“I hope this isn’t your office, or did we take a wrong turn?”
“This?” Lord Gracie’s key clinked against the door lock before turning once. “Just a little detour.” He started to pull the door open.
“But we just came from—” Shy stopped when a different view opened before them.
Lord Gracie’s smile widened at his expression. “After you.”
Wisdom immediately recognized the Grand Master’s chamber. Bookshelves lined the room. Seated windows overlooked a courtyard below, illuminated by outside torchlight as dusk settled. In the center of the room sat a crescent-shaped desk, its polished Redwood surface neatly arranged with several stacked papers, quills and ink bottle ready for its master.
“I remember getting lost in this place,” Wisdom said. “I ended up here after finding one of your portals.” He ran a hand over the high-backed chair sitting behind the desk. “I sat here wondering what to do next until Nicolas could find me.”
“I arranged most of the portals to bring confused guests here.” Lord Gracie winked. “Makes it easier to find them.”
“You arranged the portals?” Shy stared in disbelief. “And yet you have no magic.”
“Well, Nicolas is a magic-user,” his brother said. “At least partially. He may not be the strongest, but it might be enough for some of the place’s needs.”
A nod from the Grand Master, who made way for a winged feline that hopped up on the desk. Its tuxedo coloration reflected over the smooth surface, though it was the multicolored wings that fascinated the brothers as they partially opened. On its hind legs it reared to stretch a forearm out for Lord Gracie’s hand, and was obliged with a head-rub.
“What in No’va..?” Shy stared at the cat, which eventually settled on the desk with tail wrapped around the feet.
“A Foreseer,” Lord Gracie said. There was pride in his voice, like a father showing off an accomplished child. “With the ability to predict past, present and future, I see all within this place and never have to leave or rely on any other source.”
“But I’ve never—”
“Your family wouldn’t know of these,” Lord Gracie interrupted Shy in a stern tone. “They’re only found here, kept safe from those who’d misuse them.” He paused to watch the cat hunker down in a lazy ball of fluff, its feet tucked underneath. Yellow eyes gazed up at the three men, slowly closing with the sounds of purring rumbling beneath its thick fur. “It was only through a Foreseer that I began to see Jenario’s path.”
“And you didn’t try to show him?” Shy’s eyes narrowed. “Seems to me this would have been an obvious answer to our problems!”
“Showing would have revealed another tool for that blasted beast! Besides, by the time I discovered his folly, ‘twas already too late.”
“But surely—”
“Everything we’ve tried had a counter. Apparently, foreseeing what is wasn’t enough to prevent it.” He paused to let the Healers take in his words. “But there may be another way, and that’s what I wanted to show you.”
The two brothers exchanged looks before following the Grand Master toward the back of the room. A separate section to the side contained built-in bookshelves, filled to the point where some collections had started their own pile on the floor. It was on one of these shelves that Lord Gracie pulled a hidden lever. As the brothers watched, the entire bookcase slid aside to allow access to a small chamber.
Wisdom stepped inside first, his gaze drawn to a lone object within the room’s center. Its oval shape reflected his immediate appearance, held in place by a finely-crafted wooden structure. Two curving beams encircled the central glass piece, with adjustable segments that allowed for rotation either up or down. Finally, he turned to Lord Gracie.
“A mirror?” He raised a pallid eyebrow in question. When he did not receive an immediate response, he stepped closer to inspect it. The fine craftsmanship of the wood intrigued his interest to who might have carved it until his gaze flicked to his own appearance staring back him. “And I suppose you have something to do with this,” he spoke softly.
A wink, and the prince inclined his head to what his inner unicorn might reveal. To his surprise, the mirror’s structure began to waver. Like a veil being lifted, a single wave of energy pulsed over its form before vanishing. No longer did the mirror’s form remain, but a wavering oval surface that hovered slightly above ground.
“What in No’va...?” he heard Shy sputter before turning to Lord Gracie.
“This is not like the others I’ve seen here,” Wisdom said.
“What is it?” Shy stepped beside his brother.
