When the two young boys saw the carriage, they immediately stood and gathered themselves. Milo, the younger brother, touched his freckled face with both hands and changed his eyes from red to amber. Jax, the elder brother, quickly cleaned his hands of the entity stained sand that he was able to touch from below the surface.

“She was right.” Milo whispered.

“Of course, she was right. She’s Mother.”

“What do we do? We can’t let them get away.” Milo said quickly.

After a moment of thinking, Jax knelt once more and plunged his hand into the sand, just merely below the surface.

“Adera.” He whispered, and released a huge wave of energy from his hands.

When he looked up, he saw that the carriage carrying Prince Jaho and his traveling group stopped moving.

“Well done.” Milo applauded.

***

“What’s happened? Why have we stopped moving?” Jaho shouted.

The Commander kept trying to propel the carriage to move forward, but nothing worked.

“It looks like we are stuck.” He shouted back. “Give me a moment.”

Jaho turned back to his friends, who were looking back at him with worrying eyes.

“It’s fine.” He assured them. “The effects of the Moon don’t start until nightfall.”

“How far do we have until we reach the Mas Royal Residence?” Enu asked.

“We have to break one more ring and cross two hills.” Jaho answered.

After the War of Kings, the House of Sfin built houses in each Desert Province, each inhabiting a War General. King Jaho the First said it was to ensure insurrection wouldn’t happen under his rule. In the province of Itra, the Royal Residence was in Mas.

“It looks like we are going to be here for a while.” Obo mumbled.

Jaho turned his attention towards Ginna.

“Since we are here, how about we check out the Trees of the Past?” He suggested.

A smile lit up Ginna’s face. “Really? Can we?”

Jaho nodded, then opened his door.

“Remember, no touching.” He said as he placed his hood over his head to conceal his identity.

They all nodded their heads.

“I can’t lose any of you on this journey. Who else is going to annoy me?” He joked.

Obo picked up one of Ginna’s books and swung it at Jaho, narrowly missing him.

“More like, who are you going to annoy if we are not here?” He joked back.

***

The day before the Black Affliction, the sun was always in its prime and glory. Because of this, Desert people would often spend this day basking in its light before night takes over for 48 hours. In the provinces of Aridisa and Sandhills, residents spend their time soaking up the sun in the oases. In Siré, they spend their time in the Land of Mirrors, seeking protection. But in Itra, particularly in the city of Mas, many spend their times in the outer ring, praying to the Trees of the Past. Some pray to be taken by them. Some even are.

On this day, the Trees of the Past was extremely crowded. Gatherers, wearing bright clothing with sundial artwork, sat on patterned blankets with their jugs of wine and red berries. Somewhere, not too far, the sound of a flute could be heard.

The carriage carrying Prince Jaho and his group happened to stop near a Willow of Memory. Instead of the usual green, each willow leaf was a light lilac, a soft shade of purple. And with a slight touch of wind, this willow releases a sweet scent that brings upon a momentary feeling of bliss for those nearby. But in exchange, it takes a memory.

When they exited the carriage, Ginna went straight to this lilac Willow. She was so enamored by the stunning sight that she didn’t even hear what Obo asked her…or even noticed when he joined her.

“Ginna!” He yelled louder.

Ginna slightly flinched.

“No need to shout.” She responded, then playfully rolled her eyes.

Obo snuck a hand around her waist. “Remind me, my love. What’s special about the Willows?”

“It’s a reminder of Death’s weakness.” She responded quickly.

Obo tightened his grip around Ginna’s waist.

“I’m just kidding.” She laughed. “Well, not entirely.”

“Explain.” He said softly, then brushed a piece of hair behind her ear.

“You don’t really care.” She mumbled back.

“You know I care about everything you care about.” He countered quickly.

Ginna’s stomach fluttered.

Everyone knew Obo was not the brightest, and he was rarely sure about anything. He was the fun friend of the group with a bad memory. But the day he met Ginna working in a Court of Justice, he became sure of one thing, he could never get tired of hearing her raspy voice.

“Come on. Tell me.” He urged.

Ginna released a huge sigh before breaking away from Obo. Her flowy dress embraced the wind as she walked towards the tree, just stopping short of it.

“This Willow is one of the most powerful things that has existed in our world, my love.” She began to explain loudly. “Every memory lives here. This tree holds the secrets of everything that has lived.”

“Don’t they all though?” Obo asked, frowning. “They are trees of memory.”

Ginna turned around with a smile plastered on her face.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“But most importantly, this Willow holds great power that even Death was afraid of.”

“What do you mean?” Enu asked, spooking the two of them.

Him and Jaho had suddenly joined them.

“When Yuitra created the Willow, it wasn’t just humans who craved the past.” She continued.

“The Gods?” Obo asked.

Ginna nodded.“When Yuitra created the Willow, she made blood as the ultimate sacrifice. A bloodthirsty goddess, she was. But the Gods don’t bleed. So, what did they give?”

“Their essence?” Enu suggested.

“Yes.” She replied. “Death warned his fellow Gods. He argued it was a ploy by Yuitra. Most listened.”

“Most?” Obo asked.

“Except two.” Ginna responded with a smirk. “Desire and Nirea.”

“And that’s how Sandar Magic was created.” A young masculine voice spoke.

Enu, Obo, Jaho, and Ginna all whipped their hands in the direction of the voice. Jax.

The elder brother was standing alongside his younger brother, holding his hand.

“Sandar Magic.” Enu repeated. “I thought Sandar Magic was created by Nirea.”

Jax started to laugh.

“That’s what they agreed to tell people.” Milo answered this time. “Mother of Magic, some call her…..More like, Bearess of Curses.”

“It was Yuitra who harvested the essence of her fellow Goddesses. On Judgement Day, Reyna allowed her to use the day to give anyone Sandar Magic.” Jax explained.

