《Potions, Charms and Grimoires》


 Chapter 1: The First Day

    The red sun set for the last time.


    As it fell from the heavens, the smoke of a thousand fires rose to choke out its flame.


    The God King was dead.


    His throne smashed; his bones scattered in the wind.


    Another world lost.


    Chapter 1


    Fia woke to the sound of rainfall. The first moments were always the worst. To her eyes, nothing had changed. It was the same world she had always woken to. But she knew better. Soon, the rain would end, and the sun would begin to peek out from behind the clouds. It would be a beautiful day, bright and cheery. An inescapable nightmare.


    She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and began to dress. Routine had been so important. It had kept her focused and given her purpose. Now, it was her prison. All that was left to her. But she would persevere for Sophie. It is what she would have wanted. That much she knew. Her stomach began to growl. Even prisoners needed to eat.


    Pushing her way through the scattered mess of oil and brushes, she made her way to the kitchen. There was plenty of food. There always was. Always the same. Eggs, bacon, and bread. On days Fia grew tired of the breakfast, she would venture out into the market or to one of the few restaurants still open in the city. There were many fine dishes to sample in the Upper Wards, and now that money was no longer an issue, she had sampled them all. But she always found herself drawn back to the simpler meals. The kind she had always shared with Sophie.


    The sizzling eggs and the savory smell of bacon called to her. Gathering her meal, she made her way downstairs to the shop.


    Down below, she settled at the counter and began picking at the eggs. They were burnt, but the sulfurous odor was comforting. Even as the days bled into each other, little changes made all the difference. She sat a while, watching the world outside her shop. It was still early. The streets were empty save for a few lonely carts. Farmers pulling their measly crops to market. When they had set up their shop, the markets had been full of exotic wares from all over the continent. Jewels and precious metals from the mines in the north, silken fabrics from across the Sapphire Sea, and rare spices brought in from the farthest edges of the empire. Fia still remembered the look on Sophie¡¯s face when she had first offered some to her. Her innocent smile was betrayed only by the mischievous glint in her eye. A kind of sugar, she had said, beloved by the southern Kings of old. Fia¡¯s eyes had watered, her face burned, and Sophie had laughed and laughed.


    Sophie had always been fond of these types of games. Little pranks that gave life to the monotonous. A world of laughter could not be as bad as they all said. But even more so, they had been a way to share her curiosity and thirst for adventure with Fia.


    We may not be able to see the whole world, but here in the Capital, we can still see its wonders and learn of its peoples.


    Bringing Fia to the Capital had been her dream. The culmination of years of preparation. Of study. Of sacrifice. When the summons finally arrived, it was like a great weight had been lifted off Sophie. The shadow that had stolen her face was banished, and her sister returned to her. It would have all been worth it. There just hadn¡¯t been enough time.


    The war ended all of that, though Sophie had refused to admit it. She had soldiered on bravely as the city closed its gates. The stream of foreign merchants with their fantastical stories and remarkable goods had dried up. The world had shrunk, crushing their dreams as more and more of it was left in darkness.


    The city no longer had a need for shops like theirs. They needed practical solutions to the horrors of war. A potion for mortal injuries, a charm to protect their homes, a spell to hide away for a time. Sophie was a skilled mage and could provide all that they sought, but the magic of war, to her, had been no magic at all.


    These days, the shop was well cared for if a bit unused. They had rotated out much of the old merchandise, placing them in the back stores with the rarer and more expensive items, as well as Sophie¡¯s own personal collection. The shelves were now filled with salts, balsams, flowers, and mushrooms. Common enough ingredients but oft used by soldiers. The charms on display were simple: fortune, protection, health, and the like. Even the books were just for show. No one sought after grimoires anymore, and thus, they had all been stored away. Customers were scarce, and there were certainly no new ones. Just the regulars now, with the same requests every day, though none were scheduled for this day.


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    Her food had grown cold, barely touched on the plate. Today was not a good day for bacon. Perhaps she could find something else to satisfy her hunger. The morning was growing late. She would need to hurry if she wanted to make it to market before the soldiers did.


    She slipped on her boots and stepped out the door. Looking back, she saw the sign still read Closed. She had forgotten to change it.


    The shop must always be ready. You never know when a customer may reveal themselves. We cannot afford to lose any business.


    There was no business, but she wouldn¡¯t forget again.


    Now, the streets were bustling. Fisherman, risen with the dawn, now returned to spread their haul to markets throughout the wards. Soldiers rising late from a night of drunken debauchery rushing to their posts. But inescapably were the countless bands of refugees. They filled all roads and alleys. Some begged for food, others for work. They had come out of fear, but now they were trapped, and the city was slowly starving them. Too many mouths, not enough beds.


    At the end of the street stood the market. At its entrance stood a large woman. Berta. She was head and shoulders taller than Fia and twice as thick.


    ¡°Fia,¡± she called out. ¡°Fia, I have been waiting all morning for you!¡±


    ¡°Bertha! Yes, my sister sent me.¡±


    Bertha waved, beckoning towards her excitedly.


    ¡°What did she say? My back has been bothering me something terrible. You know she is the only one that has ever been able to help with it!¡±


    Always the same. But Berta had been good to them.


    ¡°My sister sends her apologies. The King¡¯s men require too much of her, but she promises to have the brew ready by tomorrow. Come by in the morning.¡±


    Bertha¡¯s eyes darkened, and she turned away, ¡°This damn war. And where is our King? Another feast, I suppose¡­¡± She looked back at Fia, and her face softened, ¡°Not that I blame your sister, dear. Please thank her for me and tell her I will be by bright and early!¡± She smiled, placing a hand around Fia¡¯s waist, and guided her through the gate into the market.


    Fia knew every stall. Every face unlocked a dozen memories. But today, the names themselves were lost. She had thought she would never forget them, but they drifted in and out now. Some days, she remembered them as clearly as her own; on others, she wondered if she had ever truly known them at all. But she never forgot Bertha¡¯s.


    Fia had meant to buy fish. The day¡¯s yield had been especially fruitful, and she was craving the rainbow trout found only in these waters. It had been too long since she tasted it, but when she saw the great clock, her heart sank. It was well past noon; she needed to leave.


    She hurried towards the east gate, but it had already begun. From across the market, she could hear Bertha shouting.


    ¡°You think you can break the King¡¯s laws just because you wear his colors?¡±


    Her pace quickened, and the next words faded into the market hum. She didn¡¯t need to hear them; it wouldn¡¯t do any good. As she slipped out of the gate, the sharp ring of steel echoed through the hall. Perhaps pastries in the Upper Ward would be best.


    Apple tart and strawberry shortcake did much to lift her spirits. The Upper Ward was not scarred by the war like the rest of the city. Its citizens were nobility, Lords, and Ladies. They wanted for nothing. Fia stuck out amongst all their opulence, and the eyes of all watched her every move, but her sister¡¯s title afforded access to all the wards, and they could say nothing to her.


    When she had finished eating, they brought her sugar and tea. She sat alone, staring out the wide window down on the city below. Plumes of smoke billowed up, caught in the wind and snaking towards the clouds, and the bells of the Vigils sounded. She knew where they were headed, but there was no use in dwelling on it. The tea turned sour all the same.


    The sun began to set as she called for the maid. A young, sweet-looking girl, scared to death. She hesitantly pulled a bill from her blouse. Seven pieces of silver. An unthinkable amount to spend on cake. Fia did not look the type that could afford such luxuries. Indeed, in her purse was barely thirty coins. She smiled reassuringly at the girl, taking the bill and placing it on the table with the silver. Then she took two more pieces and pressed them into her hand. The maid gasped, shaking her head in silent protest.


    ¡°Go on, take them. Get yourself something nice. No point in saving it.¡± She smiled again.


    ¡°T-t-thank you, m¡¯lady,¡± stammered the girl, bowing as she exited the room.


    It would make no difference. The coin would change nothing. But Sophie would have done it, and the poor girl deserved a moment of happiness before the end; it was the least she could offer.


    Fia took the long way home. She did not want to see it. She wandered through the twisted labyrinth of the Middle Ward as the shadows grew tall. Sophie would have been waiting for her. She would have been worried sick. But there was no one to worry over her now. She was all alone.


    As she turned the last corner onto her street, she saw the light in her shop burning. Had she left it on? No, that couldn¡¯t be right. As she drew closer, she saw that the sign had changed. Open.  The words shone bright in the darkness, sparkling like stars for all to see. It was a simple spell but one of her sister¡¯s favorites.


    She began to run. No one was ever in the shop. It was the wrong day. The only person that had been in the shop was¡­


    She burst through the door, ¡°Sophie¡ª ¡°


    Fia stopped short. It was not Sophie who stood in the shop before her. Instead, a tall, thin man, back turned and muttering to himself.


    He turned at her shouts, lifting his gaze and smiling kindly at her.


    ¡°Excellent. Just in time. Have a seat, dear girl. I have a proposition for you.¡±


    Cycle: Timor 1-1

 Chapter 2: An Unexpected Guest

    Chapter 2


    ¡°Who are you? What are you doing here!¡± demanded Fia.


    She had hoped shouting the words would make her seem more imposing, but they had come out as more of a squeal, resulting in the opposite effect.


    ¡°My dear, I am a customer,¡± the man replied calmly.


    Fia was keenly aware that her staff lay behind the man, propping open the door to the backrooms. Not that it would be much use. She had been learning, but that was so long ago now.


    ¡°We are closed, and besides, you wouldn¡¯t be interested in what we have.¡±


    The man sighed, looking towards the sign out the window, ¡°Is this not Twinveil¡¯s? For all your potion, charm, and grimoire needs?¡±


    She stared back at him silently.


    The man carried on undisturbed, ¡°You may call me Timor. I am a middleman of sorts, and as I said, I have a proposition for you. It is a rather unique business opportunity if I do say so myself.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± she asked again, this time softly.


    ¡°Ah, yes, of course. Here I am, reveling in my own glorious triumph, and I have completely abandoned my manners. First off, I must congratulate you. A fantastic bit of spellwork on your part, and so fortunate, too. Although¡­¡±


    He paused briefly, and for the first time, Fia saw the confidence slip from his face.


    ¡°It is unfinished, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    His eyes turned back to Fia, and she felt their weight bear down on her. It was more than just their gaze. She felt as if he was looking through her, searching for something. It was unnerving, and for the first time in a long time, she remembered what it was like to lack her sister¡¯s talent.


    Finally, Timor spoke.


    ¡°Come, sit with me.¡± He motioned to the two cushioned armchairs by the mantle. Sophie¡¯s favorite nook.


    They sat, and he took her hand in his. He looked kinder seated. Less foreboding. His pale skin seemed translucent in the dancing firelight, and Fia thought he must be much older than she had first assumed.


    ¡°You did not cast these spells, did you?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Are you even aware of what is happening?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a loop.¡±


    He let out a deep breath, and she saw the relief wash over him.


    ¡°Yes! Yes, precisely. A temporal loop. That is good, very good indeed.¡± He began muttering to himself in a strange tongue, lost in thought.


    When he spoke again, the excitement had returned, ¡°I will need to ask you a few questions is that alright?¡±


    Fia sat a moment pondering. There was something off about this man. But, of course, there would be. How long had she been here? She had lost count, but through it all, there had never been anyone who saw the loop like she did.


    ¡°I will answer your questions if you answer mine.¡±


    ¡°I would expect nothing less. We shall go one at a time. But first, you have my name it is only fair that I know yours.¡±


    ¡°Fia.¡±


    ¡°A pleasure to meet you, Fia. You may ask the first question.¡±


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you affected by the loop?¡±


    ¡°I would think that would be obvious, my dear; I come from outside of it.¡±


    ¡°From where?¡±


    ¡°Oh, dear, but it is my turn now.¡± He smirked rather frustratingly. ¡°Are you a sorceress, and how long have you been training?¡±


    ¡°That is two questions.¡± She could be frustrating as well.


    Timor sat blinking for a moment, then he threw back his head and laughed. A deep, shaking laugh, one that did not match his look at all.


    ¡°Fia, I hoped I would like you, and so far, you have not disappointed. Very well, let us agree that from now on, we will answer in the spirit of the question asked and not concern ourselves with the semantics of how it was phrased. Be generous, girl, and you will see that I shall repay you in kind.¡±


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    ¡°Fine. I am a sorceress. I trained under my sister for two years.¡± She paused, ¡°Though that was a long time ago.¡±


    ¡°Not to worry. When I observed your magic earlier¡­¡± He gestured vaguely with his hand. ¡°I did not find what I expected, but there is enough there, I think. Your turn.¡±


    ¡°Where are you from?¡± she repeated.


    ¡°I am from a world an unthinkable distance from your own and in an age countless centuries after. A land untouched by the God King Thalazan, unlike your own.¡±


    Fia frowned, puzzled. God King?


    ¡°The King here is called Anselm.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. My studies have revealed that most worlds were unaware of their assimilation into the Thalazan¡¯s domain, but nevertheless, all you need to know is that while the God King never stepped foot on your world, many of his treasures were stored here. It is, in fact, what makes this world so enticing and your present circumstances so valuable.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Fascinating, isn¡¯t it? And we shall return to it after a few questions of my own.¡±


    He leaned in eagerly, ¡°Your sister, she created the loop?¡±


    ¡°I think so.¡±


    ¡°And where is she?¡±


    ¡°She died.¡±


    He squeezed her hand. ¡°My condolences.¡± But it didn¡¯t look like it mattered to him.


    ¡°You are the only one in the loop?¡±


    ¡°As far as I am aware.¡±


    ¡°Excellent.¡± He sank back deep into the armchair, and his face disappeared into the shadows.


    ¡°What is this business opportunity?¡±


    The fire burned low. How long had they been sitting?


