Timbrelle looked up from her notebook. “Is it safe to use the gates while she’s unconscious?”

She and Tuna both looked over at Adna in the bed. She couldn’t leave the woman. The first time she tried to go to the kitchen in the Yost pseudo-temple, a window popped up claiming that soul communion had been severed due to excessive distance. A timer appeared in her periphery titled “Adna” counting backward from two minutes and eighteen seconds. Suffice to say, she hadn’t left the temple. For the most part, she’d sat as she was currently, scribbling in her notebook at the tea table in Adna’s room. Timbrelle had given up resisting the urge to pet the massive sapphire medium. It sat warmed in her lap at all times—a fixture.

Tuna watched Adna from the doorway. “The gates are frequently employed for medical transport. Unconscious people can pass through without issue, thankfully. Yost General and Yost Proper are lovely but their healthcare pales in comparison to Florenta. The gates are not untested.”

“Then… why not go to Florenta?”

“I’m not convinced this is a physical issue. I suspect she may be better served at the Preservatory in Tellcentra. I made a tentative appointment just in case. Also, I don’t know where this temple is but I do know where Tellcentra is. If what you say about this creature is accurate, Tellcentra is the furthest the gates can take you two. Not to mention that Jedda has been absolutely incorrigible. That old man uninvited Bray to Tellushra’s coronation. He says that there will be no intrigue during the festivities and has sided with you.” Tuna sighed and placed her hands on her hips. “Sometimes I want to shake Fede for not raising them into functioning adults.“

“I do like Jedda. I wouldn’t mind visiting… If you’re sure it’s safe, I’d like to take Adna to the Preservatory.” Timbrelle decided.

“What a relief! I just realized a few minutes ago that I never asked you when you returned to the temple two nights ago. Come along. I already packed you some things. Put some shoes on, Fede’s waiting in the carriage.” She disappeared down the hallway, calling back, “Our gate appointment is in one hour. Allow fifty minutes for travel and five for gate prep!”

Timbrelle had five minutes.

She scrambled to throw her things into a bag. Despite what Tuna said, she didn’t appear to have packed any of her clothes. She stuffed a droopy crossbody bag with toiletries and a pile of bandeaus Adna must have picked up while they were apart.

While she rushed about, Davian collected Adna. “I’m glad you’re coming with us. Most of the congregation will be there in one capacity or another. The flock of Rigel grandchildren left for Tellcentra this morning. You’d have been pretty lonely.”

She poked her head out of her room. “I just found out we were going. But I guess it makes sense that you’d all go, you’re pretty important people according to Loren.”

“Loren.” He rolled his eyes so forcefully that she was convinced he could see his own thoughts. “Loren is the only one who thinks he’s important. Fede and Tuna actually are. I have no idea who Dorsus and Morto are, though. The rest of us are just rich schmucks.”

She walked out with him. “Not me. I’m about as poor as they come. Still a schmuck though.”

“Says the newest Rigel, our God’s chosen.” He lightly flashed the rubies in his arms, curling Adna into his chest to pass through the doorway.

“No, says the girl who openly defiled Him. The same one that went to a zesty actobat show and got tricked into working off the clock. ‘Chosen’, my ass.” She groaned under the weight of her bag. It had gotten heavy much faster than she expected. Though, she supposed that could be chalked up to her considerable chest wound.

“I’ll be in the Tryptus tomorrow—you know, the gladiatorial competition. Adna needs to get better before it starts, she’ll be despondent if she misses it.” He scrunched his eyebrows. “Actually, ‘furious’ might be more apt. Will you throw a cloak over me?”

Timbrelle considered grabbing one for herself but ended up skipping the step. Hadn’t she announced in a legal hearing that she was a follower of Nerrus? For good or bad, that fact was now public record. She was tempted to wear one simply to please Fede, life was easier on his good side. That was an idea Adna couldn’t seem to accept, though. She saw him as something of a loud, opinionated uncle to be poked and prodded. For the most part, Fede rose above her taunts but she was creative and surprisingly determined to break his austere and upright nature.

Davian loaded Adna into a long carriage whose door was at the rear. He placed the ghostly pale woman on one bench arranged like a bed. Timbrelle sat beside him on the opposite bench.