“A portal. But why here? Why keep it secret?”
“It’s been dormant for years.” Lord Gracie joined them. “When I first came to this land, it was this particular portal that gave us access. After that, it just shut down.”
“You were trapped here?”
Lord Gracie chuckled. “Compared to what we had before, this was a blessing! But those who did not follow...never could, as we could not open it back up.” A sigh. “Nevertheless, the Foreseers predicted its next use during something called a Purification?” At this, he glanced to Wisdom for clarification.
“Purifications are supposed to happen once a millennium. Now because of Jenario, balance calls for it to happen well before that time.” He stepped away from the portal, and as he did the illusion returned to a mirror. “Did your Foreseers show anything else?”
“The message was quite clear about a unicorn needing it. Perhaps the one you carry is that unicorn. The mirror did, after all, react to your presence.”
Wisdom looked down at his wrist, kept covered by a thin cloth that matched whatever outfit he wore. Slowly, he unwove it to check the scar. Its circular form had already begun to fill in to a half crescent, reflecting the phases of the moon.
“If that’s so, she’ll be needing it soon.”
*****
It was hard to avoid Valor’s penetrating stare while dancing. Glory kept her head slightly turned, letting her attention span to the other dancers on the floor. Every now and then her eyes flicked back to his face. Has he even blinked? The slight smell of fish wafted from his clothing. Typical! The music was beginning to pick up, but her feet felt sluggish. Her mood was not helping. Neither was Valor’s presence.
“You know it’s impolite to stare,” she said coldly.
A thin smile. “Hard to resist with you.” He led her in a spin, then pulled her close. “Can I at least glimpse that delightful smile of yours?”
Glory just rolled her eyes and threw him a narrowed look. “Fancy you’ve been plotting all types of ways to win me back.” The tempo was slowing again, much to her relief, and they drifted between others in an aimless circle. It was between two couples that she thought she saw Shafari still watching. She sighed. “How’s my father?”
“Oh, he’s enjoying the extra bedroom space,” was his sarcastic reply. “What a thing to ask! How do you think he is? He’s been besides himself with worry and wants you home.”
“You’re just saying that. We’ve been sending letters, unless you’ve detained them...again!”
“You don’t seem to get it.” Valor’s grip tightened and he jerked her in a dip. Her gasp of surprise spurred the next statement of, “How would you feel if someone you cared about just disappeared without any indication as to why?” He let her up, seeing how her expression contorted in discomfort. “Glory, I’m not making this up to satisfy my feelings for you. Your father hasn’t been the same since. Does that mean nothing to you?”
“Of course it does!” She pulled free of his grasp. Ignoring the curious looks of those nearby, Glory tried to remain composed. Hands clenched at her sides in swift anger. She wanted Shafari, but pride kept her from looking for him. He better still be watching! “Maybe I overstepped some boundaries by leaving. Fine! I’ll accept that. But this is my life! I’ve chosen who I wish to be with.”
“Glory, this—”
“We’re d
one here!” She abruptly turned, although she felt his hand try to catch her.
The move had been hasty, for a couple directly behind were in the middle of a low dip. She bumped into the woman, who slipped from her partner’s grasp, as Glory was standing on the woman’s trailing gown. A loud rip mimicked the scream she wanted to let out, and when she tried to pull back, the woman’s sash tripped her foot.
A strong pair of arms caught her. Mortified, she was afraid to turn, afraid to see that smirk on Valor’s face that read, “Why do you have to act so childish?”
“My apologies to you both.” There was a kinder tone in his voice as he helped her up.
Confused, Glory noted an emerald ring on the right hand holding her arm. Recalling no such jewelry on Valor, she turned at once to see who supported her.
“Not to worry about the dress,” he continued to the other couple. “I believe you’ll find it fixed for now.” His eyes caught her curious stare, and he grinned. “Shafari thought it best to...step in for a bit.”
“So you spirited Valor away like you did the rip in her dress?” Glory’s guess received a chuckle.