    Out of the darkness, he replied, ¡°In my time, the God King is dead. It was a war of a thousand worlds. Most did not know what they truly fought for. All they could see was an unjust existence that they sought to end. But the true war was fought on Kalmar, the seat of the Imperial dynasty. A siege that lasted lifetimes.¡±


    As he spoke, Fia¡¯s eyes were drawn to dying embers, and in the shadow and flame, she began to see it. A palace that extended past the horizon. Walls like the tallest mountains, and in the center, a tower spiraling up to the heavens. Lost in storm clouds. Around the tower flew great winged creatures cloaked in darkness, and from their jagged maws came black miasma and noxious fumes. Down below, the battle raged. Thousands, if not millions, of soldiers slogged through the mud and the rain. A suffocating clashing between two forces trapped between the walls. There was no room to swing a sword or raise a staff. To lose one¡¯s footing was to be lost.


    ¡°It was hopeless. For centuries, they had fought but still were no closer to the tower. That is, until an army from this world broke in through the treasury.¡±


    The throne room. Made of obsidian with ruby veins cutting through its core. Vast treasure piled high and scattered across its floors. The ceiling was glass, and though the storm raged around it, the view into the cosmos was unblemished. At the end of the room, seated on a throne of precious stone, sat Thalazan. He was pierced by a dozen spears, staking him to it. His eyes were lifted, and he stared up as if to take one last look across his domain. Before him stood a figure clad in all white. In their hand, they grasped a golden staff beset with a great emerald stone. They seemed to be speaking. Then the God King fell, and as he fell, his throne splintered to its core.


    When Thalazan was slain, the stars of a thousand worlds died with him. Something I think his enemies did not expect. The worlds began to die. There is nothing left of them now, nor the treasures they held. I have been tasked with salvaging what can be saved. A task that I have admittedly failed at. But now it seems I have discovered a solution.¡±


    Timor stood, ¡°Do you understand what I am asking?¡±


    ¡°You want me to find you these treasures.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± His voice wavered as he struggled to hide his eagerness.


    ¡°And what will I get in return?¡±


    ¡°Soon. I have one more question.¡±


    Fia nodded. She desperately wanted him to get to the point, but perhaps playing it cool would cause him to reveal more than he otherwise intended. Subtlety was not exactly her strong suit, but Timor, for all his bravado, was desperate.


    ¡°How long is the loop?¡±


    ¡°Three days.¡±


    He could not have looked more disappointed. His shoulders sagged as he collapsed back into his seat. He began speaking to himself furiously. Again, in a strange, unknown language.


    After some time, he composed himself. ¡°There is no point in trying to hide it. That is much, much shorter than I had hoped for. And that was when I thought you were some powerful mage.¡±


    He sank back into thought. It was Fia who felt desperate now. This was something. No matter what it was, it couldn¡¯t be worse than her life now. And besides, if it didn¡¯t work out, she would just be right back where she started anyway. Really, the only way she could lose was if she didn¡¯t seize this opportunity.


    Finally, just when she thought she was about to burst and fall on her knees, begging him for a chance, he lifted his head.


    ¡°I have a task for you.¡± He nodded thoughtfully. ¡°We¡¯ll call it a trial run. Just to see.¡±


    ¡°And what if I am uninterested? You still haven¡¯t told me what you will be giving me in return.¡±


    For a second, she thought she saw a smile flash across his face.


    ¡°Outside of the usual purpose in a meaningless world. Companionship where once you were alone. I have also taken the liberty of finishing the spell your sister placed on this shop. It really is quite an interesting spell. Almost as if she had intended for our chance meeting. I can tell you it would have been quite the treat to meet her. Oh, the conversations we might have had.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, you are stuck with me. What did the spell change?¡±


    ¡°It seems the shop was intended to be almost a haven from the loop. Your sister had a penchant for collecting the rare and unusual, if I¡¯m not mistaken?¡±


    Fia nodded, thinking of Sophie¡¯s private collection.


    ¡°There is, in fact, a room in this shop that I have been unable to enter. Presumably, your sister¡¯s personal belongings?¡±


    She nodded again, and her heart swelled with pride. The man was powerful; there was no mistake about it. But he could not have bested Sophie.


    ¡°I believe your sister wished you to add to the shop. Now that the spell is complete, any item left in the shop will not be erased when the loop resets. This is honestly the one saving grace of our circumstance. I wasn¡¯t sure how I would solve that little issue, but I needn¡¯t have worried after all. Of course, if you refuse my offer, I will revert the spell to its previous state, leaving you to your own personal three days.¡±


    He must have seen the shock in her eyes because he smiled at her in an attempt to be reassuring, ¡°That may seem harsh, but I assure you my intentions are pure. If you accept my offer but fail in the task, I will allow you to keep the shop in its current condition. But if you succeed, and our partnership extends until all treasures are accounted for¡­¡± He paused dramatically. ¡°I will show you how to exit the loop.¡±


    Cycle: Timor 1-1

 Chapter 3: A New Friend

    Chapter 3


    Half a day''s journey. That is what he had said. Perhaps less if she hurried. It was the closest treasure hold to the Capital. Plenty of time. Half a day there, half a day back, and a whole day to collect the artifact. A relatively mundane piece, according to Timor, and not particularly well guarded. It would be a simple task, easily accomplished by any worthy partner.


    Timor had not given much information on what exactly was guarding the dungeon. In fact, he had not provided her with much at all. On his departure, he had left her with a small map of the area surrounding the dungeon, a charm he described as being sort of like a compass, and finally, a locket, which he told her to open when she had returned with her prize. Then, he had vanished without so much as a farewell.


    Fia had the map and compass with her, but the locket she left at home. If the loop reset while she was away, anything with her would be lost, and she would have no way to contact Timor.


    She did not know what to make of Timor¡¯s tale. Of course, Sophie had taught her of the many worlds hurtling through space millions and millions of miles from here, but to think that they were all under the rule of one empire. And that none of them knew it? It all seemed a little far-fetched. Timor claimed that all these worlds were lost, and yet he seemed to know so much about them. There was something from his recounting. In the end, she decided none of it mattered if he could indeed release her from the loop, and so she had agreed to his trial.


    It was just after mid-morning. A few more hours and she would be close. Fortunately, the western farmlands were far from Malachai¡¯s advancing forces. The rebels came down from the north to sack the Capital. There was no fighting here, though; all the crops had been stripped to feed the King¡¯s army.


    As she walked, Fia tried to take mental notes of the paths followed. If she took too long or, worse, died, she would need to remember how to make it back to the treasure hold. Could it be as simple as Timor claimed? She had not died in so long and was not keen to experience it again. She had some rather grotesque memories from her early days in the loop.


    But, besides these morbid thoughts, she felt a rush of excitement. Sophie had often taken her to search dungeons for rare magical items. It was one of her favorite pastimes. Nothing gave Sophie more joy than facing down a dozen goblins, basilisks, or any other horrifying beast blocking her path. Fia would cower in a corner and watch as Sophie trapped them in floating bubbles or bewitched them with the spell of irresistible dance.  She never hurt them if she could help it, and the spells always wore off eventually. There was enough killing in the world, and Sophie had felt no need to add to its tally.


    Fia did not have her sister¡¯s talent; she could not afford to play with any adversaries. Unfortunately, she could not blast them into nothingness either.  She remembered a few spells, but most were for cleaning dishes or stocking shelves. Nothing that might prove useful on her quest. In her bag lay a few basic grimoires; hopefully, if she needed something, it could be found in their pages.


    The charm was growing warm in her pocket. This, she realized, was what Timor had meant when he said it functioned as a compass. It would grow warmer and warmer as she drew closer. Up ahead of her, at the crossroads, she spotted a cart. The compass could only get her close, and she did not want to waste any time wandering without purpose. Perhaps a local might have some useful information to guide her. The cart grew closer.


    ¡°Hey! You in the cart!¡±


    The cart began to slow, and the wheels creaked as it came to a stop. Out from the shadow of its covering appeared a young man.


    ¡°Hello there!¡±


    ¡°You from around these parts?¡±


    ¡°No?¡± He was shorter than Fia but well-built. On his back, sheathed, was a heavy great sword. An unusual weapon. Laughably large. It seemed far too unwieldy for practical use.


    ¡°Where are you headed?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a town about an hour that way.¡± He pointed further west. Then, rather bluntly blurted out, ¡°Are you a sorceress?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    The man beamed, ¡°I thought so! You have the look.¡±


    ¡°And what exactly is the look?¡±


    ¡°You know¡­¡± He shifted uncomfortably, staring down at his feet. ¡°Big staff¡­magical looking cloak¡­ Look, I think there has been a misunderstanding. I didn¡¯t mean to offend you; in fact, I was hoping you could help me. I don¡¯t have much coin, but there would be enough treasure for the both of us.¡±


    ¡°Treasure?¡±


    ¡°I made a go of it on my own but ran into some trouble, so I thought I would head back to town for reinforcements. Luckily, I met you! A sorceress must be worth at least a dozen men.¡±


    ¡°Who says I¡¯ll help?¡±


    ¡°But you will, won¡¯t you?¡±


    Fia sighed. ¡°It just so happens I am in search of a nearby treasure hold¡ª¡±


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    ¡°Surely it must be the same one I speak of!¡±


    ¡°It does seem likely,¡± she conceded. ¡°Show me to this dungeon. If it is the one I am looking for, then perhaps we can help each other.¡±


    ¡°Excellent¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªBut, if it is not, then I will have to leave you. I am on a very important journey, and I have very little time.¡±


    His face fell, but only for a moment. Then his eyes brightened, and his face contorted into a big toothy grin. ¡°Can¡¯t hurt to try, can it? Hop in my cart; the hold is just back up the road by the Whispering Woods.¡±


    He reached out his hand, and she took it as he lifted her up to sit beside him. ¡°My name is Eike; I am glad to join your party.¡±


    ¡°Fia,¡± she replied, ¡°and let''s call this a trial run.¡±


    They journeyed down the road in silence for a time. It was a beautiful day, as always. There was not a cloud in the sky, and warm spring winds blew lazily from the east. It would have been perfect. This part of the land had always been so green. But now, it was all brown, spoiled, and rotting. The farmers had given up; anything they grew only served to feed more suffering.


    ¡°What is with that giant sword?¡±


    Eike¡¯s chest swelled as he puffed up in pride, ¡°Only a true Hero can wield a blade as heavy as this! It has been in my family for generations, and each one of its owners has left his mark. Winter¡¯s Bane, they call it, for my great-great-grandfather who slew the King of the Frost Giants with it!¡±


    ¡°Well, it looks ridiculous. Are you sure you can even swing it?¡±


    His face turned bright red. ¡°I¡¯m sure to someone who solves all problems with a wave of their staff, it may seem an impossible task for a mere man, but I promise you I am as fit to wield this sword as any who bear the Aalder''s name!¡±


    ¡°All right, all right, I¡¯m sorry. I was only asking.¡± He seemed overly concerned with her questioning. ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so touchy.¡±


    He glared at her in response, muttering, ¡°We¡¯ll leave the cart at the edge of the woods.¡±


    She looked up. On the horizon, she could make out a tree line. She reached into her pocket to feel for the charm. It burned hot.


    They tied the horse and cart to a tree on the forest''s edge.


    ¡°It¡¯s not far now. There¡¯s a bit of a hill just off the path near the center of the woods.¡± Eike beckoned for her to follow as he stepped off the road into the trees.


    He was right. They had only been walking for half an hour when the trees began to thin. Soon, they gave way entirely into a glade. Dripped in sunlight was a gently sloping mound. Dug into the hill was a staircase.


    ¡°Well, here we are¡­¡±


    He glanced at her quizzically, and she nodded, the compass burning in her pocket. This was it.


    As they descended the stairs, the air grew cold and damp. As the light from the sun faded, Eike looked to her expectantly.


    ¡°We could do with something to see with,¡± he finally offered.


    ¡°Oh, right.¡± What was the spell again? She thought back. Sitting by the fire with Sophie. They had been there for hours, just the two of them, whispering in the night till the flames were naught but embers. Then the shadows grew close, and she was afraid. She had been so small, the dark a beast still unconquered. But Sophie had been there. Sophie had always protected her. And she saw it, leather-bound and stained, her first grimoire. She opened it, and the room filled with light. A golden bauble and her sister¡¯s face, brilliant in its warm glow.


    ¡°That¡¯s better.¡±


    At the end of the staircase was a great door hewn into the rock. Two slabs of black granite barred their way.


    ¡°I sort of got stuck here,¡± admitted Eike sheepishly. ¡°There is a mechanism to unlock the door, one on each side.¡±


    Fia raised her staff, and the ball of light moved forward, illuminating the door. On the left side, jutting out of the smooth stone, was a jagged rock. Beneath it read:


    The strength of the mighty is measured not in force but in what they offer.


    ¡°That one seemed pretty straightforward, but I figured I would rather keep all of my blood until I solved the second lock. Which, as you can see,¡± he gestured disparagingly at the lock, ¡°I was unsuccessful with.¡±


    She turned her attention to the other slab. Carved into the rock was an orrery and below it a second inscription:


    The Sun stands still, yet the world turns. Align the heavens to reveal the path ahead.


    ¡°Obviously, each section needs to line up in the proper order.¡±


    ¡°For someone with all the answers, I¡¯m surprised you failed so miserably¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, I couldn¡¯t get the sections to turn properly.¡± He turned away from her, kicking at the chamber wall.


    Fia stared up at the door, puzzling over it. One drains strength; the other drains¡­


    ¡°Mana!¡±


    Eike jumped at her shout, twirling around.


    ¡°It¡¯s good we came together,¡± she smiled excitedly, ¡°The doors are meant to weaken us, make the challenges deeper inside more difficult.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t see why you are so excited; this just makes it harder for us.¡±


    ¡°If I had come alone, I would have been too weak! But I can give my mana, and you can give your¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªBlood,¡± groaned Eike, ¡°So glad I can be of use, even if it is just as sacrifice.¡±


    ¡°Oh, hush, you¡¯d be stuck here without me. Whereas I do only need your blood, and even then, I could use my own in a pinch. Now help me figure out the alignment!¡±


    They stared in silence.


    ¡°Seems like an eclipse might be the answer.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, but for which planet?¡±


    ¡°Ours, I supposed.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what?¡±


    ¡°Our¡ª Never mind the blue one.¡±


    ¡°Why blue?¡±


    ¡°You ever see another blue planet?¡±


    ¡°You ever see any other planet!?¡±


    ¡°Just give it a go!¡±


    ¡°Fine!¡± She slammed her fist into the door. Immediately, the orrery sprung to life, and the planets began to spin.


