Illuminated

by Jackie Castle

  Alyra watched the horseman for a moment. “He’s the first real friend I’ve ever had, Marya.”

  The healer looked over at her with sad eyes. She grasped Alyra’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “You’ll never lack for friends ever again, I assure you. You not only have a devoted friend in Lotari but me as well.”

  “I’ll need to leave soon. I can’t intrude on you…”

  “Hush, you welcomed to stay until you’re ready to leave. Allow your leg to heal. Maybe your heart as well.”

  Chapter 20

  An orange butterfly danced around the spiked yellow flowers. The slight wind caused by its wings fanned Alyra’s fingers. She squeezed the plump tomato to check for ripeness, then gave a quick twist from the limb. As Marya strolled down the row of beans, she dropped the tomatoes collected into her basket.

  “These will make for a nice trade,” Marya examined the bounty with satisfaction.

  Three weeks had passed since Alyra came to stay with the healer. Every day felt like a dream. One of those sweet, blissful dreams she sometimes had in Racah, of a place bright and happy.

  Marya took Alyra with her on her rounds where she would teach her about tending the sick, answering every last question with the utmost patience. If they were near the town, she’d drop Alyra off to help Lotari repair damaged buildings. The centaur offered her a ride home when dusk settled. Whenever they were together, he instructed her on the name and healing properties of every plant they passed. He’d even lent her his personal botanical journal.

  His knowledge of plant lore and artistic renditions of vegetation amazed her. She kept the book in her pack which she wore wherever she went, mostly as a precaution in case she had to suddenly run again.

  Marya handed her the basket, asking her to prepare the beans for soaking. “We’ll add some to the stew for dinner, Sweetpea.”

  Alyra sat on the front stoop, trimming the pods and sorting which they’d take to town. The sun glistened off the white road running past the healer’s house. She followed its course with her eyes until it disappeared around a bend, and from there, who knew? Soon, she’d need to find out.

  Issah’s words from the night he brought her there often repeated themselves in her quiet moments. “I know exactly who you are. Alyra, child of Alburnium. Daughter to Stephen of Belluvita. Born to those of the light. The Illuminate.”

  Daughter of Stephen. Her father? Why couldn’t she remember any of her other family members? She suspected the glowing lady from her dreams might be her mother. Still, she had no idea what happened to her. Were they waiting for her? Had they given up hope that one day she’d return? Would they even welcome her back?

  Alyra sighed, breaking the tops off four velvety green pods.

  Born to those of the light. The Illuminate. Jerin said that’s why she made the white rocks glow. Because of what her medallion said she was. Why couldn’t she make things light up when she wanted to? And what would it mean if she could?

  Taking the basket inside, Alyra stopped before Marya’s bookshelf, mostly consisting of plant lore and healing remedies. She found a couple of books about a place called the Halls of Knowledge, and Great Philosophers, but nothing to help answer her many questions.

  “You should see the libraries in Aloblase, dear.” Marya took the vegetables from her and headed toward the kitchen area. “Books beyond your most imaginative beliefs.”

  The cottage was open and airy. Alyra hoped one day to be able to settle in such a quaint little home.

  “Have you been there, Marya?”

  “Oh, yes.” The healer’s face lit up with the memory. “So, so beautiful. That’s where I learned my life skills. At the Academy.”

  The word, academy, struck Alyra as familiar. Someone was going there. Was she? A memory of a young boy, about Beave’s age, with wavy brown hair and dazzling green eyes. Who was he?

  “Hello, Marya to Alyra, are you there, dear?” The woman chuckled when Alyra blinked back into the present. “Oh, there you are. Thought you took a mental vacation on me for a moment. Was hoping you’d write.”

  Alyra laughed at her teasing. “I keep having these dreams of people and places. The Logorians told me my lost memories would start to come back. I just wish there were some books, or maps, or something....”

  “The meeting hall, dear. They have a splendid library. Not as elaborate as Aloblase, or what the Halls of Knowledge once had, but you might find something useful.”

