by Elina Vale
“Mark what?” the gatekeeper said.
“I was ordered to examine the north-east section of the wall outside. Well, I did like they told me to, so let me in or I’ll let the group leader know that—"
“Alright, alright. Don’t lose it, Odelia.”
The gate opened and Eavan stepped in. “Thanks. I’d better get going then.”
“Hey! Wait a minute.”
Eavan stopped and turned around. The camouflage was starting to wear her down. Changing appearance was one of the most draining things to do. A trickle of sweat run on her forehead.
“Yeah?”
“Give your man a kiss from me!” the guard said and wiggled his eyebrows. “oh... that’s right. He’s in prison!”
Eavan didn't know how Odelia would react to a joke like this, but she hoped Odelia had a sense of humor. “Don’t worry, mate, when I finally get to see him, I’ll give him all I have, and I’ll say it’s from you.”
The men started laughing, and Eavan turned her back to them. She walked as fast as she could towards the side gate of the Fourth Ring. She had to get away from the Passageway before her spell wore off. She slipped through the gate without any problems, sneaked into the shadows of the Fourth Ring, and slipped behind the back of a building. Then, looking around and seeing nobody, she let the spell wither down.
She slumped onto the street. She had gotten into the city; now things became interesting. She needed to get inside the Spike without anyone noticing. But how? She couldn’t use another camouflage spell. It would weaken her too much, and if she needed to confront Shea, she didn’t want her power to be diminished.
She looked to the sky, where the first stars indicated it would soon be night. She needed to find a place to recuperate. It was autumn, and even though the temperature in Ironflare would never approach freezing, it would get chilly tonight. Maybe it was time to visit some long-lost friends? Unfortunately, Eavan had no friends in this city. Her few contacts were inside the tower. She needed to rest and figure out a plan. Maybe she could use a pike-holder? She could steal an outfit and disguise herself without using her magic. Shea wouldn’t expect that.
Maybe she could find out where Odelia Greysand lived and seek safety for the night. Deciding that was her best choice, Eavan pulled up her hood and concealed her face with her scarf. Rushing through the narrow streets of the Fourth ring, she took notice that it was remarkably quiet in the city. People rushed past each other, not speaking. Eavan saw beggars. Here in the Fourth Ring, that was unheard of. All who couldn’t afford to live in the rings were sent to the Pit. But the people looked thin and miserable. Eavan dropped few coins into the stretched-out hands of a few children. Thanking her, they rapidly vanished into the shadows. If the Fourth Ring had become this poor, just how miserable was it inside the Pit? Even if someone unlatched the gates and freed the people, would they have the strength to journey across the desert to another village? Or would they perish?
Concerned, Eavan continued on her way. She couldn’t focus on the Pit. Not when Boa was in Shea’s hands. Why did he feel he had to do it on his own? He knows very well I would do anything for him. Eavan reached the gate to the Third Ring and cast her camouflage spell again. She got through without any problems, then found another shady building where she let the magical image fall. She wiped her forehead with her shaking hand. The traveling portal and two camouflage images had been too much. She needed rest. Gates and images were among the most energy-consuming spells.
Eavan pulled her hood up again and stopped a passing man. “Where can I find Odelia Greysand? I have senatai business with her,” she said in her most powerful voice.
The man trembled. “Y-Yes, senatai. Three streets that way. Number thirty-two is hers.”
“Thank you,” Eavan said and rushed onward. She could only hope the man wouldn’t dare to speak to any other senatai about it. Arriving at number thirty-two, she knocked on the door and waited a minute. After another knock, the door opened. A woman with a round face, clipped ebony hair, and intelligent sky-blue eyes opened the door.
“Good evening,” Eavan said. “I’m sorry to bother you, but we have a common friend who needs our help.”
Odelia looked at Eavan for a minute, then recognition lit her eyes. “I know who you are. Did anyone see you?”
“No," Eavan said and quickly glanced around. The street was nearly empty, and nobody paid her any attention.
“Good.” Odelia opened the door wider. “Come in.”
