Mae knelt and examined a celery plant. “The sun gave this plant life, the moon took its excess heat, the rains nourished it, and the earth provided valuable nutrients. Could you say that these were its parents?”
“I’ve never looked at it like that.”
“The mother made its seed and the father fertilized it, but that is only a part of what life needs to flourish. Our ancestors are important, Niv, but it is not just blood that makes us who we are.”
She stared at the celery plant as she pondered Mae’s words. “You are all my parents.”
“That would be more accurate.” Mae took Niv’s hand. “I am not here to replace Cherin and Ren. They are your mother and father. I hope, in time, you will see me and my husband Farius as your parents as well.”
“Tell me of Farius,” she said.
“He is the gentlest and most intelligent man I know. He is tall and has long hair. His eyes have a hint of amber. I have noticed you walk like him. Your poise and demeanor are similar.”
“Does he have magic?”
“Yes. He comes from a long line of druids, an ancient and secluded group that practices geomancy, magic from the earth.”
She was awestruck. “That’s incredible. I look forward to meeting him. Where is he?”
“He lives with me in Selandis, though spends part of his time traveling on diplomatic affairs.”
She sighed. “I would love to travel like that.”
“There is nothing stopping you, especially if you join the Ael’Shanar.”
“I don’t know if I—"
“I’m sorry,” Mae interrupted. “I’m not trying to push you into anything.”
They left the garden and walked the path leading to the brook at the edge of their property.
“You mentioned my aunt Vella is sick and we didn’t have time. What did you mean?”
“It pains me to say Vella does not have long to live.” Mae’s voice broke. “We have tried every form of healing, every spell, every remedy we could think of, but nothing has worked. At first, we tried to keep her illness a secret, but that became impossible as our efforts to save her intensified. If… well, when she dies, the Ael’Shanar will be thrown into chaos. The heir to the position does not enjoy much support among the order.”
“Vorea?”
“Precisely. I believe that is why she is trying to intensify power – to solidify her status in the council.”
“You said that you sent me away to save me, but the only looming crisis, other than my aunt’s death, is a political quagmire that will eventually resolve itself.”
Mae stopped. “No, it is considerably more than that. You have no idea of Vorea’s lust for power. I have never seen such envy, such greed in a person in all my days.”
“What little bit of her I saw from my visions I didn’t like. Can the council choose someone else?”
“It has only been done once before, and in that case the heir relinquished the position amicably. Vorea will not tolerate anything less than becoming high priestess. And when that happens, I fear she will increase the power of the order and use its influence and abilities for horrible purposes. The consequences would affect the whole continent.”
When they reached the brook, she sat on the mossy log and motioned for Mae to join her. She tossed a small stone into the water. “What are you going to do?
“I am not sure, Niv. Vorea is one of those who has a knack for getting what they want. I suspect she is using magic to influence others and gain followers.”
“If she’s using magic, can’t you stop her with… stronger magic?”
“Perhaps.”
“How long will you be staying with us?” she asked.
“A few more days.”
“But we just met.” She looked up to the sky in frustration. “And I wasted a chunk of this precious time upset and sulking.”
Mae put her hand on her shoulder. “You’re being too hard on yourself. I think you’ve handled this exceptionally well. We don’t have to part company so soon, Niv. I will be leaving, but I was hoping you would return to Selandis with me. I’d like you to join the Ael’Shanar.”
Chapter 8
Niv woke but had not yet opened her eyes. She stretched and yawned, then allowed her arms to collapse back onto the bed.
Something is wrong.
Plush silk pillows supported her arms, and the bed had almost doubled in size. The covers felt thicker and the air had a whiff of salt. She opened her eyes and examined the ceiling in the dim light. Instead of strong oak logs, a high ceiling of polished stone towered above her.
Her window was considerably larger, had an arched top, and was stained glass. A hint of moonlight cast faint rays of colored light around the room.
Where am I?
She reached for her lamp on her nightstand. It wasn’t in the usual place. Eventually she found it, but there were no matches. She sat upright and searched the top drawer on the table and found some, then lit it.
“I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
She nearly dropped the lamp. “Who are you?”
A figure sat at a desk in the corner. The warm lamplight shimmered off the woman’s light blond hair. She turned and greeted Niv with cold, gray eyes. “I’m so glad you could come.”
“Vorea!”
Vorea picked up a dagger from the desk and showed it to her. It had a slight curve and emitted a subtle, light blue glow. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
Niv took a few steps back. “How is this…”
Vorea smiled. “Possible? Oh, Niv’leana, you wouldn’t understand. You haven’t the benefit of years of magical study.” She glanced down at her attire. “You’re just a simple farm girl.” She clicked her tongue. “Your mother was a fool for releasing the spell.”
“I don’t understand.”
Vorea laughed. “I know.”
She tried to put more distance between them, but Vorea grabbed her arm. “No, that won’t do. Tonight’s a big night for me, Niv’leana, and I insist you be there. Family should be supportive.”
Vorea waved her arm in front of her in a circular motion. Sparks of pale gray energy swirled with her movements. Vorea grabbed her forehead and Niv’s vision faded.