  “Does everyone go to Academy, Marya?”

  “Those who wish to learn about their gifting. I’m sure you would have gone to learn about being a light bearer when you came of age. Usually, children in their tenth year begin attending. We all have the opportunity to learn the skills needed to do our life’s work, dear. It’s not too late. When you return, you’ll be given the chance to go, as well.”

  She clutched the two medallions, feeling a sense of relief over still having a chance to find out what hers meant. How to make the Illuminate talent work.

  “You could take this basket with you, dear. Ride Gabby,” Marya gestured toward the horse paddock beside the barn. “I’m sure she’ll love the exercise.”

  An hour later, Alyra trotted the mare into Many Rivers. Fresh paint covered many of the smoke damaged buildings, and new ones were going up to replace those burnt in the attack. Even the Meeting Hall was having a new wing built on, just as Elder Wain suggested. A special market area. She spotted Lotari helping to set the wall. He’d brought some of his clansmen with him, a small group of younger centaurs. She couldn’t help but smile at how much he seemed to enjoy working with the townspeople. At first, he’d shown up with fresh bruises, but eventually, Wyndham must have relented, especially as the people continued to share provisions for the clan and send countless invitations to ask for anything they needed.

  Alyra located the man who traded produce and gave him the basket. He placed several pouches of herbs that Marya would use in her tonics in a bag. After their transaction, she asked where she might find the library, and he pointed to the east wing.

  “Yer welcomed to any books you fancy. Jus’ let Ol’ Angus know. He keeps tally o’ where tha books get off to.”

  She nodded and found the grand study. For a long moment, she stood in the archway staring at the two-story gilded walls in utter amazement. Marble statues of various creatures and people she didn’t know stood guard over the shelves. A couple of people sat at the polished wood tables, piles of books surrounding their bent heads.

  A hunched, elder gentleman approached her. “What can I do you for, young scholar?”

  “Oh... uh... I was wondering if you have any maps. Like of Alburnium, or Aloblase? Or just places?”

  He peered at her through a pair of thick spectacles. Waving a long, twisted hand at her, he led her to an area in the back. He reached up to the third shelf and pulled down a leather book, nearly the size of a serving tray. Setting the book upon a podium, he opened to the table of contents.

  “Within these pages are maps of nearly every established town in the Kingdom realm. You can look up the towns in the table of contents.” Then he flipped to the very back. “Here is an overall map of Alburnium.” He pointed at the upper left corner. “That’s where Racah would be.” His arthritic finger traced along a golden line and stopped near the crease in the book. “This is Many Rivers. Since we are relatively new, there is no page of our town. But I’ve taken the liberty to mark it on the overview map. We do like to know where we stand in the big scheme of things, don’t we?”

  Alyra smiled at his joke. “Yes sir, that’s for sure.”

  “Now, this book is much too large, and too old to be taken from the library. But I’ll leave it out if you think you’ll want to explore the maps again at a later time. For now, feel free to spend as much time as you wish looking. The books near the front are available to take home, though we expect you to bring them back. Hear?”

  “Yes sir. Thank you.”

  Angus gave her a bow, then left her t
o return to shelving his stack of books.

  She studied the large map first, finding the spot he’d marked Many Rivers. Her eyes scanned the area between there and where Racah would be. Eventually, she found a small dark spot labeled Yarholm. The kingdom towns were marked with a gold dot. More gold dots clustered on the right side of the map, and spread out over the left side. There wasn’t even a line connecting Yarholm to any of the other towns. The White Road went nowhere near the small settlement.

  That explained a lot.

  Several gold dots covered the upper part of the map. Near the bottom, she found a sketch of a mountain range labeled, Drakensburg. Wasn’t Crystal from such a place? There was no gold line heading in that direction either. She pinpointed the White Road leading from Many Rivers and found Aloblase at the right side of the map.

  To her dismay, there lay a large mountain range she’d have to cross. The town at the foot of the mountains read Denovo. Another smaller town laid further south.

