《Potions, Charms and Grimoires [Progression Fantasy] [Time Loop]》


 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!¡±


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


    Berta 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.¡±


    Berta¡¯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 Berta¡¯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 Berta 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 clash of two immense 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!¡±


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


    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.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    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?¡±


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


    ¡°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 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 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 Quick 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

 Chapter 12: The Man Who Would Burn The World

    Chapter 12


    ¡°Now, girl, speak.¡±


    Malachai sat, leaning carelessly in his chair, shrouded in darkness. A dim, smoldering glow pulsing gently from just below his lips cast a faint light across his face. But the thin wisps of smoke curling around him veiled his expression, leaving Fia unsure of his intentions.


    Outside the pavilion, the low murmur of soldiers drifted through the air, hushed whispers, rattling plate, the echo of a hammer striking an anvil. She sat across from him, fingers twitching against the worn wood as Malachai studied the golden spheres.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure where to begin,¡± she replied, fidgeting nervously. The Rebel King did not have a reputation for being a patient man.


    ¡°You can start by explaining how you came to possess this charm.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s complicated.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll need to do better than that.¡± His words were slow and resonant. He did not seem like the man the stories had described.


    ¡°It was given to me¡­ by a friend.¡±


    ¡°A very generous friend. For what purpose?¡± He pressed his fingers together, cracking at his knuckles.


    ¡°I would assume that it is similar in purpose to the one around your neck.¡± She paused, ¡°Though, I am surprised to learn that there is more than one.¡±


    ¡°If indeed there truly are,¡± the low voice rumbled. ¡°It is strange indeed; they are identical, and yet yours burns while mine is still quite cool. Where does it lead you?¡±


    ¡°I am not sure,¡± she confessed.


    ¡°Mine points to Orent.¡±


    ¡°And where did you get yours, sir?¡±


    ¡°Bold,¡± he chuckled, ¡°You are bold, aren¡¯t you? Tell me why I would impart such valuable information to a prisoner?¡± He continued to laugh, stroking his beard. ¡°And yet, if you are an agent of Thalazan, then you already know the answers, and if you aren¡¯t, it does not seem likely that it would mean anything to you at all.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps we both have information that could be of use to the other.¡± She did not know how, but the compass had burned in his presence. Some of the God King¡¯s treasure was held in this camp.


    Malachai strummed his fingers along the table''s edge. ¡°What can you offer me?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I am from Orent. Surely you could find some use for my knowledge of the city.¡±


    He regarded her thoughtfully, dark eyes searching her face. ¡°The gates are shut,¡± he muttered. ¡°Are the walls so weak that a mere child could I simply waltz through their defenses?¡±


    ¡°There is more than one way to enter the city.¡±


    ¡°Is there now?¡± Malachai leaned in, his shadow swallowing the space between them. ¡®And you would lead me to this hidden entrance?¡±


    ¡°I-I could,¡± she stammered. ¡°For a price.¡±


    ¡°But what would I find there?¡± He smiled, eyes glimmering. ¡°Hundreds of the city¡¯s finest magi? Or perhaps the personal retinue of Thalazan himself. Do you think I would change my long-laid plans on the advice of a young girl who is more than likely some spy?¡±


    ¡°I am not a spy!¡±


    ¡°Then you have nothing to offer me.¡± He lifted the golden sphere from the table, running his fingers along its curves. ¡°This path was not chosen lightly, girl. And it is too late to stray from it.¡±


    He rolled the disc in his palm, and the rings began to turn, spinning around an orb in its center. ¡°You called this a compass, an apt name, for it has guided me since I was a boy¡­ But it is not just a compass.¡± Malachai closed his fist, the rings aligning along his fingers to form a curious pattern. ¡°It is a key.¡±


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    ¡°A key to what?¡±


    ¡°Everything.¡±


    A breeze lifted the pavilion flap, filling the room with the scent of dust and sweat. The clamor of soldiers had thinned, and all she could hear was the soft whistle of Freya, a melancholy tune dancing on the wind.


    Suddenly, a thin seam of light split the space behind Malachai. The air shivered as it bent around the jagged mirage. And then, slowly, it began to tear, the colors of a distant room bleeding into the tent in a swirling golden vortex.


    Out of the light stepped a man clad in white. His hair was long and grey, thinning just a bit on the top. And between the lines of his face was pencil mustache that looked as though it had been drawn on. His eyes were gentle and deep, like two wells of still dark waters. Fia¡¯s heart sank as she saw him.


    ¡°Ah, Albrecht,¡± Malachai¡¯s deep voice boomed. ¡°Good of you to join us. What news?¡±


    ¡°The city has been prepared for your arrival,¡± the Magistari replied, taking a seat at the table.


    His eyes landed on her. ¡°Fia!?¡± He shot to his feet. ¡°What in the gods¡ª what are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Fia demanded, head spinning.


    ¡°So, you know each other?¡± Malachai smiled. ¡°Good. That will save time on introductions.¡±


    But Albrecht did not seem to hear him. His eyes were focused on Fia, a storm rising from their depths


    ¡°Girl, did your sister send you?¡± He asked in a hushed whisper.


    ¡°Sophie?¡±


    ¡°She was caught just outside of camp. I haven¡¯t decided what to do with her yet. Perhaps you could advise me?¡±


    ¡°Fia is no threat to you.¡±


    ¡°So everyone keeps telling me, but I can hardly let her go.¡±


    ¡°No, no you cannot,¡± the old man agreed.


    ¡°Albrecht!?¡±


    He exhaled slowly, hands nervously gripping at his arms as his nails dug into the flesh just below his shoulders. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Fia.¡± His voice trembled. ¡°I don¡¯t know how you got caught up in this, but you¡¯re safer here.¡±


    ¡°You¡­you¡¯re helping them,¡± she said softly. ¡°You¡¯re the reason they¡­¡± The loop, Lina, Sophie¡­ the faces of so many friends, all lost, flashed before her eyes¡­ because of Albrecht?


    ¡°There is so much you don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°All the people¡­they¡¯re going to die¡­¡±


    ¡°No, Fia!¡± but he could not even meet her eyes. ¡°The people of Orent will not suffer. Malachai has given me his word. They will make straight for the palace.¡±


    ¡°But what of those who block their path?¡±


    ¡°I cannot save everyone,¡± Malachai interrupted. ¡°Least of all those that would oppose me. Sacrifices must be made, and I will do what must be done¡ªno matter the cost.¡±


    ¡°Malachai!¡±


    ¡°Silence! Do not forget it was you who sought me out. All¡ª¡±


    ¡°Sir!¡± Light streamed through the heavy drapes of the pavilion as a high-pitched voice called from outside. And the sounds of war followed.


    Bellowing horns cut through the camp like a blade, and the men stiffened, their words swallowed by the call of battle.


    Malachai turned to Albrecht, and the old man nodded slowly.


    ¡°So, it has begun.¡±


    ¡°Sir?¡± The voice called again.


    ¡°Come in, Freya.¡±


    Outside, horns continued to blare, raising the alarm, but inside, Malachai remained calm, undisturbed by the approaching storm.


    The pale sorceress stepped slowly through the curtains. ¡°Sir, a battalion of magi has been spotted on the far side of the river. What are¡ª¡±


    She trailed off as her eyes focused on Albrecht, her face melting into a scowl at his presence.


    ¡°What is that old fool doing here?¡± She demanded, voice rising to a shriek.


    ¡°Do not worry, Freya,¡± replied Albrecht cooly. ¡°I am just leaving.¡±


    Golden light began to drip from the air as the blurred image of a palace bedroom took form. ¡°Malachai,¡± his words were quiet yet firm, ¡°Wait for my signal.¡±


    The two men clasped forearms, their grips firm, pulling into an embrace. And Malachai nodded. It was a brief exchange, and yet when they parted, Fia thought she could see tears in the shadows of their eyes.


    ¡°Do not fear, old friend,¡± He murmured. ¡°We will see this through. Together. Now go.¡±


    Albrecht turned, ¡°First. Give me a moment with the girl.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± Malachai beckoned to Freya and together they stepped out of the dimly light pavilion into the midday sun.


    When they were gone, Albrecht finally spoke, ¡°Fia, listen to me. You must stay with Malachai. I will send your sister to meet you, but above all, Malachai cannot¡ªhe must not¡ª enter the palace alone.¡± The Magistar spoke quickly, words hushed, each one tumbling over the next in a vain attempt to say all that needed telling. ¡°Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she cried. ¡°Albrecht, what is happening? Why are you doing this?¡±


    ¡°There is no time, Fia! Please.¡± His voice was raw, barely more than a whisper, hoarse with desperation and regret. Sweat beaded at his temple, and the lines in his face were drawn so tight that it seemed they might rip apart at any moment. His eyes begged her to understand, to forgive him, but she could not. Albrecht had been a mentor, a friend, but now all she could see was a traitor. The man who would burn the world.


    Outside the tent, the sounds of preparation had reached a fevered pitch. Men call out, barking commands, horses stamping and snorting in fearful anticipation, the rattle of steel echoing through the valley.


    Fia jerked her head, shaking it back and forth, and Albrecht¡¯s shoulders fell, defeated. He reached out, taking her hands in one final attempt to sway her. He pulled her close. ¡°Forgive me,¡± he whispered. ¡°Find Sophie.¡±


    Then he turned and fled through the golden pathway, vanishing into the light as the gates closed behind him.


    Fia stood frozen in the dark pavilion, her breath unsteady. This was all his fault.


    And outside, the horns screamed again.


    Cycle: Timor 3-2

 Chapter 13: The Rivers Edge

    Chapter 13


    ¡°Men to your positions!¡±


    Soldiers ran this way and that, at a frantic pace, digging trenches, calming horses, and turning all defenses towards the river.


    The Auring raged, its surface a churning mass of white foam with dark currents surging just below. Twisting and writhing, it carved its way through the hills, swollen past its banks like a serpent devouring the land, engorged from the weeks of storms.


    On its far side, moving swiftly in the shadows of the King¡¯s Wood, were men. The sun was at their backs, obscuring their numbers, but it was a large force, perhaps too large.


    ¡°Freya!¡± Malachai called. He stood at the river¡¯s edge, ivory plate sparkling in the sun, the banners of the great white hawk whipping frenzied, at his back. ¡°Don¡¯t let this one disappear in all the chaos.¡± He placed a hand on Fia, gripping her shoulder in his gauntlet.


    The sorceress nodded, eyes locked on the tree line, her alabaster skin almost translucent in the afternoon light.


    More movement in the trees, and out of the shade stepped a figure. Small, diminutive, just a speck along the river, but the sharp eyes of Malachai spotted her at once.


    ¡°Archers,¡± he called, throwing out his hand, ¡°Bring her down!¡±


    Thruum!


    Arrows darkened the sky, hissing towards their mark. But none could touch her. As they fell, a gust whispered along the banks of the Aurin, and the long reeds fluttered in the breeze. The arrows floated on the draft, caught mid-flight, they fell harmlessly to the dirt, scattered in the wind.


    The figure stepped closer, staff held aloft.


    ¡°Again!¡± Cried Malachai.


    Thrum. Whsst.


    ¡°Again!¡±


    The figure walked slowly, the wind whistling around them as a storm of arrows rained down in their wake.


    There was a hum as she reached the water¡¯s edge, a low pulsing vibration, and the air around her began to ripple like a desert haze. Threads of wind coiled together, stitching themselves into undulating walls that shimmered like a veil of shifting glass, one on either side of her.


    Between the walls, the Aurin grew calm; smooth and dark like polished stone. But behind the walls, the river roared, a towering fury thrashing against its newfound prison. Its waters spilled over onto land, waves surging into the camp.


    And from the forest they ran, hundreds of them, chasing the flood. They came to the Aurin but their pace did not break. Their feet fell upon the water but did not sink; they flew across its surface, light and quick.


    ¡°Hold your ground, men!¡±


    The water came halfway to Fia¡¯s knees. It was ice cold and moving quickly. But worse than the water was the mud. The ground swelled beneath her feet, and Malachai¡¯s army, weighed down by their plate and steel, were caught in its snare, unable to regroup, to brace themselves for the coming violence.


    The first wave hit hard. The men of Orent wore no plate and bore no heavy swords or great axes. They danced along the face of the water dressed in leather jerkins, carrying thin polearms, light and agile, free from the mire below.


    The vanguard stood no chance. Great knights in their brilliant armor, waving their steel in frantic desperation, rooted to the soil, drowning in the swamp. The lances made quick work of them, cutting through them from a distance, the charging warriors barely breaking stride.


    Freya and the remaining sorcerers had gathered around Malachai. Their staffs were raised, light pouring from them as they struggled to free the men from the sinking land.


    ¡°To me! To me!¡± Shouted Malachai, pulling his feet from the mud.


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    Behind the advancing spears, a second group was moving across the river. Dressed in white and gold, covered in the flowing cloaks of the cosmos, they marched in solemn, uniform steps. Heralds of war, the King¡¯s Magi.


    Freya had pushed back the waters, and the men flocked to Malachai, rallying up the hill on dryer ground. They had the numbers, but could they stand against so many magi?