“I want to tell you what to expect. I’m sure Tuna said something, but I think she’s too diplomatic after marrying Fede so I’ll give you the real shit.” He slung an arm over her shoulder. Timbrelle got the distinct impression that Davian saw her as Adna’s kid sister.

“It was Loren who prepped me. But you’re right that it was mostly political stuff. What are the gates like?” She asked, excited that someone a little younger had volunteered to be her guide.

“Not that, the good stuff. That idiot doesn’t know about interesting things like the Reaping or Tellushra. Haven’t you heard anything about her? Humanity’s honorary goddess of beauty and soon-to-be queen of Tellcentra. Rumor has it she’s going to pick a number of concubines during the Tryptus. That’s why it’s such a big event this year. There’s a nasty rumor that if you win you’ll get to sleep with her. Well, I guess it’s only nasty if it’s untrue. I don’t think I’d mind that prize very much at all.”

Timbrelle shook her head. “You and Adna are made for each other. It’s kind of sweet, actually—two lechers finding one another in a sea of decent people.”

“I don’t think Adna shares my interest in Tellushra, sadly. It’s more like she holds a deep and enduring distaste for her.” He moped on. “I’ll have to turn the princess down when I win.“

“How very confident of you.” She said.

“You already know my secret weapon.” He lifted a hand to show a few bloody rubies he’d extruded into his palm. Davian smiled a toothy grin. “I can use Crystalurgy in the Tryptus. To be precise, any divine abilities are permitted. Aurora gems only received religious recognition in Tellcentra last year, so this is the first year aurors are publicly accepted. There’s a whole separate competition for Unmade, though. It isn’t fair for them to face regular people.”

An anonymous member of the congregation shut the door to the carriage and they began moving immediately.

Timbrelle looked at him, surprised. “Are they really that scary? Brandon seemed pretty nice.”

It was Davian’s turn to look surprised. “You’ve met Tellushra’s Night Hawk and you have the gall to ask if they’re scary? Are you insane? That man is a psychopath.”

“Brandon? The redhead with all the freckles? The Californian who has the temperament of a golden retriever?” She asked. “Are we talking about the same person?”

“First, I don’t know what a Californian or golden retriever is. Second, no one knows what he looks like exactly, he’s a ghost who can go anywhere and kill anyone. And let me be clear here: that’s not just hyperbole, he has outrageous power awarded by Tellcentra and has never been observed carrying out his grisly work. Yost has its own Unmade, but he doesn’t have nearly the reputation of Tellushra’s Night Hawk. I couldn’t even tell you his name. Something-something the Gold Spinner. I think he’s some big name in trade, so who knows?” He withdrew his arm and adjusted Adna’s blankets. “I believe house Daliega has their own Unmade as well. Groleck and Torseia absolutely do. Whether or not they can get them to show up is another matter entirely.”

“Not Rigel?” She asked.

“They would if they could. With how many aurora stones move through their mines and their ability to create Rigel swords—“ he gave an appreciative whistle. “They’d be accused of starting a rebellion.”

Timbrelle’s next sentence died on her tongue. It turned to ash in her mouth.

Was this the real reason Fede had been treating her so well? Was that why he’d adopted her without even so much as her consideration? He hadn’t hired her like a normal Unmade but legally tied her to Rigel before her identity had spread.

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

Was she… was she being played?

She hadn’t eaten anything at the “family” dinner, nor the day following because her new “brother” Bray wanted her head. If she really had been allowed into the family because the Rigel’s needed an Unmade… that wasn’t worth the constant threat of a miserable death.

“You ok? Headache?” Davian asked with a sympathetic wince. “You look miserable.”

“I think part of it may be the carriage. I’m not used to such bumpy travel.” She answered honestly, choosing to leave out her new concerns.

“It’s easier when you talk with someone. I didn’t think you’d enjoy sitting in this carriage alone with Adna during this trip.” He said. “Plus I’ve been dying to tell someone about my strategy and this is a perfect coincidence.”

Timbrelle laughed at her own naïveté. Just like Adna, he’d made her feel touched at his actions only to reveal that they directly benefited him. But… this was good. Spiraling into a panic attack was the last thing she needed. “Alright. Let’s hear it. Do they release tigers and bears in the arena? I don’t think I’d like it if you had to kill scared animals.”

He looked shocked. “Huh? No! Nothing like that. Gods, how morose. If anything, I’ll fight another person to the death.”