  “Denovo?” She’d heard of that name before, too, and searched her shattered memory for when. An image of Tarek holding two bottles of ale flashed in her mind. “Of course! The bag of apples. But....” She leaned in closer, for a better look, then decided to flip through the thick pages until she found the city. Indeed, the path went beside the borders and there was a Meeting Hall inside the city. How did Darnel get goods from there if they served King Shaydon?

  She shook her head, then returned to the large map and searched through the cluster of gold dots, wondering if she’d locate Belluvita.

  A shadow blocked her source of light. Alyra jumped back with a gasp to find Lotari standing beside her.

  “You scared me, Lot. Don’t sneak up on me like that.”

  “My, my, but you’re a little tense, aren’t you? What’s up with my favorite human?”

  He leaned his sweaty arm on the edge of the podium.

  Argus bellowed across the vast quietness. “Boy, you better wash up before you touch my books!”

  Lotari jumped. “Yes sir.” He handed her a small book. “Hold that for me. I’ll be right back.” His hooves clattered over the wood floor as he darted out.

  Alyra glanced at his book. Kingdom Peoples, the title read. She turned to the table of contents.

  Arcadian, Artisan, Craftsman, Curian, Draconian, Drake keeper, Healer, Illuminate, Instructor, Mason, Messenger, Musician...

  Illuminate?

  Her gaze shot back to the word that defined the emblem on her medallion. She turned to the page, but found little more than a standard definition. The class of peoples with abilities to cast or channel light. Below the description was a list of names of people who were Illuminate and had done something important.

  “I was disappointed in the information as well.” Lotari said, now freshly cleaned of dirt and sweat yet still smelling of earth, and damp animal.

  “Were you looking up information about my medallion?”

  He shrugged. “Some. And other peoples. I was simply curious.” He set the book on Argus’ return shelf. “Elder Wain said that in Aloblase, even creatures are given medallions. I had no idea.”

  “Creatures?”

  “My kind. Non-human. Fauns, centaurs, dwarfs and such.”

  She smiled, thinking she’d never think of him as something different from her, even if he was. She didn’t care.

  “You could come with me. When I go to Aloblase.”

  He let out a long breath, looking down at the map laid out before her. “Wyndham forbids it. I’m pushing his limits as it is. He’s so angry he’s taken to completely ignoring me.” He flipped through a few pages. “Besides, my Matron and siblings would be without a hunter.”

  “Matron?”

  “Mother in your tongue.”

  “Lot, you have a mommy?” She grinned when his cheeks blushed. “I didn’t even know there were female centaurs.”

  “Of course there are. They stay close to the warren though. Few are willing to leave the safety of their homes.”

  “Would you take me to meet them someday?”

  He shook his head. “I’m afraid not. Humans so close to the warren are terribly upsetting to them. Besides, we’re far from the white path. I’d fear for your safety on many levels.

  “I’ve noticed your leg is better now. Have you considered when you’ll continue on your journey?”

  Alyra rubbed her arms where all that remained was a white scar from the burns. Her leg also had an ugly line where the arrow had struck. At this rate, by time she actually reached Aloblase, she’d look like a patchwork ragdoll.

  “Soon. I’m still learning from you and Marya.”

  His brown eyes narrowed. “You’ll receive the best training from the Academy.”

  “I know.” She reached into her backpack and pulled out his journal. “Here’s your plant book. You’re amazing, Lot. The illustrations are beautiful.”

  He flipped to a page, holding up a picture of an orange flower, its petals resembling a head of rumpled hair. His thumb covered the plant’s name. “What’s this one?”

  “A marigold.” Alyra said rolling her eyes. “Won’t you even think about going to Aloblase?”

  He sighed. “No. Now tell me the marigold’s uses.”

  She relented when his face looked pained. Maybe he wished he could go, but really couldn’t. Like Tarek, there were things holding him back, responsibilities, people he cared about.

  She recited his words. “The flower petals can be made into an infusion or lotion to help with chapped hands.”

  “What else is the marigold beneficial for?”