    Anselm¡¯s men moved quickly, falling into rank, forming row upon row of spears. To their front rushed soldiers carrying great shields. They held them up, pressing them together to form a wall. The rest fell behind, jutting their spears through cracks in the formation. They pushed up the hill, pressing Malachai to retreat.


    Braaauwwm!


    Horns bellowed, trumpeting across the field, and in the distance, a rumbling, like thunder. Pounding hooves, horses! The banners of the great white hawk billowed in the wind as they flew behind the racing lines.


    They crashed into the phalanx, cutting through its edge and piercing deep into its core. The formation shattered. Men fled before the charge, leaving their compatriots to be cut down or trampled beneath the churning feet of the mounted soldiers. They were broken flying back to the Aurin and throwing themselves at the feet of their masters.


    The line turned, triumphant, horns trumpeting they made chase streaking towards the river.


    ¡°No!¡± cried Fia. But it was too late.


    As the horses plowed ahead, a magi flew into the sky. She floated, held up on golden drops of starlight, and stared down upon the battlefield, hair whipping furiously as the wind turned.


    The mounts began to stumble, the ground crumbling beneath their feet. And the earth split, cavernous depths opening up to swallow the cavalry from below. They fell into darkness, lost to the depths, their screams echoing through the hills as the earth closed above them, sealing their fate.


    ¡°Freya! Go!¡±


    The young sorceress nodded, rising with the wind, borne up upon a coming storm. She flew to meet her foe, and the sky turned dark, the air crackled, and rain began to fall. They met in a flash of flight, and the sound that followed shook the forest and sent Fia tumbling to her knees.


    ¡°Girl!¡± Malachai¡¯s deep voice boomed, reaching out to her across the field.


    She sat there as he and several others joined her.


    ¡°I do not have enough to fight this,¡± he admitted, voice cracking, and for the first time, she saw doubt in his eyes. ¡°If you do not lend me your strength, we will fall here, and all will be lost.¡±


    The storm had reached a frenzy, and the wind howled, tearing at roots and flinging rocks into the swirling vortex above.


    ¡°I¡¯m no fighter¡­ I can¡¯t save you¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll admit you weren¡¯t my first choice.¡± He laughed, a slow, grumbling chuckle, as the fire returned to his eyes.


    ¡°Fia.¡± It was the first time he had spoken her name. ¡°It was not mere chance that brought you to me. We have both been given a gift, guided by a higher power, and called to a higher purpose. Fight with me, and I promise you, we can discover the mysteries of our world together! The answers to everything will be revealed when we reach The Tower.¡±


    Ahead of them, the two armies clashed. Malachai¡¯s forces had the numbers; they were better equipped and better trained, but they could not compete against the magi. Above, Freya had drawn away as many of them as she could, and the crackling azure light of her spears splintered across the heavens.


    ¡°Malachai, I¡ª¡±


    ¡°There is no more time for words.¡± The Rebel King smiled, then dashed forward, rushing to join his men.


    So much violence¡­so much bloodshed. Was this really what Sophie had wanted for her? Trapped in an endless cycle, doomed to watch a war that she could not end.


    And then she saw it¡ªthe Tower.  A twisting obelisk, spiraling towards the heavens, lost in the clouds. The seat of the God King. The words of Malachai whispered again in her mind, haunting her thoughts. Answers to all of her questions. She could spend the next millennia hunting down treasures for Timor and never find her way out, or she could take matters into her own hands and make the climb.


    She stood. The Golden shields formed around her as she ran towards the fighting.


    Malachai was in the midst of the melee. Swinging his great axe, he cut through lines of men as he surged towards the center and the remaining magi. Beside him was Leif. Together, they battered at the ranks, desperately fighting, besieged on all sides.


    As she reached the edge, she lifted her staff, and golden spears flew from it, slicing through the air and cutting a path to them.


    ¡°Malachai!¡± she screamed. ¡°Leif!¡±


    Leif lifted his head, letting out a cheer. He swung a large mace, clearing room for her as she joined them in the fray.


    ¡°Good of you to join us!¡± Malachai¡¯s voice rumbled. ¡°But we are about to be overrun.¡±


    Fia raised her staff, and the shields rotated, spreading themselves to surround all three of them.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s more like it!¡± Leif whooped as they charged forward.


    The shields pushed them through, no soldier could stand before its golden light. And suddenly, they were through, bursting out of the battle into a small meadow by the Aurin.


    ¡°They¡¯re here,¡± a young voice called.


    Fia looked around. Where was the fighting? Where was the storm? It had disappeared from sight and sound. The sun was bright, the sky was blue, and the Aurin babbled peacefully in its bed.


    ¡°Deal with them,¡± a second voice replied.


    A sharp, high-pitched whine cut through the silence, and Fia felt her skin begin to prickle. Then, in an instant, a beam of light erupted, and the shield around them shattered.


    ¡°One more should do it.¡±


    A second flash of flight and Fia was flung to the ground. But no pain, a welcome surprise. When she looked up, she saw Malachai and Leif staring in wonder.


    A specter stood before them. A sorceress, clad in white. In her hands, she grasped a golden staff, beset with a great emerald stone.


    It was Ella.


    Cycle: Timor 3-2

 Chapter 14: The God Kings Curse

    Chapter 14


    ¡°Why can¡¯t I come?¡±


    Fia sat, swinging her legs back and forth, anxiously kicking them.


    ¡°Not today,¡± Sophie sighed, her head peeking out from behind the counter. ¡°It''s just¡± ¡ªshe tugged on her sleeves, struggling with the many clasps and bronze buttons of her livery¡ª ¡°not a good time.¡± There was a crash as she stumbled over her robes, toppling to the floor. ¡°I¡¯m alright! I¡¯m alright!¡± She cried out, drowning in the pooling fabrics.


    ¡°But why?¡±


    ¡°Fia, don¡¯t be difficult. We¡¯ve had a new mage, Evi, join our order. We¡¯re bringing her to meet the King. I¡¯m sorry, but you¡¯re not a mage.


    ¡°I could be a mage,¡± she grumbled, reaching out and freeing the dark elm staff from between the seat cushions. ¡°I¡¯ve been getting so much better; you said so yourself.¡± The staff sparked faintly as she lifted it, a pathetic showing.


    ¡°Oh, Fia.¡± Sophie reappeared, straightening her collar, hands running over cloth, smoothing out the wrinkles in her uniform. ¡°I would not want that for you.¡± She bounced across the room, squeezing herself between her sister and the plush leather. ¡°You are getting better,¡± she said, running her fingers through Fia¡¯s hair. ¡°But the King¡¯s magic would be wasted on you.¡±


    ¡°I could do it!¡± She pouted. ¡°I¡¯m a better fighter than you think! You just never teach me anything! Silly little spells, is all, nothing actually dangerous!¡±


    ¡°Oh, you want to be dangerous, do you?¡± Sophie laughed, her fingertips dancing over Fia, poking and prodding at her sides. ¡°Think you can fight me?¡±


    ¡°Stop! Stop it!¡± She gasped, squirming and wriggling, desperate to break free.


    Sophie¡¯s fingers grew still, but her laughter did not end. Body shaking, she wrapped her arms around Fia, burying her face in the cushions to stifle the sound.


    It was a long while before she lifted her head, but when she did, her eyes sparkled dangerously, and there was a wicked grin splashed across her face.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you paint something while I¡¯m gone?¡± Her smile widened. ¡°I¡¯ll be back just after midday, when I return¡± ¡ªher gaze shifted mischievously¡ª ¡°we¡¯ll go down to the Aurin, and I¡¯ll show you something special. A spell just for you. One that that none of the King¡¯s Magi could ever dream of.¡±


    Tick, Tick.


    There was a wrapping on the window of the shop. A cane scratching against the glass. Outside, basking in the morning sun, was Albrecht. Behind him, the streets were bare save for a cluster of four hooded figures, their golden dress peaking out from beneath dark cloaks.


    ¡°Just a moment,¡± Sophie called as Fia ran to the window, waving excitedly.


    ¡°Albrecht!¡± Fia cried. ¡°Albrecht, watch this!¡± She raised her staff, tapping it on the window. The air began to glow as a golden shield formed between them.


    The deep lines of the Magistar¡¯s face creased and shifted, folding into a warm smile. ¡°Excellent, Fia! Well done! Well done indeed, there''s just one¡± ¡ªhis hand began to vibrate as he pushed it through the glass like it was a pool of water taking hold of the shield¡ª ¡°problem.¡± He gripped it tight, twisting his wrist, and the spell broke, shattering into dust.


    Her face fell, and with it the staff, clattering to the stone floor below.


    ¡°It was really quite close,¡± he said, consoling her from the street. ¡°There''s a trick to it, which I will be happy to share with you in our next lesson.¡± He peered through the window, searching deep into the shop. ¡°Get a move on, Sophie, we don¡¯t want to be late!¡±


    ¡°Coming!¡± Sophie appeared beside Fia, her bag filled with all sorts of trinkets, quills and grimoires spilling over its edges


    ¡°Which one is Evi?¡± Fia asked, face pressed up against the window, pointing at the magi.


    ¡°The short one¡ªLook, Fia, I¡¯m sorry, I have to go!¡± The shop bell rang as she threw the door open, running out into the street to join her companions. ¡°I¡¯ll be home after lunch, and I¡¯m expecting to see another masterpiece from you!¡± she shouted back as the door swung closed behind her.


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    Fia watched as the magi followed the cobblestone path up the hill. At the back walked a small thing; not even coming up to the shoulders of any of the others. Her hair was jet black and cropped at the waist; in her hands was a silver rod beset with precious stones.


    Just before the group disappeared over the hill, the tiny girl turned back, cold eyes locking with Fia¡¯s. Dark olive, with flecks of gold.


    ***


    Evi,¡± whispered Fia. The young girl stepped out of the ring of magi, eyes blazing, the gold in them growing to devour its green.


    Ella stood between them, stone-faced and silent. She slammed her staff into the dirt, and a glow rippled within its emerald jewel. The light swelled, erupting from the stone, crashing like waves towards the magi.


    But a prism formed in the air, catching the light between its walls, sending it ricocheting off of every mirrored face until, finally, it flew off, deflected into the horizon. But as it tore through the sky, the air melted around it like an inferno. Dripping away and peeling back at the edges to reveal the storm outside and the battle below it.


    The magi stood, eyes wide, faces twisted in shock.


    ¡°It does not seem to be going well,¡± a voice uttered. ¡°Should we join them?¡±


    They rose into the air, leaving just Evi behind.


    ¡°Clean up this mess!¡± Barked a man. ¡°Join us when you are done.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t let them enter the battle!¡± Shouted Malachai.


    Fia nodded. ¡°Ella, stop them,¡± she commanded. And Ella rose to make chase.


    They were alone with Evi now. Fia, Malachai, and Leif. She was so young.


    ¡°Evi! There¡¯s no need to fight! We don¡¯t want to harm you!¡±


    The air whipped around her, and from behind the waters of Aurin roared, churning through the air at her command. Her eyes gleamed, swallowed by gold. And it dripped from them, leaking onto her face and down her neck.


    ¡°You,¡± she screamed over the wind. ¡°You¡¯re one of Sophie¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m her sister.¡± Fia stepped closer. ¡°You were friends, right?¡±


    ¡°Where is she?¡± An anguished shriek broke from her lips. The gold was pouring from her, burning into her flesh.


    Something moved behind her. ¡°We need to attack now,¡± Malachai whispered at her back. ¡°This is Thalazan¡¯s curse, the taint of his gold. We must strike before it is complete.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s just a child!¡± Fia turned desperately to Leif. His face was grim.


    ¡°Now!¡±


    The two men sprang forward, feet pounding on the grass, weapons held high, armor rattling as they ran.


    ¡°No!¡± Plead Fia. ¡°She¡¯s just a girl!¡±


    The howling ceased, Evi¡¯s final cry echoing in the growing tempest. And she twisted her head, staff arm raising through the rivers of molten ore.


    They were on her in a flash, the great ax sweeping towards her breast as the morning star fell, arcing towards her face.


    But the swirling water of the Aurin flew past the girl, parrying their strikes and snaring their feet. It swept the men up, carrying them up in its waves. They fought furiously against it, but the waters wrapped around them, lifting them up and encircling them. Lost in the dark abyss, the man struggled, unable to break free.


    ¡°Evi!¡±


    The girl turned on her. ¡°Where is Sophie?¡± But the voice was no longer her own. Deep and grating, it scratched at her ears, the words clawing their way into her mind.


    ¡°You know nothing!¡± The voice spat.


    ¡°Let them go!¡±


    The waters raged above them as the floundering men grew weak; their thrashing had grown still in quiet acceptance.


    Fia closed her eyes, summoning golden spears around her, and she threw them, flying towards Evi.


    But the voice only cackled, a screeching laugh, catching them in the wind, sending them flying on great gusts.


    And the storm came for her, grabbing Fia and tossing her into the riverbed. The last thing she saw was the waters of the Aurin crashing down on her.


    ***


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this great?¡± Laughed Sophie. ¡°We can see all the fish up close now!¡±


    She was right. Beneath the surface of the Aurin, the world shimmered in liquid light. Its soft beams, fractured by the gentle sway of the current, revealing scales of a dozen different hues, that flickered in the glow. Sapphire, emerald, ruby, brilliant jewels weaving in and out of the shadows.