I hope you don’t mind sharing my body. I want you to have the best view.
Her vision returned to Vorea’s perspective. She was still her own distinct person, with her own thoughts, but she was not in control of her movement or actions. She had no idea how to fight against the unsettling position.
Vorea attached the knife to a clip on her belt and hid it under her cloak. She grabbed the lamp and left the room. Her heels clicked on the marble floors as she took turns through dimly lit corridors. She stopped at a solid wood door at the end of the hallway and carefully opened it to avoid making any noise.
The lamp in Vorea’s hand barely illuminated the room, but it was enough to see beautiful paintings hanging above accent tables along the wall. Each table had a trove of ornate porcelain figurines and crystals. She walked to the bed at the end of the room right below a large starlit window.
You haven’t seen your aunt in years. I’m sure you don’t remember her.
Vorea removed the dagger from her belt and held it, admiring its magical enchantment. She raised the knife above Vella and plunged it into her chest. Niv watched in horror, unable to break free, as Vorea laughed at Vella’s gurgling cries for help.
Blood poured from the wound and surrounded the dagger, changing its glow to a dark purple. White swirls of energy emanated from Vella’s chest and wrapped around Vorea’s arm in a slow, twisted dance. With each ripple of power pulsating through the knife, Vella cried out in agony. Vorea’s body shook violently as she absorbed her mother’s magic.
Niv tried to break free of the terrible nightmare, but she couldn’t. It was no use to look away as her vision was tied to Vorea’s perception. Just as she thought she would crumble under the strain of watching the gruesome spectacle, it suddenly ceased. Vella’s body f
ell limp and Vorea was propelled backward.
Vorea staggered for a moment, barely avoiding falling on the floor. She held the blood-coated dagger in front of her with pride as she cackled in delight.
I told you this would be a big night for me, Niv’leana.
In that instant, Niv bolted up from her dream. Her nightgown clung to her sweat-soaked skin, her heart raced, and her body shook. Fear froze her muscles as though she were made of stone. Her mind couldn’t begin to process the trauma she had been forced to witness. She clung to her handmade quilt and pulled it to her neck, shielding herself from the outside world.
It offered little solace.
The violence had come from within.
Chapter 9
Niv needed something familiar to ground herself. She couldn’t trust her own bed, her own home, or even who she thought was her family. Everything in her life had been thrown into the air and left to settle wherever it may. Her only consistent setting was the beautiful slice of nature she inhabited. She threw her cloak over her nightgown and stepped out into its cool but familiar embrace.
“Can’t sleep?”
The sudden shock of Mae’s voice nearly sent her already frayed nerves over the edge.
“Sleep was not the problem. It was the dream.”
“What do you mean?”
She sat next to Mae on a wood bench beside the house and bunched up to retain body heat. Mae put her arm around her and pulled her close.
“It’s quite chilly out tonight, Niv. You should have put on your dress.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“What happened?”
She hung her head and closed her eyes to block out her new, unsettling reality. But she couldn’t run from what she had experienced.
“Talk to me, Niv.”
The memories Vorea had etched upon her memory were unshakable. The images of the event told their own gruesome story. There was no need to impart her own analysis of what happened as Vorea had cruelly removed her ability to impart her will on what she had witnessed. She described the event to Mae as though one might relate a painting to someone who hadn’t seen it. The detachment was all that permitted her to keep a sliver of sanity.
She shook as she finished the story. “There was so much blood. And Vorea felt nothing but glee.”
Mae held her through the tragic narration but remained silent.
When she finished, she realized she had told the tale of Mae’s sister’s murder. She couldn’t help but to shake from the trauma that she had relived.
“I knew something was wrong.” Mae slowly stood. “I couldn’t sleep. Something was missing. The familiar flow of energy…” She took a ragged breath. “Oh no.”
She looked up at Mae. “I’m sorry to be the one—"
“I… understand.” Mae inhaled sharply and dried a tear. “I must tell Cherin.”
She followed Mae into the house and stood behind her as she knocked on Cherin and Ren’s bedroom door. Mae woke Cherin with the terrible news. The room was illuminated only by moonlight through the window, yet the grief that the two sisters felt for their missing sibling was so painfully easy to see. Mae and Cherin held each other as they sobbed.
Ren took her hand and escorted her to the living room. He put another log on the fire and hugged her. No matter what they had said, Ren still felt like her father. His empathetic cradle was soothing and gave her the safety she needed to further process the grisly event. He made her some tea, and the two sat at the table in contemplative silence.
“I saw it all, Dad.”
Ren reached across the table. “I’m sorry. No one should have to witness anything like that.”
She took a sip of tea. “I was just beginning to be excited about magic. Now I’m not so sure.”
“I have wondered if it is worth the trouble. Your mom seems to think it is.” He paused and looked down at the table. “It was difficult for her to keep from sharing with you what she knew. She wanted to train you and develop your abilities, but she knew that doing so would put you in danger.”
“I suppose I’m beginning to understand that danger.”
“I only saw Vorea a handful of times.” He leaned in, his gaze intense. “She scared me, and she was only a child.”
