by Sever Bronny
As for the trio, Mrs. Stone challenged them with a 7th degree spell—Blind, but after repeated failed attempts, it became obvious it was beyond reach.
“We now know your current ceiling,” Mrs. Stone said, allowing them to stand back up after a bout of nausea. This time no one had vomited, but all were wincing from pounding headaches. “Four degrees above your level of knowledge is very impressive, you should be proud. A typical apprentice can usually block two degrees above her own. Great adversity brings great reward.”
While the trio recuperated, she returned her attention to Haylee. The hours dragged on as they practiced all they had learned thus far, including the 1st and 2nd degree spells.
“That will do for today,” Mrs. Stone finally said around suppertime. “It is, after all, the eve of New Year’s.” She gave a rare smile. This news was most welcome, as everyone dreaded working through this particular night.
“I had wished to begin training you on Object Alarm, Object Track, and your 3rd degree elemental spell. Alas, time is short, and tomorrow we depart in search of Bahbell.”
“Tomorrow?” Augum asked. “So soon?”
“A reflection of the urgency of our quest, I am afraid.”
The foursome exchanged weary looks. Augum felt there was no way they were ready, at least arcanely speaking.
“However, one of you has qualified to take the test for their next degree.” She turned to Haylee. “Should you feel yourself ready, you may stay and await my return.”
Augum felt his skin crawl—left alone, what if Haylee changed her mind and wanted to jump off again! Bridget obviously shared the same concern, for the pair of them exchanged alarmed looks.
Haylee took a bit of time thinking about it. At last, she brushed the hair out of her eyes and nodded. “I’ll stay, Mrs. Stone.”
Augum gave her an encouraging smile before grabbing the lunch basket and holding hands with the others. They teleported back to the Okeke home where they were greeted by the aroma of roast duck, spiced porridge, and chocolate pudding for dessert.
Mrs. Stone returned to the mesa as Mr. Goss came in, arms full of supplies.
“That should be all of it,” he said, placing the items into an already large pile. “Rucksacks, tents, rope, warm clothing, a lantern, food, and other necessities …”
“But Mr. Goss, we hadn’t raised nearly enough money for all that,” Bridget said.
“That is true, but Mrs. Stone did not trade Erika Scarson for nothing, you know. How do you think I paid for my new spectacles? The Tiberrans yielded quite a large sum of coin, actually.”
“Mrs. Stone sold Erika?” Bridget glanced to Leera and Augum and the trio cracked with laughter. There was something terribly funny about Erika simpering to the Tiberrans, earrings jingling.
“Yes, well, the Tiberrans insisted on compensating Mrs. Stone for such a prize, and since we were in such need of it, she did not turn it down. Speaking of Mrs. Stone, where is she? I wanted to make sure I bought everything she asked for.”
“She stayed behind with Haylee to test her on her 1st degree,” Bridget replied.
“How fantastic! I am sure she will prevail.” Mr. Goss pushed on his spectacles and made his way over to the table. “Shall we wait for them?”
“Mrs. Stone told us not to,” Augum said, eager to start digging in.
Mrs. Stone teleported back sometime after supper with a tired-looking Haylee. She told everyone to gather together before announcing that Haylee had passed her test. She then performed the ceremony that bestowed the 1st degree ring around her arm. Everyone congratulated her, even Leera, though mutedly.
“I would also like to say that I have spoken at length to Haylee, and she will be coming with us on our journey to find Bahbell.” Mrs. Stone turned to the girl. “You have come a long way in a very short period of time, child, and have suffered much. I am proud of you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Stone,” Haylee said, sniffing and gazing at her with adoration.
Augum only smiled as Haylee gave him an appreciative nod. Now they were Mrs. Stone’s foursome. He was happy to see her spirits raised.
That evening everyone sat chatting, quietly recounting the year, talking little of what lay ahead. As midnight approached, Mr. Okeke gathered them by the hearth where the Endyear candle burned its last. He distributed glasses of white wine to Mr. Goss and Mrs. Stone and youngling ale to everyone else. They toasted to the 3341st year after the Founding and blew out the candle together.