    ¡°It''s¡­pretty,¡± Fia admitted. ¡°But this isn¡¯t the powerful spell that you promised.


    ¡°I promised you I spell that the other magi couldn¡¯t dream of,¡± Sophie giggled, splashing in the waves. ¡°They don¡¯t make the grimoire for it anymore, so it''s not likely that anyone has read it. No one has time for anything but offensive spells nowadays.¡±


    She groaned. It was just like Sophie to make these grand promises and then laugh it off like some big joke when they inevitably failed to live up to her expectations. ¡°How do you imagine I could use this to protect myself?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sure you¡¯d find a way.¡± Sophie smiled, eyes glittering in the sun. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s far too hot a day to waste time worrying about such things.¡± She slid back into the Aurin, head bobbing just above the surface. ¡°Come on, Fia, there¡¯s a whole world down here to explore!¡±


    She sighed, staring down at the book and opening its dusty pages


    ***.


    The water pummeled Fia as she drifted, caught in its vortex. She let her body go limp. There was no sense in fighting against the clashing waves; better to flow with the current and hope you weren¡¯t dashed upon the rocks.


    But at least she wouldn¡¯t drown. A translucent sphere clung to her, covering her mouth and nose in a tensile bubble. A thin sheet, loosely billowing, flexing in and out with each breath. A pocket of air.


    She felt the swell of waves as the Aurin crested above the banks. She climbed with the tide and was thrown onto the shore. She was alive, but where was Evi.


    The girl stood with her back to the river. She was searching for something. With each step, a horrible grinding screech ripped through the air, her bones cracking beneath the hardened metal. The sound made Fia sick to her stomach, but if Evi felt anything, she betrayed no sign of it. She was gone. Lost in the God King''s curse.


    The taint of Thalazan¡¯s gold.


    Removing the gold would surely remove the curse. But how? It was burrowed deep into her flesh. Tearing it off would surely rip the poor girl apart. She lay, hiding among the reeds, watching and waiting. But she just kept thinking.


    I cannot fight a child.


    Cycle: Timor 3-2

 Chapter 15: Bait

    Chapter 15


    Evi moved across the field. The gold seemed to pull her through the air, wrapping around each limb and jerking her body forward, unnaturally, along the river.


    What was she searching for?


    But whatever it was she sought remained hidden, and the girl let out a cry, a horrible scraping shriek, like steel dragging along stone as she slashed her staff through the air.


    A burning stench filled Fia¡¯s nostrils. The smell of charring hide roasting on an open flame, a miasma of melting hair, nail, and meat.


    In the sky, the tear in the illusion began to grow. It came apart at the seams, pulling back until the sun-kissed meadows and babbling brook faded away into nothingness. Now, all that remained was the battle raging and the gale above it.


    In the eye of the storm was Ella. Beside her fought Freya. Flashes of brilliant light, azure crystals refracting topaz waves that crackled between the shadows of a dozen magi.


    Fia crept amongst the reeds, following Evi as she stalked along the banks, hunting through the shallows of the Aurin. As she turned, reaching into the waters, Fia glimpsed the gold beset upon her breast. It flowed down from her face in jagged ripples like a frozen river. Golden strands splintered in veins of fire clinging to her skin, leaving behind smoldering burns and raw, blistering flesh, a cursed suit of tarnished plate.


    The metal touched all, defiling its host, save for a small patch nestled just to the left of her sternum. It was bare, unscathed by gold or flame. But it was not unblemished. A scar. Thin lines, taut and pale, woven into thicker knotted threads to form a circle of rough, hardened skin. And inside that circle, stars and runes.


    Fia reached down, feeling into her pocket, fingers gliding over a similar, perhaps even identical, pattern on the golden charm within.


    A cold laugh broke the silence. A shrill cackle rang in Fia¡¯s ears, echoing through her thoughts.


    ¡°Here it is! Here it is, you fool!


    Out of the river, she lifted a long chain. Beads of water splashed down its links as they rattled against one another. She lifted the chain past her waist, and a golden disc floated up from the depths, just breaking the surface. It was Malachai¡¯s charm; it must have slipped from his neck as he floated. The water roiled around it, rising in a cloud of steam, unable to touch the burning sphere.


    ¡°So confident,¡± Evi crowed. ¡°To bring it with you into battle, to your death!¡±


    From behind the girl, a shadow moved. Large and swift, it was making towards her, hidden in the tall grass.


    Evi had not noticed. She was lost, reveling in her victory, and had only eyes for the charm.


    ¡°This pathetic re¡ª¡±


    AAAARRRGH


    Leif leapt from the grass, ramming his shoulder into the golden plate! Evi snarled, clawing at his face as they tumbled, falling toward the Aurin. For a moment, they floated on the surface, each struggling to best the other, caught in the rapids, unable to break free. But the heavy metal weighed them down, and the river dragged at their legs, pulling them down, as they disappeared into deep waters.


    Leif!¡± Fia cried. Eyes scanning the river.


    ¡°Oh, he¡¯s quite dead this time,¡± a voice called at her back.


    A shiver ran down her spine as the hairs on the back of her neck stood straight. She turned to see Evi, soaking wet, her face battered and bruised.


    ¡°Though it seems I may have to kill all of you twice.¡±


    ¡°What have you done with Evi?¡±


    ¡°I am Evi,¡± the voice replied, hollow and indifferent. ¡°But who¡± ¡ªeyes twitched beneath the golden mask¡ª ¡°are you? You are not one of them.¡±


    ¡°Tell me what you¡¯ve done to her!¡±


    ¡°The girl?¡± Evi laughed. ¡°She is getting exactly what she was promised.¡±


    ¡°Let her go!¡±


    ¡°Believe me¡± ¡ªEvi¡¯s hands tore at the burns, peeling at her blisters until the gold ran red with her blood¡ª ¡°I do not relish my time in these¡­ meat sacks.¡±


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    ¡°Don¡¯t hurt her!¡± She yelled.


    Evi sighed, ¡°You are a strange girl. You are from Orent, and yet you are here. You fight for these rebels, and yet you wear my robes. A puzzling conundrum, one I will return to someday. But for now,¡± she raised her hand and Evi¡¯s silver staff formed between her fingers, ¡°I must leave you.¡±


    She slammed her staff into the river, and from above in the swirling tempest, the magi began to vanish. One by one, they appeared before Evi, heads bowed, arms raised, in faithful contrition. There were far fewer returning than had left to join the battle.


    ¡°Your Grace.¡± The reverent honorifics repeated over and over as each mage fell to their knees.


    ¡°Come, we have claimed our prize.¡± Evi lifted the charm, placing it in the hole of her plate. The metal glowed in acceptance, shifting around the sphere, conforming to its shape.


    ¡°Ella!¡± Fia screamed, and the silent mage stepped out of the air and to her side. ¡°Ella, do not let them escape.¡±


    But before Ella could even move. there was a flash of light. It lingered in the air for some time, burning at her eyes, and Fia thought she might never see again. But when her sight finally returned, Evi and the magi were long gone. And so was Ella.


    The army of King Anselm fractured upon the battlefield. Abandoned by their masters, the men gave into despair. And they fled, throwing themselves into the river, relinquishing their fate to the mercy of the Aurin.


    But the river was cruel, and few made it to the King¡¯s Wood. Those not swept away in the rapids were left to the raining arrows falling from the shore.


    Freya floated down to her side, the storm breaking as her feet touched the ground. And from the long grass, a figure strode, clad in ivory plate and dragging a great axe at his back.


    ¡°Malachai!¡± Freya called. ¡°Is it done?¡±


    ¡°Indeed!¡± The Rebel King replied, joyously. ¡°They have taken the bait!¡± His eyes were blazing, burning with a triumphant glee. ¡°I told you they would be unable to resist such an enticing opportunity.¡±


    ¡°So, you did,¡± the sorceress spat bitterly, ¡°but this game of yours has cost us many men, and for what?¡± She turned eyes searching the battlefield, ¡°Where is Leif?¡±


    ¡°I am not sure¡­¡± He reached out to her, but she brushed him aside.


    ¡°I¡­I think he is dead.¡± Fia interrupted. She spoke gently; she had not known Leif, but he must have been important to the sorceress, so apparent was her distress.


    ¡°How?¡± Freya¡¯s words were calm, but her face could not hide her grief.


    ¡°He¡­ fell into the river with Evi. He never came out¡­ I couldn¡¯t do anything,¡± she admitted, ashamed.


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t, could you?¡± Her eyes narrowed, and she gripped Malachai¡¯s arm. ¡°Malachai, listen to me.¡± The words tumbled out of her, full of misery and fear. ¡°Long has this girl walked through my dreams. And where she wanders, I see nothing but death. You cannot bring her to the tower!¡±


    ¡°My dear girl.¡± Malachai took the pale sorceress in his arms, embracing her as she shook. ¡°I know you are grieving, but you cannot blame Fia. She has brought us the news of¡­of¡­ a great man¡¯s death, but the fault is not hers. She has done us a kindness, that we may not suffer, lost in doubt.¡±


    Freya pulled back, stumbling in her haste. ¡°You have brought a poison into our midst, Malachai. The world rots, and this girl stands at the center of its sickness.¡±


    ¡°Enough, Freya.¡± His voice was stern and cold; gone was the sympathetic lilt that had buttered his words as he held her. ¡°I have acknowledged your loss, but the future is mine to decide, just as it is yours to follow. Or would you challenge my right to lead?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Her head fell. ¡°You have been chosen to lead Malachai. But you surround yourself with snakes, hissing in your ear, leading you from the path. I no longer believe that you will see the tower.¡± The sky above them began to darken. ¡°And I will follow you no more.¡±


    A jagged lance arced across the sky, slicing down from the heavens. It split the air, ripping a hole in front of Freya. Thin tendrils of azure light crackled, hissing all around her. And she stepped through the tear, vanishing as it closed behind her with a thunderous clap, roaring in defiance.


    Malachai stood in silence, eyes dark, staring at the space that his sorceress had just occupied. Then he sighed, a deep and slow breath, as if to release all his doubts. Placing his head in his hands, he massaged his temples with the tips of his thumbs. He did not move, nor did he speak.


    Finally, Fia would wait no longer. ¡°Who was he to her?¡± She asked timidly.


    ¡°A man of great import.¡± He did not look up. ¡°She would not wish for me to say any more.¡± He paused, and then, whispering almost to himself, ¡°Sorrow gnaws at her heart. Though her disobedience irks me, Freya is a good soldier. She will return to me before the end.¡± But he did not sound sure, it was almost as if he hoped that by saying the words, he could make it so.


    ¡°Sir!¡± A soldier ran towards them. ¡°Sir, your orders?¡±


    ¡°Soldier!¡± Malachai straightened, voice booming with authority. ¡°Your orders remain unchanged. Head south and rendezvous with the main host.¡±


    ¡°Sir!¡± The soldier saluted, running back towards the camp.


    ¡°Now.¡± He said, turning back to her. ¡°Without Freya, I find myself in need of a mage¡­ So, I must, once again, call on you for assistance.¡±


    This is what she had decided, what she wanted ¡°Take me to the tower.¡± She demanded.


    He smiled. ¡°Providence has led you to me, Fia. There are no chance encounters¡­ Freya was right, I had strayed too far from the path. But your compass will lead me back to it.¡±


    ¡°And what of yours, sir?¡±


    ¡°The bait, yes. Foolishly taken by a lord, now confident in his victory. A clever ruse designed by his most trusted servant. The world has rejected his order, and I will walk through the streets of Orent unchallenged before this day is done.¡±


    Fia reached into her pocket, pulling from it the compass as she turned to face him, shoulders squared, steely-eyed. ¡°We will work as partners.¡± Her voice wavered, but she remained calm. ¡°I will hold the compass.¡± She held out her hand, and the elm branch materialized in her palm. ¡°You have seen my magic, witnessed the specter that I command; do not think to take it from me.¡± This would have been more imposing if Ella had actually been there, but calling for her now was too much of a risk. What if she did not answer?


    He smiled again, eyes glittering, undeceived by her show of bravado. ¡°I have no wish to take it from you, Fia. When we first met, our paths were divided, and I thought differently. But we walk together now. The journey to the tower cannot be made alone, and as long as the road leads you towards it, so I will follow.¡±


    ¡°To Orent?¡±


    ¡°To Orent.¡±


    Cycle: Timor 3-2

 Chapter 16: A Walk In The Dark

    Chapter 16


    ¡°So, this is the tomb of Orikelos.¡± Malachai¡¯s deep voice echoed down the smooth tunnels beneath the Capital.


    ¡°Pardon me?¡± Fia raised an eyebrow, searching the darkness. The golden light from her orb barely touched his face as the shadows that danced along it revealed a man as sinister as the one she had first imagined him to be.


    ¡°Oh, Fia.¡± He chuckled. ¡°You are a curious girl indeed. In one moment, you can seem to possess a wisdom far beyond your years, and the next, you are as na?ve as a newborn babe. Are you truly a beacon sent to guide me? Or merely a trick of the light?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that,¡± she grumbled, ¡°You could just tell me what you mean.¡±


    The tunnels were as dark as ever but they were not quiet. Up above, the pounding thunder of thousands of marching feet, rattling siege towers, and lumbering beasts reverberated through the dirt, shaking the halls and sending showers of rock and dust raining down on them.


