by Paul Heisel
“I’m not sure. There’s fear, I guess. In Waskhal, only a few of us can use magic. We were considered the elites of our monastery, as we had advanced ways to use our chi. Now I’ll be one of many, a novice, learning amongst others who have the same or greater ability than me.”
“Don’t be intimidated,” Pearl said. “Cast aside your doubts. The potential you possess will be a great asset to all of us. The Accord of the Hand will embrace your abilities, your magic. Now, if you don’t have any additional questions, I’ll take my leave. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Owori bowed. Pearl did in kind and turned toward the door, the robe sweeping the floor. Long strides covered the distance.
“Pearl.”
“Yes,” she said as she pivoted. The serious expression on her face softened and she smiled. “What is it?”
“What is Jerr’s group called?”
Pearl laughed as if reminded of a joke. “He insists on calling his group the Furies.”
#
Just as Pearl had indicated, she was given a room within the Elite part of the interior compound. Inside the monastery grounds was a walled area set aside for those with the gift, and access to it was monitored and restricted. There was a main structure where public sessions could be held, tests could be administered, and group instructions given. This was where Kara led the morning exercises. Away from the main structure were four various sized buildings that made up the barracks for the different groups. Central to all of this was the bathhouse, a communal area for them to take regular baths. There were clear outdoor areas for exercise, gardens for walking, and one sculpture garden that contained ancient, worn statues. The room she was given was small, containing basic necessities and a pallet to sleep on. The walls were wood panels and proved to be very thin, as she could hear the person in the room next to her snoring. There was a chest for her to keep her things and a table for her to write at if she wished. It was late and she should have been sleeping as well, but she was wide awake. So much had happened in a short amount of time that she couldn’t begin to understand the breadth and depth of it all.
She practiced meditating, filling herself with magic and creating the shield as Pearl had taught her. She wondered, what else could she do with her magic? Already she could augment her fighting by extending force from her foot to land a blow. She could become invisible at will and sneak around. Now she could use her magic to create a shield to block missiles. What else could she do? For a time she experimented, trying to bring forth fire, lightning, cold, and wind. Nothing seemed to work. It felt as if she lacked the spark, that basic trigger to manifest those elements. She was getting ahead of the instruction, though, and she reminded herself that tomorrow would be her first day. The prospect of learning excited her, yet with it came great apprehension. Not only did she need to find out what Kara was up to, if it was Kara at all, she had to train with others who had formidable powers that she barely understood. She had to be cautious.
The bulk of the rules revolved around not using magic. It was forbidden to use magic within the monastery except for training. Any other usage was punishable by flogging or imprisonment or both. Until further notice, she wasn’t allowed to leave the monastery by herself. An escort monk was required, or another one of the more senior students had to be with her at all times outside of the inner compound. All timeframes were to be observed and tardiness wasn’t tolerated. It was also expected for them to bathe regularly, at least once per day, but multiple times were encouraged.
At last she wriggled beneath fresh blankets and blew out the candle that had brightened her room. The complete darkness covered her and brought her comfort, and her eyes grew heavy with sleep. She thought of Feln, hoping he was alive by some means or miracle. As long as she was alive, she would hold on to hope.
#
The first week was a blur and the second was unrecognizable. Time flew for Owori. Each day began with group exercises and training, as she had witnessed when she had arrived, which heightened the physical self. She found the dynamic exercise methods invigorating. Not only did she find muscles she didn’t know she had, it toned her and made her stronger. She thought she was in good shape before coming to Bora, but she was mistaken. The training was beyond her expectations and she made sure she was always the last to leave so she could take advantage of every moment.
On alternating days they trained with weapons, similar to what she had done in Waskhal. One difference was the focus on a particular weapon, which Owori didn’t agree with. She wanted to be equally able with any weapon she could get her hands on, so often she would give up time with her dual blades to work with spears, staves, kamas, longswords, and bo-sticks. Equal time was given to thrown and propelled weapons. Owori enjoyed the variety of ways she was taught to throw shurikens and small knives, a skill she had never mastered like Feln. Soon she would be his equal. By jumping or running she could generate great power in her throws, and she also learned to use her magic to direct the missile to the target. Archery was taught as well. Although she thought it impossible, she was learning combat and martial arts in parallel with her pursuit of magic.
The lessons involving chi were conducted in groups and pairs. Much of the time they spent meditating and reaching for their inner strength. Pearl instructed her personally on using her magic to create a shield, and that was how her ability to strike an opponent without hitting them was explained. She created a shield around her foot, but used it offensively. It was this ability that Pearl said would be her distinction – deflecting anything thrown or propelled at you was invaluable. Each time tested, Owori could deflect knives, arrows, or shurikens. The magic shield wouldn’t deflect weapons, though, and it was Pearl who theorized that slower moving objects were unaffected by the magic. At the end of the lessons, Pearl repeatedly told Owori to be careful not to show all her abilities to others outside of their group. When Owori asked why, Pearl gave a non-committal answer that it was just ‘good advice.’