    ¡°I need you to align them!¡± She could already feel the magic leaving her.


    Eike rushed forward, reaching out to grab the moon. As he touched it, the piece came to a halt.


    ¡°One to go!¡± he shouted.


    ¡°Just hurry!¡± The drain was accelerating! How much mana could she afford to lose?


    ¡°Don¡¯t rush me! I don¡¯t want to miss it!¡± His eyes chased the little blue ball as it swung round and round, never quite falling into place.


    Black spots blanketed her vision. She couldn¡¯t hold on much longer. Was she about to wake up back home¡ª


    ¡°Got it!¡± Eike¡¯s hand darted out and grasped the ball just as it swung behind the moon, and the orrery whirled to a stop.


    Behind the door, a wheel began to turn, and the creaking of unseen gears echoed through the chamber.


    Fia collapsed, panting.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    ¡®You got it just in time. I don¡¯t think I could have lasted much longer.¡±


    ¡°I supposed I better go then.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t delay, we don¡¯t want the mechanism to reset.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡±


    He turned to the left side and, without hesitation, placed his hand around the jagged stone and squeezed. Eike gasped as rivers of blood streamed down his palm, dripping onto the door.


    ¡°How much blood do you think it takes?¡± he asked, his voice trembling faintly.


    ¡°Better keep it there until the gears start to turn again.¡±


    ¡°What if I bleed out? I¡¯m starting to feel a little faint.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I wouldn¡¯t worry about that now...¡±


    ¡°Why!? Why would you¡ª¡±


    ¡ªCreaaaaaak¡ª


    The wheels began to turn, and slowly, the great stone doors inched open as Eike tumbled to the floor.


    They had done it. Gained entry to a treasure hold of the God King.


    Cycle: Timor 1-2

 Chapter 4: No Way Back But Through

    Chapter 4


    ¡°Hey, watch it!¡± yelped Eike, yanking his hand back. ¡°Can¡¯t you just cast a spell to heal it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve lost a lot of mana,¡± Fia replied. ¡°I¡¯ll need some time to replenish it. Don¡¯t be such a baby. This will sting a little, but it will help.¡±


    He reached out, taking the salve, and began massaging his bleeding hand with it.


    ¡°You seemed a lot more powerful when we first met¡­¡± he muttered.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to disappoint.¡±


    ¡°I mean, it was a door; you didn¡¯t even cast anything!¡±


    ¡°That same door has you wailing on the floor over a little blood.¡±


    ¡°A lot of blood,¡± Eike whimpered but fell silent suddenly, much more focused on wrapping his hand.


    The stone doors stood open before them, but it was too dark to see within.


    ¡°Just a few more minutes, and I¡¯ll be ready.¡±


    Eike looked back at her, ¡°it does feel better.¡± he admitted, handing her back the salve.


    Fia closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, recalling long-lost memories and the light they provided. In front of them, a brilliant orb began to form, revealing a second staircase.


    ¡°Downward and deeper,¡± she smiled.


    About halfway down the stairs, they heard a click and the grinding of the great stone doors sliding closed.


    ¡°Great, no escape now¡­¡±


    ¡°No way back but through.¡± It was something Sophie had used to say. A dungeon that didn¡¯t cut you off at one point or the other was hardly any dungeon at all.


    The end of the stairs opened up into a circular chamber. Fia sent her light forward into its center, illuminating the room.  On its walls were set four massive stone disks, grooved around the rim, with faint carvings spiraling out from their center. Just below her orb lay a bronze grate sealed from below. On the opposite side of the grate was an altar, and placed upon it was a slate tablet. On the ceiling was engraved a large map of the continent.


    ¡°Be careful,¡± she whispered. ¡°We don¡¯t want to trigger anything before we know what we are meant to do.¡±


    ¡°Right, I¡¯ll take the walls; you check out the middle.¡±


    As they walked out of the stairwell, the room began to rotate. It was slow and only lasted a moment, but when it ground to a halt, the entrance had disappeared.


    Fia crouched over the grate. There were no doors but the one they had come through in. This must be the way out, but how to unseal it?


    ¡°The discs have different carvings,¡± shouted Eike, ¡°and I think you can turn them.¡±


    ¡®Don¡¯t touch them!¡±


    ¡°I know!¡±


    The tablets must hold the key. She stepped towards them, peering down to see letters etched into the stone:


    When the waters rise, the way is revealed. Seek the path below or rise with the tide to Heaven¡¯s Gate.


    Puzzling, but perhaps there was more. She picked up the plaque, searching it for more clues, but found nothing. The path below was sealed, but perhaps¡ª


    Something wet and cold fell from the ceiling, splashing onto her forehead. Fia looked up just in time to see a storm of water begin to fall.


    The room began to fill, and it suddenly became very apparent just how small the chamber really was.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t me! I haven¡¯t touched anything!¡±


    ¡°We need to open the drain!¡±


    ¡°How!?¡±


    ¡°Try the discs!¡±


    Eike jumped to the stone closest to him and began to turn it. From deep within the walls, they could just hear the groan of metals scraping against each other.


    ¡°They¡¯re valves!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great! This one hasn¡¯t seemed to do anything, though.¡±


    The water was up to their knees now, and the seal beneath the bronze grate remained unopened.


    ¡°Just try them all! I¡¯ll work on getting the grate off!¡±


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Fia stared at the grate, desperately searching for something, anything that would get it off the seal. Bronze, thick, but otherwise unremarkable. Too heavy to lift, but there must be a spell. What would Sophie do?


    More creaks and screeches rang from within the walls.


    ¡°That¡¯s the last one!¡±


    She looked down at the water. It was just above her knees now.


    ¡°I think it''s slowed down! Come help me with the grate!¡±


    He splashed towards her. ¡°Any ideas?¡±


    ¡°You try to pull it loose. I need to think of a spell.¡±


    She closed her eyes. There had to be something. So many memories, but they were all useless. Why hadn¡¯t Sophie bothered to teach her anything practical? Too many spells that made her laugh, spells that caused uncontrollable itching, filled you with gas, or made you speak in riddles. Amusing spells for a mage with limitless power. She could hear Sophie¡¯s laugh taunting her. Sophie would have saved them, but Fia was going to get them killed, and when she woke, she would have to journey back here to try again.


    She opened her eyes. The water was up to her shoulders now. Eike was below, struggling against the grate. There was nothing he could do; she needed a spell.


    Eike resurfaced, gasping for air. ¡°Any second now,¡± he cried.


    ¡°I need more time,¡± her voice quivered.


    Eike glanced up at the ceiling. ¡°Soon the whole room will be filled and will suffocate¡­ or drown.¡±


    ¡°Just keep trying! I¡¯ll think of something!¡±


    He dove back down as the waves lifted her up off the floor. There was no time. She couldn¡¯t think, couldn¡¯t concentrate. How could she remember when she needed to focus on staying afloat? She had no choice. There was no spell to save them; her only option was to join Eike below.


    She dove. Eike had taken the stone plaque and shoved it between the grate and the floor for leverage. He was ramming into it, over and over, but he needed more strength. She swam down beside him and began to pull. She felt so weak in the water, and her breath was dying, but she kept pulling. The water stung her eyes, and she shut them tightly, but she kept pulling. It was no use; she couldn¡¯t do anything, but she kept pulling.


    And then she felt Eike wrap his arm around hers and pull. Up.


    They hit the ceiling with a thud. Then, he began dragging her along its width. What was he doing? Her lungs were about to burst, but she kept her eyes shut. When I open them again, I¡¯ll be back home. Next time, I won¡¯t bring him; he doesn¡¯t need to suffer like this.


    And suddenly, they were going up, climbing higher and higher!  She opened her eyes. Through the cloudy water, she saw a light up above. Golden hues cut through the darkness, reaching out to grab her. She pushed Eike forward, breaking free from his grasp, and began swimming behind him. They were so close, but the weight of the water dragged at her, weighing her down, pulling her in. Her muscles burned, and her lungs screamed. Silence.  She threw her hand out, and her fingers just broke through the still waters. And just as they began to sink, a hand caught them, pulling her out, choking and gasping from the depths.


    ¡°What happened?¡± she spluttered, her heartbeat hammering in her ears.


    ¡°Heaven¡¯s Gate!¡± he exclaimed.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, did I actually drown?¡±


    ¡°On the map! The tablet said to rise to Heaven¡¯s Gate!¡±


    She stared at him blankly.


    ¡°Heaven¡¯s Gate¡ª it¡¯s a pass in the mountains up north. It¡¯s where I¡¯m from.¡±


    She had been wrong. ¡°The grate was just a diversion? A trap?¡±


    ¡°It seems we were meant to drown fighting to open an escape that didn¡¯t exist.¡±


    ¡°You saved me¡­¡±


    ¡°It was just a lucky guess.¡± He turned away, but there was pride in his words, and Fia caught a smile creep across his face before he¡¯d fully escaped her view.


    They rose with the water still flooding the shaft, bobbing up and down, resting as best they could. Soon, they reached a ladder set into the stone. A short climb and they emerged into a dimly lit room, dripping wet and freezing.


    She could help with that. Bath time had always been an adventure when Fia was young. She closed her eyes, lifting her staff. A warm breeze filled the room, rippling through their hair and lifting their robes. It swirled around them, bathing them in its heat.


    ¡°That was amazing! I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever felt so clean!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the least I could do; we¡¯ll catch a chill if we wander through the dungeon soaked to the bone.¡±


    Eike frowned, thinking. ¡°The door at the beginning?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°It needed mana to open, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°So, I don¡¯t have any¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so¡­¡±


    His shoulders sagged, crestfallen but only for a moment, then he perked back up smiling, ¡°I guess I¡¯ll need to stick with you then! You do the magic, and I¡¯ll handle the rest!¡±


    Eike had helped a lot, and it would be nice to have a companion¡ª why was she smiling¡ª and then she remembered. This was a one-time adventure. For the smallest of moments, she thought of the changes Timor had made to the shop, but she couldn¡¯t do that. Not to another person.


    She looked back up, eyes searching for him. Eike was already by the exit, peering out into a hazy fog.¡±


    ¡°What do you think¡¯s in there?¡±


    Fia raised her staff, sending a ball of light flying at the mist. But no sooner than it touched it, the globe lost its light and vanished.


    ¡°Perhaps the torches, then?¡±


    The walls of the chamber were lined with torches. They did not provide much light, but it was better than nothing. Torches in hand, they stepped out into the murk.


    The firelight banished the gloom, revealing a thin path to guide them. Water dripped from the ceiling, splashing into shallow pools, sending tiny insects skittering away across their surface. But amidst the plinks and spatters, a deep, droning croak echoed throughout the cave. A slow, deliberate toll, rumbling in the distance like low thunder. It was growing louder. From the shallow pools fled a myriad of cave dwellers. Water bugs and flies, followed by snails and all manners of amphibians and reptiles. They could hear a splashing now and a wet rasping gasp of deep breath. Then, suddenly, silence.


    Eike looked back at her nervously. ¡°We better¡ª¡±


    ¡ªA sudden wet hiss sliced through the fog. And then, with a snap, a glossy pink tendril whipped out of the darkness. Specks of glimmering saliva flew at its back, and on its tip, a black barb twisted and thorned. It slammed into Eike, latching onto his shoulder. He let out a horrified scream as it tore into him, snatching him off the path and dragging him into the mist.


    ¡°Fia! Run!¡±


    But she couldn¡¯t. Not again. She followed his cries and the spattering thrash of his struggles. It was not long before she came upon them.


    Before her, hunched over Eike was a mottled, sinewy beast. Its thick, leathery hide, a shifting mass of deep grays and sickly green. Its barbed tongue coiled tightly in its gaping maw. Pools of viscous, glistening drool hung from its lips in thick strands, which it pulled away with its spindly limbs like thread wrapping Eike in the wet slime.


    She lifted her staff, crying out, though she did not recognize the words.


    And before her, appeared a specter. A mage cloaked in all white and she too held staff raised high. From above, light. Golden spears, radiant and terrifying. The creature screamed, a horrible guttural squeal. Its eyes lifted in terror, sparkling in the brilliance of its doom as the spears fell upon it. And so, it fled, and its shrieks echoed through the cave as it disappeared into shadow.


    Fia fell to her knees. Exhausted. They were safe. For now.


    Cycle: Timor 1-2

 Chapter 5: A Sleeping Shadow

    Chapter 5


    The night sky was ablaze. An eerie crimson glow had swallowed the stars, and thick columns of smoke coiled upwards like twisting tendrils choking out the moon''s light.


    They were still far off, still had hours to march, but the dull, unrelenting roar of their voices raised in song, the thunder of their boots trampling the earth before them, and the scrapes and clangs of thousands upon thousands of blades already filled the city. It was inescapable. They would be here by midnight.


    ¡°It will be all right, Fia.¡±


    She looked up, searching Sophie¡¯s face. It was set in stone, tense and motionless, waiting. They were up on the roof, staring out over Orent.


    ¡°Even if they break through, they won¡¯t come this way. They¡¯ll go straight to the palace.¡± She wrapped her arms around Fia and pulled her in close.


    ¡°Do you think the city will fall? ¡°


    Her sister gripped her tightly, stroking her hair. ¡°They¡¯ll go straight to the palace, Fia,¡± she whispered again.


    ¡°Fia! Fia!¡±


    She groaned, opening her eyes as the room blurred in and out of focus.


    ¡°Fia, wake up!¡±


    Eike was shaking her desperately, his shoulder drenched in blood.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get your blood on me,¡± she murmured.


    ¡°Gods, Fia! You had me worried!¡± He sank back, leaning against his arms, breath ragged.


    ¡°That frog gone?¡±


    ¡°Took off screaming. What was that?¡±


    ¡°An illusion,¡± she replied, struggling to her feet. ¡°I don¡¯t¡­ have much experience with offensive magic.¡±


    ¡°Well, it worked like a charm! Thanks for¡­ coming after me; I thought I was done for.¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t let you go out like that, not while I still owed you for saving me! But don¡¯t get used to it; now we¡¯re even.¡± She held out her hand.


