She deliberately avoided looking at Shareis’s hair, and instead turned her attention to her clothing. Her leather dress was an oddity to her. She had never seen anyone wear a dress completely made of leather. It fit loosely on her arms, yet her thin wrists and slender hands made them appear as though the sleeves flared. There were no rings or other jewelry on her fingers and her nails were crystal clear. Shareis’s skin appeared smooth as though she had never performed manual labor in her life, yet she knew that wasn’t the case.
Her gaze meandered to Shareis’s face. She stared at her lips for a moment before she immediately sat upright.
There is something wrong with me.
She stood and walked away from the campfire.
“Nivvy?” Frasie was standing near the horses. “Oh, I’m glad it’s you, Nivvy. I was starting to worry.”
“Are you enjoying first watch tonight?” she asked.
Frasie shrugged. “It’s no different than third watch. Are you having trouble sleeping?”
“Yes,” she replied. “I can’t get my mind off something. I thought a walk might help.”
“What is troubling you?”
“Ugh, it’s just too weird. I’d rather not say.”
“Nivvy, it’s me. You don’t have to be embarrassed. Usually it’s me doing something embarrassing.”
She chuckled. “True. And I appreciate that, but… this is just too strange.”
“Fine, then. I will tell you about what’s on my mind.”
“Let me guess… Aiden?”
Frasie’s face lit up. “Of course! How did you know?”
“It’s a bit obvious.”
“I enjoyed our time alone on the hunt. He’s such a wonderful man, Nivvy.”
“I agree. He thinks highly of you, too.”
“He does?” Frasie asked.
“Absolutely. He told me so himself.”
“To think I spent all this time worrying about that,” Frasie said. “Of course, I’m still too nervous to say anything, but it’s good to know.”
“He likes you, Frasie. There’s no need to be shy with him.”
“He’s caught me staring at him several times. I try to pretend I wasn’t looking his way, but… I’m not very good at being subtle.”
Niv laughed. “Not at all.”
“I caught myself staring at him last night as he went to sleep. I just can’t take my eyes off him.”
Frasie’s words seemed perfectly reasonable. She would normally be delighted to help her explore her infatuation with Aiden. And yet her words only served as a reminder of her situation. She felt the same way when she looked at Shareis yet had no idea why. It made no sense.
“Nivvy, didn’t you hear anything I said?”
“Sorry, I was lost in thought for a moment. Yes, I heard.”
“You aren’t interested in him, are you?” Frasie asked.
“No, not at all. He’s all yours. It’s not me he’s getting closer and closer to every night by the fire.”
Frasie breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m glad to hear that.” She put up her fists. “I would hate to have to fight you for him.”
She laughed. “Frasie, you’re crazy!”
Frasie gave her a big hug. “I know.” She motioned toward the campsite. “Go get some sleep, Nivvy. Pounce time comes awfully early.”
“Good night, Frasie.”
She returned to her bedroll and pulled her quilt up to her chin. She took another look at Shareis, then turned away from her. Despite her efforts, her new friend dominated her thoughts as she drifted to sleep.
Tomorrow they would arrive in Lahara.
Chapter 28
Vorea’s teacup barely made a sound as it touched the saucer. “I trust you had a good night’s sleep, Maeva.”
She opened her eyes to see Vorea in a chair at the side of her bed.
“I saved you. You could be sleeping in the rain and snow, riding on the back of some rickety wagon, and having to eat awful provisions. Instead, you have a warm bed and quality food.”
She sat upright. “If you’ve done anything to hurt Niv’leana—”
“Relax, Maeva. She’s fine.” Vorea shrugged. “Well, I suppose she’s fine. I lost contact with her since my operative failed.”
“Shareis?”
“Yes. What an utter disappointment.” Vorea placed the saucer on Maeva’s nightstand and stood. “But I think you and I can work together.”
“I have no interest in that,” she replied.
Vorea handed her a plate with a breakfast pastry. “Let’s not be too hasty.”
She pushed it away. “Feeding me won’t change my mind.”
“You must be hungry.”
“I am. But I don’t want to eat with you.”
Vorea took the pastry and slowly bit into it. “Then I’ll eat it by myself.” She looked down at Maeva’s waist and smirked. “I think it best you have something less… fattening.”
“You are so transparent, Vorea. I won’t allow you to intimidate or antagonize me. You’ll have to deal with me as an adult.”
Vorea sighed. “You know, I’ve tried to convince you that what I’m doing is worth the cost. I’ve tried reasoning with you, but that’s becoming increasingly difficult.”
“You mean I’m not buying your crap.”
Vorea finished her last bite and licked her fingers clean. “That was good. Now, come with me.”
She remained motionless. Vorea tugged on her arm. “It wasn’t a request.”
“What are you going to do? Kill me like you did your mother?”
“I just might.” Vorea tugged hard on her wrist. “Now come along.”
She followed Vorea through the temple. It was remarkably quiet. The few members she saw as they navigated the hallways kept their heads down and avoided eye contact. Any attempt to greet them was met with silence.
“What have you done to this place?” she asked.
“I’ve been bringing some order to this order,” Vorea replied. “It is no longer the social club that my mother preferred. Serious work requires serious discipline.”