Eavan stepped inside and removed her hood. She could see dark circles under Odelia’s eyes, and her face wasn’t as round as it used to be. The rough times had affected her too.
“And how is our common friend?” Odelia asked.
“Well, he has gotten himself into trouble again,” Eavan said, sitting down on the chair Odelia presented her with.
Odelia chuckled. “I’m not surprised.”
“The High Mistress has pretty much declared a war against the crown, and Boa thought he should get into the Spike and deliver himself to her in order to buy us some time.”
Odelia looked worried. “Are you serious?”
“Unfortunately, I am.” Eavan buried her face into her palms. “And I need to sway him out from of there. I’ve invested too much in him to allow him to sacrifice himself.”
“Meaning?”
“I need him if we’re going to prevail against the Spike.”
“Oh,” Odelia said. “That’s all.”
“What?”
“He’s a soldier, after all. You only need him to win a war.” Odelia offered Eavan a cup of water.
"Well, obviously, he’s my friend as well.”
“That’s what you’re calling it?”
“Calling what?”
“I’ve known Boa for a long time.” Odelia leaned closer, studying Eavan with those smart eyes. “Long enough to know that, whether or not he wants to admit it, he’s been in love with you for years.”
Eavan blanched. “I... That’s not...”
“Of course it is. Just because he’s trying to hide it doesn’t mean that everyone else doesn’t know it.” Sitting forward again, she said, “Just like most of us know that you love him back.”
“I’m not... I didn’t...” Eavan set the mug down and crossed her arms. “I came here for help, not to be judged on matters that are personal to me! Why do you even care?”
“Do you love him?”
With a sigh, Eavan answered, “I don’t deny it.”
Delia laughed. “You can’t even say it directly!”
"I ask again: why does it matter to you?”
“I just want to know,” Delia grinned. “Why in the world aren’t you two saying it aloud?”
Eavan opened her mouth and closed it again. She had no idea her feelings showed so clearly.
“Of course I have. We have talked about it, but the situation and my responsibilities are..."
Odelia gave out a grunt. “You can try to circle around it as much as you like, but the truth is the truth. You are scared of your feelings. And what do we have left in this miserable world other than our feelings and emotions? Even if pike-holders threaten us, even if we’re locked in this city, even if we claim to be too busy with our responsibilities, our feelings remain our own. Tricking yourself is pointless.”
"We simply have too much responsibility to risk letting those feelings get in the way.”
“Have you seen the state of this city?” Odelia spread her arms. “If you have a chance for love, take it. My husband was taken by the pikes a week ago.”
“I’m so sorry,” Eavan said. “I heard something about that.”
“It only makes me wish I had loved him harder when he was here.”
“I understand,” Eavan said, not wanting to offend her host. “But that brings me back to business. I need a pike’s outfit. Can you get me one?”
Odelia’s eyes flashed. “You want to get into the Spike unnoticed?” She stroked her jaw. “That could work. I know the
pike’s schedules. But how will we get a group of pikes to take you with them?”
Eavan felt uncertain. Her plan was risky for sure. “I need you to ask them for me.”
Odelia paled. “No. I can’t do it, Eavan.”
“Boa is in danger. I must help him.”
“I won’t risk the trust I have with the pikes. I won’t do it.”
Eavan groaned and closed her eyes. She was exhausted.
Odelia cleared her throat and then nodded towards her bed. “Go to sleep, Eavan. I have an idea of how to coax you inside. I will get the pike’s uniform to you in the morning. But I must stay away from this. Nobody can know I had anything to do with it.”
“I understand.” Eavan’s eyes softened a bit. “I am grateful for the help, Odelia.”
Odelia nodded and pulled her hand through her short black hair. “I know. I want to help Boa too. But it’s midnight. Rest.”
When Eavan woke up, the modest house was empty. This was how they lived in the Third Ring: a compact kitchen and living room area, a washroom, and a bedroom. Not much, but compared to those iron boxes in the Pit, this was luxury.
Eavan had already dressed in her leather pants and white shirt when the door opened and Odelia stepped in. She carried a bundle in her arms. “Mornin’,” she said.
