sat up as well, reaching out to run his fingers through her hair again. ¡°Your hair style, does it carry significance with your clan?¡±


    She looked him. ¡°It¡¯s one of the warrior styles. Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard of your clan through other bardic songs in my travels. Ancient songs of a secluded clan who worship dragons¡ªor lives alongside them as equals. The stories differ. It¡¯s been a curiosity of mine ever since the first tale.¡± His amber eyes leveled with her. ¡°So when a rumor claimed the spotting of one such fabled clan member in the sea port town of Windshire, I had to check it out for myself.¡± He trailed a finger along her jaw. ¡°You were far more than I bargained for.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s interest in this Damion grew. How much did he truly know? And what kind of threat could he pose to her?


    Before she could consider diving in more, the door of the room creaked open and the familiar face of Shiah poked in. Shiah glanced at them both, her eyes gleaming. ¡°Sounds fun in here. Room for one more?¡±


    Damion and Aviana glanced at each other, both intrigued by her presence. Aviana leaned back on her hands. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I should answer that. Your father would throw a fit if he found out I didn¡¯t uphold my promise not to corrupt you.¡±


    Shiah snorted and came into the room, closing the door behind her. ¡°Pa don¡¯t know the half of what I¡¯ve done, Avi.¡± Her lips slipped into a deep grin. ¡°And I¡¯d like to keep it that way for a while longer.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s tongue ran along her bottom lip. She was tempting. ¡°I can¡¯t make that kind of promise if you stay in here.¡±


    Shiah took slow meticulous steps toward them, her hips swaying wide and her boots clicking on the wood floor. Her fingers tugged at the strings of her bodice. ¡°Then just be sure to make it worth being caught over.¡±


    Aviana sat up. If Shiah wanted this, she wasn¡¯t going to stop her. Shiah¡¯s bodice fell to the floor and then she pulled her blouse over her head, her perky breasts springing free. The skirt was next, pooling at the ankles. Shiah stepped out of it, making no attempt to fuss with her boots.


    Damion shifted beside Aviana. ¡°Windshire is full of lovely beauties.¡±


    Shiah¡¯s gaze never drifted from Aviana, as if Damion were invisible and mute to her. She slipped onto Aviana¡¯s lap, slipping her arms around Aviana¡¯s neck and dipping her head down. Aviana pulled the young woman closer and tipped her head up, capturing Shiah¡¯s lips with her¡ªsoft and warm, just as Aviana had imagined. Shiah responded by pressing herself against Aviana more, a quiet groan coming from her throat.


    Without doing much more than kissing and embracing, Aviana could already tell Shiah¡¯s responsiveness was due to experience. Erik really has no idea just what his daughter has been up to.


    Shiah pulled away and looked to Damion. His hand touched her shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m going to have to decline, hon. I never acquired the taste for men.¡±


    Aviana wasn¡¯t keen on listening to them figuring this out, so she went back to kissing Shiah, on the collar this time. Shiah responded with a pleased hum and the arching of her back. Aviana trailed her lips lower, nipping Shiah¡¯s skin now and then, receiving satisfied gasps in response. Aviana continued, kissing between her breasts, and then over the side. Shiah arched more and Aviana gladly responded, dragging her tongue over her dark nipples before pulling it into her mouth and sucking.


    Shiah moaned, dragging her nails over Aviana¡¯s skin. Her hands traveled down to Aviana¡¯s breasts, where she teased and played in reciprocation. Aviana moaned quietly, not easing up on her own action.


    ¡°I take no offence to the rejection,¡± Damion said. He shifted on the bed again. ¡°But I hope you don¡¯t mind if I watch.¡±


    Aviana released Shiah¡¯s taut peak with a pop, her eyes snapping up to Shiah to see her response. She was not disappointed. Shiah¡¯s dark eyes glowed with lust, darting between the two of them. ¡°That I can agree to.¡±


    Aviana grinned, her hand gliding over Shiah¡¯s back side and between her legs. Shiah gasped, her mouth falling open. ¡°Good. Because I¡¯m not done with him either.¡±


    Shiah¡¯s eyes hooded, a deep grin spreading across her plump lips. ¡°Aviana, you¡¯re such a fiend.¡±


    Aviana chuckled and stroked her. ¡°You¡¯re about to find out just.¡±


    ? ? ?


    Collar secured, Aviana glanced behind her at the bed where Shiah sat, her hair a mess and a content smile on her face. Damion laid longways, his breath heavy and arm draped over his eyes. A please grin spread across Aviana¡¯s lips. ¡°We¡¯ll have to do this again sometime.¡±


    Shiah hummed and Damion chuckled, pointing to her. ¡°I would not say no to you again.¡±


    Satisfied, Aviana left. Exhaustion weighed heavy on her, though she kept it hidden. She¡¯d learned not to show too many signs of weakness if possible. While she was relatively safe here, it wasn¡¯t a coping skill she could turn on and off on a whim.


    Aviana sauntered down the stairs into the lower common room and bar. Things had calmed down quite considerably, at least half of the patrons now gone.


    Erik looked up at her as he retrieved some mugs from a table. ¡°Aviana, have you seen Shiah?¡±


    She shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ve been preoccupied.¡±


    His lips spread into a thin line and for a moment she thought he may not believe her. ¡°Alright. Wasn¡¯t sure if you might have seen her on your way down. She disappeared upstairs a bit ago saying she was going to clean some rooms.¡±


    He went back to cleaning. Aviana felt bad for avoiding his question when he¡¯d been so good to her over the years, but she promised Shiah. And Aviana didn¡¯t kiss and tell.


    ¡°Okay, Temperance, I think it¡¯s time for us to¡ª¡± Aviana looked around, not seeing her sister anywhere. ¡°Erik, where is Temperance?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s right¡ª¡± His words stopped and he looked around. ¡°She was at the bar a moment ago.¡±


    Aviana swiveled around to find Krax. He stood in the back, holding a man in a chokehold. ¡°Krax, did you¡ª¡±


    ¡°She went upstairs shortly after Shiah.¡± Krax grinned. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I wouldn¡¯t let anyone run off with her.¡±


    ¡°So she went upstairs alone.¡±


    His face grew serious. ¡°Yes. You explained some of your customs to me. I wouldn¡¯t have let her go anywhere with anyone but you. Not even that pup Xalanath.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± She ran for the stairs, pausing to look back at Krax. ¡°He¡¯d made a great horizontal dent.¡±


    A wide grin spread across his face and he looked down at his captive, whose eyes went wide. ¡°You heard the lady.¡±


    Aviana raced up the stairs, Krax¡¯s roar and a subsequent crash nearly making her laugh. She needed to focus on finding her sister. Who knew what kind of trouble she¡¯d get herself into while under the influence?


    ? ? ?


    Temperance gazed around the corridor she walked, munching on her last piece of bacon. This is yummy. A weird fuzzy fog permeated her head, but she wasn¡¯t too concerned with it. Aviana had explained to her once what alcohol did to a person¡¯s mind, so she suspected that¡¯s what she felt at the moment. Not that she cared. There aren¡¯t any dragons or cute boys down here!


    Aviana had run off with the only cute one in the tavern it seemed. Temperance knew her sister wasn¡¯t ¡°talking¡± with him. She wasn¡¯t stupid. Her sister flirted with people for one reason¡ªa reason her mom didn¡¯t allow her around boys. She didn¡¯t even know what it was like to kiss one! That changes today. If I can find one¡­


    The chaos that was her mind had stilled as she¡¯d drank the tasty cider. Her mind wasn¡¯t going a mile a minute with all kinds of crazy things she wanted to do. She could focus and center herself. She could think in ways she hadn¡¯t before. She¡­ felt more her age.


    This also meant Temperance could process a lot of events in her past in ways she had never understood, and spent much of her time sitting at the bar reflecting. That¡¯s how she figured out what Aviana was doing with the bard, and what she was trying to convince from that paladin guy. Temperance didn¡¯t know the full extent of what they were up to, but she got the basic concept. And now she was curious what made her sister do this as often as she did.


    Unfortunately, not only did it seem like there weren¡¯t any boys to even talk to, she didn¡¯t exactly know where she was. This place was so much bigger than she thought it¡¯d be.


    All the doors she passed were shut, but then she came up to a room and a door slightly ajar. A light from a candle flickered through the gap. Curiosity pulled her closer.


    Temperance placed a light hand on the door and pushed it open. Sitting on a bed she found a sandy-haired young human man with an open book. Various symbols and scripted writing was scrawled on the pages.


    The young man¡¯s dark eyes peered up at her, going wide. ¡°Um, can I help you?¡±


    Temperance gauged him to maybe be around seventeen. She was hoping for someone older, but he was cute, and the age gap wasn¡¯t too horrible. I guess I can try this with him and see what happens. She¡¯d watched Aviana enough, she could do this¡­ probably.


    She reached up and twirled some of her red hair with a finger. ¡°Hi, sorry. I got myself lost going back to my room, and thought this might be it. I didn¡¯t mean to disturb you.¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡± His eyes wandered over her. ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. I¡¯m only reading.¡±


    The mention of reading tugged at Temperance. She loved books. She could read all day in the family library. But that¡¯d probably make her look silly in front of him, so she did her best to stay calm. Temperance did however sneak another look at the book, recognizing the symbols this time¡ªAlchemy?


    She realized he was still watching her, and she¡¯d done a poor job hiding her interest in the book. Temperance ducked her head, heat rising to her cheeks. ¡°Sorry. I just recognized those symbols. I¡¯ll leave you be.¡±


    She really didn¡¯t know what she was supposed to do. Aviana made this look so much easier.


    ¡°No wait,¡± he called out. She stopped and turned back. ¡°Are you an alchemist?¡±


    She could lie, but then he¡¯d catch her fairly quickly. ¡°No, but my sister is. I¡¯ve seen her use that book before. She even showed me a few things in it.¡±


    The young man smiled and he held up the book. ¡°Then maybe you could help me? I¡¯m new to this, and I¡¯ve been struggling a bit.¡±


    Well, she hadn¡¯t totally screwed this up. Might as well see where this landed her. Temperance smiled and entered the room. ¡°Sure.¡±


    He made room for her on his bed and she sat down. Temperance pointed to a triangle on the page. ¡°Do you know what this means?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± But the reddening of his cheek said otherwise.


    Temperance cocked her head to the side, staring up at him with big blue eyes. ¡°It¡¯s okay to not know. I¡¯m not going to judge you. We all have to start somewhere.¡±


    ¡°Y¨Cyeah, you¡¯re right.¡± He took a moment. ¡°I understand the script, but the use of all these symbols is where I trip up.¡±


    Temperance smiled. ¡°Well, today is your lucky day, because that¡¯s all I know.¡±


    The young man laughed. ¡°I like your enthusiasm. I should take a note from your book.¡±


    She liked this young man. Getting past the awkwardness of their meeting, she could see how easy it was for Aviana to find something about her to connect with someone. She¡¯s so good at understanding people. ¡°Oh! I¡¯m being rude. I never gave you my name. It¡¯s Temperance.¡±


    She¡¯d also introduce Kyanite, who she¡¯d hooked to her hip, but she figured he may think that was childish. A lot of adults did.


    ¡°I¡¯m Gerrad. It¡¯s nice to meet you.¡±


    Temperance smiled and went to explaining the different symbols on his pages. He did well keeping up. So well, she wasn¡¯t sure how much he was being truthful about his knowledge level.


    ¡°You¡¯re a great teacher, Temperance,¡± Gerrad said when they came to the end of her ability to explain. ¡°That made so much more sense.¡±


    Heat rushed to her face and her eyes drifted away. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m not as good as my sister, but at least it helped.¡±


    ¡°Is your sister a master alchemist?¡±


    Temperance had you think about this for a moment. She shook her head. ¡°No, but I think she¡¯s pretty close. She knows how to make so many cool potions.¡±


    A smile appeared on Gerrad¡¯s face. ¡°I hope my master sparks such positivity in me as you do.¡±


    Temperance cocked her head. ¡°Master?¡±


    He nodded. ¡°My father sent me here to study with a man named Terrance. He¡¯s said to be one the best alchemist in the Karma Wilds.¡± Gerrad frowned, his eyes falling to the book. ¡°But I can¡¯t seem to find him. I¡¯ve asked around, but I keep getting the runaround where he is. I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s some elaborate joke, or these people do think they know and he just so happens to not be there.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s brow knitted. She¡¯d read so many books, did that name possible appear in one? A light went off in her head. ¡°I know that name! Sir Terrance Akvas, right?¡±


    Gerrad¡¯s eyes glowed. ¡°You know Master Terrance?¡±


    Temperance shook her head. ¡°No, sorry. I¡¯ve never met him. I just know his name from different books. But I could ask my sister when I see her later.¡±


    Gerrad shook his head. ¡°No, that¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t want to inconvenience you.¡±


    Her head leaned to the side and she looked up at him again with large eyes. ¡°It really isn¡¯t any trouble. My sister knows a lot of people. So, consider it¡­ a minor job request.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ I don¡¯t have any way of paying you. I only have enough money for a few more nights in this room.¡±


    Temperance made a minor shrugging motion with her shoulders and let her eyes drift away for a moment. When she looked back at him, she made sure to make eye contact, just as she¡¯d seen Aviana do to some people. ¡°I¡¯m sure we could¡­ come to a special arrangement.¡±


    Pink formed on Gerrad¡¯s cheeks and he swallowed. ¡°O¨Cokay.¡±


    Temperance leaned in a little more, her hand sliding across the pages of the book in his lap. Gerrad swallowed again, his lips parting. The lower one quivered in a way that told Temperance he was trying to speak, but nothing would come out. Then, to her surprise, he blurted out, ¡°I¡¯ve never been this close to such a pretty girl before.¡±


    She stopped and he groaned, looking away. Didn¡¯t take an alchemist to know he didn¡¯t mean to say that out loud. Temperance wasn¡¯t deterred though. She giggled, to make him see nothing bad would come of the confession, and brushed his hand with her fingers. ¡°You think I¡¯m pretty?¡±


    His eyes snapped to hers. ¡°Yeah¡­ I do.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that nice,¡± an irritated voice Temperance wished hadn¡¯t spoken.


    The two ripped their gazes from each other to find Aviana leaning against the door frame, her arms crossed.


    ¡°Oh, hey, Avi.¡± Temperance tried not to sound awkward.


    Aviana motioned for her to stand. ¡°Let¡¯s go, young lady.¡±


    ¡°But, Avi¡­¡±


    Her sister¡¯s lapis eyes hardened. ¡°Don¡¯t argue with me. You know the rules. You¡¯re not allowed to be here with this young man alone.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s nose scrunched. ¡°Well the rules are stupid.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to leave the clan?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then you follow them. Now let¡¯s go. We have a long day tomorrow and you need to rest.¡±


    With a heavy sigh she stood up. ¡°Sorry, Gerrad.¡±


    ¡°N¨Cno, it¡¯s okay.¡± He slammed his book shut. ¡°I should sleep too.¡±


    Way to ruin my moment, Avi. She tossed imaginary daggers with her eyes at her sister as she headed for the door. They didn¡¯t faze her in the least.


    Before Aviana could get her to leave the room though, she turned back to look at Gerrad. ¡°I¡¯ll uphold my promise. I¡¯ll try to find your master for you.¡±


    He smiled. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Good night, young man,¡± Aviana said before closing the door behind her.


    Now no longer under pressure, Temperance¡¯s shoulder slumped and she glowered at her older sister. ¡°Thanks a lot, Avi.¡±


    Aviana shrugged and headed down the hall. ¡°You know the rules, Temperance. You¡¯re not allowed to be alone like that unless you¡¯re chaperoned, and any form of intimate contact is prohibited unless okayed by your parent. Not until you¡¯ve passed your coming of age test at least.¡±


    ¡°I just wanted to know what it was like to kiss a boy. Just once. Is that so hard to ask?¡±


    ¡°Then you should have been quicker.¡±


    This gave Temperance pause. That was not the response she expected from her sister.


    ¡°And sober.¡±


    Temperance sighed. ¡°But, Avi, you don¡¯t understand. My mind is so clear now. I can do so much. I feel my age!¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°And that¡¯s supposed to be a good thing?¡±


    Temperance didn¡¯t understand. Her sister looked back at her. ¡°It¡¯s not, Temperance. It¡¯s great you feel your age, but you shouldn¡¯t have to rely on a substance like alcohol to feel that way. You need to unlock this ability without it. You need to have true clarity of mind to make such decision so early in your life.¡±


    Temperance crossed her arms and looked away. She hated that her sister made sense. All she wanted was a kiss, and she almost had it!


    ¡°Now, what was this promise you made to him?¡±


    Her back straightened. ¡°Oh yeah! I got us a job.¡±


    Her sister laughed. Temperance frowned. ¡°I really did, Avi. I got us a job.¡±


    Aviana stopped walked to face her, arms crossed. ¡°And what job did you get?¡±


    ¡°Do you know a Sir Terrance Akvas?¡±


    Her sister¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°I know the name, yes.¡±


    ¡°Well, Gerrad is Terrance¡¯s apprentice. But he can¡¯t find him. So he needs help.¡±


    ¡°Oh really? And are you sure Gerrad is an apprentice? If he were, he should know where his master is.¡±


    Temperance crossed her arms. ¡°He¡¯d have no reason to lie about that. That¡¯s silly, Avi.¡±


    Her sister disagreed based on the look she gave. ¡°Right. And what was he going to pay us for this little job.¡±


    Temperance worked her jaw and looked away from her older sister. ¡°Well, I was going to get a kiss out of it. But then you ruined that.¡±


    Aviana shook her head. ¡°You get paid after the job is done, Temperance.¡±


    ¡°And sometimes you get half up front,¡± Temperance countered. ¡°So maybe I was going to get two kisses.¡±


    Aviana turned away. ¡°That¡¯s not a real job, Temperance. That¡¯s you being desperate. Now let¡¯s get to bed.¡±


    Irritation boiled inside her. How dare she! Temperance pulled Kyanite off her hip and looked at him. ¡°She¡¯s wrong, Kyanite, right?¡±


    The toy stared back at her, and a sensation ran through her, one that told Temperance he agreed with Aviana.


    Her nose scrunched. ¡°Traitor.¡±


    Her good mood now spoiled, she tromped after Aviana. I¡¯ll show them. We¡¯ll find this Terrance person, and he¡¯ll be Gerrad¡¯s teacher. And I¡¯ll get my kiss because that¡¯s the only way he can pay, so it works out for us both. Not because I¡¯m desperate.

 [B1] Chapter 8: Hindsight

    8


    Hindsight


    Fire and darkness beyond it filled Aviana¡¯s eyes. Panic rose up in her chest and the flames crackled and burned. Support beams from a building fell and smoke choked her lungs. But no matter how she tried, she couldn¡¯t move.


    ¡°Is anyone in here?¡± someone called.


    ¡°Here,¡± she rasped, but not in a voice known to her.


    ¡°Is there anyone in here?¡± the person called out again, oblivious to her reply.


    ¡°I¡¯m over here, help me,¡± she said.


    But yet again, she went unheard. ¡°There¡¯s no one else in here. We need to get out of here.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± another voice came. ¡°We were told there was one missing woman, we cannot leave until she¡¯s found.¡±


    ¡°This place is about to collapse. She¡¯s either dead or not in here. We need to leave.¡±


    ¡°Then you leave. I would rather die trying to find her, than abandon all hope.¡±


    ¡°Galinndan, wait!¡±


    Another support beam cracked in half and fell. Aviana whimpered.


    ¡°Wait, did you hear that?¡± Galinndan asked.


    ¡°Help me,¡± Aviana rasped.


    ¡°Over there!¡±


    The fire raged and Aviana found it harder to breathe. She feared they wouldn¡¯t reach her in time. But then, from the darkness, a man appeared. Clad in silver armor and a shield depicting Akorith¡¯s symbol, her savior looked¡­ nothing like she would have expected. The size of a dwarf, but slighter with angular features of an elf, this man had a long grey singed beard and balding head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, ma¡¯am, I¡¯ve got you,¡± he said, as he reached for her. ¡°We¡¯ll get you out of here, don¡¯t you worry.¡±


    Aviana went to thank him, but the support beam for the building above them broke and a scream was the only thing to come out of her mouth. The elf-like dwarf raised his shield to protect them, and then things went dark.


    Aviana¡¯s eye snapped open and she bolted upright in bed, her breath coming out in ragged breaths. Sweat dripped down her skin and her heart slammed against her chest. What had I just seen? Future event? Past one? Who was that old man?


    Aviana had enough visions to know that was no ordinary dream. Whatever she¡¯d seen, was something important. How, she wasn¡¯t sure. She could ignore it, as she had in the past, but with so many coming to her in the last day alone, she knew it wouldn¡¯t be smart to do.


    Of course, that¡¯s if she could figure it out. Clairvoyance was no easy ability to master. And Aviana had no one to lean on for guidance, since her mother disappeared when she was twelve. The gift didn¡¯t occur in just anyone. Only those of her family line on her mother¡¯s side. And as it stood, Aviana was now the sole member of the Xenre family.


    Once, they were important figures in Starglade¡ªtheir gift of clairvoyance revered by all, a sign of their gods¡¯ favor. Oracle was the title given to the chosen few.


    A heavy weight pressed against Aviana¡¯s chest. But as the clan broke apart, and their gods warred, the Oracle slipped into obscurity. Her mother said it was for their safety, which Aviana could believe. Unlike the rest of the clan, her family hadn¡¯t given up their ways. This did not go over well with the changes in the clan, so her mother made sure Aviana understood to be careful until they could fix the clan.


    Temperance rolled around in the bed next to her, mumbling about Kyanite not doing something right and then smacked Aviana in head with the stuffed toy dragon. Aviana grunted and slid out of bed. Temperance took advantage of the extra room her sister provided and sprawled out. Akorith, give me strength so I don¡¯t strangle my sister today.


    She went over to the vanity sitting by the private bath basin. Leaning on the wooden vanity, she stared at her reflection, light features watching her in return. Aviana took a breath and released a spell she kept up so often, she could now even sleep with it still on.


    Slowly, around her right eye, the skin changed, becoming patterned and then scaly. The hue of her skin went from porcelain to blue, and her eye shifted from blue to yellow, the pupil elongating into a slit.


    She touched the scaly skin. Starglade once was a diverse village of all types. Now, only elves remained. And blue dragons, sons of her father, including half breeds, like her. And being what she was, and formerly sole daughter of her father, made her a target of hatred.


    Xalanath¡¯s cutting words stuck in her mind. He was right on some points. Her father had been a catalyst for her clan¡¯s problems in this era. Taking over by force, even if an honorable combat, he¡¯d caused much strife and discord.


    But he¡¯d changed. Aviana didn¡¯t know when, it was before she¡¯d been born, but he did. And little by little, he lessened his iron fist and worked to fix the clan and make it better, even if they didn¡¯t see it.


    Aviana was determined to help in that, even if he didn¡¯t know everything she¡¯d done behind his back in order to do so. As much as he¡¯d changed, the animosity between the dragon colors held strong. Even he would struggle to understand what Aviana was doing. But she couldn¡¯t give up. She needed to save her people. Even if it¡¯s because I¡¯d like to not have to worry who wants to kill me when my back is turned¡­


    She banished all the negative thoughts and drew a bath, using spells to create and heat up the water. She slipped into the basin and let out a relaxed sigh. Her mind went back to her dream and then she remembered the vision she had on the battle field. Aviana had been so preoccupied she¡¯d forgotten to reflect and process. But if it truly was about Natamere, she needed to figure out what and warn Siverath. But how?


    Realization dawned on her. The letter. She planned for it to only be a commendation letter for those who had fought so bravely during the attack, but this was the perfect opportunity to warn him at the same time. Sure, she might be able to see if Xalanath knew a spell or scroll that could transmit a message instantly, but it either come at a cost to her in some way, or Siverath would reject it. He disliked arcane with a passion.


    Aviana finished scrubbing up, and hopped out of the bath. She dispersed the water as she dried off. Tossing the towel on the floor, she rummaged through her bag for writing supplies. She also pulled out a kettle and some tea leaves. After getting her tea situated, she sat down at the small table in the room. Aviana dipped her quill in a vial of ink and wrote her letter.


    Siverath,


    I hope this letter finds you well. You no doubt have already heard of the events that transpired in Windshire recently. Your paladins fought bravely against the pirate raiders. They are all deserving of the highest of praise. In fact, I had the honor of fighting alongside one, Wyatt Stormcrest. He left enough of an impression I¡¯ve requested he hand you this letter personally. If he didn¡¯t, and one of your other paladins thinks they can steal some credit, please punish them on my behalf. The punishment chosen is up to you.


    I also write to you for another reason. Natamere is in grave danger. I can¡¯t explain to you how I know this, but please believe my words. Unfortunately, I don¡¯t have much to give beyond my feelings there is one man of power responsible. Someone who may understand your city well. If I had more to offer, I would certainly divulge the information.


    So please, do tread carefully in these coming weeks.


    I also will be happy to see you soon. I don¡¯t doubt Xalanath would find a way to let you know sooner than this letter, but I will be traveling to Natamere myself. And I have with me a little surprise.


    I cannot say when I will arrive, as I¡¯ll be making stops along the way, but, until we see each other, don¡¯t get into too much trouble.


    Love,


    Aviana


    Temperance stirred from her slumber around the time Aviana finished. Her little sister gazed at her with groggy blue eyes and smiling lips. ¡°Morning, Avi.¡±


    She held up Kyanite. ¡°Kyanite says good morning too.¡±


    Aviana left her letter to dry, and stood up. ¡°Good morning to you both as well. Sleep well?¡±


    Temperance nodded. ¡°Uh huh. When is morning food?¡±


    A lopsided smile spread across Aviana¡¯s lips. ¡°Breakfast will happen once you¡¯re awake and ready for the day. How is your head? Hurting at all?¡±


    Temperance yawned and then smacked her lips together as she looked around the room. ¡°Feels fine.¡±


    Aviana cocked her head to the side. Curious. She went over to her sister and sat down on the bed and gave her a once over. ¡°You do seem fine. You¡¯re not experiencing any pain or aching? Any sensitivity to the sun peaking in through the window?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Temperance said, shaking her head.


    ¡°Well, alright then. Maybe you didn¡¯t drink enough to get a hangover.¡±


    ¡°So, now that you¡¯re done, can we eats?¡±


    Aviana snickered and went to speak when someone knocked on the door. Her brow furrowed. Who could be knocking this early in the morning?


    The person knocked again and Temperance answered in a sing-song voice. ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s me, Xalanath. I need to speak with you and Aviana.¡±


    Temperance looked to Aviana and then the door. Aviana would say something then, but she was a bit curious how Temperance would handle this interaction. ¡°Did you bring us foods?¡±


    He paused with an answer. ¡°Uh, no.¡±


    ¡°Then go away.¡±


    Aviana fell over laughing. Her sister never ceased to be amusing.


    Xalanath cleared his throat. ¡°Please allow me to have an audience with you two? It¡¯s important.¡±


    Temperance let out an exasperated sigh and looked to Aviana. ¡°He¡¯s your lover.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not lovers.¡± But, that did give her an idea. A wonderfully, evil idea. Aviana stood and headed for the door, gaining a confused look from Temperance when she pointed to Aviana¡¯s lack of attire. Aviana place a finger to her lips. Temperance giggled and held Kyanite up to her face as if ¡°hiding¡± from what was about to happen, though her eyes remained unobscured to witness what went down.


    Aviana grasped the handle of the door and swung it open. ¡°How can we help you, Sparky?¡±


    Xalanath¡¯s green eyes went wide, his face turning a deep crimson. He spun around. ¡°Must you act so indecent, Shark Bait?¡±


    She leaned against the doorframe, giggling. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Sparky? All that time spent in Natamere make you squirm when faced with our customs?¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a custom. And all I want to do is have a proper discussion with you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who wanted the audience with us before we¡¯ve gotten ready for the day. And this is how I sleep.¡± She chuckled. ¡°Not that I haven¡¯t been known for walking around like this during the day, as many others in the clan do.¡±


    The red on his face reached his ears, his fingers curling, and his teeth clenched. ¡°Can you please be civil with me?¡±


    ¡°You need to apologize first!¡± Temperance yelled. ¡°Whatever you did to make Avi mad, you¡¯d best apologize.¡±


    ¡°I have nothing to apologize for,¡± he gritted out.


    ¡°Then I suppose we have nothing to discuss.¡± Aviana slammed the door shut. In all honesty she didn¡¯t expect one. He would never think he was in the wrong. But, she would enjoy playing it up since her sister prompted.


    Aviana faced Temperance. ¡°Okay, now why don¡¯t I draw you a bath, and I¡¯ll fetch us breakfast?¡±


    Her sister¡¯s eyes glowed. ¡°Splish-splash time!¡±


    As much as she didn¡¯t like what happened last night, Aviana had to admit, she did miss the more mature side of Temperance already. But, no matter what, she loved her sister, and would accept her as she was.


    Aviana drew a hot bath. Temperance tore off her clothes and jumped in, giggling when the water splashed out everywhere. Aviana gave her a warning glance, and Temperance sighed, snapping her fingers to clean up the mess.


    She shook her head. If anything positive came of this excursion with her sister, it was that spell. Aviana didn¡¯t care how much Calypso hated her for allowing it. At least now she could expect Temperance to take more responsibilities for the messes she made. Hopefully this won¡¯t give her an excuse to make more than necessary.


    Aviana threw on her clothes, since Erik wouldn¡¯t be too pleased if she walked downstairs with nothing but what nature gave her, and then left to get them breakfast. Xalanath was not longer standing outside her room, but instead he sat in ¡°his¡± chair in the common room.


    ¡°Now will you speak with me?¡± he grumbled.


    She didn¡¯t pass him a glance as she passed through. ¡°Now I¡¯m getting breakfast.¡±


    He let out an exasperated sigh, but didn¡¯t stop her.


    Aviana descended into the tavern below, the smells of delicious food wafting up to greet her. Erik already stood at his place behind the bar. Ollie, the poor boy, sat at the bar, slumped over in a semi-awake state, and Krax sat at a table, holding his head. No doubt he¡¯s experiencing a hangover.


    Another man sat at the bar on the opposite side of Ollie, nursing a mug of ale already. Ted, the local drunk. Aviana didn¡¯t know much about him, except he lost his wife and son in the same raid as Jace. Now he squandered what little money he had on drowning his sorrows. She¡¯d never outright trusted the man, but she did feel sorry for him.


    ¡°Ah, good morning, Avi,¡± Erik greeted. ¡°Looking for breakfast?¡±


    ¡°You know it.¡± She came up to the bar and ruffled Ollie¡¯s hair. ¡°Someone isn¡¯t awake.¡±


    Ollie mumbled something but didn¡¯t move. Erik shook his head. ¡°One of these days, boy, you¡¯re going to have to get used to the early mornings.¡±


    ¡°If big brother did his job, then I wouldn¡¯t have to,¡± Ollie grumbled.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    Aviana¡¯s brow rose. ¡°Syed isn¡¯t here?¡±


    Erik¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°He never came home. The lazy, love-sick oaf. When I get my hands on him¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh, calm down, Erik,¡± Lily chided from the kitchen. ¡°You were the same when you met me.¡±


    Erik grunted and cleaned a mug to busy himself, even though Aviana could tell it was already clean. She chuckled at his behavior. His wife wasn¡¯t wrong. Aviana remembered many days where he didn¡¯t show up at the tavern chasing Lily around town like a love sick puppy.


    Lily came out of the kitchen then. ¡°Would you like anything specific, dear?¡±


    Aviana shook her head. ¡°Just some extra bacon for my sister.¡± Her eyes darted to her half-orc friend in the corner. He remained in the same stupor as when she first arrived. ¡°Add a plate for Krax too. On my tab.¡±


    Erik waved her off. ¡°Nah, I¡¯ll give it free of charge. But only because he¡¯s just as good as his mother was when she used to work here, and it was needed last night. Your bard friend really knows how to get it crazy in here.¡±


    Aviana shrugged. ¡°You¡¯re the one that let him in.¡± She grinned. ¡°I just gave him inspiration.¡±


    Erik groaned and rolled his eyes before looking to his wife and nodding. Lily disappeared back into the kitchen. She returned a moment later with a plate of food, and Shiah also left the kitchen to deliver a plate to Krax. Aviana stopped her and reached into a small pouch clipped to her side, pulling out a strip of willow bark and a small seed.


    Taking a deep breath and muttering a blessing to nature, magic swirled up inside her and jumped to the seed, accelerated the growth and producing a stock of peppermint. She broke the bark into pieces, slipping into the mug of water Shiah carried and placed the peppermint on the plate. ¡°Make sure he drinks all the water after the bark steeps. It¡¯ll help the headache and ease any other join trouble he may have. And he needs to chew the peppermint if he¡¯s got any nausea.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you put that tree hugging remedy stuff in my food,¡± Krax grumbled. ¡°I didn¡¯t accept it as a boy, I¡¯m not accepting it now.¡±


    ¡°Krax, I will hit you on the head and make that headache worse,¡± Aviana threatened. ¡°Now, be good, and take your medicine.¡±


    He grumbled and but didn¡¯t argue. Erik and Lily laughed, Lily patting Aviana on the hand. ¡°Ever the mother with him.¡±


    Aviana shrugged. ¡°Old habits die hard.¡±


    She accepted the food from Lily and turned to leave, only to be stopped by Erik. He kept his voice rather low. ¡°Do you, uh, have anymore of that bark?¡±


    Aviana gave him a knowing smile and procured some from her pocket. He thanked her and she headed back up stairs. Xalanath still sat in his chair. This piqued her interest. He was being unusually stubborn today.


    She stopped in front of him. ¡°Are you going to sit there all day?¡±


    He looked up at her. ¡°I sure hope not. I wasn¡¯t kidding when I said I had something important to speak to you about.¡±


    Aviana gazed at him, searching his eyes. She caught no ill intent, but Xalanath usually did his best to be unreadable. Today, wasn¡¯t one of those days. She caught the traces of sincerity. Not something she was used to seeing in him, but she wasn¡¯t going to dwell on it. It was never worth the time or effort.


    She nodded. ¡°Very well. Give me a few moments to get Temperance decent.¡±


    Xalanath snorted. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Aviana took several steps away when he rose and touched her elbow. ¡°Wait.¡±


    She looked back at him, only for her eyes to fall on a tattered leather journal in his hands. Many pages appeared to be ripped, folded, or haphazardly stuffed inside, a leather tie the only thing keeping them from falling out. He held it out to her. ¡°This is for you.¡±


    Her brow cocked, but she didn¡¯t take it from him. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°My father asked me to give it to you when he was last here.¡±


    Aviana didn¡¯t understand but she took the book regardless.


    ¡°It belonged to Yivira,¡± Xalanath said.


    Her eyes snapped to the book. ¡°What was my mother¡¯s book doing in his possession?¡±


    ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m not sure,¡± he said. ¡°Neither does my father. He found it tucked away in some of his things in Natamere. He doesn¡¯t remember it ever being in that spot. It¡¯s as if it magically appeared.¡±


    This got Aviana to laugh. And subsequently Xalanath to smile, though when she looked at him, his expression changed to a more neutral one.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what it contains. We both tried to read some pages but it was all gibberish.¡± A smirk appeared on his face. ¡°As if she didn¡¯t want anyone but certain people to be capable of reading it.¡±


    Aviana looked around for a place to put the tray of food down. Xalanath instead took it from her. She passed him a confused glance, but nodded her thanks regardless. She pulled off the leather strap and flipped the book open, her eyes gazing over the elegant script.


    Contrary to what Xalanath said about his and Siverath¡¯s attempt to read, the words read out clear to her, but she knew way. Her fingers traced over the old ink, this not in her mother¡¯s handwriting at all.


    ¡°I can tell you¡¯re able to read it,¡± Xalanath observed.


    Aviana nodded. ¡°It¡¯s written in a cryptic script only us Xenres know. It allows us to keep our family secrets¡­ well secret.¡±


    Xalanath grunted. ¡°What kind of world domination book did she leave behind then?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing so sinister, I can assure you.¡± The pages flipped as Aviana scoured over the diagrams, component listings, and notes. ¡°It¡¯s not even my mother¡¯s book. Not solely at least. This is the second half of our family¡¯s alchemy journals, passed down through the generations. It details our most prized potions, and gets added to each generation as we develop new recipes or improve upon old ones.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s chest tightened. ¡°I couldn¡¯t find this one, no matter how long I searched. I thought¡­ I thought it was gone for good¡­¡±


    The book slammed shut and she held it close to her chest. She took a moment before looking at Xalanath. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    He gazed at her for a moment and then shrugged, looking away. ¡°Thank my father. He cared enough to return it to you.¡±


    ¡°He handed it to you to pass off to me. You could have tossed it somewhere and forgotten about it. But instead you gave it to me.¡±


    Xalanath looked at her with soft eyes. ¡°We cared about her a lot, Avi. Especially my father.¡±


    Pain swarmed her chest and she looked down at the book in her arms. ¡°I know¡­¡±


    A moment of silence passed between them. Aviana took a deep breath and snatched her breakfast plate back. ¡°Well, I need to get this to my sister before she goes nuts.¡± Xalanath chuckled but refrained a comment. ¡°Come see us in a little while to talk about this important thing.¡±


    He nodded. ¡°Sure.¡±


    She turned and headed back to her room.


    ? ? ?


    Temperance splashed around in the bath. She loved the water. Fresh or salty, didn¡¯t matter to her. It was so much fun. It also distracted her from the headache she had. Aviana asked her to talk about any pain that may have come from drinking last night, but Temperance didn¡¯t want to fess up the truth in case Aviana wouldn¡¯t let her drink again. She liked it.


    She looked up when the door opened and her sister strolled in, a plate of delicious smelling food in her hands. ¡°Okay, Tempy, I think you¡¯ve washed up enough.¡±


    Temperance sunk down lower in the basin. ¡°But I don¡¯t wanna come out. It¡¯s fun in here.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t eat breakfast in the tub.¡±


    Temperance groaned and kicked her feet. ¡°Why not? Momma doesn¡¯t let me and she¡¯s not here, so I should be allowed to do things she tells me no normally.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not how this works, Temperance.¡± Her sister¡¯s voice had an edge to the tone, and it sparked a bit of concern in her. ¡°If you don¡¯t behave, we won¡¯t continue this adventure I had planned for us over the next few weeks.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s shoulders slumped and she stuck her bottom lip out into a pout. ¡°Please don¡¯t bring me back yet. I love momma, a lot, but I¡¯m having so much fun with you, Avi. I want to keep having fun and learn so much more!¡±


    Her sister patted the table she set the food on. ¡°Then get out and dry off so you can eat. We have some things to discuss over breakfast anyway.¡±


    With a reluctant sigh, Temperance dragged her butt out of the fun water. Aviana handed her a towel and she dried off, only to remember she had her presto spell and finished drying that way. Aviana didn¡¯t scold her for using it, so why not?


    She sat down at the table and gasped at the sight of the bacon on the plate. She grabbed it immediately and munched away. Aviana didn¡¯t start eating right away though. She looked over some sort of parchment that appeared to have her handwriting on it and then rolled it up. She dripped some hot wax on it and then pressed a ring she always wore. When her sister pulled away, the wax had an imprint of the Shikala symbol with a bottle in the middle of it. The bottle had a strange eye set in the center¡ªher family seal.


    Temperance cocked her head. She¡¯d never seen Aviana use the ring like that before. Her mom had a pendant with their own family crest on it, the Shikala symbol with a book in the middle. Temperance thought everyone¡¯s seal was a pendant, but maybe each person carried theirs in their own unique way. I can¡¯t wait to pass my test and carry my family seal too!


    Aviana set the sealed scrolled down by an old book Temperance had never seen. Where did she get that?


    Her sister didn¡¯t give her a moment to ask. She clasped her hands together and leaned on the table. ¡°So, Temperance.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s munching stopped. She got a bad feeling from this.


    ¡°I want to talk to you about last night.¡± Knew it. ¡°Particularly about your actions.¡±


    ¡°Avi, I know you¡¯re mad, b¡ª¡±


    Her sister chuckled, confusing her. ¡°Temperance, I¡¯m not mad at you.¡±


    She cocked her head, her red hair bouncing about. ¡°You¡¯re not?¡±


    Aviana shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m irritated, yes, but I understand why you did it. Even if you were slightly intoxicated.¡±


    Temperance looked down at the table, dragging her finger along it. ¡°I just wanted a kiss. And you told me we might have to take on jobs every now and then if we ran low on money. So I thought¡­¡± What did she think? She really hadn¡¯t thought much past the kiss bit. He was so cute.


    Her sister gave a knowing look. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m irritated, Temperance. You thought of the one thing you wanted, but didn¡¯t think about anything else. Like how it would have benefited us. Or if it was actually safe.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s around my age!¡± Temperance waved her hands in the air. ¡°How could he be unsafe? And you have no right to talk. You go off with strange people all the time!¡±


    Aviana sighed and lifted a cup of tea to her lips. After taking a sip, and looked at Temperance again. ¡°I¡¯ve learned how to read people. And I have different ways of protecting myself if I read wrong. You¡¯re not as experienced.¡±


    Temperance crossed her arms. ¡°He¡¯s still not dangerous. He¡¯s my age.¡±


    ¡°And there have been far younger people in history who have destroyed civilizations,¡± Aviana countered. Temperance rolled her eyes. Here she went again.


    But, to Temperance¡¯s surprise, Aviana¡¯s posture changed. She relaxed in her chair. ¡°Tell me, during the Second Era, on the continent of Calain, what was the cause of the Syrolian Empire¡¯s fall?¡±


    Temperance pressed her lips together. A test? Well now she was in trouble. She couldn¡¯t just let Aviana walk over her reading knowledge. What did I read about the Syrolian Empire? Oh! ¡°It was a pair of twins from the Shalitar family. They ruled before the Syrolians overthrew them.¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°And what was so significant about those twins?¡±


    ¡°They were¡­¡± Temperance thought harder. ¡°Eight years old!¡± Oh wait¡­ Temperance pouted, not liking that her sister tricked her. ¡°Yeah¡­ I know they were super young. But this is different!¡±


    Her sister let out a breath. ¡°Then how about the story about Rowan and Zoila from the continent of Arul?¡±


    Excitement bubbled up inside Temperance. ¡°Oh! Oh! I know this one! It¡¯s about Rowan, a half-elf and power sorceress, who worshiped flames and believed herself to be a goddess of fire, and her adopted mother, Zoila, and high-elf barbarian of a woman whose strength was unmatched by any other.¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°Yes. And what does that story say?¡±


    ¡°They scorched the land in search of Zoila¡¯s husband who had destroyed her clan and betrayed her, removing anything that obstructed their path.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, but that¡¯s not all. Rowan was merely nineteen years old, like yourself, and, her mother only two hundred, near equivalent to my age. They were unstoppable, and acquired many followers, some more eccentric than others. Only Rowan was ever believed to be an evil person, Zoila having been witnessed showing mercy and compassion to some, especially children, but that didn¡¯t make their choices right.¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s just a story,¡± Temperance complained, her shoulders slumping.


    ¡°Yes, a story based on real history. Those people existed and they caused much chaos in their wake.¡±


    ¡°But this is still different!¡±


    Aviana rested her forehead in her hand and let out an exasperated sigh. Temperance didn¡¯t understand why her sister thought Gerrad was dangerous.


    They looked to the door when someone rapped on it. Then Xalanath¡¯s voice spoke up. ¡°Am I allowed to come in yet?¡±


    ¡°Did you bring food?¡± Temperance asked.


    ¡°No, because your sister brought that.¡±


    Temperance twisted her lips to the side. He had a decent point. But how else was she going to get him to create a peace offering for Aviana?


    ¡°Give us another minute,¡± Aviana said. ¡°Temperance needs to dress.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll gladly wait.¡±


    Temperance looked down at herself. ¡°I know momma would say yes, but is there really something wrong with how I am, Avi?¡±


    Her sister shook her head. ¡°No, but it¡¯d make Xalanath uncomfortable, and he won¡¯t stop pestering us until he can talk to us.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll still pester you after,¡± Xalanath called through the door.


    Aviana¡¯s eyes narrowed toward the door but instead of replying she sipped her tea. Temperance had no idea what was going on. One minute Aviana was fighting with her beloved and spending time with another man, and now they were on okay terms? I don¡¯t understand relationships at all!


    Temperance decided to just get dressed and not think too hard on it. Her sister was complicated.


    When she finished, she made sure Kyanite sat proper at the table and Aviana opened the door to let Xalanath in. He smiled at her sister and then took a seat at the table. Aviana sat back down and looked at him expectantly.


    Xalanath opened his mouth to speak but became distracted by the scroll on the table. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°A letter to your father,¡± Aviana said. ¡°A commendation for the paladins who fought to push back the pirates.¡±


    Xalanath¡¯s brow spiked. ¡°How generous of you. Now, to get to the point of why I¡¯m here. I¡¯m aware of the topic of contention between the two of you. And I¡¯m here to offer a way for you both to be happy. Possibly.¡±


    Aviana leaned back in the seat and crossed her arms. It made her boobs look bigger and Xalanath turned his gaze away from her, his cheeks a little red. Temperance didn¡¯t understand this reaction. She didn¡¯t understand why he freaked out to her opening the door naked the first time. If he was her beloved, then he obviously would have seen that before with how she behaved. Right? ¡°I¡¯ll ignore the topic of how you know, and get straight to asking how you help.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know much about this Gerrad boy, but I know Terrance. He¡¯s actually the man the paladins are supposed to be escorting to Natamere. And because I know him, I can say for sure, Terrance has no apprentice.¡±


    Aviana shot Temperance an ¡°I told you so¡± look. Temperance crossed her arms and sulked. Gerrad didn¡¯t lie to her.


    ¡°At least, not as far as when I last spoke to him,¡± Xalanath concluded.


    Temperance perked up. That was promising. ¡°When was that?¡±


    ¡°Three weeks ago.¡±


    There was still hope then. Gerrad was a new apprentice, that¡¯s all. That¡¯s why he didn¡¯t know where Terrance was. Maybe the alchemist forgot he was supposed to meet poor Gerrad here in town. Yeah, that¡¯s totally it!


    ¡°Okay, but how does this solve our issue?¡± Aviana asked. Kill joy. She had to stick to the point.


    ¡°As I said before the paladins and I haven¡¯t seen him in three weeks.¡± Xalanath tapped his fingers on the table. ¡°He claimed he¡¯d be back in a few days after doing something a little farther northeast from here. He didn¡¯t give us the exact location, and when he didn¡¯t come back after the first week, we did some scouring and only found minor traces of his presence.¡±


    He pressed his lips together and continued. ¡°He¡¯s still alive. I planted a magic based tracker on him. He¡¯s somehow managed to break the location tracking but I can at least tell if he¡¯s alive or not. I¡¯m not worried about his safety. He¡¯s a capable man. But I suspect he¡¯s forgotten his promise to meet with my father, and we all know how thin his patience is. He¡¯s not all there all the time. This is where you come in.¡±


    Xalanath¡¯s eyes snapped to Aviana and then move to Temperance. ¡°I can turn this into a real job for you both. I can offer a reward and all.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s nose scrunched. ¡°I don¡¯t want a kiss from you.¡±


    Xalanath place a hand on his chest as if offended, and Aviana laughed, nearly spilling her tea. When she calmed, she sipped her tea again. Xalanath¡¯s offence grew when Aviana didn¡¯t say anything.


    Temperance cocked her head. ¡°Why do you look so upset? You¡¯re supposed to kiss Avi. She¡¯s your beloved.¡±


    Aviana choked on her tea. ¡°Temperance¡­ we¡¯ve been over¡­ this¡­¡± She coughed many times. ¡°He¡¯s not¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure she¡¯d be happy to have a kiss as a reward!¡± The thought brought a big smile to Temperance¡¯s face. Maybe that¡¯d make her sister less grumpy.


    Xalanath turned his focus to Aviana, a wicked grin on his lips. ¡°I¡¯m sure she would. It¡¯d be quite the electrifying experience for her.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s eyes burned into him as she got her coughing under control. For some reason, Temperance found his words amusing. She giggled away until she snorted. Her hands flew up to her face and the other two laughed.


    ¡°Not funny!¡± Temperance said through her hands. ¡°Kyanite, make them stop laughing at me!¡±


    He didn¡¯t.


    It took some time, and some pouting from Temperance, before Aviana and Xalanath calmed themselves.


    ¡°Okay, okay, back to the serious matter at hand,¡± Xalanath said. ¡°I have real payment for you both.¡±


    ¡°A kiss is a real payment,¡± Temperance muttered.


    He gave an expression that disagreed with her, but said nothing about it. Xalanath waved his hand and a blue satchel with gold ornate trimming and a large blue gem appeared. It looked a lot like the gem on Kyanite¡¯s neck, but cut differently. ¡°My payment for finding Terrance is an infinity satchel, this precious Kyanite stone, and one thousand gold.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°I like those rewards!¡±


    Aviana nodded, her eyes saying she was impressed by the payment offer. The infinity satchel alone was a great payment.


    Temperance had only seen one, the one her mother had, and her mother said they were hard to create. This made them rare and expensive.


    They appeared as ordinary satchels, aside from the color of them on occasions, but they contained a powerful enchantment, allowing a user to store anything into it with little space restriction¡ªprovided the item didn¡¯t require air or could fit into the bag opening of course. Her mother explained the enchantment caused the items to go into a special void, which was why living things couldn¡¯t be stored.


    Another drawback was the maximum capacity. That was determined on the bag size and the power of the enchantment. Her mother¡¯s could hold up to eight hundred pounds at a time. Temperance also found out what happened when you tried to stuff too much into it. The item was rejected and her mother warned her to be more careful, as the bag could potentially rip, and if that happened, they¡¯d either lose everything or the contents would be ejected all at once. There was no way to predict that.


    ¡°Okay, so you¡¯re going to pay us to find Terrance,¡± Aviana said. ¡°What can you tell us about him?¡±


    Xalanath shrugged and leaned back in his chair. ¡°Typical alchemist. Nice, especially towards children, but all sorts of crazy.¡±


    His eyes darted to her and Aviana¡¯s lip curled. ¡°Watch it. Or you¡¯ll find out how crazy I can get.¡±


    Temperance giggled.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be looking for a tall old fellow. Spry for his age, but he¡¯s tricky, and likes to pretend his age bothers his body,¡± Xalanath continued, undeterred by Aviana¡¯s threat. She must do that a lot then. ¡°The last bit of evidence we found was a small settlement to the northeast, about eight hours walking. It¡¯ll appear abandoned but it¡¯s not. The inhabitants are¡­ unusual, and not welcoming of outsiders. They¡¯re not a threat to someone like you, Shark Bait, but just watch yourself around them.¡± His eyes glinted. ¡°Especially keep an eye on your coin purse.¡±


    Aviana nodded, her expression unreadable to Temperance. She wondered what kind of inhabitants lived there. Maybe they¡¯re a bunch of delinquent kids. Or maybe some really weird dwarves. Excitement built within her. Oh! Oh! Maybe¡­ maybe this settlement is by a lake, and they¡¯re merfolk!


    No one had seen merfolk in this era. Sometimes sailors would claim to have run aground because of sirens, but no proof of their existence could be found either.


    Temperance didn¡¯t believe they were gone. And one day, she was going to meet one and they were going to be the best of friends! Hopefully not a siren though. They weren¡¯t nice.


    ¡°So, do we have a deal?¡± Xalanath asked.


    Aviana grinned. ¡°We¡¯d be happy to track down this eccentric alchemist of yours.¡±


    ¡°Perfect. I¡¯ll take my leave then.¡± He snapped his fingers and disappeared. But that wasn¡¯t the only thing that happened.


    Temperance gasped when Aviana¡¯s hair turned pink. ¡°So pretty!¡±


    Aviana¡¯s brow furrowed as she turned to look at her. ¡°What is?¡±


    Temperance pointed to her sister¡¯s hair. This confused her more until she reached up and touched her pink locks. Her eyes widened and red formed in her eyes. ¡°Xalanath!¡±

 [B1] Chapter 9: The Eccentric Alchemist

    9


    The Eccentric Alchemist


    A light spring breeze blew across the plains, carrying the lingering smell of fresh rain. Temperance splashed away in some puddles, ignoring Aviana¡¯s call to focus. She was having too much fun to stop.


    ¡°Temperance,¡± Aviana¡¯s voice going stern. ¡°You have a job to do. Focus on it and not puddles.¡±


    Temperance let out a deep exasperated sigh. ¡°But, Avi, the puddle laws state all puddles must be jumped in when seen!¡±


    ¡°We have a job, one that you started might I add, and you need to help me look for Terrance.¡±


    Temperance ignored her sister and splashed around more.


    ¡°That¡¯s it.¡± Aviana¡¯s voice rose more, sending a chill down Temperance¡¯s spine. ¡°I¡¯m docking your pay.¡±


    Temperance gasped and stopped splashing. ¡°You can¡¯t do that!¡±


    Her sister¡¯s eyes burned into her. ¡°Oh, yes I can. If you don¡¯t pull your weight on a job, you don¡¯t get paid like everyone else on it.¡±


    Temperance threw her head back and stomped her foot. ¡°We¡¯ve been traveling for hours, Avi! Playing in a few puddles isn¡¯t going to hurt us.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve played in every puddle since we left Windshire, slowing us down. This docking of pay is non-negotiable. Either you work or you play. Your choice.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s nose scrunched and she crossed her arms with a huff. ¡°Ever since your lover cast that spell on your hair you¡¯ve been in a foul mood.¡±


    On cue, Aviana¡¯s hair went from a silver color to a lime green. It¡¯d done this every now and then, sometimes turning two shades in odd patterns. Temperance had tried to correct it, but her limited arcane use couldn¡¯t trump Xalanath¡¯s. He¡¯s a strong mage!


    Aviana¡¯s lip curled at the sight of the new color and pushed on down the road. ¡°That¡¯s not the reason. I just know how to take a job seriously. Now let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Liar pants.¡± Temperance stomped out of the puddle and followed her sister.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we do something to occupy your bored mind,¡± Aviana suggested.


    Temperance gestured to the puddles. ¡°That¡¯s what I was doing!¡±


    ¡°Something constructive.¡±


    Temperance grumbled to herself. Puddle jumping is constructive.