    Laughing, he took it, gingerly pulling himself up.


    ¡°Your shoulder?¡±


    ¡°Actually, not bad, something in that frog¡¯s spittle, I think.¡±


    It was only now that she noticed how much of him was soaked in a disgusting slime.


    ¡°It seems to be preserving to me; not many adventurers get this far, so he was probably planning to ration me out. Could you?¡±


    ¡°Oh, of course.¡± Warmth surrounded them, and after a few moments, Eike was back to his normal self.


    ¡°Amazing,¡± he muttered to himself, ¡°I could get used to that.¡±


    ¡°We better get going.¡±


    Returning to the path, they continued on more cautiously than before, but there was no sign of the beast. Soon, they came to the path''s end, and through an open door, light.


    ¡°So, it was just a cave with a frog,¡± sighed Eike.


    ¡°A big frog.¡±


    ¡°I suppose¡­¡±


    ¡°You almost died.¡±


    ¡°That would have been embarrassing¡­¡±


    ¡°Come on, I¡¯m sure there will be something way more exciting in this next room.¡±


    He perked up, ¡°You¡¯re right! A chance to finally use this,¡± he gestured at the enormous blade on his back.


    ¡°Could have used it against the frog though¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡± ¡ªhe spluttered, searching for a retort¡ª ¡°Just wait!¡± he took off down the hallway towards the light.


    When she had finally caught up to him, he was standing, back turned to her, looking out into a wide chamber.


    ¡°I think we¡¯re at the end of the dungeon.¡±


    She came up beside him, reaching into her pocket. The charm was on fire. She jerked her hand back, stifling a yelp. Looking down at it, she saw the circular rings and foreign runes burned into her palm.


    ¡°This is it,¡± she whispered.


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


    The treasury. It was vast, its far edges lost in a golden glow, the sparkling of precious stones and fine jewelry. Rows of shelves, stacked high with leather-bound tomes and filled with ancient relics. From the ceiling hung great braziers burning with endless fires illuminating the hall.


    ¡°Look over there!¡± shouted Eike, pointing excitedly.


    Lining the walls near the entrance were dazzling suits of armor, polished and pure.


    ¡°One of those would do me nicely. I¡¯ll need one that matches my blade!¡± He rushed over to them and began to search.


    Fia surveyed the chamber. Timor had said the treasure would be obvious, but it could be anywhere; the room was massive. She could hear the rattling of Eike trying on different pieces, followed by small squeals and shouts of exhilaration. At least he had found what he needed.


    At the heart of the chamber, on a raised platform, stood a great marble dais. Tangled around its base were coils of massive stone. They arched and twisted unnervingly, some curling protectively around the platform while others extended outward, forming massive walls that funneled any who dared approach onto one path. Timor had been right.


    ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Eike sauntered up, beaming. His new armor was beautiful; its polished plate sparkled in the firelight, looking freshly forged. It was a deep crimson red, the color of freshly spilt wine, and ivory inlays ran along its edges, pure like the driven snow. He looked like a true warrior, elegant and bold.


    ¡°It¡¯s even got a place for a sword in the back!¡±


    ¡°Not your sword.¡±


    ¡°Well, no, but it looks good, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°It does.¡± She pointed towards the dais. ¡°I need to get up there.¡±


    ¡°Looks simple enough.¡±


    ¡°Somehow, I think it won¡¯t be.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope.¡±


    They made toward the center. Growing closer, Fia began to see large shapes looming over them. Weathered claystone statues fused with thin veins of a dark metal. They were old, their surfaces rough and cracked, and yet the intricate carvings of long-forgotten glyphs betrayed a dormant vitality. They made her nervous.


    ¡°Those look familiar,¡± pondered Eike. ¡°They had statues like them in the mountains. Wizards used them to build their towers. Chisel a few magic words into them, and they¡¯d spring to life. Very useful¡ª what were they called again?¡±


    ¡°Golems.¡± The name came to her from a distant memory. An unpleasant one with a not-so-happy ending.


    ¡®Yea! That was it! Just carve ''em up, and then all you need is a trigger, a scroll, or a¡ª¡±


    ¡ªThere was a grating screech as Eike¡¯s foot sank into the floor. He looked confused, but as the glyphs began to glow, realization dawned on his face. A pressure stone.


    From above, the statues groaned to life. Their limbs snapped and scraped into place, sending clay and stone debris crashing down around them. They were surrounded. Two in front, guarding the dais, and two behind blocking their escape.


    ¡°Do you think that could have been avoided?¡± asked Eike sheepishly.


    She sighed. ¡°Probably not, but still, you could have been more careful. The golems were closing in on them. ¡°Do you know how to destroy one?¡±


    Eike shrugged, ¡°Monsters all die the same, right?¡± and then he charged toward them.


    ¡°Wait! You have to destroy the glyphs!¡± but he was too far gone.


    He was fast, even in his heavy plate, the Golems could not keep pace with him. He glided through their outstretched arms and smashing fists, ducking and weaving in a graceful, mesmerizing dance. His feet never stopped, and as he grew close, he effortlessly lifted the great sword from off his back and, in one fluid motion, swung it, hurtling it into the leg of a Golem. And the sword shattered.


    ¡°Some sword!¡±


    ¡°Not to worry,¡± he shouted back, diving in between wild swings, ¡°I still have half a sword!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re powered by the carvings,¡± she shouted, then turned to face the second pair.


    The Golems were made of claystone. Water would return them to clay, soft and malleable. The glyphs would not be able to hold their form in the mud. She closed her eyes, drifting into memory. A warm summer¡¯s eve. Too tired to fetch water but too hot to neglect a bath. A cool stream of fresh water spilling from Sophie¡¯s staff, splashing into a tub. There it was, the grimoire, one from the Academy. Softly bound and smelling of fresh leather. It was the first she had seen that wasn¡¯t old and tattered. The Academy had been for the very best, and they had provided her sister with the finest tools in the land. She opened it, and the water poured out.


    It hit the Golems in waves, a wild current knocking them to their knees. They pushed back, fighting to break through, but it was all in vain. The water seeped in, filling the cracks and slaking over the dry clay. It began to peel off in mounds as they marched forward, determined to fulfill their purpose. It did not take long, and finally, they collapsed, sinking into themselves and returning to lifeless mud. But from their remains rose a silvery mist, and it flew towards the dais, and as it reached the center, the coils began to crack.


    She turned back to Eike. He was on the back of a Golem, hacking at the carvings with the jagged remnants of his family¡¯s sword. The second one was in the midst of crumbling to dust, and Fia saw the same mist rising up and flying towards the writhing stone. It was a trap.


    ¡°Eike, don¡¯t destroy it!¡±


    He lifted his head. ¡°The glyphs! Yea! Thanks, I''m almost done!¡±


    ¡°No, don¡¯t destroy it!¡±


    ¡°Sorry it''s taking so long! Only half a sword!¡± He held up the blade apologetically, then swung himself over its shoulder, slashing into the Golem¡¯s heart and destroying the final glyph. Then he sprang from it, landing deftly on his feet as it, too, returned to the earth.


    ¡°You¡ª what have you done?¡±


    ¡°No need to be so upset. It barely took me any longer than you took,¡± he cried indignantly.


    The roar that followed chilled the air and pierced the mind. It was a shrill alien scream like the scraping of talons upon rock. It surrounded Fia and cut through her, shaking her to the core.


    The last pieces of stone fell and, in their place, remained thick black hide, rubbery and oozing. A hundred arms sprang to life, thrashing wildly, seeking out the beings that had dared disturb its peace. And from behind the dais, a shadow formed. A beast with countless, lidless eyes. It had no mouth, just a gaping hole. A pit from which no light could escape nor pierce. It did not look of this world, and it seemed that to be in this world was a great agony to it, for its shrieks were that of a child, lost and in pain, though it did not look like it could have ever been one.


    ¡°That can¡¯t be good!¡± he exclaimed as Fia flew by him. She caught his hand, dragging him towards the altar.


    ¡°Are you sure we want to be going that way!¡± he cried.


    But she had to. They were so close. The beast continued to whip its arms in a frenzy. It did not seem to notice them scrambling up the steps. Not that it mattered. The flailing limbs reached the ceiling, pulling and smashing at it.


    ¡°This place is going to collapse!¡±


    ¡°Almost there!¡±


    Seated on the dais was a massive tome. It was bound in aged animal skins with splashes of a deep red hue, like dried blood. In its center, scratched into the ink, was a burning sun.


    Fia reached out, snatching the book with her free hand. This had to be it! She reached into her pocket to check the charm, but as she touched it, the world went dark.


    And suddenly, they were back in the glade. The moon was high in the sky, and all was quiet. She looked down at the book; it called to her, whispering in her mind. So, she opened it.


    Cycle: Timor 1-2

 Chapter 6: The Final Day

    Chapter 6


    ¡°Where will you go next?¡±


    ¡°Back to the Capital. I need to get there before¡­ soon.¡±


    ¡°Orent? I¡¯ve never been. They say it''s beautiful. A city built for the Gods.


    They were in Eike¡¯s cart. The night was warm and clear, and they lay side by side, staring up at the stars.


    ¡°It was quite beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps¡­ I could go with you. I haven¡¯t really thought about what I¡¯ll do, and this might be the only chance I¡¯ll¡ª"


    ¡°¡ªNo. No, you shouldn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± he rolled on his side, looking away out into the forest, ¡°I understand.¡±


    ¡°Its¡­ it''s not a safe time to be there.¡±


    He turned back, ¡°All the more reason I should go with you. If today has taught me anything, it''s that you¡¯re going to need a lot of saving.¡±


    Fia frowned, ¡°That¡¯s not quite how I remember it. It seemed like you were the one that needed more saving.¡±


    He grinned, ¡°I guess we both need a little help from time to time. That¡¯s why we need to stick together. What¡¯s the harm?¡±


    Why not, she thought. He was right; what was the harm? He would be gone soon anyway. She thought of the shop again, struggling to force it from her mind.


    ¡°I¡ªthe city is already besieged. It will fall in the next few hours.¡±


    His smile vanished. ¡°That can¡¯t be true. The rebels are leagues from the city. Everyone knows that.¡±


    ¡°The camps in the north are empty. Decoys. They¡¯ve been sailing up the river for days.¡±


    He sat up, face contorted. ¡°How could you possibly know that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just what happens,¡± she said, shrugging and twisting her fingers into knots.


    ¡°Why go back then?¡±


    ¡°My sister¡­¡±


    Eike watched her, brow furrowed, waiting. But she did not speak. Finally, he took a deep breath and broke the silence, ¡°She must be very important to you. Was that her you conjured before?¡±


    The sorceress in white. The Golden Spears were the hallmark of King Anselm¡¯s Magi. Sophie had been one of them, but that wasn¡¯t her; it could not have been.


    ¡°No,¡± she smiled softly, ¡°I can¡¯t make real people. She¡¯s just someone¡­ someone I made up¡­ to keep me safe.¡±


    He took her hands, ¡°I¡¯ll keep you safe.¡± The words spilled out of him, and she saw his eyes widen as he jerked forward awkwardly, trying to stop them. He turned a deep shade of scarlet as he stammered, ¡°Until you¡¯re back with your sister, of course. Say you¡¯ll let me go with you.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it in the morning.¡± She shifted onto her back, gazing up into the night. The stars burned bright, a glowing shimmer of blue and gold. Lost in the cosmos, she was glad to have found someone.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about your sword.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be. I made all that up about my family. I bought it from a traveling merchant, I¡¯m starting to think he overcharged me for it. At least it fits in the clasp now.¡±


    ¡°And to think I actually felt bad for you.¡±


    ¡°I mean, its still broken.¡±


    The sun was not yet rising when Fia woke. The warmth of the night before had fled before an icy dawn, and Eike lay shivering under his coat, still asleep. She took the cover he had lent her, wrapping him snugly in its embrace. He let out a deep breath, burrowing deep underneath.


    She took one horse, cutting the second loose. He would be better off in the west, and she couldn¡¯t have him coming after her. Fia took one last look, fingers itching. A quick sketch wouldn¡¯t hurt, something to remember him by. He shifted underneath the new weight, mumbling to himself, deep in a dream. Fia hesitated; she could come back; this didn¡¯t need to be their last meeting. She would draw him then.


    Horseback would have her back to Orent by early afternoon. By now, there would be none guarding its walls. Malachi¡¯s forces would be deep in the city. An easy journey.


    Just before midday, she began to see them. Marching in a steady stream, pillars of smoke at their backs. The citizens of Orent. They had fled the city, abandoning their homes and lives, desperate to find peace. They had precious little. Taking only what could be carried upon their backs. Their robes were rags, ripped and tattered, singed by the fires, and covered in ash and mud and death.


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    People stared up at her as she passed. Eyes hollow. Pale and grey. The life had left them. Men, women, children, all the same. All drudging forward, slowly, quietly. There was nowhere for them to go, so they just kept walking.


    In their midst marched many soldiers. Their heads hung the lowest, shoulders sagging. Deserters. Their once-brilliant armor was dull and muted; the light of the sun seemed to die as it hit their plate. Many had no blades, cast aside in fear and despondence. These were the saddest of men.


    ¡°You! You there!¡± a voice cried out. It was shrill and piercing, cutting through the silence.


    Fia stopped, searching the crowd for the voice.


    ¡°Pretending you¡¯re not one of them!¡±


    She looked down. At the foot of her horse stood an old crone. Her back bent nearly in two, she leaned dangerously on a crooked oak staff.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°One of them.¡± She lifted one hand off of the staff, tilting precariously to point at a passing soldier, ¡°Deserters, traitors the lot of you!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m no soldier, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Of course not! I see the robes, girl. You¡¯re one of those magi, living all those years off of the King¡¯s grace, and then as soon as you were needed, nowhere to be found! The city is lost! My home¡ª¡± She broke down sobbing, falling to her knees with a whimper.