    ¡°Orent,¡± he paused, and in the dark Fia heard him draw a deep breath, ¡°is built upon the ruins of a great empire.¡±


    ¡°Do we really have time for all these theatrics?¡± She sighed, was this the same man from all of the stories? Spoken of, only in whispers. He seemed much too dramatic.


    ¡°We have only as much time as it takes for you to lead me through this labyrinth. With Freya¡­gone, I could have never found my way, down here. Although,¡± he ran his hands along the polished stone, ¡°I¡¯ll admit I was not expecting to find so many¡­ signs.¡±


    Sophie¡¯s scrawled carvings littered the walls. Strange scratches that lead in circles, mostly illegible to anyone unfamiliar with her unique form of shorthand. It remained a mystery even to Fia save for the few paths they had walked together.


    ¡°Are they¡­yours?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± She turned away smiling. ¡°They¡¯ve always been here. At least as long as I¡¯ve known.¡± It would have meant everything to Sophie for people to believe her chiseled messages were ancient hieroglyphs from a lost civilization. ¡°I wondered about them but¡­ they must be from Orikelos¡­l like you said.¡± She nodded her head sagely.


    ¡°They must indeed,¡± he mused.


    ¡°Malachai?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Yes, girl?¡±


    ¡°You seem rather calm, considering¡­¡±


    ¡°Considering what lies ahead?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°In truth, I fear that if I allow myself to dwell on the gravity of our situation for too long, I may be overwhelmed by the weight of such a burden. Please, allow me this reprieve as I gather myself in the darkness.¡±


    Fia nodded slowly. He was not at all how she had come to expect.


    ¡°Then tell me more about Orikelos. Perhaps we can solve the mystery of these runes while we¡¯re down here.¡±


    They walked through the dark, the little light bobbing just ahead of them, leading them on, illuminating more and more of Sophie¡¯s work.


    ¡°Not much is known of the world before, though its ruins can be found in more places than just Orent. There are some who dedicate their entire lives to uncovering and exploring such places. It is from these blessed saints that we have gleaned the little that we do know.¡±


    ¡°Are you one such saint?¡±


    He laughed, a deep booming noise that rose from his belly and shook the walls around them. ¡°Oh, what you must think of me, girl. That I would stand before you singing the praises of an elite organization, of which I am secretly a part? Alas,¡± he pulled at his sleeves, wiping the tears from his eyes, ¡°no, there was a time when I hoped it might be my path, but no¡­¡±


    Above, the ceiling shook, sending more sediment crashing down. The sounds on the surface were growing louder and more frequent.


    ¡°Well, what do we know?¡±


    ¡°They were quite advanced as a civilization, far more advanced than we are, great craftsmen and builders. These tunnels alone, are proof of their genius, such wonders indeed. But more importantly, and, unfortunately ironically, they were the creators of your compass.¡±


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    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound ironic.¡±


    ¡°Well I haven¡¯t finished yet,¡± he huffed. ¡°Ironic because the creation of these charms allowed something foul to creep into our world. Something that displaced the old order, destroying their empire, and installing a new dynasty in its stead.¡±


    ¡°The line of Weil?¡±


    Malachai snorted. ¡°That fool king and his family? Don¡¯t be silly. We both know that the veiled throne draws its strength from a much darker power.¡±


    ¡°I was only¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªDo not play with me, girl!¡± His voice grew, temper flaring. ¡°You have the compass; you are already part of this!¡± He waved his hands about wildly, his shadow casting monstrous shapes upon the walls. ¡°Here I am sharing the secrets of our world. Truths hard fought for, the least you could do is not act the fool.¡±


    She could hardly see him through the dim light but his shadow raged. A dark cloud, ever-expanding until it grew to swallow him in its gloom.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she replied softly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Since I learned the truth, I have had no one to speak with of such things. It has become my nature to hide in the comfort of this lie.¡±


    The shadow fell still. Malachai¡¯s deep breath was all that she could hear. He was waiting.


    ¡°You speak of the God King?¡±


    From the darkness, a slow exhale, a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he whispered. ¡°Thalazan. The charm opened a door, and through that door the God King crept, to claim this world for his own.¡± He fell silent again, and for a time all that could be heard were the distant sounds of war.


    ¡°Was it really so bad?¡± She finally asked. This was the question, the thought, that had burned some time deep inside her. ¡°One king or another, what does it matter?¡±


    Silence.


    ¡°The people of Orent do not fear a king. They do not flee their homes, abandoning their lives before a king¡¯s host. They will not burn tonight by a king¡¯s commands. They fear you Malachai, and they will die because of you. Tell me, please, why must we sacrifice so much to free ourselves?¡±


    ¡°We were not meant to be slaves, girl.¡±


    ¡°There have always been kings.¡±


    ¡°Kings that lived among their people. Kings that lived and died in the lands they ruled. Whose decisions were judged by the people who chose to follow them.¡±


    ¡°And what choices has the God King made, to turn you so against him?¡±


    Silence. They had stopped walking and Malachai stood in the darkness, motionless.


    ¡°I do not know.¡± His voice broke, choking on the words.


    ¡°Then how can you¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªWhat I know is that we are trapped! Cogs in a machine we do not understand, are part of a painting whose image we cannot fully see. We live on the whim of a god we know nothing of, a god whose whims could change in an instant.¡± She heard his fist hit the cold stone and the thud echoed through the halls.


    ¡°Then we should wait! Until such a time as he proves himself to be our enemy.¡±


    ¡°By then it would be too late! Look at where you are! A city far greater than any in our world! Buried in the blink of an eye at the coming of our King. Would they have been right to wait?¡± His yells grew louder, ranting and raving as fury took him. ¡°No! We must strike now!¡± He pushed past her. ¡°There is no more time. Come! We will speak of this no more.¡±


    They walked on. Climbing higher and higher towards Orent. Soon they were just a few hundred meters from the shop.


    And there it was, Sophie¡¯s first message. A fireplace scratched into the floor. If you stood in its center and looked straight up you could just see the hatch leading into their home.


    ¡°We¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°About time,¡± Malachai replied sourly. His mood had not improved since they last spoke. ¡°Your home is just outside the second wall, yes?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Good. We won¡¯t have far to go.¡±


    Fia lifted her staff, tapping it on a rune hidden between stalactites. Above the hatch glowed, and a wooden rope fell to them.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± He questioned as they climbed into the safe room.


    ¡°Something we built, preparing for you¡­¡±


    ¡°We?¡±


    ¡°Never mind.¡± She walked forward and the runes on her sister''s door glowed in recognition. Another mark of Sophie¡¯s genius. Only she and Fia could open it. All others would be repelled. Even Timor had failed in his attempt.


    She pulled it open, but as she did, something slammed into it from the outside sending her tumbling to the floor as a shadow burst into the room.


    It was a man, covered in ashes and stinking of death.


    ¡°Thank the gods!¡± He rambled, eyes darting around the room. ¡°It''s chaos out there! I only just managed to escape¡­the king¡­ the king has abandoned us!¡±


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± She cried. ¡°You can¡¯t be here!¡±


    ¡°Like hell, I can¡¯t! He backed away from her, away from the door, deeper into the room. ¡°There¡¯s nothing but death out there! I¡¯ll take my chances against you two before I step outside this room!¡±


    Fia stood, facing him. ¡°We don¡¯t want to fight you. But we have to leave.¡±


    ¡°Fine by me,¡± the man shouted, ¡°If you two want to go to your deaths, be my guest. That¡¯s no reason for me to have to leave¡­¡± He faltered, before shouting, ¡°I won¡¯t take anything, I promise!¡±


    ¡°Fia?¡±


    ¡°Just a moment!¡± She couldn¡¯t leave him here. It was the one thing Timor had demanded. But could she really send him out to die?


    ¡°Look¡ªwhat¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°A-Adam,¡± he stammered, stumbling back as she walked towards him.


    ¡°Fia?¡±


    ¡°I said just a moment!¡± Adam had moved his way to Malachai, back at the far end of the room. ¡°Adam, I¡¯m sorry, we really don¡¯t want to harm you, but we cannot let you stay here. So, please just come with us.¡± She held out her hand, eyes begging.


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡± He shrank away from her wailing, ¡°I can¡¯t go through it again!¡±


    ¡°Adam, please!¡± She closed her eyes, mind racing. She could think of something. She just needed a moment.


    ¡°Fia!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± She snapped, eyes flying open. Malachai stood with his hands gripping Adam¡¯s shoulders. The man whimpered mumbling under his breath.


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­ Please¡­ Don¡¯t make me¡­¡±


    ¡°Malachai, what are you doing?¡±


    ¡°He cannot stay here?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± He asked eyes wide with wonder.


    ¡°There isn¡¯t time to explain!¡± She cried.


    ¡°I understand.¡± Malachai¡¯s eyes narrowed, and in one swift movement, he swung Adam through the hatch, throwing him down into the darkness below.


    Cycle: Timor 3-3

 Chapter 17: The Garden of The Moon

    Chapter 17


    ¡°What have you done!?¡±


    The last of the man¡¯s screams died out, and all grew quiet in the darkness below.


    ¡°He wasn¡¯t going to leave.¡±


    ¡°We could have¡ª I could have¡­ done something.¡±


    ¡°There was no time.¡± Malachai stood; arms folded. ¡°He would have died regardless. Now we need not waste any more thought on his fate.¡±


    ¡°You were not meant to hurt them¡­ Albrecht said¡­you promised.¡±


    ¡°I promised that I would let nothing stand in my way.¡± He exclaimed; face twisted in righteous fury. ¡°Now hurry, or he will have died for nothing.¡±


    Outside the saferoom, the shop was in ruin. Windows smashed in, door hanging crookedly off its hinges. The shelves had been toppled and on the floor were the scattered remains of broken charms and grimoires torn apart, tattered pages blowing in the wind.


    Between the rubble and the oozing spill of a hundred different elixirs were signs of a disturbing truth. Something large had been here, tracking its prints all over the shop. Turning back, she saw deep gashes, clawed into the door of Sophie¡¯s room. It had been trying to break in. But why?


    ¡°We should go.¡± Said Malachai. ¡°Whatever it was might come back.¡±


    Nodding, she shut the door and the runes glowed shifting and turning in the golden light, sealing the entrance. Picking their way through the ruin, they made their way out into the street.


    It was late, well past midnight, on a night with no moon. But the orange glow of distant fires lit the city, painting it in a strange burning twilight.


    ¡°Your men do not seem to be heeding their commands.¡± She said darkly. ¡°And now the city will be lost to flame.¡±


    ¡°Such is the nature of war.¡± He replied. ¡°When bloodlust strikes a man, nothing can stop him from returning to the savagery of his most base instincts.¡±


    The words rang hollow, caught in his throat. Confident as they were, the sight of Orent put to the torch had shaken Malachai. His shoulders drooped and he refused to lift his gaze as they journeyed up the hill, unable to acknowledge the destruction he had wrought.


    When they reached the gate of the second wall, they found it already abandoned. Its soldiers called back to fortify the palace to protect their king.


    ¡°See!¡± Malachai shouted. ¡°See how he abandons his subjects! What more proof do you need? A king who abandons his people cannot remain king.¡± His words were for Fia, but she thought their meaning truly meant for himself. Confirming his path and reassuring him that he had made the right choice.


    As always, the climb through the upper levels was an agonizing journey. The fires below hid most of the army''s worst crimes in the lower wards, burning them away and leaving only ashes. But there were no fires here, only death. And the horror of his men¡¯s descent took its toll on the rebel king.


    ¡°It had to be done¡­ it had to be done¡­ no other way¡­¡± He muttered to himself as they walked, eyes dark, lost in madness.


    She could have spared him from the worst of it. Though it had been long since she walked this way, there was no forgetting the heinous acts carried out by Malachai¡¯s army. Seared in her mind, she could not escape each horrendous scene, and deep down she wanted Malachai to feel the same disgust.


    He shuddered at every passing. Each alley, home to some vile transgression, and around every corner a new nightmare waiting to be revealed.


    Soon they came to the last wall, the foot of the palace. Here, scattered in a courtyard were the banners of the king, sapphire and gold stained red with crimson paint. A violent skirmish had taken place around the gatehouse, yet Fia could not see the banners of the white hawk. This had been no battle between men.


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    In the shadows of the gate lay a beast. It was peaceful, sleeping in the remains of a gluttonous feast. The mangy fur, matted with blood rose and fell steadily, its rib cage shaking, pressed against its meager hide. It was curled around a corpse, its rope-like tail twitching as it slumbered tugging at the man¡¯s arms.


    Malachai strode towards it. ¡°Begone, foul thing!¡± he cried.


    The beast stirred, raising its head as it yawned, lips pulling back to expose rows of thin needled fangs.


    ¡°I only take what has been promised to me,¡± it whispered, blinking slowly, dark eyes shining curiously behind them.