    Her sister pointed to a plant with a yellow flower head as they passed. ¡°Can you tell me what that is?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a dandelion, duh.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s eyes cut to her. ¡°Don¡¯t give me lip. What is dandelion used for?¡±


    Temperance thought about this but found she didn¡¯t know that answer. ¡°I dunno.¡±


    ¡°They help fight loss of appetite, upset stomachs, body pains and aches, and reduce chronic dry skin issues.¡±


    Temperance cocked her head. That was an interesting use for such a small plant. She wanted to learn more. You can never learn enough! ¡°What other plants around here are useful like that?¡±


    Aviana smiled wide, her eyes sparkling so much Temperance knew she¡¯d done good by wanting to know. Temperance didn¡¯t see her sister smile like this often. Or much at all when they were back home.


    Before her sister could continue, the ground shook around them. They looked behind when they caught the sound of thundering hooves. Temperance¡¯s eyes went wide. A cart at top speed thundered down the road.


    Aviana grabbed her by the arm and yanked her off the road, the cart zooming by and the driver yelling at them, ¡°Out of the way, peasants!¡±


    Aviana bared her teeth. ¡°Watch where you¡¯re going, you whore shit!¡±


    Temperance gasped. The things that came out of her sister¡¯s mouth sometimes. ¡°Avi, you¡¯re so lucky we are only half siblings. Momma would have washed your mouth out with soap¡­ or magically sealed it.¡±


    Aviana snorted. ¡°And had my mom been yours, you¡¯d be acting a whole lot different.¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯d like having your mom as my momma,¡± Temperance said as they continued on. ¡°She sounded like she was a lot of fun.¡±


    Aviana smiled. ¡°You would have liked her.¡±


    Temperance noticed the sadness in her sister¡¯s eyes. She couldn¡¯t imagine what it¡¯d be like to lose family like her sister had. Aviana had told her how she had lost her grandfather at the age of seven and then her mother when she was twelve. She had no other family besides Temperance and back home Aviana didn¡¯t seem to have any friends.


    She always avoided the conversation, but Temperance could tell she wasn¡¯t very well liked back home. But it wasn¡¯t like that in Windshire. She had all kinds of interesting friends. She wondered why back home was so different.


    She needed to cheer Aviana up again. ¡°That mean person interrupted your lesson. Please teach me more.¡±


    Aviana smiled again. ¡°Only if you help keep an eye out for Terrance clues.¡±


    ¡°I promise.¡±


    ? ? ?


    Hours passed and no signs of Terrance or the settlement still. Aviana was beginning to think they were on a wild goose chase at this rate. Temperance¡¯s complaining about aching feet mixed with Aviana¡¯s constant changing hair didn¡¯t help matters either. Xalanath is so dead for this stupid spell.


    ¡°Avi, can¡¯t you turn into an animal that I can ride?¡± Temperance asked.


    Her face twisted. ¡°Why would I shapeshift into something so only you can rest? I¡¯m not carrying you.¡±


    Temperance whined and complained, but stopped after a while when it didn¡¯t change Aviana¡¯s mind. At least Aviana got to shove some more medicinal knowledge into her sister¡¯s mind. She also got the chance to teach Temperance about environmental variants on both animals and plants, since the unique properties of the area around Starglade had such a heavy effect on nature.


    Temperance gasped when Aviana¡¯s hair turned the same shade of blue the one lock she had was¡ªthe only lock of hair to stay unaffected by Xalanath¡¯s spell. ¡°I like this color for you!¡±


    Aviana twisted a lock of hair. ¡°I do too, for once.¡±


    The two of them rounded a bend in the overgrown road, and before them stood a ruined settlement. This stopped them in their tracks.


    ¡°Avi, is this place your beloved told us about?¡± Temperance asked, her eyes wide.


    ¡°For the last time, we¡¯re not involved.¡± Aviana took several cautious steps forward. ¡°But I would bet this is that place.¡±


    ¡°It looks so¡­ sad.¡±


    Aviana nodded, though focused more on scanning the area. Her hair stood on end. Something wasn¡¯t right.


    Wood creaked from one of the closer houses and a small person jumped out a window, a human boy from what Aviana could tell from this distance. He ran for them with a large stick of some sort, yelling at the top of his lungs.


    Aviana instinctively pulled Temperance behind her and place her hand on one of her scimitars, but when she realized how ill-equipped the boy was for fighting she removed her staff from her back instead. Would be best to not kill the boy if this is a misunderstanding.


    The distance between the two of them and the boy lessened until he was close enough to swing his strange looking stick. Aviana blocked with precision, refusing to strike the boy unless she needed to. He looked all of ten, dirty to the point she almost didn¡¯t realize how pale his skin way, and malnourished.


    ¡°You get away from us right now!¡± he yelled. ¡°I won¡¯t let anyone hurt the others.¡±


    Aviana continued to block. ¡°Boy, please calm down. We¡¯re not here to hurt anyone. We¡¯re loo¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe a word you¡¯re saying,¡± the boy said. ¡°I won¡¯t fall for your lies, weird half naked lady.¡±


    Her brow cocked while Temperance laughed. That was a first of that insult, if you could call it that. Aviana stepped to the left while deflecting, but unfortunately Temperance moved the opposite direction, exposing her to the strange boy.


    Seeing her unarmed, the boy went for her. Temperance screeched and ran, the boy swinging wildly. ¡°Don¡¯t hit me! Don¡¯t hit me! I didn¡¯t do anything wrong. Aviana, save me!¡±


    Aviana watched the strange sight as they ran in a circle. She wasn¡¯t sure what to make of the situation.


    Then the inevitable happened, he caught Temperance and smacked her on the head. She stumbled and then fell, crying out in pain and then sobbing. Instinct drove Aviana to jump in. It told her to teach this ill-mannered brat a lesson, but she also knew her lessons for hurting her sister were far too harsh for this child.


    Aviana managed to rein her emotions in and grabbed the boy¡¯s stick. ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡±


    The boy stared at her wide eyed, his knees shaking a bit. ¡°Let go!¡±The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    He tried to pull his weapon out of her grip but he wasn¡¯t strong. Aviana ripped the wood from his hands, the motion sending him on his rear. She fixed the boy with a hard stare, his eyes still wide with fear. ¡°How dare you attack an unarmed person like that. That was uncalled for.¡±


    ¡°Give me back my sword!¡± He did his best to sound strong and undefeated, but his voice cracked.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been bested, boy,¡± she said. ¡°You didn¡¯t wield this properly so now I¡¯ve taken it.¡±


    Aviana checked on Temperance. She complained when Aviana touched the tender spot on her head, but luckily the boy hadn¡¯t broken the skin. She turned to him again. ¡°Apologize to my sister, now.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± He shook. ¡°You can¡¯t win.¡±


    Aviana admired the boy¡¯s determination, but it was going to get him killed with the wrong people. She knelt down in front of him. ¡°I bested you. You¡¯ve lost.¡±


    Tears now stained his dirty freckled cheeks. ¡°I have to win. I have to protect everyone.¡±


    Aviana placed a hand on his head. ¡°Who do you have to protect?¡±


    ¡°The other kids that live here¡­¡±


    Kids? What about adults? Come to think of it¡­ Aviana thought it strange not a single adult showed up during the commotion. She could think on that in a moment. For now she needed to reassure the boy to calm him and explain why his actions were so dangerous. ¡°And that¡¯s very noble of you, but you lost this time because you rushed in without knowing who you were up against. Luckily, I¡¯m not an enemy, so you¡¯ll be able to learn from this and you can get better.¡±


    He looked up at her with big brown eyes. ¡°You¡¯re really not going to hurt me?¡±


    Aviana smiled. ¡°Of course not. I never was. We¡¯re only here because we¡¯re searching for someone.¡±


    The boy looked down at his feet and thought for a moment before looking at Temperance. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I hit you.¡±


    Temperance rubbed her head. ¡°I¡¯ll forgive you. Just don¡¯t hit me again, okay?¡±


    He nodded. ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±


    Temperance knelt down next to the boy. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    The boy looked at her, his cheek tinting a bit, piquing Aviana¡¯s interest. ¡°William. But everyone calls me Billy. What¡¯s your name?¡±


    The young redhead gave him a dazzling friendly smile. ¡°Temperance.¡±


    Billy smiled. ¡°That¡¯s a pretty name. Like you. How old are you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m nineteen. But Avi always says I¡¯m nineteen going on five, whatever that means.¡±


    Billy nodded. ¡°I don¡¯t know what that means either.¡± He looked to Aviana. ¡°You said you were looking for someone?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Yes, an older gentleman by the name of Terrance.¡±


    Billy frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t know anyone by that name. But my brother Roderick might! He knows everyone who comes through here. But he has to, since he¡¯s in charge.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s brow spiked. ¡°He¡¯s in charge of this town?¡±


    The boy nodded. ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s the toughest here, so everyone made him leader.¡±


    ¡°Who is everyone?¡± She was getting a strange feeling from the way this boy spoke about this odd settlement. It didn¡¯t help he¡¯d only specified only protecting children a moment ago.


    ¡°The other kids. I told you that¡¯s who I was protecting.¡±


    There it was again. ¡°What about the adults?¡±


    He blinked. ¡°There aren¡¯t any. Well, except for some of the older kids, like my brother.¡±


    A ramshackled place with little to no adults and a bunch of children, what kind of settlement was this?


    ¡°What happened to all the adults?¡± She wasn¡¯t sure if it was safe to press, but she really wanted to know.


    ¡°They¡¯re dead,¡± came a new voice.


    Aviana turned to see a young man of tan complexion around Temperance¡¯s age standing a bit of a ways off. His hand rested on the hilt of an undrawn sword. Behind him, two boys and one girl, maybe a few years younger, stood behind him, rusted weapons drawn. Like Billy, they too didn¡¯t look well off.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that,¡± Aviana said, standing so she could address them properly.


    The young man¡¯s eyes fell to the flimsy stick in her hand and then Billy. ¡°I don¡¯t want to jump to conclusions, but I¡¯d be lying if I felt comfortable seeing my brother in tears surrounded by two strangers.¡±


    ¡°You must be Roderick then.¡± Aviana smiled and then placed a hand on her stomach, her hand covering her navel, bowing with her free hand facing out and to the side of her. ¡°My name is Aviana. Your brother is safe. Neither of us harmed him, though he¡¯s lucky. He chose to attack first and ask questions later.¡±


    Concern flashed across Roderick¡¯s eyes. He turned a stern look to Billy. ¡°Is that true?¡±


    Billy lowered his gaze. ¡°Sorry, Brother. I just really want to be strong and protect everyone like you¡­¡±


    Conflict flickered across his face, pulled between reprimanding his brother and admiring his passion. Aviana understood his position intimately.


    ¡°Next time, think before you act. You could have been seriously hurt for doing something so rash. Call out to us next time someone approaches. That way you can learn from us how we¡¯d handle a situation.¡±


    Billy frowned and continued to stare at the ground, his shoulders slumping. Roderick walked over and knelt down, placing a hand on his brother¡¯s head. ¡°But I¡¯m proud of the courage you have. We¡¯ll need someone like you to keep everyone safe.¡±


    Billy looked up with a big toothy grin. ¡°These two girls are really nice, Roderick. They¡¯re looking for someone. Can you help them?¡±


    ¡°Since they chose not to harm you, when most would¡±¡ªRoderick¡¯s eyes darted to Aviana¡¯s weapons on her hips¡ª¡°and had the means to, I will hear them out.¡±


    He stood to address Aviana. ¡°As you already know, I¡¯m Roderick. I keep everyone safe here along with some of the older kids. Who are you looking for?¡±


    ¡°Mister Terrance!¡± Temperance chirped. ¡°He¡¯s some crazy alchemist guy we were sent to find.¡±


    ¡°Old bald man with a long beard?¡± Roderick asked.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t get a full description, but it sounds like you know him,¡± Aviana said.


    He nodded. ¡°I do, but before I tell you more, why are you looking for him?¡±


    Protective to a fault. He took his role seriously, even for those not part of their odd settlement. Terrance must have gained their trust somehow to earn it.


    ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯ve been gone so long,¡± an older voice said.


    Everyone turned to see a tall, bald, half-elven man of light tan complexion with a long gray beard and blue robes approaching. He had kind blue eyes, like you¡¯d expect from an elder who wanted nothing more than to share his stories with young children.


    ¡°You must be Terrance,¡± Aviana said.


    He nodded. ¡°And you¡¯re Aviana.¡± Aviana opened her mouth to question him, he silenced her with a held up hand. ¡°I knew your mother. You¡¯re a spitting image of her. Minus the delinquent hai¡ª¡±


    He made a face, as did all the kids around her. Aviana sighed. ¡°It changed again, didn¡¯t it?¡±


    Temperance squealed. ¡°It¡¯s purple!¡±


    Of course it is¡­


    Terrance nodded. ¡°I see. Let me guess, that whelp Xalanath is behind this?¡±


    ¡°How could you tell?¡± The sarcasm rolled thick off Aviana¡¯s tongue.


    The old man reached into a pouch hanging off his side and pulled out a small vial containing a violet liquid. ¡°If you¡¯re willing to trust an old alchemist, this will do the trick to dispel that prank of his.¡±


    While she didn¡¯t trust him, she was curious about his potion. And if he really did know her mother, she wanted to find out how much. She wanted to find out just how much of a master alchemist he was, and why he was so important to Siverath. ¡°I¡¯d like to inspect it first before agreeing to anything.¡±


    A half smile slipped up his face and he tossed it to her. Aviana caught it and looked it over, swirling the liquid and taking a long look at how the mixture sparkled.


    Temperance attempted to take it. ¡°It¡¯s pretty, I want it!¡±


    Aviana kept it out of the young woman¡¯s reach. ¡°No.¡±


    Temperance crossed her arms and huffed.


    Aviana uncorked the bottle for a brief moment to waft its scent to her nose. It¡¯s sweet with a tinge of floral. This finished her analysis and she concluded the concoctions had been made with three flowers, and elemental water. ¡°Lilacs, cherry buds, and violets, are the main ingredients. This would be a dispelling potion with¡±¡ªshe swirled the potion more¡ª¡°a small side effect due to the violet flowers.¡±


    Terrance clapped slowly. ¡°Impressive. I hadn¡¯t prepared for you to be able to identify a concoction by looking at it.¡±


    ¡°Not all can be.¡± She winked. ¡°But my mother made a similar one all the time. Hers turned your nose colors for half a day.¡±


    Terrance snickered. ¡°Mine turns the tongue purple for a full day.¡±


    A whole thirty-six hours. Could she live with that over ever changing hair for the gods knew how long? Yep. Aviana uncorked the vial, the floral scent wafting into her nose, and gulped down the potion. A tingling sensation rushed over her and then¡­ nothing.


    Aviana stuck out her tongue and Temperance giggled. ¡°It¡¯s purple! You¡¯re like the giraffes in my books!¡±


    All the kids around her leaned closer to take a look, interested in the power of the strange potion. Aviana also wasn¡¯t feeling any other side effects, so she determined this man to be the real deal.


    ¡°Now,¡± Terrance turned. ¡°If you two would follow me, I believe you can help us. We have a few sick children that need help. It¡¯s why I¡¯ve been away so long.¡±


    ¡°Wait, we didn¡¯t give permission for this,¡± Roderick protested.


    Terrance stopped and faced the young man. ¡°Boy, you stand in the presence of two Shikala. There are no safer people to be around than that clan.¡±


    Roderick looked to Aviana and Temperance and then back to Terrance. ¡°Am I supposed to understand what¡¯s so special about that term?¡±


    Terrance sighed. ¡°Honestly, I give you all books and tell stories so often, one would think you¡¯d learn from at least one of those situations.¡± He shook his head. ¡°Dragon worshipers, boy. Dragon worshipers.¡±


    All eyes fell on Aviana and Temperance again.


    ¡°Because dragons are the bestest! Temperance beamed. She bounced toward Terrance. ¡°Mister Terrance, can I help you and Avi? Can I? I really want to help. Please? Please, please, please!¡±


    Terrance glanced to Aviana, eyes wide and unsure how to handle the bubbly and eager redhead. Aviana nodded. ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s always like that.¡±


    Temperance cocked her head. ¡°Always like what?¡±


    Terrance patted her on the head. ¡°Fun loving.¡±


    ¡°Yep, that¡¯s me!¡± She smiled wide. ¡°So, can I help?¡±


    A raucous laugh escaped him. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure we can find something for you to help with. Come along everyone.¡±


    Aviana helped Billy up and they all headed into the dilapidated settlement. As they did, Aviana noticed curious eyes peering out from different buildings. They¡¯re all children. All those she noticed, ranged from anywhere around the age of five, to mid teens, maybe fifteen or sixteen. The older children, while seeing Aviana and Temperance accompanied by Roderick and his band, looked ready for an altercation of some sort. The smaller children on the other hand appeared frightened of the girls¡¯ presence, though still curious, as children were. None approached them however.


    In the center of the town stood a tall building, untouched by the same plague of decay the other buildings suffered. As they drew closer, Aviana noticed the pulsing runes scattered across the different surfaces of the building. Upon closer inspection, she determined them to be protection runes. This must be how they stay safe as a last resort.


    Terrance entered the building, Aviana and the other following. The moment she step foot in, the pungent scent and sounds of sickness overtook her senses. So many children lay about in makeshift beds created from furniture that looked as if it had been scavenged, cleaned, and repaired to the best of one¡¯s ability outside of those types of occupations. The downstairs would be rather cozy, had it not been for this fact.


    A low burning fire crackled in a nearby fireplace, and teen scrounged away in a small kitchen in the far back.


    ¡°I was helping these children rebuild this place when so many came down with a strange illness,¡± Terrance said. ¡°I¡¯ve done what I can, but there is only so much my form of alchemy can do. But you¡±¡ªHe faced her¡ª¡°If you¡¯ve followed in your mother¡¯s footsteps, you may be able to help these children.¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can do.¡±


    She went to the closest child, around the age of five or six, and knelt next to his shivering form. His eyes cracked open and he coughed, but appeared too weak to do much more. Aviana pressed her hand against his forehead and immediately recoiled. His skin burned too high.


    Lifting his chin and arms she checked for any blistering and rashes, to find quite a few. She touched his face against and did her best to be gentle while encouraging his eyes to open. The whites of his eyes were red.


    Aviana moved to the next child, a girl in her early teens. She also had the same symptoms. As did the next two children she checked.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Roderick asked, stepping farther into the building, his eyes intent on her.


    ¡°I¡¯ve encountered this illness before,¡± Aviana said, still looking over the children. ¡°Several decades ago it befell the Thunderblood orc clan. I was able to cure it with little issue, though crafting the medicine takes time, and these children need some relief immediately.¡±


    She stood and faced the others. ¡°I need a few of you to fetch yarrow and elderberries. This will aid in reducing their fevers. After we prepare and administer that, I¡¯ll have to search for some manayupa and a few other rarer plants to mix with some vitality potions.¡±


    One of the older boys stepped forward. ¡°My mother was a medicine woman here. She taught me many things before she died, so I¡¯ve been aiding Terrance where I can. I could handle the proper prep of the yarrow and elderberries if you want to start your search for the more important plants for the cure.¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°That¡¯s a better plan. What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Henry.¡±


    ¡°Well, Henry, I¡¯m keeping them in your capable hands.¡± She looked to Temperance. ¡°This illness reduces appetite and if these children are going to get better, they at least need to stay hydrated. I want you to collect dandelions.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s usual carefree demeanor changed to a serious one. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Avi, I¡¯ll bring back enough for everyone.¡±


    Pride swelled in Aviana¡¯s chest.


    Terrance stepped forward. ¡°I¡¯d like to accompany you, Aviana. I believe I can offer you some valuable assistance.¡±


    Aviana gauged him for a moment. She didn¡¯t distrust him, but the way he looked at her gave her pause. ¡°I would not say no to the help of a master Alchemist.¡±


    Terrance clapped his hands together. ¡°Then let¡¯s get to it.¡±

 [B1] Chapter 10: Family Secrets

    10


    Family Secrets


    A twig snapped under Aviana¡¯s foot as she scrounged the underbrush for the right plants. So far she and Terrance been successful in finding everything on her list, but this last item eluded her. She had a small dried batch of it stored in her medicinal pouch, but it wouldn¡¯t be enough for the tonic she had to create.


    What surprised her during this foraging expedition, was how quiet Terrance was. She thought he had some sort of ulterior reason for accompanying her, but he focused on collecting and offered little conversation. It¡¯s not the first time I¡¯ve read someone wrong, but it¡¯s not a regular occurrence¡­


    Terrance stood up straight from his hunched over state and stretched. ¡°I¡¯m getting too old for this.¡±


    Aviana chuckled. ¡°Is this where I find out you¡¯re some seven hundred years old or something.¡±


    ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t remember how old I am.¡±


    She gave him a quizzical glance. ¡°That old, huh?¡±


    He rocked his head back and forth. ¡°Perhaps. Or perhaps it¡¯s one too many potions exploding in my face over the years.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s head flew back as she laughed.


    ¡°Had any potions backfire on you, Aviana?¡± he asked.


    She grunted and went back to searching. ¡°I couldn¡¯t rightfully call myself an alchemist if I hadn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°True, true. How many would you say?¡±


    A green fern caught Aviana¡¯s eye. Not what she needed, but ferns made for good disinfectant, so she picked it. ¡°I stopped counting after five. Figured there wouldn¡¯t be much of a point to keep track. That was a long time ago though. So you could probably surmise a good guess.¡±


    ¡°If you had one every year, you¡¯d have at least sixty. Based on the guess you didn¡¯t start your path in alchemy until you were ten, and you¡¯re about seventy now, yes?¡±


    Aviana¡¯s foraging ceased and she turned to look at him. He¡¯d made his way closer, his posture not threatening, though his eyes intent on her. An uneasy sensation fell over her. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°The summer solstice is coming.¡± He smiled. ¡°That should be when you age up a year. No, wait, you were born early, so a little sooner than that.¡±


    A muscle tightened in Aviana¡¯s neck. ¡°How do you know that?¡± She doubted her mother would tell this man those types of details. No one needed to know that.


    Terrance¡¯s approach stopped, his eyes¡­ sad. ¡°She really didn¡¯t tell you about me, did she?¡±


    Aviana didn¡¯t respond and he sighed. ¡°Yivira said she would when you were ready to know. Based on how she talked about you, I thought you were plenty ready, but it appears she disagreed.¡±


    Silence filled the space between them. Aviana wasn¡¯t sure what to do with this man. What was he getting at with her?


    ¡°Our sister is quite the interesting young woman.¡±


    Everything inside Aviana stopped. ¡°Our?¡±


    Terrance slid one of his long robe sleeves up, revealing a patch of blue scales all along his forearm. ¡°That¡¯s right. At first, I thought maybe she might be a daughter of yours. But I¡¯m well aware of the harshness of the world and our clan in its current state. Not many out there are capable of accepting what we are.¡±


    Our clan? He didn¡¯t have the Shikala symbol on him. But even still, there was something about his words that resonated with Aviana. There was truth there. Somewhere.


    She took several cautious steps forward, ready for some sort of surprise or catch. Terrance remained still, his arm still extended. Aviana reached out, and lightly touched the scale pattern on his forearm. Her touch increased in pressure when he didn¡¯t stop her, and she explored this feature of his.


    Aviana had never seen this before. She had many half-brothers, most half-dragon like her, but none of them ever wanted to be around her. Something having to do with how their father treated her and her mother compared to the rest of them¡ªor something like that.


    Cryson and Bryson were really the only brothers to remain kind and helpful, but as full dragons, they didn¡¯t understand some of the hardships she went through. Or had gone through some of the more unique physical and mental changes.


    ¡°You¡¯re coming to the age of great change, Aviana,¡± Terrance said. She looked up at him. ¡°As you know, our draconic blood changes how we develop in our early years. Your senses are much different than the elves in the clan, or any other half-elf you meet outside. But it comes into play later in our lives as well, when we reach out twentieth year and seventieth.¡±


    He reached out and brushed his fingers against the corner of her right eye, touching her scales past her illusion spell. ¡°This change is the smallest. The one you will go through this year will be much more. What will happen to you, I can¡¯t say, as it¡¯s different for each individual. I can only recommend you practice this skill you present now so you are ready when that moment comes.¡±


    Aviana already knew this. Half-dragons used to be common when the clan hadn¡¯t been so torn apart. And they were respected¡ªspecial¡ªregardless of color. As such, her family archives had enough information about what could possibly happen to her over the years.


    Aviana reached out to his right eye, but when her hand made contact with his skin, she felt no scales. Her brow furrowed and reached for the other eye, only to receive the same result. Her lip twisted and she reached for his forehead. Terrance didn¡¯t stop her.


    Her fingers touched his wrinkled brow, and where she should have felt possible hidden gems, or the magical power of the ink used for the clan¡¯s symbol, she felt nothing. ¡°How¡ª¡±


    He gave her a wan smile and pulled her hand away. ¡°Alchemy is a powerful tool, Aviana. I may prefer tricks and experimental concoctions, but I do know how to make something stable and useful.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you live in Starglade?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I ran.¡± He frowned. ¡°I ran and never looked back.¡±


    Aviana nodded. Given his age, the time he would have come from when their father wasn¡¯t his kindest, she could understand why.


    He then smiled again. ¡°I¡¯m so glad I had that annoying whelp send you to me.¡±


    Words failed her for a moment. Aviana blinked and finally managed to formulate a sentence. ¡°W-what? Are you saying this was a setup?¡±


    Her old brother chuckled. ¡°Yes and no. I told Xalanath I wanted to meet you the next time you came to Windshire. So, he arranged for you to come here and sent me a magical message when you were on your way.¡±


    Aviana pursed her lips. ¡°That jackass! He told me you were missing. That you broke some magical¡ª¡±


    ¡°Tracker?¡± He belted out a hearty laugh. ¡°Oh, that was no lie. That good-for-nothing sorcerer did try to keep tabs on me. But even though I¡¯m no spring owlcat anymore, I can still out whit that whelp. Breaking his tracker wasn¡¯t even a challenge.¡±


    Aviana cocked her head. ¡°So, are you really expected in Natamere then?¡±


    Terrance chuckled. ¡°Oh yes. But I like giving the golden one a run for his coin purse. Makes my life more interesting. And Xalanath gets his kicks by sending those paladins on wild goose chases. So win-win.¡± He shrugged. ¡°Besides, these kids need help, and they¡¯re too stubborn to accept it from anyone they don¡¯t trust.¡±


    Aviana shook her head. He certainly fit the bill to be called her brother. And she suspected this was only the surface to his personality.


    Terrance reached for a bag tied to his hip. ¡°Now, shall we head back? I collected this plant a while ago. I just wanted to ensure we got to chat a bit first.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s jaw fell open. ¡°Really? You made me do all that searching for nothing?¡±


    He winked and handed it to her. Arg! Brothers¡­


    The two headed back for the settlement, the clouds above darkening and swirling with the threat of rain, and Terrance continuing to strike up conversation. ¡°I¡¯d like to ask you something. It¡¯s in regards to your open presence.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s brow rose. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t imagine Raileth would allow you to be here,¡± he said. ¡°But¡ª¡±


    Aviana held up her hand. ¡°I know what you¡¯re going to say. I had this conversation with Xalanath already. Though, hopefully this will go better with you than with him.¡±


    Terrance snorted. ¡°That parlor trick boy has no manners. I may be a crazy old man, but I still haven¡¯t lost those.¡±


    ¡°Father isn¡¯t the same man he once was.¡± Aviana¡¯s lips twisted. ¡°I know he¡¯s done terrible things in the past. I will never excuse those actions or try to justify them. But he isn¡¯t the same. Because of my time previous times spent visiting Windshire in secret, I learned many things. I use that to work on opening our borders for trade over the last few decades. I¡¯ve secured several farther North. And because of this, I¡¯ve learned so much about the cultures beyond our borders.¡±


    She looked at Terrance. ¡°Father allowed me to take Temperance out to see this world so she could learn and grow. He barely batted and eye at my request, merely made sure I had a plan and asked what I¡¯d need to remain comfortable during the trip. He¡¯s not perfect, Terrance, but he¡¯s not the dragon you knew him to be.¡±


    Terrance gazed up at the sky, his eyes thoughtful. ¡°You¡¯ll have to forgive me for being skeptical. The things I saw, were not of a being who could ever do something right.¡± He chuckled. ¡°But then again, your mother was quite the woman. I knew how close she put herself to Raileth. I saw it with the way she worked with Siverath. He tried to hide it, but that brute of a dragon was completely smitten with her. That woman had a plan, and if this is the result of what she attempted before she died, then maybe she had succeeded in some way.¡±


    He glanced to her. ¡°And you have merely been finishing her work.¡±


    Was she? Aviana wasn¡¯t sure these days. Sure, she¡¯d come to Windshire originally because Akorith, but she¡¯d been far from successful with winning both Siverath and Xalanath over. A partial success at best, maybe, but even Aviana knew she would never be able to convince Siverath and her father to stand in the same area as each other without ripping at each other¡¯s throat. It¡¯d be nice though¡­


    A tiny rain drop splashed onto Aviana¡¯s shoulder. ¡°My mother isn¡¯t dead.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± He didn¡¯t hide his disbelief.


    Aviana nodded, her eyes intent. ¡°It was the way the elders told me. It¡¯s the way father refuses to discuss the topic or look me in the eye when she comes up in conversation. They¡¯re lying. I know more than they realize, thanks to things I¡¯ve seen. She¡¯s out there, somewhere, and I¡¯m going to prove it.¡±


    ¡°Things you¡¯ve seen, eh?¡± Terrance sounded more curious than dismissive, which was good. ¡°There¡¯s more to why you¡¯re traveling, isn¡¯t there, Aviana?¡±


    She pressed her lips together. He may be her brother, but she didn¡¯t know the extent of his knowledge about her family line.


    Terrance placed a hand on her shoulder. ¡°You can trust me, dear. I know how important your family is to our clan. I¡¯m old, not ignorant. So tell me, what task did Akorith give you?¡± Aviana wasn¡¯t sure how to handle this. She¡¯d never had anyone bring up conversations like this with her. She¡¯d never known anyone to understand what she dealt with and accept it. This was all so knew. Should she trust him and see if he could offer help in some way? Or should she keep it secret, just to be safe?


    She decided the risk was worth it right now. ¡°I have to find Candara.¡±


    Terrance belted out a hearty laugh. She expected that response. It was a rather ludicrous idea after all. He quieted when he realized she was serious. ¡°This isn¡¯t a joke¡­¡±


    Aviana shook her head.


    Terrance¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Aviana, no one has seen that city since in over two thousand years, after it flew away to escape the war that followed us to this continent, when we first arrived five thousand years ago at the start of the Era of Divergence. There¡¯s no proof the city even exists anymore.¡±


    ¡°Do you doubt Akorith?¡± Aviana asked.


    Her brother hesitated. ¡°Well, no.¡±


    ¡°Then trust me when I say this is the task he set me on. Candara is out there. And so is my mother. He promised.¡±


    Terrance¡¯s eyes bugged out. ¡°Akorith told you she was alive?¡±


    ¡°Not in those certain words, no. But I asked him, when he gave me my first task the first week I was a recognized adult in the clan, and he told me as long as I follow the path he set to fix the clan, I¡¯d get the answer.¡± She smiled. ¡°And it was the way he looked at me as he spoke, that told me I was right about my suspicion.¡±


    ¡°Well, I hope you¡¯re right. I miss her dearly.¡± A melancholy smile appeared on his face. ¡°She was a good friend. We had many laughs and adventures together. And the gods knew she was one of the few to ever make a great rival in alchemy.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s lips tightened. ¡°She had a gift.¡±


    Terrance¡¯s eyes cut to her. ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to seeing you in action. I suspect, even more self-taught than anything, you pose for an impressive alchemist.¡±


    A smile slipped up half of Aviana¡¯s face. ¡°Sometime trial and error are our best teachers.¡±


    ¡°That is true.¡± Terrance looked up to the dark sky, the raining falling harder now. A wicked grin formed on his lips. His hand darted out and shoved Aviana to the side, and he took off down the road. ¡°Think you can keep up?¡±


    Aviana righted herself and picked up her pace. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t be much of a win against an old man.¡±


    Terrance chuckled and rushed away with surprising speed. Aviana pushed faster, excitement racing through her. No way would she allow some old man to outrun her.


    ? ? ?


    Rain hammered the earth by the time Aviana and Terrance made it back to the settlement. Terrance pulled ahead of Aviana and reached the village line first. She let out a heavy breath while resting her hands on her thighs, Terrance cheering and doing a victory dance. Rain beat down on her back, but it was a welcome relief. Spring here in the Karma Wilds could get rather warm, even in the grasslands. Once the rain stopped, it would get miserable, but right now, Aviana loved it.


    Terrance¡¯s exuberance was short-lived when the sound of Roderick shouting caught both of their ears. The two passed each other a confused looked before running to the main building.


    When they rounded the corner, they came to a sight of Temperance jumping around in puddles, many of the smaller children playing along with her. Roderick stood in the doorway of the main building, a nasty scowl on his face.


    He looked their way. ¡°Oh good. Maybe you can talk some sense into all of them. They need to get out of the rain.¡±


    Aviana looked at the children and took in the amount of joy radiating off of them. Life had been too cruel. It threatened to take away what it meant to be a child, much like it had done to her. And Aviana refused to encourage that darkness. ¡°No, they¡¯re fine.¡±


    Roderick¡¯s mouth fell open. ¡°Are you mad? They¡¯ll get sick too at this rate.¡±


    Aviana shook her head and slipped inside. ¡°Let them be kids, Roderick. Their lives are tough enough as it is. It¡¯s going to be all right.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ll get sick!¡±


    His care for the others touched her. Aviana went over to the now dead fireplace and created a fire using her magic. Children gasped around her.


    ¡°How did you do that, lady?¡± one of the younger boys asked before coughing.


    She smiled at him. ¡°With magic.¡±


    His eyes went wide. ¡°I wanna do magic.¡±


    Aviana left the fireplace and tucked him back into his makeshift bed. ¡°With dedication, one day you can. But right now, we need to get you better. So rest.¡±


    The young boy grumbled and snuggled into his blanket. Aviana went back to drying herself by the fire. Terrance had already helped himself to a spot.


    ¡°Avi!¡± Temperance called.


    Aviana turned to see her sister skipping inside, soaked from head to toe, with all the little ones following. ¡°Done having fun?¡±


    ¡°For now.¡± She smiled. ¡°We got everything you asked for! And I helped Henry with the dandelions. He knows a lot of stuff!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great to hear, Temperance. Thank you.¡±


    Roderick ushered some of the smaller children toward the fire. ¡°Alright, all of you over here to dry off before you get sick as well.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t need to do that,¡± Temperance said.


    Roderick¡¯s brow rose and then furrowed when Temperance dried off each child one by one with her magic. He looked to Aviana who gave him an ¡°I told you so¡± smile.


    Aviana and Terrance were last to get the treatment. ¡°There, now everyone won¡¯t get sick!¡±


    Terrance looked himself over. ¡°Impressive, little one.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s nose scrunched. ¡°I¡¯m not little.¡±


    ¡°Yes, right, my apologies.¡± He looked to Aviana. ¡°I have a makeshift lab upstairs. Why don¡¯t we get to work?¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°Yes, the sooner the better.¡± She looked around. ¡°Where is Henry?¡±


    Roderick tossed his head toward the door. ¡°Checking on the other kids. I¡¯ll go get him if you need him.¡±


    ¡°Please do,¡± Aviana said. ¡°I¡¯d like for him to learn how to make this curative in case this sickness returns.¡±


    Roderick¡¯s eyes flashed with a tinge of worry and ran off into the rain. Not long after, he returned with Henry, both soaked, but only for a moment, as Temperance took care of them. Roderick muttered something about needing to learn the spell and Temperance smiled wide.


    Aviana gestured to Henry. ¡°Come. I¡¯m going to show you how to make this cure.¡±


    Henry¡¯s pale blue eyes lit up. ¡°Really?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°I want to ensure all of you are equipped to living on your own. That means someone needs to know healing of some sort, and you¡¯re in luck, because healing medicinally and alchemically is something I know a great deal about.¡±


    His eyes shone. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best to learn everything I can.¡±


    Aviana dismissed the fire she¡¯d created and looked to Temperance. ¡°I need you to take over and keep it warm in here.¡±


    Temperance gasped. ¡°You mean I can use the spell now?¡±


    Aviana nodded. Her sister squealed and ran over to the fireplace. She took a deep, concentrated breath, and muttered the incantation while making the quick hand motions required for the spell. Fire leapt from her fingers and a new flame replaced Aviana¡¯s previous one. It wasn¡¯t as large, but that¡¯d come with practice.


    ¡°Very good,¡± Aviana praised. ¡°Now that you¡¯ve successfully used the spell, make sure you note it in your spellbook I had you start, in case you need a reminder.¡±


    Temperance pointed to her head. ¡°I don¡¯t need a reminder like that, Avi, I already told you that. I can remember it just fine. My mind is like a steel trap!¡± She held up Kyanite. ¡°Even ask Kyanite. He¡¯ll vouch for me.¡±


    Terrance passed Aviana an amused look. Even as a non-caster, he knew those were famous last words as she learned new spells, and experienced many new things on her adventure.


    He then ushered her and Henry upstairs. Beds filled the main room of the upper level, more children lying down. This unsettled Aviana. She hadn¡¯t realized there were more. She prayed there was enough for the cure.


    The three slipped into a side room. A long table with various alchemy tools and supplies filled it. Aviana pulled out all the collected herbal supplies, and went to work milling down the plants. Henry helped, as did Terrance, in a way. Instead of milling, he switched to a mentor role, kindly guiding them if they used too little or too much force. Terrance¡¯s mutters of encouragement pushed her in a positive way she hadn¡¯t experienced in some time.


    Aviana showed Henry how to combine the various components into a potion, and utilize the byproduct into a salve for the rashes. He was a quick study, and his eager nature made it easy for her to teach. These children would be in good hands with this boy.


    With all this help, Aviana finished the cure in record time, as well as producing far more than she would have without out Terrance¡¯s instruction. Aviana did well making potions, for someone who was predominantly self-taught, but there was a benefit to learning from someone with experience.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Aviana called for the older children to help administer the cure to all the sick, and then to those who were healthy as a precaution. Temperance offered to keep the youngest children busy with more play, which Aviana and Roderick were both grateful for.


    When Aviana was sure Terrance and the young adults had things under control, she excused herself to go about writing some notes for Henry. Not only did she write medicinal notes, but she also added in some potions, and how to flavor them and other curatives to encourage children to take it easier.


    Aviana looked up when someone entered the room, and smiled at Roderick. ¡°All done?¡±


    He nodded. ¡°Now we wait for them to improve like you said.¡±


    She smiled. ¡°Should only be a day, two at the most before you see improvement.¡± Aviana completed her notes, and placed her family seal on the parchments. Made them look official and all.


    Aviana realized Roderick hadn¡¯t moved. He watched her with an unusual intensity. She cocked her head. ¡°Something the matter?¡±


    Roderick studied her, his brow furrowing. ¡°You¡¯ve got a hardness to your eyes that is much like ours, but also different. You¡¯ve seen hardships, but somehow still stay open and positive. How?¡±


    Moonlight filtered through the window in her workshop. Pungent smells filled the air as the newest test brew boiled over a controlled fire in a vial. Aviana flipped through her book, making sure she didn¡¯t miss a step.


    The floor behind her creaked. She turned to see what owlcat was trying to sneak up on her. Her eyes widened and she screamed as a dagger sliced through the air at her.


    Aviana jumped back to the present and banished the memory. A sympathetic smile crossed Aviana¡¯s lips. ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯ve seen many dark and horrible things. I¡¯ve experienced many types of losses and pains. But I¡¯ve also experiences great joys too.¡±


    She left the table, taking the parchment with her, and motioned him to follow her. She gestured to a young girl now relaxing in her bed. ¡°Look at her and take in her beautiful smile.¡± She moved to a window and pointed out where Temperance played with the children. ¡°Listen to their carefree joy.¡±


    Aviana took him by the hand and pulled him downstairs and outside. ¡°Close your eyes and listen to the world around you. Hear the peacefulness that is nature. Feel the warmth of the sun¡¯s caress on your skin.¡±


    She turned to face him, finding his eyes closed and listening to her words. There was none of the former tightness to his face¡ªall that walls temporarily gone. After a moment he opened his eyes to look at her.


    Aviana continued. ¡°There is light within the darkness. And darkness within the light. It¡¯s not something that can exist without the other. Not even we can exist without both. This is how I can smile. This is why I¡¯ve chosen not to allow my pain to consume me.¡±


    She kept her expression light and understanding. ¡°It¡¯s okay to not trust others. Skepticism keeps you safe. And just because I¡¯m friendly, does not mean I am trusting. But altering your approach to life, will help improve it. For you and for the others here who look to you for guidance.¡±


    Aviana patted him on the shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s not easy being in a position of power. There¡¯s a lot of responsibility. But you¡¯re the right man for that.¡±


    Moisture rimmed Roderick¡¯s eyes, but he did his best to hold it back. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    The two turned when Terrance emerged from the building and went to playing with the children alongside Temperance. He tossed around potions with colorful liquids with all types of effects, creating a strange spectacle, like a poorly planned magic trick. The children giggled and cheered. He had a good heart. She still wasn¡¯t sure what to make of him, but least he had that.


    Aviana looked up to the clouded sky, the sun trying to peak through. It was getting late. ¡°We should be going to report in and let the paladins know they¡¯ll have to meet you here before you all head to Natamere.¡±


    Temperance stopped playing and looked as though she were going to protest, until something caught her mind. ¡°And tell Gerrad!¡±


    ¡°Gerrad? Did you say Gerrad?¡± Terrance¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You will tell him no such thing, young lady.¡±


    Aviana and Temperance shared a glance. ¡°Why not, Mister Terrance?¡± Temperance asked. ¡°He said he was your student and was looking for you.¡±


    Terrance shook his head. ¡°That boy is no student of mine. A stalker he is. Crazy lad; obsessed with my work.¡±


    Aviana gave Temperance an I told you so look. Her eyes bugged out. ¡°No. that can¡¯t be true!¡±


    ¡°It is girl, and you will not tell him where I am. He cannot know.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ but¡­¡± She looked at her hands, counting and playing with her fingers. ¡°That can¡¯t be right. We found out about this job because of him. He was going to give me a kiss as a reward for finding you.¡±


    Terrance¡¯s eyes filled with sympathy. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, dear. But I tell you the truth.¡±


    Her lips twisted as she wrangled with her reality. Aviana noticed Roderick¡¯s focus on Temperance change. It looked thoughtful. What is he up to?


    He walked over to Temperance and leaned over, pecking her on the cheek. ¡°For bringing your sister here. Without her, the other kids would be in a lot of trouble.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s cheeks reddened and she touched her cheek with a light hand, a meek smile spreading across her lips. The need to protect Temperance tugged Aviana hard, but she quieted it. It was well within what was allowed, since Aviana was here to chaperone, and it was innocent enough.


    Aviana joined Temperance¡¯s side and placed a hand on her sister¡¯s back. ¡°Let¡¯s get going. It¡¯s a long walk.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Terrance held up a hand. ¡°Aviana, before you go. Will you by chance be near Natamere anytime this year?¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°That¡¯s one of the planned stops on our trip.¡±


    He smiled. ¡°Excellent. I would like for you to come see me when you do. I¡¯d love to teach you a few things.¡±


    Her eyes widened. ¡°Really? I mean, are you sure you want to pick me?¡±


    Terrance nodded. ¡°You show great potential. It¡¯d be quite an honor to take you as an apprentice.¡±


    An apprentice for a master alchemist? Aviana never thought in a million years she¡¯d be allowed to train under one. Not after her mother¡¯s disappearance. ¡°No, that honor is mine. I¡¯d love to learn alchemy from you.¡±


    He grinned, his eyes glinting. ¡°Wonderful. And as a first task, please give the little gecko these for me?¡± He handed her two slips of parchment, one red, one black. ¡°This will be proof you found me.¡±


    Aviana check the colored parchments, finding no writing on them. She suspected they¡¯d been dipped in a potion and sealed.


    Temperance cocked her head. ¡°Little gecko?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a nickname for Xalanath,¡± Aviana said.


    Temperance¡¯s nose scrunched. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s a weird name to give your beau.¡±


    Terrance¡¯s brow rose. ¡°What?¡±


    Aviana sighed. ¡°For the last time, I am not courting him. I wouldn¡¯t court someone so¡­ insensitive.¡±


    Terrance scrutinized her with a keen eye. ¡°What¡¯s the worse prank he¡¯s pulled?¡±


    Aviana shrugged. ¡°They happen so often I¡¯ve never bothered to rank them. They¡¯re never funny or good for a laugh after the fact. The one I hated the most was a gift for my birthday. A box of dead roaches and wilted flowers.¡±


    She didn¡¯t mind bugs, most she rather liked, but a box full of dead one had just irked her bad. Her only consolation prize, when she threw the box at him, the carcasses fell out onto him and some got into his clothes. Had she not been so mad, she would have laughed at him as he danced around trying to get them all out.


    Terrance¡¯s lips spread into a thin line. ¡°Yes, I could see the ill taste in such a prank. But to be fair, his father was no better for timing. Many decades ago, for my own birthday, he gave me a box of live fire ants!¡±


    Aviana¡¯s brow rose. ¡°Siverath did that? Mister no fun. Mister high and mighty stick in the mud?¡±


    Terrance¡¯s eyes glittered, a delighted smile on his face. ¡°Your mother had quite the effect on him. In fact, you should have seen when your mother gave him a potion that turned parts of his skin ink black for five days. The potion had been so potent, it couldn¡¯t be dispelled.¡±


    Aviana laughed, picturing the large, proud man walking around with in his pristine armor and ink-stained skin. ¡°Sounds like her. I do feel as though I never got the chance to see that side of her enough, but my grandfather was a prankster. So it would be no surprise she¡¯d take after him.¡±


    Terrance wagged his finger at her. ¡°Well enough to corrupted Xalanath.¡±


    Her brow spiked. ¡°Xalanath? He¡¯s always been a self-centered jerk who causes other¡¯s misfortune for his own amusement.¡±


    The old man chuckled. ¡°Oh, how little you know. When Xalanath was younger, he was a near spitting image of his father¡ªfully devout to Akorith to a fault. Then your mother showed up and corrupted him, or Siverath liked to claim. I personally find this a better path, though he could stand to dial back a bit on some of his antics.¡±


    Aviana reflected. ¡°Makes sense now that I think about it. Mother never cared for Natamere¡¯s clergy. She said they were no better than those they claimed were enemies due to their own extremes.¡±


    She tucked the two pieces of parchment into her top. ¡°Nevertheless, Xalanath and I will never go anywhere.¡±


    Terrance gave her an incredulous look but let it go. Instead, he procured a small vial with purple liquid. Temperance¡¯s eyes went wide at the sight of that. ¡°What¡¯s that¡¯s Mister Terrance?¡±


    He smiled and handed it to her. ¡°Something special for you. My own way of making up for Gerrad¡¯s deception.¡±


    A gleeful squeal erupted from her and she happily took the vial. ¡°What does it do?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll turn a lock of hair purple for a full day.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s eyes went wide and then her face light up. ¡°Best potion ever!¡± She went to drink it but froze. ¡°Wait, if I only took small sips, could I make the potion last longer? Or would it not work?¡±


    Good, she¡¯s learning. Aviana tried to teach her sister about potions and their different effects, including possible outcomes for partial consumption.


    Terrance nodded and she squealed with delight, taking a sip of her potion. Before their eyes, a lock of Temperance¡¯s hair changed to purple. Temperance''s giggling and twirling of the lock of different hair. She then smelled her hair and sighed. ¡°Roses¡­ my favorite.¡±


    Terrance stroked his beard. ¡°That¡¯s odd. There shouldn¡¯t be a side effect with that potion.¡±


    Temperance ignored the man and Aviana chuckled. ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s an issue. Not for her or for anyone else who would use it. It acts as a nice perfume.¡±


    ¡°True enough. Now I shouldn¡¯t stall you anymore. Safe journey, you two.¡±


    The two sisters said goodbye to everyone and then made the long trek back to town.


    ? ? ?


    Bright light from the twin moons shone down on Windshire as Aviana and Temperance traversed the cobble streets, a fire atop Aviana¡¯s staff guiding their way. Waves crashed on the beach and ships rocked against their docks. Three patrolling paladins passed them, but one stopped and turned their way. ¡°Lady Aviana?¡±


    Aviana turned to see Wyatt. She smiled. ¡°Wyatt, just the man I needed to see.¡±


    The three paladins approached. Wyatt spoke again. ¡°I came by the tavern to speak with you earlier, but I was informed you¡¯d headed out of town on a job. I hope it was a successful endeavor.¡±


    ¡°Yes it was,¡± Aviana said. ¡°In fact it was in regards to Terrance.¡±


    The three paladins looked at each other. Excitement and concern flashing across their faces.


    ¡°I located him for all of you. He¡¯s taken of residence in a small settlement to the northeast.¡±


    ¡°Yeah he¡¯s helping some kids rebuild the place!¡± Temperance said.


    Relief washed off Wyatt and the other paladins. ¡°Thank you, m¡¯lady. That makes our job a little easier.¡±


    ¡°And it means we can finally go home,¡± one of the paladins grumbled.


    Aviana laughed. She suspected a few would want to be home in a more temperate climate. ¡°I do have something for you, Wyatt.¡± She scrounged through her satchel and procured the letter she wrote earlier. ¡°As promised, the letter.¡±


    He smiled. ¡°Thank you very much, m¡¯lady.¡±


    She winked at him. ¡°Be sure you¡¯ll be the one to deliver it to Siverath personally.¡±


    He nodded, words catching on his tongue.


    ¡°Well, I shouldn¡¯t keep you from your patrol.¡± She placed a hand on Temperance and turned away. ¡°Have a good night.¡±


    Wyatt reached out for her. ¡°Uh, Aviana, wait.¡±


    She turned and looked at him expectantly. Wyatt hesitated and his fellow paladin nudged him forward. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ uh¡­ I wanted to thank you for all your assistance these last two days. It¡¯s been invaluable.¡±


    The other paladin with him not to subtly smacked his forehead. It amused Aviana. ¡°You¡¯re welcome. I¡¯m always happy to lend a hand when I can.¡±


    He nodded, still hesitating with something. Then, before she could think to react, he leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. ¡°Uh, goodnight.¡±


    He rushed off, his paladin buddies heckling him for nearly chickening out. A smile formed on Aviana¡¯s lips as she touched her cheek.


    ¡°Avi, I think he likes you,¡± Temperance said.


    ¡°He might.¡± In the very least, her flirting hadn¡¯t exactly failed.


    Her sister gazed up at her. ¡°If he does, who are you going to pick, him or Xalanath?


    Her choice was neither, since neither could love what she was, but she could pretend for a moment there was nothing off-putting about her. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t really have to choose unless they ask me to.¡±


    Temperance pursed her lips. ¡°How does that work?¡±


    Aviana placed a hand on her sister¡¯s back, ushering her toward the Dragonwallow Inn and explaining to her what multi-partner relationships were and how they worked. She also made sure to stress whatever kind of partner she was to take, if she were to take any, they¡¯d have to be Shikala, else she¡¯d have to denounce their ways, and she had no intention of doing so.


    By the time they made it to the inn, Temperance understood the basic, but struggled to comprehend how it all worked out. You¡¯ll understand one of these days. I hope.


    She pulled open the front door of the tavern and Temperance skipped in. Erik greeted them. ¡°Welcome back you two. I think I can safely guess your excursion was a success?¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°Yes. We found Terrance in the ruined settlement Northeast of here. He¡¯s helping some children rebuild it.¡±


    Erik let out a hard sigh. ¡°Those stubborn kids. They¡¯d be better off living here where it¡¯s safer.¡±


    She slipped onto the barstool. ¡°What can you tell me about them?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re all that¡¯s left of that town after they were not only attacked once but twice by slavers.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s brow wrinkled. Temperance looked at her with wide eyes. Slavery had been outlawed all across Alaria long before the Third Era started. But that didn¡¯t stop some from being horrible and engaging in the practice. ¡°Slavers? We¡¯ve only ever had one issue with that, and they were dealt with¡ª¡±


    Erik nodded. ¡°When Xalanath and Tar¡¯kash worked together to deal with them three decades ago. Yes, I figured you¡¯d remember that time.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡°How could I not?¡±


    Tar¡¯kash, a half-orc, was the father of Krax and his sister, Lara. A member of the Thunderblood clan, at some point he met Lydia, a wild, barbarian of a woman and settled down with her in Windshire, since non-orcs couldn¡¯t be full members of the clan. She had taken up the position Krax now held in this tavern while Tar¡¯kash took up mercenary work. He had managed to befriend Xalanath and the two worked together on several jobs. One of those jobs led him to an issue with slavers snatching people in the nearby areas, children in particular. Tar¡¯kash and Xalanath took care of the issue, but at a heavy cost¡ªTar¡¯kash¡¯s life.


    His loss took a toll on everyone. He¡¯d been a good friend of Aviana¡¯s. So much so, he¡¯d learned her true nature, and was the only one to accept her for it. It was the first time she felt like there could be a chance she¡¯d eventually find acceptance somewhere. But in the wake of his death, Aviana struggled with that resolve.


    Xalanath had also taken the loss hard. Even with her increased rocky relationship with him around that time, she did what she could to reach out to him and offer him council if he would accept it. He didn¡¯t want to talk to anyone. Didn¡¯t even want to repeat the events that lead up to Tar¡¯kash¡¯s death. But in time, she found out exactly what happened, and how Xalanath had been so overcome with anger and grief he mercilessly slaughtered any slaver in the vicinity.


    ¡°I thought Xalanath had gotten rid of all of them. Or is this a different group?¡±


    Erik frowned. ¡°Apparently there were survivors. They hid in the shadows and built themselves back up. That town Tar¡¯kash and Xalanath had freed came under siege again and fell. Those children are all that remain, but they¡¯re too stubborn to leave. Xalanath goes out there frequently to make sure they¡¯re okay, but they don¡¯t want him around and the slavers are much better at covering their tracks.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s hands clench. ¡°They didn¡¯t tell me this was still an issue when I was there. Had I known, I would have helped them.¡±


    ¡°I would have helped too!¡± Temperance claimed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Erik said. ¡°We have some good men and women out there scouring the wilds for these slavers. Everything will work out.¡±


    ¡°I hope so. I don¡¯t want anything happening to those kids.¡±


    Erik¡¯s expression softened. ¡°You have a good heart, Aviana. Don¡¯t let the darkness of this land change that. You too, Temperance.¡±


    Temperance smiled wide and Aviana nodded but her mind went back to the children.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Shark Bait, I¡¯ll make sure the paladins help out before taking Terrance to Natamere,¡± Xalanath¡¯s voice rang out.