By sparring with her fellow Elites, she was able to create powerful blows from her feet and fists. When asked about it, she told them it was like Tasha’s ability to move objects, that was all. All she had to do was come close and the blow would land, wherever she pictured it. The Elites she worked with were private, thankfully, and didn’t pry into her life or her reasons for being there. Each seemed absorbed in their quest for magical perfection, not interested in her as a friend or foe. Everyone was courteous, but not overtly sociable. She found it difficult to call any of them good friends. Her closest friend was Pearl, who seemed to have taken her under a watchful wing. They spoke often about magic, and Pearl was interested in the Waskhal monastery and its workings. Owori figured Pearl had no other life than leading the Elites and teaching them. Nothing else mattered to her. She loved her students above all else.
She did learn from several conversations with Pearl that Jerr and his Furies were causing trouble. Furies had been caught using magic blatantly against the rules, and others had disappeared from the monastery without explanation. Their attendance at the morning exercises was sporadic, and after two weeks, Owori noticed more of Jerr’s Furies leaving the exercises early, and whenever Jerr was around, there was tension in the room.
The regular hot baths with exotic scented salts were wonderful and her skin was healthy and glowing. It was a pleasant addition to the routine to work the entire day and enjoy a dip in the evening. All baths were private, though the facility was communal, and there were rumors of couples enjoying a bath now and then. She often thought about Feln, but as the days wore on her sorrow disappeared. What had replaced it was a drive to learn all she could from Pearl and the Elites.
The third week came, and with it continued work and studies. She felt like a different person, stronger than before and more attuned to her magic. The training was changing her. It would be another week and she would have to go to the city to relay her report to the leather maker, and she wasn’t sure how she was going to do it. Another person would have to go with her
into the city, per the rules, and the only one she trusted so far was Pearl. But Pearl was observant and smart; she would figure it out in an instant. What she needed was a person who would be interested in going to the market, but wouldn’t care what she was doing. It was then she decided she would ask Tasha. She thought the instructor of the Orchids would feel flattered at the invitation.
The next week was the same. The training continued without break, then she was told she had earned one day off. She planned a trip to the market, thus her message to Caleth would go on as scheduled. Owori, as she had planned, invited Tasha to accompany her on the excursion. Tasha, as Owori expected, was thrilled. They spent the day in Bora, experiencing the market, sampling foods, and buying new leather goods. Owori was able to pass her report to the leather maker without Tasha noticing. In the message, she told Caleth about what was going on, the training, her suspicion of Jerr as being the major problem in Bora, and when to expect her next message.
Over the last month, she hadn’t gathered any proof that would point to a conspiracy. Kara was absent now and again without explanation. That was normal Owori reasoned, as she recalled Caleth disappearing for days at a time while performing his duties as Master of Autumn. Owori thought it was time to change from passive to active tactics. She knew the entire layout of the inner compound, the tightly kept schedules, and the blatant weaknesses of the monastery. It was time to investigate.
#
Owori sat in her room, flexing her hands inside her new leather gloves. They were well made and would be of great use. She reflected on the day, finding the time she spent with Tasha as being pleasant. The tiny woman was still interested in her magic and asked lots of questions. Owori answered what she could, but kept her experiences to herself. She wasn’t sure who to trust, and with Pearl consistent in her message of not sharing information, Owori made general assertions about her training, nothing more. Tasha was open about what her group was doing, and she indicated that a pair of her monks would advance into Ash’s group soon. That would diminish her numbers, but she said it was a good sign that everyone was progressing in their ability. The subject of a tattoo came up and Owori laughed as it was the least of her worries. What Owori found out was that Pearl arranged for the tattoos, and the oddest thing was no one spoke about the procedure.
As she lay back staring at the ceiling, wood planks that she had memorized each crack, splinter and imperfect knot, she thought about Feln. The impact of the loss had lessened, but she still wouldn’t give up hope. He had to be alive. She leaned over to blow out the candle, the sound of Brunas snoring next door coming through the thin wood walls, and as she did, a light knock came at the door. She fumbled to relight the candle, did so, and swung her legs off the bed.
“Enter,” she said, donning her robe.
Through the door slipped a figure carrying a lantern fueled by a candle. Although the monk was covered in golden robes and had the cowl drawn, Owori knew it was Pearl. The height and movement were correct, as were the blond locks spilling out.
“Come with me,” Pearl said. “Get properly dressed.”
“A moment please.”
Pearl exited the room.
Owori knew what proper dress meant. She donned her fighting pants, halter top, boots, and golden robe. Her twin blades, in sheaths hanging on the wall, were left there. Since coming to Bora, she felt confident using her magic and martial arts. The blades wouldn’t be needed, at least, not tonight. She wondered if this had to do with her trip to the market. Had Tasha seen her pass the note? Were they going to confront her? She took a deep breath and remained collected, as there was no sense in worrying about it now. If she had to defend herself, she would.
Outside in the hallway, Pearl motioned for her to follow. Her expression was serious and clearly meant ‘no talking.' They walked through the Elite’s building, came to a side door, and exited. The night was cool with a hint of warmth radiating from the stone blocks. Pearl moved quickly across the side of the building. Owori could see the flicker of candlelight behind several windows. Pearl’s shoes made scraping noises at odd intervals. It took all of Owori’s patience not to tell her to be quiet.