Later, exhausted from the day, Augum fell asleep knowing that tomorrow he’d have to say goodbye to Mr. Goss, Leland, Jengo and his father. He wondered when they’d all see each other next.
They woke early the next morning, before the winter sun had even penetrated the evergreen canopy, and set to cooking and wrapping food and organizing their rucksacks. There was a sense of urgency in the packing, as if everyone was worried the Legion would reach Bahbell first.
“Let’s go see Chaska’s father,” Bridget said after breakfast, and the trio sped off, leaving Haylee to help Mr. Goss with the sandwiches.
The bell tinkled as they entered the Good Medicine Shop.
“Chunchuha, Achishi Zafu,” Bridget said. “We’ve come to say goodbye.”
“Old Henawa waiting for youngling maniye,” the snow-skinned man began as they approached the counter. “Chaska go on nemana. Youngling maniye go on nemana too. Younglings search Occi, but journey bring danger. Occi dark nuliwi. Younglings must be suala, must have courage.”
“Can you help us find the Occi?” Augum asked.
“Old Henawa too old to journey with maniye nuliwi.” He withdrew a small leather scroll from behind the counter. “Old Henawa once hear directions to Occi. Old Henawa remember and make map.” He handed it over to Leera. “Luck to you, youngling maniye.”
“Thank you, Achishi Zafu,” Bridget said, cheeks reddening. “And when Chaska gets back, please tell him … tell him we said goodbye.”
The old Henawa gave a nod. They waved one last time before departing.
Leera unfurled the map as they walked back to the Okeke home. “I can barely make anything out here …”
Augum glanced over and found the map crudely drawn, with only the most basic symbols. “Well, let’s hope it’s all we need.”
They showed it to everyone else upon returning to the cabin, but the only helpful suggestion came from Mr. Okeke, who deciphered a cross as a meeting of two trails, about half a days’ walk east. From the map, it appeared they were to walk north and then east before climbing the Muranians.
“Watch for bandits and bears,” he warned as they dressed in their newly purchased fur-lined winter coats, mitts, and, finally, proper fur-trimmed hide boots. “You are going into wild and dangerous country,” Mr. Okeke continued. “Few go there. Be on your guard.” He gave Mrs. Stone a large cloth sack. “Please take this journey food we have prepared.”
“Thank you kindly, Mr. Okeke,” Mrs. Stone said, handing the sack to Augum, who threw it over his shoulder, already weighed down by a bulging rucksack. Everyone carried one rucksack, but he packed himself the heaviest, consisting of the Orb of Orion, the blue book on arcaneology, the yellow book, and a tent, among other things.
Mr. Goss took Mrs. Stone’s hand in both his own. “Thank you for everything. Leland and I wish you all the best of luck and safe journey. We hope to see you soon.”
One by one, those that were staying behind embraced those that were departing, saying their individual goodbyes. Augum made sure to give Leland an extra squeeze and a pinch on his good cheek. Priya even showed up at the last moment to wish them all the best, gifting a small parcel of chocolate as a farewell gift.
“Thank you for the hospitality, Mr. Okeke,” Mrs. Stone said, stringing a small rucksack over her shoulder.
“Thank you for healing my son’s arm, Mrs. Stone.”
Jengo bowed, rubbing his arm. “Yes, thank you, maybe I won’t die from infection now.”
Mrs. Stone gave a courteous nod a
nd turned to depart, sleek staff in hand. “Oh, and before I forget, I have arranged for a special surprise for Jengo and Leland. Do not be alarmed when this surprise shows up tomorrow.”
Everyone exchanged intrigued smiles.
“Good bye to you all!” Bridget said.
“Goodbye, Bridget! Goodbye, Augum and Haylee and Mrs. Stone!”
They waved as the group of five meandered their way through heavily frosted evergreens. It was a bright day, the sun making the rolling sheets of snow sparkle.
“What surprise is it, Mrs. Stone?” Haylee asked once they were out of earshot.