    Everyone looked up to the second floor mezzanine, where Xalanath leaned on the railing. He waved Aviana and Temperance up. ¡°Meet me in my room. You can give me a rundown of how the job went.¡±


    Aviana agreed and she encouraged Temperance to follow up stairs. She did, but lagged a bit. Aviana analyzed her sister¡¯s sudden behavior, finding her taking in the other patrons in the tavern. She knew that look. Temperance was gauging the drunks to see how easy it would be to get her sticky fingers on their valuables. We¡¯re going to have to talk after this. It wouldn¡¯t be easy to get her sister to understand after all these years of allowing it. She may have to come up with a compromise. It wasn¡¯t like Aviana could fully enforce the stance when her moral compass wasn¡¯t ideal.


    The two of the made it to the second floor, Xalanath already gone to his room. When they made it to the upstairs common room, a new door existed where a plain wall had previously been. It was obvious to anyone this was new, as instead of a basic wood, this one had ornate precious metal trimmings.


    Temperance scrunched her nose. ¡°That¡¯s ugly.¡±


    The door swung open and Xalanath stood on the other side, stairs leading up to another level that didn¡¯t exist for the tavern behind him. ¡°Excuse you, it is not.¡±


    ¡°Yeah huh.¡± Temperance stuck her tongue out. ¡°Even a peacock has prettier coloring than this door.¡±


    Xalanath¡¯s pursed his lips and snapped his fingers, the door becoming even gaudier with peacock feather colors, down to the eyes. ¡°There.¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°Nope. Peacocks do it better.¡±


    Xalanath sighed, looking to Aviana. ¡°There¡¯s no pleasing her, is there?¡±


    Aviana¡¯s brows rose. ¡°Sounds like someone else I know.¡±


    He sighed again and shook his head before waving them to follow up the stairs. ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with.¡±


    At the top of the stairs, another door barred their path, designed the same as the one before Xalanath used his magic. He snapped his fingers and the door swung open to a large room filled with arcane devices, statues, painting, and even some odd piles of gold. An ornately decorated large bed stood at the far wall with a dark wood nightstand next to it.


    Temperance¡¯s eyes went wide and she wandered around the room, ogling anything shiny or dragon related.


    Xalanath focused on Aviana. ¡°So, you say you found Terrance. While I want to believe you, since this is an official job I need some proof.¡±


    ¡°Well, besides the fact I know you set this all up with him, I also happen to have the proof you¡¯re asking for.¡± Aviana dipped her hand into her top for the strips of parchment.


    Xalanath averted his gaze. ¡°Must you?¡±


    ¡°Hold on, it¡¯s in here.¡±


    He still refused to look at her. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you put it in a more logical place?¡±


    ¡°Because I know it wouldn¡¯t get lost here.¡± She snatched up the papers and then handed them to him. ¡°Here we go.¡±


    It took Xalanath a moment to risk taking a peek at her. He relaxed when he realized he wasn¡¯t pulling a fast one on him. Amusement rippled through Aviana.


    She offered him the parchments, though as he lifted his hand to take them, it bolted out beside him and grabbed Temperance¡¯s wrist. Apparently, she was trying her hand at sneaking into his possible pockets.


    Xalanath glanced down at her. ¡°Can I help you, Cuttlefish?¡±


    Temperance¡¯s nose scrunched. ¡°I was just trying to feel your robe. The material isn¡¯t like Starcloth, or anyone else¡¯s clothes here.¡±


    Aviana saw right through that lie, as did Xalanath. ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡±


    Temperance pouted and crossed her arms when he let her go. He focused back on the parchment Aviana still held up. ¡°Did he tell you what these are?¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°Only told me to give them to you.¡±


    Xalanath¡¯s brow spiked. ¡°And you didn¡¯t take a peek?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡±


    His eyes narrowed, but unfolded the red parchment none-the-less. His eyes scanned the parchment, as if he could read something invisible. Before her eyes, Xalanath¡¯s skin turned an unnatural shade of orange. Aviana bit her lip and tried to keep herself under control. Temperance, on the other hand, giggled away. Xalanath sighed when he finished reading. ¡°That¡¯s definitely Terrance¡¯s work. Did you really know?¡±


    Aviana shook her head, having a hard time looking at him. ¡°I told the truth. I didn¡¯t even know there was anything to read on that one.¡±


    ¡°It was meant only for me, so that would explain that.¡± He dispelled the skin changing enchantment and glanced at the black parchment in Aviana¡¯s hands. ¡°I suppose I might as well see what he¡¯s done with this one.¡±


    Aviana handed it over. Xalanath opened the parchment and studied it. This time it didn¡¯t look as though he were reading. Rather, he searched for words or some sort of indication of what this next enchantment. His eyes went wide suddenly and he tried to speak. No sound came out of him.


    He tried again, and Temperance cocked her head trying to understand what was going on. Xalanath¡¯s eyes flashed and his faced reddened as anger overcame him. He snapped his fingers and Aviana and Temperance found themselves in the common room. The door to Xalanath¡¯s now gone and the promised infinity satchel in Aviana¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Uh, Avi, what happened?¡± Temperance asked.


    A black strip of parchment at Aviana¡¯s feet caught her eye. She bent over and picked it up, finding it to be the strip Xalanath had looked at. Neat handwriting in golden ink was now scrawled over it.


    Try to dispel that one, whelp. Oh wait, because you can¡¯t speak, you can¡¯t. Have fun not using magic. Except one last spell, so make it count.


    Aviana laughed. ¡°Terrance placed a silencing spell on Xalanath. He used his last magic use to eject us from his room so we wouldn¡¯t see him in such a state. At least we got our pay.¡±


    Temperance bounced. ¡°I want mine!¡±


    Aviana headed for their room. ¡°Well, then let¡¯s go divvy it up.¡±


    Once the two settled into their room, Aviana placed the satchel on the table. Temperance touched the bag all over, taking it in. She even pulled out Kyanite to show him. She then looked to Aviana. ¡°So, where is the other part of the reward? Your beloved promised gold and a pretty gem.¡±


    This had been the only thing in Aviana¡¯s hands so she guessed he may have placed them in the bag. Might as well check. Aviana flipped open the satchel and peered in, a void of darkness meeting her eyes. This is a strong satchel. Aviana didn¡¯t know a lot about the enchantment to make these, but she knew, the stronger the enchantment, the less the interior appeared like a normal bag. Some lesser enchantments would even allow you to see the contents of the bag, which had its pros and cons.


    Aviana reached into the satchel, her hand disappearing into the void. No strange sensations fell over her. Her hand merely vanished inside. She thought about the blue kyanite gem Xalanath promised and a moment later her hand wrapped around a hard object. She withdrew. Clutched inside was the promised gem.


    Temperance squealed and snatched it. She looked it over, letting the light from the candles in the room glisten off its surfaces. Normally Aviana would scold her sister for being so rude, but she¡¯d let it slide this time.


    Aviana reached into the satchel again in search of the promised gold. She thought of the amount Xalanath promised, but nothing came to her hand. She thought of a lower amount and still nothing. Aviana thought just of gold, copper, and then silver, and still nothing. Her brow furrowed. He had better not have left that out.


    She made one final attempt by thinking of a bag of gold, and this time, her hand clamped around a large leather bag. Aviana pulled it out and opened the bag, the gold coins spilling out across the table. Temperance¡¯s eyes glowed at the sight.


    ¡°Help me split this up, would you?¡± Aviana asked.


    Her sister nodded with all the enthusiasm she could muster and gave Aviana a hand. She even tried to get Kyanite to help, but as expected, he wasn¡¯t useful in this.


    Once the gold was all accounted for and divvied, Temperance grabbed her travel bag to store her prize. In her haste, some gems fell out onto the table. Aviana¡¯s brow spiked. Temperance didn¡¯t have those when they¡¯d left Starglade. ¡°Tempy, what¡¯s that?¡±


    Temperance dragged the stones across the table, her eyes not meeting Aviana¡¯s. ¡°Nothing.¡±


    Aviana gave her sister a hard look and she sighed. ¡°I snatched them from some of the annoying merchants yesterday. I¡¯m not gonna give them back. You can¡¯t make me.¡±


    Aviana pressed her lips together. She should have known. ¡°Well, I could make you, but at the same time I doubt you remember who you even stole them from.¡± She leaned forward on the table. ¡°So instead, we¡¯re going to discuss this. I¡¯ve not been the greatest influence on you back home. I encouraged this behavior when I shouldn¡¯t have because of my feelings about individuals in Starglade.¡± And because you¡¯re Dragkala, but I can¡¯t tell you that yet.


    Temperance¡¯s brow knitted. ¡°I don¡¯t understand, Avi. Are you saying magic is bad?¡±


    ¡°Magic¡± was the term Aviana had created to reference the klepto habits back home. That was why Temperance tended to call real magic ¡°magicy-magic.¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°Technically, yes. Taking anything that isn¡¯t yours and belongs to someone else is bad.¡±


    Temperance licked her lips, her eyes thoughtful. ¡°If I stole from bad peoples, is it still bad?¡±


    Laughter threatened to ruin Aviana¡¯s attempt at keeping this serious. Her sister¡¯s way of rationalizing always amused her. But what added to it, was the fact Aviana had been thinking of proposing this. Sure, she could tell her sister to stop outright, but Aviana didn¡¯t feel she could do so without being a hypocrite. And she knew the dragon instinct to steal was sometimes impossible for a dragon to ignore, so setting such high expectations would be pointless.


    ¡°Technically it is.¡± How was she supposed to put it?


    Temperance giggled. ¡°But you¡¯re going to okay it because they¡¯re bad people, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Conflict raged inside Aviana. She should say it was off limits. But she knew she couldn¡¯t. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    Dammit. Oh well. She really didn¡¯t feel she was the right person to tell her sister to stop.


    Temperance smiled wide. ¡°You¡¯re the best.¡±


    Was she? Aviana wasn¡¯t so sure. ¡°Just be careful. Like with Xalanath earlier, some people are sharper than others. You could get into a lot of trouble if you¡¯re not careful.¡±


    Temperance nodded. ¡°I¡¯m already working on how to get better! Don¡¯t worry, Avi, soon I¡¯ll be so good, you¡¯ll have all the pretty blue items you could ever want. Except kyanite. That¡¯s mine.¡±


    Aviana chuckled. Seeing her sister¡¯s excitement swayed her a little too much. It made it difficult to be a good person her sister should look up to.


    ¡°So, Avi, what are we going to use the satchel for?¡± Temperance asked.


    She shrugged. ¡°Anything we want. This one has a strong enchantment, so we should create a list of any items we add or remove. This way we don¡¯t forget and lose them forever.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s eyes glowed. ¡°That¡¯s a great idea! Can I write the list?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Her sister jumped up and danced around. ¡°I¡¯ll do that after I go do magic on drunk persons.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s lips twisted. ¡°What did we just talk about?¡±


    ¡°We said I couldn¡¯t steal from good peoples. Aren¡¯t drunks bad peoples?¡±


    ¡°Well, no. They just don¡¯t make good decisions.¡±


    ¡°So, it¡¯s not really bad, because it¡¯s a consequence of being drunk.¡±


    Aviana wanted to groan. This wasn¡¯t working, and really, Aviana didn¡¯t care if her sister stole from drunk people. It was bad to admit, she knew that, but it wasn¡¯t like she ever tried to paint herself as a perfect good person. ¡°You know what, you have fun. Just be careful and understand if you get caught, you¡¯re on your own.¡±


    Temperance giggled with glee and set Kyanite on the bed, telling him to behave while she was gone. She then skipped to the door, stopping just as she reached it. ¡°Hey, Avi?¡±


    Aviana¡¯s brow lifted. ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Do you know that bronze dragon that helped us?¡±


    That was a random thing for her to think about. ¡°Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°Because you weren¡¯t surprised to see him, and knew he¡¯d be fine when those pirates attacked him.¡±


    Aviana had to word herself carefully here. She didn¡¯t think Temperance was ready to know the entire truth just yet. ¡°I¡¯ve talked to him before, yes.¡±


    ¡°Is he nice?¡±


    Her lips twisted. ¡°Sometimes.¡±


    Temperance turned to face her. ¡°Do you think if that dragon had been another color they would have helped us? Like, maybe a blue or a red?¡±


    Aviana leaned back in her chair. ¡°I don¡¯t know. No matter if someone claims a color is good or evil, they¡¯re all individuals like us. They can choose to help those in need or turn a blind eye.¡±


    ¡°Do you think some colors are evil?¡±


    ¡°Why do you ask that?¡±


    Her sister¡¯s lips twisted a moment. ¡°Because you¡¯re always talking about dragons differently than everyone back home. You said once that all the dragons used to get along until something ripped them apart. Did they start to fight because some turned evil?¡±


    Aviana took a moment to word her response. ¡°It¡¯s true the dragons war because of something that happened a long time ago, but I don¡¯t think any dragon is evil or good based on their color. They used to get along, and how they acted back then were much the same as now. I think, just like you and me, it¡¯s the actions they choose to make that put them in those sides.¡± She stepped closer to her sister, stroking her head. ¡°I think they¡¯re all lost and need help finding their way back.¡±


    Temperance looked up at her with big blue eyes. ¡°Can we help them?¡±


    ¡°I think we might be able to figure out how on this adventure of ours.¡±


    A wide smile spread across her younger sister¡¯s face and she hugged Aviana. ¡°That would make me really happy. I want so many dragon friends! And I want them to get along without issue.¡±


    ¡°I hope that one day, that will be our reality.¡± It¡¯d be a long shot for them, but Aviana would try. She wasn¡¯t ready to give up on that dream. She had dragon¡¯s blood coursing through her veins. That made her proud and stubborn. She wouldn¡¯t give up without a fight. No matter what got in her way.

 [B1] Chapter 11: The Paladin and the Cleric

    11


    The Paladin and the Cleric


    Dark clouds rolled across the afternoon Alarian sky. A tan skinned, stocky, height challenged elf, rode proudly on his steed, an abnormally large miniature donkey. He stroked his grey beard, light from the sun reflecting off his balding head, thinking about the possible next town they¡¯d happen across. I do hope this next one has beautiful maidens this time. I, Galinndan Venfiel, need to give all of them my undivided attention. A paladin of the holy order of Akorith, nothing about him made sense, and Galinndan liked it that way.


    Three other paladins rode with him. Ayen Carpeiros, another elven man with light skin and long ebony hair but much younger than Galinndan; Xandar Thorodsson, an imposingly large human man with russet skin; and Corra Rosenblade, another human, and the only woman in their traveling band; the light of the sun reflected off three gems embedded into her dark-skinned forehead, that complemented a strange dragon head-shaped tattoo.


    There had been others with them, tasked by their high priest to help those in need, but each passing month their numbers slimmed as they were pulled in different directions to heed this order.


    As the paladins rode, three cloaked figures appeared on their path. They were lithe of form and of different heights. Galinndan held himself higher, his green eyes glinting. He knew what beauty those cloaks hid from him. Hello, ladies.


    They spoke amongst themselves and Galinndan couldn¡¯t help but set his leering gaze upon them as his group passed. The wind picked up suddenly, and all parties did their best to protect themselves. When the gust died down, Galinndan turned to check on the women, only to find their hoods down, revealing them all to be slight elven men. Son of a harpy! He spun around in his saddle and spurred his mount forward.


    Corra snickered, her raven hair blowing in the breeze. ¡°Eyes forward, lecher.¡±


    Galinndan ignored the comment. It was one he was all too used to and it didn¡¯t bother him any. He had no shame about his wants and needs, as long as he carried out his holy duties, his desires were never ignored.


    He and his comrades traveled for several more miles, two of them complaining of needing a place to rest near the end. Galinndan agreed, though wasn¡¯t vocal about it. They had traveled for a long time, and they were due to find a place with a warm bed. And maybe a lovely lady or two to share it with.


    As they turned a bend in the road they happened upon a dwarven man with reddish-pale hair and clad in chainmaille walking in the direction they headed. A shield with a giant tree embossed into it clung to his back, and a mace strapped to his side. A holy man of Ildri? Galinndan pulled up to the man. ¡°Hail, traveler.¡±


    The man looked up at him and smiled, his green eyes sparkling with cheer. ¡°Hail tae ye too, friend.¡±


    The dwarf¡¯s warm demeanor threw the paladin off for a moment. He had been used to dwarfs being far more rough around the edges, even the ones in his order. ¡°We¡¯re paladins of the order of Akorith. Would you know if there¡¯s a town nearby?¡±


    The dwarf frowned. ¡°Afraid nae. I be from a different part o¡¯ the continent meself. I heard thare wis a settlement near here, unmarked on any map, but I have yet tae find it.¡±


    ¡°If we¡¯re all trying to find this place, why don¡¯t you join us,¡± Xandar offered. ¡°It would be wrong to leave you here alone.¡±


    ¡°Oh, dun ye worry aboot me,¡± the dwarf said. ¡°I¡¯ll get thare eventually.¡±


    The paladin chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re a cleric, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    The dwarf nodded. ¡°I be a disciple o¡¯ Ildri, the goddess o¡¯ life.¡±


    ¡°I thought so. Very few more selfless than her blessed men.¡± Corra cleared her throat and he rolled his eyes. ¡°And women.¡±


    Galinndan extended a hand to the dwarf. ¡°We won¡¯t take no for an answer. You can ride with me...uh¡­¡±


    ¡°Orsik,¡± the dwarf said, smiling as he shook Galinndan¡¯s hand with a grip strong enough to hurt even him. ¡°Orsik Stranheim.¡±


    ¡°Galinndan. Galinndan Venfiel. And these are my comrades, Ayen Carpeiros, Xandar Thorodsson, and Corra Rosenblade.¡±


    ¡°A pleasure tae meet ye, Galinndan. The rest o¡¯ ye as well.¡±


    ¡°And you. Now hop on. Tyrone here can handle the extra weight, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    The paladins cackled at the name of the beast of burden, but it wasn¡¯t anything new to Galinndan. The man he bought his companion from was quite the interesting individual.


    Orsik shrugged. ¡°Well if ye insist.¡±


    He made an attempt to climb onto the donkey, but failed to get too far off the ground. He tried again with the same result. Galinndan refrained from laughing at the poor cleric after his third failed attempt and did his best to assist the man. Orsik eventually ended up up on the beast of burden, but not sitting. His legs kicked in the air as he struggled to move around and right himself. Xandar laughed and came over to help the poor dwarf.


    Orsik took a deep breath, his cheeks red with embarrassment. ¡°Thank ye.¡±


    Xandar chuckled again and spurred on his mount. Once Orsik was situated, Galinndan pushed Tyrone to follow.


    The group rode for several more miles, Orsik striking up casual conversation with Galinndan and the other paladins. Galinndan found the cleric a bit dopey, but a nice man overall, if not a bit odd. He didn¡¯t drink; chose a life of celibacy; and acted as if he didn¡¯t know the meaning of anger. Galinndan¡¯s fellow paladins were practically smitten with him within a few minutes of conversation and it amused him.


    ¡°Galinndan,¡± Orsik said. ¡°What kind o¡¯ elf ye be? Yer sae short I hain¡¯t been sure ye wis one when we met.¡±


    Galinndan smirked. ¡°A special one.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not convinced he¡¯s even an elf,¡± Ayen sneered. ¡°He just likes to claim he is to feel better about himself.¡±


    Anger flared up in Galinndan and he went to spit out reply, but was interrupted by Corra. ¡°Look there!¡±


    Everyone followed her gesture to find dark smoke billowing into the sky. The wind picked up a round then, and brought with it the smell of fire and burning wood.


    ¡°What dae ye think it be?¡± Orsik asked.


    ¡°Forest fire is my guess,¡± Xandar said.


    ¡°Or it could be that settlement we¡¯re looking for,¡± Corra said.


    An ear splitting scream pierced the air, sending a chill down Galinndan¡¯s spine. ¡°I think we just got our answer. Let¡¯s move!¡±


    Dust from the dry ground kicked up from the hooves of their mounts. The band charged down the road. Each second that passed, the smells grew worse and the equines grew restless. Except Tyrone. He stayed far calmer, which was why Galinndan saw more worth in the creature than most. Horses were too flighty for his taste. Donkeys though, they were tougher, like him.


    A woman screaming caught his sensitive ears. Galinndan¡¯s eyes narrowed, anger flaring in his chest. That sound was never one he wanted to hear. Much of his past was a blur, having lived over six hundred years it wasn¡¯t a surprise, except he couldn¡¯t recall a specific time that a woman screaming in terror would have caused such a response from him to this day, but it did regardless.


    Just then, a woman stumbled into the road ahead of them for the forest. She looked battered, bloodied, and singed. Corra was right, it had been the settlement we were looking for. Ayen charged past them, a sword at the ready to fight whatever may have harmed this mysterious woman. The bushes rustled and the woman scrambled towards the charging elf, begging him to save her. Before she could get very far, a brute of a man with a red painted mark on his face, wielding a curve bladed sword, jumped out of the forest, his eyes glue on his prey.


    ¡°Leave her be!¡± the young elven paladin shouted.


    With an amazing display of agility, the paladin leapt off his mount and sunk his sword into the attacking man. His opponent yelled in pain and rage. He yanked himself free, splattering blood and other viscera along the greenery, and brandished his sword at the young elf in challenge. The two locked into combat. Galinndan felt the itch to join, but the woman who still crawled their way needed tending to first.


    He pulled up next to her, and Orsik, in his haste to help the woman, tumbled off Tyrone and landed face first into the dirt. He didn¡¯t remain there long though. Picking himself up quickly, he rushed to the woman¡¯s side.


    ¡°Please,¡± she begged through gasped breath. ¡°Please help us!¡±


    ¡°Easy, lass,¡± Orsik said in a soft tone. ¡°I¡¯ll fix ye up in nae time.¡±


    ¡°But the others¡­ they need help!¡± she cried.


    Xandar and Corra pulled their horses around the front of the two, to shield her from the dual that had now pushed out onto the road. Galinndan hopped off his steed and knelt next to the injured woman, as did Xandar.


    ¡°Tell us what happened,¡± Galinndan said as her body enveloped in the glow of Orsik¡¯s healing magic.


    ¡°I¨CI don¡¯t really know much.¡± Her lip quivered, her voice trembling. ¡°It¡¯s all a blur. One minute everything was normal, then, out of nowhere, raiders. They killed the men in their path, looting buildings, and are doing unspeakable things to the women and young girls. Please help us.¡± Tears welled up in her eyes. ¡°We weren¡¯t equipped to handle this. We had only just settled here weeks ago.¡±


    Xandar placed his hand on the woman¡¯s head. ¡°We will help. Galinndan, you take Corra and Ayen, when he¡¯s done dealing with that brute, along with our cleric friend here to the town. I¡¯ll get this woman to a safe location and then meet up with you.¡±


    Galinndan nodded and placed a clenched fist on his chest. ¡°Akorith guide you.¡±


    ¡°And you.¡± Xandar took Orsik¡¯s place healing the woman, allowing the cleric to leave with the group.


    Galinndan helped Orsik mount Tyrone before climbing on himself. As he did, Ayen finished off the bandit. He took a deep, satisfied breath, before running back to them. Corra filled him in quick as he hopped on her horse with her, his much too far down the road for him to retrieve in a timely manner. The four charged toward the smoke.


    The smell of burning worsened, and Galinndan had to refrain from retching at the stench of burning bodies. Ayen and Orsik weren¡¯t so successful. Both turned to the side and lost whatever they¡¯d eaten in the past few hours. Galinndan caught Corra rolling her eyes.


    Black smoke rolled onto the road in from of them. The paladins pulled on their reigns and equines reared into the air, nearly throwing off their second passengers.


    ¡°We should go on foot from here,¡± Corra said. ¡°Smoke won¡¯t be good for the horses and they¡¯ll get in the way.¡±


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Galinndan said.


    They all dismounted and Corra took the liberty of pulling the two animals farther back and hiding them in the forest, hoping no raider that managed to escape would steal either them. Galinndan pulled his shield off his back and drew his flail, the spiked ball at the end of the chain swinging dangerously. Ayen drew his two longswords and advanced before Corra had made it back. Eager as always.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Galinndan usually was no better, always eager for a fight, and Corra¡­ well she thought better than the three as long as she wasn¡¯t in battle. Once engaged, she was ruthless, an odd characteristic for the average paladin, though it had to do with her upbringing, or so Xandar said. Corra never spoke of her past and anyone who asked, usually ended up through a wall¡­ if they were lucky.


    Corra rushed past Galinndan, her glaive already drawn. He looked at Orsik who appeared worried, but determined. Galinndan suspected the cleric had never seen battle before, based on his demeanor, but as long as he stuck close to him and his men, the dwarf would be fine. ¡°Let¡¯s go, else they¡¯ll have all the fun.¡±


    Orsik nodded and the two of them took off after the two paladins that had disappeared into the smoke. They struggled to keep up in the thick screen, their eyes watering as the smoke filled them. The two fell behind a bit more, but managed to keep their comrade¡¯s shadows in blurred sight.


    Then, the smoke thinned, and before they knew it, they were out of it, Corra and Ayen well ahead of them. Orsik struggled to keep pace, nearly tripping over himself several times. This guy is pathetic.


    The paladins in front of them took a sharp left, the settlement now in view. Broken walls and burning buildings spanned the scene before them. Fighting could be heard beyond the roaring fires, but the sound of people in distress over powered it all. Determination flared up in Galinndan. He pushed on, clutching his weapon tight.


    A frightened woman ran from around the corner of a building, two men pursuing her. They too had similar painted faces as the previous raider. Corra was the first to react. Her speed quickened and she reached the unsuspecting men before either paladins or cleric would think to stop her. They all watched as she cleaved both men nearly in half. The townswoman screamed in fright, but had her wits about her just enough to realize she had been saved. ¡°Thank you, thank you!¡±


    ¡°Get to the forest,¡± Corra ordered. ¡°We will deal with these ruffians.¡±


    The woman nodded and dashed off into the adjacent tree line. Ayen tightened his grip on his weapons and charged into the town. Corra sighed. ¡°There he goes again.¡±


    ¡°Ye be nae better, lass,¡± Orsik admonished.


    She snorted. ¡°I at least saw my opponents before running in. Ayen is far too battle eager to even do that.¡±


    Galinndan winked at her. ¡°He¡¯s just showing off for you.¡±


    Corra scoffed before running in. It was no secret to most the elven paladin was head of heels for the female warrior. She denied it, thinking she was too rough for most men to care for, but Ayen follow her around like a lost puppy, and got himself into trouble far too many times just for her. Galinndan couldn¡¯t see the appeal of chasing after a single woman, but to each their own he supposed.


    He and Orsik rushed after the two, running face first in a bloodbath. The dwarf recoiled at the sight of bodies strewn about. Ayen and Corra had engaged with several marauders as well as the remaining able-bodied men and women who could fight.


    Orsik placed a hand on Galinndan¡¯s shoulder and a faint glowing sheen appeared around his chainmaille. ¡°That should help ye, lad. Give ye a wee bit more protection.¡±


    Galinndan nodded his thanks and launched himself into the fray. He swung his flail into the kneecap of a bandit before him. The raider fell to the ground, screaming in agony, so Galinndan put him out of his misery, slamming his flail into the man¡¯s head. Corra sliced down three more raiders and Ayen skewered another one. Galinndan caught a glimpse of Orsik rushing to help an injured townsman and prayed the man knew what he was doing.


    More raiders swarmed in, excited at the prospect of a challenging fight. One swung at Galinndan from behind, but his flimsy weapon bounced off of his armor, the protection spell Orsik had applied glowing a moment. Galinndan silently thanked the dwarf for his quick thinking.


    Another bandit targeted Corra while she parried an attack from another. Not while I¡¯m here. Galinndan jumped in front of the attack, his shield out, and deflected the blow. ¡°No one hurts the ladies while Galinndan Venfiel is around.¡±


    Corra snorted. ¡°I can handle this, lecher.¡±


    Galinndan grumbled to himself as he swung his flail at the marauder who hit him. Corra had never been the most grateful when one took a blow for her. She acted all offended as if they were saying she couldn¡¯t handle herself, which was far from the truth. No one doubted her skills. For someone only twenty-five years of age, her skills rivaled most in the legion. It helped she fought with a fighting style most had never seen before.


    Corra deflected a blow with her plate armor and pulled a feat that gave her the name the Flying Talon; and marked her fight style to be so unique. She placed the flat part of her glaive, modified with an unusual springing contraption, on the ground and launched herself into the air. Ayen and Galinndan instinctively rolled out of her radius, taking advantage of the marauders distracted state to avoid being hit. Corra came back down, the blade of her glaive now glowing. She swung her weapon in a wide sweeping motion, slicing into several enemies at once, and sending the rest flying with a burst of pulsating light from the glaive.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t I do cool moves like that?¡± Galinndan complained as he stood up.


    ¡°Well, if you¡¯d focus more on fighting techniques than trying to get a woman in your bed, you might be able to figure out how,¡± Ayen taunted.


    Galinndan snorted and then slammed his flail into a raider trying to get up. He didn¡¯t move again.


    A warm glow enveloped both the paladins. They looked over to see Orsik with an arm outstretched towards them. ¡°There, lads, now maybe ye can come closer tae bein¡¯ as impressive as the lass.¡± He then chuckled showing how much he didn¡¯t believe that. ¡°Course, that spell also helped her, so maybe not.¡±


    The two male paladin¡¯s looked at each other and then looked for more heads to smash. They needed to leave a more impressive mark. But as they scoured the area, able bodied bandits were hard to find. They caught the tail end of a few them escaping into the woods, but the rest remained motionless on the ground.


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s it then,¡± Ayen said, disappointed.


    ¡°Leaving so soon?¡± a female voice called out.


    Everyone looked about, trying to find the source of the voice. A shadow appeared in some low billowing smoke. Those able, readied themselves as the figure emerged. Galinndan¡¯s jaw nearly dropped at the sight of the sultry, scantily clad woman. Her dark hair blew in the breeze, and her scared, bronzen skin was stained with blood. A great sword rested over her shoulders. Her lapis eyes glinted with a bloody hunger. And much like the other raiders, red paint marked her face.


    Galinndan smirked and winked. ¡°For you, miss, I might just stay.¡±


    The woman grunted. ¡°You can¡¯t stack up to my standards, little man, so don¡¯t even try.¡±


    Anger flared up in his chest. Ayen chuckled. ¡°Damn, double slam.¡±


    ¡°Shut up, kid,¡± Galinndan grumbled.


    Corra held her glaive at the ready. ¡°If you¡¯re looking for a fight, we¡¯ll give you one. If not, leave.¡±


    The woman laughed and held out her weapon with one hand as if it weighed nothing. ¡°I was hoping you¡¯d be up for a good fight. It¡¯s been awhile since I¡¯ve had one. My name is Zalanda, and I will end you.¡±


    The air grew still as all warriors tensed and readied for an attack. Zalanda smirked and launched herself at Ayen, her closest target. He parried the attack, but misjudged her follow up and was sent flying several feet, blood splattering into the air.


    Corra charged the female warrior but she was ready. Zalanda ducked under her swing and retaliated. Corra reacted quick enough to dodge, though barely. Orsik rushed over the Ayen while the two women continued to exchange blows and checked him over only to find him dazed with minor wounds, his armor having taken the majority of the blow.


    Galinndan focused on the dueling women, waiting for an opening to aid Corra. He noticed Zalanda¡¯s eyes growing red with rage, her attacks becoming more chaotic. Galinndan used that to his advantage and found the perfect opening to strike. She didn¡¯t see it coming, though the damage the spikes on his flail left, didn¡¯t seem to faze her. She bled, but continued to fight as if he hadn¡¯t touched her.


    He¡¯d had heard of this rage induced fighting style--orcs were known to innately use it even as children--but Galinndan had never paired against someone who was capable of it. He knew it to be a difficult style to fight against, but not impossible. They just had to be extra diligent. Xandar¡¯s return would also be helpful right about now.


    Galinndan and Corra tag teamed the raging woman, drawing blood where they could, but still they struggled to wear her down. It was the opposite for Zalanda. With each swing she¡¯d either hit, or take extra energy out of them even with a dodged, parried, or deflected attack. She¡¯s good, I¡¯ll give her that.


    Zalanda grinned, the lust of battle consuming her, and she swept her blade in an arching motion. Corra and Galinndan tried to dodge the attack, but moved too slow and were sent flying into a burning building. Both groaned in pain and got to their knees.


    ¡°She¡¯s tougher than she looks,¡± Galinndan said.


    ¡°Yeah but not impossible to beat,¡± Corra said. She clutched her holy symbol that hung from her neck. ¡°Akorith¡¯s light will be the reason we prevail.¡±


    Galinndan nodded, his determination drawing from her, and the two got to their feet. They gazed toward Zalanda to find Ayen engaged in combat, though he was fighting in an unusual way. He looked to be blocking her from moving certain ways. That¡¯s when a beam of holy light plummet down from the sky just behind Zalanda. Zalanda rolled away from the blinding energy, but it was apparent it still had taken a toll on her. Galinndan¡¯s eyes fell to Orsik, a hand held out towards the combat, his eyes aglow with radiant light. Nice job, cleric. It looked like the spell hadn¡¯t done all of the damage it could, but Galinndan suspected the cleric had wanted to avoid hitting Ayen.


    A blur of speed rushed out of the shadows, and before anyone could react, a great sword, lit up in holy light, swung at Zalanda, slicing into her unprotected midsection. She roared in pain and swung her weapon at the intruder. Corra and Galinndan cheered at the sight of Xandar blocking the oncoming attack. About time he showed up!


    Ayen, without missing a beat, held up his swords, each glowing now in a holy light. Corra and Galinndan exchanged glances before grasping their holy symbols, their weapons glowing in response.


    Galinndan charged first and Corra followed. Ayen landed a blow of their enemy with one of his swords, but she managed to dodge out of the way of his second and Xandar¡¯s attempt as well. Galinndan closed the gap and swung his weapon, the spike ball slamming into the enemy woman¡¯s side. Zalanda stumbled back, the toll of battle finally showing. Corra launched herself into the air and came back down quickly, her blade pointed straight for the woman. Zalanda stumbled back, but not far enough for Corra to miss, gouging her abdomen.


    Zalanda stumbled more, blood pouring out of her, but refused to give up. Her rage filled eyes fixed on them. Small black balls bounced passed her towards the paladins, smoke coming from them. They backed up, unsure of what to make of the objects and then covered their face when the smoke increased and surrounded them.


    ¡°Come, Zalanda,¡± a new voice said through the smoke screen.


    ¡°I will fight to my last breath!¡± she shouted.


    ¡°You may believe in that, but I will not lose you. You will learn from this defeat, grow stronger, and come back with a vengeance, and I shall help you, my love.¡±


    ¡°Very well, Kel¡¯esh. Call what¡¯s left of the men back. We got what we came for anyway.¡±


    The smoke screen faded and the enemy was gone. Corra, infuriated, ran off in search for them, but Xandar stopped the others from doing the same. ¡°Leave her. She¡¯s too stubborn to reason with right now. We need to help the survivors and put out these fires. Galinndan, Ayen, go into the buildings and pull out those you can find. Slay any remaining raiders that may be hiding in the shadows. Orsik and I will work with the able-bodied townsfolk to get these fires under control.¡±


    Ayen and Galinndan nodded and ran into the closest building. They found no one inside and quickly moved on. This one was partially collapsed with two living survivors. They pulled them out before retrieving the dead for the living to mourn, and moved onto the tavern. There they found many locked in the wine cellar, as well as many hiding in rooms on the second floor. It took some time, and Corra¡¯s help when she finally returned after her pointless search, but they managed to get them all out.


    ¡°But my daughter!¡± the last woman they saved screamed as Corra carried her out of the building, her leg broken from the assault she endured. ¡°She¡¯s still in there.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the last one in there,¡± Corra assured. ¡°We checked. She had to have gotten out before we came.¡±


    ¡°No, Oraila was in the kitchen when they came,¡± the woman insisted. ¡°I told her to hide and then they took me with the others.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go back and check,¡± Galinndan said, spinning on his heels.


    ¡°Gal, no!¡± Corra shouted.


    He ignored her. The young woman could be in the building. He wouldn¡¯t take the chance and risk killing her.


    Galinndan pushed his way back inside the building. Support beams above him creaked. Ayen appeared next to him and called out once the made it to the partially collapsed kitchen. ¡°Is anyone in here?¡±


    No response.


    ¡°Is there anyone in here?¡±


    Support beams crashed to the ground and part of the inn collapsed. ¡°There¡¯s no one else in here. We need to get out of here.¡±


    Galinndan shook his head. ¡°No. We were told there was one missing woman, we cannot leave until she¡¯s found.¡±


    ¡°This place is about to collapse,¡± Ayen argued. ¡°She¡¯s either dead or not in here. We need to leave.¡±


    Galinndan pushed farther into the kitchen. ¡°Then you leave. I would rather die trying to find her, than abandon all hope.¡±


    ¡°Galinndan, wait!¡±


    Another support beam cracked in half and fell. A feminine whimper crossed Galinndan¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Wait, did you hear that?¡± Galinndan asked.


    ¡°Help me,¡± the voice rasped.


    He pinpointed the source and gestured. ¡°Over there!¡±


    The two of them rushed over to a part of the kitchen than had collapsed and pulled several flaming beams away. Beneath, they found a young woman, burned and barely conscious. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, ma¡¯am, I¡¯ve got you,¡± Galinndan said, reaching for her. ¡°We¡¯ll get you out of here, don¡¯t you worry.¡±


    The woman¡¯s eyes fluttered and her mouth parted to speak, but the support beam for the building above them broke and a scream was the only thing to come out of her mouth. Galinndan threw up his shield to protect them, and then things went dark for the two of them.


    ¡°Galinndan!¡± Ayen yelled.


    Galinndan held the woman close as he barely kept them alive under his shield. ¡°Move the damn wood, Ayen.¡±


    He could hear the creaking of wood and finally the pressure lifted. Galinndan lowered his shield to find Ayen¡¯s worried face. ¡°You should look in a mirror, you look ridiculous.¡±


    Ayen glowered at him and then reached for the woman. ¡°I¡¯m just concerned about her, that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see how it is,¡± he said as he handed the woman over to him.


    Ayen cradled her in his arms and they both left the building. Minutes later, it collapsed. Corra looked at them, her eyes wide, but the girl¡¯s mother cried hysterically, relieved her daughter had been found.


    Hours passed as everyone worked to save who they could and kill the fires. Nothing was left of the village by the time the fires were quenched. There were far more dead than living, and those left alive would be traumatized for the rest of their lives. Orsik used all of his energy healing those he could, as did Xandar. Unfortunately they were the only ones who knew how, effectively at least. Corra hadn¡¯t specialized in such abilities, Ayen knew very little and used what he could, and Galinndan himself knew none.


    Xandar approach Galinndan as he rested in the shade of a tree. ¡°The three of us have chosen to stay and help these people.¡±


    Orsik popped out from behind Xandar. ¡°They be needin¡¯ me here too, sae I be stayin¡¯ as well.¡±


    Galinndan nodded. ¡°I¡¯m not going to be much use to them, and I still a strong pull to continue west.¡±


    ¡°Rest until morning,¡± Xandar encouraged. ¡°Then we¡¯ll see you off.¡±


    Galinndan stretched and yawned. ¡°I like that plan.¡±


    Xandar and Orsik chuckled and left him be. He deserved it after the work he had done today.

 [B1] Chapter 12: A Sorcerers Turmoil

    12


    A Sorcerer''s Turmoil


    An older gentleman ran around the travel wagon sitting outside Dragonwallow Inn. Aviana sat on the back watching Temperance splash around in some puddles from last night¡¯s rain storm with her toy dragon. Xalanath leaned against the outside of the building watching the two.


    They¡¯d stayed for a few days and now planned to head up to Lakecross with the intent to end in Kirdarim, stopping at the Arcanist¡¯s Academy on Erik¡¯s behalf to deliver supplies to them and his daughter and granddaughter.


    Several of the men hired to protect this wagon to be part of a larger caravan, wandered around in their boredom. Aviana did a better job at keeping an eye on things than they did, even with her watching her sister, which only proved a point during an altercation earlier. She¡¯d offered to be a hired hand but the three men already hired took offense to her attempt. They didn¡¯t think she could handle the job. How little they know.


    As much as he and Aviana had issues, Xalanath could admit she was a formidable woman. And anyone who tried to dismiss her was only putting themselves on a path to be proven wrong. Akorith knows that¡¯s what she does every time we interact.


    Krax exited the tavern and walked over to Aviana, engaging in conversation. Xalanath listened in.


    ¡°Keep your eye out, Aviana,¡± Krax said. ¡°The clan has been moving around Lakecross.¡±


    She smiled. ¡°Well, if that¡¯s the case, the caravan will be glad I¡¯m here.¡±


    Krax grinned. ¡°Show these sissy boys what you¡¯re made of on this trip.¡±


    ¡°You know I will.¡± She gave him an affectionate pat on the cheek. ¡°And if I see that disgraceful cousin of yours, I¡¯ll give him a good wallop.¡±


    Krax chuckled and placed a hand on her shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re always looking out of the clan and my family. There¡¯s not enough gratitude in all of Aecis I can give. But don¡¯t go out of your way. You know an exiled orc doesn¡¯t get picked up by other clans. They live with their dishonor alone.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± She also placed a hand on his shoulder. ¡°Strength and honor.¡±


    ¡°Strength and honor.¡± Krax pulled away and walked back toward the tavern. Xalanath found Aviana¡¯s relationship with the half-orc interesting. After Tar¡¯kash¡¯s death, she¡¯d stepped in to help Lydia raise her two children whenever she was in town. She turned into a type of aunt and bonded with Krax. Lyra had been another story, but Aviana did her best to be there even if Lyra didn¡¯t want her to.


    Xalanath passed Krax a nod and received a grunt in response. While he¡¯d been on good terms with Tar¡¯kash, Xalanath had never formed a similar bond with his son. Xalanath suspected there may be some resentment toward him, even though Xalanath had done everything he could to protect his friend.


    When he noticed the wagon owner was nearly finished with his duties, Xalanath pushed away from the building and sauntered over to the two women.


    ¡°So, this is goodbye, for now,¡± Aviana said.


    Xalanath nodded and leaned against the wagon next to her. ¡°For now. You always come back at some point.¡±


    Aviana laughed, a sound he loathed to admit to enjoying hearing. ¡°I¡¯m more resilient than you give me credit for.¡±


    He gave her more credit than she knew.


    Aviana focused her attention on her younger sister. ¡°Tempy, time to go.¡±


    Temperance stopped playing and slumped her shoulders. ¡°But, Avi, I want to keep playing!¡±


    ¡°I know, but we can¡¯t go on our adventure if you stay, and we¡¯re on the wagon driver¡¯s time.¡±


    Temperance pouted as if that would work.


    ¡°Temperance, you behave for your sister,¡± Xalanath said. ¡°She¡¯ll only ever do anything with your best interest in mind.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s mood didn¡¯t change as she left the puddle reluctantly. ¡°Yeah, I know¡­¡±


    ¡°And, you need to be extra careful out there. Some puddles are dangerous.¡±


    The young redhead pursed her lips, her brow furrowing. ¡°What are you talking about? Puddles are fun and¡ªand¡ªgo splashy-splashy.¡±


    ¡°Some seem fun and harmless, and most of them are, however, the ones that are not can be very dangerous.¡±


    Temperance shook her head. ¡°Nope, not possible. And if you played in puddles too, you¡¯d know this.¡±


    Aviana smirked. ¡°Who says he doesn¡¯t?¡±


    Xalanath¡¯s eyes cut to her. There she went, giving away his secrets.


    Temperance¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°Really? Will you play with me some time? Maybe when Avi and I come back?¡±


    Xalanath took a moment to think about this. ¡°Tell you what, little puddle jumper. You behave on this trip, and we can play in puddles. Maybe we can even play at the beach.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s face lit up. ¡°I¡¯m going to hold you to that!¡± She looked to Aviana. ¡°Sorry, but I¡¯m stealing your lover for puddle jumps.¡±


    Aviana rested her forehead in her hand and let out a deep sigh. ¡°How many times am I going to have to tell you this before you get it? We¡¯re not lovers. Never will be.¡±


    Xalanath chuckled. Her sister¡¯s insistence in the delusion amused him. He of course agreed with Aviana. She was an alluring young woman, he¡¯d give her that. It made some of her antics hard to deal with. But he wouldn¡¯t be fooled by the illusion she wore. He wouldn¡¯t fall for her acts for friendship. Not again.


    The wagon driver shouted he¡¯d be shoving off in a few minutes. Xalanath helped Temperance up into the wagon, only for her to jump out almost immediately and run off. This irritated him, though to his surprise, not Aviana.


    Xalanath followed her gaze to where Temperance ran over to Gerrad, the strange stalker of Terrance¡¯s. What is she up to? Aviana told him about Terrance¡¯s wish to remain hidden from the boy, and Temperance knew this as well. But Xalanath also knew the reward she expected from the young man. So why wasn¡¯t Aviana worried?


    ¡°Gerrad! Gerrad!¡± Temperance yelled out.


    He looked to her, rebalancing some books in his arms. ¡°Oh, Temperance. Um, hi.¡±


    Xalanath glanced to Aviana to find her still calm. Why? He weaved a subtle spell and opened a temporary telepathic communication with her. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you stop her?¡±


    Aviana barely passed him a glance. ¡°Just watch.¡±


    What had these two concocted?


    The young red head stopped just in front of Gerrad, and placed her hands behind her back. ¡°Hi. My sister and I are leaving town, but I wanted to tell you I did some searching for Terrance like I promised.¡±


    Gerrad¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Did you find him?¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°No. I talked to a lot of people, but they all said he left town. A few people said something about an emergency trip to Nardrul.¡±


    Xalanath¡¯s brow spiked. That was the plan? What did it benefit her?


    Gerrad¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°What? No. That can¡¯t be. He wouldn¡¯t leave without me.¡±


    Those words didn¡¯t sit well with Xalanath. He lied far too easily. And if it hadn¡¯t been for Aviana and him, Temperance would have continued to fall easy prey to him. Aviana has her hands full with this woman. He didn¡¯t envy her, that¡¯s for sure.


    Temperance ducked her head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I wish I could have brought you better news.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± He shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry. You did what you promised, even if the answer wasn¡¯t what I wanted to hear. This just means I have to find passage to that town and hope to find him.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The wagon driver shouted out a last call warning. Temperance glanced back at the wagon, though Xalanath could tell her eyes focused on her sister. Aviana¡¯s expression remained neutral and that perturbed Xalanath. He would have thought she¡¯d go into a protective state, like he¡¯d overheard her go into the night they met Gerrad. What¡¯s going on in her head?


    Why was he asking these questions? He shouldn¡¯t care. It wasn¡¯t his business.


    ¡°I have to go, Gerrad,¡± Temperance said. ¡°I don¡¯t want to miss my ride out.¡±


    He nodded. ¡°I understand. Um¡­¡± He leaned in and pecked her on the cheek. ¡°Travel safe.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s cheeks reddened and she lightly touched the warming area with a light hand. Gerrad ran off before she could say anything, not that Xalanath expected her to. A clouded gaze covered her face as she wandered back over to the wagon. Aviana still didn¡¯t act out of the ordinary. Xalanath didn¡¯t understand her. That kiss, as innocent as it was, should have set her off.


    Temperance climbed into the wagon, mumbling something out to Aviana. ¡°Thanks, Avi.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s within the rules,¡± Aviana said, her expression still neutral. ¡°But don¡¯t get used to it. I won¡¯t continue to allow it until you pass your tests.¡±


    Oh, that¡¯s it. He thought Aviana wasn¡¯t reacting, but really, she was hiding her reaction for her sister¡¯s benefit. That was something he should have expected from her.


    Temperance let out a breath but didn¡¯t put up a fuss. The wagon driver hopped up onto his perch and the hired guards piled into the wagon as well.


    Xalanath looked to Aviana as she settled herself in a good spot. ¡°Be safe, Avi.¡±


    She gazed at him a moment and then shrugged. ¡°You¡¯ve got nothing to worry about. If you were actually truly worried.¡±


    Those last words hit him harder than he liked. He shouldn¡¯t be worried about her safety. Even beyond the fact she could handle herself. He shouldn¡¯t care if someone like her was safe or not.


    Xalanath held up his hands and backed away from the wagon. ¡°Have to keep up appearances, you know?¡±


    She snorted and focused on Erik, Lily, and the kids as they filed out to see their friend off. They exchanged some words, and Lily gave them some travel food, doting mother as always. Then the wagon driver pulled away.


    Xalanath watched them leave and remained in his spot after they¡¯d disappeared around the bend. He couldn¡¯t explain why, but something didn¡¯t feel right with that departure¡­ again.


    Erik patted him on the shoulder. ¡°Regretting not giving your special lady a kiss goodbye?¡±


    This snapped Xalanath out of his weird state and he smacked Erik in the arm. ¡°We¡¯re not. I was just thinking about the message to relay to my father about her plans to see him in Natamere during her trip.¡±


    Erik¡¯s eyes said he didn¡¯t believe a word Xalanath said, and a part of him didn¡¯t believe it either. ¡°Sure. Whatever you say, lad. Just don¡¯t take too long with her, else some other lucky man will take her away.¡±


    Would one person suffice for her? She insisted her mother cared for both Raileth and his father. And what he¡¯d learned about the Shikala culture from them both, that was an accepted lifestyle in the clan. Why am I even pondering this?


    Xalanath snapped his fingers and he teleported away from the tavern. He stood in a large, well decorated foyer, leading into a spacious home. The large windows behind him allowed a spectacular view of the ocean, but no doors could be found leading out to it. A pocket dimension didn¡¯t need doors, and if he really wanted to go to that spot shown outside, he could just teleport there.


    Unlike other dragons, Xalanath prided himself in his unique way of hiding his lair. No one had ever been here before. Not even Aviana, at least, not fully. The room he conjured at the Dragonwallow Inn was a singular room of this place he¡¯d crafted for private conversations without risking the sanctity of the rest of his lair.


    Xalanath walked up the curved staircase leading to the second floor and strolled down the long decorated hall leading to a pair of mahogany and gold double doors. They swung open as he approached and he entered the spacious room. Mounds of gold, gems, and jewelry, beautifully crafted sculptures, and masterful paintings, among other things, filled the area. All various things he¡¯d collected over the last century and a half.


    He strode through his hoard to another door on the back end of the room. Upon opening, the hum of strong arcane energy seeped out. Xalanath stepped into the new space, constructed with stone and magic runes carved into the surfaces, all in a particular pattern leading to the center of the room. An intricate set of stones and carved runes resided in the middle, the pulse of magic the strongest there.


    Xalanath closed himself in, and walked into the middle of the room, embracing the sensation of magic mixing with his innate electrical energy coursing through him. He weaved his hands as he went, summoning a strong communication spell. By the time he stood dead center in the area, the spell completed and leapt from his fingers, coalescing as energy in front of him. The arcane twisted and grew. Within it, the colors morphed until the scarred, rugged face of his father reflected through the center of the energy.


    A brute of a man, the constant scowl on his face was an all too constant reminder of why Xalanath never cared for contact with him. He spoke to the man in their native Draconic tongue, ¡°Father.¡±


    Siverath¡¯s scowl worsened, his green eyes flashing. ¡°Xalanath. You¡¯d best have a good reason for using your perverse magic in my presence.¡±


    Yep, here we go. ¡°I assure you, this won¡¯t take long and it¡¯s quite important. Aviana came to Windshire for a visit.¡±


    His father¡¯s posture changed to a lighter one. It stirred a strong resentment he pushed away. Now wasn¡¯t the time for that. ¡°How long was she there?¡±


    ¡°A few days. She brought her younger sister along this time.¡±


    Siverath¡¯s brow rose. ¡°How did the two act? Why did she bring the girl?¡±


    Here it came. ¡°They weren¡¯t doing any hiding. Aviana herself even told me they¡¯re going to be traveling for several months to allow her sister to grow in experience outside Starglade. Something about her sister¡¯s overprotective mother stunting her mental growth, which can be believed by the way she acts.¡±


    Siverath thought for a moment, while also doing something on his end. Xalanath guessed he was sorting through paperwork. The high priest wasn¡¯t well as of late. This forced his father to act in his stead, since the high priest¡¯s daughter was quite useless. ¡°Did she give you an idea of where she planned to travel?¡±


    ¡°She didn¡¯t share her exact travel route plans, but she did mention visiting you in Natamere,¡± Xalanath said.


    His father nodded. ¡°Good. I¡¯ll make preparations to anticipate their arrival in a few months.¡±


    Irritation flared in Xalanth¡¯s chest. He gave his father an incredulous look. ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    His father didn¡¯t look up from his work. ¡°Something the matter, Xalanath?¡±


    ¡°I tell you she¡¯s leaving for several months, and you¡¯re okay with this?¡± He couldn¡¯t believe this. Well, he could, he just wished it¡¯d be different. ¡°She¡¯s our only line to Raileth at this point, and you¡¯re not upset she¡¯s going to be gone?¡±


    His father sighed and faced the magic connection. ¡°She¡¯s never been an informant, Xalanath. You know this well. Just as Yivira never was either.¡± His father¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°Besides, this little trip of her isn¡¯t the first she¡¯s made, nor is it the first time she¡¯s disappeared for a long period of time. Or must I remind you of how you caused her to leave for an entire decade?¡±


    A knot formed in Xalanth¡¯s stomach. He remembered. He remembered all too well the day that lead to her extended absence¡ªto the start of the tension that still remained between the two of them to this day. The day I saw through her fa?ade.


    ¡°Now,¡± his father said. ¡°If that¡¯s all, I have important matters to deal with. And I hope the next time I see you, you¡¯ll have finally turned back to the light and be rid of this perverse habit of yours.¡±


    Xalanath¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡°Why must you act this way with me? Aviana doesn¡¯t deal in holy magic and you have no trouble with her.¡±


    His father¡¯s eyes remained neutral. ¡°She also doesn¡¯t play with arcane.¡±


    ¡°No, but she wants to. Just like that snake of a dragon she calls father.¡±


    ¡°But she won¡¯t.¡± Siverath shook his head. ¡°Can¡¯t is a better word. She chose her path of natural magic. That cannot mix with your kind of magic. That just shows how wrong it is.¡±


    Xalanath took a breath. ¡°Not according to her. And if she did somehow learn this magic, we both know you wouldn¡¯t cause her any trouble.¡±


    His father¡¯s expression never changed. ¡°We¡¯re done here, Xalanath.¡±


    He waved his hand over the magic transmission and the connection cut. Rage boiled over and Xalanath roared in frustrations, lighting sparking and flying everywhere. ¡°That conniving bitch!¡±


    He took strong labored breaths as the lightning died down. She had his father so wrapped around her finger. She had everyone wrapped up in her lie.