    ¡°You were promised the remains!¡± Malachai boomed. ¡°While I am still here, there is nothing for you!¡±


    Scowling, the creature shrunk back, tail tugging at the body it had claimed. ¡°Corpses all around,¡± it rasped. ¡°Hard to tell which is which and whose is whose.¡±


    Malachai moved forward stepping into the shade of the gatehouse. As he did his figure seemed to grow, expanding until he towered over the beast. From his waist, he drew a blade, silver as the moon it shone, radiant, even in the dark of night. And the creature shook, cowering before him.


    When he spoke his voice echoed, loud as thunder, ringing through the empty streets, and all traces of madness and doubt vanished. ¡°You will have your time, demon! Begone! Do not think to defile these men while I stand before you. You are here by my grace and by the grace of those whose authority I wield.¡± He raised the blade and the world seemed to bend around its visage rending the very air before it.


    It fled from him, slinking into the shadows. But just before it disappeared the monster turned its eyes to Fia, meeting her gaze. It stared at her knowingly, then its snout curled into a hideous grin and it faded into the night.


    ¡°You let that thing into the city!¡± Fia shook with anger, ¡°Bargained with it! For our lives!¡±


    He turned back to her, smaller now, but shining still. ¡°There is no victory here without a meaningful sacrifice.¡± He muttered.


    ¡°Beasts like that fill your ranks and you wonder at the carnage left in their wake?¡±


    But the doubt that had filled him was gone, and his conviction returned to him in waves. ¡°We are lucky,¡± he said. ¡°It has cleared the way for us. The rest will be at the front, defending against my army.¡± His eyes rose to the palace, high above. ¡°We will find no more resistance here.¡±


    The road to the palace was still long, and the steps to its door were narrow and winding. Cut into the great knoll, they bent and curved, twisting back and forth climbing towards the stars. But Malachai had been right. There was no more opposition, no defense against a second assault. They only needed to walk, and the way would open before them.


    At the stairs end, the path opened into an imperial garden. It was vast, green, and beautiful, but something was amiss. The trees were too tall, the flowers too vibrant, the air was still, and yet the long grass called to her, dancing in the light of a moon that was not there. It was so like their world, and so unlike it. An artist''s rendition of a land once dreamt of.


    ¡°We best not dally here,¡± Malachai spoke softly eyes lifted to the heavens in awe.


    ¡°What is this place?¡± She whispered. The stars above were strange. They flickered and glowed like hers, but the shapes they made were foreign and unknown.


    ¡°The Garden of the Moon.¡± Tears streamed down his face. ¡°I have always wanted to see it. A man may gaze a hundred years here, never seeing the same stars twice¡­ On whose sky do we look upon this night¡­¡± He stood entranced until the light of his eyes was merely a reflection of the constellations above.


    ¡°Malachai, we should go.¡±


    He did not respond.


    ¡°Malachai, remember your path.¡±


    Only muttered ramblings. He was lost in their radiant glow.


    ¡°Malachai!¡± She shouted, pulling at his arm and tearing his eyes from the stars.


    And the spell was broken. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Fia¡­¡± He blinked, eyes glassy, rubbing his face in his hands. ¡°It is a strange thing¡­ to be so close to the end. Should we succeed here the Garden will fall, and never again will our world be home to such wonder¡­ I am grateful to have seen it, yet, I think it might be better if I never had.¡±


    He took one last look, lingering on its beauty. Then he let out a sigh lowering his head, and looked upon it no more.


    ¡°Fia, the compass.¡± He held out his hand.


    She pulled it from her robes and it started to spin in the palm of her hand.


    ¡°Throw it!¡± He commanded. ¡°Cast it into the air and we shall follow it to the door!¡±


    She did as he asked tossing it up, and it whirled before them, hovering, for just a moment. Then it took off towards the palace.


    ¡°After it!¡±


    They ran. Over hill and dale, through beds of flowers, and across meadows of long grass. The golden light led them onward.


    Finally, it stopped, and Fia caught it, plucked it from the air, and held it in her fingers. The compass had grown hot. It did not burn, nor was it painful to touch, a strange sensation, tickling at her skin making her feel ill at ease.


    It had stopped in front of a small path leading to a large doorway, barred by towering slabs of stone set into the mountain. In their center cut into the rock was an indentation, a spiral of stars and runes.


    ¡°A keyhole.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Malachai replied. ¡°Good thing we have the key.¡±


    Between them and the door were two immense statues. Covered in eyes, they watched her, their thin twisting limbs reaching out as if to take her from this world.


    ¡°What are they?¡±


    ¡°Guardians.¡±


    ¡°Will they wake?¡±


    ¡°Only one way to find out.¡±


    Cycle: Timor 3-3

 Chapter 18: The Spider

    Chapter 18


    ¡°So, we just press it into the center¡­?¡±


    ¡°And the door opens.¡±


    ¡°And the door opens,¡± Fia sighed. ¡°Or¡­those two statues spring to life, tearing us to pieces and dragging our corpses off into the dark.¡±


    ¡°It does seem a distinct possibility.¡± Malachai stood, facing the stone guardians, unable to turn his back on their watching eyes.


    ¡°And you¡¯re sure this is the door?¡±


    ¡°It must be.¡±


    Fia shook her head. ¡°There¡¯s a lot of doors in the palace, it could be any of them, and this one doesn¡¯t seem particularly well guarded.¡±


    ¡°Unless it is¡± replied the rebel king, unable to look away from the grotesque shapes. ¡°Where¡¯s that specter of yours?¡±


    Ella, yes, Ella could help, unless, ¡°She¡¯ll come if I need her.¡±


    ¡°And, what, if I need her?¡±


    ¡°Then you may be left waiting.¡±


    ¡°A harrowing thought indeed, but we must press forward.¡± Malachai braced himself, hand resting upon his hilt. ¡°Whenever you are ready.¡±


    The great stone slabs stood bare before her, hewn into the mountain, there were neither seams nor hinges. Like the tunnels beneath the city, their perfection surpassed the skill of even Orent¡¯s greatest minds, built by magic, one long lost. In their center was the keyhole.


    Fia lifted her hand, and the compass with it. The whirling rings came to a sudden halt locking into position, a perfect match to the carvings on the door. It was time.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t do that,¡± a voice called out. And from the shadows stepped an old man, a familiar face, it was Albrecht.


    ¡°Albrecht, old friend.¡± Malachai chuckled. ¡°You gave me quite the scare!¡± He waved at the statues in between them. ¡°What do you know of these grim creatures?¡±


    ¡°They won¡¯t come,¡± Albrecht whispered. ¡°Not yet anyways.¡± He was staring intently, eyes locked on Fia. But there was something different about them. Albrecht¡¯s eyes were dark¡­ olive. These were much lighter and in their strands were woven flecks of gold.


    ¡°Well, what are we waiting for? Let¡¯s get moving before they¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªMalachai!¡± She grabbed his arm, pulling him to face her. ¡°Malachai, he is not your friend.¡±


    ¡°Fia,¡± he took her hands gently. ¡°I know he has hurt you¡­ But we all fight together now. Do not let your past spoil this victory.¡±


    ¡°Malachai, look at his eyes!¡± She pushed him past him, stepping towards the Magistari.


    ¡°Tell me,¡± She cried. ¡°What happened to the girl? What happened to Evi?¡±


    ¡°Such terrible business,¡± Albrecht replied, head resting in the shadow of the many-armed beast. ¡°But it had to be done, had to be convincing¡­¡±


    ¡°Convincing to who?¡±


    ¡°This was always the plan.¡± Malachai reached out, pulling at her shoulders. ¡°Nothing has changed, Fia. We are all here now.¡±


    ¡°You were not meant to let him through without me,¡± whispered the old man, his voice wavering faintly. ¡°And yet you were about to open the door¡­¡±


    ¡°What happens when we do?¡±


    Albrecht smiled. A wicked grin cut across his face. ¡°Just as you said, the statues will crumble, and the beasts within will take us all.¡± The gold had taken his eyes, and they glimmered in the darkness. Their glow was all that could be seen.


    ¡°Even you?¡±


    ¡°Even me.¡±


    She heard a sharp gasp and Malachai stepped from behind her. ¡°Albrecht¡­ Albrecht come back to me, dear friend.¡± His eyes were clouded, and the lines in his face were set deeper and cut sharper than she had ever seen them. He was much older than she had realized and his face was twisted in sorrow.


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    ¡°Oh, Malachai,¡± a dark voice crooned. ¡°I want you to know that I truly did try to stop you. You were never meant to make it this far, but, deep down, part of me hoped you would.¡±


    ¡°How long?¡± Malachai choked, the words dying on his lips.


    ¡°Perhaps, since the beginning¡­Perhaps not until this very night. Which would be worse? I wonder¡­¡±


    ¡°I suppose it makes no difference now.¡± His hand gripped tight upon the hilt of his blade.


    From the mage, there came a low rumble. Deep and raw, it grew until the still air shook with its sound, a howling wind beating against the mountain. And Albrecht fell, his body cracking on the stone floor as bone shattered and skin tore. And from behind his writhing mass, a strange moon rose in the garden.


    From his back burst great slender branches, golden thorns that climbed toward the stars before arcing at the joint, as they fell to plant upon the stone. And they lifted him, raising him high, into the night, until his figure was lost in a halo of false light.


    Malachai drew his blade, and with it a second moon rose, its silver light racing to meet the gold.


    Suddenly, a shadow loomed before them, swallowing the light. It was a monstrous creature with many legs. Its splayed limbs twitched, and then it jerked, scuttling toward them, Albrecht¡¯s limp corpse swinging with each step.


    ¡°Ella!¡± Fia cried, and Ella was with them, her shields glowing in a flash of light as they spun in the air.


    The spider came for them, crawling to the edge of the light, where it settled, curling around its perimeter. Slowly, it stretched out its limbs, creeping over the orb and pushing inward. As its barbed legs sank through the surface and gold touched gold the shield parted, recognizing the beast as one of its own and welcoming it into the fold.


    It was only then that the spider struck. Falling upon them in a storm of gilded spears. The first pierced Ella, stabbing through her and nailing her to the stone. Slumped over, the specter began to melt, and the spider grew, feeding on its aureate light.


    Malachai swung his blade, and as silver met gold, there came a shriek. And the beast collapsed, stumbling back as a leg fell from it.


    With a cry, he charged after. Steel glimmering as he hacked and cleaved, dancing through the chitinous snare. It pulled tighter and tighter, reaching for his throat. But the spider could not touch him. And his sword sang, one limb falling, then another, like crooked branches lost in a storm.


    He struck it down, and it lay among the rocks, legs pulled back, curling towards the sky. And Albrecht was there, cold and still. But as Malachai approached, his head lifted from the ruin, eyes turning to meet him. The rebel king froze, caught in their web. They were not Albrecht¡¯s eyes, but the Magistari could still be seen in their golden lattice. In its many windows, each a memory, a reminder of the man he had been. And Malachai stayed his hand, his sword falling as he wept.


    ¡°Albrecht¡­¡±


    Albrecht rose, face contorting into a gruesome sneer. He walked to Malachai, speaking softly, arms outstretched.


    ¡°No!¡± Fia screamed. She raised her staff, sending spears of light flying through the air. But the gold passed right through him. As it did, he turned to her eyes gleaming.


    ¡°Wait,¡± he rasped. ¡°Wait and you may yet survive this.¡±


    A flash, another volley. And then laughter, shrill and piercing.


    ¡°Foolish girl!¡± He held Malachai, lifting him by the neck. ¡°What more proof do you need? Your spells are of no use against one such as I!¡±


    ¡°Malachai!¡± She screamed. ¡°Malachai! It¡¯s not over!¡± But there was no answer. The man hung slack, strung up in the spider''s hooks.


    ¡°A sad end, indeed.¡± As he spoke, his thin arms began to turn, spinning the rebel, weaving a golden silk around his flesh. ¡°But, the more we talk, Fia, the longer he will live.¡±


    ¡°Talk?¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± The voice whispered, a familiar voice, where had she heard it before?


    ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°I have been looking for someone just like you.¡±


    ¡°Someone like me?¡± Slowly, carefully, she began to inch away from him. If she could just keep him talking for a little longer¡­ ¡°Why?¡±


    He paused, limbs frozen mid-turn. ¡°On the river, I sensed something in you. Something old. A magic. Older than our world. I must know what it is.¡±


    ¡°Why would I tell you?¡± She reached out, one hand behind her back, fingers brushing over the smooth stone, feeling for the grooves.


    ¡°I have much to offer, Fia, most of all to one like you.¡±


    There it was. The stars, the runes, deep trenches in the stone. The keyhole. She pulled her hand back, slipping it into her pocket and taking hold of the compass.


    ¡°A sister, perhaps.¡±


    She froze.


    More laughter.


    ¡°It seems I do have something to offer you. That is good.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t¡ª could he? They weren¡¯t real. That was what Timor had said.


    ¡°What do you know of my sister?¡± The words just slipped out of her.


    ¡°Sophie? She is one of mine. You could join her if you wished. In exchange, you need only lend me your eyes for a time. It is a trade I promise none have regretted.¡±


    Fia¡¯s heart raced. The pounding drummed in her ears. She needed to think, needed a moment.