Eavan nodded. “Did you get me the outfit?”
“I didn’t," Odelia said. "But I got something better: a servant’s dress. If we put a scarf over your head and you keep those star-eyes on the ground, no one will notice you.”
Eavan looked at the bundle. She didn’t like when her plans changed.
Odelia grabbed some bread and cheese from the cupboard. “Don’t worry. It’s easier to sneak in as a servant. Pikes are controlled; servants run errands at all times. Bear a bundle with you and use the name of someone who you know is still in the tower. If anyone asks, you’ll be running his errand for him.”
“If you believe it will work.” Eavan took the bread Odelia offer her. “Thank you. I will pay you for this.”
Odelia lifted her brows. “For the bread? Yeah, you will. And you’ll pay me for gathering that outfit. Eight silvers.”
Eavan coughed and wiped the breadcrumbs from her lips. “Eight? Seriously?”
Odelia nodded. "Surely Boa is worth more than that.”
Eavan’s face darkened. “You think that my affection for Boa can be counted with coins?”
Downing a drought of water from a clay cup, Delia asked, “Can it?”
“No,” Eavan mumbled and stared at the water in her cup. “Our relationship is so much more. It’s hard to imagine life without him.”
Odelia’s face softened. “Well, then. Let’s get you inside that bloody Spike so you can do your senatai stuff.”
“Odelia... You know that war is coming to Ironflare?”
Odelia smiled a sad smile. “Yeah. So they whisper in the market. But what can we do but wait and try not to get caught in the eye of an advocate or a drokashai? If they see even the tiniest bit of defiance, off to the dungeons you go.”
Eavan placed a hand on her arm. “Is that what happened to your husband?”
Odelia nodded.
“I’m sorry. What’s his name? If I come across him... I can try.”
Odelia’s eyes filled with tears. “Would you? He is Olir. He has coal-black hair and... oh.” She blushed. “I guess everyone in Ironflare has black hair.”
“I suppose most do.” Eavan squeezed Odelia’s arm. “I will keep my eyes open.”
Eavan and Odelia stood behind a corner of the gate tower in the Second Ring. Odelia could enter this far, but her markings wouldn’t allow her past the guards.
“You sure you can do some magic thing and the gatekeepers won’t identify you?” she wondered.
“I’m sure. All I must do is keep the disguise active until I am inside. At that point, I will need to stop, because it strains my powers so much.”
The two women stared at the Gate tower in silence. Eavan glanced at Odelia, wishing she could help somehow. Months before, Odelia had helped Boa, and now she was helping Eavan. Not even the loss of her husband had changed her disposition. Eavan would try to find him. Somehow.
She sighed at her own thoughts. Who was she trying to convince? The chances that Olir was alive were minimal. Even if he was, there were likely hundreds of prisoners inside.
There was movement on the tower gate.
“It’s time,” Odelia said. “I’ll go in first and get them talking, then you use your senatai charms and sneak past.”
“Thank you for doing this.”
“This is Good-bye for now.”
“I will give Boa your regards.”
“If you see Olir...” Tears pooled in her eyes. “Tell him that I will try to find him. That I won’t give up.”
Eavan nodded. “If I see him, I will tell him. Good-bye, Odelia Greysand.”
“Good-bye, Eavan Firestone.”
Eavan watched as Odelia approached the gate tower, then opened herself to her magic. Casting a camouflage of someone she knew who lived in Glasswater, she plodded forward with the heavy steps of a worn-out, middle-aged woman.
Odelia knew exactly what she was doing; her husband had been taken away, and to the guards, she was openly flirting. They seemed to be fighting for her attention. One of them simply glanced at Eavan’s wrist, nodded to her, and turned back to Odelia. Eavan quickly glanced at the short-haired woman and walked on.
She carried a bundle close to herself, keeping her eyes on the ground while she roamed a familiar eastward road leading towards the Spike. She had tucked her hair under her cap and held the brim of her hood tightly against her face. She could feel the dark shadow of the tower tapering over her, but
nobody stopped her. Nobody dared to say anything. Slowly, she let the camouflage fade away, crouching over her bundle like it was the most precious thing she had ever carried.