“Quite.” He gestured toward a veranda on the far side of the room. “Care for some fresh air?” They started toward the main entrance where guests mostly lingered. Here and there she spotted a few clan members immersed in their own conversations. “I hope my grandson has been treating you well.”
At this, Glory’s maple-brown eyes lit up. “So you’re the one who sent that lovely package. It’s a pleasure to finally meet a family member.” She noted his dark hair pulled in a low ponytail. His garments were of dark green and gold trim, the patterns briefly resembling embroidered leaves around the shoulders. A subtle touch, for they seemed to fade according to which way the light played over the outfit.
“Likely, I’ll be the only one for a while.” They entered the opened balcony doors and stepped out into the night. Clouds rolled around the outside walls, now and then parting to allow glimpses of a half-crescent moon.
At his comment, Glory thought back to the night Wisdom had spoken of his family. “Do you accept me – as a human?” She watched his brow slightly creased in consideration.
“I see he’s mentioned our kind’s current relationship.”
“Not in full detail. He only mentioned that he wanted to bring us closer. But how did we separate?”
“Long and complicated, I’m afraid.”
A brisk breeze unsettled Glory’s hair around the shoulders. Brushing it back, she asked, “Anything to do with that storm over Sapphire?”
The Healer let out a long sigh. “No one can fully comprehend it’s true purpose. But…yes. There’s a lot of history between us…and it.”
“But what—”
“Best let it alone for now.” He swept a hand out toward the sky. “Such a lovely night to waste on such a dark topic.”
Glory eyed him a moment before agreeing, though she kept the subject in the back of her mind to ask afterwards.
“There you are!” Wisdom, followed closely by Shy, joined them out on the balcony. “Ah, and look who shares the evening.”
His grandfather beamed. “We meet in better circumstances this time. Plus, you’ve a lovely young lady attending tonight.” He raised her hand to his lips and gently kissed the top.
“Pleasure meeting you as well,” she said.
“And this young man must be my other grandson.”
“Shy,” Wisdom gave his brother a nudge, “this is Providence.”
The young Healer allowed his natural ears to show for the first time. Slender tips covered in soft fuzz laid back in greeting before illusion quickly covered them to resemble human’s.
“I already know much about you,” Providence said sternly before Shy could utter a word. “It’s me you need to know about. And that father of yours.”
“Why don’t we let you two catch up.” Wisdom motioned for Glory to follow. Might learn a thing or two about Chronicles, he added in thought.
As if I need to know more? Shy’s dry thought cracked a smile from his brother, who led Glory back into the main ballroom.
“So, did Shafari really know how to dance?” Wisdom’s question received an eye-roll. “Guess not, huh?”
“Oh, he danced all right,” she said in a dry tone. “Danced me right over to Valor and handed me off!”
“Thought I saw him earlier.” The prince glanced around the room. “Did you see your parents? Your father was by the door when we came back in.”
The mention of her father dropped all thought of Valor. Quickly, Glory dived into questions. Wisdom had to laugh at her piqued enthusiasm.
“Are you ready to face her?” He guided her attention to the doorway. There, a couple mingled, drinks in hand, with a slender woman gossiping loudly in a fitted gown so that even Glory could not withhold a groan of recognition.
“Guess I can’t avoid her but so much. And I’ll admit it was a little rash to run off without telling anyone.” She glanced up at the prince. “But she can’t keep me from the person I love.”
Grinning, he took her arm. “Let’s go say hello.”
It was Roland Elite who saw them crossing the floor first. His reaction to seeing his daughter for the first time since she had run off was one of pure joy. Her stepmother stood in the background a bit longer before interjecting with a hint of shame brought to the family name. Roland, however, seemed to shrug it off and invited the prince and his daughter into their circle of conversation. Among the group, to Glory’s dissatisfaction, was Valor.
“I want to thank you for taking care of my daughter, Master Wisdom,” Roland said. “You don’t realize what a relief it was to receive that first letter.”
“And to think what could have happened!” Lady Pena added sharply.