    ¡°What about him?¡± She pointed at Albrecht. ¡°I don¡¯t think he would have wanted to his.¡±


    ¡°Oh Fia, I don¡¯t think you know what this man wanted. He was the sort to hide himself away. Many would have been disappointed to see his true nature.¡± The spinning stopped, and Malachai was gone. And the spider began to walk, stalking her down. ¡°Albrecht came to me willingly and was given all he asked for.¡±


    At that moment the pounding ceased. And it came to her. A calm understanding. He had no power here.


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand my magic,¡± she breathed.


    ¡°What?¡±


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


    His head tilted, eyes searching her face. But they had gone dark, their luster dulled by confusion.


    ¡°Happening?¡±


    ¡°We are in a loop.¡± And she spun, thrusting the charm through the keyhole.


    ¡°Girl no¡ª¡±


    The doors crumbled. Light of every color burst through the cracks and there was a scream. Now was her chance. The only answers she could find in this world were through that doorway. Behind her, the great statues sprang to life, clawing at the spider, tearing into him, devouring his gold amidst the falling rock.


    Fia stepped through the door.


    Cycle: Timor 3-3

 Chapter 19: Rain

    Chapter 19


    The soft patter of rainfall drummed on the roof above her. It was always raining. A light sprinkle danced along the cobblestone, pooling in the cracks of the road. Fishermen splashed through deep puddles, making their way down to the docks. Even in her dreams, she could see it. The men, the streets, the light of fresh candles blinking in tiny shop windows. Washed in the silvery gleam of dawn.


    It was comforting, the steady rhythm of its fall called to her, drawing her into the waking world. No matter what happened, it would always start with rain.


    A flash, as lightning struck. And in the distance, the rumbling of low thunder. A second flash. This one burned into her mind¡¯s eye. A tower. A spiraling monolith, climbing towards the heavens. A sinking feeling. She wasn¡¯t supposed to be here. Why was she back at the beginning?


    Fia opened her eyes. It was as it always was. Canvas, scattered across the floor, spattered paint drying on the table. She was home. Again. She wanted to scream.


    The stone doors led to nothing. They were not part of her prison. It was so obvious now. There was an end to her loop; what should have lain outside could not exist because Sophie had not left it for her. She had not meant for Fia to leave this world. Perhaps her sister had not even known that you could. Fia would never see the tower because it was already gone, toppled centuries ago¡­ There was no way out.


    She lay in bed, wrapped up in so many blankets. Twisting them around her as she buried her face in their warmth. The faint smell of Sophie¡¯s perfume still lingered amongst the sheets. It had stayed with her for so long. But thanks to Timor, it was finally beginning to fade.


    The rain had stopped and the sun had already begun to fall before she finally rose.


    Her stomach growled, but there was no more food. She had eaten all the bacon, and though there was bread, it sat molding on the countertop. Timor¡¯s little gift¡­


    Fia gathered her things. Her purse was so light, nearly empty. She had grown accustomed to its bulging weight, replenished at every turn of the loop. But no longer. She needed some customers, and soon.


    Down below, the shop was in ruins. Torn pages, shattered glass, deep gashes clawed into the wood, it was all still there. And the magnitude of Timor¡¯s changes hit her, knocking her to her knees. Her life had been one of somber routine, a monotonous existence in a world indifferent to her sorrow. But Timor¡¯s magic had changed all that. The world was turned against her, delighting in her pain and reveling in each tragedy that befell her. She began to sob.


    ¡°Now, now,¡± a voice called. ¡°Stop that crying. I¡¯ve already started tidying up. If we work together, we¡¯ll be done in no time.¡±


    Across from her, sitting in Sophie¡¯s armchair, was a rather rotund lady. She was elderly and wrapped from head to toe in great furs and fine jewelry. Her sharp eyes and thin lips gave her a haughty, aristocratic look. But her voice had been soft and sweet. And there was a smile hidden beneath her wrinkles.


    ¡°There, there, it¡¯s nothing to fret over, dear. See?¡± She waved her hand as the room shimmered. And all at once the shop started to put itself back together. ¡°Come sit with me,¡± she nodded to the chair beside her, whose arms were frantically stuffing the padding back into its seat. ¡°I¡¯ve brought biscuits.¡±


    ¡°Did Timor send you?¡± Fia asked, rubbing her eyes as she sat.


    ¡°Indeed, he did. You came highly recommended, though I suppose first impressions are not always what they seem.¡± She winked, smiling kindly, and handed Fia a biscuit. ¡°You may call me Amani. And you must be Fia, yes?¡±


    She nodded. She wasn¡¯t sure what a biscuit was, but it tasted incredible. It had felt quite hard in her hand, and at first, she had thought it might have been burnt. But the first bite had crumbled beautifully, flaking into her mouth in a sweet crunch of rich buttery flavor. She couldn¡¯t help notice how many more of them lay, neatly arranged, on the side table.


    ¡°Excellent, excellent. Well, Fia I¡­¡± She paused, her head turning from Fia to the biscuits and back again. ¡°Oh, just take them, girl!¡± she exclaimed, holding out the tin. ¡°Better not make a habit of it, though,¡± she called out as Fia devoured one after another. ¡°You really shouldn¡¯t have so many.¡±


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    When she had finally picked the last crumbs from the bottom of the tin, Amani spoke again. ¡°As I was saying, I have been advised that you may be able to help me with a little supply issue I am currently navigating.¡±


    ¡°What kind of issue?¡± She choked. Her mouth was so dry, and sticky, her lips clung to each other, trapping the words between them¡­ was this why you weren¡¯t supposed to have so many of them?


    Amani regarded her curiously. ¡°You are a peculiar girl.¡± She waved her hand, and a steaming teacup appeared on the table. ¡°Drink up. I won¡¯t stand for any more delays. Now where was I?¡±


    ¡°A supply issue?¡±


    ¡°Indeed. I am the creator and sole provider of a rather delicate potion in my world. It has gained me a great fortune but also a great number of enemies.¡±


    ¡°Interesting.¡± Were there any more biscuits? Would it be unprofessional to ask? ¡°I suppose one of the ingredients is found here?¡±


    ¡°Just so. The main ingredient, in fact. Functionally extinct where I come from, though I had my own greenhouse for it. That is until¡­¡±


    ¡°Someone destroyed it?¡±


    ¡°A particularly foul competitor of mine. My stores have nearly run dry, and I¡¯d started to think I¡¯d have to close up shop. It really was a stroke of luck, Timor finding you.¡± She paused, patting Fia gently on the arm. ¡°Though I am sure it must be terrible for you. How horrible it must be, to be trapped here.¡±


    ¡°It is¡­Any chance you might want to help me get out of it?¡±


    ¡°Oh, but dear, you must know that I would!¡± Amani gasped; eyes wide. ¡°But there¡¯s nothing I can do! I am simply,¡± she sniffed, ¡°not the mage that Timor is.¡±


    ¡°How are you getting out then?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ It''s sort of a round trip deal. You see, Timor places a seal on me, which brings me here. When I want to leave, I remove the seal, and I am returned home.¡± She took Fia¡¯s hands. ¡°I know it''s not fair, child. But let''s try to make the best of this, shall we?¡±


    ¡°I suppose¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit!¡± Amani beamed, and then as if reading Fia¡¯s mind, she leaned in and whispered, ¡°I¡¯ll even leave a couple of boxes of these biscuits. I know it¡¯s not much, but some days you just need a little extra kick to get you going.¡±


    Though she was loath to admit it, this brightened Fia¡¯s mood tremendously. And she squirmed in her seat, struggling to maintain composure. ¡°Tell me about this ingredient.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a flower. We call it a Snowy Lilac, it''s¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªPurple and white?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± From deep within her furs, she drew a small scroll. Carefully unrolling it before handing the parchment to Fia.


    It was a simple sketch of a small plant, painted with a dozen tiny blossoms, ivory petals, their edges dusted in periwinkle.


    ¡°Moonshade¡­¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯re familiar? Excellent. I¡¯ll need¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªWhat kind of potion uses wildflower?¡±


    Amani coughed uncomfortably, her face turning its own shade of violet. ¡°I¡¯d rather not say,¡± she finally muttered.


    Had Sophie ever mentioned it? She didn¡¯t think so¡­


    ¡°It solves a very personal issue in my world,¡± Amani stammered. ¡°I promise you it''s nothing bad! Just not something one normally speaks of in polite conversation. Please, let us speak no more of it.¡±


    ¡°Well alright¡­¡± Perhaps Berta would know; she would have to ask later.


    ¡°Good,¡± the old woman sighed, her relief washing the violet blush from her face. ¡°I¡¯ll need at least twenty samples to restart my grow, but I¡¯ll take as many as you can get your hands on. When you¡¯ve finished, contact Timor and he will let me know.¡±


    ¡°First, we need to discuss my fee.¡±


    ¡°Oh goodness!¡± Amani clutched at her breast, ¡°I am terribly sorry. I thought that had already been arranged. How rude of me! Going on and on about myself when what we really need to iron out is what you need. You take your payments in gold. Is that incorrect?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I mean no. That is to say, I accept gold.¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± she began to twirl her fingers as gold coins dripped from the nails, stacking neatly on the end table.


    ¡°That¡¯s good!¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Amani¡¯s head tilted quizzically.


    Was that too little? ¡°Good for half!¡± She blustered. ¡°Which I take up front¡­and then the same amount¡­the second half, upon delivery!¡±


    ¡°Hmmm,¡± she pondered, crossing and then uncrossing her legs. ¡°Let''s make it double, shall we?¡±


    ¡°Are you¡­ Are you sure?¡±


    Aman leaned in, ¡°You¡¯re already giving me such a good deal as it is,¡± she whispered gently.


    ¡°Well then, then, make it triple the gold!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t push it¡­¡±


    ¡°Then¡­ I¡¯ll take the biscuits up front!¡±


    Amani laughed, a twinkling titter, like chimes dancing in the wind. ¡°I accept your terms, Fia! And I hope that this is the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership.¡± She held out her hand.


    Fia took it. ¡°Amani?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Could you,¡± she hesitated, ¡°tell me about your world?¡±


    The aristocrat grew small as she sank deep into the armchair, folding her hands, head bowed in thought. ¡°Timor thought it best not to speak of such things,¡± she murmured, half to Fia, half to herself. ¡°But what is the harm¡­¡± She fell silent.


    ¡°Amani?¡±


    ¡°Yes, dear,¡± she raised her head, eyes twinkling mischievously. ¡°I haven¡¯t much time, but I suppose I could indulge you one question.¡±


    Just one question. She would have to make it count.


    ¡°Timor told me he acts as a middleman for an entity in your world.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Amani replied. Her voice was soft, guarded, but the sparkle had not left her eyes.


    ¡°What exactly is it?¡±


    ¡°The Vise Company? My dear girl, where do I begin?¡±


    Cycle: Timor 4-1

 Chapter 20: The Whispering Woods

    Chapter 20


    The Whispering Woods. Moonshade could be found in the forest. Or at least that¡¯s what she¡¯d read in one of Sophie¡¯s many books on herbology. The page dedicated to it had not revealed much. It was a common flower, in the north, but this far south could only be found in one place. So that¡¯s where she was headed.


    Fia had not been able to discover the flower¡¯s uses. The text stated ¡°no known magical properties¡± and left it at that. There was a small section about a failed attempt to use it as a salve. Apparently, it had caused the wounded to bleed out nearly twice as quickly. She could not imagine a use for something that made you bleed faster, but then Amani did come from a very different land. Perhaps their blood was quite different from her own.


    It was good to be back on the road. There had been far too much excitement recently. The Whispering Woods were close enough to reach in half a day or so, but far enough from all the battles and betrayal. She¡¯d had enough of that to last her the next dozen cycles.


    Just there and back again. Quick and easy. She¡¯d even brought her canvas. The last time had been such a failure, and she was anxious to give it a second go. Her fingers itched, unable to keep still in eager anticipation.


    But there was another reason for excitement. Fia hoped she¡¯d timed it right. He¡¯d probably be getting there now. Or perhaps he was already down below, struggling with the door''s locks, waiting for someone to show him the way. Her heart sang as she walked, her feet so light that it almost felt like skipping. He could be quite foolish, but it was good to have a friend.


    It was just past midday when she finally reached the forest''s edge. Just off the road, she saw a wooden cart. And in the shade of the tree line, two horses stood grazing. One lifted its head as she approached. It brayed, stomping its feet, prancing excitedly in place.


    Fia smiled, just as she¡¯d hoped. She stayed with them a while, resting in the shade, dipping her feet in the nearby creek. The sun was too high to do anything more; it beat down on the forest, and even hiding beneath the leaves offered little respite from its heat.


    But it did not stay so hot for long. Soon the sun began to fall, dipping behind the clouds and disappearing from view. It was time to go. She walked along the creek''s banks, following it deeper into the woods. The lazy waters rippled in and out of the afternoon light, lapping at smooth rocks and broken twigs, dragging clumps of green moss and mushy leaves as it meandered through the trees.


    Beneath her feet, the loamy soil teemed with life. Amidst the rotting wood and festering detritus was a thriving ecosystem of insects, mold, and fungi. And nestled in patches of the rich, spongy soil were clusters of a strange pale mushroom. They were a sickly color, bone white stalks with marbled iridescent caps. When Fia had crushed one beneath her boot, it had burst like ripe fruit, releasing oozing yellow spores. Curiously, after this, though they lined the dell around her, the toadstools always seemed to recoil at the last moment, shifting just beyond her step no matter where her foot landed.