“My sister led with dedication and a well-defined sense of purpose. But she didn’t rule with an iron fist. You have terrified them.”
“One does what one must to achieve results.”
They arrived at the door to the basement. Swirls of magic energy circled the keyhole. Vorea put her hand over the lock and it released with a dull metallic thud.
“If you please…”
A gust of cold, moldy air blew across her face as she entered the room. Magical artifacts and books filled the numerous bookshelves along the walls. The cobblestone floor had numerous magical symbols drawn in chalk. Several small containers and mixing apparatuses sat on a large table in the center of the room. A large metallic mount holding a beautiful piece of crystal rested on a small table beside it.
“Is this—"
“A lens of creation,” Vorea said.
She carefully studied the crystal. It was perfectly clear and smoothly cut. It was obvious that a great deal of effort had been put into polishing it to perfection.
“Where did you find this?”
“I didn’t find it,” Vorea replied. “I created it. As you know, the original lens was destroyed centuries ago.”
“For good reason. It’s dangerous!”
“In the wrong hands, perhaps,” Vorea said. “But with it, I will reshape Selandis.”
“You are the definition of wrong hands.”
Vorea chuckled. “That’s just your jealousy speaking.”
“The founders destroyed the lens because it magnified the power of malevolence. It tore the continents of the world asunder! I can’t believe you would try to recreate it.”
Vorea beamed with pride. “It wasn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Of course, it isn’t fully charged.”
“How are you assembling the power to create this?”
Vorea shook her head. “I must keep some secrets, Maeva. Perhaps when I trust
you more…”
“I doubt that day will come, because I have no intention on joining you. I won’t be a part of this.”
Vorea paced around the table. “I’m really disappointed.”
“That’s your problem.”
Vorea grabbed her wrist. “No, it’s yours.” She spoke through gritted teeth. “I have been more than patient with you, Maeva. I’ve indulged your self-serving logic and excuses. You don’t have the will to lead.”
“We will stop you.”
“No, you won’t. Your daughter is little more than a meddlesome pest. She’ll be dispensed with soon enough.”
“We have nothing more to say to one another.”
Anger flashed over Vorea’s pale face. She squeezed her wrist so hard she feared it might break. She jerked away from Vorea and raised her hands, summoning a magical barrier around herself. It glistened red and gold as powerful pulses of energy rippled along its perimeter just inches away from her skin.
Vorea grinned. “That won’t help you.”
Vorea slashed her dagger through the air, sending a slice of magical energy toward her. When it impacted the barrier, it shattered as though it were glass, sending hundreds of pieces flying across the room.
With no defenses, she knew her only hope was to put an end to the threat Vorea posed once and for all. She gathered all the magical energy she could into a vibrant ball of blue-white fire. She projected it towards Vorea, sending the swirling orb of searing death toward her.
With a simple wave of her hand, Vorea forced the magical projectile away. She tried again, collecting all the energy she could into a conjured sphere of fire, but she was drained. A weaker orb soared towards Vorea, but she flicked it aside with little effort.
“I can do this all day with the power I have amassed,” Vorea boasted. “You, my foolish aunt, cannot.”
She knelt from exhaustion. The tremendous energy she had expended had drained her, and she had little will to summon more to her defense. Vorea’s boots clattered against the cold, damp cobblestone floor. Her gray eyes glared down at her.
“It was necessary to kill my mother to obtain her power,” Vorea said. “But I have developed a far more… humane way to obtain your magical energy.”
Vorea held the dagger near her chest. “I have carefully spelled this athame and attuned it to your energy. You’ll be pleased to know that by using this technique I won’t have to plunge this into your body.”
The dagger pulled a light blue strand of magical energy from the center of her chest. Initially it was as thin as a thread, but the force grew, extracting more and more power from her. Breathlessness overtook her as she fell to the ground. Vorea moved with her to maintain the connection. Her breathing stopped, her mind became void of thought, and her vision faded to black.
After a period of time, one impossible to derive given her lack of consciousness, her vision was restored. Instead of a clear image, she was immersed in a sea of haze and fog. Bright energy glowed around her, and there was some sort of barrier that surrounded her form.
A finger tapped on the barrier. It sounded like glass. Soon, Vorea’s cold gaze rested upon her.
“Your noble sacrifice is deeply appreciated.”
Chapter 29
Niv marveled at the entrance to the city.
Frasie scurried to the front of the wagon. “I can’t believe how big Lahara is!”
“I’ve read about it and seen it on maps, but it pales in comparison to actually being here,” she said.
Farius remained silent, his gaze fixed to the road ahead as they made their way into the city.
She absorbed the sights and sounds of Lahara. The houses were two stories tall with little to no space between them. Every four or five houses, a small alleyway, barely big enough for two people to fit side by side, separated the buildings just enough to give a modicum of access between the streets.
She observed the people as they carried out their routines on the busy street and realized that she had never seen so many people. They wore cloaks and scarves to keep out the bitter chill of the snowstorm that had blanketed the city. Guards, dressed in chain mail with a black and purple tabard, patrolled the streets.
“Are there usually this many guards?” Aiden asked.