“I hired a mentor from Tiberra using some of the money we earned from Erika Scarson’s handover. He has been to Milham before, so he can teleport back and forth for lessons.”
“That’s so kind of you, Mrs. Stone, and what a great idea …!”
“Considering there is a war on, I will think it lucky he makes an appearance at all.”
“Well I still think it was a marvelous thing to do.”
They followed the path that snaked through the quiet forest, dipping over hills and valleys, until arriving at the hilltop of the Star Feast.
Leera elbowed Augum upon spying the central area where they had danced. “I have to teach you how to move those feet better,” she said with a secret smile.
“He did all right,” Bridget said.
Haylee adjusted the rucksack over her shoulder. “Wish I could have come …”
Bridget gave her a kind smile. “There’s always next year.”
Just as they were about to exit the glade, Mrs. Stone stopped and stared at the scion on top of her staff. It had clouded over.
“What’s wrong, Mrs. Stone?” Bridget asked after a time.
Mrs. Stone slowly glanced back westward and stared. “Let us go.”
The trio exchanged fearful looks before following, but said nothing. No one wanted to talk about what could possibly have spooked Anna Atticus Stone.
They travelled onward down the other side and onto a path untrodden in some time. The snow lay thick around them, a great white blanket that deadened sound. It was like this for the better part of an hour, the path steadily declining until it crossed another path, only visible because of a dip in the snow. They consulted the map, concluding this must be the marked cross. They changed course as the map dictated, traveling northeast. After another hour or so, the path exploded onto a vast open valley strewn with boulders.
“Nice to see the sun for a change,” Augum said, squinting.
Leera looked up. “Enjoy it while it lasts, those clouds look endless.”
And they looked laden with snow too, Augum thought.
“Breathtaking,” Bridget said as they began descending the valley. They were but five minuscule fur-clad figures amongst an ocean of white, the boulders looking like enormous eggs hurled at the ground by giants.
Leera allowed herself to drift back with Augum, who brought up the rear, constantly adjusting the two sacks. She nodded at Haylee. “Why is she coming, anyway?”
“I think Nana had a talk with her after her test, didn’t she?”
“I know that, but exactly why is she coming?”
“I don’t know, maybe Nana felt bad for her. Besides, what else is she going to do? She has nobody—”
She shrugged. “I’m just saying, she could have stayed in Milham with the others—”
Augum sighed, glancing far ahead to where Haylee and Bridget followed Mrs. Stone. “She doesn’t know who she is anymore. Think about it, everybody she knew is gone. She has no home, no place to belong, and doesn’t even have any friends—except for us.”
“Oh, and everyone we knew isn’t dead? Her grandfather gave us up to the Legion. Her boyfriend murdered—”
“—Mya.” He stopped in his tracks. “He murdered Mya; he murdered Haylee’s grandfather, the very man that betrayed us; and he murdered Haylee’s parents—”
“Why are you always defending her? Do you like her or something?”
Augum gave her a look. “Why are you always out to get her? I mean, I know you two had problems before, but why can’t you just let it go?”
“ ‘Problems’?” Leera’s voice dropped dangerously. “ ‘Problems?’ She made fun of me every chance she got, even making up a song the class sang before the entire. Damn. Academy—”
“Oh, you mean back when you liked Robin?”
Her eyes narrowed to slits. “I knew it, you do like her—”
“What? That’s not—” but she had already stormed ahead, drawing her hood. He groaned and plodded along, feeling the weight of both sacks.
After a long descent meandering around the boulders, he finally caught up to the others. They waited for him at the bottom of the valley by a frozen stream. Bridget and Haylee were examining the leather map while Leera stood apart, face averted.
“… what do you think, Lee?” Bridget asked.
“Oh, what?”
“We’re trying to figure out what the map says here.” Bridget tried to show it to her but Leera only shrugged.
“Whatever you think, I don’t care …”
Mrs. Stone shaded her eyes with her hand. “There is a small hole in the forest on that ledge there. Let us try it.”
They gathered their things and renewed the trek. This time, it was Bridget that hung back with Augum.
“She seems upset.”