    ¡°I¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªMother!¡±


    A man burst out of the crowd, wrapping himself around the woman and lifting her into his arms. He glared up at Fia. ¡°Have you no shame! That you would flaunt your betrayal in our very faces? Get away!¡±


    The people began to hiss, and even the soldiers joined in, their guilt and despair turned to rage. Fia spurred her horse to a gallop, but the insults followed her long after she had left them in the dust, chasing her toward the smoke.


    She came upon the west gate just after the sun had passed its peak. They were flung wide open, empty.


    There were no signs of fighting. The sound of war carried over from the far side of the city, borne upon the wind. But here it was quiet, an eerie silence. The roads, once loud, filled with all manner of merchants bustling and jostling for position as they poured into the city, were empty. All that she had loved about Orent was gone.


    There should not be much fighting between here and the shop. If she was careful, she could slip through the backstreets undetected, it would not take her long. She fumbled inside her pouch, searching for her prize. A curious treasure. Fia knew well the value of ancient tomes; Sophie had sought them out constantly. She would journey far and wide, gathering the oldest, most precious of grimoires. There was nothing she liked better than pouring over her latest acquisition, eyes darting over the runes, mouth twisted into a delirious crooked smile as she eagerly devoured its knowledge.


    This book was not a grimoire; at least, she did not think so. It was old enough, musty, and cracked like all the best ones, but its runes were foreign, and they were not written like spells. It looked like a list, pages and pages, counting something. And then there were the whispers, dark, ominous thoughts creeping in and burrowing deep into her mind whenever she looked at it. Fia couldn¡¯t wait to be rid of it.


    She wandered towards the upper levels of the city. Living higher up, removed from the stench of labor and the filth of industry, had been a luxury afforded to all magi. But when the walls were breached, such privilege had proven a curse. Malachi had largely left the lower levels untouched, quickly cutting his way through and making for the palace. The upper levels were not afforded such mercy. His men were gripped by bloodlust, one that could not be denied. The violence grew as they climbed, reaching a fevered pitch at the palace gates.


    Despite her status, Sophie had kept her shop outside the second wall. Still elevated but placed at the foot of the great knoll. Fia had hated it at first. Why draw the ire of the common folk if you weren¡¯t even going to take advantage of it? But as usual, Sophie had been right.


    Deeper in the city, far from its gates, Fia found its people, what was left of them. They drifted through the haze, lost souls. Children, split from their families, separated in the turmoil they had been left behind. And the elderly, lives spent, too weak to make the journey. There was a hopefulness in the children¡¯s eyes as she walked past. They had only ever known a city of magic, taught to view magi as guardians and providers, to look to them in times of need. They followed behind, waiting for deliverance.


    Fia left trailing golden baubles of light in her wake, and the children huddled around them, drawn to their warmth. It would do little but provide a small comfort in their final hours. But it could not save them and did nothing to dissuade the dark looks and frightened whispers of the other survivors. They knew the truth.


    ¡°Excuse me, miss,¡± squeaked a tiny voice.


    It was Lina. A small girl, and very young, perhaps six or seven, covered in ash and shaking. She looked up at Fia, eyes wide, ¡°I need your help.¡±


    ¡°What is it, dear?¡± she smiled warmly. There was still time.


    ¡°I¡¯m lost,¡± her lips began to quiver. ¡°Father told me to wait here, but he never came back¡­¡±


    Fia took a seat beside the child, placing an arm around her, ¡°I think I can help, but first, tell me your name.¡±


    ¡°Lina.¡±


    ¡°Well, Lina, I¡¯m going to look for your father. It may take me until tomorrow to track him down. Can you be brave for me until I find him?¡±


    Lina sniffed, rubbing her nose thoughtfully, ¡°I think so, but I¡¯m all alone.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I am going to leave my friend with you.¡± She closed her eyes, and soon, a figure in white appeared before them.


    Lina giggled, clapping her hands, ¡°She looks strong!¡±


    ¡°Very strong, Lina. She¡¯s protected me for many years. You can borrow her for now, but you have to promise to give her back.¡±


    ¡°I promise,¡± she turned to the figure, ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Oh, she doesn¡¯t speak, Lina. But you may call her whatever you like.¡±


    ¡°Ella!¡±


    ¡°Ella. That¡¯s a pretty name. Listen, I better get looking for your father. Take care of Ella for me, all right?¡±


    Lina nodded fiercely, hands wrapped in Ella¡¯s white robes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back as soon as I can.¡±


    Turning the corner, she took one last look at them. Lina curled up in Ella¡¯s arms. The specter was stone-faced as always, but the girl did not seem to notice.


    She was almost home now. The familiar cobblestone lane, lined with little maples, soon the top of their shop would peak over the horizon. But something wasn¡¯t right. It was too far from the fighting for it to be so loud. She could hear the ringing clash of steel and the barking shouts of officers directing their men. And then she saw them. People. Running, they scrambled over one another, pushing and shoving, desperate to escape the pursuing legion. The soldiers marched after, slow and methodical. Any who stumbled as they fled were struck down mercilessly. They did not have the restraint Fia had grown accustomed to, nor had they been consumed by bloodlust. The white hawk whipped furiously in the wind, emblazoned boldly on their banners. These were Malachi¡¯s men, but something was very wrong.


    And then something flew by her! A flash of red and white, and then a gurgling scream as a nearby soldier fell clutching at his neck. Before him stood a man in crimson plate; in his hands, he gripped a splintered blade.


    Cycle: Timor 1-3

 Chapter 7: The Red Sun

    Chapter 7


    ¡°Eike!?¡± she cried out, but her words were lost in the thunder of dozens of men rushing past her to join him; brilliant sapphire and shining bronze, the King¡¯s men.


    They met the banners of the white hawk in a violent skirmish, pushing them back up the lane. Eike led the advance, dancing through the onslaught of slashing blades and thrusting spears, decimating their forces. Malachi¡¯s men were in disarray. Their formation broken, they fled, and the city¡¯s guard pursued with wild shouts of victory.


    ¡°Eike!¡± she called again.


    He turned back to her, smiling.


    ¡°Did you think you could get rid of me that easily?¡±


    ¡°What are you¡ªYou can¡¯t be here!¡± she shouted, running towards him.


    His face fell. ¡°Don¡¯t say that! I haven¡¯t known you long, but already,¡± he gestured to the fallen soldiers, ¡°I find myself constantly having to rescue you!¡±


    ¡°I¡ª They weren¡¯t after me! I would have been fine!¡±


    He sniffed. ¡°I would think you¡¯d be grateful¡­¡±


    She smelt it first. An acrid stench, like burning flesh. It stung her eyes, gnawing at her senses. Then, a crackling hiss, and the air drew back in an icy chill.


    ¡°Do you hear¡ª¡±


    ¡ªThe cold steel of Eike¡¯s plate slammed into her torso, and she gasped as her breath was expelled from her lungs. They fell, and where they had stood, jagged blades of azure light sliced through the air. As they crashed to the ground, there was a loud clap, thunderous and terrifying.


    Ears ringing, Fia opened her eyes. Eike lay on top of her, his face just inches from her own.


    ¡°I think that that¡¯s three times now,¡± he whispered. Then he sprang to his feet.


    In the distance, a woman approached, brandishing a dark staff twisted and cracked like the branch of an old oak. At her back, the red sun set. Falling from its place in the heavens, it bled across the horizon, leaking between the stars. It had begun.


    He rushed her. The air began to burn, but this time, Fia was ready. She raised her staff, and as the splintering light snaked towards him, it was met by a wall of gold. The light hit her barrier like a wave, tendrils rippling over it, clawing at its surface. Eike pushed forward, and the shield flew with him, hurtling towards the mage. He was fast, but not faster than light, and the claws had found a chink. The wall shook as the bolts surged, streaking towards the crack, burrowing deep, and tearing at its core. There was a ringing, a hollow chime, and the wall burst into dust, like sand blowing in the wind.


    Out of the cloud of dust leapt Eike! Sword brandished high above his head, its jagged edge gleaming in the dying light. He swung, whipping his blade downward, arcing towards the woman¡¯s head.


    But from behind the mage, a shadow rose, catching him, plucking him from the sky. A dark hand twisted and terrible.


    ¡°Eike!¡± She sprinted towards them.


    The woman was speaking. Her words were soft, too quiet to hear. They were meant for Eike alone.


    Then the shadow closed. Sinking its fingers deep into her friend. The brilliant crimson armor he had been so proud to claim crumpled under its weight. His body twisted, contorting to its new form beneath the crushed plate. And she threw him, his lifeless shape crashing to the ground.


    Fia screamed, and the woman turned to her. Her eyes were blood red, burning.


    ¡°You look just like my dreams,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°You killed him!¡±


    ¡°Did I?¡± She smiled, a cold, taunting smirk, ¡°I was just defending myself.¡±


    A bolt curled from her staff, spearing towards Fia. It cracked against her shield, shattering it instantly.


    ¡°A curious spell,¡± the woman laughed. ¡°It stumped me at first, but I see its flaw now. Tell me, in my dreams, there was a second girl. Where is she?¡±


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    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about and¡ª¡±


    ¡ªCrack!


    Fia barely got her shield up in time as another bolt flashed. She staggered, and more dust blew in the wind.


    ¡°Do not test my patience, girl! Do you see what happened to your companion? The only reason you are alive is that I need answers. If you fail to provide me with them, then you will share in his fate. Now answer me, where is the other girl?¡±


    Did she mean Sophie? But her sister was never here¡­ Her mind turned to Ella, her protector. Even now, she felt her mana reaching out, desperately calling for her. But she was with Lina, and Fia would not let Lina face her fate alone.


    Crack!


    White hot pain cut into her shoulder, and she dropped as another bolt burned through the air.


    ¡°The heavens shake!¡± The sorceress cried. ¡°The world burns, and here we stand, fighting over its ashes.¡±


    Above them, the sun had faded, and yet its blood still lay splashed across the night sky. And the stars began to fall. Great flaming rocks hurtling through space, crashing down upon the city in waves.


    ¡°There is no time for these games. Tell me what you know!¡±


    A star fell towards them, but the mage did not seem concerned. With a casual flick of her staff, she sent her shadow flying at it. It parried the rock, sending it careening into the walls below. She watched disinterestedly as it rolled, flattening homes and shops alike.


    That was all the chance Fia needed! Around her, the golden spears of the King began to form, and she sent them flying. But the shadow was too quick; it wrapped itself around the mage, and the spears sank into its void, unable to pierce the darkness.


    The sorceress tilted her head, back still facing Fia.


    ¡°How disappointing,¡± she droned. ¡°So much still to be learned, and yet it would seem our time is at an end¡­for now.¡±


    Lightning splintered from her staff, flying at Fia from all directions.


    Before her materialized wall after golden wall, but the bolts tore through every one of them, filling the road in smoke and sand. She dove. Into the cloud, losing herself in its haze.


    ¡°There is no hiding from what¡¯s coming,¡± called the mage. ¡°Better to die now, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡±


    She remained silent, crouching in the dirt. Her mana was all but spent. Ella had slipped away, there was no longer enough magic to give her form. She could not save Lina, and Ella could not save her. The lightning was too strong, she had no spell to defend from it. The sand swirling around her was proof enough of that.


    And then she saw it. A memory as clear as day. It had been after a great storm. Sophie had taken her down by the ocean. There had been a scar, a deep burn that spiraled out like veins in the sand, and in those veins lay shattered shards of a translucent material. Quartz, Sophie had called it, melted by the intense heat of a thunderbolt.


    She closed her eyes, lost in the murk, and from her staff poured tiny sparkling rocks, and they filled the air. She stepped out into the open.


    ¡°Ah, there you are,¡± sneered the woman. ¡°Finally come to your senses, have you?¡±


    ¡°I have nothing to tell you.¡±


    ¡°Very well. There will be other chances.¡±


    Lightning flared from her staff, crackling through the air and lashing out towards Fia¡ªthen it halted, fractured mid-flight, and shattered. Quartz-laced dust ripped it to pieces, scattering it in a storm of wild arcs. And in an instant, the spell was transformed into jagged shards of glass.


    The blades fell, turning on their caster, and her eyes widened in surprise as they shot through her, staking her to the road.


    A choked gasp, and she looked up, meeting Fia¡¯s eyes. Her face looked kinder now, sadder.


    ¡°See you at the next turn,¡± she coughed. Then she fell silent, and her body went limp.


    ¡°Eike!¡± She rushed to him, collapsing at his side.


    He was still. Eyes shut and soaked in blood. From his mouth, a faint, raspy wheeze.


    ¡°Eike! Eike, answer me!¡± She cried.


    His eyes twitched. ¡°Let¡¯s call that three to two,¡± he whispered.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do!¡±


    ¡°You should probably find some shelter¡­ I don¡¯t think I¡¯m going to be around much longer. Besides, if I get out of this, we¡¯d have to call it a draw.¡± He paused, his breath shallow and ragged. She felt his hand tighten around hers. ¡°I think I¡¯d rather go out on top.¡±


    Eike was right. He was not going to last long. His breathing was slow, his skin pale and grey; if she did not think of something quick, he would be dead. The whispers in the back of her mind grew louder.


    She began tearing at his armor.


    ¡°What are you doing,¡± he mumbled, barely conscious.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to save you!¡± But it was no use. The plate would not come undone. ¡°You¡¯re too heavy!¡± She cried.


    ¡°I think the armor¡¯s all that¡¯s holding me together now¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to drag you, plate and all!¡±


    She could barely move him. It took all of her strength, and his body shook fighting her for every inch.


    The fires had spread, and now, the entire city was ablaze. It was the only light left. The sky was dark. The glow of a thousand stars, swallowed whole. But she kept on pulling him. The broken plate cut into her palms, but she only gripped him tighter, and she kept pulling.


    ¡°Fia¡­¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re almost there! Just hold on!¡± She couldn¡¯t do it; she couldn¡¯t take another cycle all alone. She had to save him, so she kept on pulling.


    ¡°Fia¡­¡±


    ¡°Just hold on.¡±


    His hand slipped from her grasp, and she stumbled to the ground.