She was taken aback by the fact her father was scared of Vorea. She had never known him to be afraid.
“Rightly so,” Mae said as her and Cherin joined them at the table.
Ren poured them both a cup of tea and held his wife as she nursed a cup. Cherin attempted to smile at her through swollen eyes and tearful cheeks.
“You don’t have to pretend to be happy, Mom. I’m here for you.”
She walked behind Cherin and put her arm around her. Cherin’s spirits were visibly lifted by her warm gesture.
“As painful as this is, we must discuss logistics,” Mae said. “I have to return to Selandis right away. Niv, I had planned to stay a few more days, but that is no longer a luxury. I need to know if you would like to join me.”
“Mae, it’s too dangerous,” Ren said.
“I’ll go,” she blurted. Immediately after she said it she wondered why it had come out so suddenly and without forethought.
Cherin looked up to her. “You don’t know how dangerous that is.”
“You’re right, I don’t. But Vorea knows that the protection spell has been lifted. Someone who can transmit her vision directly into my mind can surely find me given enough time and effort.”
Ren sighed. “I think she’s making more sense than all of us.”
“The Jeweled Woods may no longer be safe if she gains political power in Selandis,” Mae said. “Niv will be safer if she’s on the move. Staying in one place could be deadly.”
Cherin reached up and grabbed her arm. “We have so little time to prepare. I was certain you’d decide to leave, so I was going to have a big dinner.”
“We’ll need provisions for the journey,” Mae said. “Then we can have one final meal together before we leave.”
“I’d like Frasie to eat with us,” she said. She turned to Cherin and added, “If that’s alright.”
“Of course, dear.”
Niv plucked her cloak from a hook beside the door. “I’ll be back soon.”
“Niv, you’re in your nightgown,” Ren said. “And it’s the middle of the night.”
She lowered her hood. “I suppose I should get dressed. But Frasie won’t mind.”
“There is something I would like to give you first,” Mae said.
Mae fetched a small velvet pouch and pulled out a necklace. It had an intricately cut garnet stone surrounded by a delicate silver inlay. A graceful gold and silver woven chain was attached.
“The Amulet of Balance,” Cherin said.
“Indeed,” Mae replied.
“I thought it was lost.”
“Only hidden after the Den’tari war. Farius and I have friends in Lahara that helped us locate it.”
She leaned in for a closer look. “What is special about this necklace?”
“It is the most powerful magical artifact in the world,” Mae replied. “The person wielding it gains the ability to balance their energies more precisely, allowing them to transmit and transmute magical power without repercussions.”
“There are repercussions to magic?”
“Normally there are. The universe demands balance. You cannot escape this fundamental law. If you take action, an opposite reaction will occur. But with the amulet, you can escape this.”
“It sounds dangerous,” she observed.
“In the wrong hands, it certainly can be.”
“Does Vorea know of this?”
“She knows it exists, but I believe she thinks it is lost.”
“She’ll find out soon enough,” Cherin said.
“Indeed,” Mae replied. “Which is why we should see if Niv can wear it.”
“If?” she asked.
“The amulet rejects most people. It is more than a mere object – it possesses inte
lligence and discernment. Some even claim it is alive.” Mae stood and held each end of the clasps. “With your permission.”
She took a step back in apprehension.
“If it doesn’t, it will not harm you.”
She looked at Cherin and Ren for guidance. Cherin nodded in approval. Niv took off her cloak and gathered her long hair. “Alright.”
Mae walked behind her and put the amulet on her. “It clasped,” she said. “That’s a good sign.”
“How soon will I—"
Before she could finish her sentence, a tremendous surge of warmth welled up inside her. The chain heated to an uncomfortable temperature and the red stone brilliantly illuminated the room. She heard an eerie metallic pulse as it cooled and the stone returned to a dull glow.
Mae’s mouth hung open in astonishment. “It has accepted you!”
Cherin bolted up and hugged her. “I’m so proud of you.”
“It’s been hundreds of years since it has accepted anyone,” Mae said.
She was glad to see them happy, but unsure as to what she had accomplished.
“And you have only just unsealed her abilities,” Cherin said.
Mae put her hand on her face. “I knew you were special, my dear, but I had no idea you’d come this far so soon.”
She appreciated their praise but felt she had done nothing to deserve it. Other than the initial burst of energy from the amulet, she felt no different. She was certain her magical abilities healed her brother but felt unworthy of this attention.
I hope their trust is soundly placed.
Chapter 10
The most beautiful spread of breakfast food imaginable adorned Cherin’s dining room table. Even though it was prepared primarily for travel provisions, it was a wonderful sight. Mae and Ren helped her prepare scrambled eggs, ham, fluffy biscuits, grits, sautéed mushrooms, and fried potatoes.
As soon as dawn broke, Niv fetched Frasie. It was a fifteen-minute walk to her house, but since there wasn’t a moment of daylight to lose, Niv rode horseback. They returned just in time to eat. She was pleased to see Jarris was well enough to join them at the table. Her brother portioned off large enough servings that would sustain most men all day.
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