“Then the War happened.” Enu said.

Jax nodded. “War of the Gods. Death was wounded. Trykar suddenly joined. And we know what happened next.”

“Sandar Magic was taken by Fate.” Ginna answered, then slowly walked towards the boys. “You both are a bit young to know the history of Sandar Magic. Who are you?”

Jax extended his hand, which Ginna carefully took.

“I am Jax. This is my brother, Milo.” He said. “We are in advanced study.”

“Advanced study?” Jaho asked slowly, speaking for the first time.

The boys nodded.

Jaho then suddenly removed his hood, revealing his identity.

Loud gasps and murmurs could be heard. It’s the Prince. The Prince is here.

Milo and Jax immediately bowed in front of the Prince.

“No need.” The Prince said quickly. “Stand.”

The boys nodded then quickly stood.

“Where are you from?” Jaho asked, looking directly into Jax's eyes.

“We are visiting from home.” He responded.

“And where is home?”

“Far.” Jax answered quickly. “Very far.”

Milo suddenly broke free of Jax’s grasp and ran towards Obo.

“I like your necklace.” He professed. “Can I touch it?”

Obo slowly kneeled.

“Sure.” He answered.

Milo carefully reached up and placed his small hand around the front of the delicate relic. For Milo, this was the hard part. He tightened his grip then his eyes reverted to red. Only for a second. No one noticed. When he was done, Milo let go of the relic and stepped back.

Jaho watched the exchange before turning his back to Jax.

“Far from home?” He asked slowly. “Before the moon bleeds. That is strange.”

Jaho took a long look at Jax from top to bottom. The boy was wearing black loose pants and a white satin shirt.

“Where is home?” He asked again.

“We are orphans.” Jax admitted shyly. “The only family we have are our sisters, but they are priests under the Incarnate of Diné. We are not welcomed there anymore.”

Ginna’s ears perked up.

“The Meadows Queen?” Ginna asked. “Your are of Meadows blood? Of divination blood?”

Milo coughed.

“Our sisters are.” Jax answered quickly.

Obo, Ginna, Enu, and Jaho were all suddenly frowning.

“I’m not following.” Jaho said.

“We are half-blood. All of Us.” Jax clarified. “We share one Mother.”

“And where is this mother from?” Enu asked, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

A tint of pink suddenly flushed Milo’s face.

“You are pretty.” Milo said suddenly, looking up at Ginna. “May I hold your hand?”

Ginna glanced at Obo, who only shrugged his shoulders.

Ginna reached out for the younger boy’s hand, who took it quickly.

“Ada.” He whispered.

Suddenly, a red marking invisible to mortals quickly developed on Ginna’s hand. She didn’t feel a thing.

After it was done, Milo let go of Ginna’s hand and slightly nudged his brother in the side. Jax looked down and saw his brother’s eyes briefly flash to red.

“It’s time to go home.” Milo cried suddenly. “I’m ready to go home.”

Jax nodded then turned his attention back towards Jaho.

“I’m sorry.” He apologized. “He’s been in a mood. Mother thought outside would help.”

Jaho tilted his head.

“It’s nice meeting you though, Prince Jaho….all of you.” Jax responded, then turned his attention towards Jaho’s friends, taking in each of them.

Enu, the boy lost in love, who didn’t stand a chance. Ginna, a lady of old royalty, who had no clue what she's about to endure. And Obo, the banished prince, who their Mother was finally calling home.

“It was nice meeting all of you.” Jax reiterated, then grabbed his brother’s hand and guided them away in the opposite direction. Jaho and his friends watched them leave in disbelief.

***

When they were out of ear shot, Milo told his brother,

“Prince Jaho has no idea the dangerous company he keeps.”

“When war comes, he’ll know.” Jax responded quickly.

“Who do you think will win?”

Jax shrugged his shoulders. “Who knows.”

“I think it’ll be Emmar. It should be Emmar. Desire is the only God who would use it wisely.” Milo rushed out.

Jax shook his head. “Desire is trickery. Don’t let the stories of their Gods fool you. Mother would be disappointed.”

Milo rolled his eyes.

“And Mesyla currently has the advantage. But we can only hope that we survive.” Jax added.

“But King Jaho has the Eighth Entity. It’s even collecting souls now.” Milo replied.

Jax laughed. “That doesn’t matter. It really comes down to the crown. Stefan, Mesyla, Sharra…..”

“We can’t count out King Kyran.” Milo interrupted.

“True.” Jax agreed. “And the Entity was here, by the way. I felt it.”

A crease formed on Milo’s forehead. “The Unseen lurking in Mas. Why?”

Jax shrugged his shoulders. “Let’s just go before it returns.”

“Are you afraid?” Milo chuckled. “It wouldn’t dare try us. I am much older and stronger.”

“Mother wouldn’t put us in that position.” Jax responded. “Not now, anyway. We still have work to do.”

Milo suddenly stopped walking.

“What’s wrong?” Jax asked. “We are almost near Aridisa.”

Jax could see the white sand from where they were standing.

Milo folded his arms across his chest and flared his red eyes. “I want to stay and watch.”

“Milo.” Jax groaned. “We have to cross over Aridisa then head to the Meadows before nightfall. Those were our orders”

“The Meadows can wait.” Milo responded through gritted teeth. “I want to see it consume her.”

Jax's eyes suddenly flashed blue.

“I want to see our brother return to us.” Milo added. “I want to see him bleed.”

Jax’s gaze flicked to a nearby woman who was wearing a gown made of rose silk with white needle lace. Ora. Servant of Fate

A small smirk suddenly formed on Jax’s face.

“Well then, brother. If Fate now commands it, let’s watch them all bleed.”