    ¡°Eike?¡±


    There was no reply.


    ¡°Eike!?¡±


    She turned back. He lay there. Eyes wide open, glassy and still. There was no light left in them.


    The world was lost. She couldn¡¯t save him. She never saved any of them.


    Everything began to crumble, coming apart at the seams, the far edges of the horizon fading into nothing. Soon, it would just be her¡­ and the shop.


    She left him lying in the street, staggering home through smoke and flame.


    It didn¡¯t matter. None of it changed anything. They¡­She had retrieved the book, and that was all that counted.


    As the world sank, Fia sat in her great chair by the fireplace, her sister¡¯s favorite nook. Staring out the wide window, she thought of Lina, she thought of Eike, she thought of Sophie, and she was all alone.


    Cycle: Timor 1-3

 Chapter 8: Sisters

    Chapter 8


    Orent was lost to flame. The smoke of a thousand fires reached up like so many arms clutching at the heavens. The red sun was dead, and with no one to guide their movement, the stars, too, began to fall.


    The burning of their fire rained down upon the city, choking its streets in a cloud of ash, dust, and blood. But the fighting did not cease, a war of steel and sorcery.


    ¡°Sophie!¡± Fia screamed, tearing down the cobblestone path.


    She ran blindly through the smoke, shadows flitting in and out of view. The flashing light of spellwork and ringing echoes of blades led her on. She needed to get down to the gates.


    ¡°Sophie!¡± She screamed again, but her cries were lost in the chaos.


    Above the smoke rose the stone towers of the gatehouse. She was almost there!


    The square was littered with corpses. Through the haze, she could just make out the glittering golden collars of the King¡¯s Magi. There were dozens of them scattered amongst the ruins.


    ¡°No,¡± she gasped. Sophie wouldn¡¯t be there, she couldn¡¯t be.


    She ran to the closest mage, a girl, face down in the mud.


    Fia¡¯s heart pounded as she rolled the girl onto her back. It wasn¡¯t Sophie! It wasn¡¯t Sophie. But there were so many more bodies.


    She ran between the piles, desperately searching. Each time she lifted a face or turned a head, the fear would rise up, threatening to consume her. And each time it was not her sister, she would collapse as waves of relief washed over her. But it was not just relief, it was guilt. She knew so many of the faces. Not by name; she had seen them with Sophie, they were her friends. They were all so young, barely older than herself. Fodder at the front while their elders, their teachers, cowered away in the Palace.


    Finally, satisfied that Sophie was not amongst the dead, she turned to the gatehouse; it had been shattered. Something very large had burst through. Something so powerful that a whole battalion of magi had fallen to its strength. It must have been a terrifying beast. And where was Sophie? Would she have pursued it? It would be heading towards the Palace, like everyone else.


    She cast her gaze one last time around the courtyard then turned, flying back up the road.


    Up ahead, she heard shouts. Shrieks in a strange tongue and bellowing responses. In the center of the road stood two figures locked in a duel.


    They were motionless, but around their persons whipped the light of dozens of curses and counter spells.


    Closest to Fia was a woman clad in black. She held a twisted, ashen staff, cackling with each cast.


    Facing her was a man Fia knew. It was Albrecht. His grey beard whipped in the wind as the Golden Shields of Anselm swirled around him, parrying the violent arcs of jagged blue light that struck at him.


    He was Sophie¡¯s mentor. He would know how to find her.


    But the woman blocked her path, and slowly but surely, she was advancing on him. Each blow crashing against his shields pushed him further up the great hill. He was one of the Magistari, and yet he could do nothing to halt the advance of this sorceress.


    Finally, he stumbled, losing his footing in the sinking mud, and as he reached out to catch himself, his staff fell from his hand. A wide, arcing spear pierced his shield, tearing through his flesh and sending him crashing to the ground.


    A high-pitched laugh, shrill and terrifying. Then the woman began to skip down the road, staff abandoned, arms swinging carelessly in the wind. When she reached Albrecht, she placed a boot upon his head, turning it to face her. Then she kicked at him viciously before continuing her climb up the great knoll and disappearing into the smoke.


    When she was gone, Fia ran to him.


    ¡°Albrecht?¡± she whispered


    His dark eyes flickered as he tried to focus them. ¡°Fia? Fia, is that you?¡±


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    ¡°Albrecht, where is Sophie?¡±


    A gurgling wheeze escaped from his lips. ¡°My dear child¡­ I couldn¡¯t even tell you where I am now¡­¡±


    ¡°But Albrecht!¡±


    ¡°Hush, child, and let me die in peace.¡±


    With that, he closed his eyes, and no matter how she shook him, pleading for answers, he would not speak.


    She left him by the side of the road. Sophie would be at the Palace. She had to be!


    But was she even going the right way? The labyrinth of streets could be impossible to navigate even in the best of times. Now, as the city burned, every street seemed to melt together.


    ¡°Help! Help me!¡± Yelped a high-pitched voice. ¡°Father, where are you?¡±


    Down a small alley, she saw the glint of steel. A tattered flag fluttered weakly over a group of men. The white hawk. They were laughing. Huddled on the ground before them was a small girl. Her hair might have been black, but she was so covered in ash and filth that Fia couldn¡¯t tell anything about her.


    ¡°Teach her a lesson, Captain!¡± One of the men jeered.


    ¡°A kick might kill the little thing,¡± the captain replied. ¡°See how the soot weighs her down? We should clean her off!¡± He leaned over the child, spitting across her face.


    The dagger was already in her hand as she flew towards the men, their backs turned. But just as she reached them, the captain spun, and suddenly, she was crashing to the ground.


    ¡°Looks like we caught another one, boys!¡±


    The men roared with laughter.


    What had happened? She couldn¡¯t open her eyes, couldn¡¯t lift her head.


    ¡°Looks like you broke this one.¡± A voice called. ¡°Better put her out of her misery.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the trouble with these girls, they break too easy.¡±


    Fia groaned, straining with all her might, and finally, her eyes opened just a crack.


    The soldiers stood around her now. One of them had unsheathed his blade and was pointing it at her neck.


    ¡°No¡­please¡­¡± She couldn¡¯t die here. She still had to find her sister.


    From behind the men, there was a burst of light, and the smoke scattered in a gust of wind. A woman stepped forward, dressed in white. She held a great staff aloft, and as she raised it higher, golden spears of light formed of the soldiers.


    They didn¡¯t even scream. The spears fell silently, passing through each man and nailing them to the stone, their faces frozen in cruel, ugly laughter.


    Fia knew that spell. Recognized the staff. She closed her eyes, feeling the warmth surround her and the pain melt away. All would be well.


    ¡°All you alright, miss?¡±


    There was a tiny hand prodding at her face.


    ¡°Sophie?¡±


    ¡°My name is Lina. You rescued me!¡±


    ¡°Where is Sophie?¡±


    ¡°You mean the ghost?¡± the little girl waved her hands. ¡°She¡¯s over there.¡±


    Fia struggled to her feet. Standing a few yards away, wearing all white save for the golden collar, was a mage. But it was not Sophie.


    ¡°Who is that?¡±


    ¡°The ghost.¡±


    ¡°You have my sister¡¯s staff,¡± Fia cried. ¡°Have you seen her?¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t talk,¡± whispered Lina, tugging at Fia¡¯s robes. ¡°I thought she would be scary, but she¡¯s nice. Her name is Sophie?¡±


    ¡°No, no! That¡¯s not my sister!¡±


    ¡°Well, she has to have a name.¡± Lina crossed her arms. ¡°She looks like an Ella!¡±


    She didn¡¯t have time for this; Sophie could be injured or worse. Why was her staff here?


    ¡°Lina, listen. Do you know where the Palace is?¡±


    The little girl nodded.


    ¡°Good. can you take me there?¡±


    Lina shook her head as tears filled her eyes. ¡°I have to wait here for Daddy.¡±


    ¡°No, Lina, it''s too dangerous here.¡±


    But Lina stomped her feet. ¡°I have to wait here!¡± She yelled.


    Fia couldn¡¯t just leave the girl, she would die on her own. But she couldn¡¯t waste any more time!


    ¡°I am going to take you to your father.¡±


    Lina sniffled, rubbing her eyes. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he sent me!¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± She broke out into a huge grin, giggling with excitement. ¡°Can Ella come?¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course.¡± Fia turned her head. ¡°You¡¯re coming, right?¡±


    The mage stood silently, face etched in stone.


    ¡°She¡¯ll be right behind us,¡± Sophie promised, grabbing Lina and lifting her into her arms.


    For such a young child, Lina had a surprising understanding of the city¡¯s streets. Soon, they had passed through the second wall into the upper wards, and now she could see the Palace gates.


    There was no fire up this high. But the people on this level had not been spared. She covered Lina¡¯s eyes as she ran. No child needed to see such horror.


    In the shadow of the gate crouched a being. It was the size of a man, but it moved like a beast. Hunched over, bounding on all fours. As they grew closer, Fia could see that it was feeding. It was a horrifying creature; matted fur stained a deep red over a mangy hide. Its gaunt frame huddled over fallen soldiers, hairless fingers clawing at their flesh. Behind it, a long whipcord tail twitched endlessly.


    ¡°We need to find another way.¡±


    The beast froze, slowly turning its head to reveal a snouted maw and rows of needle-thin teeth. Behind the snout were its eyes, not the dark eyes of an animal but bright and curious, human eyes.


    ¡°Lina, do not look,¡± she commanded.


    This was no place for a child. She turned to Ella. ¡°You can fight this?¡± She asked.


    The mage stared blankly and then slowly nodded.


    ¡°Good. If you see my sister, tell her I¡¯ll be in the shop. In the saferoom.¡±


    Ella stepped in front of them, her staff slowly forming in her outstretched palm, and Fia turned and ran.


    Behind them, the beast howled as golden light rained down on it, but she did not turn back. She ran, through the fire and ash, through the chaos and death, back home.


    Sophie would understand. She was going to get the girl killed. They would hide in the safe room. That had always been the plan. Fia would wait for her, and when it was safe to come out, Sophie would find her.


    She tucked Lina into her bed. Wrapped in its warmth, the poor girl cooed, sleeping peacefully, one of Sophie¡¯s many charms hanging just above her head.


    But Sophie never came back. She waited and waited, watching Lina as she slept. And Fia cried. Cried for a life lost, cried for a city burnt to ash, and cried for a sister she would never see again. She closed her eyes, wiping the tears from her face, and when she opened them, she was all alone.


    Cycle: Fia 1-7004

 Chapter 9: The Contract

    Chapter 9


    Fia opened her eyes, the light pattering of rainfall gently coaxing her from sleep. The first moments were always the worst. Though she always felt rested, her mind often struggled to reconcile the jump. She had just been downstairs¡­the fires, the destruction¡­ the death. It felt like a nightmare, a waking dream from which there was no escape.


    Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she began to dress. Then, stomach growling, she walked to the kitchen. Two eggs, three slices of bacon, and a piece of toast. She laid out the strips neatly, cracking the eggs into her pan. The sizzling, savory smell wafting through the house lifted her spirits.


    Gathering her meal, she made her way down the stairs into the shop. To her surprise, someone was already there.


    It was Timor. He was pacing back and forth, muttering to himself.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± she said warily, setting her plate upon the counter.


    Timor spun around. He looked a mess. There were great bags beneath his eyes, his hair was disheveled, and his clothes hung oddly on his frame.


    ¡°Fia! What is the meaning of this?¡±


    ¡°It''s breakfast time,¡± she mumbled, mouth full. ¡°I¡¯m always really hungry on the first day.¡±


    He stared at her, dumbstruck.


    ¡°I could make you some.¡±


    She saw his eye twitch, then he took a deep breath and spoke, ¡°Fia, where have been?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry?¡±


    ¡°You never opened the locket. Were you unable to retrieve the treasure?¡±


    ¡°The book? It¡¯s right over there.¡± She pointed at the shelf behind her.


    He flew over to it, taking the ancient tome in his hands, eyes eagerly pouring over its tan pages.


    ¡°Fia, this is excellent, excellent news. Well done.¡± He paused, looking back at her. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you call me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve only just returned. I was planning to call you after breakfast.¡± She had finished her meal, but her stomach still growled hungrily.¡±


    ¡°Only just returned¡­Did you have much trouble?¡±


    She glared at him, thinking of the many armed beast. ¡°It wasn¡¯t as easy as you made it seem, but we did all right.¡±


    ¡°We?¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± she shifted uncomfortably, looking away, ¡°I met a warrior on the road. He helped me through the dungeon.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± he scratched his chin, pulling at his beard. ¡°How long has it been since we last spoke?¡±


    ¡°A little more than two days.¡± A strange question, she thought back. ¡°Although, technically, we won¡¯t really speak until tonight.¡±


    ¡°How curious,¡± he straightened his collar, taking out a comb, ¡°Fia, I think I will take that breakfast you offered.¡±


    The fire crackled against the pan as Fia placed the remaining eggs and bacon into it. She gazed down at them enviously. There had not been as much left as she remembered, and Timor had asked for all of it. It was really quite inconsiderate of him. He wasn¡¯t even helping. Instead, he sat at the table while she cooked, running a comb through his hair in a vain attempt to look presentable.


    ¡°Here you go.¡±


    ¡°Ah, thank you, dear. It smells fantastic.¡± He pulled a silk handkerchief from his coat, tucked it under his chin, and began to eat.


    Fia sat down beside him, eyes wide, taking deep, longing breaths.


    Timor watched her for a moment, then sighed, setting his fork down on the plate. ¡°Goodness dear, if you wanted some, why didn¡¯t you say so?¡± He smiled kindly and began dividing the meal in half. ¡°Grab yourself a plate.¡±


    They ate in silence, or rather, Timor did. And he was slow, taking small bites and chewing thoroughly. Fia, on the other hand, wolfed down her portion, then spent the better part of the next ten minutes staring awkwardly at her hands.


    When he finally finished, he took the handkerchief from under his neck, wiped his mouth neatly, then folded it in half and returned it to his coat.