Wisdom noted her stylish golden-brown hair woven tightly into a cone, so tight her eyebrows arched higher. Two tendrils of twisted curls bobbed over each ear. It was the extent of looseness she would allow. The dress was nearly too tight, and made the woman stand straight as a railing. Her walk, no doubt, would be stiff, and reminded him of his first encounter with Glory. She, too, had been dressed the same way, something she despised and wanted freedom from. He could hardly blame her.
“Not to mention all that dust settling on your fine clothing!”
“You needn’t worry,” Glory said. “Wisdom has everything under control.”
“I would be interested in seeing this clan of yours,” Roland suggested.
“You did mention that in your last letter,” Wisdom said. “And I’m pleased to announce that the renovations were successful.”
“Renovations?” Lady Pena scrutinized the prince with a narrowed look. “Don’t tell me our Glory had to live in some low-level building with gnats flying in and out. I won’t have it!”
“M’lamb, please!” Roland motioned for a passing servant to pour her another drink. “I’m sure the young man accommodated her just fine, didn’t he?”
Glory raised her chin with pride. “I wouldn’t take any less.”
“That’s a lady for you.” Her stepmother produced a smile as tight as her hair. “Nothing less! Now then, let’s have a look at you, shall we?”
Wisdom felt her penetrating stare as though she was prying into his very soul. What secrets can you possibly hold? they seemed to say, to which he nearly laughed.
More than you realize.
Valor cleared his throat. “May I also mention that this is the slave who—”
“Is not who you think!” Glory interrupted.
“Pardon?” Her father raised an eyebrow.
Glory shot her former fiancé a heated look. “How can you possibly think I’d run off with a slave? Master Wisdom is an accomplished clan owner. He’s no slave! Nor will he ever be!”
There was a brief silence, of which all eyes were upon the prince. There was no hiding the warmth he felt on his cheeks, and was sure they could all see the truth behind his rich looking clothing.
&nbs
p; “Of course he isn’t, darling,” Roland finally said. “We’ve met before, haven’t we? You’ve, um, helped my daughter once when she was lost in this place. Found her in the garden, I believe.” He gave the prince a knowing wink.
“Uh, that is correct!” Wisdom stole a quick glance to Glory, feeling his burning cheeks begin to subside. “I’ll admit, that was some time ago. But I’m glad I was the one who found her.”
He eyed a slightly frowning Valor beside Lady Pena. In a game of chess, he would have considered this a check. Valor was a king all on his own, with the Lady Pena as his queen. Yet the stakes were evened, as Glory’s father had become a mere pawn at this point, and seemed to have switched to his side of the playing board. That made things easier, as Roland already knew Wisdom from his days in slavery.
It’s just a matter of him keeping that part of my life to himself. If Valor leaves the scene, her stepmother would be the only one to convince.
“Glory, darling,” Lady Pena cooled herself with a delicately, laced fan. “Do tell me you have your own servants at this clan.”
It was Glory’s turn to frown. There had not been time to discuss servants, as getting the clan livable and fixing the town had been more of a priority. Desperately, Wisdom tried to come up with a response to delay another tongue-lashing against him.
It was Roland who beat him to it. “You must be patient, dear. He’s young. When I claimed my first clan, I didn’t start off with many servants either.”
“That’s no excuse!” Lady Pena exclaimed, waving her half-empty glass. Its contents nearly splashed on Valor.
“No excuse,” he repeated. “You see? This is why—”
“Take one of mine,” she finished, with Valor blinking in hushed defeat. “Galaxy’s one of the finest!”
“Your personal servant, M’lamb?” Roland smiled.
“That really isn’t necessary,” Glory said.
Her stepmother, however, lifted an arm and snapped her fingers. A short, dark-headed male harkened to her summon. The servant must have been standing in the opening to the servant quarters where he could keep an eye on his mistress. Several crumbs remained around the mouth from a meal Wisdom was certain he had not finished. After taking her empty glass, he handed her a fresh drink brought with him. It was not until Roland made a slight motion did the servant finally wipe the crumbs from his mouth.
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