And then she was there, standing again before the gate of the Spike. Two pikes secured it, but they ignored Eavan. She snuck past them with little effort.
Eavan was mildly surprised that she had made it inside so easily. Now, all she needed to do was find out where Shea kept Boa and free him somehow. She climbed the stairs to the next level, where she knew she would find some old storage rooms. The first one she entered was dark, so she cast a small orb of light. Next, she scouted for Boa. She let her mind travel the lower layers of the tower, into the dungeons, but he wasn’t there. Then, she traveled up the tower, with a slight hope that maybe Boa hadn’t yet gotten caught in Shea’s web.
She couldn’t find him.
There was only one place left to look: Shea’s private rooms.
Boa and Shea had a history. Eavan appreciated that. But she knew Boa as well. A faint smile emerged on her lips when a flood of images caroused through her mind. All the laughs they had shared, all the fights, the adventures and the kisses... She let the memories fade and focused again on her scouting, ascending to the highest peak of the Spike, and there she discovered him. His energy was like a blue, pulsing light. Eavan sensed several other people with him, along with something black and rotten.
Shea.
She broke the spell, let the orb vanish, and snuck out of the room. It was time to save Boa.
The last time Eavan had been in the Spike’s private upper chambers was the last time she had met with Aldemar Krun. She had nearly gotten into a battle with the former High Master, and ironically, it was Shea who saved her.
She checked her protective amulets and prepared a disarming spell for Shea. She had been able to disarm Aldemar; she would do the same to this wench. She made contact with her Fountain, the life force, the pulsing, vibrating heart and soul of herself. Eavan was the Fountain. The Fountain was Eavan. There were no limitations. She opened her eyes, which now shone with magical, white light, and entered the chamber.
In an instant, she was thrown backward into the hallway, slamming her against the wall.
Shea emerged into the
doorway, hands on her hips, looking like a creature from the underworld.
Eavan quickly jumped up and formed a shield around herself, then shoved her hand forward and slammed Shea with a thrust of air. Shea was tossed backward into the room. Eavan quickly ran after her.
Shea stumbled up and smirked. “I was wondering when you would show yourself.”
Terror seized Eavan. Shea had turned into something horrible. Her skin was tinged with black and green, like she was constantly in shadow.
Boa stood off to the side with a familiar man, whom Eavan recognized as Shri’s father, Merrilon Moongale. They stared at Shea with admiration in their eyes. She had enchanted them. A poor girl without any legs sat in the corner, squeezing tightly to the chair’s handrails. She was likely Summerhaze, the friend whom Shri always talked about. Shea Ziragh had both Shri’s father and her best friend. What in the world was she planning?
“Shea!” Eavan shouted. “I came to make a deal.”
Shea stroked the jewel attached to her chest. Her fingers seemed longer than human digits. “Deals, deals. I am done making deals with you, Eavan Firestone!” Shea’s voice had changed as well, emerging as a dark, echoing sound that thundered through the room.
Eavan prepared herself. “Shea Ziragh, let these people go and end this madness! If you continue to abuse your power, magic will be banned in Aviden!”
Shea burst into squealing laughter and snapped her fingers. Fire materialized in one, while a black powder materialized in the other. “Which do you choose, oh mighty Eavan Firestone?” She lifted the hand with the red flame a bit higher. “Death? Or eternal servitude to me?”
“Let these others go, and we can discuss this.”
“Eternal servitude it is,” Shea growled.
The powder swooshed through the air and surrounded Eavan. She growled with determination, fighting to control her Fountain. Her protective amulets weren’t helping. Shea was more powerful than she had ever imagined. Eavan possessed enormous amounts of magic and Shea was able to nearly take her down. Eavan pushed back harder.
"Stop fighting!” Shea commanded. “You have no hope, Eavan!”
No... Not yet. Shri isn’t ready... King Magnus isn’t ready... Eavan’s thoughts melted into a jumble. Sweat dripped down her forehead. “I will not allow you to do this, Shea!” she screamed, using her magic to thrust the powder away from her.