    ¡°Before we begin with the finer details of our new arrangement, I have some potentially concerning news for you. It certainly troubles me, although its effect on you is admittedly less pronounced.¡±


    ¡°Tell me.¡±


    ¡°Since we parted, it has been roughly two and a half days for you, correct?¡±


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    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Well, for me, it¡¯s been just over a month.¡±


    ¡°That can¡¯t be right,¡± or could it, ¡°perhaps time works differently inside the loop.¡± She offered helpfully.


    ¡°It certainly does. But it should not, in this way.¡± He leaned over his plate, whispering, ¡°I have, through great difficulty on my part, acquired the grimoire used to create this loop. It is, you may have guessed, how I can move, freely, in and out of it.¡±


    Fia had not considered this at all, but she nodded wisely, hoping to give the impression that her suspicions had just been confirmed.


    ¡°The book is very clear. The days, as much as they can be, are one-to-one. That is to say, a day where I am from should more or less be equal to a day here. In the time I have waited, you should have experienced more than ten cycles¡­¡±


    ¡°It was only one, I promise!¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes¡­ I believe you, dear girl. In fact, I had already begun to suspect as much.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you come looking for me then?¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t. Almost as soon as I left you, the loop went dark, vanishing completely. I feared you may have done something rash that destroyed it. Fortunately, I was mistaken. The loop reopened a short time ago, and I rushed to meet you. That is why I am in such a state.¡±


    ¡°What do you think it is?¡±


    Timor tugged at his robes thoughtfully. ¡°It could be any number of things; my best guess at the present is that during the resetting of a cycle, there is a significant amount of downtime. That would explain the time loss and me being blocked access.¡±


    ¡°It''s not like that for me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, well, try to keep in mind the inconvenience it causes me,¡± he snapped, and Fia pulled away.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she replied, bowing her head.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m sorry, dear.¡± He sat massaging his forehead between his fingers. ¡°It has been trying few weeks, but a gentleman shouldn¡¯t allow that to affect his manners. Please forgive me.¡± He took her hands and squeezed them. ¡°We are going to be great partners, but there is no reason we shouldn¡¯t also be great friends. Now, let''s take a look at that contract.¡±


    From deep within his robes, Timor produced a large parchment. He flung it out over the table, smoothing over it with his hands.


    ¡°As you can see, it¡¯s just your ordinary bog-standard magical contract. I did take the liberties of removing some of the more superfluous clauses. Accidental death, disability compensation, and whatnot. They¡¯re not really applicable under these circumstances, are they?¡± He chuckled to himself.


    Fia regarded the contract. The text was miniature, and the more she studied it, the harder it became to focus. Her eyes glazed over as the words began to swim off the page. Indemnity Clause. Non-Repudiation. Magically Binding. What did any of this mean?


    ¡°How does it look?¡± His concerned voice broke her out of her stupor.


    ¡°Well,¡± she pursed her lips, shaking her head, ¡°Pleaser add those removed clauses back in. Better to have them and not need them, than need them and not have them¡­¡± Her voice trailed off.


    ¡°I suppose¡­¡±


    The parchment began to glow, obscuring the text. When it subsided, there were at least five or six new paragraphs added to the bottom.


    She skimmed over them quickly as he waited, rushing towards the end. Finally, she reached the last paragraph. Consideration of Exchange.


    Upon successful retrieval and surrender of all items enumerated in the Vault Ledger, the undersigned shall be granted release from the Temporal Binding and restored to the natural flow of time. Failure to deliver the entirety of listed assets shall result in the continuation of the established Chronocycle until such time in which these obligations are fulfilled.


    She lifted her head. ¡°I¡¯m meant to retrieve every item in that book?¡±


    ¡°It is a daunting task, I know. Fortunately, you have all the time in the world.¡±


    ¡°But you don¡¯t, do you?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± he fidgeted nervously with his sleeve. ¡°Especially not with that new little wrinkle¡­ But, as I believe I mentioned before, I am more of what you would call a legal representative, and the entity that I represent shall be around long after I am dead and buried, so do not worry a bit. Should you fulfill your end of the agreement, I can guarantee that we shall fulfill ours. Would you like to sign?¡± He produced a feathered quill with a flourish, holding it out towards her.¡±


    She reached out, then hesitated. ¡°There¡¯s just one more thing.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°In addition to the agreed upon terms, I will require a series of smaller milestone payments.¡±


    ¡°For what possible purpose?¡±


    ¡°When you fixed the spell surrounding my shop, which was done without my consent, I might add, you made it so I can no longer rely on the reset of the loop for food and coin. If I am to dedicate my time to the agreed-upon task, I will need both of those things.¡±


    ¡°Aha!¡± His shoulders rose with a sharp inhale, and there was a gleam in his eye, a triumphant twinkle. ¡°Then might I propose an alternative solution. A side venture, if you will.¡±


    He seemed very pleased with this thought.


    ¡°What did you have in mind?¡±


    Timor gripped the edges of the table, leaning in, ¡°I will provide you with a regular stipend.¡± His voice was higher than usual, and the words seemed to tumble out of him, ¡°In exchange, I will send you some customers from my own private business; you may be able to procure for them items that are much more costly in my time. You would, of course, be allowed to keep any payment negotiated from them as well.¡±


    His eyes glowed with a feverish light, a grin tugging at his lips. ¡°It¡¯s a good deal, yes?¡±


    She thought about it for a moment. There really was no downside. ¡°I¡¯ll take my payment in gold.¡±


    His smile widened. ¡°That I can do. Now, please sign.¡±


    When they had finished with the contract, Fia and Timor returned downstairs to the shop.


    ¡°Please, hand me the compass.¡±


    The golden charm was lying on the counter. She placed it in his hand, and he took it over to the ledger. Pressing it against the cover, he began whispering incantations under his breath.


    ¡°There,¡± he said happily. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have any trouble locating any of those items now. I also,¡± he looked around the room, ¡°notice you have quite a lot of brushes and canvas. Do you paint¡±


    ¡°I did,¡± she replied, fingers absently tracing patterns on her arms.


    ¡°It might be an excellent time for you to get back into it. Some of these holds may be too far away to reach. This,¡± he held out a brightly colored book, ¡°may be just the thing you need.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Open it when I¡¯m gone,¡± he said, pressing it into her hands. ¡°I have a feeling you will appreciate its unique beauty. And speaking of-¡± he pulled out a whirling sphere of gears and rings, ¡°I better be off.¡±


    He turned.


    ¡°Just one more thing!¡±


    ¡°Alright, but be quick about it.¡±


    ¡°Yesterday¡­At the end of the loop, I fought a sorceress.¡±


    ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°I think she knew about the loop.¡±


    Timor¡¯s eyes narrowed, flitting around the room, finally resting back on Fia. ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°You must remember, Fia, all these people are dead. They have been dead for hundreds, if not thousands of years. What you are seeing is an imprint, a memory of them. It can be very dangerous to forget that and treat them like they are human and not illusions. When the loop went dark, I thought perhaps you had tried something very foolish.¡±


    He cleared his throat loudly, rocking back and forth on his heels. ¡°Fia, do not allow any of these ghosts to be in the shop when the cycle resets.¡±


    Timor stared into her eyes. For a moment, it seemed like he might speak, but then he frowned, shaking his head, and with a loud crack, he vanished.


    Cycle: Timor 2-1

 Chapter 10: Potions and Paintings

    Chapter 10


    ¡°Boil the Moonwater¡­right.¡±


    Fia lifted the silver flagon. It was heavier than expected, and its insides sloshed around precariously as she raised it to her shoulders. Then, slowly, carefully, she tipped it over, watching the misty liquid pool in the cauldron below.


    ¡°Willowbark,¡± she muttered, scrapping the mossy shavings off her cutting board, ¡°and Frostcap¡­ stirring counterclockwise.¡±


    She stood there, working deliberately. This really wasn¡¯t that difficult; the hardest part was keeping her eyes open. And even the smallest slip-up¡ª she glanced at the singed walls and shattered remains of what looked suspiciously like three separate cauldrons¡ª could have dire consequences.


    The brew turned a deep amber, and she breathed a sigh of relief. Now, where was that bone dust?


    She left the potion simmering and went to gather her things. She would need food, but also canvas, oil, and brushes. And, of course, Timor¡¯s gift. The brightly colored book lay on the counter, and she scooped it up and into her satchel.


    She was ready.


    But first, the potion. It should be done now. Pulling an empty flask from the shelves, she placed a cloth over its mouth. Then she poured the concoction through it, using the silk to strain it. It was time to go.


    First stop: the market. It was just past dawn, and the streets were still empty. In the distance, Fia could already see Berta¡¯s immense figure.


    ¡°Fia,¡± she called out. ¡°My, you¡¯re early!¡±


    ¡°Good morning, Berta! My sister sent me!¡±


    Berta waved, beckoning towards her excitedly.


    ¡°And? What did she say? My back has been bothering me something terrible. You know she is the only one that has ever been able to help with it!¡±


    Always the same. But not this time.


    She reached into her pocket, retrieving the amber flask. ¡°Sophie brewed this just now. A drop with every meal should do the trick.¡±


    ¡°Oh, bless you, child, and your sister too!¡± She threw her arms around Fia, lifting her off the ground in a bear-like embrace and squeezing tight before setting her back down. Fia gasped for air, breathless from the loving coil.


    When she had finally caught her breath, she saw that Berta was watching her, eyebrows raised.


    ¡°My dear, you¡¯re all dressed up. Are you going somewhere?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m¡­My sister is sending me north until the fighting ends.¡±


    ¡°But Fia,¡± she frowned, ¡°that¡¯s where the fighting is! I hear the soldiers whispering about it every time they pass me. It¡¯ll be much worse up north.¡±


    ¡°The rebels wouldn¡¯t be interested in anyone like me, Berta. I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be so sure,¡± the robust woman replied darkly. ¡°And what of Sophie? I would feel much better if the two of you stuck together.¡±


    ¡°Sophie has been called away to perform a special task for the King.¡±


    ¡°That fool,¡± spat Berta. ¡°Using children¡­ what kind of¡ª¡±


    ¡°It is a great honor.¡±


    ¡°Of course, it is,¡± she replied softly. ¡°I just¡­ I worry about you, Fia.¡±


    ¡°There is no need to worry. Sophie has made preparations for me.¡± She smiled reassuringly. ¡°She wouldn¡¯t let me go if she didn¡¯t know I¡¯d be safe.¡±


    ¡°That sister of yours,¡± Berta chuckled. ¡°She really would do anything for you. I¡¯m sure she knows best... Now, hold on just a moment.¡±


    Berta disappeared behind one of the stalls, returning quickly with a large basket.


    ¡°Here you are, dear.¡± Inside, wrapped in a white cloth, were five silvery fish. Only they weren¡¯t truly silver. With every subtle movement, they seemed to transform, the light dancing off their scales reflecting brilliant hues of every color.


    ¡°They just came in this morning; I know they¡¯re your favorite.¡±


    Now it was Fia¡¯s turn. She wrapped her arms around Berta, burying her face into the sweetly smelling robes, hiding her tears in their folds.


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    ¡°There, there, child.¡± She ran her fingers through Fia¡¯s hair, stroking her head gently. ¡°I shall miss you too.¡±


    Fia looked up, eyes still wet. ¡°Berta.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°You should leave the market before lunch.¡±


    A shadow passed over Berta¡¯s face, and in her eyes, Fia thought she saw recognition, an understanding. But then her face brightened, and she laughed, ¡°Did Carl put you up to this? Has something planned, does he? Very well, I¡¯ll play along. You can tell him I¡¯ll be home before noon.¡±


    The northern gates of Orent were sealed, but there was a hidden exit. A path deep under the city¡¯s streets that came up miles outside the walls. It was one of Sophie¡¯s favorite secrets. An ancient stone tunnel with smooth, curved walls. Unnaturally smooth. It must have been made by magic, for it had no edges, and Fia couldn¡¯t think of any tool capable of carving such a shape into solid rock.


    Underneath the city was a vast network of tunnels like this. Tangled branching paths that spiraled out in a complex warren. If one knew how to navigate the confusing web, it could be used to reach almost any part of Orent undetected.


    Sophie had been such a person. It gave her great joy to suddenly appear as if from thin air. Being a sorceress, she could¡¯ve achieved this effect without the tunnels. But Sophie had always preferred the more practical approach. It had been a favorite game of hers to stalk Fia from the shadows, waiting till the opportune moment and then pouncing, dragging her squealing into the darkness below.


    When the gates had closed, Sophie had begun adding carvings to the tunnels, little signposts, and directions to guide Fia. This way for sweets or follow me if you¡¯re late. But most importantly, a path out of the city. She had even built an entrance to the system into the basement of their shop, a way to escape in times of trouble.


    Traversing the tunnels alone was always a nerve-wracking experience. The light of her golden orb only extended a few feet in her front of her, and at its edge, strange shadows danced. Fia had never actually met anyone in the tunnels. But sometimes, she felt she could hear distant echoes, the footsteps of unknown beings, creeping through the dark. It was a relief to see Sophie¡¯s final message. A little arrow pointing up.


    Fia exited the tunnels out onto a grassy hill at the far edge of the Kingswood. Through the trees, she could just make out the Imperial Stoneway. The plan was to follow it as far north as the road went.


    It was another warm day, but the north would be cold, and this was exciting. It might even have snow. Fia knew all about snow. It was like ice but soft, although sometimes it seemed it could be very hard. She would have to see it for herself to be sure.


    Up ahead was a fork in the road. One path snaked through the hills, disappearing over the horizon; the other led to Torin, the closest settlement to the Capital. Standing in between the roads was a tall, thin man leading a mule. The poor beast struggled behind him underneath the weight of an enormous rucksack.


    ¡°You there!¡± He called out as she approached. ¡°Girl! Come, sample my wares! I carry with me the finest jewels, the sweetest perfumes, the deepest of rouge! ¡°You,¡± he scowled as he got a better look at her, ¡°don¡¯t seem to be wearing anything like that. Are you quite alright?¡±


    His face was long, with sharp angular features. And he watched her hungrily, eyes following every step, like a hunter tracking his mark.