    Xalanath stormed out of the room into his hoard. He paced back and forth like a caged animal. He almost fell prey to her act too, but he caught it, one decade into knowing her. He broke from that spell and was sure to keep a close eye on her from then on when she returned to Windshire because of Tar¡¯kash, after a decade of absence. She was just like her father. She was up to something and couldn¡¯t be trusted. His father was a fool.


    His feet stopped in front of a vanity. Something he¡¯d snatched off a merchant ship early in his adult life. On it sat a well-crafted wooden box carved with a symbol of the Shikala. Xalanath¡¯s fingers traced the symbol, as well as the decorative marks around it.


    ¡°Xal, I have something for you.¡±


    Aviana had been a thorn in his side since she first arrived. She acted so innocent¡ªtrying to play games of friendship.


    Xalanath opened the box, finding several lovely items inside. Jewels, figurines, jewelry¡­ She tried to bribe him with gifts and smiles¡ªwith stories of a place that he should have grown up in instead of living in exile like the rest of the bronze.


    A plant next to the box caught his eye. An unusual lily that glowed and dripped with sparkling light, potted in soil rich with arcane power.


    ¡°Happy birthday, Xal!¡±


    Deep within the soil, were special rocks infused with arcane, keeping the plant alive. A unique flora only found in and around Starglade. Something he could take care of by refreshing the power in the rocks, halting its natural state to wilt and die mere days after bloom. And watering the plant now and then. It didn¡¯t even need sunlight. On the contrary, it did better in darkness¡ªeven more so when he exposed it to moonlight. It¡¯s beautiful¡­ like her.


    He tore his gaze away from everything, irritation flaring up again. He shouldn¡¯t think these things. But his gaze wandered back to the box, to a gold ring in particular. Xalanath picked it up and looked it over. Nothing about it screamed ¡°special.¡± The only defining feature was three sapphire gems set inside a grove in the middle, and Aviana¡¯s family crest stamped inside. Xalanath slipped the ring over his index finger, the jewelry fitting like a glove. A trained eye knew there was more to it than its look and easy fit.


    The last ever gift she¡¯d given him, a few years after she¡¯d returned from her ten year absence.


    ¡°This is for you. I made it myself. Though, you probably still don¡¯t care¡­¡±


    She didn¡¯t hand it to him personally that time. Left it in a small box in front of his conjured door at the inn with a note. She didn¡¯t even knock. Something twisted in his chest upon remembering.


    Xalanath pulled the ring off his index finger and slipped it onto his middle finger, the ring resizing to fit. Not only had she crafted a beautiful ring herself, she had it enchanted.


    His eyes fell over each gift she¡¯d ever given. Aviana had always put thought into these. He never thanked her for them. Maybe once or twice, or several times, he¡¯d prank her in return instead of giving her some real gift. She even once saw him seeming giving one away to someone else.


    The memory caused a bitterness to tinge his tongue. His hand clenched, his mind reminding him of the neutral glances she now gave him. The untrusting looked any time he would be serious with her, as rare as it was. The rarity of a laugh or smile he¡¯d receive when speaking to her.


    No matter what he tried to make himself believe she was an enemy and not to be trusted, Xalanath struggled to deny, he was just as big a fool as his father.

 [B1] Chapter 13: A Divine Meeting

    13


    A Divine Meeting


    Warm rays of sun shone over the bustling town of Lakecross, a merchant city constructed over Lucrona Lake. Halflings, small human-like creatures, about the size of children, with large hairy feet milled about, some larger races mixed in.


    Orsik smiled and nodded as an older halfling gentleman thanked him profusely. He wasn¡¯t sure how he ended up in the halfling city. Last Orsik remembered he was falling asleep at an inn over in Embermire. But when he awoke, he was here, and the amulet of his goddess, Ildri, glowed in greeting. She had something to do with his sudden appearance in this city, and that meant he was here for a reason.


    It didn¡¯t have to do with this man, though, as much as he¡¯d assisted with healing his ailing wife, and helped many others in the city over the past day. ¡°Ye dinnae have tae thank me. ¡®Tis ma pleasure tae help ye. Ildri¡¯s love be fer all.¡±


    He looked down at his amulet when warmth washed over him, to find the large tree with curling roots glowing. The halfling man¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°She¡¯s speaking to you. I shouldn¡¯t hold you up. Thank you again. I would be lost without my wife.¡±


    Orsik listen to the man thank him for several more moments before running off to see his wife. Most would be irritated by this point with the man, but Orsik was a patient man and he was just glad he could help.


    Once allowed, Orsik made his way through town, taking in the various sized architecture with ash wood rooftops to accommodate not just the halflings of the town, but the other races that frequently passed through. The blowing breeze brought the scent of the fresh water lake all around the city.


    His amulet¡¯s glow faded when he¡¯d go the wrong way. His goddess didn¡¯t whisper to him, to tell him why she called him in a particular direction, but that wasn¡¯t unusual. Like most aspects of life, her domain, she could be direct or vague; spontaneous or deliberate.


    Orsik found himself nearing the edge of the city to the northeast side. The population was less dense here, allowing one to hear the lapping of the lake on the nearby shores. A caravan of merchant travelers clogged the road, their wagons poised to leave. Orsik¡¯s amulet warmed and he looked down at it. Daes she want me tae leave wi¡¯ ¡®em?


    Activity on a rear wagon caught his attention. Two young women, half-elves from the looks of their short pointed ears, though still retaining an unusual amount of angular features for such half-beings, in curious clothing moved about on the vehicle. Though, as Orsik looked around, the clothing wasn¡¯t much different than what the citizens in this town wore. This was the first time Orsik had been in the Karma Wilds. He didn¡¯t know the cultures here, but he surmised, if different based on the towns, some overlaps would be present. In this case, the fashion trends.


    The red head woman bounced around and acted all kinds of silly, while the golden-haired woman watched and laughed. The latter appeared a bit older, but Orsik couldn¡¯t say how much. Both women had unusual markings on their forehead, though Orsik wasn¡¯t close enough to identify what they were.


    A strong pull pulsed in his amulet and then the glowing died. Those lasses. Whoever they were, he needed to meet them. Orsik tucked his amulet away and jogged for the wagon, his chainmaille armor jangling as he moved.


    Drivers shouted and the wagons lurched forward, pulling out of the city. The two women sat down and their wagon moved out with the rest of the caravan. Nae! They canae leave. Orsik picked up his pace, calling out. ¡°Wait!¡±


    The older half-elf turned his way and he called out again, ¡°Dun leave yet!¡±


    She turned and spoke to the driver. The man glanced back at him and pulled on the reins, halting his wagon. Hope leapt into Orsik¡¯s throat, only for it to die when one of his feet caught on the other. He crashed and tumbled on the ground. Blast these clumsy feet of his. Orsik was far from an agility competition winner. He was lucky if he didn¡¯t trip walking at least twice a day.


    The red head woman gasped. ¡°Are you okay mister?¡±


    She sounded younger than she appeared, though she didn¡¯t appear older than late teens to early twenties to begin with.


    Orsik pulled himself up and smiled. ¡°Dun ye worry, yer wee head. I¡¯ve taken harder falls.¡±


    The wagon driver jumped straight to the point. ¡°Can we help you? We¡¯re trying to get out of here before the next storm rolls in.¡±


    ¡°Aye.¡± Orsik took a deep breath, trying to recover from his sprint and fall, and approached the wagon. ¡°I neit transportation. Wis told o¡¯ a caravan leavin¡¯ in ma direction.¡±


    As much as he didn¡¯t know what he was doing here, it wasn¡¯t a lie, so Ildri wouldn¡¯t reprimand him. And it kept the negative reactions at bay if he told these individuals he had no idea where he was going, just following a sign to join them.


    ¡°We¡¯re heading to Kirdarim,¡± the golden-haired half-elf woman said. Her blue eyes were kind and welcoming. He got a good feeling from her. Ildri intended him to meet her for a reason.


    Orsik nodded. ¡°That be where I neit tae gae. Can I pay for passage?¡±


    Before the driver could speak, the red head woman pointed behind Orsik. ¡°Mister, you drop your shield when you fell.¡±


    Orsik turned to see his shield lying face down on the ground. ¡°By Ildri¡¯s beardless face! Thank ye, lass.¡±


    He retrieved it and dusted it off. The mid-morning sun gleamed off the polished surface. When he faced his audience again the driver¡¯s interest in him had changed. ¡°You¡¯re that cleric that¡¯s been helping out the locals with sick family, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Aye.¡±


    He waved Orsik up. ¡°No fair for you then.¡±


    Orsik shook his head. ¡°Nae, I can pay.¡±


    The wagon driver shook his head. ¡°Nonsense. Now hop in so we can get moving again.¡±


    ¡°You can sit with us,¡± older half-elf offered. She then winked. ¡°I don¡¯t bite¡­ hard.¡±


    Heat rushed to Orsik¡¯s face. Seemed this woman, while nice, wasn¡¯t innocent. Though, the way she dressed, he should have guessed. It appeared she chose clothes to specifically accentuate her figure, not that it needed that kind of treatment.


    Her companion on the other hand, while dressing of similar style, was more modestly dressed. And based on the confused look, far more innocent.


    Someone in a wagon in front of them shouted out a request to finally move on. This spurred Orsik to climb up with his new travel companions. Unfortunately, he misjudged the heaviness of his shield on his back and lost balance, falling flat on his backside. His audience cringed.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± the golden-haired woman asked.


    ¡°Aye.¡± Orsik picked himself up. ¡°Just lost ma balance because o¡¯ ma shield.¡±


    The driver chuckled. ¡°You got him all flustered he couldn¡¯t stay up!¡±


    The woman laughed raucously before getting up. ¡°Let me help you.¡±


    Orsik thanked her and handed over his metal shield.


    The red head woman noticed the engraving of a large tree with curling roots on the metal. ¡°That¡¯s the symbol of the goddess of life, Ildri!¡±


    Orsik nodded as he situated himself in the wagon. ¡°That be right, lass. I be a cleric o¡¯ ¡®ers.¡±


    Her brow furrowed. ¡°But you¡¯re not wearing robes.¡±


    The other woman chuckled. ¡°Not all clerics wear robes. Those who travel or see battle favor heavier armor to protect them.¡±


    Temperance nodded. ¡°Oh, okay.¡±


    The wagon lurched forward without warning, setting off for their next destination.


    The younger half-elf focused on Orsik. ¡°What¡¯s your name, mister?¡±


    He smiled. ¡°Orsik. Orsik Stranheim.¡±


    She smiled wide in return, a common reaction to his cheerful demeanor. ¡°I¡¯m Temperance. Temperance Remenia. And this is my big sister Aviana.¡±


    The golden-haired woman placed her hand on her abdomen and bowed a bit. An unusual gesture to him, throwing him for a slight loop, especially when Temperance¡¯s eyes went wide and also did a bow, as if she¡¯d forgotten her manners. ¡°My name is Aviana Xenre. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡±


    Temperance held up a blue dragon toy. ¡°And this is Kyanite!¡±


    She was an unusual woman, but Orsik liked her. ¡°Well, it be a pleasure meetin¡¯ all o¡¯ ye.¡±


    ¡°So, what brings you on this trip to Kirdarim?¡± Aviana asked.


    Orsik couldn¡¯t lie, and he got the feeling if he told the exact truth, this woman would be able to handle it compared to most others. ¡°Nae sure, yet, tae be honest. Ma matron told me tae gae, sae that¡¯s what I be doin¡¯.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Gods like to play their mysterious games with us sometimes.¡±


    He regarded her for a moment. Sounded like she familiar with the habits of gods. It was possible she even had personal contact with one or two. This assessment of her made him aware of the marks on hers and Temperance¡¯s foreheads. Now in better view, they resembled dragon heads, if they were facing you. Aviana herself had three sparkling gemstones imbedded into her forehead to compliment the mark. He didn¡¯t know how she got them there, but he suspected it wasn¡¯t a painless process.


    ¡°Where ye two be from?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Starglade!¡± Temperance beamed.


    He¡¯d never heard of the place. Aviana seemed to read him well. ¡°Our town doesn¡¯t have much contact with the outside.¡±


    That explained it. ¡°What brings ye this way?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re on an adventure!¡± Temperance said.


    ¡°An adventure, eh? Well that sounds fun.¡± Orsik couldn¡¯t tell if that was some sort of cover, or they really were just traveling for the sake of traveling. He could believe the latter, since Aviana said their town was reclusive. Wait. A reclusive town an¡¯ strange forehead markings? Realization dawned on him. ¡°Ye be Shikala, ain¡¯t ye?¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m surprised you know of us.¡±


    ¡°I heard stories here an¡¯ thare.¡± Orsik adjusted himself in his seat. ¡°But thought ye wis a legend.¡±


    Aviana laughed. ¡°No, we¡¯re very much alive and well.¡±


    ¡°Then, ye must be workin¡¯ as a hired guard here.¡± Orsik looked around the moving caravan. ¡°Stories say ye were formidable fighters.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true, but I¡¯m not a hired hand right now.¡± Aviana¡¯s eyes cut to a few men on another wagon. ¡°Unfortunately there were some bruised egos when I offered back in Windshire.¡±


    ¡°Just wait,¡± Temperance said. She kicked her feet excitedly. ¡°If we run into trouble, Avi will show them show stupid they are.¡±


    A reserved smile spread across Aviana¡¯s face. It piqued Orsik¡¯s interest. ¡°Dae ye nae have confidence in yer abilities, Aviana?¡±


    She laughed. ¡°Oh, on the contrary. While, I¡¯m not the most skilled from my clan, I¡¯ve got plenty of battle experience. I could outfight any of these hired boys. I just prefer less violent means if I can help it.¡±


    ¡°Got a silver tongue, dae ye?¡±


    She smirked. ¡°More or less.¡±


    Orsik got the feeling Aviana wasn¡¯t always noble. He knew it best to drop it now, else he¡¯d run into conflicts with his own morals. He had faith in Ildri and if she said he needed to meet these two, then there was a reason. Besides, they didn¡¯t seem like horrible people, even if they weren¡¯t always good.


    ? ? ?


    Temperance sat upside-down kicking her feet into the air, reflecting on everything that¡¯d happened lately. The long ride to Lakecross had been average. Well, except for the day they stopped at that cool mage academy. So many people knew magic, it was amazing! She even got to see a few people mess up their spells and understand some of the dangers around it.


    But the real fun for her came when they arrived in Lakecross. A city suspended over a lake! Starglade was on a lake, but made of several islands. This city had been a whole new thing. And she got to meet halflings!


    They were interesting people¡ªincredibly nimble for their small size. And they didn¡¯t wear shoes! But, she figured, if she had large feet like them, she wouldn¡¯t wear shoes either. Not that she didn¡¯t have fun running around barefoot as it was, much like Aviana preferred to.


    They had spent three days in Lakecross. Aviana taught her about bartering, exposed her to neat things you could only find in this city, and even introduced her to people she knew in the town. It wasn¡¯t many, but a majority were wealthy merchants.


    A black bird flitted across the dark cloudy sky, thunder rumbling in the distance. As much as she enjoyed her time in the halfling city, she was glad they were heading to a new place. She had read so many books about some of the towns in Alaria, but those texts and pictures didn¡¯t come close to how exciting it was to actually go to them and experience their rich cultures. Though, I think someone sabotaged my books when I wasn¡¯t looking.


    Her books were mostly right about the towns they¡¯d visited, but there were so many things that also didn¡¯t match up. Of course, she might just be remembering wrong. It was a lot to keep track of sometimes, and she¡¯d only been allowed to bring two books with her. Aviana laughed when Temperance had tried to stuff over ten books into her travel bag when there wasn¡¯t any room to. In the end, Temperance to chose to pick an animal compendium so she could identify all the neat new animals she¡¯d see, and one of her many tomes on dragons. Naturally she wasn¡¯t going to leave that one behind. If they got to talk to a dragon she needed to be sure she could impress them so they would want to be her friend!


    Kind of like what she was doing with this nice dwarf man they now traveled with. She¡¯d also only read about dwarves in books too. They were short in stature, like halflings and gnomes, but the tallest of the three, and were built like orcs. They liked to drink a lot and most prided themselves on their ability to craft. Aviana had once shown her a maul that had been made by a dwarf and Temperance agreed, it had real impressive craftsmanship to it.


    But this Orsik man was different than the stories. He had long pale hair and beard with some red tint, a bulbous nose, and cheerful demeanor that got everyone in the wagon to smile. Temperance liked him¡ªa lot. She hoped they¡¯d be traveling with him for a while. Temperance didn¡¯t have many friends. Only Kyanite and Aviana. Her life had been a bit lonely because of it. Maybe Orsik wanted to be her friend.


    Temperance turned her attention to Aviana and Orsik. They engaged in conversation, not in a language Temperance knew. Dwarven if she remembered right. She didn¡¯t like it when they spoke this way, because she wanted to know what they were talking about, but she understood why Aviana did it.


    Her sister once told her that if you wanted to impress someone, you should speak their language. It showed dedication and respect. Temperance could tell this dwarven conversation made Orsik happy.


    Temperance smiled. This was why she listened to Aviana and learned some less than common languages. Some really cool creatures could speak the ones she¡¯d studied, and if she could impress them, maybe they¡¯d be her friend!


    Wait, is their conversation any different than the ones I have with Avi? She and Aviana would engage in their own home languages of Elvish and Draconic when having private conversations. Common was interesting for her to speak, but Temperance understood how much nicer it was to speak one¡¯s native tongue if they could.


    The wagon driver pulled the cart to a stop, grabbing Temperance¡¯s attention, as well as Aviana and Orsik¡¯s. She sat up to find all wagons had stilled, but glancing around, there wasn¡¯t a town in sight. I wonder why we stopped.


    Aviana moved closer to the wagon driver. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    He peered forward. ¡°Looks like we have a group blocking out path.¡± The driver bobbed and weaved his head, and then reeled back. ¡°Oh, by the gods! It¡¯s a pack of orcs!¡±


    Temperance perked up. Orcs? She only knew of one clan in the Karma Wilds, the one Krax said he was from¡ªThunder Blood. Such a cool name.


    Aviana patted the man on the shoulder, her posture relaxed and calm. ¡°Easy. There¡¯s nothing to worry about.¡±


    She jumped off the wagon and ran to the front, calling out, ¡°Hold! Hold any fire.¡±


    Temperance looked around the wagon driver to see all of the hired guards ready for a fight, either with bows or some sort of martial weapon. Beyond that, stood five burly individuals with brown skin. Those must be the orcs. At this distance it was hard for her to say for sure, since she¡¯d only ever met Krax, who had more human in him according to Aviana. Movement of gray with them caught Temperance¡¯s eyes. She almost gasped at the sight of the four-legged creatures. Are those doggies?


    Aviana jogged past all the wagons, continuing to shout out her command. Most of the hired guards sneered at her words. Temperance¡¯s lip curled. She didn¡¯t like these people. They were mean to Aviana when she offered her help to protect this caravan. They¡¯re just stupid and jealous of her superior skills! Even Kyanite agreed with her when they talked about it on the trip.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Aviana began shouting something in another language. This one was different than Dwarvish. It was far more guttural, though not in the same way Draconic was. Can she speak orcish? Temperance now wondered how many languages her sister knew.


    Excitement rose up from deep inside her. If her sister could communicate with them, then she needed to see this!


    Temperance jumped out the back of the wagon.


    ¡°Lass, where ye goin¡¯?¡± Orsik asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting a closer look!¡±


    He moved to the edge. ¡°Nae wi¡¯out me, ye ain¡¯t. Dinnae want ye gettin¡¯ intae trouble while Aviana handles this.¡±


    Temperance cringed when he tumbled out of the wagon. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Orsik sighed and picked himself. ¡°Aye, just a wee tumble.¡±


    He looked fine, so she¡¯d take his word for it. She skipped off with Orsik hustling behind with his shorter legs. By the time they¡¯d caught up to Aviana she already made it to the front of the caravan line. Temperance took in everything.


    The caravan drivers and other travelers looked afraid. The guards looked ready for a fight. And the orcs¡­ her mind went blank. They were such massive creatures. Their arms could be tree trunks! They had the signature protruding tusks she read about, theirs much larger than Krax¡¯s, and had low jutting foreheads. They also were the only ones to appear at ease. Actually they looked quite lively, even friendly, with Aviana as she interacted with them. She even pet a dog of their like she knew it.


    That action drew Temperance¡¯s eye, allowing her to take in the canine creatures with them, only to realize they weren¡¯t just dogs. They were direwolves! As large as the horses pulling the wagons, these creatures looked similar to wolves otherwise, though had elongated upper canines. I really want to pet one!


    The interaction between the orcs and Aviana ended with all of them beating their chest, including Aviana, and all but one of them leaving, a woman with long braided black hair and pale eyes. Aww, don¡¯t go! Temperance wanted to get to know them somehow.


    Her sister turned to face the lead wagon driver. ¡°You¡¯re lucky. This is Chief Thurok¡¯s strongest hunting party.¡±


    Bodyguards exchanged glances and the lead driver swallowed hard. ¡°Safe to guess you know them.¡±


    The orc woman let out a boisterous laugh, and spoke in common. ¡°Know her? She¡¯s an honorary member.¡±


    People gasped all around. Even Temperance¡¯s eyes went wide. She didn¡¯t tell me that! Her books told Temperance about that title. It was bestowed to someone from a clan that would be a member if they were an orc. Aviana had to have done something amazing to impress the orcs that much. How dare Aviana hold out on her.


    A guard snickered. ¡°Sure she is.¡±


    The orc woman stepped forward, her upper lip curling, exposing her impressive tucks more. ¡°Watch it soft skin. Do not¡ª¡±


    Aviana placed a hand on her shoulder. ¡°Easy, Yaz¡¯gash. They get satisfaction from riled up reactions. They¡¯re far too young to understand what I¡¯ve done for the clan over the decades, and they have no intention of learning. Best to ignore their ignorance.¡±


    The man shot Aviana a dark look that made Temperance want to fix with a dagger. It had no effect on Aviana though. How does she ignore stuff like that?


    ¡°There has been a lot of bandit activity around here,¡± Aviana announced. ¡°Yaz¡¯gash has offered to act as extra security through the grasslands.¡±


    Yaz¡¯gash nodded. ¡°We know where they usually wait in ambush, so I can assist with avoiding most possible locations.¡±


    The lead driver rubbed his chin. ¡°That would be helpful. But I¡¯m not sure how to pay you. I¡¯m well aware your clan has no need for coin.¡±


    ¡°If you have leather and pelts, that would suffice,¡± the orc woman said. ¡°Otherwise, Aviana can owe the clan a favor.¡±


    Someone farther back in line spoke up. ¡°I can pay that. If it means I lose less on this trip, I¡¯ll happily pay.¡±


    ¡°As will I,¡± said another. ¡°I¡¯ll split the cost with you.¡±


    Aviana clapped her hands together. ¡°Then it¡¯s settled. Yaz¡¯gash will travel with us until we near the mountain.¡±


    Temperance was bored now. And she really wanted to pet the wolf with this orc lady. She had to get her attention and flatter her enough to get her to say yes. But how?


    Oh, right! Orcs cared about strength. It was so deeply ingrained in their culture, some clans were known to cast out anyone at the first signs of weakness. Even chieftains!


    Temperance tugged on a loose leather tie on Yaz¡¯gash¡¯s arm. ¡°Strong Yaz¡¯gash, can I pet your dire wolf?¡±


    The taller orc woman turned and gaze down at Temperance with a keen eye. ¡°Who¡¯s the pup?¡±


    Temperance cocked her head. ¡°I¡¯m not a puppy. I¡¯m a personses.¡±


    Everyone laughed around her. She didn¡¯t know why though.


    ¡°This is my sister,¡± Aviana said.


    Yaz¡¯gash nodded. ¡°I like her.¡± She reached into a pouch tied to her hip and pulled out a slab of red meat. She then handed it to Temperance. ¡°Feed this to Techul. If he accepts and eats it, you¡¯ll be allowed to pet him.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s eyes lit up and she took the meat, though she didn¡¯t like the feel of it. She faced the beautiful dire wolf, the canine¡¯s golden eyes now focused on her and the offering. Temperance held it out. ¡°Be my friend?¡±


    Techul took a step closer and sniffed the meat. He licked his chops and snatched the offering so quick she almost jumped. The dire wolf swallowed the slab of flesh in one gulp. Temperance wasn¡¯t sure what to do now. Yaz¡¯gash said if he took the meat she could pet him, but she also knew animals could be finicky. She decided to hold out her hand and wait to see what he¡¯d do.


    Techul sniffed her offered hand and then licked it. Temperance giggled, her eyes going wide. That had to mean he accepted her! She reached out and touched his head. Techul tilted it down, giving her better access. She dug her fingers into his thick, coarse fur, a smile never leaving her lips. ¡°I like him.¡±


    When he¡¯d had enough, Techul pulled away. It disappointed, but she wouldn¡¯t push it. She knew better.


    Temperance turned to Aviana. ¡°I¡¯m gonna go tell Kyanite I got to pet a dire wolf!¡±


    Aviana gave her an amused smile before speaking with the wagon owners and Yaz¡¯gash. Temperance ran off to talk to Kyanite, Orsik opting to stay with Aviana.


    As Temperance rushed to the back of the line, a whistling sound caught her sensitive ears. She skidded to a halt and whirled around when something hit the wagon behind her with a thunk. An arrow stuck out of the back end of the wagon.


    Temperance¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Hey! Who¡¯s the meanie shooting arrows at me?¡±


    No one looked at her. Instead, heads turned out beyond the caravan¡¯s right side, the merchants and wagon drivers murmuring, and the guards on alert. Even Aviana and Yaz¡¯gash scanned the open area.


    Temperance¡¯s back straightened when various whistling sounds screamed through the air. Then someone shouted, ¡°Arrows! Everyone take cover!¡±


    She didn¡¯t have much time to react before dozens of arrows rained down on them from above. Temperance dove under the nearest wagon, the driver jumping down with her. Her body tensed with each thunk of an arrow making mark in the wooden structures. She squeezed her eyes shut when people cried out in pain. King Akorith, I¡¯m scared.


    Then, everything went silent. Temperance cracked her eyes open and gasped at the sight of all the arrows sticking in the ground or in the wagons. Even people too. Some of them moved, groaning in pain. Others¡­ didn¡¯t. She swallowed hard, her breathing intensifying. She and the others were alive, but for how long?


    Temperance¡¯s eyes widened when the ground shook, and thunder rumbled over the grasslands. Only, it wasn¡¯t thunder. Her eyes snapped out beyond her hiding spot, to see a large dust cloud approaching.


    ¡°Bandits!¡± someone shouted.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got it,¡± Aviana called out. ¡°Orsik, help the wounded. Everyone, either stay hidden or help get the wounded to our cleric.¡±


    Temperance watched her sister rush toward the approaching attackers. Avi, what are you doing? She stopped several feet away from the wagons and held her hands up, her head falling back as she muttered something. Oh!


    Above them, the clouds gathered at a rapid pace. Lightning cracked across the skies and thunder boomed in its wake. A lone bolt crashed down in front of the approaching bandit hoard. Aviana controlled it to only startle the horses, and frighten them she did. They reared up, throwing many of their riders and running in a different direction. Poor horsies.


    Temperance didn¡¯t get much time to focus on that though. The lightning didn¡¯t deter their invaders. They had the numbers on their side to feel confident. Temperance guessed there to be at least twenty of them. This caravan only hired eight guards. Them, plus Aviana and Yaz¡¯gash, it would be a hard fight to win. I guess¡­ I guess they have me too.


    Temperance knew how to fight. Aviana trained her to use many types of weapons¡ªtelling her she may need to use them one day. Even though she enjoyed using daggers, she never understood at the time why it was so important for her to learn. The attack on the beach taught her that reason.


    She didn¡¯t mean to kill that pirate woman. She¡¯d only thought about protecting her sister. Temperance executed the correct placement, hitting vital organs. It scared her how easily someone could die from a stab wound.


    Aviana took the death like everyone else. Like it was some sort of good thing. Temperance didn¡¯t understand. She only ever wanted to be a good person. And killing didn¡¯t fall into that, right?


    ¡°Sometimes good people do bad things to save those they care about.¡±


    Her mother¡¯s words rang through her mind. Was that why Aviana had been so okay with killing the pirates? Was that the reason she now faced these raiding bandits? They¡¯d already killed people. Temperance couldn¡¯t deny that with how they still didn¡¯t move from where they lay.


    Her eyes snapped back to the situation at hand when a wolf howled and Yaz¡¯gash let out a bone chilling roar. She rushed in, a large war axe at the ready to cleave her enemies in two. Aviana brought down another strike of lightning on their enemies, targeting those on foot. The sound of the false storm seemed to invigorate Yaz¡¯gash.


    ¡°I heard the Thunderblood orcs thrive in conditions like the one your sister made,¡± the wagon driver said beside Temperance, her voice quaking. ¡°It¡¯s said storms improve their fighting ability. Let¡¯s hope that¡¯s true. We need a miracle to survive this.¡±


    A miracle? Was that really what they needed?


    Half of the guards joined the two women, engaging in battle with the raiding hoard, while the others hung back, using the arrows the bandits unleashed on them to keep the raiders at bay.


    Aviana pulled another feat mid-battle. Thick gray hair grew all along her skin, her body twisting and contorting until a metamorphosis tore through her and she changed into a dire wolf. Amazing! She¡¯d seen her sister take forms before, but every time she did, it sent amazement and yearning through her. She was learning this ability from her sister, but she wasn¡¯t as well practiced. She hadn¡¯t even been given the okay to try yet, Aviana telling her she needed to study a bit longer.


    Her sister tore into a raider, his cries of pain piercing the air, mixing with the rumbling thunder above.


    Unfortunately, this defensive force only worked so well. Bandits still got past, climbing up into some of the wagons. People screamed. Temperance flinched when some of them were cut short.


    The woman beside Temperance shook, trying desperately to stay quiet and keep her fear from drawing attention to them. She needs comfort¡­ Temperance decided then to go against Aviana¡¯s wishes and try to shift.


    She closed her eyes and concentrated, picturing a dire wolf in her mind, not thinking about the size implications. She¡¯d studied them in her book enough she figured she could take it now. Aviana told her she also needed to spend a significant amount of time with the animal beyond book research to take a good form, but she was going to try anyway.


    A tingling sensation fell over Temperance, the image of the canine creature strong in her mind. She prayed to nature to allow this transformation. A quiet, ethereal snarl passed her ears, and then, her body twisted in such an uncomfortable fashion she almost stopped trying. No, this woman needs comfort!


    The sensation continued and then suddenly, it ended. Temperance cracked open an eye and almost squeaked when she noticed how strange the world look now. Her other eye opened and she looked around, her sense of smell also altered. Everything looked so big! But w¡ªoh no!


    Temperance looked down at the stubby little paws she had. She swiveled her head around to find the little body and tail to go with her new form. She¡¯d turned into a puppy!


    Wait, this can work. It wasn¡¯t a good battle form, but it could help this woman calm down. She liked puppies, right?


    Temperance crawled over to the driver and slipped under her arm. The woman gasped, but then seemed to realize what was going on and calmed down. Temperance hoped the woman¡¯s outburst didn¡¯t call attention to them. She didn¡¯t mean to startle the woman.


    The driver pulled temperance closer and murmured a thank you into her sensitive ear. Unfortunately, she still shook with fear. This didn¡¯t work at all! Looked like she needed to take another approach. One she wasn¡¯t sure she was ready for.


    Temperance wiggled out of the woman¡¯s arm and asked nature to release her from the form. It took a moment, but she eventually found herself back as a half-elf. Now the new plan.


    She took a deep breath and drew two large daggers she carried on her hips. She could still be good. Killing people was bad, but letting innocent people die was worse. She¡¯d protect them.


    Resolve clamped around Temperance as a bandit rushed up to the side of the wagon she hid under. She crawled closer to him, allowing him to slip behind the cart, before leaving safety. The bandit peered around the side of the cart, looking for guards. He didn¡¯t notice her creeping up behind him until it was too late.


    As the bandit whirled around, she thrust a dagger into his back, following up with a cut down, jamming the second blade behind his clavicle. The man choked and then collapsed. Temperance looked at the blood on her blade, her breath quickening. Her heart thundered in her ears. She did it. She protected someone.


    ¡°Hey, Jeremiah,¡± a feminine voice whispered. ¡°Did you find anything useful?¡±


    Temperance looked about for a place to hide. Her options weren¡¯t great, so she chose to duck between the horses of the wagon behind her, praying they didn¡¯t startle more than they already were. She hopped up on the wooden tongue and crouched low so she wouldn¡¯t be spotted. Temperance held her weapons at the ready.


    A woman came around the side of the wagon she hid on, and peered around the horses. She gasped and rushed to the fallen bandit. Temperance¡¯s heart clenched as the woman mourned the man. No, I can¡¯t. She steeled herself the best she could. Even thought they were people, they weren¡¯t showing any mercy to those in the caravan. They didn¡¯t care about those left behind who would have to mourn.


    Temperance slipped off the wagon and crept closer. She just needed to hit the right spot and she could put this woman out of her misery. Until a twig snapped under her feet. Dragon dung!


    The female bandit turned, drawing a blade as she moved, and Temperance went for her swing. The bandit deflected most of the blow, Temperance¡¯s blade only nicking her.


    The woman¡¯s eyes burned with intense anger. ¡°You¡¯re the one who killed my brother!¡±


    Temperance¡¯s nerves shook, but she did her best to hide it and be strong. ¡°All you meanies are killing my friends!¡±


    The woman bared her teeth. ¡°You will pay for that.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll pay first!¡±


    The bandit swung her sword and Temperance shrieked, diving away. The sound she made, startled the already fidgety horses and they reared up in their panic. One landed a blow on the angered woman¡¯s side. She hit the ground hard, doubled over in pain. But her quest for vengeance spurred her back on her feet before Temperance could gather her wits.


    The bandit swung her sword. Temperance scrambled away, but wasn¡¯t quick enough, and the blade sliced across her leg. She cried out in pain and held her leg where she crouched. It hurt so much.


    She looked up as the bandit lifted her arm for another attack. Temperance¡¯s body locked up, fear taking over. No! No it can¡¯t go like this! She had so much she still wanted to do. So many adventures to have. A test to pass. She couldn¡¯t die here.


    But her body wouldn¡¯t move, her terror rooting her in place.


    Heavy feet thumping the ground and deep panting his Temperance¡¯s ears. Then Techul came into her vision, barreling into the bandit and clamping his maw around her torso. The woman screamed, the sound blood curdling.


    Blood and other viscera splattered all over the ground and wagon as Techul clamped down and thrashed his head. The woman went limp and the dire wolf released his victim.


    Temperance breathed heavy, her eyes wide. Her stomach did several flips, threatening to rise up against her. She hoped she would never see something so gruesome again.


    Techul turned and gazed piercing golden eyes at her. Temperance¡¯s lip quivered, and she found the strength in her legs again. She threw herself into Techul¡¯s neck, not caring how reckless it may be. ¡°You saved me!¡±


    She nuzzled her face into his plush coat. ¡°You¡¯re the bestest, Techul.¡±


    The large canine stood there while she used him to calm down. It was exactly what she needed.


    When she was ready, Temperance pulled away and looked up at the dire wolf. ¡°Let¡¯s go save more people.¡±


    Techul sniffed the air and let out a deep howl. Temperance howled with him, the action bolstering her resolve. Now that she had someone to fight alongside her, she¡¯d fair better.


    They took off for the front of the caravan, where most of the action remained. A pair of bandits engaged with one of the guards became their first target together. Techul lunged for one, while Temperance drew one of her few throwing daggers and tossed it at the other bandit. Both hit their mark, Temperance¡¯s dagger sinking into the bandit¡¯s throat. The guard took advantage of their strikes and cut her target down. Techul had no trouble taking out his target on his own.


    Temperance rushed passed the battered guard, retrieving her dagger and smiled at him. He nodded a bewildered thanks before Temperance and Techul set their sights on another bandit.


    Temperance readied to throw her dagger again when she spotted a bandit climbing up on a wagon. Another guard stood up there, shooting arrows at the hoard Aviana and Yaz¡¯gash engaged with. The world around Temperance slowed as she watched the bandit lift his weapon for a swing at the guard who noticed his new opponent too late. Temperance needed to change targets.


    Her throwing dagger poised, she lined up her shot and tossed it as hard as she could.


    The small weapon whistled through the air. The bandit¡¯s swing came to its height, but before he could swing it down, the dagger pierced his eyes. An ear splitting scream pierced the air.


    The bandit dropped his weapon and held his face, thrashing around. The guard, now aware of his situation, pivoted and sunk an arrow into the attacker¡¯s chest. The bandit choked and fell off the wagon, unmoving.


    Temperance wanted to get her weapon back, but there wasn¡¯t time. She¡¯d have to retrieve it later.


    She and Tachul fought side by side again, though the battle took its toll on Temperance. Not only did she have some close calls, and take on a few new marks on her skin, she didn¡¯t have the endurance to keep this up. She wasn¡¯t battle experienced like everyone else fighting. She needed a miracle, just as that wagon driver said.


    When it felt as though she couldn¡¯t go on, and the bandits may over power the guards she fought with, a symphony of wolf howls carried across the grasslands. Temperance turned to see a pack of dire wolves charging for them. Panic rose in her chest. They couldn¡¯t take on wolves too! Then, she spotted the orcs sprinting behind them. This wasn¡¯t a dire wolf pack¡ªthis was Yaz¡¯gash¡¯s hunting party!


    The dire wolves launched themselves into the fray, taking out bandits in the same gruesome manner as Techul. But when the orcs attacked, savage and ruthless, the wolves¡¯ way paled in comparison.


    That didn¡¯t matter to her though. They had their miracle. And that meant they¡¯d make it. Thank you, Akorith!


    With their added ranks, the battle didn¡¯t last much longer. Most bandits found themselves bleeding out on the green grass. Those few who managed to evade death, took off.


    ¡°Yeah, you better run!¡± Temperance picked up a rock and tossed it at the fleeing bandits, though it didn¡¯t go far. ¡°Stupid meanies!¡±


    Rumbles of laughter echoed through the defenders, lightening the otherwise tense situation.


    Then the cleanup began.


    Those injured were gathered into one place, while the dead were laid out in rows. Aviana, now back in her normal form, and as hurt as she was with all her deep gashes and smeared blood, assisted Orsik in the healing. The dwarf looked absolutely exhausted, but Temperance understood healing took a lot out of someone, and Orsik did a lot of it just now.


    Temperance received some healing from the kind dwarf before standing out of the way with Techul, stroking his neck to keep herself calm and distracted from counting the number of people who didn¡¯t make it. It was too sad to think about.


    ¡°Temperance, please go get the rest of my vitality potions,¡± Aviana called out. ¡°We¡¯re going to need them.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± She kept her tone even. As much as she tried to be happy all the time, it felt disrespectful to be too bubbly right now.


    Temperance retrieved Aviana¡¯s stash of potions and handed them out. There wasn¡¯t enough for everyone, so most chose to consume half in order to share. It¡¯d reduce the healing effect, but at least it¡¯d keep everyone¡¯s life force out of danger. She kept one full one for Aviana. She could tell her sister would need it. And typical of her, she¡¯d focus on the needs of others before her own.


    Aviana could be selfish sometimes¡ªa lot of times. But when people were hurting around her, she become so selfless it was probably unhealthy.


    Aviana took the potion without a fuss when she finished her task. ¡°Thank you, Temperance.¡±


    ¡°You did so much, I didn¡¯t want you to forget about yourself,¡± she said.


    Her older sister smiled. ¡°I appreciate you looking out for me.¡± Aviana looked her over. ¡°How are you feeling? I caught glimpses of you and Techul fighting together. And heard you two engage in a victory howl.¡±


    A wide smiled spread across Temperance¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯m okay. Orsik healed me so I¡¯m just tired now. It was much easier fighting once Techul started helping. I stabethed a lot of people.¡±


    Yaz¡¯gash chuckled as she approached them. ¡°She did more than that. Techul has told me how brave this little one fought. Just a pup and she fought with the ferocity and cunning of any wolf. She will make a fine fighter one day. You should be proud, Aviana.¡±


    Aviana smiled and patted Temperance on the head. ¡°I¡¯m always proud of her.¡±


    This praise made Temperance so happy. She looked to Yaz¡¯gash. ¡°You can speak to your wolf?¡±


    The orc woman nodded. ¡°All we Thunderblood can communicate with our partners. It¡¯s part of the bond we share with them.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°That¡¯s so cool. Can you tell Techul I love him, and he¡¯s the bestest dire wolf?¡±


    Yaz¡¯gash chuckled. ¡°He knows that¡¯s how you feel about him.¡±


    Just then, a wet, slobbery tongue slid across Temperance¡¯s cheek. She groaned and wiped her hand across her skin, looking up at Techul. Aviana and Yaz¡¯gash laughed. Temperance stroked Techul¡¯s head, happy he liked her. She wished she could take him with them on their adventure. Or have her own dire wolf! But Aviana would probably say no. And she doubted the owlcats back home would be too thrilled. Maybe I can make them be friends and then it¡¯d be okay.


    While she plotted, the mess around her was cleaned up. Some of the wagons would go back to Lakecross and Windshire to bury the dead. The rest would continue on, taking any supplies of the fallen so as to sell and bring back the profits for their families. Temperance liked that. Most merchants would be selfish and steal all that gold.


    The orcs would go with that group of wagons, though only to Lakecross. Yaz¡¯gash chose to say with the main party to help them through the grasslands as promised. And the main wagon leader promoted Aviana as a body guard. No one protested this time, having proven her worth and earned more than their respect. Temperance even got paid a few gold coins for helping!


    The bandits were buried, to reduce the risk of someone coming by and raising them as zombie puppets, and Temperance got to keep some of their gear. She got some new belts with special dagger pocket modifications¡ªnew daggers included. She didn¡¯t know how she¡¯d incorporate it on her body without looking silly, but she¡¯d certainly try. Can never have enough daggers on hand. She liked collecting daggers. She had all kinds back home.


    Yaz¡¯gash allowed Temperance to ride on Techul¡¯s back. This excited her so much, she almost forgot to grab Kyanite to enjoy the experience too.


    The woman wagon driver Temperance saved insisted they move their belongings to her wagon. After Temperance saving her life, and Aviana¡¯s performance, she felt safer with them around. Unfortunately the driver and merchant they left Lakecross with didn¡¯t make it, so they didn¡¯t have much reason to say no.


    Temperance settled herself on Techul¡¯s back, and took in this new experience with wide open eyes. I wonder what this adventure will bring next!

 [B1] Chapter 14: Trouble in the Skies

    14


    Trouble in the Skies


    Gray clouds clung to the sky, blocking out most of the mid-day sun. A cold breeze blew, bringing the promise of rain. Aviana shivered and pulled her cloak in tighter. One and a half moons had passed since the departure from Lakecross. After the incident with the bandits, the ride north had gone much smoother.


    The wagons split when they came close to the mountains. Some merchants planned to stop in Nardrul, while the rest would go through the Karidar pass for Kirdarim. Yaz¡¯gash chose to follow the Nardrul intended wagons and then head back to the clan from there. This disappointed Temperance when she found out that meant she couldn¡¯t spend time with Techul anymore. She tried to rationalize why he didn¡¯t have to leave to Aviana, and why it¡¯d be a great idea for him to just become her partner. It all amused Aviana and Yaz¡¯gash too. Ultimately she didn¡¯t get her way.


    Their only obstacle now, was the weather. The further north they went, the more Aviana realized she hadn¡¯t prepared enough. She¡¯d never left the Karma Wilds during winter. The wagon driver sold them some heavier cloaks, but they only helped so much. Aviana¡¯s clothes were becoming a hinderance to staying warm.


    Aviana focused on her light conversation with Orsik to keep her mind off things Temperance painted away, humming a small tune. Aviana taught her how to create temporary frames and lace her parchment to it, allowing her to paint on the go.


    Orsik looked over a detailed painting of his face. He wouldn¡¯t stop admiring it since Temperance painted it the other day¡ªnot that Aviana blamed him. It had to be one of her sister¡¯s best pieces yet. And she knew the gesture touched the dwarven man.


    Aviana had learned quite a bit about him, beside him being overly nice. She swore there was no negative bone in his body. At first, it was off-putting, and made her skeptical. But she¡¯d come to realize, he was just that way, and it made sense why Ildri chose him.


    According to a tale Orsik had shared, he came from a small town in the north. It¡¯d been destroyed many years ago, Orsik the only one to have survived. He didn¡¯t know why, but he did know it was due to Ildri¡¯s grace and protection. Since then, he¡¯d dedicated his life to the goddess. Orsik traveled anywhere she told him, and hoped one day to find his way to other continents is Aecis.


    The talk of travel had engaged Temperance for a time. She jabbered on and on about the places she wanted to see, including specific places on the other continents.


    ¡°Temperance, can we know what you¡¯re painting now?¡± Aviana asked. Her sister insisted on keeping this one a secret.


    Temperance pursed her lips and dragged her paintbrush across the parchment surface. ¡°In a second. I gotta get this detail right.¡±


    Aviana waited several moments before Temperance smiled wide and flipped her canvas around. ¡°Tah-dah! It¡¯s you and Xalanath.¡±


    A knot formed in her stomach. The painting wasn¡¯t as detailed as the one Temperance had done of Orsik, but it showed her and Xalanath leaning against each other as they sat on the sands of a beach, holding hands.


    ¡°Temperance,¡± she hissed. ¡°Why would you paint that?¡±


    Her younger sister blinked, confused. ¡°Why don¡¯t you like it? I thought it was really cute.¡±


    Orsik leaned over to take a look. ¡°Who that be, lass? Yer lover?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Aviana eyes narrowed. ¡°We are not lovers. Temperance just has a delusion we are.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s shoulders sagged and she pouted. ¡°Why are you so mean, Avi? It¡¯s not a delusion. You two are adorable together. You don¡¯t need to be so embarrassed.¡±


    Aviana let out a tight sigh. What could she do to get her sister to understand the error of her ways? Not much, unfortunately. Her sister had a high stubborn streak.


    The wagon slowed to a stop, drawing all their attention. Aviana stood up and spoke with their wagon driver, concerned about the open location they chose to stop at.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± the driver said, peering around the wagon in front of her. ¡°I can¡¯t see too far ahead.¡±


    The driver hopped out of her seat. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    The woman ran to the front of the line, returning several moments later. ¡°The bridge is out.¡±


    Temperance looked to Aviana. ¡°Avi, didn¡¯t you tell me there was a single bridge on this road that made it possible for people to cross on this side of the Karidar Pass?¡±


    Aviana nodded, her expression grim. ¡°Yes. If this is the same one, we may be in some trouble. Let¡¯s go take a look and see.¡±


    She hopped out, Temperance excitedly following for the new excursion. Orsik jumped out as well, though not so gracefully. He managed to not fall on his face this time. Aviana pitied the man and his ungracefulness.


    They strolled past the other wagons and joined the lead wagon driver and a few guards and merchants. They stood at a ledge with two wooden posts. As they drew closer, Aviana could see the other side, where part of a wooden bridge still stood out across the deep ravine below. The river dividing the two sides wasn¡¯t too wide, a few hundred feet or so, but¡ªglancing around at the steep terrain¡ªthere was no way to get across without that bridge.


    ¡°Do we know what caused it?¡± Aviana asked.


    A halfling merchant threw her thumb at one of the guards. ¡°He thinks someone sabotaged it.¡±


    Aviana gazed at the short woman. ¡°And you?¡±


    ¡°I think its age.¡± She grunted and threw her hands at one of the posts. ¡°I mean, look at that thing. I doubt anyone worked on it since it was built!¡±


    Aviana nodded and pushed closer, taking a good look at each post. They were indeed weathered with age. But there was something else about this that nagged at the back of Aviana¡¯s mind.


    Her fingers slid over a deep gouge on the other side of the post she inspected. She peered around it to find deep claw marks marring the surface. A frown formed on her lips and she gazed up at the dark sky, eyes darting around.


    There weren¡¯t many creatures that lived in these mountains. Gryphons were said to roost farther west on the mountain range, but this couldn¡¯t be the work of such creatures. They¡¯d have no reason to.


    ¡°What is it, Avi?¡± Temperance asked.


    ¡°I think this they¡¯re both right.¡± She looked to her audience. ¡°I want everyone on alert just in case. We don¡¯t need any surprises.¡±


    A guard rushed to relay the message to rest of the hired help. Meanwhile the lead driver crossed his arms. ¡°Now what do we do? It¡¯d be difficult for us to turn around in this space, and going around on the west side would add at least another month to our trip, if not more. We¡¯d have to also resupply in Nardrul if that¡¯s the case, otherwise we won¡¯t have enough provisions to last us.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also the factor of the Burned Lands,¡± a merchant said. ¡°We choose this path to avoid the desert and surrounding savannahs.¡±


    Aviana looked over the bridge again and gauged the gap. ¡°I might be able to fix it.¡±


    The lead driver¡¯s brow spiked. ¡°Really now? And how do you plan to do that?¡±


    Aviana closed her eyes and inhaled deep, feeling all aspects of nature around her. The wind ruffled her hair, whispering in a language only the trained could understand. She dug her toes into the packed dirt and stone, feeling nature¡¯s pull deep within. This area may be barren on the surface, but deep within, life grew. And it heeded her call.


    Aviana nodded. ¡°It¡¯ll take some time, several hours at least, but I can grow a new bridge.¡±


    The man¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°That¡¯s possible?¡±


    Temperance placed her hands on her hips. ¡°You doubt my sister after everything she¡¯s done?¡±


    The young woman¡¯s exasperation amused the merchants and bodyguards.


    The lead driver took a breath. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll let you give it a try. If there¡¯s no progress in two hours, I¡¯ll start working on a plan to turn us around.¡±


    ¡°Deal.¡± She couldn¡¯t deny that was a good compromise. It wouldn¡¯t even take two hours if nature decided not to give her this needed power that was most certainly above her abilities. If she did manage this, it¡¯d exhaust her for a few days at least. A risk I¡¯m willing to take.


    Aviana sat down in front of the broken bridge and pulled herself into a meditative state, breathing deep and emptying her mind. She needed to be sure her body could become a proper vessel before she asked for nature¡¯s blessing.


    ? ? ?


    Temperance stroked the horse¡¯s speckled muzzle. The beast stood there, patient and gentle. The horse next to him nudged her arm, looking for attention as well. She giggled and pet him too.


    They didn¡¯t have horses in Starglade. Alpacas were their beasts of burden because the mountains surrounding the lake town. Owlcats also helped carry or pull heavy loads, but only if they wanted to. They had a type of intelligence that both impressed Temperance and surprised her.


    Her gaze fell on her sister, who still sat by the bridge. Even from this distance, she could see the furrowed concentration on Aviana¡¯s brow and the sweat dripping down her neck even in this colder air. Orsik sat beside her, using healing on her without speaking, so as not to break her concentration, but to also attempt to help her in some way.


    An hour had gone by and so far, nature cooperated with her sister. The barren road had turned into a carpet of grass with flowers and the thick healthy vines grew from the ground, wrapping around the aged posts. There hadn¡¯t been a lot of progress in the way of making a bridge, but Temperance knew that required some time.


    The sound of splitting wood echoed through the gorge, catching everyone attention. The two bridge posts split and crack, new life pulsing from within. Then, before everyone¡¯s eyes, progress began. The wood grew and twisted. It branched out across the gorge, intertwining with itself in many places and creating beautiful shapes and designs. Vines crawled and flowers bloomed all along the newly wooded areas. She did it! Her sister had actually done it.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Something in the distanced caught Temperance¡¯s eye, but when she looked in that direction, she found nothing. The young woman shrugged it off and went back to focusing on her sister. The bridge now branched off the cliff face by five feet. Temperance estimated the gorge to be at about eight hundred feet across, give or take. Aviana would be building this bridge for a while at this rate, but the result would be nice and sturdy.


    The sound of someone singing filtered through Temperance¡¯s ears. She found the voice quite lovely and she was tempted to search for the singer, but shook herself of the thought. This bridge making was far more interesting.


    Orsik abandoned his post and gazed around. Temperance didn¡¯t understand why. He was missing something super amazing right in front of him!


    ¡°Uh, lasses,¡± Orsik said.


    Temperance hushed him. ¡°Orsik, we gotta be quiet. Avi needs to concentrate.¡±


    ¡°But we be havin¡¯ an issue.¡±


    Temperance looked at him to find him pointing skyward. She followed his gesture to find six human sized flying creatures heading straight for them. Temperance squinted to try to get a better looked and what she recognized had her taking a few steps back. Torso and head of a human woman, and feet, legs and wings for arm of an eagle, Temperance knew these creatures from her books.


    ¡°Harpies!¡± Orsik shouted in warning. He turned and ran for the caravan. The guards, already on alert due to Aviana¡¯s concerns earlier, reacted to the warning. Everyone else took cover.


    Temperance drew her daggers. Once angelic beings wishing to only help mortals where they could, a terrible curse befell them, and now they only sought to prey upon the weak and unsuspecting, torturing their victims before consuming them. Temperance could see the sharp talons these monstrosities carried as their arsenal, and while she found them terrifying, she knew it was their songs that were more dangerous. A harpy¡¯s song could send even the most battle experienced warrior into a hypnotized state.


    Temperance looked to her sister who remained in her meditative trance. Based on her posture, she could tell Aviana was aware of the looming danger, but if she stopped speaking with nature, and halted the bridge¡¯s construction, there was a great chance her sister wouldn¡¯t be allowed to call upon the power again. Temperance steeled herself. She needed to protect her sister at all costs. Aviana would do the same for me!


    The harpies swooped in, three branching off for the caravan, while the other three targeting Aviana and Temperance. Not liking the odds, Temperance thought of some spells Aviana taught her that would make it easy to fight these creatures. Oh, that¡¯ll work! She muttered an incantation and the blades of her daggers ignited in flame.


    The lead harpy swooped in with talons outstretched, aiming for Temperance. The avian creature moved quicker than she had expected and latched onto her. Temperance cringed, the soft nature of her starcloth unable to soften the blow, even if it protected her from the sharpness of the talons. But she wouldn¡¯t allow that to stop her. Temperance sunk a flaming blade into the leg of the harpy.


