by Kristen Pham
“Do you really think you have a choice? And he’s not the only one who will be giving us what we want. Give us a taste of your magic, or we’ll take it,” he said with a dark grin. The trees behind the boy moved, and then seven dirty kids of various ages stepped out of the shadows with nasty sneers on their faces.
“Take a hike, jerk,” Kanti said, stepping forward. Valerie tried to yank Kanti back. The dynamics of the fight had changed dramatically. Couldn’t she see that they were completely outnumbered?
“Those are some nasty words for such a pretty little yellow thing,” the leader replied sarcastically. He stepped forward threateningly. “They call me Shade – and I’m your worst nightmare.”
Kanti laughed out loud. “Really? Nice line, Shade. It goes so well with your super-cool name.”
Shade’s eyes narrowed. “Witch! I’m going to teach you a lesson.”
“Kanti, no!” Cyrus whispered. “You don’t know what you’re doing! They have a weapon!” Then he spoke more loudly to Shade, “How much do you want? Our powers are still developing.”
Kanti looked at Cyrus incredulously. “Are you kidding? We’re not giving these thugs anything.”
Without another word, Shade whipped something out of his pocket. To Valerie, it looked like a small black cone. But was clearly much more, because she felt dark magic humming from it. “Run, Darling!” Valerie whispered before releasing him behind a tree. He scampered into the forest.
Shade lunged at Kanti as the other attackers closed around her in a circle, leaving her nowhere to run. Shade pressed the cone against Kanti, and she turned pale and fell to her knees.
“No!” Valerie said, and felt her defenses automatically kick into high gear. Two of the thugs stepped closer and grabbed her, trying to pin her down. But she swept her leg underneath one of them and he fell to the ground hard. The second attacker pulled out a sharpened stone from his pocket, but she kicked it out of his hand before he could even try to strike her.
Valerie’s grin of victory was brief. As she looked over, she saw that Cyrus had tried to tackle Shade and blind him with a shield made of light. But Shade pressed the cone against Cyrus’ forehead, and he cried out in pain. The light in his shield was instantly extinguished. To her astonishment, she saw that Shade’s hands were now glowing.
“Cool power,” he said, playing with the light in his hands. Something inside of Valerie snapped, and her fear temporarily vanished. No one hurt Cyrus. Ever.
“Get away from him!”
Shade ignored, her, fascinated by the way he could draw light to himself. Valerie took advantage of Shade’s distraction and approached him from behind. With an elegant jab of her elbow, she hit him in the back, hard. He grunted and turned around. She noticed with triumph the pain in his eyes. But then Shade turned the cone on her. She felt something tugging inside of her, sucking away her strength. It was as if her fighting powers had vanished, and the cone hadn’t even touched her skin yet.
“What’s happening?” Valerie asked, more to herself than her attacker.
“You’re realizing how big a mistake you made when you decided to mess with The Shade.”
In the edge of her vision, Valerie saw Cyrus’ head hit the ground. He was unconscious. She knew that she couldn’t let that cone get any closer to her, or she would be knocked out too. And then they would be completely defenseless.
She took a deep breath and tried to keep her rising panic from taking over. She may not have her power, but she had common sense. As fast as she could, she kicked the cone out of Shade’s hand and then punched him in the face.
Without her powers, her punch didn’t do much damage, but it did make him stagger back. His friends were quickly closing in on her, ready to help their leader if he needed it. But with the cone on the ground, rolling away, Valerie felt her powers return in a rush.
Her body hummed, and she felt a thrill run through her as she realized that it she was humming from her own magic this time. The thugs closed in on her, and she punched one in the gut and elbowed another in the chest in one swift move. Both squealed like wounded piglets and backed away.
Without giving Valerie a moment to catch her breath, the five remaining thugs attacked all at once, punching, kicking and biting her. She curled in a ball to shield herself from their blows. Shade stood slightly away from the group, watching with a satisfied smirk. “All right guys, back off so I can take her power.”