    ¡°I¡¯m just passing through,¡± she replied cautiously. ¡°Do you know which road leads to a place called Heaven¡¯s Gate?¡±


    ¡°Heaven¡¯s Gate? Heavens Gate!?¡± He repeated incredulously. ¡°Goodness, girl! That must be at least a week''s journey from here. And you, dressed like that? Are you sure you¡¯re not touched in the head?¡± He snorted.


    ¡°Do you know which way it is or not?¡±


    ¡°Well, it''s through those hills eventually,¡± he pointed away from Tori, ¡°but I can¡¯t imagine you¡¯ll make it there. Seriously, take a look at my wares. I have quite the collection of coats.¡±


    ¡°I think I know what I¡¯m doing.¡±


    ¡°Oh, do you now?¡± He smiled a cold, toothy grin. ¡°It isn¡¯t safe to travel alone in these parts. You head off into those hills, and I¡¯d wager, in a week, I¡¯ll come across quite the windfall on my journey home.¡±


    ¡°Just exactly what are you trying to say?¡±


    ¡°Oh, nothing, nothing,¡± the man sniffed, ¡°Go on girl, you don¡¯t need my help after all.¡±


    Moving past him up the road, she felt his eyes watching her back all the way and was glad when the path turned and she could disappear behind the hills outside of his view.


    The sun had just set, and the world was cast in shadows. Twilight. The perfect time for painting. Or so Timor¡¯s book had said. It could be just before dawn or just after dusk; in a painting, it would be impossible to tell.


    The next step was finding a scene not likely to change. This was critical. Every difference from the painting would make the spell more unstable. This is what made the loop so uniquely suited for such sorcery. There was not enough time for much change, and any change that did occur would be quickly reset. No matter what, the world would always return to the state it was in when painting was made.


    Stepping off the path, she wandered amongst the hills, searching. It could be any spot, but for the first time, she needed something more. Something to tie her to the grimoire, a memory that would chain the spell to her heart.


    And there it was. Rising above the hills, branches outstretched, was a great elm. It looked like home. Not Orent, but her true home, and the elm that stood just outside their cabin. A land so far away. She had always wanted to return someday, and now perhaps she could. Now, anywhere she could paint, she could go.


    Fia set up on the hill opposite the tree, spreading out a large canvas. It needed to be large. For the spell to work, she had to be able to walk through the painting. And everything needed to be perfect. The angle, the colors, the proportions. Most mistakes would cause the spell to simply fail, but the book did warn that an accumulation of errors could lead to something far worse. It had not elaborated on this point, and Fia did not want to be the reason that later copies did.


    Her fingers itched, eager to paint once more. But perhaps it had been too long; did she still have the talent? But there was no need to worry. In her mind, it had been a lifetime since she had picked up a brush, but to her hands, it had not even been a day.


    She was nearly halfway done when the light became too dim to see, she would need to finish at dawn. There was a spell for drying the oil, but to cast it in the middle would ruin the picture. So, she left it hanging and set up camp under the tree.


    Once there was a fire roaring, she stretched out, staring up at the stars.


    Heaven¡¯s Gate. She couldn¡¯t wait to see it, and to paint it, then maybe they could visit together.


    She closed her eyes, wondering about him. Where was he? Somewhere far in the west. The stars burned bright as she drifted into dream. But not burned brighter than the eyes that watched her sleep. Not one pair, but two.


    Cycle: Timor 3-1

 Chapter 11: A Sudden Detour

    Chapter 11


    Fia woke at dawn. But it was not the grey light that roused her from sleep. Across from her, in the shadows of the dying flames, crouched a man. He was digging through her pack, muttering curses under his breath. She was not alone.


    ¡°Nothing but sticks and leaves¡­¡±


    ¡°G-get away!¡± She yelped, scrambling back, hand flashing for her staff.


    ¡°Looking for something?¡± He whispered, voice thin and reedy, like a rusted hinge caught in a draft. He turned, sitting back on his haunches to face her, sliding the amber rod onto his knees.


    In the dark, he seemed like less of a man than she had first imagined. He was gaunt, almost feral looking. The bones of his face jutted out unsettlingly from beneath patchy tufts of coarse hair. His entire body shuddered while he sat, twitching in an erratic jitter. Set deep in his skull gleamed cunning eyes that darted this way and that, endlessly searching. Human eyes.


    ¡°I¡­ I know you.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­yes,¡± the man chittered to himself, laughing breathlessly. ¡°I did warn you not to go off on your own. You really should have listened to me.¡±


    ¡°Are you looking for something?¡± she asked, voice trembling.


    ¡°Oh, just things for my shop¡­¡± He resumed rooting through her bags. ¡°I¡¯m headed to the Capital. So much happening there¡­ these days.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t have much.¡± She needed to keep him talking.


    ¡°Nothing at all¡­nothing for me.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps I could help you,¡± she offered. ¡°You don¡¯t look well.¡±


    ¡°There''s no food in the mountains,¡± he continued to himself. ¡°Nothing but sticks and leaves¡­ and the gates are shut¡­ No way in, no way out.¡±


    ¡°I could show you the way.¡±


    He paused, tilting his head quizzically. ¡°Past the gates?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Well under them, really.¡±


    He perked up, eyes glittering eagerly. ¡°Under?¡±


    ¡°Secret tunnels, paths into Orent.¡±


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you there. I can lead you through the tunnels. You¡­ you¡¯d be lost on your own.¡±


    He rocked back and forth, scratching at his face.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure people would love to visit your shop there.¡±


    He seemed to like the sound of this, bobbing up and down as he chortled. ¡°Step up¡­ Step up¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll just pack my things, and we can be off. But I¡¯ll need my staff back. I can¡¯t walk without it.¡±


    The man¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°You think you can trick me,¡± he hissed. ¡°I know you. I know what you are.¡± He rose, joints cracking, limbs growing. ¡°You have nothing to offer me, nothing more than the meal you could provide.¡±


    Twisting around the fire, back curved, coiled, ready to strike. His tongue flicked in and out, running over thin, needled fangs, gnawing hungrily.


    Fia plunged into her robes, grasping for the small dagger at her waist¡ª


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± A voice boomed.


    The creature froze, eyes wide, staring past Fia towards the elm tree.


    From behind her, stepping into the firelight, was a massive hooded figure.


    ¡°I only take what has been promised to me.¡±


    ¡°I see no corpses here.¡±


    ¡°She is as good as one.¡±


    ¡°That is not for you to decide.¡±


    There was no response, but the beast shrunk back, disappearing into the smoke.


    ¡°Sir¡ª¡±


    ¡ªGRRAARH¡ª


    A guttural snarl tore through the air as the beast launched itself out of the darkness, flying towards the man!


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    As it leapt, the man turned. In his hands, he gripped a javelin that he hurled at the charging wretch!


    It howled, shrieking in agony, and fell, convulsing into the burning coals, twitching in the flames. Then it shuddered and grew still.


    ¡°Is it dead?¡± Whispered Fia.


    The man turned; he wore a weathered tunic, wrapped in an olive cloak. His hair was black and shaggy, his beard unkempt, but he had gentle eyes.


    ¡°No, no, I think not. He is not mine to kill. Just as you were not his to devour.¡±


    She studied the burning mass. ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like anything¡¯s still living in there. Are you quite sure?¡±


    ¡°Just give him a moment,¡± the stranger chuckled.


    They watched the fire, and soon enough, the body began to tremble, shaking and twisting in the ashes.


    Skrrrrtch. An unnerving sound broke the silence. Like the tearing of thread, it grated at Fia¡¯s ears. And then the corpse split open. A shadow darted out from within it, a blur of brown and grey fleeing into the hills.


    ¡°There he goes.¡± The stranger stepped over to the fire, reaching down and patting at the flames. ¡°See?¡± He lifted a thick, leathery hide, peeling it back to reveal an empty husk.


    She recoiled, horrified. ¡°What¡­what was that? He seemed like a man when we first met.¡±


    ¡°Yes, he tends to do that,¡± the man replied, nodding thoughtfully, ¡°but he can¡¯t keep it up for long, as you¡¯ve seen.¡±


    ¡°Sir?¡±


    ¡°Call me, Leif. And you are?


    ¡°Fia, sir.¡±


    ¡°Well met, Fia. You look like just the kind of person I¡¯ve been seeking. You are a mage, yes?¡±


    She nodded, pointing at his feet, ¡°Could you hand me my staff?¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes¡­I mean no, sorry.¡± He scooped up her staff, fixing it to the straps on his back.


    She stepped back, ¡°But you saved me¡­¡±


    ¡°No, Fia, I captured you.¡±


    It was well past dawn now, and the clouds were painted with streaks of red, the sun just barely peaking over the horizon.


    ¡°There! That should do it.¡± Leif stood, pulling the last knot tight.


    ¡°Are you sure it''s enough?¡± Fia¡¯s head poked through a tangled mess of rope. ¡°You may have missed a spot by my ankles.¡±


    ¡°Now, now, Fia, don¡¯t be angry. I promise you; you won¡¯t be harmed. But I can¡¯t have you running off on me and¡­¡± He looked down at his feet. ¡°I¡¯m not great at knots.¡±


    ¡°You have my staff! I¡¯m not going anywhere without it!¡±


    He scowled. ¡°Well, that does make a lot of sense, but I can hardly untie you now, can I?¡±


    ¡°Will you at least tell me where you¡¯re taking me?


    ¡°To the Aurin.¡±


    ¡°The river? Why¡ª You¡¯re bringing me to Malachi?¡±


    He turned on her, face contorted, fearful. He pulled her close, gripping the rope between his thick fingers. ¡°What did you say?¡± He demanded.


    ¡°I¡ª¡±


    ¡°What are you? A spy for the King!?¡±


    ¡°No! I¡¯m no spy,¡± she exclaimed. ¡°I¡¯m not even supposed to be here. I¡¯m heading north! Why couldn¡¯t you just have let me go!? It''s your fault for getting me caught up in all of this!¡±


    Leif¡¯s eyes softened, and he let go of the rope. ¡°You¡¯d certainly make for a very odd spy.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a spy!¡±


    ¡°But that will be for Malachai to decide.¡±


    They carried on, Leif in front, leading Fia, who waddled awkwardly after him. He had been telling the truth; the knots were terrible. Deep underneath the layers of rope, she could already feel them coming undone. Her right hand moved freely, and she felt around, finding her dagger. There was something else, too, a disc in one of her pockets, the compass.


    Leif was a large man, and she doubted that without her staff, she could hope to overpower him. But her dagger did have other uses. A quick cut at just the right angle, and she¡¯d wake up in bed ready to try again. But what would happen to the compass? Would it reappear with her? Or would it be lost forever? In the end, she decided to wait. There were too many unknowns.


    It was noon when they reached the rebels'' encampment. Hidden between the hills and a bend in the Aurin, it was much smaller than she expected.


    ¡°This is all?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Careful,¡± growled Leif, ¡°You¡¯re starting to sound like a spy again.


    They entered the camp, curious eyes chasing them as they passed row after row of ivory tents. No one questioned their sudden appearance. Leif, it seemed, was well known amongst the rebels.


    At the center of the camp was a large pavilion. As they neared it, Fia saw a woman perched atop a stump just outside its entrance. She was pale, like alabaster stone, and her auburn hair hung loosely, spilling down her dark robes and curling back upwards just before it touched the ground. By her swinging feet lay an oaken staff, twisted and charred. Her eyes watched them coldly, but just as they entered the tent, Fia thought she saw her waving.¡±


    ¡°Malachai,¡± called Leif. ¡°I have brought you another mage.¡±


    Malachai sat amongst his generals. He was an older man, perhaps the same age as her father. The lines on his face were hard, but there was no grey in his hair yet.


    ¡°Well done, Leif. Is she friend or foe?¡± He spoke slowly, his deep voice rolling over the words like distant thunder.


    ¡°She claims to be neither.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± He lifted his head away from the maps on the table before him.


    ¡°I met her outside of Torin. One of those things you let down from the mountains had her. No matter what you say, they cannot be controlled, Malachai.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, perhaps not. But I need them all the same. What was she doing there?¡±


    ¡°She said she was¡­ painting.¡±


    ¡°I was painting!¡± She burst out, ¡°A painting you ruined¡ª¡±


    She fell silent as the rebel king turned his attention towards her.


    Leif continued, ¡°She let slip her knowledge of your whereabouts. If she is a spy, then our movement is no secret to Anselm.¡±


    ¡°Is she a spy?¡±


    ¡°She is not like any that I have ever encountered.¡±


    ¡°What does Freya think?¡±


    Leif shrugged. ¡°She waved her through. The girl is no threat now, at the very least.¡±


    Something was burning, deep inside Fia¡¯s robes. The compass! She could feel it even through the thick cloth. Treasure? Here?


    ¡°Cut her loose and search her. We shall soon discover the truth of her allegiances.¡±


    Two men stepped forward, grabbing her roughly, and with short knives cut away at the rope. They found her dagger fast enough. The compass, however, was so hot that one of the guards had to wrap his hands in his cloak to retrieve it.


    Malachai waved his hands, beckoning towards them. ¡°Bring those to me.¡±


    They placed the dagger and compass on the table before him.


    ¡°Get out, all of you.¡± The room fell silent, generals watching anxiously. ¡°Get out! I will speak to this one alone.¡±


    The generals stumbled over each other in their haste to escape his gaze.


    Leif stepped to her side, ¡°Malachai, I¡ª"


    ¡°You too, Leif.¡±


    The giant man bowed his head and fell silent. He looked at her fearfully, then turned, lumbering from the tent.


    When they had all gone, Malachai stood. Slowly crossing the room to stand before Fia.


    He leaned down, searching her face. ¡°Tell me, girl, if you are no spy, then what are you doing carrying the mark of the enemy?¡±


    ¡°The enemy? No, it''s just a compass,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°I know what it is, girl.¡± He reached underneath his tunic, lifting up a golden chain. Hanging on its end was a disc, filled with strange runes and bright constellations. ¡°It¡¯s mine.¡±


    Cycle: Timor 3-2