The wind kicked up and brought with it dirt and the smell of stone and straw, then the distinct smell of the nearby stables was overpowering. Pearl hastened across the front of an abandoned barn that was used for storage. Owori fell in step behind, hurrying as well. The two slipped into the main building through a locked door that Owori wasn’t familiar with. The passageway led only to a stairway. Pearl, lantern outstretched, started up the stairs. After four flights, they came to another door, it was open, and it led to a room beyond. There was nowhere else to go. It was bare with no windows or other doors. A dead end. In the middle of the room was a wooden table with two matching benches. A lantern glowed brightly, flickering shadows across a solitary monk who was seated with her eyes on the door. The robe was brown, a common color, and the cowl was down. Kara stared ahead and motioned for them to sit. Owori moved forward, but Pearl remained behind. As Owori sat down, Pearl left the room and shut the door.
“I’m sure you have many questions,” Kara said.
“It’s rather odd to be brought to a secret room to speak with the Master of Spring.”
She thought back to her many conversations with Caleth and often those were private. Maybe it wasn’t that odd after all.
“I’ll answer everything in time. Pearl tells me that you are an extraordinary talent.”
“I have learned much in the last month,” Owori said. “I have you to thank for letting me study here.”
“No thanks are necessary. You’ve been a model student. Following all the rules without exception. In fact, I think you haven’t broken one rule or been late to anything. Are you a typical monk Caleth trains?”
Owori nodded, then shook her head. “Yes and no. Only I have a pronounced magical ability…to my knowledge. There may be others in Waskhal, I don’t know. We do train in a similar manner, yes, so the monks from Waskhal would have the same work ethic. If that’s what you’re asking.” Realizing that she was babbling the answer to a simple question, Owori stopped talking.
“Very well,” Kara said. “And how have you found your time here?”
“Wonderful.” She paused, quelling her obvious enthusiasm. “I’ve learned much. Both about myself and my chi.”
“What have you learned?”
“I thought studying under Caleth that I had progressed in my training to a peak. I was wrong. In the past month, I have pushed myself beyond physical and mental endurance. I’m stronger, faster, smarter, and have complete control over myself. My magic is refined. I can do things I never thought possible.”
“Pearl confirmed that you can use your martial art in conjunction with your chi – this is rare indeed.”
She nodded, not sure what Pearl had told Kara. According to Pearl, her ability to create the shield remained a secret. There was no doubt in her mind about Pearl’s loyalty and integrity. Guilt seeped in as she was reminded of her mission. She was here to spy upon Kara. Since arriving here, she had been shown respect and had been given great tools to enhance her abilities. It was Jerr who was behind the unrest. She wondered, was that the reason she was here?
“I can extend my attacks,” Owori said, elaborating. “Even a missed kick or punch will land. It’s like Tasha’s ability to move things around.”
“What of your ability to become invisible?”
“I continue to practice. It hasn’t changed, if that is what you’re asking.”
“Good.” Kara leaned forward, causing the bench to creak. “I need your help, and you are the only one who has the ability to do this.”
“What is it?”
“I need you to monitor Jerr and his Furies,” Kara said. “There have been hints of rebellion, even talk of removing the Grand Master from power. It is my belief Jerr is the instigator of this, but I don’t have proof. I fear his Furies have become too powerful for any public confrontation, so I
must resort to spying.”
“He’s too powerful? Even for the Elites?”
“That’s my opinion, although Pearl would argue with me to the ends of the earth about it.” Kara looked at the door. “We have two hundred and thirty-two, including myself, who use magic. Twenty-four of us are Elites or considered Elites. Another forty-five train with Tasha, and fifty-five with Ash.”
Owori quickly did the math. Jerr had one hundred and eight in his group. “I didn’t realize he had so many students.”
“Neither did we. We’ve tried to transfer his monks into Ash’s group and into the Elites to even out the numbers, but he commands loyal monks who will not stray from his teachings. I don’t have any reasonable way to dismantle his Furies, nor can I disband them. What I need to know is what are his plans and when is he going to execute them. Once we have determined the scope of his plans, we can find a way to neutralize them.”
“You want me to spy on Jerr.”
Kara nodded. “When you first demonstrated your ability to disappear, my first reaction was surprise. The second thought was I could use you to help flush out Jerr and his intentions. I must admit this is one of the reasons why I invited you to Bora when we were in Borgard; self serving really. I was angry when you rejected my invitation, that’s why I didn’t receive you well when you first arrived. I hope you understand.”
“That’s in the past,” Owori said. “We learn from our experiences, good or bad.”
“This is my offer. In return for your training, and anything else you may desire for that matter, I want you to find out what Jerr is doing. I know it’s dangerous, but you’re the only hope we have of finding out what’s going on.”
“Jerr knows I can disappear,” Owori said. “When we were doing the tests, I disappeared and hit him. He said he could see me because of the heat. Jerr is attuned to cold, so he made the room cold and used it to find me.”
With a nod, Kara stood up. She only seemed to be half listening. The meeting was over and the bench scraped across the floor. “Will you do this for us, yes or no?”