The minute the blows eased up, Valerie jump kicked one of the thugs in the back, and smashed a second in the knee with her heel. At that point Shade jumped back into the fray. She had the presence of mind to kick the cylinder out of his hand immediately. It flew out of his hand and landed several yards away, out of reach.
Something inside of Valerie took over. It almost felt as if she was watching herself from above as she fought the last three, blocking their punches and kicks effortlessly. She dispatched one with a jab to the neck, and a second with a well-timed blow to his shoulder.
Finally, she had her chance to fight Shade. His moves were sloppy, and his eye was red from where she had hit him earlier. She tackled him to the ground, and they wrestled briefly. With her power, his strength was no match for hers, and she forced him to the ground, pinning him beneath her knee.
“Retreat,” Shade said, his formerly sarcastic voice now full of pain. Valerie let his friends hobble away, but she kept Shade pinned down.
“Swear you’ll never bother us again.”
“I’m not promising you anything. Without your powers, you’re nothing more than a helpless little girl. Next time, I’ll know to take your powers first. You’d never be able to beat me in a fair fight. It will feel so good to watch you beg for mercy.”
Before Valerie could blurt out an angry reply, Shade pulled his arm free, grabbed a rock and smashed it into her head. She fell back, but she remained conscious. There was too much adrenaline running through her for her to be knocked unconscious from the blow, but she did loosen her grip. Shade immediately grabbed his cone and raced away into the woods before she could get her bearings. She started to chase after him, but Kanti’s groan stopped her.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, it’s my own damn fault. I thought I would be immune to his power-eater, since I don’t have any powers.”
“By power-eater, you mean that cone thing?”
“Yes, it temporarily sucks people’s powers. And now I have a killer headache.”
Darling scampered out from his hiding place and ran over to Kanti. She gently petted his back, and the light from his heart glowed brighter for a moment. The pain on Kanti’s face vanished. “Thank you, Darling,” she said, her voice full of relief.
Valerie hurried over to Cyrus, who was still unconscious. She saw for the first time that Cyrus didn’t glow in the darkness at all. It was as if the light that was always turned on inside of him had been switched off. Fear gnawed at her stomach. What if Shade had taken more than Cyrus’ power?
“Water!” Kanti called, and a jug of water instantly appeared in her hands. She promptly poured it over Cyrus’ head and he woke up, sputtering.
“A splash would have been enough, ya know.”
In the moonlight Valerie could see the relief on Kanti’s face. She acted tough, but she had been scared for Cyrus too. “Where’s the fun in just a splash?”
Cyrus rubbed his temples. “That’s the second time they robbed me. Dirt bags.” He absentmindedly stroked Darling’s head, and he made a gurgle of pleasure. Cyrus smiled at Darling as his pain vanished and the glow around him returned.
“Who are those guys, anyway?” Valerie asked.
“They’re a gang of kids without powers of their own. I heard that one of the Fractus offered them the chance to steal powers if they worked for him. He created that device, the power-eater, so that the gang can steal powers. They get to keep some of the power, and the rest they give to their leader.”
Kanti snorted. “Give me a break. I don’t have powers, and I don’t
rob people. Besides, can’t Azra bring a power out in anyone?”
“Yeah, but the gang lives for the thrill of trying out all the different powers they steal from Conjurors. It gets addictive, and eventually the power they steal runs out and they have to come back for more. So we’d better get out of here before they come back with reinforcements.”
Valerie turned to Darling, who was now curled up in Cyrus’ lap. “Come with us. We’ll keep you safe.” Darling jumped back into her arms, and she felt warmth spread through her. With it, all of her aches and pains from the fight disappeared. “You didn’t have to do that, Darling. Save your energy.”
Darling made a small noise, and then jumped out of her arms and hurried away into the trees. “Where are you going?” she called after him.
“He never stays in one place too long, and he disappears for long periods of time,” Cyrus explained. “I think that children’s pain calls him, and he has to help.”
Valerie felt a little sad that Darling hadn’t decided to join their quest. There was something about him – as if he was created from pure love – that made her heart feel full. She hoped that she would have a chance to meet him again.