    There was no Moonshade near the waters. The book had not mentioned where it grew, but she¡¯d thought that, needing water, near a stream would make sense. In fact, there were no flowers to be found nearby. Perhaps Eike would know. He was from the north, though north had come to mean a rather large portion of the empire.


    Ahead, the trees opened up, giving way to a bright glade. Her lips curled into a half smile as her pace quickened; she was almost there. In the meadows of long grass, she saw him. He was sitting, knees pulled up to his chest. Rocking back and forth, sun-kissed in the fading light.


    ¡°Ei¡ª¡±


    His head jerked, and he sprang into the air, spinning around, hand on his blade.


    ¡°¡ªHi,¡± she coughed, clearing her throat uncomfortably, ¡°Hello there.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Hello.¡± He replied, staring at her. ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t think anyone else would be around.¡±


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± It was always a little awkward, meeting someone for the first time¡­again. ¡°I was just¡­ I¡¯m looking for something¡­ I read it might be in these woods¡­¡±


    ¡°Then I hope you have better luck than I¡¯ve had.¡± Eike shook his head, pointing across the grass. ¡°I¡¯ve been searching all day for this, but something seems to have happened to it.¡±


    It was only then that Fia noticed the missing hill. In its place, a sunken void remained. A tangle of roots, earth, and stone slumping inward like a half-dug grave. She could just see the top of the long stairway, peeking out from beneath the crumbling ruin. What had happened here? She thought of the many-armed beast and was glad to see it buried.


    ¡°I heard there was a dungeon here,¡± she heard him mutter. ¡°But I guess someone else got to it first.¡± He looked at her again, and his head tilted ever so slightly. ¡°Are you a mage?¡±


    Fia sighed, ¡°Because of the robe?¡±


    ¡°The staff too,¡± he mumbled, indignantly, toying with the hem of his sleeve. ¡°All the mages I¡¯ve ever met wore robes like that.¡±


    ¡°Have you met many mages?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve met plenty!¡± He retorted, turning a deep crimson. ¡°Powerful mages! Maybe even more powerful than you!¡±


    ¡°Well, that would not be saying much.¡± She smiled, ¡°But you¡¯re right, I am a mage.¡±


    His face brightened, breaking into a smile of his own, ¡°I knew it! Are you here for the dungeon as well?¡± The words spilled out of him in gushes, ¡°We might be able to move the rocks around a bit, clear a path!¡±


    ¡°Actually, I¡¯m here for a flower.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± His shoulders drooped, and he kicked at the grass, exhaling wistfully. ¡°A magic flower?¡± He finally asked, eyes begging for something more.


    ¡°Not really¡­¡±


    ¡°But it might be guarded by some terrible beasts?¡± She could hear the desperation creeping into his words.


    ¡°Your guess is as good as mine.¡±


    ¡°It is a big forest¡­¡± His voice trailed away, head bobbing as he nodded to himself, ¡°Probably filled with beasts. Yea¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, are you still talking to me?¡±


    He looked up, smacking his hands together. ¡°Alright!¡± he chirped.


    ¡°Alright?¡±


    With a flourish, Eike lifted his arm, swinging the great sword from his back, and pointing it towards the setting sun.


    ¡°I, Eike, of house Aalder, would be honored to join your party!¡± He spoke boldly, sweeping his arms back, as he sank into a deep bow. But the sudden shifting weight of his blade sent him toppling into the long grass.


    She buried her face in the hood of her robe, ¡°You may call me Fia,¡± she choked, failing to stifle her laughter. ¡°And let¡¯s call this a trial run.¡±


    Eike struggled to his feet, grinning sheepishly. ¡°It¡¯s the sword¡­ Not used to one so big¡­¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯d you get it? It looks ancient.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an Aalder family heirloom.¡± His chest swelled with pride. ¡°Someday I¡¯ll add my own legend to this storied blade!¡±


    ¡°Well, it seems kind of brittle. If it''s as old as you say, I¡¯d be careful swinging it. Could break for no reason whatsoever.¡±


    He scowled, eyes searching her face, ¡°Have we met before?¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯d remember meeting someone from the famous house Aalder.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to tease,¡± he sniffed, turning away as the crimson returned to his cheeks.


    ¡°Heaven¡¯s Gate, right?¡±


    His eyes widened, and he turned back to her, beaming. ¡°So, you have heard of us! I¡¯m sorry. It''s just here in the south, no one really has.¡± He slung the great sword over his back. ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m doing down here. Someone¡¯s got to spread the word! Each good deed raises our standing with the king. Now tell me about this flower!¡±


    It was twilight now, and the forest had settled fully into the gloam. A thick fog was rolling in, blanketing the glade in its shadow.


    ¡°It¡¯s called Moonshade.¡±


    ¡°What wildflower? Are you sure that even grows down here?¡± He eyed her skeptically, ¡°It''s far too hot for such a delicate blossom.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what my book said¡­¡±


    ¡°Hmmmm,¡± He scratched at his neck, ¡°It¡¯d have to be somewhere cool, by the water or where the trees are quite dense¡­¡±


    The fog was rising, swirling around them, the air growing thick with its musk.


    ¡°It¡¯s likely to be thicker, deeper in.¡± He suddenly sounded so far away, ¡°But much more dangerous, you¡¯ll be glad to have me¡­¡±


    Where had he gone?


    ¡°Eike!¡± Fia cried, ¡°Eike! Where are you?¡±


    ¡°Not that you can¡¯t take care of yourself¡­¡± His voice was so faint, barely more than a whisper. ¡°We can help each other¡­¡±


    ¡°Eike!¡± She screamed, staggering through the mist. It was getting so hard to breathe. She choked, gasping for air. But the more she struggled, the more her lungs filled with the noxious fog.


    The world began to spin, shadows in the murk whirling around her. And she fell, dark soil rushing up to meet her. She hit the ground hard. Dazed, eyes blurry, all she could see was the blinking of tiny lights, pale stalks, like little drops of moonlight, covered in an iridescent glow.


    There was a noise, the crunching of footsteps amongst the dry leaves. Stepping between the toadstools was a hunched figure. An old crone, back bent so low that her face seemed to sink beneath her ribcage, stringy hair fell from her head in clumps swinging just below her knees. She was covered in cracks and sores, weeping blood that dripped down her legs, pooling in the twisted mass of jagged nails that grew from her feet


    She walked right past Fia, humming to herself. The high-pitched vibration rose and fell like ragged breath. A soft cry, a whisper upon the wind, it pressed against her skin, sinking into her bones. The last thing she saw was the mushrooms swaying to the rhythm of the siren¡¯s call. And then, only darkness.


    Cycle: Timor 5-1

 Chapter 21: The Witch

    Chapter 21


    Where was she?


    Tiny droplets fell in the dark, splashing into deep wells and sending ripples through the still waters. The air around her hung heavy, a thick blanket, damp and cold. An eerie glow cast the room in soft shadows.


    There was a rustling at the far end of the cavern. Footsteps, followed by a low scraping slither, the slosh of rotting leaves peeling apart as something heavy slid across the stone floor. Whatever it was, it was coming towards her.


    A rattling clang and then a thud as a figure slumped beside her. It was Eike. His chest rose and fell steadily, and she could see his breath, short puffs of fog swirling around his face. He was unconscious, still bound by the woman¡¯s spell.


    She heard a sharp crack, and sparks flared, flooding the cave in a flash of brilliant light. The white glare faded to a warm incandescence, revealing a barren hovel in the light of a fire. The floor was littered with bones, stripped clean and scarred from gnawing teeth. The ceiling was held up by great knotted tree roots bending around rock and soil, their gnarled forms interwoven like the fingers of an ancient hand, caressing the earth above. In one corner lay a pile of rancid furs, a makeshift bed for the old hag.


    She stood beside it, tending to the fire. It¡¯s flames licking at the base of a large cauldron.


    ¡°The old king is dead¡­¡± she sang, stirring the pot. ¡°¡­and the forest calls me home.¡± Black clouds of billowing smoke rose from the cauldron, choking the cave in its putrid stench.


    ¡°What in the gods is that thing?¡±


    Fia jumped as Eike appeared beside her, pressing his hands against their cage. He stared between the bars, eyes narrowed.


    ¡°It¡¯s a witch,¡± she whispered, pressing a finger to her lips.


    He lowered his voice, murmuring, ¡°You two don¡¯t look much alike.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a witch!¡±


    Eike shrugged, holding a finger up to his lips in reply.


    ¡°¡­the blackened roots still twist and croon¡­¡±


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan?¡±


    ¡°First, we need out of this cage.¡±


    ¡°You must have a spell for that, right?¡±


    Fia held out her hand, closing her eyes to think. She could melt the bars¡­maybe. Or perhaps¡ª


    ¡°¡ªWhat are you doing?¡±


    ¡°What does it look like I¡¯m doing?¡± She hissed.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re just¡­ you¡¯re sort of sitting there with your hand out¡­ Do you need something from me?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± She opened her eyes, but her hand was empty. Where was her staff? ¡°Oh no,¡± she murmured.


    ¡°Oh, no?¡± Whispered Eike, through gritted teeth. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid, I¡¯m not going to be much help here,¡± she replied softly. ¡°There¡¯s a magic in this cavern, it''s blocking my own¡­Where¡¯s that big sword you were swinging around?¡±


    ¡°Unbelievable,¡± he sighed, reaching back for his hilt. But his fingers found only air. ¡°Oh no¡­¡±


    ¡°We make quite the pair, don¡¯t we?¡± Fia let out a deep breath, exhaling slowly as she pressed her thumb and forefinger between her eyes, massaging the bridge of her nose.


    ¡°A warrior who''s lost his sword, and a mage with no magic.¡± Eike grinned.


    ¡°She¡¯s going to eat us, you know.¡±


    ¡°But,¡± his head tilted slightly, ¡°If she doesn¡¯t, think of the songs they¡¯ll sing. What a daring escape it will be!¡±


    ¡°¡­Now the woods are mine alone¡­¡±


    The song ended. Its last words echoing coldly through the grotto. And the witch turned, limping towards them.


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    Eike shot her a glance, nodding his head.


    But what did that mean? What was his plan?


    ¡°What¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªWhich one of you first?¡± a voice rasped. And through the bars of the cage, the witch¡¯s head appeared. Her sallow flesh hung from the bones, loose and pale. She had no eyes. The gaping hole where they should have been stood empty. A black void, a hunger that could not be filled


    She reached out, bony fingers gripping the cage. And she shook it, screaming, ¡°Which one!¡±


    ¡°Me! Take me!¡± Shouted Eike. Then he turned his head, slyly giving her a wink.


    They were going to die.


    ¡°Hold out your hand,¡± the witch croaked. ¡°Let me see if you¡¯re ready.¡±


    There was a flash of ivory, and Fia caught a glimpse of the jagged bone between Eike¡¯s fingers.


    As she leaned in, he struck. Grabbing her arm, pulling her into the bars. And then, he jammed the shard into the void of her eye.


    The witch pulled back, shrieking as she stumbled, falling to the ground. Her cries grew louder, until the walls shook with her wails, her body writhing in agony.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t so hard, was it?¡± Eike shouted over the screams. He was beaming, chest swollen with pride.


    ¡°It isn¡¯t over¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    The ceiling began to quake. It shuddered and shook, sending dirt and stone crashing down upon them. And from the darkness burst the great roots, snaking down and wrapping themselves around the twisted woman.


    ¡°These woods are mine!¡± She bellowed, as the roots buried into her flesh, digging tunnels in and out of her skin, until she and the trees above were bound together, as one. She lifted her arm, coiling the web of vines into a great beam and swung it down upon them.


    The bars around them shattered, and Fia felt Eike¡¯s arms catch her as he leapt, pulling them from the storm of splintered wood and silver shards.


    ¡°And look at that! We¡¯re free!¡± He shouted, scrambling to his feet.


    ¡°Free to do what?¡± She cried, eyes searching for cover.


    The witch swung again, the roots ripping into many whips, snapping as they flew through the air, curling after Eike. He dove as they lashed above him, cracking just over his head.


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep it occupied! You figure out how to kill it!¡±


    As the witch raged, her attention locked on Eike, Fia slipped back into the rubble of their former prison. Hiding in the debris. They needed a weapon. But what? Fire! In the corner, the cauldron sat bubbling undisturbed by the witch¡¯s thrashing. And beneath it, the fire still burned.


    ¡°Any ideas?¡± Eike yelled. ¡°I¡¯m starting to¡ª¡±


    ¡ªThere was a loud yelp, and he flew through the air, crashing through the wood beside her.


    ¡°¡­run out of space,¡± he groaned.


    ¡°The fire,¡± she whispered. ¡°We¡¯ll burn the roots!¡±


    He looked up, eyes shining, ¡°Excellent, that¡¯s good¡­really good¡­just one thing¡­¡±


    ¡®What?¡±


    ¡°How do we get past her?¡±


    The witch stood between them and the fire, lost in the dark wood that wrapped around her person, a chrysalis slowly swallowing her. Green light pulsated, emanating from its core. And in its glow, the hag began to mutate, head bulging, limbs shaking.