“No,” Farius replied. “Something has changed. These are not the colors of Lahara.”
Frasie pointed to the banners affixed to the planters on the upper windows of the buildings. “Look at those ugly black and purple flags. It looks like a big bruise.”
“They belong to Vorea,” Farius said.
“Has she taken over the city?” she asked.
“I am not certain,” Farius replied. “I doubt Cadrin would allow this willingly.”
“Is Vorea here?” she asked.
“I do not know.”
The road eventually led to a square in the center of town. Various shops lined the area and vendors had a wide assortment of wares spread out on tables for sale. The taller buildings in the square were draped with even larger banners.
A guard approached. “No wagons are allowed in the square. You’ll have to park at the livery.” He pointed to a stable near the entrance of the square.
“We’ll head there now,” Aiden said.
After they stabled their team and parked the wagon, they ventured on foot back into the square.
“Perhaps this is the best opportunity to part ways?” Aiden asked Shareis.
“If you wish, Aiden,” Shareis replied. “It will be a shame for you to leave us, but it was an honor to travel with you.”
Niv chuckled. “Aiden, she’s part of our group, now.”
“But you said–”
“I know what I said.” She looked at Shareis. “But that was before she saved my life.”
“It is harder to forgive than hate,” Farius said. “I am proud of you for choosing the more difficult path.”
As they proceeded through the crowded square, Frasie attempted to eagerly greet everyone she saw. Some reciprocated, but most ignored or returned a strange expression.
Farius led them to the largest building at the north end of the square. It was made of red stone, accented by beautiful stained-glass windows. Two spires towered above its roof line while a garden nestled it from the bustle of the square. Farius knocked on the large oak door.
An older man dressed in an elegant white shirt and dark pants greeted them. “Farius!”
Farius bowed his head. “Good afternoon, Brom.”
Brom motioned for them to enter. “I hope your travels were pleasant.”
“Any unpleasantness I encountered was negated by the delight of meeting my daughter, Niv’leana.”
“A pleasure to meet you,” she said.
“Please, come inside.” He extended his hands toward them. “Your cloaks?”
She was confused. “Why do you want my cloak?”
Farius’s voice in her head startled her. “He is going to put it up for you.”
“Oh, yes, of course.” She handed him her cloak. Frasie, Shareis, and Aiden did the same.
“I’m sure Cadrin will be eager to see you,” Brom said. “Follow me to his private study.”
Candlelit chandeliers hung from the tall ceiling, lighting the large room and sending shadows along the arched buttresses that transversed the building. A large dining table filled the center of the room and huge stone fireplace warmed the space with ease. Red and orange rugs covered marble floors.
“You have an astonishing home, Brom,” she said.
“Oh, my lady, this is not my house. This belongs to the mayor, Cadrin. I am but his servant.”
Brom led them down a hallway off the main room, and into a small office near the back of the home. The room was paneled with oak and covered with bookcases were filled to the brim with old manuscripts. Two padded leather chairs faced a small bookcase.
“Sir, Farius and his companions have arrived,” Brom announced.
A man stood and walked toward them. He hugged Farius.
“Good to see you!”
“Likewise, Cadrin,” Farius replied. “This is my daughter, Niv’leana and her friends Frasie, Aiden, and Shareis.”
“Please to make your acquaintance, mayor,” she said.
Cadrin walked up to her. “Niv’leana, it is so nice to finally meet you. Farius has spoken much of you over the years.” He looked at Farius, then back at her. “I see the resemblance. You have your father’s nose and ears.”
“Please, Cadrin, do not insult my daughter.”
Cadrin laughed. “Oh now, Farius, your nose and ears are handsome, and your daughter is beautiful.”
She blushed. “Thank you, sir.”
“Please, call me Cadrin.”
“I’m Frasie!”
“My, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such vibrant red hair.”
Frasie grabbed a curl.
“She’s quite unique,” Aiden said. “A pleasure to meet you, mayor.”
“Are you from the Jeweled Woods as well, Aiden?”
“Ashmar, right at the edge of the woods.”
Cadrin rubbed his beard. “Ah, Ashmar. Say, do you know Marcus the inventor?”
“I am his son.”
“Your father is a brilliant man. Have you followed in his footsteps as an engineer?”
Aiden shrugged. “I tinker a bit if that’s what you mean.”
“Aiden is being shy,” Frasie said. “He works with his father and can fix anything.”
Cadrin looked at Shareis. “You are all welcome in Lahara.”
“I had heard Proctors are well tolerated in your city,” Shareis said.
“They are. My wife, Narelle, has encouraged tolerance of various cultures and races in Lahara.”
Shareis bowed her head. “I appreciate her efforts, and your acceptance.”
“I never judge anyone before I get to know them,” Cadrin said. “Stereotypes and racial judgments are tools of ignorance.”
“Those are wise words,” she said.
Cadrin motioned to her necklace. “So this is the amulet.”
“Indeed,” Farius replied. “I am proud that my daughter can wield it.”
“Nivvy can do some amazing magic with it!” Frasie exclaimed.
“She does not rely on it for magic,” Farius corrected. “But it does amplify her energy.”
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