Augum glanced ahead at Leera marching as if the snow had done her wrong. “She doesn’t like the fact Haylee came along.”
“Is that really what it is?”
He gave a half-shrug. “I don’t know, they have a past. But then …”
She allowed him to gather his thoughts, something he appreciated.
“She thinks I like Haylee,” he finally blurted. “What should I tell her, that I don’t like her?”
“It wouldn’t really make much of a difference.” Bridget sighed. “Let me talk to her, though you know how stubborn she can be.” She eyed his sagging shoulders. “Just because you’re a boy doesn’t mean you have to carry most of the weight all the time.”
Sir Westwood certainly would say otherwise, having hammered it into Augum’s head how it was a knight’s duty to be chivalrous and gallant to women at all times.
“I’m fine …”
“You’re ‘fine’? Really?” She smiled and shook her head before speeding up, catching Leera halfway up the valley incline. They talked all the way to the valley ledge, where everyone waited for Augum once again. The sun had succumbed to the torrent of gray clouds when he finally caught up, huffing and red-faced.
They entered a forest of densely packed evergreens laden with snow, the path barely discernible. There were occasional cries of pain as branches whipped across faces. It was the quietest forest Augum had ever entered.
The snow in these parts was waist high, making the walk much more difficult. The cold deepened and, as he predicted, it had begun snowing—fat lazy flakes they could catch in their hands like leaves. Augum drew his apprentice hood, thankful for the hide mitts and boots. They needed breaking in, but this kind of journey would be impossible without them.
As he plodded along, he felt a familiar sensation in his throat—and immediately fought it off. Just as he was about to raise the alarm, he spotted Mrs. Stone watching him from up ahead.
“Was that you, Nana?”
“Indeed it was. Let us move along.”
“She tested us too,” Bridget said as he caught up.
They stopped around mid afternoon under a great spruce. After digging out a sitting area, Mrs. Stone had them use Telekinesis to gather wood for a fire, which she started arcanely.
Lunch was a welcome affair, with little talking other than jabs at the map.
“Maybe it’s a well of some kind,” Bridget said, turning the wrinkled leather.
Augum tore a piece of journey bread and handed the rest to Leera, who took it, but held on as if hesitating to say something.
“Want to, uh, check out t
hat tree there?” she said.
He glanced around, confused. “Tree—? What tree?”
“She wants to talk to you,” Bridget whispered.
He reddened. “Oh, uh … that tree. Right. Sure. I guess.”
She led the way to a large spruce, behind which she suddenly turned around. “I’m sorry for … earlier.”
He swallowed. Suddenly speaking was hard. “It’s all right.”
“You know me, I can be … emotional sometimes.” She looked into his eyes. “Haylee’s been through a lot, and she’s different now. I need to be more … understanding.”
He just gaped at her. For some reason, all he could think about was that moment they shared together at the Star Feast, just before they were going to kiss.
“So, uh, do you forgive me?” she asked.
He realized she had been waiting for him to say something. “Oh … of course.”
She smiled and turned to go, but he caught her arm.
“Err, just so you know, I don’t like her in that way.”
Her smile widened. “I know.” She gave him a light punch on the arm. “Come on, let’s study the map.”
Augum caught a look from Bridget as they returned. He smiled and mouthed, “Thank you.” She only winked.
They took seats beside her and got out the map. A big black dot indicated something was ahead. The path shot off northward from that spot. Problem was nobody knew what the dot meant.
“Could be a village or something,” Augum said, tearing the bread with his teeth. “What do you think, Nana?”
“I am of the mind we shall see when we get there.”
A distant shrill scream with a grotesque gurgling quality to it suddenly pierced the air. When it was silent again, nobody moved.
“What. Was. That?” Haylee whispered, watching the trees with wide eyes.
“I daresay I do not know,” Mrs. Stone said, which unnerved Augum. Mrs. Stone’s eyes flicked to the scion. “I suggest we stay vigilant.”
Bridget, holding a piece of salted ham, sidled closer to her. Haylee did the same. They watched the forest. Eventually, one by one, they returned to the food.