The three trudged out into the desert. Kanti walked slightly apart from the other two, scouting for any sign of the Roaming City. Cyrus and Valerie walked more slowly, and they stared up at the night sky.
“There’s so many more stars here than there are on Earth,” Valerie said.
“Hundreds of times more,” Cyrus confirmed. “And you’re only seeing part of their light. The sky is programmed to dim the starlight so it isn’t too bright at night.”
“I miss seeing the constellations I recognize. What are the constellations here?”
“There aren’t any. Every night the sky looks different because new stars are always being pulled into the black hole, and other stars disappear when they’re absorbed by the magic in the Globe’s atmosphere.”
“I guess no one can navigate by the stars here, then.”
“Wishing you were back on Earth?”
Valerie stared at Cyrus incredulously. “Are you kidding? I love it here. Using my magic, making friends – it’s more than I ever hoped for.”
The expression on Cyrus’ face changed, and he pouted. “It must be nice to have a girl to talk to instead of just me. I bet you two have lots to talk about that I can’t even understand. Boys, clothes, whatever else girls talk about.”
She rolled her eyes, but she wasn’t really annoyed. “No one’s replacing you,” she promised. “You always have been, and always will be my best friend. We have history.”
Cyrus smiled, satisfied with her response. Then Kanti’s shout interrupted their conversation.
“Look! I see it!”
Sure enough, shimmering in the distance like a mirage, the Roaming City rose before them. Valerie entire body tingled with anticipation – it was time to learn about her future. She hoped she would like what she saw.
Chapter Eleven
As they approached the Roaming City, Valerie could see a circle of tall, white pillars surrounding an oval pool that reflected the night sky. Beyond the pool, clusters of pale brown huts blended with the sand so well that if it were not for their shadows, the dwellings would be invisible from a distance. The city was still except for a solitary figure who approached them rapidly. Whoever it was wore a long dark robe that brushed the ground and a hood that hung low, concealing the face beneath it.
When the figure was a few yards away, a deep, haughty voice bellowed, “Who presumes to enter the Roaming City uninvited?”
Valerie felt tongue-tied. Were they not allowed to be here? But Cyrus stepped forward confidently and flashed his widest smile. “Greetings. I’m Cyrus, and my friends are Valerie and Kanti. Valerie is here to receive her prophecy. May I ask who you are?”
The figure threw back his hood dramatically, revealing long dark hair held back in a ponytail, and eyes that flashed with irritation. “I am the First Prophet of Ephesus,” he said in a ringing voice. He gave them a look, and when they just stared back, he said through gritted teeth, “I assume you have brought me a gift to honor me.”
“I’m sorry, but we-” Valerie began to stammer, but Kanti interrupted her.
“I don’t know who you think you are, but that’s not how it works. We’re not giving you anything.”
“Then you had better return to where you came from,” he said, struggling to keep his voice calm.
“You know that is not our way, Putrefus. These travelers have found us, so they have a right to be here,” said a light musical voice. A slight woman who stood no taller than Valerie’s waist stepped out of the shadows.
“Stay out of this,” Putrefus snarled.
The woman approached, smiling. “Excuse him. Since he was named First Prophet, the title has gone straight to his head.” Then she turned to face Putrefus, and Valerie saw that dark wings were folded against her back. “But even you cannot ignore the laws of this city or else you will answer for it. The Roaming City has allowed these travelers to enter, which means that their need for help is great, and their hearts are deserving. To deny them a prophecy would be punishable by banishment.”
“We’ll see about that,” he replied, and then stormed off in a huff. Kanti laughed outright at his tantrum.
“Kanti, get a grip. We’re guests here,” Cyrus admonished. She rolled her eyes.
The woman swiveled back to face them with a bright smile. “Allow me to welcome you to the Roaming City properly. I’m Sibyl. You’ve picked a wonderful night to arrive. You will have the opportunity to witness an Illyrian immortality ceremony.”