    The creature screamed in agony, letting her go. This allowed Temperance to follow up with her second blade, and slice into the corrupted creature¡¯s torso. It hissed at her and came in for another attack, but she was ready this time and rolled out of the way, following up with a counter attack right into the creature¡¯s back. Feather¡¯s ignited and the harpy fell to the ground, screaming in pain. It flopped around, it¡¯s spine clearly too damaged for it to get back up, and then, it¡¯s struggling ceased, the last bit of breath leaving the burning body.


    Temperance stared at the lifeless creature, eyes wide. I did it¡­ She was still getting used to this killing thing. But each time she did it, it became a bit easier. She thought about it less as her hand was forced. And right now, surviving and protecting Aviana was the only thing going through her mind. Oh no, Avi!


    She¡¯d been so preoccupied with the one harpy, she¡¯d forgotten about the others.


    Temperance whirled around to find the other two harpies attempting to attack her sister, but they couldn¡¯t grab a hold of her. Temperance watched at Aviana¡¯s form warped every time the talons should have landed a hit on the druid. Her connection with nature is keeping her safe! But Temperance knew that wouldn¡¯t last long. Her concentration would break and then these harpies would be in a heap of trouble. You didn¡¯t want to make Aviana angry. Temperance swore her sister¡¯s furry turned her into a demon¡­ or a grumpy dragon. She hadn¡¯t decided yet.


    Temperance thought of a way to help her sister, without potentially causing her more issues. She grinned wickedly when a spell came to mind, but then frowned when she realized she didn¡¯t have the proper item to help her with it. Some spells only required an incantation, while others needed special hand and arm movements, materials, or even a mix of the three.


    Sometimes these requirements could be replaced with a special kind of focus, but Aviana and Temperance hadn¡¯t gotten to making one for her yet. Aviana thought she still needed more experience before she relied on such an item.


    Maybe I can ask nature, like Avi does. Aviana had told her, if she was missing a material, she could ask nature to provide her with the spell anyways. Sometimes it¡¯d heed the request, and others it would ignore. It was a lot like the situation Aviana was in now with the bridge. There was no true spell to make the bridge. But with the right request, nature could provide.


    Temperance closed her eyes and felt out nature¡¯s presence, thinking of the incantation needed for the spell. At first, she felt nothing, but, after a few moments, a sensation rose up from the ground into her body. It worked! The young druid¡¯s eyes snapped open and she uttered the incantation aloud.


    A thorny plant grew up from the ground until it reached Temperance''s height. It then curled into itself until it had made several loops. Temperance grasped the thorny plant by a section that hadn¡¯t produced any painful spines, and pulled on it. The plant broke clean off, leaving her with a whip-like weapon.


    Focusing on the closest monstrosity, Temperance swung the long whip at the creature and made contact. She hadn¡¯t been able to get the whip to wrap around the throat, but she did manage the wing.


    The creature struggled to stay in the air and Temperance use the situation to yank on her whip. The harpy, unable to fight back, plummeted to the ground, farther from Aviana. It struggled as the thorny plant tangled with its feathers and it screeched in pain and frustration. The other harpy continued to attack Aviana until it finally made contact, knocking Aviana over. Her older sister¡¯s eyes snapped open and Temperance saw the malice in her sister¡¯s eyes. Yep, it¡¯s dead.


    Aviana rolled away from the cursed beast and drew both her scimitars, pulling her body into her readied battle stance. The harpy screech and Aviana responded with an onslaught of furry, her movement fluid and arching like a dance, a common style for the warriors in the clan. Within seconds the harpy lay in a bloody heap, sanguine fluid dripping from Aviana¡¯s weapons. The druid¡¯s wrath snapped onto the harpy Temperance held captive.


    The harpy glowered at the two of them and then began singing. Her voice enveloped the two. Aviana shook her head and ignored the song, but Temperance struggled. The song sounded so lovely. Her grip on the whip loosened.


    ¡°Temperance!¡± Aviana shouted. ¡°Don¡¯t lose focus!¡±


    She struggled to heed her sister¡¯s call and before she knew it, the harpy broke free of the thorn whip, sending pieces flying. Dragon dung! A sensation of uselessness fell over her. If only she¡¯d been able to resist the song. Then she wouldn¡¯t be in this state.


    Aviana focused on the monstrosity slammed her scimitar into its torso, piercing through her. Ouch! Scimitars were meant for slicing, not piercing, so for her sister to stick that into the creature, that was both impressive and painful to watch.


    The harpy screeched in pain and lashed out at Aviana. Her sister reeled back, dodging the attack, but lost grip on the weapon in the process. The avian creature took to the skies, the weapon still lodged in body, but Aviana wasn¡¯t about to let it get away. She held up her hands and muttered under her breath. A pale green gas spread from her hand and surrounded the flying creature. Temperance, even in her state, knew that spell. Poison. A dangerous substance if inhaled.


    The monstrosity coughed and sputtered and attempted to fight the cloud but ultimately failed. Its wings locked up and the harpy plummeted into the ravine. The being hit a few rocks on the way down before¡­ silence. Temperance found herself able to move on her own accord again.


    Aviana glanced over the ledge and frowned. ¡°There goes my weapon. I didn¡¯t really think that part through¡­¡±


    ¡°No time for that, Avi!¡± Temperance shouted. ¡°There were three other ones!¡±


    They whirled around when the sound of a woman screaming caught their ears. They took in the scene before them. One dead harpy on the ground, with another locked in combat with two guards, and the last, trying to fly off with a female halfling merchant.


    ¡°Tempy, you remember that ice spell I taught you?¡± Aviana asked. Temperance nodded. ¡°We¡¯re going to use it together. Aim it at that harpy¡¯s wings. We can¡¯t let it take that woman away.¡±


    ¡°But I left my waterskin in the wagon,¡± she said.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need it. The water is in the air. Watch me.¡±


    Temperance nodded again and watched her sister. Aviana uttered the incantation as she held a hand up and the air around her grew colder until a shard of ice formed, hovering above her hand. Temperance found this amazing. She always needed water on her to do this spell, but if Aviana could perform it by using the water in the air, she had to try as well.


    She concentrated, feeling out the moisture in the air. When the sensation hit her hand, she spoke the incantation and watched as the water converged around her hand and froze. Her body also felt a tad weaker in a non-physical way, but she knew it had to do with the energy she expended to conjure the spell. I did it!


    Temperance looked to her sister who nodded in approval and the two brought their attention back on the harpy. Careful with their aim, they sent the shards of ice flying at the monstrosity. Temperance cheered in triumph when the ice hit the wings of the harpy, and froze up the appendages. The harpy let go of the innocent woman who hit the ground with a thud and the harpy spun out of control until it collided with the ground. Orsik rushed over to the merchant woman and went about tending to her, while one of the free guards took advantage of the situation and charged at the cursed being. He slashed into her soft flesh until she ceased to move.


    Just as he finished off the creature, the other two guards took out their opponent. The air grew quiet, only the wind making a sound. The merchants and wagon drivers peered out of their hiding spots in time to watched the corpses of the harpies turn to ash and blow away in the wind.


    ¡°Is that normal, Avi?¡± Temperance asked.


    Aviana nodded and motioned for her sister to follow her as she headed over to Orsik and the gathering guards. ¡°Due to their corruption, their bodies can¡¯t exist if their life force has left them. They turn to ash, symbolizing the fire that once was a magnificence to life, now long dead.¡±


    Temperance frowned. ¡°That¡¯s sad. I wish they hadn¡¯t been cursed.¡±


    ¡°Many of us do, little lady,¡± one of the guards said as they approached.


    Temperance crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks. There they went, calling her little again. Aviana chuckled and ruffled her hair before addressing the men in front of her. ¡°Is everyone alright?¡±


    The man nodded. ¡°This poor woman was the only one to fall victim to their attack. Though Cleric Orsik appears to be helping her out after that fall.¡±


    Aviana frowned. ¡°Yes, that probably wasn¡¯t the best choice for us to make.¡±


    Orsik looked at her. ¡°Aye, lass, maybe nae, but ye saved tha lass¡¯ life, sae dinnae get down on yerself.¡±


    Aviana nodded, taking in his praise, and then went about looking over the guards for wounds. One had a nasty gouge in his shoulder while the others had simple bruises and scrapes so she tended to the worse off man.


    A green-blue light cast out of her hand and enveloped the man¡¯s wound, healing it up quick, and leaving no mark behind. Temperance looked down at Orsik to see him healing the halfling woman, and she noticed his healing spell came off as a white-blue instead. That must be the visible difference from nature magic and divine magic.


    Temperance decided to give it a shot too. Aviana had taught her some healing, but she wasn¡¯t nearly as good. Scrapes and bruises shouldn¡¯t be too hard though! She held her hand up. Warmth fell over her hand and then, over the scraps of the guard she had chosen. The man smiled his thanks to her when she was done, and she went to the next man.


    Once everyone was healed, Aviana checked on the caravan residents before going back to her bridge making. The guards kept an extra keen eye out for more attacks while Orsik and the caravan leader bought the merchant woman into one of the wagons to rest.


    Three hours passed before Aviana had finished her bridge, nature understanding her reason to temporarily halt her request from it, and what a masterpiece it was. So much excitement overcame Temperance, that she ran out onto the bridge and jumped around like a cat on catnip. This had been the most amazing bridge she¡¯d ever laid eyes on. It was also sturdy. No amount of jumping had this bridge budging in the least. Inadvertently, Temperance¡¯s excitement eased the wagon driver¡¯s worries about the safety of the structure.


    Aviana called her back to the wagon and she reluctantly listened. The two climbed into the wagon, and the moment Aviana sat down she slumped over in exhaustion.


    Temperance understood the toll that took on her sister. Spells were rough on the body and mind. It¡¯s why, not matter your spellcasting path, you had to practice.


    Temperance wrapped her sister¡¯s cloak around her tight and also pulled out a blanket for an extra measure. Aviana smiled her thanks. Once you depleted your energy store, then you needed to rest to get it back. And this type of call to nature, only made that harder for even someone like Aviana. She could be out of commission for a few days if the request drained her that much.


    Avi, you¡¯re more amazing than you give yourself credit for. She caught her sister being hard on herself all the time. She didn¡¯t know why her sister did it, but she wished she¡¯d stop. She could do so many amazing things. Maybe this adventure would help her too. Maybe you¡¯ll be able to smile again like you used to.


    Over the past few years Aviana smiled less and less, like an invisible heavy burden took its toll on her. Temperance wanted nothing more than for her sister to be happy.


    Temperance yawned and lay down with her sister to rest as well. She was convinced this adventure would help her sister. She didn¡¯t know how, but they¡¯d both be different people by the end; for the better of course.

 [B1] Chapter 15: The Curious Merchant

    15


    The Curious Merchant


    Thunder rolled across the dark skies and lightning flashed, lighting up the plains. Mud sloshed and sucked under the wheels and hooves of the moving caravan. Cold rain pattered the wagon¡¯s canvas bonnet. Orsik shined his shield, humming a small tune, trying to ignore the unusual weather for the month of Miros. Rain was common in these parts, but thunder storms didn¡¯t come about until spring returned, and that was still a month and a half away.


    Aviana sat upright, listening to nature, her breath forming in small cloud puffs. In their time traveling together, she¡¯d explained more about her connection with nature and how it spoke to her. The way she explained it, it made him think of his connection to Ildri, though instead of a single voice he heard, she experienced many voices, of sorts. They weren¡¯t true voices, but sensations and feelings she had to then interpret as words.


    Aviana¡¯s body went ridged, and her back straightening and her face rising toward the sky. Orsik swore he noticed a slight glow to the symbol on her forehead. Temperance remained oblivious to this change. She sat at the edge of the wagon, her feet dangling over the wooden structure counting lightning strikes and how long it took for the thunder to rumble after, as if the cold weather bothered her little. What in tha god¡¯s names be goin¡¯ on?


    After a moment Aviana relaxed and her eyes fluttered open. She appeared to be fine, but Orsik wasn¡¯t so sure. ¡°Uh, lass, ye okay?¡±


    She blinked at him. ¡°Yeah, of course, why?¡±


    ¡°Ye got a wee bit funny just now.¡±


    Temperance leaned back, looking at them upside down. ¡°Watcha mean, Orsik? I didn¡¯t see nothing funny going on.¡±


    Of course she didn¡¯t. Temperance was an odd woman, a little too na?ve to be allowed to roam on her own, but overall, Orsik enjoyed her positive outlook in life.


    Aviana smiled. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I concerned you, Orsik. Nature was being a bit cryptic. I had to focus a little harder than normal to understand. Sometimes my body reacts funny when I do that.¡±


    ¡°What did nature say?¡± Temperance asked.


    The older half-elf shook her head. ¡°Nothing as important as I thought it would have been. Just strange gossip about change and adventure for some would-be heroes.¡±


    The younger woman accepted the answer with an ¡°oh¡± and went back to looking out the wagon, enjoying her time getting wet, even if cold, and speaking to her toy dragon. Orsik, on the other hand, wasn¡¯t so convinced. The words seemed¡­ too practiced. He knew her type based on how she spoke¡ªsilver tongued. She was used to convincing others truths even if it wasn¡¯t. Or only half true. Orsik himself would have no reason to question her fine words, had it not been for that strange glow. There was no mistaking it. He had sensed a celestial presence within it.


    When they first met, he wondered why Ildri would want him to meet these two women. And he also had once questioned if she had contact with a god or goddess based on how she treated his connection with his matron. Now, he was more sure than ever that may be the case. But if she didn¡¯t wish to speak about it, it wasn¡¯t his place to press.


    Temperance kicked her legs. ¡°Avi, can I play in the puddles now?¡±


    ¡°No. We¡¯re still moving and you¡¯ll be left behind.¡±


    ¡°But I want to play in the puddles!¡± Her younger sister complained. Orsik found her obsession with water both strange and fascinating.


    Aviana sighed but didn¡¯t say anything to her sister, refusing to give into the behavior or be sucked into a never ending back and for of why and why not. Temperance leaned back and looked at her sister upside down. ¡°Can I play in the puddles when we get to wherever we¡¯re going?¡±


    Orsik chuckled. ¡°Ye be a persistent wee lass.¡±


    Aviana shook her head. ¡°That¡¯s an understatement. Temperance, we¡¯ll see about your request when we get to Kirdarim.¡±


    ¡°Are we there yet?¡± the young redhead asked.


    Both Orsik and Aviana couldn¡¯t help but laugh. The wagon driver also chuckled at the girl¡¯s antics before speaking. ¡°As a matter of fact, we are.¡±


    Temperance, excited as usual, stuck her head out the front of the wagon with the driver to take a look, only to furrow her brow in confusion when all she could see were rows of grape plants for miles.


    ¡°There¡¯s no city here. There¡¯s supposed to be a huge city!¡±


    The driver chuckled. ¡°Not above ground, no.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Aviana snickered. ¡°Temperance, I told you, Kirdarim is a gnomish town deep beneath the surface of the delta it¡¯s settled in.¡±


    Temperance pulled back inside the wagon to sit next to her sister. ¡°That wasn¡¯t in my books.¡±


    ¡°They do it to utilize the fertile soil,¡± the golden-haired half-elf explained. ¡°Kirdarim is known for their gnomish wines and other grape based products it procures due to richness of the soil the vitis plants thrive on, as well as the minerals they harvest deep beneath the earth. It only makes sense to build the town below ground where there¡¯s more room to grow a city and not encroach on their farming land.¡±


    Temperance nodded. ¡°Oh, okay, I guess that makes sense. How did you get to be so smart, Avi?¡±


    Aviana smirked. ¡°I read a lot.¡±


    ¡°Then I will have to read even more books so one day I will be as smart as you!¡±


    ¡°I have no doubt that¡¯ll happen.¡±


    The love that radiated off Aviana for her sister made Orsik¡¯s heart swell. He¡¯d learned the two had different mothers, which explained differences in their appearance and drastic personality contrast. And knowing that, he would have expected some sort of forced connection between them, as he¡¯d seen in other families like theirs. But these two genuinely cared for each other. The world could learn a thing or two from them.


    Aviana pointed beyond the wagon driver. ¡°We¡¯re here.¡±


    Her sister whirled around just in time for her to see the enormous precious metal arches before they descended into the cavernous tunnel. Temperance ran back and forth trying to take in the tunnel lit by large braziers, the warm light reflecting off the metal supports and statues. When the tunnel opened up in a large cavern, she gasped, her eyes wide.


    Orsik and Aviana smiled. There was something amazing seeing this young woman experience a new place for the first time.


    Before them, unnecessarily tall buildings and statues of stone and metal reached for the cavern ceilings. Waterfalls cascaded into the city, their water collecting in pools and rivers. Many pools appeared to be communal resources for water. High walls blocked off areas where the delta split and created natural cave systems. Orsik knew them to be the different districts, seven main ones in total, one for each council member of the ruling government to oversee.


    ¡°Avi, this place is so amazing!¡± Temperance beamed. She held Kyanite out. ¡°Look Kyanite!¡±


    The older sister smiled. ¡°We¡¯ll stay for a day or two before heading North.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the best sister ever!¡± Temperance stuck her head back outside the wagon.


    Orsik was curious. ¡°Where ye two be headed after here?¡±


    ¡°Natamere,¡± Aviana said. ¡°I know some people there that want to meet Temperance. It¡¯s also a good place for her to learn more about different lifestyles.¡±


    Made sense to him. Would he also travel that way with them, or would Ildri guide him a different way now that he¡¯d followed these women here? He¡¯d met some holy men and women of Akorith before. And Akorith and Ildri were on good terms with each other, so going to a city like that wouldn¡¯t cause any issues.


    Temperance pulled back into the wagon. ¡°Avi, Natamere didn¡¯t come up in any of my books. How big is it?¡±


    Aviana thought for a moment. ¡°I don¡¯t remember the exact size. It¡¯s able to safely house at least twenty-five thousand people with farmland to feed them all. It¡¯s the biggest on Alaria, though not as big as some of the cities on the other continents of Aecis.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a lot of people!¡± Temperance¡¯s eyes widened and then she stretched out her arms. ¡°So, it¡¯s like this big?¡±


    She continued to move her arms until they were held out behind her and she lost her balance. She landed on her rear with an oof. ¡°Owie¡­¡±


    Aviana and Orsik couldn¡¯t help but laugh at her. It stopped when the wagon lurched to a halt and the wagon driver looked back at them. ¡°Alright, everyone out.¡±


    Temperance, over excited as ever, half scrambled, half fell out of the wagon. Aviana shook her head and exited the vehicle in a much more dignified manner and then helped Orsik disembark.


    Orsik looked about to get his bearings. The street bustled with life of many types of races, though most were gnomes, humanoids with half-elf-like features that stood only a few feet tall. ¡°I may be short, but gnomes make me feel tall.¡±The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Aviana laughed. He knew he shouldn¡¯t make such crass jokes, but sometimes he couldn¡¯t help it. ¡°Well, if they make you feel tall, think about how I feel.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t good to make fun of someone¡¯s size, but gnomes were great natured and usually engaged in their own types of diminutive size jokes.


    The caravan owner came up to them. Aviana gave a bow with her hand turned out, a gesture he¡¯d learned was unique to her clan. ¡°Thank you for allowing us passage.¡±


    He nodded. ¡°I should be thanking you again. Had you three not been there to help us during those incidents, we wouldn¡¯t be here.¡± He held up a small leather pouch. ¡°Here¡¯s your pay, along with your returned travel fair.¡±


    Aviana smiled and accepted the offer. ¡°Very gracious of you.¡±


    ¡°You all have a pleasant day and stay out of trouble.¡± He looked at Temperance with the last remark but she was too distracted by everything going on around them. The man smiled and shook his head before taking his leave.


    Aviana turned to Orsik. ¡°Well, this looks to be where we part ways. It was a pleasure meeting you, Orsik. You stay safe out there.¡±


    Here came the decision. He could either part from them and hope that¡¯s what Ildri wanted, or come up with a reason to stay and hope he¡¯d read the signs correctly. If he stayed, he couldn¡¯t lie. Aviana seems like tha understandin¡¯ kind. Might as well give this a shot. ¡°Well, actually, lass, can I ask ye a favor?¡±


    Aviana tilted her head a slight bit. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    He rubbed the back of his neck. ¡°I wis nae completely forthright wi¡¯ ye on why I came here. ¡®Tis true Ildri told me tae get on that wagon, but it be because o¡¯ ye two.¡±


    The half-elf woman¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°Tae be honest, neither dae I. She dinnae tell me why I needit tae meet ye. And it wis nae because o¡¯ the two attacks we dealt wi¡¯ on tha journey. If it wis, she wou¡¯ have already told me tae move on. She hain¡¯t. Sae, she wants me tae journey wi¡¯ ye fer a bit. An¡¯ I like tha two o¡¯ ye, sae I want tae stick around if ye wou¡¯ let me.¡±


    Temperance, having caught the request, jumped up and down. ¡°Oh, Avi, can he stay? Please?¡±


    Aviana looked down at him, her keens eyes intent. For a moment Orsik worried she¡¯d decline him. But when she smiled, relief fell over him. ¡°I¡¯m thankful you came clean about your intentions. I don¡¯t fault you for being secretive, as not many would understand your position, but I value honesty above most things. I¡¯d be happy if you continued to travel with us.¡±


    A wide smile spread across Orsik¡¯s face. ¡°Thank ye, lass. I promise I won¡¯t cause ye any trouble.¡±


    Temperance jumped with joy. ¡°New friend!¡±


    Aviana waved Orsik and Temperance to follow her. ¡°Let¡¯s look around this place, shall we?¡±


    ? ? ?


    Temperance ran around the merchant district like a demon out of the deepest ring of hell. Everything interested her, but not much tempted a purchase. Aviana thanked Akorith for that. Her sister could hoard money like no one¡¯s business, but when she wanted to shop, she could get out of hand.


    ¡°Orsik, that be ye?¡± someone called out.


    Orsik and Aviana looked around. Aviana spotted a stocky dwarven man with tan skin approaching. His long red hair and braided beard with silver cuff jostling about with his stride. The man dressed in a nice cloth open chest shirt and high-crafted pants and boots. A small dagger was tucked into the side of his belt showing he wasn''t completely defenseless. A tall, light-skinned human man with dark curly hair and stubble in plate armor followed close behind. He carried a longsword and shield. Aviana¡¯s eyes took him in with keen interest. Must be a bodyguard.


    Orsik caught notice of the pair and waved. ¡°Gimor!¡±


    The red-haired dwarf reached the trio and embraced Orsik in a tight, friendly hug. ¡°Been a while, lad.¡±


    Orsik smiled wide at Gimor when he was released for the bear grip. ¡°Too long.¡±


    Gimor threw a thumb towards the human man with him. ¡°Ye remember Asher, dun ye?¡±


    Their cleric friend nodded and shook hands with the tall warrior. ¡°O¡¯ course! It be good to see ye both. Ye look good.¡±


    ¡°Aye, as dae ye.¡± Gimor then took notice of the Aviana and Temperance. He perked up more. ¡°Who be these lovely lasses?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re Orsik¡¯s friends!¡± Temperance said with a large smile. ¡°We¡¯ve been traveling with him for a while now.¡±


    ¡°That sae?¡± Gimor chuckled. ¡°Well a friend o¡¯ Orsik¡¯s be a friend o¡¯ mine. Gimor Bluefoot at yer service. An¡¯ this be ma friend an¡¯ protector, Asher Rahan.¡±


    Asher looked at the two women and smiled. ¡°Pleasure to meet the two of you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Temperance!¡± The young redhead introduced, bouncing with excitement. ¡°And this is my big sister.¡±


    Aviana bowed. ¡°My name is Aviana Xenre. Pleasure to meet both of you.¡±


    Temperance, noticing the bow, immediately copied her older sister meaning Aviana didn¡¯t have to scold her for being rude. She had a habit of not greeting people with proper respect.


    Aviana¡¯s eyes lingered on Asher for an extra minute and his gaze met hers the whole time. She gave him an alluring smile and then focused on the two dwarven men.


    ¡°Ne¡¯er seen a mark like that on ye forehead, lass,¡± Gimor said. ¡°Where ye be from?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re Shikala who hail from a small town by the name of Starglade, in the Karama Wilds,¡± Aviana explained.


    Gimor¡¯s brown furrowed. ¡°Never hear of any of that.¡±


    This perplexed her. She could understand the lack of knowledge about her people, and even her town, but the Karma Wilds? ¡°Where are you from?¡±


    The dwarven man held himself tall. ¡°Asher and I be from Ashbourne.¡±


    Her brow cocked. ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°Ashbourne, lass,¡± he repeated. ¡°Small tradin¡¯ town. Has some problems but we be fixin¡¯ them.¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ve seen plenty of maps and traveled a bit, and never heard of the place. Sorry.¡±


    He sighed. ¡°Why does no one know of it?¡±


    ¡°Well, we didn¡¯t know of this town either,¡± Asher said. ¡°So it¡¯s only fair.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°How in Akorith¡¯s name do you not know of Kirdarim? It¡¯s only one of the biggest trading cities in Alaria.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s Alaria?¡± Asher asked.


    Aviana stared blankly at him. She couldn¡¯t process any of this. But then a thought came to her. Wait, didn¡¯t some of the merchants in Windshire mention strange individuals spotted northing of Kirdarim? Were these two some of them?


    The idea made her slightly uneasy, but Orsik seemed to know them, and she was trying her best to trust the dwarf. Ildri was one goddess you never had to worry about with her followers. Am I being paranoid?


    Orsik clapped his hands together. ¡°What brings ye here, Gimor?¡±


    Aviana noticed the look in the cleric¡¯s eye. He was trying to change the subject for some reason. What does he know? Now she knew something was up.


    ¡°Trade o¡¯ course!¡± Gimor laughed. ¡°Why else wou¡¯ I leave Ashbourne? That reminds me. I be searchin¡¯ fer some hired help. We lost a few in ma employ on our way here. Orsik, ye like tae join us?¡±


    Orsik smiled and nodded. ¡°It be nice tae travel wi¡¯ ye again.¡± He then looked at Aviana and Temperance. ¡°I highly recommend these two if ye neit more.¡±


    Gimor sized up Aviana and then Temperance. ¡°Ye fight?¡±


    Aviana didn¡¯t mind the recommendation from the cleric. It¡¯d bring in more money, and would lead her to answers about who these strange people were. Sure, it was a little bit of a distraction from their main goal, but Temperance would learn something from this as well.


    She summoned some electrical energy onto her finger tips, the lightning sparking between them. ¡°More than just fight, I can assure you.¡±


    Temperance puffed out her chest. ¡°Harpies don¡¯t stand a chance against me. Or bandits!¡±


    Gimor nodded, his eyes thoughtful. ¡°I wou¡¯ like tae know more aboot yer skill sets.¡±


    Aviana strolled up to Asher and slipped her arms around his. Her eyes lingered on him before addressing Gimor. ¡°I¡¯d be more than happy to. Though, if I may suggest, we walk and talk? Standing here in this particular spot is rather conspicuous, and since it¡¯s the first time either of you have stepped foot in this city, a small tour from¡±¡ªher eyes glinted¡ª¡°someone more experienced may be beneficial to you.¡±


    Gimor nodded. ¡°Aye, that be a great idea. But if tha wee lass here be tellin¡¯ tha truth, I dinnae doubt I be hirin¡¯ ye within a few feet.¡±


    They started moving farther into town, except Temperance. She stayed where she was, her arms crossed. An ugly scowl sat on her face. Aviana¡¯s brow ticked up. ¡°What¡¯s wrong Tempy?¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be hanging off another ma¡¯s arm like that! Mister Xalanath won¡¯t be happy.¡±


    Asher¡¯s brow rose. ¡°Who?¡±


    Before Temperance could blurt out her standard response, Aviana beat her to the punch. ¡°An acquaintance she is convinced I¡¯m courting.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯re not?¡± Asher said.


    Aviana gave him an alluring smile. ¡°No.¡±


    She caught a slight tinting of his cheeks, though he was doing quite well masking it. His reaction amused her. Had to look tough, but struggled to resist a woman¡¯s charm.


    ¡°Liar!¡± Temperance shouted. She held up Kyanite. ¡°Even Kyanite agrees.¡±


    Aviana looked back at her sister when she grew quiet and found her staring at the stuffed blue dragon.


    ¡°What do you mean I¡¯m wrong? No, I¡¯m right! No, they just pretend they have trouble getting along. It¡¯s a trap, Kyanite!¡± She huffed and begrudgingly followed the group. ¡°I know I¡¯m right. You¡¯ll all see!¡±


    The group couldn¡¯t help but laugh at the young woman. Asher leaned closer to Aviana and kept his voice low. ¡°She¡¯s adorable.¡±


    ¡°And a handful,¡± she whispered back. ¡°You¡¯ll get sick of it pretty soon.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean to sound rude, but is there something wrong with her?¡± he asked. ¡°She doesn¡¯t look much younger than you. Though, I¡¯ll admit, the aging of half-elves not a topic I¡¯m well versed in.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sixty-nine,¡± she said, having no issue giving her age. She thought such questions humans found offensive were silly.


    Asher¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°Are you really? I would have guessed late twenties at best.¡±


    A deep grin spread over Aviana¡¯s lips. ¡°Yes. It¡¯s come with some¡­ perks.¡±


    He swallowed, the redness returning to his face, and this time spreading to his ears. Aviana chose to give him a small break. ¡°Temperance is quite a bit younger than me. By a half a century.¡±


    Asher¡¯s eyes widened, but she continued. ¡°Though, I will admit, she does act young for her age. Her mother sheltered her a bit too much and I¡¯m pretty sure she hit her head one too many times as well.¡±


    ¡°Her mother? Are you half siblings?¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°As a matter of fact, yes.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen half siblings act so close before.¡±


    She chuckled. ¡°We have an¡­ interesting family dynamic.¡±


    Asher nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll take your word for it.¡±


    ¡°Hey, what are you two talking about?¡± Temperance asked, trying to jump so she could come closer to eye level with the two.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, Temperance.¡± Aviana focused on Gimor. ¡°Before I give you more information, I¡¯d like to know who else we¡¯ll be working alongside, beside Asher. If there are other, that is.¡±


    Gimor shook his head. ¡°I have a dracarthian in ma employ as well. But I hain¡¯t yet put up a help wanted request.¡± He held up some parchment. ¡°I wis told tae stop in a place called tha Stone Ox and I be havin¡¯ a few bites wi¡¯in a day or two.¡±


    Aviana knew exactly where that was. But the mention of the dracarthian interested her more. Dracarthians were humanoid lizard-men that resembled wingless dragons in a lot of way, though their pride made them spit at the notion of any relation. Much of it stemmed from the stereotype a color determined how a dragon acted.


    A dracarthian¡¯s color had the same range as the true dragons, but, like any other humanoid race, their personalities were infinite and not defined by a scale color. Though, at the same time, dracarthians followed the same naming trends as the true dragons. Anyone with knowledge on dragons, would have an easier time catching a dragon in disguise if they didn¡¯t give a false name.


    What surprised Aviana the most, was the fact a dracarthian was hired in the first place. Dracarthians weren¡¯t native to Alaria. Aviana herself had only met four in her life. Most emigrated from the large continent of Arul, and even they were rather few due to that lack of safe transportation over the hostile waters between Alaria and Arul.


    Though, in recent years, Aviana had learned a few towns to the east had a decent population of them and a small tribe of black scaled dracarthians had taken residence in the Kylynm Desert on the northeastern side. This tribe kept to themselves, and not many dared venture over there due to stories about monstrosities capable of disintegrating a poor soul in an instant. So not much was known about the tribe or the area. Aviana suspected a spell caster with a disintegration spell had placed the rumors to keep other away.


    ¡°Is he a black scale?¡± Aviana asked.


    Gimor nodded. ¡°Indeed he is. Nae much o¡¯ a talker and a wee tough tae deal wi¡¯ when he drinks, sae be careful.¡±


    Aviana nodded, grateful for the warning. She wouldn¡¯t pass judgment until she met him. Impressions and interpretations could vary from person to person.


    She pointed toward their right. ¡°Let¡¯s go this way. It¡¯s less crowded this time of day, making it easier for us to speak, and has some rich history you may find interesting. The Stone Ox is also there, so you¡¯ll be able to set up your public request.¡±


    Asher gestured with his free hand before Gimor could speak up. ¡°Lead the way, m¡¯lady.¡±


    Gimor¡¯s eyes sparked, though not with annoyance. Of course, Aviana didn¡¯t really care to interpret the reaction. Instead she gave the human man another dashing smile. She had a good feeling she was going to enjoy his company.

 [B1] Chapter 16: The Odd Job

    16


    The Odd Job


    Galinndan hitched Tyrone outside of the Stone Ox, a tavern he had been directed to for both work and good ale, and entered the establishment for a drink. Inside was rather quiet, only regular locals or rough adventuring types hanging about, but Galinndan attributed this to the time of day.


    He made his way to the bar, and just as he expect, he found it to be the perfect height for the gnome inhabitants and current barkeep tending the building.


    ¡°You¡¯re a strange looking gnome,¡± the dark haired barkeep said in a squeaky voice. ¡°Where you hail from?¡±


    Galinndan¡¯s eyebrow twitch. ¡°I¡¯m not a gnome. I am an elf.¡±


    ¡°Sure you are.¡± The gnome shrugged. ¡°What will you have?¡±


    ¡°Your most popular ale,¡± Galinndan said.


    The barkeep nodded and went to pouring a pint. He placed it down on the bar. ¡°Four copper.¡±


    Galinndan exchanged the coin for his drink. ¡°Where can someone find honest work here?¡±


    Galinndan may be from a holy order, but a man needed to eat. And he needed the extra coin for the finer establishments when female company was desired. The good ones cost a pretty coin.


    The barkeep pointed to a board on the far side of the room. ¡°Many are posted there and some live ones come in from time to time. They¡¯re usually of the emergency type so keep an eye out if the other offers don¡¯t catch your fancy.¡±


    Galinndan thanked the man and strolled over to the board. There wasn¡¯t any order to the pinned parchments, and some looked rather old based on the faded ink. He wasn¡¯t sure what to make of those ones. The ones in better condition had requests ranging from creature hunts to caravan protection to full time help in the mines. Most paid well, but Galinndan had to be sure he chose the right one. He had orders to help others, but he didn¡¯t want to do a lot of hard manual labor, so the task had to fulfill the requirement while also not causing him too much trouble.


    One caught his eye, but not because of the pay. A dwarf by the name of Gimor Bluefoot needed hired help to keep some precious goods safe during a trip up north to a town by the name of Ashbourne. Ashbourne? Where in Akorith¡¯s name is that? As a military man, knew all established towns in Alaria, and even some on the other continents, but none had been called Ashbourne.


    Galinndan shrugged and went to look over another job offer having to do with a creature hunt, but stopped when he noticed his holy symbol glowing. Brow arched, he reached out for the new job and the symbol¡¯s glow dimmed. Galinndan retracted his hand and reached for the job for Ashbourne. His holy symbol glowed brighter the closer his gauntlets came to the parchment. Interesting.


    He looked at the pay for the job and found it satisfactory for the described hostile creatures they may possible encounter on the road. Well, if Akorith commands this job, then I suppose it¡¯s the one for me.


    Galinndan guzzled his ale and ripped the job offer off the board. Heading to the barkeep, he held the parchment up. ¡°Where will I find this Gimor fellow?¡±


    The barkeep squinted as he cleaned a mug. ¡°Hmm, let¡¯s see¡­ at this time of day, in the merchant district doing some trading. Where exactly, I wouldn¡¯t know.¡±


    Galinndan nodded. ¡°That¡¯ll be a good enough start. Thank you. And thanks for the drink.¡±


    He placed the empty mug on the bar, as well as two silver coins for the man¡¯s help, and left for the merchant district. Tyrone plodded behind him as Galinndan made his way through the busy district. He kept an eye out for anyone who would look like a dwarf named Gimor, but so far he only spotted humans and gnomes.


    After searching for an hour he reluctantly asked those around him for hints on where to find his employer. The average citizens were no help, but the shopkeepers were another story. Each one he asked pointed him in the direction they¡¯d last seen him that day, which lead him to the next shopkeeper.


    After the fifth new clue, Galinndan started to think he was getting hustled, until he spied a dwarf speaking with a gnome man at a shop. A human man with slightly curly hair and a sultry half-elf woman with long golden hair accompanied him. The dwarf looked like any other, short and stocky. He had no armor to protect him, though a dagger strapped to his hip. Galinndan assumed he relied on hired guards to keep him safe. Like the armored human.


    Standing at what looked to be two or three inches taller than average height, he had a build that allowed him to move quick, but hold his own in strength, which was evident with the plate armor he wore, as well as the longsword and shield he carried.


    The alluring half-elf woman on the other hand¡­ he wasn¡¯t sure how to take her presence. She had a body he wouldn¡¯t mind getting his hands on. And she carried a sheathed curved blade on her hip, an empty scabbard on the opposite side as if she¡¯d lost the partner sword, and a basic staff slung across her back.


    Galinndan knew better than to underestimate a woman with a blade. Last time he had, it had been Corra, and he nearly lost his head. Though, at the same time, her clothing¡­ Well Galinndan enjoyed the view. Maybe that¡¯s on purpose. If she was a mercenary with battle skills, she could use that body of her to her advantage. Akorith knew it¡¯d make Galinndan second guess his ability to fight. That settles it. This has to be Gimor.


    Galinndan approached. ¡°Excuse me.¡±


    The dwarf and gnome¡¯s conversation ended and looked at him, as did the two warriors. This allowed Galinndan to get a good look at the woman¡¯s face. Her hair braided back on one side of her head, and her blue eyes added to her beauty. But the feature that stuck out to him, was the mark on her forehead. Corra has that same mark! The only difference were the gem colors.


    The dwarf looked Galinndan up and down before smirking. ¡°What can we dae ye for, lad?¡±


    ¡°Would you happen to be Gimor Bluefoot?¡± Galinndan asked.


    ¡°Aye, tha one an¡¯ only.¡±


    Galinndan held up the job parchment. ¡°I found your job request. You still hiring?¡±


    Gimor chuckled. ¡°Sure are. Stand by Asher an¡¯ Aviana an¡¯ we¡¯ll talk after I be done here.¡±


    The paladin nodded and made an attempt to stand by the tall human warrior, though Tyrone decided he didn¡¯t want to move anywhere. Galinndan tugged on the reigns, but still the large miniature donkey refused to move. Asher chuckled as he watched and Galinndan became more determined to get his mount to listen. But, he failed to do. Stubborn ass!


    ¡°You don¡¯t win with brute force against an ass,¡± Aviana said. She walked over and knelt down, blessing Galinndan the perfect angle of her bountiful cleavage. He grinned, aware of his trousers tightening. Your contribution, miss, is duly appreciated!


    The smirk promptly went away when strange braying-like sounds came from the half-elf¡¯s mouth. Tyrone¡¯s long ears twitched and then he responded back with similar sounds. Is she talking to him?


    Aviana smiled at his steed and gave him an affectionate scratch before looking at Galinndan. ¡°He doesn¡¯t feel appreciated. You should be kinder to him.¡±


    Galinndan looked at her, then Tyrone, and then her again, dumbfounded. The golden-haired woman took the reins from him and Tyrone followed her without fuss. The betrayal of his steed hit Galinndan deep.


    ¡°Impressive, Aviana,¡± Asher said. ¡°The first time I¡¯ve seen a natural magic user speak with an animal. Strange to hear such sounds come from a person, but fascinating too.¡±


    Aviana bowed in a way Galinndan had seen Corra do on occasions. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    She used natural magic? ¡°Ma¡¯am, are you a druid?¡± He figured it couldn¡¯t hurt to ask. Would help him understand who he was working with.


    She glanced back at him and smirked. ¡°Yes and no.¡±


    Yes and no? What was that supposed to mean? You were either a druid or you weren¡¯t, right? He decided to drop it and took up position next to Tyrone, keeping an eye on the golden-haired druid as she pat the ass affectionately. Tyrone ate up the attention, and Galinndan couldn¡¯t help but be proud of his steed. Picking up tips from me, eh?


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that,¡± Aviana said, her eyes darting to Galinndan for a moment.


    He chose to play innocent. ¡°Look at you how, fair lady?¡±


    The woman grunted. ¡°And don¡¯t try to flower your words. You¡¯re old enough to be my grandfather and have the same look as he did when looking for young maidens.¡± Her eyes darted to him again and then Asher. ¡°I¡¯m not going to oblige lecherous old men. I have a reputation to keep and tastes to uphold.¡±


    Galinndan¡¯s pride took a major hit from that. Especially when Asher chuckled at his expense. ¡°Well, when you decide to see the error of your ways, and wish to spend time with a man with more experience, come see me.¡±


    Aviana scoffed and focused on Tyrone again.


    Gimor concluded his dealings with the gnome merchant and slapped Galinndan on the back. ¡°Alright, lad, let¡¯s talk, an¡¯ put yer¡­ steed tae work. Help Asher lift this chest ontae yer mount¡¯s back. I be leadin¡¯ ye tae our wagon.¡±


    Galinndan nodded and gave Asher a hand with the merchandise the dwarf acquired. Tyrone wasn¡¯t thrilled with being treated like a lowly pack-mule, per Aviana¡¯s translation, but she managed to get him to accept the treatment by bribing him with carrots. She had pulled three seeds from a pouch and used her magic to grow them into large carrots. The action impressed the three men.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Sae, ye found me job request,¡± Gimor said as he led the small group through the merchant district. ¡°¡®Tis an easy job. Keep me an¡¯ ma wears safe while we head tae Ashbourne. Lately thare be nasty wee buggers crossin¡¯ tha main road, o¡¯ which took oot ma last hired help¡­ I think.¡±


    Galinndan¡¯s brow rose. ¡°You think? That¡¯s reassuring.¡±


    ¡°They went out to scout ahead,¡± Asher informed. ¡°Never came back.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not an easy target to take down,¡± Galinndan said. ¡°You¡¯ll be safe with me, sir.¡±


    ¡°Aye, that be what I like tae hear.¡± Gimor said.


    ¡°But can you tell me about this Ashbourne place?¡± Galinndan asked. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of it.¡±


    Gimor frowned and glanced at Aviana. ¡°Ye be tha millionth person tae tell me that. I know we be a small town, but we dae trade.¡±


    ¡°To be fair, Gimor, we¡¯re new to this city,¡± Asher said. ¡°The usual town we frequent that is closer, up and disappeared from our path.¡±


    Galinndan looked at the human man incredulously. ¡°Disappeared? Unless there was mage spell that went awry, a town can¡¯t just disappear. Destroyed, looted, and abandoned, sure, but not disappear in a poof of smoke.¡±


    ¡°The old man has a point,¡± Aviana said.


    Old man? Really?


    Asher shrugged. ¡°Then maybe that happened. There¡¯s no sign this town ever existed on the road.¡±


    Galinndan found this quite unbelievable. He could tell Aviana struggled with the same. But he didn¡¯t care enough to press more. ¡°So, who else picked up this job?¡±


    ¡°Aviana here signed on yesterday,¡± Gimor said. ¡°Watchin¡¯ our main cargo, is ¡®er sister an¡¯ a cleric friend o¡¯ mine, as well as another warrior we picked up before arrivin¡¯ here in¡­ uh¡­¡±


    ¡°Kirdarim,¡± Aviana said, her words strained as if she had already answered this before for the dwarf. ¡°This place is called Kirdarim.¡±


    Gimor nodded. ¡°Aye, that be right. Strange place this be. Ne¡¯er seen sae many gnomes in one spot.¡±


    Galinndan¡¯s brow knitted. What is with these two? Everyone knows of this place. Galinndan was starting to think these two men had a few nails loose and wasn¡¯t sure if this job was the right one for him. But the call¡­ He touched his amulet. Why had his patron called him to take this job? He supposed he¡¯d find out once he got on the road with these two. He just hoped it¡¯d be worth his time.


    ? ? ?


    Temperance huffed and kicked her feet over the edge of the wagon she guarded with Orsik and the dracarthian, Draeon. He had black scales, neat spiraling and curling horns and an impressive frill on the back of his neck, and a few on the back of his arms around his elbows. The dracarthian wore chainmaille armor and carried a polearm weapon with a large sharp blade at the end. Aviana called it a glaive.


    Temperance didn¡¯t like him. He wasn¡¯t friendly. He didn¡¯t want to talk to her and told her to shut up twice since Aviana left, one of those times she wasn¡¯t even talking to him! Rude! And when Aviana tried to get to know him, just on a professional level, he wasn¡¯t nice. She barely got his name. But Aviana hadn¡¯t been fazed by the reaction in the least. Orsik tried to explain some people were guarded and needed the time to warm up to others, but Temperance didn¡¯t understand that. It¡¯s not like we¡¯re a threat to him or nothing.


    One of the horses next to the wagon nickered softly and she climbed out to give him attention. His partner nudged Temperance so she¡¯d give attention to her as well. She did her best to be kind and learn all she could about these creatures. She wanted to be like Aviana one day, a caretaker to animals in need. Especially baby animals!


    The horse Temperance pet nickered more and she smiled. Even though these horses weren¡¯t raised in the way Aviana would have, their employer took really good care of them. She liked that. She just liked Mister Gimor and Mister Asher. They were nice, though she didn¡¯t like that Mister Asher and Aviana flirted with each other. It doesn¡¯t matter Aviana explained she could have multiple lovers.


    They were subtle cues, but Temperance knew her sister¡¯s ways. It¡¯s how Aviana got good prices on travel, food, procured items, and¡­ well everything. I need to learn how to work money like her.


    Temperance wasn¡¯t good when it came to spending money. She always thought the prices were fair for the things she was willing to buy. But boy could she save money. Even Aviana had praised her saving habits. Now I just need more jobs like this so I can keep saving for neat things.


    The sound of people approaching, pulled her attention away from the horses. She smiled wide at the sight of Aviana and their employer and¡­ ¡°An ass!¡±


    She ran over to the donkey Aviana lead while those around her laughed. Aviana glanced down at someone and spoke, ¡°She caught onto you quick.¡±


    ¡°I mean, she¡¯s not wrong,¡± came the reply.


    Temperance eagerly pet the beast of burden, oblivious to the newcomer in the group. He had a lot of features of a miniature donkey she¡¯d seen before in a book on animal husbandry, but looked a little larger than she expected. Maybe he¡¯s one of those anomaly animals Avi tells me about. ¡°What¡¯s his name, Avi?¡±


    ¡°This is Tyrone,¡± Aviana replied. ¡°He belongs to Galinndan.¡±


    Temperance looked at her sister and cocked her head. ¡°Who?¡±


    Aviana chuckled and pointed to a short man clad in armor with elven features, a bald head and long gray beard.


    Temperance tilted her head more. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    The man gave a deep bow. ¡°My name is Galinndan Venfiel, little lady. I¡ª¡±


    Temperance¡¯s fists curled and she held them tight at her sides, she shoulders tensing. ¡°I¡¯m not little you¡­ you¡­ stupid short old man!¡±


    Galinndan blinked, struggling to process her ¡°insult,¡± but the others around them found it amusing. ¡°I apologize. I did not mean to offend. I¡ªhow old are you?¡±


    Aviana¡¯s eyes glittered, catching Temperance¡¯s interest but she answered the strange man anyway. ¡°Nineteen.¡±


    His eyebrow rose. ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    Temperance crossed her arms and huffed, puffing out her cheeks. ¡°Why does everyone question me on this. Yes, I¡¯m sure!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because you don¡¯t act it,¡± Draeon said. Temperance turned and stuck her tongue out at him and he chuckled. ¡°Point proven.¡±


    Aviana tugged on the donkey¡¯s reigns. ¡°I¡¯m guessing she talked your ear off.¡±


    ¡°If I had any.¡±


    Aviana laughed but Temperance didn¡¯t get it. ¡°How can you hear if you don¡¯t have ears?¡±


    ¡°They have ear holes, Temperance,¡± Aviana said without looking back at her. ¡°Same with dragons and lizards.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay.¡±


    ¡°Draeon, give us a hand with this cargo, would you?¡± Aviana asked. She glanced back at Galinndan. ¡°Oh, and, Lecher, keep your ogling eyes off my sister. Or you¡¯ll be wishing they were the only things you lost when I¡¯m through with you.¡±


    Temperance cocked her head to the side when she noticed Galinndan swallow hard. Lecher? She skipped over to her sister. ¡°Avi, what¡¯s a lecher?


    ¡°A man who preys on young woman for lady favors,¡± she said before working with Draeon to load a chest into the wagon.


    Before she could ask what a ¡°lady favor¡± was, Orsik poked his head out of the wagon. ¡°Who ye be callin¡¯ a lecher, lass?¡±


    Temperance pointed at Galinndan. ¡°This short old man.¡±


    ¡°Hey,¡± Galinndan said, offended. ¡°I¡¯m not that short.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re like¡­ a half a foot shorter than me!¡± Temperance placed her hands on her hips. ¡°And I¡¯m not that tall.¡±


    ¡°Galinndan, is that ye, lad?¡± Orsik said.


    Galinndan looked at the cleric. ¡°Orsik?¡±


    A wide grin spread across his face and he attempted to jump out of the wagon. Temperance watched as his foot caught on the wood edging and he crashed to the ground, face first. She, and the others, cringed.


    ¡°Orsik, you all right?¡± Aviana asked as she peered around the back of the wagon.


    He lifted up a hand with an extended thumb towards the air and spoke, his voice muffled by the ground. ¡°Ne¡¯er better.¡± He then picked himself up off the ground and dusted his armor before approaching Galinndan. ¡°Been some time, lad.¡±


    Galinndan nodded. ¡°Yeah, it has. A month at least.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°If you really know Orsik, Mister, it has to be longer than a moon because we¡¯ve been traveling with him for three.¡±


    Galinndan shrugged. ¡°Then maybe it has been longer. I¡¯ve lost count of the days on my journey.¡±


    ¡°Too busy counting the number of women who¡¯ve laughed you out of taverns?¡± Aviana called out.


    Galinndan crossed his arms. ¡°Counting how many I¡¯ve been sharing a bed with.¡± He flexed an arm. ¡°I can show you why the ladies can¡¯t get enough of Gal¡ª¡±


    Aviana snorted. ¡°I told you, I have standards. Old men with shriveled appendages aren¡¯t one of them.¡±


    Asher, Gimor, and Draeon burst with laughter. Temperance stood there, confused. What did I miss? What does she mean by shriveled appendage?


    Orsik shook his head. ¡°I dinnae understand how ye be a holy man, Galinndan.¡±


    Aviana sputtered a laugh. ¡°Did you smoke some of Gimor¡¯s spices while we were gone? Holy man my ass.¡± She looked at the oversized miniature donkey. ¡°No offence.¡±


    He brayed in response.


    Aviana pointed at Galinndan. ¡°This¡­ man, is far from holy. I¡¯m no chaste priestess, but the vulgar things I heard come from his mouth on our walk back here, made me think I was.¡±


    Galinndan held his chin high. ¡°I am a paladin of the holy order of Akorith.¡±


    Temperance gasped, her eyes going wide. ¡°You worship the dragon king?¡±


    Aviana¡¯s brow rose. ¡°A paladin of Akorith? In what backwater village?¡±


    The old paladin glowered and shoved his hand down his chainmaille shirt. Seconds later he pulled it back out, an amulet in hand. On it, Akorith¡¯s symbol. ¡°I am a paladin, woman, hailing from the Platinum Temple itself.¡±


    Platinum Temple? Temperance thought and thought, but couldn¡¯t think of a place from her books with a Platinum Temple. She looked to Aviana for clues, only to find her standing taller and more attentive to the strange paladin man.


    ¡°Give me your insignia,¡± Aviana ordered.


    ¡°Excuse you?¡± Galinndan said.


    She held out her hand. ¡°I said let me see your insignia.¡±


    Draeon leaned on the wagon. ¡°I¡¯m also interested in seeing it. Everyone knows of the Platinum Temple and the claims of the power of their paladins and clerics. If you¡¯re one of them, I¡¯m far less than impressed.¡±


    Galinndan narrowed his eyes. Temperance knew that look. This paladin didn¡¯t like the challenge Draeon presented. An honor challenge! There was no way he could back down from that. Unless he was a coward.


    The old man dropped his pack from his shoulders and rummaged. After a minute or two of doing this, he pulled out a small metal object the size of his thumb. It went flying over to Aviana and to Temperance¡¯s surprise her sister reacted fast enough to catch it. Based on the look on her sister¡¯s face, Temperance guessed it also surprised Aviana.


    Aviana stared at the insignia, turning it over every now and then. ¡°Well, paint me gold and call me a dragon.¡±


    Temperance looked at her sister, impressed. It had been a long time since she said a phrase like that. Usually she just says bad words. Then, her sister started laughing uncontrollably, taking everyone off guard.


    ¡°Ye okay, lass?¡± Orsik asked.


    The golden-haired woman held up her hand as she tried to get herself under control. A wicked grin spread across her lips when she did. ¡°Siverath is going to enjoy this story of our meeting, Galinndan. Especially the number of times you requested I be your next bedmate on our walk over here.¡±


    ¡°Y¨Cyou know Commander Siverath?¡± Galinndan stammered, shocked.


    Aviana chuckled. ¡°He¡¯s a longtime family friend.¡±


    Temperance found this interesting. She¡¯d never been introduced to anyone by that name, though she remembered the name coming up a lot in Windshire. ¡°Avi, who is that?¡±


    ¡°Xalanath¡¯s father. The man we¡¯re going to be visiting after this job,¡± her sister replied, not taking her eyes off Galinndan. Aviana¡¯s eyes danced with mischievous danger and Temperance could see it unsettled Galinndan.


    ¡°Oh, okay. So we¡¯re going to see him to tell him about your relationship with Mister Xalanath?¡± Temperance said.


    Aviana rested her face in one of her hands and Orsik laughed. ¡°She won¡¯t give that up, lass.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m aware,¡± Aviana muttered. ¡°No, Temperance, there is nothing between Xalanath and me.¡± She tossed the insignia back to Galinndan. ¡°Now hop in the wagon. We¡¯re going to leave soon.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ but I wanna stay another day and explore this place!¡±


    Her sister gave her a sympathetic glance. ¡°We took a job, Temp. That means we need to see it through. We can always come back.¡±


    Temperance sighed dejectedly, kicking a pebble on the ground, and she shuffled her way over to the wagon. She didn¡¯t want to come back later. She was already here.


    With a sigh, Temperance plopped down in the wagon, keeping a body between the cargo and anyone who thought to try and climb into the back without permission.