    ¡°So, here¡¯s the thing¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to,¡± she placed a hand on his shoulder, ¡°need you to get back out there and take a few more hits.¡±


    He winced, ¡°I¡¯m not sure how many more I have left in me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°Well, what are you going to do?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be inching along the wall, heading towards the cauldron. Then while she¡¯s distracted, I¡¯ll light her on fire.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s easy!¡± Eike snapped. ¡°I¡¯ll do that. Let¡¯s trade!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous! I¡¯d go down in one hit, and then she¡¯d be right back on you!¡±


    A sound, like the grinding gnash of pointed teeth, echoed through the chamber. And the chrysalis began to crack, tearing itself open from the inside.


    ¡°Look, we don¡¯t have time for this,¡± she hissed. ¡°Think of the songs! You don¡¯t want them singing about how you left a lady in harm''s way.¡±


    ¡°Just make sure they sing about how chivalrous I was at my funeral,¡± he grumbled back at her.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine!¡± She shoved him forward, ¡°Now get out there!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m over here! Look at me!¡± He shouted, half-heartedly. ¡°Come get me!¡±


    Another shriek, and the roots flew forward.


    Fia stood, carefully pressing herself against the stone edges of the cave. And then, ever so slowly, she began to crawl through the shadows.


    ¡°Over here!¡± Eike called again. Ducking and dodging as he wove through the sea of vines. He was light and fleet of foot. And he dashed, this way and that, as the witch howled, unable to keep pace with his speed.


    Soon, she reached the cauldron. It was filled with a black tar that bubbled and wheezed above the flames. Oil, oil would make the witch burn faster. But how to get it on her? It looked too hot to touch, so she gathered some furs from the witch''s bed. Up close, the foul smell made her ill, and she retched and was almost sick. But she forced it down, wrapping the rotting skin around her hands and taking hold of the cauldron''s handles.


    But it was too heavy. She pulled with all her might, but could not lift it from the trivet.


    ¡°Fia!¡± Eika called out. ¡°Try to hurry!¡±


    The cocoon was halfway open, a shadow emerging from its shell.


    She let out a short scream, a quiet burst of frustration. Lashing out, her foot struck a leg of the trivet. It spun from beneath the cauldron, kicking up sparks as the pot fell, toppling over and rolling away from the fire. The tar spilled from it, splashing everywhere and covering the chrysalis in its thick oil.


    For a moment, the sparks floated, shining beads that shimmered in the dark. Then they fell, slowly drifting down to settle amidst the pitch. And the room burst into flame.


    A screeching filled the chamber, and a rumbling shook it. The roots pulled back, tearing from the witch as they fled the heat, shrinking from the inferno towards the roof. And the old crone fell, hitting the ground as the fire took her.


    ¡°We got to get out of here!¡± Eike yelled, sprinting through the flames and catching her hand. At the back of the cave was a small doorway. And behind it, a tunnel. The way out. He ran towards it, dragging Fia along behind him.


    The tunnel was long and winding, and the smoke chased after them, biting at their heels. They ran for what seemed like an eternity. But finally, they saw it. Light. The way out. Lungs burning, feet aching, they burst out into the light of the morning sun. They were in a garden. It was sprinkled in dew and bathed in golden rays of sunlight. They had made it.


    ¡°Fia, look!¡±


    Eike stood in the sun, breath ragged, grinning from ear to ear. In his hand was a flower, pale as snow, its delicate edges speckled in lilac. Moonshade. The garden was filled with it.


    Cycle: Timor 5-2

 Chapter 22: The Stags Rest

    Chapter 22


    ¡°What are these for anyway?¡± Eike asked, holding up the pannier brimming with pale violet blossoms.


    ¡°I was hoping you could tell me. Aren¡¯t they from up north?¡±


    ¡°Sure, but I never knew they were for something. I just thought they were pretty. We put them in garlands and wreaths¡­for festivals¡­weddings¡­you know.¡± The edges of his face had turned slightly pink, cooking in the heat of the midday sun. ¡°So why are you collecting them?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s for a potion. I¡¯ve been hired to collect samples, but I¡¯m not exactly sure what the potion is for.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s odd, isn¡¯t it?¡± Eike frowned, shielding his eyes from the sun. ¡°Everything¡¯s so secretive and yet she¡¯s hiring you to collect a flower that can be found all over the continent...Why doesn¡¯t she get them herself?¡±


    Fia paused, thinking, ¡°I guess it is a little strange,¡± she conceded, ¡°but the pay''s so good, I didn¡¯t question it.¡±


    He laughed, ¡°You must be from Orent then.¡±


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


    He shrugged, ¡°You just wouldn¡¯t get such an unusual request anywhere else, there isn¡¯t enough coin for it. Gold has a way of bringing out the peculiarities in people. And the more gold one has, the more one is comfortable sharing those oddities with others.¡±


    ¡°It''s not like that. At least not where I live.¡±


    ¡°No?¡± He turned, lifting the pannier onto his cart. ¡°I guess not all the stories can be true... Will you go back there now?¡±


    ¡°No¡­I¡¯m going to be travelling for a while now.¡±


    ¡°Then what¡¯s the plan? There''s a village not far from here.¡± The horses brayed as he strapped them to the wagon. ¡°We could head there together. Figure things out over a hot meal.¡±


    Fia smiled, ¡°Alright. But let¡¯s stay here until it cools down a bit.¡± She sat, stretching her legs in the long grass, and lifting a large canvas from her pack, ¡°There¡¯s something I¡¯ve been meaning to do.¡±


    **********


    ¡°That should do it.¡± She held out a hand, and her umber heartwood staff faded into focus, its knots and grooves finding their familiar place amidst her fingers. She raised it to the canvas, and the air shimmered as paint dried.


    ¡°Eike!¡± She called, looking back towards the wagon. ¡°Let¡¯s get going!¡±


    His head appeared, popping out from below the creek¡¯s bank. Soaking wet and breathing heavy. ¡°How¡¯d I turn out?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not in it.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± His face curled into a scowl. ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°I told you, it¡¯s a landscape. And unless you¡¯re planning to stay here, locked in that pose forever, the spell won¡¯t work if you¡¯re in the picture.¡±


    He sniffed, turning his nose up and hurling a rock towards the creak. As it tumbled down the slope, his face brightened, smiling contentedly as he watched it splash into the waters, swept up in the frothing current. ¡°Maybe you can do one of me sometime?¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡±


    ¡°Well, could you at least do something about my clothes?¡± He raised his arms, sending droplets cascading down into the grass.


    ¡°Of course.¡± Fia closed her eyes. A breeze filled the air, rippling through his hair as his robes billowed in its warm embrace.


    When it was done, he looked at her, head tilted as the shadows of late afternoon clouds drifted across his face.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just¡­¡± His voice trailed off. ¡°I could get used to that.¡±


    **********


    The sun had just vanished behind distant peaks when the dust-choked roads finally opened up upon the small settlement of Varrow. Its outskirts were abandoned, barren furrows and pitted earth, painted in the violet hush of twilight.


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    As they passed through the walled gates of the hold, a damp musk of animal hide filled the air. A sour, earthy aroma stung at her eyes, and she pulled her cloak up, burying her face in the fabric to hide from its stench.


    ¡°You get used to it,¡± Eike whispered, leading her by the hand.


    The streets were cramped. Lined with shops made of salvaged wood, stacked high, their roofs leaning over narrow walkways, almost kissing in their center. And they were lively. The clanging of hammer folding steel echoed down every alley, and bells rang as criers called out, singing lists of wares and services for whatever establishment had enough coin to buy their song.


    All around were soldiers, their blue and gold hues, peeking out from beneath shining plate. They stood in the shop windows, haggling with merchants and tailors. They sat outside taverns, roaring with laughter, passing drinks back and forth. They followed brightly painted women down side streets bathed in the warm glow of hundreds of lanterns. They were not like the soldiers of Orent. They were far from battle and happier for it.


    Fia pulled at her cloak, wrapping it tightly around her, to hide the gold beneath. A mage would not be welcome here.


    They stopped outside a glowing window. A rusting sign hung above, creaking softly as it swung in the breeze.


    ¡°The Stag¡¯s Rest.¡± Eike looked back at her. ¡°It¡¯s a little run down, but the rooms are cheap, and there''s this amazing coney stew¡­ I don¡¯t even know what coney is, but I love it!¡±


    ¡°It sounds perfect.¡±


    Inside, the inn was alive with golden light. Lanterns hung from the ceiling, and beneath their flickering flames sat well-worn benches and battered tables marred by countless meals. Near a roaring hearth, a man dressed in fine silk stood strumming a lively tune on a chestnut lute. The scent of roasting rabbit, hot bread, and spiced ale filled the air, mingling with the faint trace of fresh beeswax from the candles above.


    ¡°Grab us a seat,¡± Eike said, heading towards the bar. ¡°I¡¯ll see about our rooms.¡±


    There was room at the end of one of the long benches, closest to the singing minstrel. Settling by the fire, Fia watched the dancing flames as she listened to the bard¡¯s song.


    He sang an enchanting tune. A silken chorus that floated, dancing in step to the rhythm of the humming strings. His melodious voice called out to her, rich and piercing, in ethereal words of a language long forgotten. But in the flames, she thought she could almost see their furtive meaning.


    ¡°Watch out!¡± Eike came crashing into view, balancing too many cups and bowls in his arms. ¡°There we go!¡± He slid them onto the table before her, the metal clattered against the wood, rousing her from the bard¡¯s spell.


    ¡°Got us two rooms!¡± He mumbled, mouth stuffed with bread. ¡°And look! Coney stew!¡±


    ¡°How much do I¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªThis one''s on me.¡± He choked, swallowing the bread. ¡°You can get the next one. If we¡¯re going to be travelling together, it¡¯ll just be simpler if we take turns.¡±


    ¡°Are we travelling together now?¡± She took a bite of the stew. He had been right. Simmered with roots and fragrant herbs in a rich broth of savory spices, the tender meat seemed to melt in her mouth. Its flavors clinging to her lips, promising warmth and comfort.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we?¡±


    ¡°I thought we were here to decide our plans.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± he grinned, ¡°Our plans. We make a good team. And there are plenty of dungeons we could explore and even more treasure!¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, just say you will!¡±


    ¡°I suppose¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªThen it''s settled!¡± He lifted his mug, knocking it against her own, and downing it. ¡°Fia, I humbly accept the invitation to join your party!¡± He swept his arm back, bowing dramatically, then doubled over, groaning.


    ¡°Can¡¯t hold his liquor! The poor thing.¡± A barmaid called out, and the room roared with laughter.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back¡­¡± Eike whispered as he hobbled towards the door.


    The inn fell back into a dull hum, clattering plates, murmured conversations, the rattle of dice, and the following moans of dismay or laughs of triumph. But there was something else. Eyes. Watching from the shadows, lingering on the edges of the room.


    ¡°...A fog swirled around us!¡±


    Eike was back. He was speaking excitedly with the bard by the fire.


    The king¡¯s men, or rebel spies? What were they looking for? Was it her?


    ¡°¡­She was covered in blisters, and sores¡­¡±


    The eyes were on her. Watching her every move.


    ¡°And then Fia, she¡¯s over there, lit her on fire! It was amazing¡­You should really be writing this down.¡±


    There were two men approaching. They pushed through the benches, hands resting on thin daggers, tied to their waists. The hair on the back of her neck stood straight, and her fingers twitched, feeling for the grooves of her staff.


    ¡°You there!¡±


    She turned, hesitating. ¡°Yes?¡± They were large men, their faces darkened by anger.


    ¡°You don¡¯t belong here.¡±


    Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Eike. His brow creased, furrowed with worry, moving to join her.


    ¡°I¡¯m just passing through.¡±


    ¡°You should leave.¡± He stepped forward, spitting on the floor. ¡°Witch!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m¡ª¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not a witch.¡± Eike stepped between them. He placed his hand on the man''s shoulder. ¡°I think there¡¯s been a bit of a misunderstanding. Let me get you two a drink.¡±


    The inn was silent, watching with bated breath. Though many shared in the men¡¯s anger, most were simply eager for action; a drunken row would be good fun for all involved.


    ¡°Get your hands off me!¡± The man shouted, shoving Eike back into the benches. The crowd jeered as his companion stepped up to join him.


    Eike rose, wiping spilled stew with his sleeves. ¡°Fia, if you would excuse me for a moment.¡± He winced, turning back to the men. ¡°I¡¯ll need you to step outside with me.¡±


    She sighed, ¡°Eike, it''s not worth it. And besides, there are two of them.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I can take them,¡± he replied confidently. Then he winked at her, leaning down and whispering, ¡°A spell or two wouldn¡¯t hurt either¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, are you cowards?¡± He turned, shouting at the men. ¡°Let us settle this, like men! Outside, now!¡±


    The men exchanged looks, then nodded, sneering. And the inn exploded, roaring with delight. Cheering as they followed Eike out into the streets. He shot her one last glance, a sly smile creeping across his face, and vanished into the night.


    And Fia was left alone in the inn. Sitting by the fire, with the bard, and a shadow.


    Cycle: Timor 5-2