“I’m sorry, but we can’t stay. I need to talk to one of the Oracle immediately to hear my prophecy. There is someone who’s depending on me, and I need to help him as soon as possible,” Valerie said urgently.
“I’m afraid that’s impossible. There will be no prophecies until dawn. We haven’t had an immortality ceremony here in fifty-nine years, and the entire city has taken the night off to witness it and celebrate. And there is another problem.”
“What’s that?” Valerie asked, worried.
“Well, if your need is as great as you say, you will want the most gifted Oracle to deliver your prophecy.”
“Yes, of course. Where can we find him or her?” Cyrus asked impatiently.
“You met him. Putrefus is First Prophet, and you may have some work ahead to convince him to help you.”
Without another word, Sibyl began making her way back toward the shadowed huts.
“Wait, won’t you help us?” Valerie called after her.
“I must assist with the preparations for the ceremony. I recommend you approach Putrefus tomorrow, and don’t be afraid to be particularly complimentary. Also, don’t wake him too early. He likes to sleep in after rituals, and he doesn’t prophesize as accurately when he’s irritable.”
Then, before anyone could respond, Sibyl disappeared, leaving the three alone again. “Looks like we’re stuck here for at least tonight,” Valerie sighed.
“Way to make a good impression, Kanti,” Cyrus hissed.
“Whatever, O Polite One. Why don’t you turn on that magical charm you’re always bragging about?” Kanti retorted.
“Relax, you two! Look on the bright side; we’ll catch a few zzz’s. We’re not going to be much help to anyone without some sleep.”
Kanti nodded reluctantly. “Let’s set up camp on the outskirts of the city. Then we’ll try to suck up to that snob, Putrefus, first thing tomorrow.”
“Tent!” Kanti called, and then, in a blink of an eye, a roll of canvas, pegs, and poles appeared on the ground beside them.
“I brought it for you, Val. I know you always wanted to go camping. So I brought an old-fashioned tent, like the kind you use on Earth,” Cyrus said with a grin.
“Should’ve packed the houseplant,” Kanti said. “It would have grown into three nice weatherproof canopy beds in three minutes. That would be much more com
fy than sleeping on the ground.”
“Well, I think it’s really nice of you to remember,” Valerie said, before Cyrus could get annoyed by Kanti’s comment.
“Hey, where are the directions for this contraption? Did you pack them?” Kanti asked.
“You don’t need directions,” Cyrus said confidently. “You’ve got me.”
Thirty minutes later, Valerie, Cyrus and Kanti were still struggling to set up the tent.
“Forget it; we’ll never get this up. Let’s sleep under the stars,” Kanti said, frustrated.
“I would’ve had it up by now, but there’s a pole missing. Not my fault,” Cyrus snapped back.
“Look,” Valerie said, pointing to the Conjurors trickling out of the huts to gather around the pool. It was just as diverse a group as Valerie had seen in Arden, but everyone wore long robes. “They must be here for the ceremony.”
A man with bushy, gray eyebrows made his way across the expanse of desert toward them. When he reached the group, he gave them with a friendly smile. “Looks like you could use some help with that.”
“It’s no use,” Kanti said, throwing the pole she was holding on the ground.
But the man only smiled and worked quietly on the tent, sliding the poles into the canvas sleeves expertly. In a matter of minutes, the tent was standing.
“See, I told you there wasn’t a missing pole!” Kanti said triumphantly.
Cyrus pointedly ignored her comment and turned to the man instead. “Hey, thanks! That was impressive.”
“Leo, at your service,” he replied.
“How did you get so good at setting up tents? I don’t know anyone who uses them on the Globe.”
Leo smiled and changed the subject. “You three must be here for a prophecy.”
“Yes. But we have to wait until dawn, after the ceremony,” Valerie said with anxiety in her voice. “I wonder what an Illyrian immortality ceremony is, anyway.”
“All of the Conjurors who live in the underwater city of Illyria are immortal. Every once in a while, they allow someone to join them and live forever. That person must enter Illyria through the Sacred Pool,” he said, pointing the pool of water by the pillars.