    Outside the wagon everyone else got themselves ready the journey to Ashbourne. Galinndan was introduced to Draeon, though the dracarthian wasn¡¯t too interested in knowing about the short man. I wonder what the old man is. She had to remember to ask him some time. He looked like an elf, but was far too short, barely a few inches taller than Orsik. It perplexed her and that meant she needed to find out.


    Orsik climbed into the wagon with her and Gimor took his place in the driving seat while Aviana and Asher worked to tack up the horses. Once done, Asher mounted his horse and Aviana took a standing watch next to Gimor. The wagon lurched forward and Draeon and Galinndan took up position in the rear, the dracarthian walking without protest and the paladin riding proud atop his donkey.


    Excitement flooded over Temperance, making her forget about the disappointment of leaving too soon. Her first real job was getting underway. She¡¯d prove she could do this. No matter what dangers got in their way.

 [B1] Chapter 17: Road to Ashbourne

    17


    Road to Ashbourne


    Frigid water splashed against Aviana¡¯s face. She dipped her hands into the cool stream again, the early morning sun sparkling off the bubbling surface, and washed her face some more. What an awful dream. She hadn¡¯t had one like it in many years. But what disturbed her the most, was she knew it wasn¡¯t just a dream.


    Since she¡¯d started this journey with Temperance, Aviana received more warning and prophecies than she¡¯d ever experienced in a decade, let alone the same year. One had even come while in the wagon traveling to Kirdarim, when Orsik happened to be paying attention to her. Luckily she¡¯d been able to deflect, but it also wasn¡¯t her best half-truth.


    Guilt made that difficult. Orsik felt like a man who could be trusted with her secret. The way he spoke to her, it was as if she were talking to an old friend¡ªlike she were speaking with Akorith, as odd as that was to think. And as a holy man, he wouldn¡¯t pull away from such an ability.


    But even still, she kept her secret, and the unease of the increased frequency didn¡¯t leave her. Meeting Galinndan didn¡¯t help the matter either.


    Seeing his face surprised her. And hearing his name, confirming his identity from that terrifying vision dream she had back in Windshire. She still wasn¡¯t sure if it had been a past event or not, but Aviana was sure it was an early sign to keep an eye out for the old man. She wasn¡¯t sure why, as he wasn¡¯t all that impressive. And frankly, his lecherous ways irked her.


    She didn¡¯t care he wanted women to share his bed. It was no different than what she did. What got to her was his cocky insistence. Whereas she would move on and not let rejection bother her, he took it as a personal slight and it made him insist more. Akorith, why am I supposed to meet him?


    ¡°Take the stranger¡¯s hand and rise.¡±


    The line from the prophecy surfaced in her mind. Was that the answer? She¡¯d met many people in her travel, but Orsik was the first stranger to stick around, and he¡¯d been quite helpful. Not only that, but he claimed his goddess wanted him to stick by her and Temperance. Why, she didn¡¯t have the answers for that question.


    And now she crossed paths with Galinndan, a paladin of Akorith, after receiving a vision of him so she could identify him when they finally met in person. It wasn¡¯t a coincidence. She was meant to meet these two unusual men. But why?


    All these questions made her head hurt. I need to focus on something else. Her hand fell onto her sword hilt. That¡¯ll work.


    All her life she¡¯d focused on mastering the blade dancing art on her own. Without a teacher, it left her neglecting any other possible style to take on. And since it relied on a second weapon, both balanced to each other, losing one put her in a precarious situation.


    Sure, she had her staff, and both Bryson and Cryson taught her how to use it in a way that was similar to her blade dance style, but it wasn¡¯t the same, nor had she focused on mastering the style.


    Aviana drew her blade and poised herself into her typical stance. The off-balanced feeling hit her immediately. She thought of the different ways her brothers fought and tried to mimic, but found herself struggling. Muscle memory told her to move one way, and her mind, knowing she needed to adapt, said to go another way.


    She ground her teeth in frustration. This isn¡¯t working. She may have to accept she wouldn¡¯t be using her blade for some time. It wouldn¡¯t be the end of Aecis. She¡¯d already traveled as Gimor¡¯s hired help for almost a moon now with no issue, on account of not running into any trouble. And she had her spells and could take forms of animals. Both she did effectively.


    Aviana turned at the sound of approaching footsteps, to find Asher following the path of the stream toward her, his hair and bare chest wet from a possible wash. Why he¡¯d be crazy enough to bathe in a stream, she couldn¡¯t fathom. Sure, the moon of Alacia was proving to be a bit warmer than the previous three winter moons, but not enough for Aviana to risk freezing to death. Maybe those who live this far north have grown accustomed to the colder months they aren¡¯t bothered as much by freezing water.


    Aviana allowed her eyes to wander over his fine physique to distract herself from her current thoughts. Over the past few weeks she¡¯d gotten to know the man quite well. He was humorous, thoughtful, excellent swordsman, and overall would make a fine husband for some lucky woman out there. She wasn¡¯t a candidate of course, but that didn¡¯t mean she couldn¡¯t look, and maybe touch for a bit after the job was over.


    ¡°What are you doing over here, Aviana?¡± Asher asked, standing a few feet away from her.


    She gave him a pleasant smile. ¡°Couldn¡¯t sleep, so I thought I¡¯d get a little sword practice in.¡±


    He looked her over with captivating brown eyes. ¡°How¡¯s the working out?¡±


    Aviana glanced down at her weapon. ¡°Honestly? Not well. I lost my other curved blade during a harpy attack. And unfortunately, my style requires that counter balanced weight.¡±


    Asher approached. ¡°So your sister told the truth then, about the harpies?¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°She did.¡±


    He looked to her weapon. ¡°If another weapon is needed, I carry a spare sword in the wagon. Never know when you might need it.¡±


    A chuckle escaped her lips. ¡°I appreciate the offer, but unfortunately the weight and balance of the sword has to be specific. It¡¯s why I didn¡¯t buy a replacement in Kirdarim. They didn¡¯t have what I needed.¡±


    Asher nodded his head toward Aviana¡¯s staff lying on the ground a little ways away. ¡°And the reason for not using that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m better at defensive maneuvers with it, than offensive.¡± Aviana looked away, her cheeks warming. These inquiries weren¡¯t making her feel better about her skill. She always had to struggle to get what she wanted. Nothing came to her easy.


    It made being around others with great skill difficult for her. Even watching Temperance excel in everything she did, hurt Aviana in some way. She only ever wanted to prove she was good at something. Prove everyone wrong and she had a place in life. Of course, I¡¯ve gone and overcompensated by trying to be great at everything within my grasp hoping something would stick.


    At nearly seventy-years-old, and nothing better to do with her life than study and practice, it made it easier to make progress on that long list that others wouldn¡¯t be capable of achieving in their lives. It wasn¡¯t like she¡¯d grow old and die anytime soon.


    Large arms wrapped around from behind. A strong hand clamped down on her hand, positioning it better on the hilt of her scimitar, while another rested on her shoulder, moving her into a better position. ¡°Standing like this, might help you.¡±


    Aviana turned her head to glance at Asher. ¡°You¡¯re offering instruction?¡±


    A half smile spread across his face. ¡°Only if you¡¯re willing to take it. If you¡¯d rather struggle on your own, that¡¯s fine with me too.¡±


    Her eyes turned up and a deep grin appeared on her face. ¡°I¡¯d be more than happy to learn from another swordsman.¡±


    Their eyes lingered on each other for a moment before Asher fell into step instructing her. His technique and advice came easy off his lips, as if he¡¯d trained others before. Understanding his training wasn¡¯t complicated for Aviana, but applying it was another story.


    Her decades of single style training worked against her to the point she had to laugh off her embarrassment every time she messed up the simplest of moves. Standing so close to him didn¡¯t help her case either¡ªhis strong, tantalizing scent the worst culprit. How someone smelled greatly affected her choices in bed partners.


    An image of Xalanath popped into her head, which she quickly banished. She didn¡¯t need such a distraction. He and his nice smell didn¡¯t matter. Damion, on the other hand¡­ She banished that as well. Such thoughts risked attachments, and she knew that wasn¡¯t an aspect of life available to her. Had she been born in a different era¡ªa better time of her clan¡¯s existence where she would have been seen as a sacred individual¡ªit would have been different. But that wasn¡¯t her reality. Not yet at least. One day I will find the missing piece to this puzzle.


    Asher titled his head. ¡°Are you all right, Aviana? You seem¡­ distracted.¡±


    She stepped away and hid half of her face with her hand, glancing away. Great, now I¡¯m not even paying attention to Asher when he should have my undivided attention. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I was thinking a little too much. I don¡¯t mean to be wasting your time.¡±


    His hand touched her elbow, light and uninvasive, but attention grabbing. ¡°You¡¯re not wasting my time. You¡¯re a great deal older than me. That¡¯s a lot of training time to block out so you can learn another fighting style. I would never expect you to master this in one day. That¡¯d be impossible.¡±


    He had a solid point. So why did Aviana still feel like a failure?


    Asher left her side and retrieved her staff. He kicked it up with one foot, catching it and twirling it in his hand. Aviana¡¯s back straightened, her eyes pinned on him. Impressive.


    He looked to her and smiled. ¡°Frustration isn¡¯t good for progress, so let¡¯s try something different.¡±


    He tossed the staff to her. She caught it with ease, adding a flourished twirl for fun. ¡°You know, if you¡¯re trying to get me to fight with both, that¡¯s not going to happen. I¡¯m not that coordinated.¡±


    Asher laughed and took the scimitar from Aviana. ¡°If you could do that, I¡¯d be mighty impressed, but no. I want to see how well you defend with that.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather not mar my staff unless my life is at risk,¡± Aviana said.


    ¡°Does it have sentimental value?¡±


    ¡°Well, no.¡±


    He grinned. ¡°Then when we arrive in Ashbourne, I¡¯ll have a new one made for you. You can even have it personalized. Aisha is quite good at her craft.¡±


    Aviana twirled her staff. It¡¯d be nice to have something of better quality¡ªsomething that could hold up against the tropical climate back home preferably. As it stood, Aviana had to replace the staff every few years. ¡°I¡¯ll hold you to that promise.¡±


    Asher continued to smile and fell into a fighting stance similar to what he¡¯d tried to teach her. Aviana fell into a defensive stance, one of her hands held out and the other holding the staff behind her. She eased her weight evenly between both her legs, ready to spring in either direction. Asher gave her little time to prepare more as he lunged forward.


    Aviana stepped aside, her body moving in a fluid, twirling motion like her blade dancing stance. She swung her staff around and hitting the top of his blade, sinking it toward the ground. She noticed Asher lose balance from her defensive maneuver. Aviana made note as she fell back on her stance. She had no intention of trying any offensive maneuvers. Defense was the purpose of this exercise, and unless she was confident about overtaking Asher, she wouldn¡¯t spring any rash movements.


    Asher righted himself and came at her again, this time arching his swing wide. It was much quicker than she anticipated, and she barely managed to deflect the attack. Interesting. She expected him to be slower with the way he held himself. Sure, he had a leaner form than more fighters she¡¯d met, but he had to have the strength to wear his plate armor. Wait, that¡¯s it. Without his armor weighing him down, his movements weren¡¯t as impaired. Aviana made note of that as well.


    Another swing from Asher, and this time she calculated correctly, her staff redirecting the blade. This threw Asher¡¯s stance off again and this time he recovered from it slower. He¡¯s off balance. She could spot that a mile away. But was it him or his stance that was the issue?


    Asher came at her with three consecutive swings, forcing her to parry and dodge. Her last deflection allowed her to find a weak point in his attacks that left him open for a counter. She took it.


    Aviana spun around him, slipping her staff between his legs and sweeping them from under him. Asher crashed to the ground and she followed up by pinning him, using her body to hold him still, and the staff long ways to keep his arms from using his sword.


    She grinned and leaned close to him. ¡°I win.¡±


    Asher abandoned his weapon, leaving both his palms open and facing out, and gazed up at her. ¡°That you do. I concede to you. That was mighty impressive, Aviana.¡±


    Aviana shrugged, not pulling away, but easing up on her staff¡¯s hold. ¡°You don¡¯t pay attention to your balance when you attack. It makes for an easy counter for someone whose style is all about balance.¡±


    He reached up and touched her golden hair, tucking some behind her pointed ear. ¡°I¡¯ll have to keep that in mind when I¡¯m fighting someone other than you.¡±


    She chuckled. ¡°If I didn¡¯t know any better, I might think you enjoyed me putting you in this position.¡±


    A deep half grin slipped up the side of Asher¡¯s face, those deep eyes of his drawing her in. His hand brushed against her cheek. ¡°Perhaps I do.¡±


    Someone cleared their throat. Both looked to see Galinndan standing by the tree line. ¡°Sorry to interrupt your private affair, but Gimor is ready to head out.¡±


    ¡°Private affair?¡± Asher blinked. ¡°We were merely training.¡±


    Galinndan stroked his beard and winked. ¡°I¡¯m old, not blind. If she gave me the time of day I¡¯d be trying to sneak off with her too.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m right here you know,¡± Aviana said.


    The old lecher chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m not saying anything you don¡¯t expect from me.¡±


    It was true.


    Galinndan turned and headed back to camp. ¡°Now let¡¯s go. You¡¯ll have more time later to gallivant.¡±


    Aviana grunted as she stood. ¡°And you won¡¯t be part of that.¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±


    She shook her head and offered her staff to Asher to help him up. He accepted the help, grasping the wooden weapon with one hand and pushing off the ground. He returned her sword and the two of them returned to camp.


    Upon arriving, their noses were met with an unusual smell. They found Orsik busy scooping some sort of gruel out of a pot over the campfire. Aviana guessed that to be the source of the smell, making her a little leery of the contents.


    Draeon assisted Gimor tack up the horses. Galinndan worked to put items back in the wagon. Temperance was nowhere to be found. ¡°Uh, where¡¯s my sister?¡±


    Orsik looked up from his work. ¡°Tha lass said somethin¡¯ aboot a wolf an¡¯ ran intae tha forest.¡±


    Aviana pinched her nose. ¡°Of course she did. I¡¯ll be back.¡±


    ¡°Lass, before ye gae¡±¡ªOrsik came up to her with a bowl filled with the gruel¡ª¡°Breakfast fer ye.¡±


    Aviana went to speak when someone cleared their throat a little too loud. Her eyes darted to Galinndan who shook his head ¡°no.¡± This perplexed her. Why didn¡¯t he want her eating the food?


    Draeon looked up from his work and also shook his head. Okay¡­ Was there something wrong with the dwarf¡¯s cooking? If there was, it¡¯d be rude to refuse the food at least.


    She took the bowl and smiled. ¡°Thanks, Orsik. I ate earlier, so I probably won¡¯t be able to finish it all, but I¡¯ll have some as I go look for my sister.¡±


    The stout man smiled and he resumed his work around the campfire. Aviana walked off into the forest. She lifted the spoon out of the discolored thick liquid and her nose scrunched. It smelled all kinds of foul, and it didn¡¯t run off the spoon right. Well, I might as well try it. For all she knew, it could taste good. She¡¯d had many interesting meals in her time. Some that didn¡¯t look or smell appetizing, but ended up being quite delicious.


    Aviana scooped a spoonful into her mouth and instant regret singed her tongue. Or was it the slop? She wasn¡¯t sure. All she knew, her stomach twisted in knots and the horrendous liquid in her mouth needed to be expelled. She was too close to camp and didn¡¯t want to offend Orsik, so she rushed into the forest and found a place for her to spit the gruel out. She nearly gagged. That was awful! No wonder the others told her not to eat it.


    A distant sound of a man retching caught Aviana¡¯s sensitive ears. Seems like Asher also tried the food. Aviana dumped the slop onto the ground and reeled back as the sound of the plantlife hissing and shriveling up. By the gods! Aviana made a mental note to not allow Orsik to cook ever again. Whatever he made, was better used as a tool of war, not sustenance. She also prayed for nature¡¯s forgiveness for poisoning it. I can¡¯t believe I tried to ingest something that can kill plants like that.


    She shook her mind free and went about her original task, finding her sister.


    It wasn¡¯t hard. She sat in a tree staring off at something. Aviana slowed her pace to keep herself quiet and made her way to the tree. That had been easy enough, though climbing up proved to be a more difficult issue. She ultimately chose to stay on the ground and look to where Temperance watched two wolves interacting with several pups. Temperance found a den!


    She looked up to find her sister painting, a big smile on her face. This was the exact inspiration Temperance needed to hone that skill. Though, what her sister may not realize, it helped her understand the canines better, to one day become them.


    Temperance insisted she¡¯d been able to take on a puppy form of a dire wolf when those bandits attacked, but Aviana didn¡¯t believe her. She hadn¡¯t finished teaching her sister how to take on the shape of animals. And most druids couldn¡¯t make it a common place occurrence until they went through a particular ritual. This ritual bonded their spirit with nature, connecting them to the land and spirits of animals forever. Well, not forever¡­ There were some who broke this bond, and to do so had horrible consequences.


    ¡°Temperance,¡± Aviana whispered. ¡°We have to go.¡±


    ¡°I need to finish this picture,¡± Temperance said, furiously scribbling away. Instead of using her paint, she appeared to be using her bricks of pigment directly on the parchment.


    I¡¯m interested to know what she¡¯s creating. Aviana shook it from her mind. ¡°You¡¯ll have to finish it later. We have a job to do.¡±


    ¡°Kyanite, tell Miss bossy britches I need to finish this.¡±


    Irritation flared up in Aviana. ¡°Get down here now, or I¡¯m sending you home.¡±


    Temperance gasped and looked down at her. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s eyes burned. ¡°Try me.¡±


    The two of them fixed hard stares at each other for a long moment before Temperance sighed. ¡°Fine.¡±


    She collected her things and jumped down, sticking her landing as if it were nothing, and stalked off back to the camp. Aviana shook her head and followed. At this rate, it¡¯d be difficult for Temperance to pass her test. It wasn¡¯t that she couldn¡¯t retake it, but Aviana wasn¡¯t sure how well her sister would handle failure. She so rarely failed at things, she hadn¡¯t learned how to cope and learn from it. And with so much pressure by the clan to complete the trial the first time around, even though it was mandatory¡ªready for it or not¡ªthat kind of pressure could have a profound effect on many.


    The two returned to camp, finding it all packed up and everyone waiting for them. ¡°My apologies for keeping you all waiting.¡±


    ¡°Did ye take care o¡¯ ¡®em wolves?¡± Gimor asked.


    Temperance held up her sketch. ¡°I got the best view to draw them!¡±


    Asher strolled over and leaned down to get a better look. He clasped his chin with his gloved hand. ¡°I¡¯m impressed. The detail is quite nice.¡±


    Temperance beamed. ¡°It¡¯s not done yet, but I should have it done the next time we stop.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re quite talented, Temperance.¡±


    Aviana patted her on the head, the redhead smiling wide from the compliment. ¡°That she is. Now hop up into the wagon so we can leave.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Temperance scrambled into the vehicle and took guard position as a rear lookout.


    Aviana accompanied Asher to the front of the wagon. Orsik sat up with Gimor, but there was still room for her to climb up as a lookout. Since he was there, Aviana handed him the bowl.


    ¡°What did ye think?¡± he asked, his bright eyes making her uncomfortable.


    ¡°It had an interesting flavor,¡± she said. ¡°Though, I think the meals I¡¯m used to at home made me a little too soft to handle such a strong meal.¡±


    That was the most diplomatic way she could put it to him. Aviana didn¡¯t want to be rude, but she didn¡¯t want to risk him trying to feed her again thinking she¡¯d enjoy it.


    Gimor chuckled and got the wagon moving. ¡°That be one way tae put it.¡±


    Orsik seemed unfazed by hers or Gimor¡¯s words. ¡°What be tha food like in Starglade, lass?¡±


    ¡°We use a lot of spices to give the meals flavor. Fish, goat, and fowl make up most of our meat diet, along with whatever else we can procure from the forest. Fruits and nuts are a heavy staple as well.¡±


    He nodded. ¡°Sounds interestin¡¯. I wou¡¯ like tae try ye food sometime.¡±


    A light went off in her mind. Aviana smiled. ¡°I have a lot of those spices with me, actually. Why don¡¯t I make dinner tonight? Temperance and I are the only ones at this point who haven¡¯t cooked for everyone.¡±


    Galinndan leaned back in his saddle. ¡°A nice meal cooked by a beautiful woman? Sounds like my kind of night.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s eyes narrowed at him. ¡°That¡¯s all you¡¯re getting, you dirty old man.¡±


    He winked at her. ¡°I¡¯ll win you over, you¡¯ll see.¡±


    Aviana scoffed and turned to look out for any potential problems. Her eyes caught Asher looking at her, but the moment he realized, he averted his gaze. It brought a smile to her face.


    ? ? ?


    A black bird winged its way across the clear sky. Temperance kicked her feet over the edge of the wagon beside Orsik, humming to herself and her toy dragon in her arms. He smiled. Her mood helped him stay in a positive one. Some bickering between Aviana, Draeon, and Galinndan had threatened his serenity. Temperance hadn¡¯t been in a good mood to start when he joined her back here, something about being bored and wishing for a way to prove herself as a valued member of the hired help, but seeing a fluffy rabbit changed that.


    He thanked Ildri for that change. Orsik did all he could to be positive and happy, it was some of the best medicine anyone could offer. It brought light to the most darkest of places.


    Temperance¡¯s singing ceased and her eyes scanned the forest around them. This made Orsik uneasy, especially when Draeon fell back with them and did the same as her.


    ¡°What be goin¡¯ on, lass?¡± Orsik whispered.


    ¡°Something doesn¡¯t feel right in the forest,¡± she said. ¡°All the birds stopped singing.¡±


    ¡°Aviana said the same,¡± Draeon said. ¡°She ran off as a wolf to investigate the brush.¡±


    Orsik swallowed and made sure his shield and mace was were reach. If both of them sensed this, then they weren¡¯t alone in these woods, and as much as he hated the idea of taking a life, it may be inevitable.


    Some bushes rustled nearby. Orsik grabbed his weapon, his nerves going on end. A gray wolf popped out of the underbrush and ran up to them. It made strange noises to them. To his surprise, Temperance made some noises back, though not quite the same ones. Wait, Aviana? Of course it was. No wild wolf would do this.


    Temperance snapped her head back. ¡°Mister Gimor! Avi says you need to get the horses running.¡±


    ¡°What? Why?¡± he asked. ¡°What be goin¡¯ on?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, exactly, because I don¡¯t understand some of the druidic she¡¯s using, but something about ene¡ª¡±


    Aviana yelped and fell to the ground. An arrow protruded from her shoulder. Temperance gasped. ¡°Avi!¡±


    ¡°Go!¡± Draeon shouted. ¡°It¡¯s an ambush!¡±


    Gimor slapped the reins and pushed the horses into a gallop. The cart shook and creaked, not designed for such a speed.


    ¡°Wait, but my sister!¡± Temperance screeched.


    ¡°No time.¡± Draeon pushed the wagon to help the horses, displaying impressive strength and endurance. ¡°Our job is to keep Gimor and his cargo safe.¡±


    ¡°But¡ª¡±


    Orsik pointed to where Aviana pulled herself back up. ¡°Look, lass. Ye sister can handle ¡®erself. One measly arrow ain¡¯t gonna stop ¡®er.¡±


    Temperance frowned. ¡°Yeah¡­ but¡ª¡±


    She shrieked when two arrows whizzed through the air and sunk into the wood of wagon with a thunk. To Draeon¡¯s surprise, but not Orsik¡¯s, instead of fleeing into the wagon, she drew one of her throwing daggers and flung it out of the vehicle. Orsik watched it sail through the air and hit a small moving being peeking through the underbrush. The creature yelped, but was caught off when Aviana jumped on it and tore her teeth into the creature. Impressive! These two ladies had quite the teamwork. And he had to give extra points to Temperance for spotting whatever it was.


    Temperance turned into the wagon again. ¡°They¡¯re goblins!¡±


    ¡°Goblins?¡± Gimor mimicked. ¡°Why we be runnin¡¯ from goblins?¡±


    More arrowed hit the wagon. A few bounced off of Draeon¡¯s tough hide and armor, and a couple tinged off of Asher and Galinndan¡¯s armor as well.


    Gimor rolling into the wagon, taking up a strange driving position under the cover of the bonnet, and then pushed the horses on. ¡°Oh, a hoard o¡¯ them. Makes sense.¡±


    Orsik may have laughed if the situation weren¡¯t so dire.


    Aviana caught up with them, but she didn¡¯t shift out of her wolf shape. She limped but otherwise looked okay. Orsik surmised she may have more endurance capabilities in that form. He just wished he could get that arrow out of her¡ªDraeon reached out and ripped the projectile out of her shoulder, unprompted. Aviana yelped in pain, but didn¡¯t retaliate, even though Orsik could see the removal had done some damage to her. Why did she allow him tae dae that? He didn¡¯t know anything about this shapeshifting ability of hers, so he had nothing to base her calmness around such reckless behavior. At least tha lass be runnin¡¯ better.


    More arrows rained down on them. Aviana used the cart to shield her, and Draeon relied on his own armor, though on arrow did manage to get him in the arm. It didn¡¯t sink in deep, allowing for easy removal.


    Orsik pulled up his shield and held it up to add some cover for those in the wagon. Temperance once again threw one of her daggers into the forest, mumbling about the goblins owing her replacements.


    Aviana rushed up to the front with Asher and Galinndan. From what little Orsik could see, the two were swiping at goblins that now rushed out into the road. From the sound of it, Aviana had also entered combat with them.


    ¡°Bugbear!¡± Draeon hollered.


    Before anyone could react, something heavy slammed into the wagon. It came up off two of its wheels and then slammed back down on the ground. Gimor struggled to keep control of both the vehicle and now the panicked horses.


    Draeon let go of the cart and engaged with the creature that¡¯d hit them. In doing so, he fell behind and became surrounded by swarming goblins, small, yellowish-green skinned humanoids with sloped faces, pointed ears and sharp toothy teeth.


    The bugbear made it difficult for Draeon to handle everything at once. Bugbears were large goblinoid creatures, standing two feet taller than the average man, with sickly yellowish-green skin, paw-like hands, massive underbite and serrated teeth and long tusks. They had a great deal more strength than goblins, making them formidable opponents, and some even claimed they had intelligence, though Orsik didn¡¯t know enough about them to be sure. In the very least, they were smarter than goblins.


    Temperance threw a dagger again, missing this time, and unfortunately grabbing the attention of a few of the goblins. She squeaked and ducked behind Orsik to take advantage of his shield.


    The wagon lurched again, something large hitting it again, and this time, it didn¡¯t come back down the way it was supposed to. Temperance screamed as the wagon tipped over and crashed onto its side, the yoke holding the horses breaking. Orsik and Temperance went flying, as did Gimor.


    ¡°Gimor!¡± Asher yelled.


    While the wagon horses thundered away, Orsik could hear Asher¡¯s horse rushing to them. He wished he could see, or even move for that matter, but the contents of the cart had fallen on him.


    ¡°Hold on, I¡¯ll get you all out of there,¡± Asher called out. The sound of his blade clashing with something came soon after. ¡°After I deal with this issue.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got your back,¡± Galinndan said.


    ¡°I can get us out, don¡¯t worry,¡± Temperance said.


    She huffed and groaned and complained as she moved heavy things. She then screeched. ¡°Get out of here ugly goblin! Get out. Get out. Get out!¡±


    Orsik heard the goblin cry out in pain and then nothing. Good job, lass.


    The heavy items on top of Orsik moved and eventually Temperance¡¯s cute face peered down at him. ¡°There you are, Orsik!¡±


    She continued to move things around until he was able to pull himself out. ¡°Where¡¯s Gimor?¡±


    She pointed to the front of the toppled wagon. ¡°I found him over there. He¡¯s breathing, but he¡¯s not moving.¡±


    Panic rose into Orsik¡¯s shoulders and he made his way to the front where Gimor lay. As Temperance said, he lay there breathing but unconscious. From the looks of it, he¡¯d his hit head. ¡°¡®Tis okay, lass. He¡¯ll be fine. But we neit tae focus on helpin¡¯ our friends.¡±


    Temperance nodded, her excitable demeanor gone and replaced with an eerie serious one. The two of the turned at the sound of a wolf tearing into a goblin. The creature had tried to climb into the front of the wagon.


    Aviana dropped her kill, her mouth and body dripping with blood, and lunged at the bugbear Asher engaged with, while Galinndan swung his flail at any goblins in reach. Unfortunately, Aviana misjudged what the large goblinoid would do and went flying when his club back swung into her. She hit the ground hard, coming out of her form, but refused to stay down.


    To Orsik¡¯s surprise, she didn¡¯t appear hurt at all. He was going to have to understand how that shapeshifting worked¡ªbut later. Asher looked worn out and needed some assistance. Orsik summoned energy within him and offered a prayer to Ildri. The spell leapt off his lips and a white-blue energy briefly enveloped Asher, mending some of his wounds and restoring a bit of his stamina, perking the young man up.


    Temperance jumped out of the wagon and stabbed a goblin trying to sneak up behind the bugbear to surprise Asher.


    Orsik cranked his head to the back side of the vehicle when a multitude of goblins screamed. He watched at least three of them run off into the forest, their skin singed and melting. Draeon, his mouth dripping with a green substance that burned into the ground as it dripped, breathed heavy and then reengaged with the bugbear, who appeared to have also sustained some damage. Acid breath if I be right. Much like dragons, dracarthian¡¯s could produce an element internally thanks to a special organ and spew it from their mouths.


    Ice slammed into the large goblinoid engaged with Asher, Aviana having had cast some sort of spell. Ice coalesced over its back, slowing the creature a bit. A few pieces splintered off and smacked a few unsuspecting goblins. Galinndan also found himself hit, but his armor protected the short elf from the attack.


    More goblins swarmed in, forcing Orsik to take drastic measures. He prayed to Ildri for forgiveness and asked her for the power to smite their foes. Warmth radiated within him in response, her blessing and forgiveness for such a situation given.


    Energy grew within him and he raised his hand to the sky. A brilliant light fell down on a goblin he focused on, and several others as well, all of the creatures screaming in pain, their bodies burning away to ash. This took Orsik aback. He¡¯d never seen that spell affect so many at once.


    A warm feminine voice hummed in his mind. ¡°A freebie, my devoted follower. Do not squander it.¡±


    ¡°Thank ye, Ildri.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t often she spoke to him this way. A gift in itself. It meant he followed her wishes, but now he and the others had to survive this ambush to see her plan come to fruition.


    A bugbear sailed through the air, crashing into the one Asher and Aviana engaged with. Draeon rushed after his quarry, his breath heavy, and his body battered. Orsik summoned more energy and healed the dracarthian. All this spell casting took its toll on Orsik though. Weakness flooded over him. Nae, I canae fail here.


    Temperance screeched out her sister¡¯s name and ran to help the older sister as goblins jumped on her. The red head half-elf¡¯s blades burst into flames and she lashed out at the tiny goblinoids, the heat of her flames scorching their skin. Aviana produced a cloud of pale green color, sending a few goblins into a coughing fit. These ladies had all kinds of tricks up their sleeves it seemed. Which was good, since the warriors here where one trick ponies.


    Galinndan swung his flail at one of the bugbears, the spiked back striking a blow and sending the large goblinoid into a howling rage. It turned on the short elf and bashed him with its club. Galinndan utilized his shield to better protect himself, but the beating did cause the older man some issues.


    ¡°Aviana, behind you!¡± Asher called out.


    Orsik turned to see another bugbear crashing out of the forest, its weapon at the ready. Aviana didn¡¯t react quickly enough and the large creature¡¯s club slammed into her, sending her flying. She landed hard on the ground and didn¡¯t get back up. Nae¡­


    ¡°Avi!¡± Temperance screeched. She slashed at the bugbear with her flaming daggers, but they didn¡¯t do much, and it only made her its new target.


    Everything slowed around Orsik as the bugbear attacked her. He didn¡¯t have time to cast a spell. He could only watch as the young woman slammed into the ground and didn¡¯t get back up. Dun ye two die on me.


    Galinndan broke away and rushed to protect the half-elf as the large goblinoid went to hit her unmoving body for an extra measure. Orsik¡¯s heart stopped. The bugbear¡¯s weapon slammed into Galinndan¡¯s shield with a resounding clang, bouncing off the hard surface. The old elf breathed heavy, but wasn¡¯t ready to admit defeat and retaliated on the goblinoid. This was getting bad.


    Some weird chittering caught Orsik¡¯s ears. The bonnet of the wagon shook, and before Orsik knew it, a swarm of goblins surrounded him. They jumped and clawed. Orsik swung his mace and held his shield tight, but there were too many. The small creatures overwhelmed him, their bodies covering and weighing him down, biting and striking him with pointed objects. Nae, it canae end like this!


    Darkness overcame him. Ildri, protect us¡­

 [B1] Chapter 18: Dealmaker in Red

    18


    Dealmaker in Red


    Heaviness permeated Aviana¡¯s mind, a throbbing sensation pounding against her skull. What happened? Where am? The last thing she remembered what getting hit by that bugbear. Was the battle over? She was still alive so the others must have fended off the ambush.


    Aviana tried to move, only to find it difficult. She could feel her surrounding, sort of. She lay on a hard, cold surface. Her finger twitched, sliding over the smooth area. Is that¡­ metal? Wherever she was, the temperature wasn¡¯t ideal. Leaving the Karma Wilds¡¯ warm climate was never easy for her, but this, it was like she lay on ice.


    She needed to wake up¡ªneeded to know why she was still alive.


    Aviana struggled against her mind, willing the throbbing pain away and her eyes to open. The pain didn¡¯t cease, but in time, her senses came back to her. A damp smell wafted into her nose, and water trickled nearby, the sound echoing. Heavy breathing of people surrounded her, though she wasn¡¯t sure how close they were. A cold breeze blew over her. A rancid stench crossed her senses, making her skin crawl. Something wasn¡¯t right.


    Her eyes fluttered open, her eyes meeting at metal surface she lay on, just as she guessed. Her gold ring with the emerald set gem and dragon head accents glowed in a pale red light, one only the wearer could see. Her brothers had given it to her for her twentieth birthday. The enchantment glowed when she was in trouble. And the other rings connected to it would alert their wearers as well of her state.


    It had glowed each time she¡¯d gone into combat, but because she¡¯d been able to handle the situation, she never worried. This was different. The ring alerted her when they¡¯d been on the road, though she told Gimor she sensed a shift in nature, which wasn¡¯t exactly wrong. That had happened too.


    Aviana moved, her body stiff and protesting. Bright yellow eyes and toothy maw met her moving gaze. Aviana gasped and her hand flew out in reflex, slipping through the bars in front of her and grasping the face of the goblin. Electrical energy surged through her. The goblin gurgled, twitched, and then went limp, falling from her grasp onto the ground. It didn¡¯t move.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s one way to deal with the pests,¡± a familiar gruff voice said.


    Aviana looked around, taking in her situation. She sat in a metal cage against the wall of a cave, large stalactites hanging from the ceiling all around, as if to scare her. Temperance, Orsik, Galinndan, and Draeon, all resided in their own cages nearby. Draeon appeared the worse off, not only looking battered to hell, but his cage left that large dracarthian little room to do any moving. A reservoir pool overflowed with water from some sort of source beyond the walls, the excess water flowing out into a river leading out of the alcove they were trapped in. Asher and Gimor were nowhere to be seen.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Aviana asked, her voice hoarse.


    ¡°We were taken captive, what else?¡± Draeon snapped. ¡°Not that you¡¯d know since you and your sister are so pathetic the enemy took you two out without issue.¡±


    Aviana rested her forehead in her hand, the throbbing intensifying for a moment, cutting off a harsh rebuttal to defend herself. It was all coming back to her. She¡¯d done what she could, but the sheer overwhelming number of goblins and then her careless misstep that the bugbear¡­


    ¡°Oh, shut up, you stupid over grown dragon-wanabie lizard,¡± Temperance said. She lay on her back starting up at her cage. ¡°You were captured too, so it¡¯s not like you¡¯re any better than us.¡±


    ¡°I at least dealt with more of these pests and held out¡ª¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Galinndan ordered. The strength of his voice made Aviana wince in pain. ¡°This bickering does us no good.¡±


    Temperance let out a humph and Draeon snorted with contempt.


    ¡°Where are Gimor and Asher?¡± Aviana asked.


    ¡°We nae be sure, lass,¡± Orsik said. ¡°Only Draeon wis awake when they put us in these cages.¡±


    ¡°They dragged Gimor and Asher one way, and us another,¡± Draeon relayed. ¡°That was some time ago.¡±


    Aviana chewed her lip. She had limited experience with these types of creatures. A few goblin tribes lived in the Karma Wilds, but they didn¡¯t cause much trouble. Bugbears, they had long moved out or died off, unable to compete in the unique environment. What she did know, the five of them shouldn¡¯t be alive. They were no more than a source of food for these creatures, and they didn¡¯t keep their prey alive for later consumption. That knowledge was the only reason she wasn¡¯t going to wait around and hope her father or brothers showed up to help them out of this mess. She knew they¡¯d be in a panic figuring out how to find her and help, given the length of time she¡¯d been captured, but it¡¯d take them too long to find her at this rate.


    Her eyes darted about, noting they¡¯d been stripped of all their weapons. ¡°Do we have anything on us?¡±


    ¡°No, they took everything!¡± Temperance complained. ¡°They even took my pouch with my lock picks in it so I can¡¯t get us out!¡±


    Personal belongings too? To take such specific items, was usual. Goblinoids enjoyed shiny items. It wasn¡¯t an unlikely assumption they¡¯d take the metal weapons for themselves. But they were even smart enough to take Aviana¡¯s staff and Temperance¡¯s lock picks, which she carefully hid in a non-descript pouch on her person. Bugbears and even hobgoblins were capable of some higher thinking than the average goblin, but those things should have been of little concern for them.


    Aviana¡¯s eyes scanned the area again. ¡°What else is here with these goblinoids?¡±


    Draeon chuckled. ¡°Wow, you¡¯re actually able to think and be useful potentially. I¡¯m surprised.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s lip curled. ¡°Watch your tongue you wingless dragon-kin, or I¡¯ll rip it out.¡±


    He pressed his snout against the bars, his teeth bared. ¡°Careful who you insult, soft flesh.¡±


    ¡°Enough ye two,¡± Orsik said, his voice far calmer than Galinndan¡¯s earlier. ¡°This ain¡¯t helpin¡¯ us. Tae answer ye question, lass, apparently these goblinoids be workin¡¯ wi¡¯ humans. They wear red an¡¯ black armor an¡¯ have strange red paint on their faces.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re also calling the shots,¡± Galinndan added. ¡°They¡¯ve come by a few times to bark out orders and heckle us. Orsik and I ran into a few with similar painted faces when we first met a month or so ago. They¡¯d besieged a new settlement. I don¡¯t know who they are though.¡±


    Humans? That explained the missing piece to the puzzle. The question was, who were these mysterious band of humans, and what did they want with travelers like them that required them to alive?


    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your time thinking,¡± Draeon said. ¡°We¡¯re stuck in here.¡±


    Temperance stuck her tongue out. ¡°No we¡¯re not, stupid-head. Now that Avi is awake, we can get out.¡±


    Draeon snorted. ¡°Right.¡±


    Orsik¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Tha lass can turn intae animals. That be what the wee one meant.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s nose scrunched. ¡°I¡¯m not little, but yes.¡±


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t turn into one,¡± Draeon sneered. ¡°And I didn¡¯t miss your little mutter about needing better connection with nature. So, why should I believe the busty one can make a better attempt? She¡¯s proving to only be good at over thinking and distracting men with the way she dresses.¡±


    ¡°Your attitude is really getting on my nerves,¡± Galinndan said. ¡°We get it. Your pride was wounded. We all took that hit. Now stop moping and let them explain themselves.¡±


    Aviana gave Galinndan an appreciative glance. He was annoying in ways, but he knew when to be serious, she¡¯d give him that. ¡°The reason Temperance can¡¯t change her shape is due to her inexperience.¡±


    ¡°I did it once before,¡± Temperance grumbled. ¡°I don¡¯t know why I can¡¯t do it again.¡±


    Aviana ignored her sister¡¯s little outburst and continued. ¡°I¡¯ve got decades of experience over her. I don¡¯t even need any sort of focus to heighten my connection to nature for the ability to work.¡±


    ¡°Then get to it,¡± Draeon snipped. ¡°I¡¯d like to not be cramped in this tiny prison, thanks.¡±


    Aviana sighed and leaned against the bars. ¡°And that shows how little you know about this ability.¡±


    Orsik leaned closer. ¡°Can ye explain tae us, lass? I dinnae think anyone here knows besides ye two.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Shapeshifting in the form the two of us can is complicated. We have to communicate to an animal spirit and take it into our body. This gives us their physical form while retaining our mental awareness.¡±


    Galinndan leaned closer as well, intrigued. ¡°So, is that why, when you were harmed as a wolf and came out of that shape, you appeared unharmed?¡±


    Aviana nodded again. ¡°That¡¯s right. The animal we take the shape of acts as a second skin or a type of armor. Once it absorbs too much, it refuses to help us and leaves, putting us back in our natural state.¡±


    ¡°And why can¡¯t you take on a form now?¡± Draeon asked. ¡°You¡¯re wasting time.¡±


    ¡°Because I have a splitting headache,¡± Aviana snarled. ¡°Taking a spirit into the body is taxing and requires a lot of mental prowess. It¡¯s why I use the ability sparingly in a skirmish, because it¡¯s far more taxing to hold onto the spirit in such a situation.¡±


    Orsik reached under his chainmaille and revealed his amulet had managed to remain on him. ¡°Lass, see if ye can reach me. I could ease that headache.¡±


    The gap between them looked to be too much, but Aviana figured it couldn¡¯t hurt. She reached for him, but several inches gapped their fingers.


    ¡°Avi, do you think that goblin has something useful on him?¡± Temperance asked. She¡¯d rolled over on her belly now, watching everything with interest.


    ¡°Good question.¡± She¡¯d forgotten all about the creature. Aviana crawled back over to where she¡¯d left the goblin and rummage through the dead body.


    ¡°Hey, how did you kill it?¡± Galinndan asked. ¡°Can you cast spells right now too?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s complicated.¡± She couldn¡¯t let them know about what she was. Had Temperance asked, and they¡¯d been alone, she¡¯d have used it as an opportunity to tell her sister the truth about them, without her mother getting in the way finally. But that answer was not for the ears of these people around her.


    Aviana found loose shiny buttons and two gold coins, but nothing of use yet. Then, something fell out of a pocket and clanked on the ground. She abandoned the body and lifted the long golden object.


    ¡°What is it, Avi?¡± Temperance asked, her face now pressed against the bars.


    ¡°A letter opener.¡± Aviana turned it in her hands. It wasn¡¯t all that long, a few inches at most, but it may work. ¡°Orsik, can this be used to connect us.¡±


    ¡°Aye, if ye can reach me wi¡¯ it.¡±


    Aviana stuck her hand through the bars, the letter opener barely held in her fingertips to give her as much reach as possible. Orsik pressed himself hard against his cage and reached with his small arms. His fingers grazed the tip, making Aviana¡¯s heart skip. They almost had it.


    They pressed and pushed their bodies to the limit of its reach, until Orsik¡¯s finger made long enough contact with the letter opener for energy to leap from his fingertips over to Aviana.


    In an instant her weariness ebbed and her headache disappeared. She relaxed and smiled wide. ¡°That¡¯s much better, thank you, Orsik.¡±


    He slumped against the cage. She knew that posture. He¡¯d used too much energy today. ¡°Aye, before ye say anythin¡¯, that wis tha last big one in me. I dinnae think I can cast many more spells today.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± Draeon grumbled. ¡°Better no waste it half-elf.¡±


    She shot him a glare. ¡°Just tell me where they walked off with our things.¡±


    Draeon did his best to point toward a tunnel to their left. Aviana closed her eyes to concentrate, searching out the right animal form to take. It needed to be something inconspicuous but useful for carrying one or two things. An ethereal squeak crossed her ears. That¡¯ll work.


    Aviana called on the spirit offering itself, and before everyone¡¯s eyes she shifted down into a rat. Everything loomed over her now, but Aviana wasn¡¯t new to taking small animal forms. Rats were always a lot of fun. Most were afraid of them, but Aviana knew how smart and playful the curious creatures were.


    She curried through the bars of her cage and down the tunnel, careful of any movement in the dimly lit cave system. She made note of how often torches were placed. Just enough for humans to see well enough. Goblinoids had good vision in the dark, so it only made sense the humans put them in.


    Several feet down the tunnel opened up into a large cavernous opening. In the middle, a bonfire roared and a large half-orc with gray-ish pale skin clad in red and black armor and red face paint conversed with a bugbear wearing spiky armor. In the bugbear¡¯s hand he carried a spiked club. And at his feet snoozed a large wolf. At least it¡¯s not a dire wolf. Based on how the bugbear dressed, Aviana guessed him to be the chief of these goblinoids. She¡¯d have to tell the others about him when she returned.


    Aviana spotted a mound of goods at the far end of the cave, behind the two individuals. That must be our stolen goods. She hopped along the side of the wall toward a mound of good, keeping her ear open on the bugbear and half-orc. They appeared to be arguing.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what you want, Blerk,¡± the half-orc said. ¡°The master wants more than just that one dwarf. We¡¯re taking the other one plus the dracarthian. And the tall elf. She¡¯s worth ransom money with the jewelry she wears.¡±


    It didn¡¯t take much for Aviana to know who he was referring to. But who was this master? And why did he want dwarves and dracarthians?


    ¡°You have dwarf,¡± the bugbear said. ¡°You not take more of our food.¡±


    The half-orc¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°You can keep the ones the master doesn¡¯t need. These other ones are perfect for his plans. And unless you want to make him angry and destroy what is left of the pitiful cluster you still call a clan, then you¡¯ll listen to what I say.


    The bugbear frowned, not liking his options. Aviana hoped they¡¯d continue to argue while she did this.


    She reached the pile of goods and searched for anything that remotely looked like theirs. It didn¡¯t take long for her to find the void satchel, haphazardly discarded like a useless empty bag. Lucky for her, these goblinoids didn¡¯t understand the bag¡¯s worth, so even if the bandits were looking for valuable items, they wouldn¡¯t know to hand it over.


    But, at the same time, Temperance¡¯s lock picks weren¡¯t in that bag. She continued to search.


    Aviana located her staff, and all of Temperance¡¯s daggers, plus some, but not the other missing weapons. It¡¯s going to be difficult fighting our way out, if we can¡¯t use more than spells between a few people.


    Her searching stopped when she had the urge to look out at the arguing pair. This Blerk did not want to give up what he claimed to be food, but this half-orc didn¡¯t care. Looking made her aware why she couldn¡¯t find the weapons she sought.


    Strapped to the back of the bugbear was Draeon¡¯s glaive. She recognized the red ribbons she¡¯d notice on it the first day they met. Aviana wasn¡¯t sure of its significance, but that mattered little as it helped her with identification.


    On the hip of the bugbear, Galinndan¡¯s flail swung about. Akorith, help us. That was two weapons in the hands of the enemy¡ªweapons of course belonging to the strongest two fighters on her side.


    She continued her searching. As it stood, nothing would matter if she couldn¡¯t get the others out before they turned into goblin food¡ªor worse. She had no doubt this half-orc¡¯s master had all kinds of insidious plans up their sleeve.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Aviana¡¯s eyes widened when she spotted a familiar bag belonging to Temperance. She squeezed into the pile farther hoping it was the one she needed to find. It wasn¡¯t. But as luck would have it, the right one was close by.


    She froze when her tiny sensitive ears picked up movement near the pile. Something rummaged nearby, too close for comfort. Sure she was a rat, but that didn¡¯t mean something wouldn¡¯t try to grab her or use her for target practice.


    ¡°Hey, get away from there,¡± the half-orc yelled out.


    A small being, what Aviana guessed to be a goblin, yelped and ran off. Blerk complained about the half-orc being mean to his goblin servants but the half-orc went back to berating the bugbear. He either has a lot of power over the goblinoid, or likes dangling his life on the edge for kicks.


    Aviana nosed her way into the correct bag and found Temperance¡¯s set. She had all kinds of tools that Aviana had limited experience with, but she had a rough idea of which tools her sister would need. Unfortunately, Aviana could only carry one of them at a time so she¡¯d have to be selective.


    After some decision making she picked one and crawled out of the pile. Coast was clear, and the half-orc and bugbear continued to argue. Aviana made a break for it and scurried back the others.


    No trouble crossed her path until she made it to the alcove with the others. Moving torchlight caught her vision and she slowed. Voices echoed through the chamber.


    ¡°Where is the woman?¡± someone asked.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know,¡± Galinndan said.


    ¡°You¡¯d better start talking, small fry, or we¡¯ll make you regret it.¡±


    ¡°I told you the truth,¡± he said. ¡°Some bugbear came through and had a disagreement with that goblin. He killed it and then took our friend. We haven¡¯t seen her since.¡±


    Aviana peered around the corner to see two pale men in red and black armor standing in front of Galinndan¡¯s cage. One held pointed a sword through the bars at Galinndan¡¯s neck. The two men looked at each other, their eyes clear with worry. ¡°Where did he take her?¡±


    Galinndan pointed down the other tunnel attached to this chamber. ¡°The way you two came. That¡¯s all I can tell you.¡±


    The man sheathed his sword and the two took off. ¡°He¡¯d better have not eaten her. It¡¯ll be our heads.¡±


    Aviana remained where she was until she was sure they¡¯d left, and then rushed into the room right for Temperance¡¯s cage. Draeon noticed her first, and then Temperance. Her sister¡¯s eye lit up and she pulled herself to the bars. Aviana handed over the lock pick for her sister to inspect.


    ¡°This one is perfect, Avi,¡± her sister whispered.


    ¡°Yeah, sure, but it¡¯s only one,¡± Draeon said. ¡°You can¡¯t pick a lock with only one.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, well, she¡¯s rat and can only carry one of these at a time.¡± Temperance stuck her tongue out at the dracarthian. ¡°And I have something else that will work.¡±


    She held up the letter opener Aviana had found on the goblin. Draeon gave a dubious look, but said nothing as Temperance went to work picking her lock. Aviana spent the time running between both tunnels to make sure no one else came down and surprised them.


    Temperance giggled when she broke herself out and proceeded down the line of cages, starting with Orsik.


    ¡°Should I be concerned you were able to do that?¡± Galinndan asked. ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem like a skill an innocent little girl should have.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s eyes narrowed at him. ¡°I¡¯m not little old man.¡± She fussed with Orsik¡¯s lock more. ¡°And I learned from reading cause I was bored.¡±


    The door clicked open allowing her to move to Galinndan¡¯s cage.


    ¡°And how did you get the set of tools?¡± the old paladin asked.


    ¡°From my father.¡± She turned to where Avi stood guard. ¡°Right, Avi?¡±


    Figuring the coast would be clear for a while, Aviana scampered back to them and came out of her form. ¡°That¡¯s right. Along with all those fun puzzles on your birthday.¡±


    Orsik cocked his head. ¡°He dinnae give them tae ye personally?¡±


    Temperance shook her head and the lock of Galinndan¡¯s cage released. ¡°No. My momma and him had a fight when I was real little. They don¡¯t talk to each other now, and she doesn¡¯t let me see him.¡± Her mood perked up. ¡°But Avi promised when I pass my test, I get to meet him cause momma can¡¯t say no then.¡±


    A smile came to Aviana. It was one wish of Temperance to know her father and she knew Raileth wanted to have time with her as well. Calypso made such a fuss about her daughter knowing the truth, Aviana didn¡¯t understand. She offered herself to Raileth, so it¡¯s not like her situation was forced on her or anything. Aviana chose to drop the thoughts. The woman only gave her a headache.


    Orsik gazed at the two girls with sympathy, even if he didn¡¯t understand the full nature for the complicated family dynamic. His kindness was not lost on them though.


    Temperance came to Draeon¡¯s cage, but didn¡¯t get to work right away. ¡°You, sir, need to apologize before I help you. You¡¯ve been very, very mean.¡±


    Draeon growled. ¡°We don¡¯t have time for this, brat.¡±


    She turned around and crossed her arms, her nose turned up. ¡°Then get yourself out.¡±


    The dracarthian let out an exasperated sigh. Aviana thought for a moment she was going to have to get her sister to focus on the more important matter, when Draeon surprised her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I let me irritation get the better of me. It was wrong.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t the only one surprised. Galinndan and Orsik exchanged a glance, their mouth agape.


    Temperance whirled around, a pleased smile on her face. ¡°That¡¯s better. Now hold tight while I get you out.¡±


    ¡°So, what are we up against beyond here?¡± Draeon asked as Temperance worked on his lock.


    ¡°All of our belongings appear to be in one room. It¡¯s piled up with the wagon supplies, along with what looks like other items they¡¯ve collected from other raids.¡±


    ¡°What about our weapons?¡± Galinndan asked.


    She chewed her lower lip. ¡°That¡¯s a bit more complicated. I think most of our stuff is buried in the pile. Except the weapons of Galinndan and Draeon. A bugbear chief has them on his person.¡±


    Draeon¡¯s lip curled and Galinndan grumbled. Both spoke at the same time, ¡°Perfect.¡±


    ¡°To top that off, the bugbear isn¡¯t alone. A half-orc is with him, along with a tamed wolf and a few goblins. It won¡¯t be easy to get our things back, but we don¡¯t have much choice if we want to find Gimor and Asher.¡±


    Draeon¡¯s cage opened and he gladly climbed out of the cramped space. ¡°What can you tell us about his half-orc? He¡¯s the only one here from my observation.¡±


    ¡°He looks like he can hold his own in a fight,¡± Aviana said. ¡°The scars on his skin tell me he¡¯s seen battle. And he carries two swords on him so he won¡¯t go down without a fight.¡±


    Her eyes drifted to the tunnel leading the way they¡¯d need to go. ¡°The two were discussing Gimor. Well, more specifically the half-orc wanted to take you and Orsik along with Gimor somewhere for his master, and the bugbear didn¡¯t want to let go of their newest food source.¡±


    Temperance swallowed and her eyes went wide. ¡°Avi, I don¡¯t want to be eated¡­¡±


    Orsik patted her shoulder. ¡°Dun ye worry, lass. We won¡¯t let that happen.¡±


    ¡°What kind of plan can we make to get the upper hand?¡± Galinndan asked.