  Alyra rubbed her forehead. She’d read all this, but wasn’t in the mood for a test right now. “Sprains? Or no—”

  “Yes, sprains.” Then he finished, “Marigold can also be used as a cold compress on inflamed areas and are wonderful for open wounds. The petals can be squeezed for their juice and used for toothaches as well.”

  Alyra shrugged, staring at her map. “Oh yeah, and all that. So how far away is Aloblase from here?”

  He snapped the plant journal shut and handed it back. “I don’t know. Ask Marya, she’s been there. This is my home and it’s all I know. Keep the book awhile longer. You need to study more.”

  A gonging bell sounded from outside. Argus and Lotari hurried to the tall windows.

  Alyra followed. “Are we under attack again?”

  Lotari pulled the bow from his quiver and loaded an arrow. “You stay here, Alyra. Understand? Wait until I come back for you. If there is danger, you’ll be safe inside. Remember what Issah told you?”

  She nodded, her heart thudding against her chest.

  In the courtyard, Elder Wain stood on one of the picnic tables, giving orders. She watched the centaurs gather and talk together. Lotari looked concerned, but put his bow and arrow away. Alyra let out a long breath, maybe they weren’t under attack after all.

  The dwarf called Lotari over and they talked a moment, the centaur nodding and motioning toward the meeting hall.

  Thunder sounded over the commotion as a group of horsemen galloped into town. The riders weren’t clad in black, but white and gold. At the head was Issah.

  With a cry of relief, Alyra ran outside, knowing if he were there, everything was safe. The Logorian warriors followed the horsemen, hefting litters laden with bloodied bodies.

  “What’s happened?” She raced to Lotari’s side.

  The fury on his bearded face alerted her to his impending scolding. Yet he bit back his irritation. “They’re bringing in wounded. Marya’s on her way. I can use your help until she gets here.”

  She nodded and followed him into the white building where they were setting up a medical room for the wounded. He asked Alyra to help separate the seriously injured from those who could wait awhile. According to one of the Logorian warriors, there were only twenty men left from a unit of fifty.

  Once Marya arrived, she immediately issued orders to everyone standing. Those with open wounds and broken bones were sen
t to Lotari. Marya joined him.

  Alyra took care of the less severe men, bandaging small cuts and binding sprains with ice. She prepared a calming tea to help with the pain and to soothe nerves. Each man was made as comfortable as possible on the makeshift beds.

  Outside, several people were always working on preparing food to feed them all.

  Issah and his warriors helped as well. Two of the Logorians took over cooking and before she knew it, the table was laden with breads and meats and fruits. She saw the scene with her own eyes, but couldn’t figure out for the life of her how they accomplished such a feat.

  Once the soldiers outside were taken care of, Alyra went to see if she could do anything in the hall where the worst of the injured waited for treatment. Lotari was occupied stitching a head wound.

  Marya tended to a young man, no more than fifteen summers. She called Issah over who sat with the boy and whispered something in his ear. He gave a nod, slowly closing his eyes.

  Issah pulled the blanket over his head.

  Marya wiped at her face and moved on to the next one struggling to breathe.

  Issah came to their side and laid a hand on the man’s head and chest. “In and out,” he whispered. “In and out and in and out.” After a couple of minutes, he breathed normally again. Marya took over from there and tended to his wounds. Many of the injuries were beyond Alyra’s abilities, so she cleaned up bloodied linen and tried to offer encouragement to those who were waiting.

  Lotari called her over to one particular patient who kept thrashing around in his bed. The man kicked his good leg and yelled, “Get away from me you savage!” The other leg lay twisted grotesquely. His face was so bloodied he probably couldn’t see in his state of shock.

  “You’re going to be crippled if you don’t let me set that leg!” Lotari yelled back.

  “Don’t touch me!”

  Alyra got between the man and the centaur. “Hold on a minute. Let’s all calm down.” She took a wet cloth and began washing the man’s face. “Here, let me clean off this blood so you can see what’s going on. We only want to help.”