    ¡°Well, I could cast a spell or two,¡± Aviana said. ¡°It won¡¯t be as powerful as we¡¯d all like, since I don¡¯t have my focusing item, but it¡¯ll be enough to act as a distraction.¡±


    ¡°Can you handle being a distraction?¡± Draeon asked. ¡°Your track record isn¡¯t great.¡±


    Aviana shook her head. ¡°If you and Galinndan can¡¯t get your weapons back in a timely manner, no, I¡¯ll be dead on the ground within seconds. But as it stands, that¡¯s the only plan I¡¯ve got. So if you don¡¯t like it, you¡¯re welcome to propose your own.¡±


    The other chuckled. Draeon sighed. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ve got nothing, so if you want to risk your neck, I¡¯m not going to stop you.¡±


    Galinndan jammed his thumb against his chest. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Aviana, I¡¯ll be sure this plan won¡¯t get you killed.¡±


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°I feel so safe.¡±


    Temperance raised her hand. ¡°Avi, what do I do?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to sneak over to the pile of goods and find everyone else¡¯s weapons,¡± Aviana said. ¡°Orsik will stay back until you do. We need to make sure nothing happens to him incase our plan goes south.¡±


    Her sister nodded, her face serious and determined not to fail. Aviana gestured for the others to follow. ¡°If there¡¯s no more objections, let¡¯s get moving before someone notices we¡¯ve escaped.


    ? ? ?


    Aviana led the way through the tunnel, her sister taking up the rear. She set a slow pace for those in heavier armor, though that didn¡¯t make it all the much easier to stay quiet with the way these tunnels echoed. Galinndan hated having to go about it this way. If he had his weapon and shield, he could just charge right in and beat these creatures senseless until they told them where Gimor and Asher were.


    The alluring golden-haired woman came to a halt and everyone followed suit. Listening carefully he caught a man shouting about something. Must be that half-orc Aviana warned us about.


    Aviana held up her hand and a cold sensation ran through the tunnel. Moments later, ice coalesced along her skin and then a large shard formed. It hovered above her palm and she took a few steps closer to make it to the mouth of the new chamber. Galinndan watched her line up a shot and then released the spell on their enemies. He pulled around Draeon¡¯s bulky form to see the bugbear and half-orc engaging in heated conversation by a bonfire. Just as she mentioned, a wolf lay near the bugbear and a few goblins milled about.


    The shard of ice careened into the large goblinoid, and shattered. Startled, and a little hurt, the creature shouted, ice forming along its arm. The shattered pieces slammed into the half-orc and the wolf. Nice shot.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± the half-orc hollered.


    Draeon, eager to get his weapon back, charged in before Aviana gave the signal. There went that plan. Akorith, help us. Aviana¡¯s eyes darkened, but there wasn¡¯t anything anyone could do now.


    She summoned another shard of ice while Galinndan rushed in.


    ¡°The prisoners have escaped!¡± the half-orc shouted, drawing his swords. ¡°Get them!¡±


    The goblins looked about, not sure what to do, while the bugbear roared. ¡°You no hurt Blerk!¡±


    He charged, pushing Draeon right out of the way. Galinndan¡¯s eyes narrowed. He was too focused. Aviana! He must have spotted her while she prepped her second spell. He had to do something or she¡¯d be pulverized.


    Galinndan tried to use his small size to his advantage and trip the focused bugbear up, but he merely bounced off the creature¡¯s muscular yellow-green leg. Aviana gasped and let loose her spell before running. The attack missed the bugbear, but managed to shatter on the back wall where the goblins stood. Two of them froze up, ceasing to move anymore.


    Draeon rushed past Galinndan. ¡°Keep that guy busy.¡±


    Galinndan looked to the half-orc ready to jump into combat. The wolf also roused to its feet, recovering from Aviana¡¯s initial attack. Keep them busy, right.


    ¡°Hmm, this is going to be quite interesting,¡± the half-orc said. ¡°Laruna, by my side.¡±


    His voice¡­ Something about his voice tickled something in the back of Galinndan¡¯s mind. As if he¡¯d heard it somewhere before. He shook it out of his mind. I can worry about that later.


    Relying on some of his military training and base instinct, Galinndan squared off with the bandit. The man had impressive size on his side, but Galinndan was no stranger to such an advantage. He¡¯d even lost his weapon once in battle early in his career. Galinndan had learned a great deal from that moment and now was the time to show his enemy what he was made of.


    Galinndan charged full force toward the bandit, barreling into him and knocking the man over, using the half-orc¡¯s higher center of gravity against him. The man cried out in surprise, his weapons flying out of his hands. The two wrestled with each other.


    Pain shot through Galinndan¡¯s arm when the wolf clamped down to assist his master. Much of his chainmaille reduced the damage he sustained, but it didn¡¯t stop it all. Galinndan gritted his teeth and tried to shake the beast off without losing grip on his prey.


    ¡°Hey, bad doggie!¡± Temperance shouted. ¡°No biting the old lecher. Avi says he has diseases!¡±


    She what? How dare the brat claim that. Both of them.


    Something heavy slammed into the wolf. It yelped and let go, backing away from Galinndan. He took a chance to see what she threw to see Orsik¡¯s shield wobbling on the ground. Temperance stood on top of the large pile of good, breathing heavy. Not a bad throw. That also gave him something to work with if he lost his grip on the bandit.


    Temperance squealed when the goblins in the room ran for her. She jumped off the pile and ran around the mound, the goblins giving chase while she cried out. ¡°Go away! Go away! Go away! Kyanite, save me!¡±


    That¡¯s when Galinndan noticed the stuff toy strapped to her hip. Oh, so she could grab that thing, but nothing more useful than the shield? He wasn¡¯t sure why he expected her to be useful at all. She¡¯d been nothing but a nuisance. The only thing she¡¯d been good at was picking those locks. It made Draeon¡¯s judgment toward Aviana misplaced.


    A woman screaming sent the hairs on the back of Galinndan¡¯s neck straight up. It wasn¡¯t a frightened scream. Instead it was a pain filled one. A sound that always brought back a dark dream that never left him. Like a memory he¡¯d forgotten. His whole life was a blur. Age did that once you ended up at his age. Months turned into days, and years into months. But even still, a part of his mind was blank. Like he¡¯d wiped it all clean. Except for that one dark dream.


    Galinndan turned to see Aviana slumped over on the ground, her back against the wall. By the way the bugbear loomed over her, he no doubt had thrown her into it. She still moved, her eyes on the large goblinoid, but unless someone helped her, she¡¯d be a goner.


    Luckily Draeon was there. The dracarthian slammed into the bugbear, throwing the creature off balance. He took advantage of the situation and grabbed his weapon still strapped to the goblinoid¡¯s back, breaking the flimsy rope holding it there. That was one weapon retrieved. Now Galinndan needed his.


    Galinndan¡¯s body rolled without his wanting. In his distracted state, the bandit had gathered his strength and now pushed Galinndan off of him. Shit! He had to think fast or he¡¯d be at this bandit¡¯s mercy. His eyes darted about as the spinning world around him slowed. Luck was in his favor. The bandit had thrown him closer to Orsik¡¯s shield.


    The bandit rose to his feet and retrieved his dropped swords faster than Galinndan could move. This only pushed him into a full scramble. Galinndan reached out for Orsik¡¯s shield, the low firelight flickering off the metal surface and illuminating Ildri¡¯s symbol, as if calling to him. His hand clamped down on the shield and he pulled it over him just as the armored bandit swung down a sword on him.


    Metal struck metal, a resounding clang ringing through the cavern chamber. Galinndan clenched his teeth as the shockwave vibrated against his hands. Not a pleasant feeling in the least, but at he was alive, that¡¯s all he could ask for.


    ¡°Avi!¡± Temperance screamed.


    Galinndan glanced over to see her on the ground, face down. Blood trickled from her head. The bugbear loomed over her once more, sliced up from Draeon¡¯s attacks. But that wasn¡¯t the only damage he¡¯d sustained. Ice encased part of the bugbear, a large shard of ice sticking into his shoulder. At least she¡¯d gotten a nice hit on him before going down.


    Temperance, on the other hand, wasn¡¯t taking the sight very well. Her whole body tightened, her eyes constricting as rage filled her. The sight sent an unsettling sensation through Galinndan. And it wasn¡¯t because she¡¯d always come off as a sweet, pampered brat. There was something about the look. It wasn¡¯t¡­ remotely human or eleven.


    Orsik had explained a few days ago to him once how useful Aviana and her sister were. He detailed a fight against harpies where rage had overcome Aviana. The way he described her in that, it was if he¡¯d described Temperance right now. And the only way the cleric could put it into a certain phrase. It¡¯s like staring at an angry dragon.


    The young redhead stomped her feet on the ground in her anger. ¡°You leave me and my sister alone! Die! Die right now!¡±


    A loud thunderous sound came from her, shaking the whole cavern. The bandit stopped his attack mid swing, looking around frantically and the stalactites on the ceiling shook.


    Temperance continued to scream out, ¡°Leave my sister alone!¡±


    The force she put into this unusual behavior¡ªGalinndan wasn¡¯t sure if it was a spell or some sort of inhuman ability she had¡ªbroke the stalactites and they came crashing down. The armored half-orc jumped back calling his wolf to a safer place. Galinndan used his size to his advantage, hiding under the shield and praying nothing fell on him.


    The bugbear cried out in agony and the goblins screamed in terror. Temperance continued her screaming, until Orsik called out to her. ¡°Temperance, lass, calm down. Ye got him. Ye got him and saved yer sister. Please stop. Yer gonna cave us in!¡±


    Her hysteric ceased. Galinndan peered from under his shield. Broken rock was scattered all over, some stalactites even stuck into the ground. Temperance stood still, blinking. She then looked at the two cowering goblins left near her. She cocked her head. ¡°How are you not dead?¡±


    In speaking to them, as innocent as her words were, they shrieked and ran for the tunnel. The young half-elf stared after them, clearly confused. ¡°Hey, I didn¡¯t say you could run.¡±


    Galinndan couldn¡¯t tell if she really understood the gravity of the situation she¡¯d caused or not. Though, he did know the bugbear wasn¡¯t an issue anymore. A large stalactite fell on him. From the looks of it, he wasn¡¯t breathing. It also appeared he fell on Aviana. Akorith, please don¡¯t take her yet. He prayed that fall hadn¡¯t been what did her in.


    Draeon slashed out his glaive as one of the goblins tried to run past, landing a decisive blow and nearly cutting the small creature in half. Blood splattered all over the cave floor.


    Orsik rushed over to where Aviana lay. He couldn¡¯t move the bugbear, but after praying and touching Aviana, a warm radiant light flooded through the room. Galinndan couldn¡¯t see her condition, and knew the cleric was just about out of healing, so he had to have done something to at least stabilize her and keep her from death¡¯s door. That eased some of his worry and allowed him to focus on the bandit.


    Not letting the half-orc think how he¡¯d survive the rest of this, Galinndan rushed him and slammed the shield into his chest. A cold sensation ran through Galinndan¡¯s body, something unbidden but also familiar. Ice spread across the shield and onto the bandit, freezing him up a bit.


    Galinndan didn¡¯t know where this came from, but it happened on occasions. It¡¯d usually come in the form of him sneezing out icicles at random or ice coalescing on his flail. A part of him wished he knew from the source of this ability, another was just glad it could help him from time to time.


    The bandit backed up, his eyes darting around and his breath ragged. His wolf whimpered, its tail tucked, Temperance¡¯s attack having shaken its resolve to listen to its master and fight.


    The half-orc reached into a pouch at his side. ¡°You won this day, but it will be your last. Pray we do not meet again.¡±


    Before Galinndan could question why this man thought he was getting away, the bandit tossed round objects on the ground. The moment they made contact with the cave floor, dark smoke billowed out of them. Galinndan shrunk back, holding his breath and squinting to keep his eyes from stinging. This prevented him from keep an eye on the bandit. This is such a familiar situation. He just¡­ couldn¡¯t place it.


    Everyone coughed and sputtered until the smoke finally died. The bandit and his wolf were gone. Draeon growled and Galinndan didn¡¯t blame him. Now they were unable to find out where Gimor and Asher were.


    ¡°Lads,¡± Orsik called out. ¡°Neit a hand gettin¡¯ Aviana oot from under this thin¡¯.¡±


    Galinndan nodded, his mind not quite willing to let go of this sensation of annoyance over being unable to place the identity of the bandit.


    ¡°Hey, stupid dead bugbear thing, get off my sister right now!¡± Temperance shouted, rushing over to the lifeless creature.


    Galinndan shook his head as the petite woman push on the large goblinoid¡¯s body. Like she could¡ª He bit his tongue when it moved. Heaving with effort, Temperance rolled the creature off her sister. Everyone stared, stunned this small woman was capable of pulling the feat off. Sure, her breath now came out ragged, showing how the effort exhausted her, but she still managed¡­ somehow.


    ¡°Avi!¡± Temperance knelt down next to her sister and tapped her sister¡¯s face. ¡°Wake up! Wake up!¡±


    Galinndan spotted the tears streaming down the young woman¡¯s face.


    Orsik placed a hand on Temperance to calm her and gave Aviana a once over. ¡°I be oot o¡¯ healin¡¯. Gae check fer potions in that pile.¡±


    Temperance nodded, wiping her tear stained cheeks, and searched. Galinndan assisted. They found a few vitality potions and administered one to the older sister. A moment pasted before Aviana coughed and her breathing returned to normal. She didn¡¯t wake, but Orsik didn¡¯t appear worried.


    ¡°Is she going to be okay, Orsik?¡± Temperance asked.


    He nodded. ¡°Aye. She just needs some rest.¡±


    ¡°Well, while sleeping beauty recovers, we still have a job to do,¡± Draeon said. He stood by the cave tunnel. ¡°That half-orc got away and no doubt he¡¯s grabbing his men and either leaving with our employer or planning for a counter attack.¡±


    Temperance stood and held up a dagger. ¡°I¡¯ll sabeth him if he tries.¡±


    ¡°After your display, Temperance, I think he¡¯s running,¡± Orsik said. ¡°Anyone crazy enough to use that kind of spell in a cave would send any smart man running.¡±


    So it was a spell. Galinndan felt a little better around the unpredictable woman knowing it wasn¡¯t some sort of strange innate ability of hers.


    Temperance scratched her face. ¡°Sorry about that. My emotions got the better of me. I¡¯ll try not to do that again.¡±


    At least she could admit a mistake. And this time it did help them, so he couldn¡¯t be too mad at her. Galinndan retrieved his weapon from the bugbear. ¡°Why don¡¯t the three of us go searching the rest of the cave while Orsik tends to Aviana? He¡¯s not going to be able to heal us, and I¡¯ve got some of these found potions in case we need them.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take point,¡± Draeon said.


    ¡°Yeah, let the lumbering warthog lead the way,¡± Temperance snarked.


    Draeon¡¯s head jerked back and Galinndan and Orsik laughed. ¡°Excuse you?¡±


    ¡°None of you know how to be quiet,¡± Temperance said. ¡°You especially. I had to use a spell to hide us better.¡±


    Galinndan¡¯s back straightened. ¡°You have a spell that can do that?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°I¡¯m gonna use it again too. But you have to stay in a certain range of me as it¡¯s an aura spell.¡± Her eyes darted to Draeon. ¡°And you have to try to be quiet. Not even invisibility can save you if you make noise.¡±


    Temperance snapped her fingers, and the area around her darkened, like a dark shadow bathed them all. Not even the fire light of the torches in the room could penetrate it. ¡°Now, stay close.¡±

 [B1] Chapter 19: Merchant Lost, Warrior Found

    19


    Merchant Lost, Warrior Found


    Light on the feet, Temperance crept down the tunnel, the old man elf and mean dracarthian behind. They did better being quiet this time, but could be more so in her opinion.


    Water dripped off the damp tunnel. She didn¡¯t like it. Temperance loved water, but this cave was cold and there wasn¡¯t enough water to play with. Focus, Tempy! This was serious. They had to save two people.


    A clawed hand grabbed the back of Temperance¡¯s vest, rooting her. She turned and glared at Draeon, but before she could speak, he held a claw up to his lips. Her brow spiked. She was being quiet.


    Draeon pointed to the side of his head where ears should be, and then pointed ahead. Did he hear something? Temperance listened but didn¡¯t hear past the dripping water.


    Before she could question him about his hearing, Draeon rushed forward, his glaive poised for attack. He swung out at the same time Temperance heard tiny feet rushing toward them. Something squeaked and then blood splattered across the cave wall. Temperance and Galinndan found out what soon after when two goblins rushed past Draeon, little weapons drawn.


    So taken aback by their appearance, Temperance wasn¡¯t ready to defend herself when one lashed out with a rusty sword. She tried to jump away, but the metal sliced across her side, unprotected from her starcloth clothes. She cried out in pain, tears brimming her eyes, and stumbled back.


    Galinndan slammed into the goblin with Orsik¡¯s shield, stunning the creepy-looking creature. The old elf followed up with a swing of his flail. A sickening crack echoed through the tunnel when the spiked ball made contact with goblin¡¯s head, caving it in. Bile rose up into Temperance¡¯s throat. Ewwie.


    The remaining goblin backed up, fearful of the mistake it and its comrades made. Draeon went to dispatch it, but the creature flinched and dove away. The dracarthian¡¯s sharp blade bounced off the cave wall.


    Temperance took a deep breath to calm herself and launched for the goblin, daggers poised. Die meanie! Her weapons sunk into the soft skin of the creature but something surprising happened. A warm, chaotic energy surged through her into her daggers. The goblin¡¯s eyes went wide and twitched before going limp. The energy died soon after. Temperance jumped back. What was that?


    She knew the feeling of natural magic. And even the odd feeling of arcane from when she used that spell Xalanath taught her. This wasn¡¯t anything like that. It had a power that exhilarated her, and a natural and innate sensation that scared her.


    A gauntleted hand touched her shoulder, bringing her out of her mind. Galinndan gazed at her. ¡°You okay?¡±


    Temperance shook herself. ¡°Yeah. Just¡­ not used to killing peoples.¡±


    ¡°It gets easier the longer you¡¯re in this line of work.¡±


    Temperance wasn¡¯t sure how much she liked that idea. Wasn¡¯t it wrong to get used to killing? Even if it was in defense?


    Draeon sniffed the air. ¡°Something smells¡­ burnt¡ªlike cooked flesh.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t it smell that way when Aviana killed a goblin upon waking up?¡± Galinndan said.


    The two of them looked to Temperance and she didn¡¯t know why. She shrunk back. ¡°Why are you looking at me?¡±


    ¡°What did you do to the goblin?¡± Galinndan asked.


    She gazed at them with wide eyes. ¡°I just killeded him.¡±


    As the half-truth slipped from her tongue, she wondered if her sister had the answers. Did Aviana kill the goblin in the same way? Was this something special the two of them could do and she¡¯d only just discovered the ability now?


    Draeon and Galinndan glanced at each other and then Draeon shook his head. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. We need to find our employer. Is your spell still working?¡±


    Temperance nodded. ¡°It lasts for a few hours¡­ I think.¡±


    ¡°She thinks.¡± Draeon grumbled to himself. ¡°Fantastic. Well, let¡¯s get moving.¡±


    Galinndan held up a hand. ¡°Before we do, Temperance, how is that wound?¡±


    She¡¯d forgotten about it. Temperance looked down at it, and did a check like she¡¯d seen Aviana do for wounds. The rusted nature of the weapon did not result in a clean cut in any sense of the word.


    Temperance took a deep breath and tried to heal. Her fingers glowed and energy recycled through her. The cut cleaned and sealed, but not all the way. ¡°That¡¯ll do for now.¡±


    ¡°Good, let¡¯s move,¡± Draeon said, walking off before the others agreed.


    Temperance sighed and followed down the winding tunnel. Their path remained clear for some time until they reached a small chamber with a fork in the path. The stream from the area they¡¯d been held captive in was back. It¡¯d disappeared down its own low cutting tunnel, and now came back out in this chamber, running under a bridge constructed for the right branching path.


    Draeon pointed to the left winding path. ¡°Those bugbears dragged us in here from that path. It was one long tunnel following the stream, so we should go right.¡±


    No one questioned him and pushed on. They crossed the bridge and headed down the new tunnel. This passage had more wear, as if it were used most. Temperance scrunched her nose when the pungent smell of refuse and rot wafted through the tunnel. Draeon and Galinndan weren¡¯t immune to the disgusting scent either.


    ¡°Goblins are disgusting,¡± Draeon muttered.


    Temperance hushed him. ¡°My spell doesn¡¯t make your voice invisible.¡±


    ¡°Does your spell even make us invisible?¡±


    She didn¡¯t like his tone. ¡°Of course it does! Even ask Avi.¡±


    The dracarthian grunted and moved forward.


    A little ways down the path, as the smell worsened, the sound of small feet shuffling echoed across the stone. Draeon gripped his glaive and Temperance pulled her daggers again. She refused to be surprised this time.


    A shadow fell onto the wall, projected from a low firelight beyond the bend. The owner moved around quickly, the distorted shadow features looking very much like a goblin. Draeon poised to rush in, but Galinndan had his mind straight and stopped the dracarthian, shaking his head. Temperance watched them make hand motions as if they were talking in some sort of code. She puffed out her cheeks. I wanna know what they¡¯re talking about!


    Then Galinndan pointed at her, though didn¡¯t take his eyes off Draeon. Temperance cocked her head when Draeon shook his head. Whatever Draeon protested, Galinndan was insistent on. The two argued in this weird silent code so long, they didn¡¯t notice the goblin that came around the bend. Its eyes went wide upon spotting them somehow.


    ¡°Uh, peoples,¡± Temperance said. They hushed her and continued to argue in silence. ¡°But the goblin.¡±


    She pointed just as it started to run away. Galinndan and Draeon focused on her and her gesture as the goblin disappeared. Draeon gripped his weapon and rushed after the creature. Galinndan and Temperance followed.


    The dracarthian swung his wicked blade, missing the tiny creature as it scurried away. It tried to hide under a rotting table but Draeon slammed his blade into the furniture, collapsing it into the floor and sending a rotting carcass flying. The goblin screamed and ran for another table.


    That was when Temperance noticed something. This goblin didn¡¯t have any weapons on it. The poor thing is defenseless!


    Aviana always taught her to be kind to those who could do you no harm. And her sister taught Temperance no one was born evil. It didn¡¯t matter their race or background, they made their choices in life. And right now it didn¡¯t matter if other goblins gave them issues earlier, this one wasn¡¯t.


    Temperance jumped in front of Draeon and held her hands up. ¡°Stop! Stop!¡±


    He did, but only because he didn¡¯t want to hit her. ¡°What is wrong with you? Get out of the way.¡±


    This dracarthian towered over her, and with his weapon he had an intimidating presence. But Temperance refused to give into it. ¡°No. It¡¯s defenseless.¡±


    ¡°And? It¡¯s a goblin.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t make it something you have to kill outright.¡±


    ¡°She does have a point,¡± Galinndan said. ¡°We could use it for information.¡±


    That wasn¡¯t where she was going with this, but if it got Draeon to stop attacking she¡¯d run with it at this point.


    Draeon¡¯s shoulders relaxed and he lowered his weapon. ¡°Okay, then make it talk.¡±


    Temperance could tell she didn¡¯t have a whole lot of time. This dracarthian was looking for blood, so she¡¯d have to play her cards right. She jumped up on the table and kneeled down, listening to where the goblin was. It hadn¡¯t bolted yet, but that may be because the two men blocked the way out, from what she could see scanning the room. There were an alcove on a higher ledge in the back, but since it was dark, and there were nests of fur all around this room, like beds of some kind, Temperance suspected that wasn¡¯t a way out.


    She bent over and peered under the table, her hair spilling over and coming face to face with a wide-eyed, toothy mouth goblin. ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Temperance.¡±


    The creature squeaked and scurried back to the wall, its golden eyes filled with fear.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t do that,¡± Temperance said. ¡°I¡¯m not going to hurt you. I¡¯m not mean like the dracarthian.¡±


    Draeon grunted. The goblin calmed a bit, but didn¡¯t come close.


    ¡°Do you know common?¡± Temperance asked it.


    The goblin nodded.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    The creature hesitated. ¡°Seefta¡­¡±


    ¡°Hi, Seefta. Can you answer some questions?¡±


    Seefta pulled into itself, and then spoke in broken common. ¡°You¡­ no hurt?¡±


    Temperance smiled at the goblin. ¡°I promise we won¡¯t hurt you if you answer all my questions.¡±


    Draeon snorted and then grumbled when Galinndan told him they¡¯d have to abide by the promise.


    ¡°You goblins took friends of ours,¡± Temperance said. ¡°We want them back. Where did you take a human man and dwarf man?¡±


    The goblin thought for a minute then pointed to one last table at the far end of the chamber. A familiar man in tattered clothes lay there. Temperance gasped. ¡°Mister Asher!¡±


    Before she could move, Draeon and Galinndan rushed over to the human. Even from over where Temperance remained Asher didn¡¯t look so good and her heart skipped when Draeon bared his teeth. ¡°He¡¯s been chewed on!¡±


    The goblin, who had ventured out more, shrunk back. ¡°Masters said¡­ food¡­ we eat¡­¡±


    Galinndan pressed his pointed hear to Asher¡¯s chest. ¡°He¡¯s still got a heartbeat.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s eyes widened. They ate him while he was still alive? How had he not woken up in screaming agony?


    ¡°He looks comatose,¡± Draeon said. ¡°I¡¯ve seen it in others who sustain massive physical trauma.¡±


    Galinndan nodded. ¡°Same. We need to get him to Aviana and Orsik.¡±


    Since he was taller, Draeon lifted Asher over his shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s hope the woman is awake now since Orsik may still be too spent to heal.¡±Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    As they headed back the way they¡¯d come, Draeon flashed a scowl at the goblin. Temperance narrowed her eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t. It gave us answers and we promised.¡±


    ¡°She¡­¡± the goblin squeaked out.


    Draeon snarled and continued on. There wasn¡¯t time to waste getting Asher fixed up. Galinndan lagged behind. ¡°You should come with us, Temperance. Your sister won¡¯t like if we leave you behind.¡±


    Temperance shook her head, her red hair bouncing about. ¡°Not yet. I still have some questions for Seefta. You go help get Asher fixed up. I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Galinndan¡¯s eyes gave away his uncertainty but he eventually gave in and also left.


    Temperance bent over the table again. ¡°Seefta, can you tell me where the dwarf is now?¡±


    ? ? ?


    Aviana rummaged through the pile of wears. Her staff with totem they¡¯d found leaned against the cave wall, illuminated the room with a simple spell Orisk was able to muster. They¡¯d managed to find her staff with its totem still attached and Galinndan¡¯s shield early into their hunt. Not long after Orsik found his mace, her scimitar, and then everyone¡¯s bags. Some of it had been gone through but a lot of their things still remained.


    Gimor¡¯s wears were also located, though Aviana wasn¡¯t sure how much they¡¯d be able to carry now that they didn¡¯t have horses or a wagon. That, of course, was if they still had an employer.


    When Aviana had awoken, Orsik gave her a rundown of what she¡¯d missed and where the others had run off to. That¡¯d been some time ago and she was starting to get worried.


    Orsik and she looked up from their scrounging when the jangling of chainmaille armor echoed through the cave. Aviana gripped her sword, ready to defend them, only to relax when Draeon and Galinndan rushed into the chamber. Temperance was nowhere in sight.


    ¡°Where¡¯s my sister?¡± Aviana asked.


    ¡°No time!¡± Galinndan shouted. ¡°Asher needs help.¡±


    Draeon placed down an unmoving body. Aviana gasped. It was him, and he wasn¡¯t doing so well. She scrambled off the pile, Orsik tumbling, and rushed to Asher¡¯s side.


    He bled all over from large wounds from what looked to be caused by teeth. He was also missing a few fingers. Right now I wish I knew how to restore that in others. Aviana could grow back her own limbs thanks to her connection to nature, though it took several weeks to regrow something like a finger, but that didn¡¯t help her now.


    Focus, Avi. She needed to ensure Asher would live before they worried about lasting effects on his life. She checked him over and gave Orsik instructions to retrieve some healing potions they¡¯d found in their search. Combining that and almost all the healing she had in her, they managed to stabilize the young human, but that was questionable as well.


    His body pulsed with trauma. It¡¯d be some time before he woke up, and he could fall back into a dangerous state again. Aviana decided to use the last of her healing capabilities on him. If they ran into trouble, they¡¯d have to rely on the potions they found, and hope the problem wouldn¡¯t extend past those meager needs.


    ¡°Aviana, can I ask you something?¡± Galinndan said. ¡°If it¡¯s not going to cause concentration issues while you fix up Asher.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°That spell your sister uses, the one to help us sneak around, she seems to think it makes us invisible.¡±


    Aviana laughed. ¡°You found that out did you? Yeah, no matter how many time I tell her it just makes her harder to find and not outright impossible, she goes on believing what she wants. There will come a day when she¡¯ll realize the truth, but until then, she¡¯ll be her usual self.¡±


    She finished what she could manage in the healing of Asher. Color had return to him, and his wounds had healed over, though not in any pretty way. ¡°Speaking of my sister, where is she?¡±


    Galinndan opened his mouth to speak, when a familiar peppy voice called out. ¡°I¡¯m right here!¡±


    Everyone turned to see Temperance skipping into the chamber. Galinndan muttered under his breath, though Aviana¡¯s good hearing picked it up. ¡°Oh, thank Akorith she¡¯s unharmed.¡±


    ¡°Temperance, why weren¡¯t you with them?¡± Aviana asked. She did her best not to sound angry. There may be a logical reason. Or not. It was Temperance.


    ¡°I was talking to the nice goblin we found,¡± Temperance said, her eyes innocent.


    Aviana¡¯s brow furrowed and Draeon jumped in. ¡°We found a lone goblin. She insisted on speaking with it.¡±


    Temperance crossed her arms. ¡°She. Her name was Seefta and she was way nicer than you. She showed us where Asher was and she told me where the bandit took Gimor¡­ sorta.¡± All eyes fell on the young redhead, urging her to continue. She did. ¡°They took him to their master.¡±


    ¡°Who be their master, lass?¡± Orsik asked.


    Her shoulders tensed and she curled her fingers in front of her face. ¡°Arcanis¡±¡ªher arms flew up over her head and her eyes went wild¡ª¡°the Widow Maker!¡± Temperance then relaxed as everyone stared from her interesting reveal. ¡°He¡¯s in a place called Shaldor Fortress.¡±


    Aviana had never heard of the place, or this unknown master. Glancing at the others they weren¡¯t anymore clued in. ¡°Temperance, did you get an idea of where that is?¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°No. But Seefta said that half-orc with the red paint with the pretty wolfie would know. He claimed to have direct contact with Arcanis.¡±


    ¡°Too bad he got away,¡± Galinndan grumbled.


    ¡°Aye, but maybe tha goblin gave a name?¡± Orsik said. ¡°Might help us uncover clues.¡±


    Temperance smiled. ¡°She did give that. His name was Kel¡¯esh.¡±


    Galinndan step forward. ¡°Are you sure? Are you sure that was the name she gave?¡±


    Aviana¡¯s brow rose. Not only was Galinndan acting unusual, but Orsik also became more alert.


    Temperance placed her hands on her hips. ¡°Of course I¡¯m sure! Why would I lie about that?¡±


    ¡°We dinnae think yer lyin¡¯, lass,¡± Orsik said. ¡°We just wanted clarification. Those bandits we ran intae the first day Galinndan and I met? They were led by a ferocious lass wi¡¯ red face paint. But she got away. The one who helped ¡®er surprised us wi¡¯ a smoke screen an¡¯ whisked her away. She called him by that name.¡±


    ¡°You think this is the same person?¡± Aviana asked. It wasn¡¯t likely the half-orc shared his name with another, but the odds of them crossing his path after what the two men went through, weren¡¯t probable either.


    Galinndan nodded. ¡°I¡¯d bet a life of celibacy on it. His voice sounded familiar to me when we fought him here.¡±


    ¡°Interesting how this is all connected in some way,¡± Draeon said. ¡°One would call it a coincidence.¡±


    ¡°That settlement we helped may be around here,¡± Orsik said. ¡°Sae I wou¡¯ nae be too surprised it be connected in some way.¡±


    ¡°Coincidence or not, we still have a problem on our hand,¡± Aviana said. ¡°Gimor is missing and Asher needs more medical attention than Orsik and I can provide, even over an extended period of time.¡±


    Orsik nodded. ¡°Aye, we neit tae get him tae Ashbourne.¡±


    ¡°We might be able to gather clues while we¡¯re there,¡± Galinndan said. ¡°This fortress can¡¯t be too far if they brought Gimor there.¡±


    Draeon looked to the pile of wears. ¡°What are we going to do with that?¡±


    Aviana shrugged. ¡°Not much we can do. The wagon broke and mine and Temperance¡¯s infinity satchel can only hold so much.¡±


    ¡°Avi, did you find our stuff?¡± Temperance asked, her eyes wide.


    She nodded. ¡°Yes, Orsik and I did some digging while you three were gone. Most of our things is accounted for, though they did rifle through the packs and take some stuff.¡±


    Temperance gasped. ¡°Did they take our gold?¡±


    Aviana rocked her head back and forth. ¡°Some of it.¡± She grinned. ¡°But I was smart to store most in the infinity satchel. And they didn¡¯t think to take that.¡±


    Temperance squealed and ran over to their belongings. She stopped when she spotted a beat up chest Orsik had pulled out, one not belonging to Gimor. ¡°Avi, what¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a chest we think came from another unfortunate soul who came under attack before we did,¡± she said. ¡°It¡¯s locked up though.¡±


    Temperance pulled her lock pick from her side and held it up, Aviana¡¯s staff casting a slight gleam on the metal surface. ¡°Not for long!¡±


    Her sister looked the chest over, making sure there were no sneaky traps placed. Once their father decided to leave her a gift, but in a way that appeared Temperance had found it on her own. After getting her finger snagged from a minor trap he set on purpose, she learned to always check for surprises.


    Not finding any, Temperance went to work, easily taking the lock out of the picture. She giggled in delight and threw open the lid, the sound of it hitting the stone floor echoing through the cave. Aviana and Galinndan cringed, their sensitive ears not pleased with the unpleasant sound.


    Temperance gasped. ¡°Monies! Oh-oops¡­¡±


    Everyone laughed as she fell into the chest to dig through it.


    ¡°There¡¯s potions!¡± She climbed out holing up two bottles with light red liquid. ¡°Vitality potions.¡±


    Temperance held up a small green object. ¡°And a pretty frogie made of some stone. Avi, you could tell us what it¡¯s made of, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes and no,¡± Aviana said. ¡°I can give my best guess, but those bastards took all of my traveling sets. I have no alchemy capabilities or gem evaluation capabilities until I can buy new kits.¡±


    Temperance¡¯s nose scrunched. ¡°Meanies.¡±


    She skipped over to Aviana for her to take a look at the frog. ¡°The best I can surmise, it¡¯s made of jade.


    ¡°Oh, I like jade,¡± Temperance said. ¡°If no one wants this, can I has it?¡±


    No one was eager to claim it. Aviana would like it, but her sister¡¯s excitement over claiming the figure kept her mouth shut. After everything the young woman had gone through that wasn¡¯t in Aviana¡¯s original plan by a long shot, she deserved it. ¡°You take it, Temperance.¡±


    Her sister¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°You¡¯re the bestest!¡±


    Aviana smiled and glanced over at the loot pile. ¡°How much gold was in the chest, Temperance?¡±


    Her sister¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°A lot.¡±


    That was helpful. She decided to go over and take a look, Orsik taking over monitoring Asher. Sifting and counting, Temperance hadn¡¯t been wrong. There was four hundred gold lose in this chest. In her counting and divvying, she found a small pouch containing thirty-four more gold, fifty silver, and three golden human-like teeth. Her brow rose. That¡¯s¡­ weird¡­ But, they could be worth something, so she chose not to toss them. Instead, she added the pouch to her stash.


    By the time she¡¯d gotten that taken care of, the others were ready to head out. They gratefully took their share of the money¡ªexcept Orsik. He tried to claim he didn¡¯t need it and no amount of insisting would convince him otherwise. Aviana stored his amount in her bag to keep on his behalf.


    Draeon carried Asher, and Orsik and Galinndan grabbed a chest with Gimor¡¯s insignia. This left Aviana and Temperance to lead everyone out, though mostly Temperance since she knew where they were going.


    ¡°And then, Seefta and I became friends!¡± Temperance said, her arms going into the air.


    Draeon snorted. ¡°You can¡¯t be friends with goblins.¡±


    ¡°Yes you can,¡± Temperance muttered. ¡°And she¡¯d make a way better friend than you.¡±


    Draeon snorted. Aviana decided to ignore the dracarthian¡¯s foul attitude and focus on her sister. ¡°And then what happened to Seefta?¡±


    ¡°Then, I told her eating peoples was bad and she should join the goblins that live near us. I even found some leather and charcoal to make her a map!¡±


    ¡°Why would you want more goblins living near you?¡± Galinndan asked. ¡°No one likes a pest problem.¡±


    Aviana rolled her eyes. ¡°Shows how little you know and give chance to others. The goblins near us aren¡¯t an issue. We trade with them every now and then.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ unusual.¡±


    Orsik chuckled. ¡°Yer people, lass, sound like open people.¡±


    We used to be at least¡­ The situation wasn¡¯t as open and easy as it sounded, even with one of the kobold clans too, but they didn¡¯t cause the clan problems because of the trade negotiations. ¡°It¡¯s something like that.¡±


    A cool breeze blew through the new tunnel they traversed. Aviana took in a deep breath, relishing the freshness. She was over this dank cave. Upon coming out of it, they halted, several goblins barring their path. They all carried weapons, and looked like some sort of strange last defense to keep them from leaving. No doubt Kel¡¯esh is behind this.


    Draeon growled. ¡°Great. Now we have to deal with this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got it,¡± Aviana said.


    Her head fell back, her eyes going to the sky. She raised her hands up and summoned her favorite storm spell at her disposal. The clouds gathered at a rapid pace, and by the time the goblins knew they were being attacked, it was too late. Lightning crashed down on the small group, killing them instantly. ¡°And that¡¯s how you deal with that problem.¡±


    Draeon swiveled his massive head to look at her. ¡°Why couldn¡¯t you have done that sooner?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I don¡¯t know, Draeon, why can¡¯t I summon lightning down from the sky into a cave?¡±


    The others laughed around him, his scaly face twisting in his irritation. ¡°I meant earlier on the road. Would have saved us a great deal of trouble and we wouldn¡¯t have a missing employer on our hands.¡±


    Aviana shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not sure about your armor, but last I check, metal conducted electricity. And since more than half of those here wear some form of it, I¡¯d be doing more than just frying up goblins for dinner.¡±


    The dracarthian¡¯s eyes widened, her words ringing true with him.


    She headed down the path. ¡°Take this advice as you will, Draeon. Don¡¯t underestimate those around you. Just because they do not possess the same skills, that does not makes them useless.¡±


    Aviana turned and looked back at him. ¡°I may not have the same type of battle experience as you, making it more difficult to make snap decisions in intense life of death moment, but that does not make me useless. I have a particular skill set I¡¯m good at, and it¡¯s more than just flaunting my pretty face. And because I know it, I at least had the presence of mind not to use a spell that could harm those I ally with, no matter how useful or strong the spell is.¡±


    Draeon¡¯s eyes narrowed, not liking how she challenged him, but didn¡¯t have any comeback.


    The group continued on down a beaten footpath through the forest. It was the only one leading to the cave, so they all hoped it¡¯d lead to the open road. Temperance choose to skip and splash away through the stream leaving the tunnel. Draeon found it annoying, but everyone else enjoyed her energy. It helped them keep their spirits up.


    Their progress through the forest remained uneventful, much to their pleasure. It wasn¡¯t until they finally made it out to the road where they¡¯d been attacked earlier did something unusual happen.


    An ice formation in what looked like an arrow sign sat in the middle of the road. What in Akorith¡¯s name?


    Draeon was skeptical about going anywhere near it, but Aviana¡¯s curiosity got the better of her. Galinndan and Orsik followed. Sure enough, it was a sign, but the flowing script puzzled them all. Something in the back of Aviana¡¯s mind nagged at, as if it were familiar, but she wasn¡¯t quite sure why.


    ¡°Hey, Avi?¡± Temperance said.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± Aviana didn¡¯t look away from the sign.


    ¡°I found the horses. And the wagon.¡±


    A knot formed in Aviana¡¯s stomach. Now Temperance is going get all upset seeing dead¡ªShe turned and everything in her mind stopped. She expected dead and mutilated horses and their broken wagon. Instead, there were three very-much-alive horses and a donkey tied to an ice pole. And the wagon? Fixed and upright. ¡°Uh¡­¡±


    Everyone went over to the bizarre scene. All the equine were fed and unharmed. Tyrone brayed in greeting and went back to grazing, as if they¡¯d only been gone a few minutes. Aviana checked out the wagon, only to find a peculiar sight.


    The cracked and broken wood wasn¡¯t just fixed. New wood had grown around and into it. She¡¯d seen this type of work before. It was natural magic, something the druids back home did a lot when they were in a hurry and couldn¡¯t fuss with a proper fix. A lone lily growing on the tongue caught her eye.


    She picked it and inhaled the sweet scent. The shape of it reminded her of the star lilies back home, but it smelled nothing like them. This had definitely been done by a magic user, but who and why?


    ¡°Who would have done this?¡± Galinndan mused. ¡°It doesn¡¯t make sense.¡±


    ¡°Avi, I found a clue!¡± Temperance called out. She¡¯d gone back to the sign.


    ¡°Can ye read that, lass?¡± Orsik asked.


    She nodded. ¡°It¡¯s written in Faeryn.¡±


    ¡°Faeryn?¡± Orsik scratched his bearded. ¡°Ain¡¯t that tha language o¡¯ tha fae?¡±


    Temperance¡¯s head nodded vigorously. ¡°Yep. It¡¯s a language I studied too.¡±


    It was one language Aviana remembered her sister insisting she learn. And it explained why the script looked so familiar. Not only was Elvish a derived language from Faeryn, her own grandfather knew the language.¡±


    Orsik looked to Aviana. ¡°Dae ye know it tae?¡±


    Aviana chuckled. ¡°If I did, I would have been able to read that sign. Sadly, I only know some basic conversation. I never pursued it further.¡±


    ¡°How come?¡±


    Her eyes lowered and fell elsewhere, pain flashing through her chest. ¡°I had my reasons.¡±


    ¡°I see. Wee lass, what daes tha sign say?¡±


    ¡°It says, ¡®remember.¡¯¡±


    Everyone but Galinndan looked at each other, unsure what that was supposed to mean. Galinndan appeared to be thinking, but in the end his simple mind couldn¡¯t figure out whatever he was trying to achieve.


    ¡°Don¡¯t matter, does it?¡± he said. ¡°We have a wagon and we have horses. We can now carry everything back and won¡¯t have to walk.¡±


    He had a point. It was best not to look this gift in the mouth. She and Temperance went about getting Asher comfortable while the three men returned to the cave to gather up the remaining supplies.


    Once ready, they tacked up the equine and head out for Ashbourne. Their hearts and mind heavy but hoping for answers of Gimor¡¯s whereabouts. For they had an oath they were not willing to break.


    End Book 1, Prophecy of Convergence


    Next Book 2, Prophecy of Unbroken Oaths

 [B2: Prophecy of Unbroken Oaths] Chapter 1: Scattered Dreams

    1


    Scattered Dreams


    A blood curdling scream pierced the air. The cry echoed off the stone walls flashing past her as she ran. Her feet splashed through cold water pooling from the damp ceiling, but it didn¡¯t slow her. Heavy, labored breathing and the scratching of claws on stone grew louder. Her heart pounded in her hears, and her throat burned as she pushed herself, her eyes darting back to the darkness behind her.


    The lantern she carried was the sole source of light in the dark subterranean tunnel, but it didn¡¯t illuminate far. Not even as it reflected off the crystals in her forehead, casting speckles of colored light in the otherwise grim tunnel. Still she couldn¡¯t see her pursuer.


    A door at the end of the tunnel came into view. She pushed harder, until she collided into the door. Fumbling with the metal handle, she yanked it open and rushed inside, slamming the door close behind her, and leaned against the door.


    Her relief was short lived when she realized her lantern wasn¡¯t the only light source in the new room, and then a voice chuckled. ¡°Well, what do we have here?¡±


    Her eyes snapped to the center of the room where a man in robes stood, is features obscured. He carried a glowing orb in his hands, and behind him, something long and pointed moved in the darkness. Was that a spider leg?


    ¡°We can¡¯t have rats skittering around here, now can we?¡± came a scratchy voice from the darkness. The sound sent a chill down her spine. ¡°Take care of the pest.¡±


    A large presence loomed over her from the left. All the muscles in her body tensed and she tentatively looked up. Terror flooded through her as the sight of the enormous jagged maw opening up next her, saliva dripping from the razor sharp teeth within. She screamed when the entity lunged for her.


    Aviana woke with a start, sitting up and breathing heavy. Sweat dripped off her skin, the chilly winter air pricking the droplets through her cloak, cooling her heated skin. She pulled her knees to her chest and draped her arms over them, sinking head low. She did her beast to control her breathing, her eyes focusing on the fire burning before her. What an awful chaotic dream. What did it mean? She knew better than to believe it was merely a nightmare.


    Frosted grass crunched nearby, followed by the jangling of chainmaille. Aviana lifted her head to see the familiar bearded dwarven face of Orsik approaching, his jolly demeanor present even at this hour. The warm light of the fire added more color to his normally reddish-pale hair. In his hands he carried a waterskin. ¡°Fer ye, lass.¡±


    She accepted the offering. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Aviana took a quick swig to wet her parched lips. Her eyes wandered as she tried to calm from her ordeal. Her sister Temperance¡¯s red hair peeked out of the cloak she¡¯d wrapped herself in. The young woman slept soundly, curled around her blue dragon toy, Kyanite.


    The balding gray head of Galinndan reflected in the firelight on the other side of the fire. The old, height challenged elf sprawled out of his coverings, as if he were overheating. Aviana wasn¡¯t sure how that was possible.


    The large form of Draeon slept restlessly under several layers next to the old man. As much as Aviana didn¡¯t care for the dracarthian, she pitied him. He out of all of them, struggled the most with the cold temperature. It made him sluggish, and sleeping wasn¡¯t easy as he struggled to stay warm. Next to Asher, he took most of their warm layers available.


    A cold breeze blew through their camp. She pulled her cloak tighter around her body. She hated this weather. Aviana didn¡¯t know how anyone could live in it. And losing some of their more essential possessions to handle the weather hadn¡¯t helped. No one had tents and the reclaimed cargo didn¡¯t have any furs or heavier cloaks to utilize. So everyone had to sleep by the fire, the elected person on their night watch shift tasked with waking everyone now and then to ensure they didn¡¯t die in their sleep.


    The concept alarmed her. How could anyone live in a climate that could kill them like that? Then again, the same could be said about the Karma Wilds. The storms during certain seasons were quite violent. Her clan had resorted to erecting special barriers over the town during those times to ensure everyone¡¯s safety.


    ¡°Feelin¡¯ better?¡± Orsik asked.


    Aviana took another sip of water and nodded. ¡°Getting there.¡±


    He plopped down next to her. ¡°What did tha gods warn ye aboot?¡±


    She froze, her gut knotting. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I understand what you¡¯re asking, Orsik.¡±


    The dwarven man poked the fire with a stick. ¡°I be a cleric, lass. I know when gods reach out. That mark on yer forehead, it glows when they talk tae ye.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s eyes drifted to the sky. A sliver of pink tinted the eastern horizon. The last time she¡¯d received a vision in his presence, it¡¯d been quick enough she doubted any change to her Shikala symbol transpired. No one was supposed to find out about her clairvoyance or connection to Akorith and Lusaria. It wouldn¡¯t be safe. But now, here she was, trying to salvage this situation.


    ¡°Ye dinnae have tae talk aboot it, if ye dun want tae. I wonae make ye.¡± He peered up at her with kind green eyes. ¡°But know, lass, ye can trust me.¡±


    Can I though? Aviana had traveled with him for several months since first meeting him in Lakecross. He hadn¡¯t caused any trouble. On the contrary she¡¯d come to enjoy his presence. And the way he looked at her, even now, always felt like she was talking with an old friend. Something akin to her time spent with Akorith. He¡¯s also a cleric of Ildri. To worship the goddess of life, that should mean he wasn¡¯t a threat, right?


    Something deep inside her said to put her trust in this man. That she couldn¡¯t keep doing this alone, and he could help. ¡°The Shikala worship two gods, Lusaria and Akorith.¡±


    ¡°Both dragon gods?¡± Orsik mused. ¡°So tha rumors be true? Ye worship dragons?¡±


    Aviana rocked her head back and forth. ¡°Worship isn¡¯t exactly the correct term. Vikala and Tikala worship, we Shikala revere them¡ªlive alongside them as equals.¡±


    ¡°More clans like ye, but different? That¡¯s complicated.¡±


    Aviana chuckled. ¡°I suppose it would be for someone not from the clans. To sum it up, we were all once a single clan, Shikala. But when Lusaria fell to madness in the second era, the clan split into three. The two new clans adopted new philosophies, while we Shikala have desperately tried to cling to our ways.¡±


    ¡°That doesnea sound good. Thare be trouble in yer clan?¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°There has been for some time. It¡¯s why no one knows much about us. We closed ourselves off from most of the world. Growing up, I thought maybe it was just the Clan Under the Stars that had. But after I¡¯d traveled beyond our borders a few times, I learned all the clan settlements had faded into obscurity on Alaria.¡±This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    ¡°Clan Under the Stars?¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry, that¡¯s the title given to Starglade. Each settlement of the Shikala has their own titles.¡±


    Orsik scratched his head. ¡°I think I¡¯m startin¡¯ tae understand. Sae yer clan worships Akorith, and they still worship Lusaria?¡±


    Here came some of the tricky explanation. When Lusaria fell, the darkness that came from it caused the races of Aecis to see her as a dark deity, and any who followed her were not good. ¡°We worship the queen she used to be, not the maddened one she¡¯s become.¡±


    He gazed at her for a moment. ¡°I see sadness. What be wrong, lass?¡±


    Aviana¡¯s lips twitched. It seems she wasn¡¯t doing well keeping herself in check. ¡°I can¡¯t share much, as the clan does have secrets. But the reason I¡¯m out here with Temperance isn¡¯t just to help her grow. My clan has lost their way, and I need to figure out a way to fix it. If I don¡¯t, a terrible darkness will consume them.¡±


    ¡°This lost path they be on, daes it have anythin¡¯ tae dae wi¡¯ Temperance¡¯s condition?¡± Orsik asked.


    She nodded. ¡°Her mother sheltered and controlled Temperance out of fear to the point she isn¡¯t even aware there are dragons living among us.¡±


    Orsik pursed his lips. ¡°That dun sound good. Safe tae guess tha dragons dun fly in tha skies if she doesnae see them?¡±


    Aviana nodded, her hands clutching her cloak tighter. ¡°It¡¯s wrong. All of it. And it¡¯s up to me to figure out how to fix it.¡±


    ¡°Tha visions ye received? Why ye be tha only one tasked tae save yer clan? Why cannae others help?¡±


    Aviana¡¯s lips twisted as she wrestled with her answer. ¡°I am of the Xenre family, a strong family line known for its devout dragon priestesses.¡±


    Orsik¡¯s eyes bugged out, his voice raising. ¡°Yer a dragon?¡±


    Aviana¡¯s hands flew up to his face and she hushed him. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant.¡± I can¡¯t let him know yet how close to that truth he is. ¡°It means my family personally tended to Akorith and Lusaria before they were sealed on the celestial plane in the midst of Lusaria¡¯s turn to madness. Their devotion to our gods gained their favor, and one priestess in particular was blessed with a special child. This child was given a gift that Lusaria herself had¡ªclairvoyance. She used this ability well, aiding to improve the clan. And thus she was called, the Oracle.¡±


    Aviana adjusted her clock when a breeze blew. ¡°Then, when she had a child, a daughter, she too had the gift. The title was then also bestowed onto her, and every female child in that line who inherited the gift.¡±


    Orsik leaned closer, his green eyes sparkling. ¡°Ye have tha gift o¡¯ clairvoyance, lass?¡±


    Aviana nodded, taken aback by his enthusiasm. ¡°I¡¯m also an Oracle. But¡­¡±


    Orsik cocked his head, uncertainty and concern flickering in his eyes. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a well loved one. I¡¯ve¡­¡± she sighed, her shoulders sagging. ¡°Let¡¯s just say, thanks to the lost nature of the clan, my bloodline is now seen as tainted because of me. No one in the clan can know I inherited the gift, else my life will become¡­ even more difficult.¡±


    ¡°Lass, they wouldn¡¯t try tae kill ye, wou¡¯ they?¡±


    Her eye fell onto the fire. The answer lodged in her throat. It wasn¡¯t like attempts on her life didn¡¯t happen already, so it should be easy to say. But verbalizing it with someone, it made that reality hurt even more.


    ¡°Why? What be about ye taints ye in their eyes?¡±


    Aviana¡¯s lower lips quivered, her fingers tangling in the fabric of her cloak. Her mind raced with arguments to reveal the truth or not, and her shoulders tightened¡ªthe conflict raged within her. She closed her eyes and shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Orsik, but I can¡¯t say.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡± He rested his hand on her shoulder. ¡°I see why you choose to be selective wi¡¯ sharin¡¯ yer secrets. Most wouldn¡¯t understand, and maybe I wouldn¡¯t have either if I hadn¡¯t traveled with you for so long. But I dae. And thank ye, lass, fer trustin¡¯ me. I¡¯ll tell nary a soul. And if ever ye need help, ye can count on me tae be thare fer ye.¡±


    Hearing those words sent mixed emotions flooded through Aviana. Even if she hadn¡¯t been able to divulge the whole truth, it felt good to share some of it with another, and then have them not reject her. Could he in time, be someone she could trust to know everything? It¡¯d been so long since Tar¡¯kash, it would be nice to have someone accept and support her. Sure, Krax probably wouldn¡¯t have an issue like his father hadn¡¯t, but she¡¯d been conditioned to fear telling that full truth, no matter how close she got to them.


    Asher twisted in a small fit next to Aviana. His chestnut hair tangled around his face, his tan skin still red from the fever he¡¯d been fighting all day. Before she could reach out, Orsik rushed over and hovered his meaty hands over the human. A blue-white aura glowed around them and then Asher a moment later. Not long after, Asher¡¯s fit subsided.


    Aviana pitied the man. He was doing well hanging on after his ordeal, and Orsik and she were doing their best with their limited healing resources. She¡¯d even gone through her entire supply of medicinal herbs to help him. We really need to get to Ashbourne, and soon.


    Orsik let out a sigh when the glow around his hand disappeared. ¡°That should dae him fer now.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t leave the now resting man, her mind going back to her dark vision.


    Orsik snickered and he reclaimed his spot on the other side of her. ¡°Still fancy him, lass?¡±


    A small smile slipped up the side of her face, her eyes flicking to the stout man. ¡°Perhaps I do. But that¡¯s not what I was thinking about. What can you tell me about Ashbourne?¡±


    The dwarven man cocked his head. ¡°Daes this have anything to do with yer vision?¡±


    Aviana worked her jaw. ¡°It might. I¡¯m not quite sure.¡±


    She decided to tell him what she¡¯d seen. It couldn¡¯t hurt to have two heads trying to decipher the message. The cleric listened, intent on every word. When she finished, he let out a tight sigh and dragged his hand down his beard. ¡°That¡­ that be quite the vision, lass. Are they always like that?¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°Sometimes they¡¯re clearer cut and others are a vague verbal warning that requires some deciphering.¡±


    ¡°Are they always this¡­ ominous?¡±


    ¡°No. I¡¯ve had some easier to handle visions.¡± And even darker ones than this. One in particular that¡¯d reoccurred every few years flashed through her mind. Fire¡ªdead bodies¡ªa large creature that vaguely resembled a dragon flying in the air. Aviana blinked it out of her thoughts. Now wasn¡¯t the time to entertain that one.


    ¡°Ye asked aboot Ashbourne,¡± Orsik said, helping to draw her attention back. ¡°Dae ye think this is about that town?¡±


    Aviana worked her jaw. ¡°I can¡¯t say for certain, but I believe so. Before traveling North, Temperance and I spent time in Windshire. There I¡¯d learned of some rumors and sightings north of Kirdarim about humans who were confused on their surroundings. Further still, there¡¯d been a spike in dangerous and even unusual creature activity and the makeup of the forest in the area had changed in some places.¡±


    She tapped her lip with a finger. ¡°I hadn¡¯t thought much of it until meeting Gimor and Asher. No one can deny it¡¯s strange they come from a town no one knows of while they also know nothing of a popular city like Kirdarim. Traveling with them had only proven to create more questions than answers for me, and then the attack with the goblins¡­¡±


    Aviana shook her head. ¡°There¡¯s something unusual going on, and I need more answers. You know Gimor personally. So you either met him outside of Ashbourne before or you¡¯ve been there.¡±


    The cleric nodded. ¡°I can see why the gods entrust you wi¡¯ these visions. Ye pay attention tae details most would never bother tae worry aboot. Aye, I met Gimor before I met Galinndan, maybe by a month or two.¡±


    The dwarven man¡¯s brow crinkled as she thought. ¡°Ye know, I think it was around the time everyone else was findin¡¯ them and the rumor started spreadin¡¯.¡±


    A month or two before? That was around the time Akorith gave Aviana her task. None of this could be a coincidence. ¡°Have you been to Ashbourne?¡±


    Orsik nodded. ¡°Aye, that¡¯s how I found out aboot the place. Travelin¡¯ around and stumbled upon it. Not many other folk that ain¡¯t human. Couple o¡¯ dwarves and some elves. They¡¯re strange aboot outsiders, and it seemed as though there was some strong feelin¡¯ about the non-human types.¡±


    Aviana grimaced. That didn¡¯t bode well for them, given the fact Asher was the only human here, and he came from Ashbourne.


    ¡°Gimor wasn¡¯t like them o¡¯ course,¡± Orsik continued. ¡°Neither is his business partner, Droyn.¡±


    That name had come up before during their travels before Gimor had been taken. ¡°I suppose he¡¯ll be the one we break the news to then, yeah?¡±


    Orsik nodded. ¡°Aye. He won¡¯t be happy tae hear it neither.¡± He leveled sad eyes with her. ¡°What are we gonna dae, lass? Droyn will pay us for our job gettin¡¯ the goods to him, but Gimor¡­¡±


    ¡°If you think I¡¯m just going to give up finding him, you¡¯re wrong.¡± Resolve gripped her tight. ¡°I don¡¯t know what Galinndan and Draeon plan to do once they¡¯re payed, and I don¡¯t really care. I was hired to protect Gimor as much as his wears. I failed to do that and I¡¯m going to set it right.¡±


    She stared into the burning campfire. ¡°We know he¡¯s at this¡­ Shalador Fortress. And it has to be around Ashbourne. That town has answers, and I¡¯m going to find them.¡±


    Orsik squeezed her shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m with ye, lass. We¡¯ll work together tae find him, alive.¡±


    Aviana nodded, her resolve bolstering.


    Asher mumbled in his sleep. Something about telling his mother about a beautiful woman he met who¡¯d make a wonderful bride.


    Orsik chuckled, his eyes dancing. ¡°I think he be dreamin¡¯ aboot ye, lass.¡±


    Aviana frowned, a sharp pain hitting her heart, and she brushed a stray curl out of Asher¡¯s face, and then adjusted one of the many cloaks they used to ensure he stayed warm in his state. ¡°I hope not. I¡¯d only ever bring him heartache and misery.¡±

 [B2] Chapter 2: Seeing Red

    2


    Seeing Red


    Small birds silently flitted through the gray sky hanging over the moving wagon. The clopping of horse hooves and Draeon¡¯s jangling armor were the only sounds to be heard on the worn forest path. Crisp air stung Aviana¡¯s lungs but the cold didn¡¯t bite as much today. Orsik claimed the weather should improve over the next few days now that half of Alacia had passed by them. Aviana sure hoped he was right. She¡¯d resorted to taking on a wolf shape to keep herself warm. And when she didn¡¯t have the energy to do that, she was wrapped up tight in her cloak. She¡¯d even had to wrap her feet where her sandals were left exposed, though it had been Galinndan that had made the suggestion. According to him, if your limbs were exposed for too long in the cold, they fall off.


    It was such a startling claim she didn¡¯t want to believe it. But Orsik confirmed the old man¡¯s words and she was sure to wrap up every inch of herself, and make sure Temperance did the same. The first thing I do when we make it to this Ashbourne place, is get some better clothes.


    She didn¡¯t care there was only two weeks left of Alacia¡¯s moon cycle. She¡¯d rather spend the money for warmer clothes and go back to her usual wear when the weather improved. I wonder what styles of clothes they have. Whatever it would be, Aviana anticipated it wouldn¡¯t be made of anything flexible like her starcloth. That may prove troublesome for her, especially when it came to armor. She relied on that ease of movement, anything bulky or heavy would prove a disadvantage. But with her missing a scimitar, it might be her best option for protection until a replacement could be had.


    Temperance gasped, and pointed at the sky over Orsik¡¯s head from the driving seat. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    Aviana glanced up to see something small and white float down. And then another caught her vision. And then another.


    ¡°You¡¯ve never seen snow before?¡± Galinndan asked from his position on his donkey, Tyrone, as he plotted alongside the wagon.


    Temperance shook her head, her red hair bouncing around. ¡°No. I¡¯ve seen it on the top of the mountains near Starglade, but never went up there.¡± She looked to Aviana. ¡°Avi, have you seen snow before?¡±


    ¡°No, this would be the first time for me as well.¡± Aviana gazed at the sky as more of these tiny bits of snow fell. ¡°There wasn¡¯t any of this even in the Karidar Pass while we passed through it.¡±


    ¡°Aye, we traveled too low for it tae touch tha mountain pass we traversed,¡± Orsik said. He then shrugged. ¡°At least, that¡¯s what tha wagon driver told me when I inquired one day.¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­¡± That made a bit of sense. The mountains of the Karidar pass reached higher than the clouds in many areas, much like the mountains around Starglade. Aviana assumed that¡¯s where snow formed. Until now that was.


    Aviana reached out and touched a ball of falling snow. A sensation of cold jolted her finger and then it disappeared. She blinked and looked for the cold object, but she couldn¡¯t find it.


    Temperance squealed. ¡°It keeps disappearing!¡±


    Aviana¡¯s eyes floated over to her sister to see the young woman trying to catch the bizarre balls. But every time she¡¯d catch one, she¡¯d open her hand and it wouldn¡¯t be within her grasp. It took Temperance a few more tries for Aviana to notice what was happening, by spotting the water collecting on her sister¡¯s hand. ¡°No, it¡¯s melting.¡±


    Her younger sister cocked her head. ¡°What?¡±


    Aviana tried to grab one herself, only to obtain the same result as her sister. ¡°Is snow a type of ice?¡±


    Orsik smiled at her. ¡°Aye, that it be, lass.¡±


    In the warm tropical climate of the Karma Wild, there wasn¡¯t any ice, but Aviana could create it with spells. And she¡¯d heard of it existing in other places naturally. White dragons also had an affinity with the element. But she never thought snow and ice were ever the same.


    ¡°Is snow normal here?¡± Temperance asked, still trying to catch the white stuff.¡±


    The dwarf shook his head. ¡°Nae. It be quite unusual fer anywhere in Alaria tae have snow unless it¡¯s on tha tall mountains. Cold rain, some fallin¡¯ ice rain on occasions, but nae snow.¡±


    Temperance cocked her head. ¡°But what about Issera?¡± Temperance asked. ¡°My books said that place is all ice.¡±


    Galinndan grunted. ¡°Nothing natural, I can assure you.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that all caused by white dragons?¡± Draeon asked. The dracarthian hadn¡¯t said a word all day. Aviana would have forgotten he still traveled with them if he wasn¡¯t a heavy walker. ¡°I don¡¯t travel this far west often, so I¡¯ve only heard rumors in taverns.¡±


    Galinndan nodded. ¡°Yes. So many of them live there, their presence has altered the natural state into a tundra. And it gets worse over the years. The ice now spreads over the ocean onto the mainland. There¡¯s a rumor that it¡¯s because of some of the older dragons fighting for more territory control. I¡¯ve heard there are even a few old enough to fall into the ancient classification.¡±


    The back of Aviana¡¯s neck tightened. She hoped that rumor was wrong. Dragons, even at a young adult age, like Xalanath, were powerful beings. But as they aged to the years of her father and Siverath, they became a nearly unstoppable force on their own. For more than one dragon of that ancient status to fight for dominance, it could spell trouble for Alaria if they chose to spread their territory past Issera and the rest of the Ice Vale islands. I wonder what Siverath plans to do with that information.


    Aviana didn¡¯t doubt for a moment if Galinndan knew of this potential situation, Siverath did as well. And with Siverath¡¯s zealous sense of justice, and his poor opinion of white dragons with no room to understand and accept there were good ones out there, Aviana could see him amassing an attack to quell their potential threat.


    Aviana tapped her knee. So, why hasn¡¯t he?


    The memory of the brief glimpse of a crumbling city flashed through her mind. Had that prophecy those moons ago really been Natamere like she feared? Could it be in trouble and that¡¯s why Siverath had remained in the city for so long? Or was she mistaken and just paranoid given all the bad luck she¡¯d had during her travels thus far?


    Temperance¡¯s giggling drew Aviana out of her thoughts. Her sister snapped her teeth at the falling snow, giggling every time she missed. Galinndan roared with laughter. ¡°No, stick your tongue out to catch them.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s brow rose. What had she missed.


    ¡°Like this?¡± the young woman stuck her tongue out and tried to chase the falling flakes, making strange noises in the process.


    Galinndan¡¯s amusement increased and even Orsik chuckled. Draeon snorted but from the corner of Aviana¡¯s eye she thought she caught a small uptick to the corn of his mouth for a moment. Did I really just see¡ª She shook her head. She couldn¡¯t have possibly seen the overly serious dracarthian smile. She was positive that man couldn¡¯t do anything but scowl and be hypercritical about everything and everyone but himself.


    The sooner he goes on his way, the better I think. As much as he proved to be a capable and useful fighter, she wasn¡¯t sure if him staying with them until they found Gimor was a good idea. He didn¡¯t work well with the rest of them. Even Galinndan was easier to deal with, even with his annoying lecherous attempts toward her, and on the occasion Temperance, which went over the na?ve woman¡¯s head. We¡¯ll have to see what he plans to do once we arrive in Ashbourne and are paid for the delivery.


    Rustling in the back of the wagon caught Aviana¡¯s sensitive ears. Her head whirled around and her eyes pinned on Asher who moved about under his cloaks. She slipped away from the others to check on him. It wasn¡¯t uncommon for him to fidget but this sounded different.


    She reached his side and rested a soft hand on his forehead. He didn¡¯t feel feverish, which was a blessing. It¡¯d taken him tree whole days to fight the last one off.


    Asher mumbled incoherent words and then his eyes fluttered. Aviana¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Asher?¡±


    The young man¡¯s mouth moved wordlessly.  His eyes continued to flutter as he came to.


    ¡°What be goin¡¯ on back there, lass?¡± Orsik shouted.


    ¡°Asher is waking up.¡± She fussed, checking him over. Temperance jumped to the back and peered over Aviana¡¯s shoulder just as Asher¡¯s eyes focused.


    ¡°A¨CAviana?¡± His voice came out hoarse. ¡°T¨CTemp¡­erance?¡±


    Aviana hushed him and placed a hand on his chest when he tried to sit up. ¡°Take it easy. You¡¯re safe now.¡± She glanced at her sister. ¡°Temperance, get me a waterskin.¡±


    The young woman nodded and scrambled over to the supplies, mumbling to Kyanite he needed to help her search.


    Asher turned his head in a few directions to get a feel for his surroundings, wincing as he did. ¡°What¡­ happened?¡±


    Temperance returned and Aviana gratefully accepted the waterskin she held in her hand. She then forced Asher to calm himself and rested his head on her lap. ¡°I told you to take it easy.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± He flinched some more.


    ¡°Here, have some water.¡±


    Aviana helped him drink, Asher taking in more than she was expecting his first time since waking. I shouldn¡¯t be surprised, given how long he¡¯s been out.


    Asher gasped for air once he was done consuming a camel¡¯s amount of water. ¡°What happened? Last I remembered was a cave¡­ and Gimor shouting¡­ and goblins¡ª¡±


    His eyes constricted and he flailed his head around, pushing through his pain. ¡°Where is Gimor?¡±


    Aviana yet again hushed and did her best to calm him. She did her best not to let her frustration with him rise. She understood he was confused and his mind would be trying to process everything he experienced the best it could. ¡°Asher, please calm. I¡¯ll explain everything as long as you do.¡±


    The young man gazed up at her, his eyes tight. ¡°He¡¯s not with us, is he?¡±


    She sighed, her shoulders slumping, and she brushed a curl of hair out of his face. She then told him the events leading up to their escape of the cave. Asher slumped in her lap when she finished her tale, his face flickering with all manner of emotions.


    ¡°Asher, we¡¯re going to find him,¡± Aviana promised. ¡°We know where they took him. We just have to find the place.¡±


    ¡°I know where it is.¡± He winced as he thought. ¡°At least, I think I do. I¡¯m struggling to remember¡­¡±


    Aviana pressed two fingers against his forehead, placing just enough pressure to force him to relax. ¡°Rest. The more you do, the more likely you are to remember when you¡¯re better.¡±


    ¡°But we need to save him!¡± Asher shouted, regretting doing so immediately after.


    Aviana sighed, frustrated the forehead technique wasn¡¯t working on him. That spot was sensitive, as well as thought to be powerful¡ªthe place where visions and thoughts beyond one¡¯s body came from. Lusaria, the goddess of arcane and clairvoyance prior to her fall, had a gemstone in that exact place. It was why the Shikala used it in their marking ritual. And why they used the pressure technique to calm others.


    He must be too worked up. Aviana ran her fingers through his hair, the action receiving the reaction she¡¯d wanted. That¡¯s better. ¡°I know you want to help, but you¡¯re in no condition right now. When you¡¯re better, you can. Rest your mind.¡±


    Asher sighed and averted his gaze, his eyes drifting down to the cloaks covering him. It took a moment for him to speak again. ¡°Will I be able to help? I remember what those goblins did to me before everything went dark.¡±


    Aviana continued to run her fingers through his dark curls. ¡°That all depends on how well you recover.¡±


    The young man let out a reluctant sigh and finally gave into her coaxing. It didn¡¯t take long for him to fall back into a slumber, though Aviana waited a little longer before easing him off her lap. Temperance opened her mouth to say something but Aviana pressed a finger to her own lips and then pointed to the front of the wagon. They didn¡¯t need to wake him.


    ¡°Sleepin¡¯ now?¡± Orsik asked when she climbed up behind him. Aviana nodded. ¡°Good. Lad needs all tha recovery time he can get.¡±


    ¡°Avi, will Mister Asher be able to fight again?¡± Temperance asked. ¡°That is what he was trying to ask you, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°Yes, it is, though I don¡¯t know that answer. He has a long recovery ahead of him, and then there¡¯s the matter of adapting to his missing fingers.¡±


    ¡°Lad is lucky he only lost three,¡± Orsik said. ¡°And not all on the same hand.¡±


    ¡°May have trouble wielding a sword, but at least he¡¯ll be able to find honest work,¡± Galinndan said.


    Aviana pursed her lips. ¡°Don¡¯t be so quick to dismiss his combat chances. I¡¯ve met men able to fight like bulls with a missing arm.¡±


    Draeon grunted. ¡°A small man like that will never be like those warriors you speak of. Galinndan is right. Asher will be better off giving up the sword.¡±


    Aviana shook her head, disagreeing with him, though chose not to argue. In the end, Asher¡¯s path would be up to him after his recovery.


    Temperance leaned on Orsik¡¯s shoulders and pointed farther up the road with Kyanite. ¡°Look!¡±


    All eyes followed her gesture, seeing a lone building standing just off the worn road. It was of simple wooden design with a fieldstone foundation. While it wasn¡¯t an architecture style Aviana was familiar with, she could tell it was a house of sorts.


    As they drew closer the state of the building became more apparent¡ªrun down and abandoned. Aviana couldn¡¯t take her eyes off the sad sight, wondering how long and why it¡¯d been abandoned.


    Not long after the wagon passed the home, more buildings, and even a dilapidated windmill sprung up along the landscape, sprawling out in what could have been assumed to be a small settlement. But just like the building before, all these homes were also abandoned. The falling snow blanketed the area adding to the sad, oppressive sensation clinging to the air, sending a chill down Aviana¡¯s spine.


    ¡°Orsik, is this Ashbourne?¡± Temperance asked, her voice pitched higher than normal as she clutched Kyanite close to her chest.


    ¡°Nae, lass.¡± The dwarf shook his head. ¡°I dun know the name of this place. But it wasn¡¯t like this when I came through last.¡±


    What could have happened? From the looks of the discarded carts and opened doors, Aviana guessed the inhabitants left in a hurry.


    ¡°How far out is Ashbourne?¡± Galinndan inquired.


    Orsik pointed ahead. ¡°Not far. Past those trees a bit.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope they didn¡¯t meet the same fate as these folks,¡± the old paladin said.


    Aviana settled in the back of the wagon, keeping an eye out. While possibly abandoned moons ago, such a place attracted unsavory types looking to prey on unsuspecting travelers. Or whatever caused the villagers to evacuate could still be lurking around.


    Her back straightened, and her hand instinctively went to the one sword strapped to her hip when Draeon let out a low warning growl. She waited, expecting him and Galinndan to call out or run for a defense, but it didn¡¯t come. Instead, Aviana¡¯s eyes spotted a man leaning against one of the homes, as they passed. His clothes were tattered and it didn¡¯t appear as if he¡¯d bathed in a few weeks. The man didn¡¯t try to hide the rusted weapon at his side. He¡¯s no threat to us. But that didn¡¯t mean Aviana allowed her eyes to leave him until the abandoned town was out of sight.


    Time passed before Orsik called out, ¡°We¡¯re here.¡±


    Aviana left her post and slipped back up front. Half of Temperance¡¯s body hung out of the moving wagon as she looked around, wide eyed and eager to take the new place in, showing Kyanite everything.


    Much like the abandoned settlement, they passed a few log and fieldstone home, this time clearly occupied by the smoke billowing out of their chimneys. Chickens clicked and scurried about, nearly missing behind trampled by the slow moving vehicle. A few homes had fencing with livestock corralled. The animals huddled together for warmth under any cover they could find.


    No people could be seen, not even children, piquing Aviana¡¯s interest. She expected at least some activity. Maybe they¡¯re inside, or even further in town.


    As they continued on, the distance between homes lessened until they found themselves in a densely clustered town. People milled about here, most human from what Aviana could see. All in a hurry to get out of the cold. From her observation, this was the town¡¯s area of commerce.


    The wagon¡¯s presence draws some attention, but it quickly waned. No, that¡¯s not it. Aviana watched how quickly these townsfolk were avoiding contact with the newcomers. It¡¯s as if¡ª


    ¡°These people are frightened,¡± Draeon murmured, his attention intent on their reaction as well.


    Orsik nodded. ¡°Aye. It¡¯s not uncommon fer them tae be leery o¡¯outsiders, but this¡­ this is different than tha last time I was here.¡±


    ¡°Maybe whatever happened to that last town as made them fearful,¡± Galinndan suggested.


    Aviana wouldn¡¯t discount it as a possibility. But something nagged at her that it wasn¡¯t the only issue here.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like this place,¡± Temperance said, shrinking back with a frown on her lips. ¡°No one is happy here.¡±


    Aviana focused closer on the humans and noticed her sister was right. It wasn¡¯t just their group that was the problem. These people had haunted expressions. Something was indeed wrong.


    A piercing scream of a woman hit Aviana¡¯s ears. Orsik pulled the reins to halt the wagon and Aviana whipped her neck around trying to pin where the cry originated from.


    Draeon pointed ahead to their right. ¡°There.¡±


    She followed his gesture, seeing people scurrying away from three men. Two of them accosted a mid-aged woman and a younger woman, while the last one held a man, threatening him with a cutlass to the throat.


    ¡°Please, please let them go,¡± the man begged, his eyes wide with fear.


    ¡°Shut up,¡± the man holding him snarled, pressing the sword to his skin more.


    ¡°Anyone else recognize those marks on their face?¡± Galinndan growled.


    It was the same paint as Kel¡¯esh and the other bandits Galinndan and Orsik had run into. Aviana didn¡¯t care about that detail in the moment though. The two snickering men had her full attention as they assaulted the poor women. The muscles in her neck tightened, and rage flared in her chest as the man holding onto the young woman grabbed her breast. Filthy¡ª ¡°Let them go!¡±


    She jumped off the wagon and stalked toward them as they looked in her direction.


    The unsavory man threatening the helpless man chuckled. ¡°What do we have here? A brave little elf whore?¡±


    The corner of Aviana¡¯s eye twitched. She expected a nasty name, but the one they chose really showed their character.


    Draeon¡¯s feet crunched in the snow behind her, the sound of him removing his glaive from his back catching Aviana¡¯s sensitive ears. She heard Galinndan jump from his equine¡¯s back, his chainmaille gangling from the movement.


    ¡°I told you to let them go,¡± Aviana said, her eyes burning into the man who insulted her. ¡°I won¡¯t tell you again.¡±


    His mouth twisted into a crooked grin. ¡°Or what, Whore? Show me some saggy tits?¡±


    His buddies laughed, one of them continuing his assault of the younger woman. Aviana bared her teeth. The insults meant nothing. But their actions¡ª


    A soft swishing sound cut through the air, and before Aviana could react, a dagger punctured the lead ruffian¡¯s eye. An agonizing scream tore through him as he shoved away his captive and held his face. He thrashed around, the thin throwing weapon protruding from his socket.


    Shocked, it took Aviana a moment to realize what just happened. When she found herself able to move, she slowly turned back to look at her sister, her mouth agape. Temperance stood poised in her throwing position still, her focus firm on her victim. A dark shadow glossed her cerulean eyes, no traces of her usual carefree and childish behavior to be seen. Aviana had never seen such a look in her sister before. Is this an effect of her exposure to so much violence lately? Or is something else at work?


    ¡°That was one hell of a throw,¡± Galinndan mumbled next to her.


    ¡°If there was one thing she was good at back home, it was throwing those things,¡± Aviana said.


    ¡°You bitch!¡± the injured man roared. ¡°Kill the filth!¡±


    His comrades shoved away the captive women and drew the short swords strapped to their sides. Oh no you don¡¯t! She was going to make them regret their actions today.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Gal, given your better equipped to, I want you to protect those two women,¡± Aviana commanded.


    He nodded. ¡°I have no qualm with that.¡± The ball of his flail swung freely as he gave it a quick practice swing. ¡°Anyone hurts the ladies, and Galinndin Venfiel will exact vengeance.¡±


    Aviana resisted the urge to roll her eyes and glanced Draeon¡¯s way. The dracarthian had discarded his cloak and his muscles flexed, ready to spring forth at both advancing men. ¡°You take one I take the other?¡±


    Draeon grunted. ¡°This blade could easily take out them both, but if you insist on attempting to help, be my guest.¡±


    Aviana took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Oh, I¡¯ll do more than just help. She summoned energy within her and allowed her connection with nature to call out to the spirits. One in particular interested her though it would be difficult to maintain the shape if it accepted. Not only was she so far from home, the complexity of the creature made it hard for anyone to take the spirit into themselves. And that was after proving you were worthy to try at all.


    The familiar arcane distorted cry of an owlcat returned her call. She didn¡¯t have much time to react, as power coursed through her and her entire body tingled and warped. The owlcat¡¯s spirit latched onto her hatred of these unsavory filth, hastening her transformation.


    Her body twisted, hands and arms turning into bird-like legs and talons, black fur and black and white feathers sprouting across her now elongating tiger-like body that stood as tall as a horse; white fur striping across her shape in a unique pattern. A bobbed tail grew from her back end, and feathered wings sprung forth from her back. She let out a roar, an arcane mix of a tiger and owl. The attackers halted, their eyes going wide at the sight of her new imposing form that stood at a horse¡¯s height at the shoulders. One man¡¯s knees visibly trembled.


    Aviana set her eyes on the man she loathed the most. He¡¯d regret touching that young woman. She pounced, her talons grabbing hold of her unsuspecting victim and pinning him to the ground, sinking deep through his leather armor and into his fleshy body. He screamed as she went for his throat.


    Her teeth sunk into his flesh, the warm metallic taste of his blood filling her mouth. The man¡¯s agony overpowered the other injured man as he clawed at her grip with a futile effort. She purposely made this slow for him. In this form she could easily snap his neck or even crush his skull. But he¡¯d suffer for what he¡¯d done.


    Aviana yanked up, tearing out all the flesh in her mouth. His wailing quickly gurgled out as blood sprayed out all over the snow. Aviana watched as his life faded before her eyes. The owlcat¡¯s spirited urged for more carnage, feeding off her negative energy. She found herself unable to resist due to her mental state, and she bit into his neck, breaking it and the lower half of his skull. Her victim went limp, blood pooling around his lifeless form staining the snow crimson.


    Vengeance now partially sated, Aviana swiveled her large head around to take in the scene. Galinndan had gotten the three accosted townsfolk away from the carnage, holding his shield up and flail at the ready in case. Draeon engaged with the other ruffian, his large size proving to be a disadvantage this time as he struggled to land a decisive hit on the smaller man.


    The owlcat spirit pulled to sink its teeth into the man, but Aviana didn¡¯t want to jump in yet. Draeon could handle himself, and there was still one painted man to deal with. She scanned the area for him, finding the man struggling to stand as he tried to slink away from the skirmish. It appeared Temperance¡¯s dagger had sunk deep from his mobility issues. Aviana knew he wouldn¡¯t live to see another day if she let him be, but he needed to pay for his insolence.


    The owlcat¡¯s spirit growled. It wanted his blood. However, before Aviana could move a muscle to go after the man, another dagger sailed through the air toward him. It bounced off a wall and clattered to the ground, her positioning no ideal for the narrow passage.


    ¡°Dragon¡¯s teeth, I missed,¡± Temperance grumbled.


    Aviana lowered herself and tensed her muscles to pounce the man, when Galinndan called out a warning to her. She jumped back in time to dodge a swinging blade. The ruffian Draeon engaged with appeared to have slipped away to target her. Aviana slashed at her attacker in reflex, her talons slicing through his leather bracers and soft skin. The man howled in pain, dropping his short sword and stumbling back. Blood dripped from his wound.


    His eyes darted about, gauging the situation. One comrade dead, and the other fleeing, he knew his odds and took off into the alley after the other human filth. ¡°You¡¯ll regret this!¡±


    ¡°Should we stop them?¡± Galinndan asked.


    Aviana wanted to, knowing full well if they got away it would pose a problem later if this group had a settlement nearby. But the agitated owlcat spirit had other ideas. Displeased with her hestitation, it refused her, pushing Aviana back into her own form. The sudden ejection sent her stumbling on two legs but she managed to catch her footing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a no,¡± the old lecher remarked.


    Aviana took a deep breath, her head spinning a little, and fixed her disheveled appearance. A sudden shift of that nature never resulted in a clean transformation. ¡°Sorry. The spirit rejected me. I did want to go after them.¡± She glanced down the alley, the two men now out of sight. ¡°But it seems even in their state they¡¯re quick, and I don¡¯t think it¡¯s wise to chase after them in an unknown place.¡±


    Draeon growled, strapping his weapon to his back. ¡°I hate to admit it, but you¡¯re right. And from the way these building cluster, it¡¯ll be a tight fit if we do find ourselves in a skirmish.¡±


    Aviana nodded and looked to the frightened townsfolk the ruffians had accosted. They still huddled together, their eyes wide with terror. ¡°Besides, we have other pressing matters.¡±


    She approached the three humans, putting on her kindest smile. ¡°Are you three alright?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re sorry,¡± the man said.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t mean to involve you,¡± the older woman whimpered. ¡°We¡¯re so sorry.¡±


    Aviana furrowed her brow and pursed her lips. She didn¡¯t understand this reaction. ¡°You don¡¯t have to apologize. We chose to get involved.¡±


    The clanking of Orsik falling from the wagon caught everyone¡¯s attention. The clumsy dwarf picked himself up off the ground, and hurried over to the three human, a smile on his face as if the tumble hadn¡¯t happened. ¡°Aye, the lass be right. They had it comin¡¯. Now, dae any of ye need healin¡¯?¡±


    ¡°No, no.¡± The man mumbled as he collected the two ladies off the ground. ¡°We¡¯ve bothered you enough. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    The older woman was easy to scurry away with him, but the young woman didn¡¯t move as quickly, forcing her father to haul her off. As he did, she looked back and mouthed a ¡°thank you¡± to them. Townsfolk around them watched on, but Aviana noticed how wary they were to come near. Even those trying to move past them in the street gave a wide birth. Are they afraid of us? Or is it merely the fact we got involved? For a moment Aviana worried they¡¯d done the wrong thing.


    But she soon shook it from her mind. To ignore the disgusting behavior, would have been the same as condoning it.


    ¡°That was the strangest expression of gratitude I¡¯ve seen,¡± Galinndan said, stroking his beard as he watched the odd trio disappear into the crowd of people.


    Aviana grunted, glancing down at the short elf. ¡°Then you¡¯ve obviously never met a katalara.¡±


    They were an interesting race, some could even be called eccentric. But of all their quirks, she never got used to their outlandish gestures of gratitude.


    Draeon grunted. ¡°Or an avaria. Unless you like regurgitated food dropped in your lap.¡±


    Aviana grimaced. She¡¯d always wanted to meet the elusive race of bird-like humanoids. However, that was not a gift she ever wanted.


    Her nose twitched when the scent of blood caught her senses. Aviana may not have the strong sense of smell of her full dragon kin, but she could pick some things up better than any elf.


    She looked over herself, concerned that one thug had in fact harmed her and the owlcat spirit hadn¡¯t taken the hit for her. But she soon found she was fine. Galinndan hadn¡¯t engaged and neither had Orsik. Temperance was still with the horses, keeping watch from the way she scanned the area. That left Draeon.


    The dracarthian had wandered off when she glanced his way. In his clawed hands he dragged the man Aviana had killed, blood staining the fresh snow red. Her gut clenched, regret clawing up at her. Had she done the right thing, killing him? Sometimes killing was necessary, but was this one of those situations? Could this have been resolved without anyone dying? Doubtful. If they were the same band Galinndan and Orsik crossed paths with months ago, and in league with Kel¡¯esh, they were not ones to be left to their own devices.


    Her eyes scanned the town, watching as people kept their heads low. What should be a lively town, held nothing but an air of hopelessness. These lowlifes already have too much power here. How could their leadership allow this? She may not know how these kept their laws in place, but whoever ran this town needed to get their act together. This was no way for them to live.


    A firm grip on her ass drew her out of her thought. Her eyes snapped down to Galinndan who grinned up at her. Aviana¡¯s cheeks grew hot and rage boiled within her chest. ¡°You lecherous, old¡ª¡±


    Before she could finish, or physically lash out at him, a scaled foot slammed into the diminutive elf. The old man crashed to the ground, unprepared for the sneak attack, and lay splayed out on his back looking up with bewildered eyes. Aviana glanced up at Draeon with a curious eye. She had not expected such a reaction from the dracarthian.


    He scowled at Galinndan, his lips curling enough for his razor teeth to gleam with just enough menace. ¡°Learn to show some respect.¡±


    ¡°I was merely trying to get her attention.¡± Galinndan gave an unconvincing innocent look. ¡°She was too lost in her thoughts to hear any of us¡±¡ªhe grinned¡ª¡°and actions speak louder than words in my experience.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s refused on several accounts to be your play thing,¡± Draeon snarled. ¡°You do that again without her consent and I¡¯ll cut your hands off.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s brow spiked. This was certainly a new side of the lizard-man. With the way he¡¯d acted through their journey, she would have never guessed he had any kind of moral code. At least, not where it concerned any of them.


    Temperance grunted. ¡°I would aim lower.¡±


    Her sister¡¯s words drew Aviana¡¯s attention, making her aware Orsik had gone and fetched the wagon. Had I really been in my thoughts that long? Even that deep was a concern. She hadn¡¯t been aware of her surroundings at all, making her a prime target¡ªcase in point with Galinndan.


    Draeon chuckled, his eyes temporarily flicking to the short redheaded woman. ¡°Hands are quick and remove his ability to be useful to most. Castration is its own torture, better served slower.¡±


    Galinndan swallowed and jumped to his feet, taking a few steps away from the imposing dark scaled lizard-man. ¡°No need to get hasty. I¡¯ll keep my hands off her posterior unless she asks otherwise.¡± His eyes darted to Aviana, gleaming. ¡°I will say though, you¡¯ve done well keeping that nice and firm. I can only imagine how well you¡¯ve taken care of the rest of you. So don¡¯t let that foul mouthed lowlife¡¯s insults get to you.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s brow twisted. What¡¯s with his speech? Did Draeon hit him too hard or something?


    Before she could respond Orsik chuckled. ¡°Yer foolin¡¯ no one, lad. That won¡¯t smooth things over in tha least.¡± That explains it. ¡°And a confident lass like Aviana wouldn¡¯t blink at that ruffian¡¯s crass words.¡±


    She held her head high, eating up the praise and agreeing with him. She¡¯d had far worse thrown at her over the years. And her breasts weren¡¯t the least bit saggy.


    ¡°Now,¡± she started, placing her attention on Draeon, ¡°with the old lecher put in his place, let¡¯s take a look at your wound.¡±


    The black scaled dracarthian¡¯s eyes narrowed a bit. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    Orsik¡¯s back straightened. ¡°Who be wounded?¡±


    ¡°No one,¡± Draeon claimed.


    Aviana pointed to the stained snow by his feet. ¡°I don¡¯t believe that belongs to anyone else.¡±


    The tall lizard-man snarled and looked away. ¡°Why do you care?¡±


    She lifted her shoulders for a moment. ¡°I don¡¯t.¡±


    He flicked his gaze back at her, perplexed. ¡°Then why want to see?¡±


    ¡°Because whether you like it or not, until we¡¯re paid or you leave, we¡¯re working together. So you can give us all the attitude you want, but if you¡¯re injured you risk dragging the rest of us down with you. Even minor wounds can turn into big problems if not tended to properly.¡±


    Draeon held her gaze for a moment, and then to her surprise resigned with a sigh. ¡°Very well, if you insist. But first you need to get out the snow. Without appropriate footwear, they¡¯re going to be damaged with all the snow if they¡¯re exposed for much longer.¡±


    Aviana looked down at her wrapped feet. The cloth used to keep them warm now soaked all the way through. ¡°I forgot about that¡­¡±


    ¡°Then they¡¯re probably numb. Get in the cart. Someone get her a cloak to warm them.¡±


    Aviana went to ask Temperance for one only to find she wasn¡¯t on the wagon anymore. Orsik pointed in the direction of the alley Draeon disposed the body in, finding her sister scurrying through the snow toward them. Aviana¡¯s brow spiked. ¡°Where did you go?¡±


    ¡°I had to get my dagger.¡± The young woman jumped up into the wagon with ease before a slight pout formed on her lips. ¡°That meanie ran off with one of them.¡±


    Aviana chuckled and climbed onto the wagon. ¡°Well, from what I could see, he¡¯ll either die from that lucky throw, or at least lose the eye.¡±


    Her sister¡¯s nose scrunched. ¡°It wasn¡¯t luck. It was skill!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, okay.¡±


    ¡°Avi!¡± Temperance whined.


    Aviana laughed. She couldn¡¯t help tease the younger woman. It was too tempting as her older sister. ¡°Alright, fine, it was skill. Can you get me a cloak? I need to warm up my feet.¡±


    Her sister pursed her lips, her nose scrunching as she thought and then jumped under the bonnet to heed the request. Orsik received her blessing to continue on so they weren¡¯t clogging up the road anymore. She could heal on the move, and Draeon didn¡¯t seem to mind either.


    While Temperance fetched the cloak, Aviana unwrapped her feet, finding them red and numb to the touch, and swelling in areas around her cloth sandals. ¡°I¡¯ll be happy when warm days come back. I¡¯m not a fan of this weather.¡±


    Draeon grunted. ¡°I agree with you there. Stark contrast from home.¡±


    Aviana gazed at him as she tucked her feet in under her cloak and rubbed then to warm help with the warm up process. ¡°You¡¯re from the northeast deserts, right?¡±


    The dracarthian hesitated and then nodded. ¡°Kylyum Desert.¡±


    As I suspected. That made him one of the few dracarthians native to Alaria. Only black scales came from that region, and no one knew when they¡¯d first immigrated to the continent.


    ¡°Karma Wilds doesn¡¯t get nearly that hot, but is far more comfortable in the winter than here,¡± she shared. Aviana felt it best to keep this slightly open communication two ways. Even if he wasn¡¯t the best traveling companion, she didn¡¯t like them always being at odds. She¡¯d much rather have a layer of mutual respect, even if only enough to tolerate each other and watch their backs when it counted.


    ¡°Sounds as though I should continue my plan to visit that area sometime,¡± he remarked. ¡°Though I have to ask, is it true dragons fly the skies out there?¡±


    Her eyes flicked up at him for a moment before she worked on her feet some more. ¡°Perhaps.¡±


    ¡°Coming from a Shikala, I¡¯ll take that as a yes.¡±


    She eyed him again. ¡°Sounds like you¡¯ve met Shikala before.¡±


    The corner of his lips twitched up as if he were amused. ¡°Perhaps.¡±


    Aviana couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a yes.¡±


    ¡°Dae ma ears deceive me?¡± Orsik said. ¡°Are tha two o¡¯ ye getting¡¯ along fer once?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± the two responded in unison. They glanced at each other and chuckled.


    ¡°That¡¯s it, the hells have invaded the celestial plane!¡± Galinndan cried. ¡°None of us could have predicted this.¡±


    Aviana rolled her eyes. So dramatic. It was an unusual situation, but it wasn¡¯t that big of a deal she and Draeon were getting along for the moment. And it didn¡¯t guarantee it¡¯d stay this way.


    ¡°What colors fly those skies?¡± Draeon asked, tugging on the lacing of his left bracer.


    Aviana hesitated with the answer, ultimately deciding it wouldn¡¯t hurt to answer. ¡°I¡¯ve seen blue and bronze.¡±


    Temperance gasped behind and then flopped down next to her, cloak in hand and eye wide. ¡°Avi, you didn¡¯t tell me you saw a blue dragon!¡±


    Before Aviana could think of a way to defend herself, Temperance pulled out Kyanite. ¡°Kyanite, Avi is keeping secrets from me!¡±


    There was a pause and Temperance frowned. ¡°What do you mean, of course she is. Are you saying she¡¯s keeping more secrets from me?¡±


    Draeon¡¯s made a perturbed expression, still not quite sure how to handle the young woman¡¯s odd quirks.


    ¡°What? No I¡¯m not keeping secrets! Only she is, and it¡¯s rude.¡±


    Aviana rolled her eyes and focused on wrapping her feet with the temporary measure. After dropping off Asher and getting paid, she was going to find a shoe maker of some sort. It was dangerous enough for her to not have clothes appropriate for this climate. Not even some of her more conservative outfits she¡¯d packed in case her usual attire caused her too much issue in Natamere were enough to add extra protection.


    Draeon offered his arm, exposing the gash on the underside of his arm. ¡°The weasel got a lucky slash before slipping away to attack you.¡±


    That explained why the ruffian was on her all of a sudden. She abandoned her foot rubbing to inspect the wound. It wasn¡¯t too deep, his bracer taking most of the strike. Much like dragons, with their weaker points in their scales, his underarm wasn¡¯t nearly as protected as the rest of him, offering little resistance against the blade once the bracer failed. ¡°This will be an easy heal. Give me a few moments.¡±


    She summoned the proper amount of life energy she¡¯d need for the healing spell, and her hands glowed a green-white color. The energy enveloped his arm and clung to his wound.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware the Karma Wilds had arid land,¡± he said suddenly.


    Aviana¡¯s brow spiked. ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°You mentioned blue dragons. They only live in arid places,¡± he clarified.


    ¡°That¡¯s not exactly correct,¡± she replied, able to easily hold focus on the healing. ¡°Blue dragons are the most adaptive of their kind. They may have preferences where they hold territory, but you¡¯ll generally find them anywhere. Except someplace cold. None but a white or silver would ever take up that climate.¡±


    Temperance tilted her head back looking at her older sister upside-down. ¡°Avi, I read in a book that blue dragons can change their scale color, is that true?¡±


    Aviana nodded. ¡°That¡¯s true in a way. Blues are unique, and can change the shade of their scale color depending on how much sun exposure they have at any given moment.¡±


    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s so cool!¡±


    ¡°Speakin¡¯ of unique, lass, what type o¡¯ creature did ye take tha form o¡¯ back there?¡± Orsik asked, glancing back at her. ¡°Ne¡¯er seen it before.¡±


    ¡°That was an owlcat!¡± Temperance beamed. ¡°Wasn¡¯t she pretty?¡±


    ¡°I, uh, suppose, though terrifyin¡¯ would be more like it.¡±


    Aviana chuckled. ¡°Trust me, they¡¯re not a creature to tread lightly with.¡±


    Temperance laid her head on her older sister¡¯s shoulder. ¡°She¡¯d know, she raises them.¡±


    Orsik¡¯s eyes bulged. ¡°Ye raise those things, lass? Yer crazier than I took ye fer.¡±


    A half grin slipped up Aviana¡¯s face. ¡°It¡¯s an honor to raise such a magnificent creature. And to have one¡¯s loyalty is to have a protector for life.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re intelligent then?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Some are even capable of casting spells.¡±


    The dwarf let out a low whistle. ¡°That¡¯s impressive.¡±


    ¡°What are they exactly?¡± Galinndan asked. ¡°That roar of yours was bizarre.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re a feline,¡± she said. ¡°But a unique kind that has been affected by the nature of the Karma Wilds. The land there is teeming with plants and animals you¡¯ll never find anywhere else.¡±


    ¡°Why haven¡¯t you taken the form before?¡± Draeon asked, surprising her. His more pleasant behavior today was refreshing as much as it was perplexing.


    Aviana chewed her lower lip, focusing harder on healing his wound while she figured out how to word herself. ¡°Mastering a creature¡¯s form requires a great deal of study into the animal¡¯s nature. But even if you understand that, the spirit needs to accept you. The unusual nature of owlcats makes them exceptionally difficult to understand for shapeshifting purposes. And they¡¯re selective.¡±


    Draeon¡¯s wound finished closing, and she checked his arm over for any other openings to be sure. ¡°It¡¯s not uncommon for many human generations to pass before the owlcats accept a natural magic user. I¡¯m the first in some time, and it¡¯s difficult to maintain the form. Not only does the spirit struggles against my will, I believe I¡¯m missing something important in the physiology to properly maintain the form for extended periods of time.¡±


    ¡°Am I the only one lost here?¡± Galinndan asked. ¡°None of that made any sense.¡±


    ¡°Makes perfect sense to me!¡± Temperance shot her hands into the air to emphasize her excitement. She liked feeling smart.


    Draeon nodded. ¡°I understood it for the most part.¡±


    ¡°Aye, same,¡± Orsik agreed.


    Galinndan grumbled to himself.


    Draeon crossed his arms when Aviana released him and tapped a clawed finger on his scales. ¡°What I don¡¯t understand is why you used human lives for measurement. Seems unusual for an elf¡­ half-elf. I¡¯m still not sure what you are.¡±


    Aviana chuckled. The racial confusion she received from those who did understand the differences amused her more than those who didn¡¯t understand. ¡°Unlike elves, human lives are short and fairly predictable for a range. It makes it an easier universal measurement anyone could follow.¡±


    ¡°An¡¯ the humans where yer from be okay with this?¡± Orsik clarified. ¡°They can be rather sensitive sometimes.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t gots humans in Starglade,¡± Temperance blurted out. Aviana resisted an eye twitch. There she went, making things harder for them without realizing it.


    ¡°Then how can you two be half-elves?¡± Galinndan asked.


    The young woman shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Momma says I¡¯m not a full elf like Avi isn¡¯t. Right?¡±


    Aviana went back to warming her feet. ¡°That¡¯s right, and we will not be elaborating on the matter either.¡±


    ¡°Is it really that big a deal?¡± the old elf questioned.


    Draeon uncrossed his arms and fitted his bracer to his forearm. ¡°Leave it be. If they don¡¯t want to talk about it they don¡¯t have to.¡±


    Aviana glanced at the dracarthian briefly. No really, what has gotten into him today?


    He however was now looking away from all of them, a scowl spreading across his face. ¡°How many does that one make, four?¡±


    ¡°Six by my count,¡± Galinndan said, his attention also moved.


    Aviana¡¯s brow spiked. ¡°Are you seeing more of those insufferable lowlifes?¡±


    Draeon nodded. ¡°All of them have painted faces. It seems this place has an infestation.¡±


    ¡°Perfect,¡± Aviana muttered. Even though this could prove useful in finding Gimor, it could potentially cause issues as well.


    ¡°There are that many visible in the street?¡± a familiar voice in the wagon croaked.


    Aviana¡¯s head snapped back to see Asher attempting to sit up. ¡°You¡¯re awake!¡±


    He rested his forehead on his hand and nodded. ¡°Have been for a while. About the time I heard you all taking care of a few in the town center.¡±


    ¡°So you know where we are then.¡±


    ¡°Took me a moment, but yeah, I know I¡¯m home.¡±


    Aviana crawled into the back to check him. He refused to lie back down, so she draped a cloak over him to ensure he stayed warm. ¡°Do you know anything about this group?¡±


    She explained how they appeared and he frowned. ¡°I¡¯m afraid when Gimor and I left, there wasn¡¯t much on them. A few came into town to cause trouble and the local guards dealt with them. I assumed that was the last of them and never thought to learn more. Seems I was wrong to do so.¡±


    Aviana looked back to the others, concerned. ¡°Have any of you seen any guards?¡±


    She received a unanimous shake of heads ¡°no.¡± An uneasy feeling settled into the pit of her stomach. The more they learned, the less she liked this situation, and the more she felt compelled to do something about it.


    Asher clenched a fist, his eyes firmly set on his missing digits. ¡°If only I¡¯d been more careful. I¡¯d be able to do something to help now.¡±


    Aviana rested a hand on his shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t talk like that. You¡¯ll get better. We¡¯re bringing you to the chapel for extra healing.¡± She pressed on him gently to encourage him to lie back down. ¡°But you won¡¯t get better unless you rest.¡±


    He held her gaze, refusing to comply. ¡°How can I rest knowing these thugs run rampant through the streets and Gimor is somewhere, maybe alive, maybe dead?¡±


    Her lips pressed into a thin line. She sympathizing with his position but that didn¡¯t mean she¡¯d let him run off and play hero when he wasn¡¯t ready. ¡°If you don¡¯t rest then you¡¯re condition is going to get worse. You could even die if you¡¯re too reckless. Then what? Would dying that way really be worth it? Think about how Gimor would react when we had to deliver that news to him once we find him.¡±


    Asher¡¯s shoulders rolled down as her words sunk in, though his eyes remained determined and stubborn. Aviana sighed internally. She wasn¡¯t sure what else she could say. She¡¯d learned how to read people for her own protection. She¡¯d paid attention to all kinds of quirks and behaviors from various races to better slip by unnoticed¡ªfor her protection. She knew when to smile, be alluring, or when to make herself appear less threatening¡­ for her protection. But that hadn¡¯t trained her how to handle these kinds of situations. Ones where you needed to truly connect with a stranger.


    She struggled to find a way to connect in the way Orsik did with people. If he were back here instead of driving the wagon, Asher would already be resting. Orsik made others comfortable with so much ease, Aviana was admittedly jealous. Not only about that, but with the amount of joy helping others brought him. Aviana could do nice things for others, but it usually came with some benefit to her. I try to be good, but I¡¯m not sure it¡¯s fair to call me that.


    Asher shivered, though Aviana noticed him trying to hide it. She¡¯d found her new path in this battle.


    ¡°You¡¯re getting cold sitting up.¡± Aviana tried to coax him on his back again, this time tugging on some cloaks to cover him better. ¡°Lay down to stay warm. You¡¯re more than capable of thinking out a strategy on your back.¡±


    When he hesitated, she decided to try an unconventional approach for this situation. She cocked her head to the side, tilting her head down just enough to allow her to look up at him, and put on her best alluring smile. ¡°Unless I read you wrong a few days ago.¡±


    Color not related to the biting air spread over his face. He opened his mouth to say something, then promptly shut it, swallowing hard and immediately laying down. That worked? Aviana couldn¡¯t deny her surprise. Though, from the way he averted his gaze, Aviana wasn¡¯t sure if it was her actions or something else on his mind that cause the sudden compliance. Either way, she wasn¡¯t taking it for granted.


    Aviana adjusted the cloaks, checked his condition one last time, and then slipped back to the front. Orsik glanced at her and she gave him a brief update on Asher¡¯s condition. He nodded, thankful for her diligence, and let her know they were almost there.


    A few moments later, and around a bend in the road, they came to a clearing with a moderately sized stone building with a steeple. While it didn¡¯t look like the architecture of the Karma Wild town holy buildings, Aviana had read enough in books to surmise this was one.


    Orsik pulled the wagon up to the wooden front door, and Aviana slipped into the back once again to read Asher for the transfer while Galinndan rushed inside to explain their situation, Temperance volunteering to go with him to ¡°make sure he told the story right.¡± When Aviana made it to Asher¡¯s side, he¡¯d drifted back off to sleep and she had to suppress a chuckle. If he weren¡¯t so stubborn, he¡¯d be better off.


    This did pose an issue for her however. She wasn¡¯t strong enough to carry him, but rest was something he needed. Aviana decided to consult their dwarven cleric, whispering, ¡°Orsik, he fell asleep again. Should I wake him?¡±


    The man¡¯s brow twisted a moment. ¡°Nae, let him sleep. Draeon, can ye help tha lass?¡±


    The dracarthian¡¯s feet crunched in the snow and he appeared at the back. Aviana uncovered Asher and Draeon lifted the human into his arms, doing his best to be careful. The care he placed in this task surprised Aviana. She expected a much rougher approach from the hardened mercenary.


    Asher shivered in his exposed state and his eyes fluttered open. Seems he wasn¡¯t as asleep as I thought. The human looked around, his eyes groggy and confused.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Asher,¡± she said in a soft tone. ¡°We made it to the chapel. We¡¯re just moving you.¡±


    He sucked in a tight breath and squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, as if trying to wake up. ¡°I¡¯ll walk.¡±


    ¡°Unless you can fight me, then you¡¯re out of luck,¡± Draeon said, stepping away from the wagon. ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood to deal with your moody caretaker and her assistant.¡±


    Aviana¡¯s brow spiked. ¡°Moody? Coming from the over-sized lizard who would have rather seen me drown in a river yesterday and now has no qualm holding casual conversation with her.¡±


    ¡°Aye, and I did more than assist,¡± Orsik called out, before falling off the wagon. Lucky for him, the snow softened his landing.


    Draeon grunted and set for the chapel, though not before Aviana caught a bemused expression briefly cross the dracarthian¡¯s lips. She moved to help Orsik, dusting bits of snow off him, keeping an eye on Draeon still and ignoring the biting cold on her unprotected feet.


    ¡°If I dinnae know any better, I¡¯d say the lad was switched,¡± the dwarf said. ¡°Maybe by one o¡¯ them changelin¡¯ fae.¡±


    Aviana snickered. ¡°If he weren¡¯t an adult, I¡¯d struggle to disagree.¡±


    As far as she knew, the agreement made with the fae back in the second era still stood: under no circumstance were children to be swapped with changelings without the express knowledge and approval of their parents. No tricks.


    Of courses, that didn¡¯t stop claims popping up here and there children had been swapped and whisked away to the Everlasting Plane. Aviana also didn¡¯t believe for a second that they were all false claims. The fae were tricky folk, and knew how to twist rules in their favor, circumventing their oath binding magic laws.


    The door of the chapel swung open again, Temperance bolting out with a portly man in basic robes following close behind. The man opened his mouth to speak, but when he spotted Draeon with Asher he nodded. ¡°You, there. Follow me. We¡¯re preparing a bed for him as we speak.¡±


    Draeon nodded and followed. The tall lizard-man had to duck quite a bit to get through the much smaller doorway, but somehow managed. Aviana helped Orsik secure the wagon while Temperance waited for them at the door.


    When they met her there, she looked up at Aviana with big eyes. ¡°Avi, Mister Asher is going to be okay now that he¡¯s here, right?¡±


    She reached out and rubbed her younger sister¡¯s head. ¡°That¡¯s right. He¡¯ll get the proper care he needs to make a full recovery.¡±


    A wide smile spread across Temperance¡¯s face. ¡°Good, cause I like him.¡± She held her toy dragon up. ¡°Kyanite says he¡¯s happy too.¡±


    Aviana smiled and the three of them headed inside the warm building.