The rattling of the carriage and gentle rocking from the lavish suspension carried on as Timbrelle fought to maintain composure.

Classic Kiton ridiculousness. The people of this world were constantly turning their noses up at her while saying something far more absurd. ‘Animal cruelty? What filth. I’ll stick to my murdersport.’

She steadied herself and asked “Is it a series of duels and everybody dies except for one? That feels unlikely.”

“Not anymore. It used to be like that when the Tryptus started centuries ago. These days the most lethal rounds are to qualify for the upper bracket. When it comes to the final twenty and there’s only ten spots, people get desperate. That’s why those days churn out the biggest crowds. The qualifiers are held throughout this week, then a week for the top ten. A month later is the official coronation and the week after is the Reaping.”

“That’s why Loren called it ‘Tellcentra’s cash cow’.” She thought aloud. “Kitons come for the Tryptus, stay for the coronation festival and try to get in to see the Reaping. Tourists are going to be milling around this city for over a month.”

“Sounds like something weird he’d say. Don’t listen to him. I’m sure he knows some stuff but he’s so full of shit that you can’t tell the difference.” He ranted.

“Why do you hate Loren so much? He’s a bit of a tool but that’s no worse than how you sprint nude from the training hall to the shower when you think I can’t see you. With all the rubies dusted across your body, I can see your entire silhouette in the dark. How is that better than Loren acting a little holier-than-thou? Fede is a royal jackass too but still you hate Loren.” She drilled down on the issue.

Cornered, Davian huffed and looked out the window. “He just sucks, ok?”

“Yeah… ok, dude.”

Timbrelle followed his eyes and saw the tail end of the Kliae. This would be her first time not only seeing the gates, but using them as well. She pictured doors swinging aside to show a rippling pool of rainbow light.

“Oh, hey. When we get there, you might want to close your eyes. I can only smell ruby auras but you said you could see all of them, right? It might be a little strong for you. They use emerald and sapphire for sure but I don’t know if the topaz will bother you.”

“I know white, red, green, blue, purple, yellow and… pink. Which one is topaz again?” She laughed, embarrassed.

“Orange. You won’t need to know it, though. It is only used when you need to work another aurora gem over a distance. It’s sapphire’s inverse but can’t be used by aurors internally. There’s no such thing as a topaz auror or topaz abilities. They’re just used in items. The temple puts them in their seals to record tampering with their mail. You’ve seen the handful of self-driving carriages around Yost Proper, right? They’re chock full of topaz.” He played with Adna’s hair absently. “If Loren hasn’t mentioned it in his lessons, I bet he will soon.”

“Fair enough. So what is the Tryptus like? Should I be worried about you?” Timbrelle asked, leaning into the topic he actually wanted to talk about.

“This year is themed. I don’t know what the theme is, no one will until it’s announced tomorrow. One year the theme was poison and everyone competed in their underwear. It was awesome. The poison turned your blood black and the wounds looked sick as hell. Five years ago the theme was music. That obstacle course…” a shiver pulled him from the memory. He smiled at her and explained. “The weapons and traps were in time to the song. They’d shut off the music suddenly, no matter where you were and if the competitor moved during the rest, the music got quieter. If you failed enough and tried to cross the obstacle course without the music, the hazards seemed chaotic and nonsensical. That year had a much, much higher body count than usual. Plenty of times it’s only one or two.”

Timbrelle did not feel reassured.

He went on to describe as many Tryptus themes as he could remember which turned out to be a staggering amount. He was still explaining a trapeze logic puzzle when their carriage passed through a receiving entrance designed to accommodate the large vehicles. On a piece of land half the size of a football field, was a spacious building with a single room and a tidy dirt floor. It was styled remarkably like a zen garden with carefully raked lines in the rust-colored dirt. Pollis had dressed as a regular taxi driver to escort the duke and duchess without drawing attention, though his immaculate posture could be spotted from a mile away. He could be seen handing papers to the city guard assigned there.

“Watch the minders. They’ll check the orders and then fit the Tellcentran Sapphire into the gate. The coolest part is when the link is established and you can see another country through the portal. Well, maybe that’s not so interesting, I guess we basically do that every time we go to the temple.” He pointed to a metal frame in the center of the open area that looked like a soccer goal without the net. A gate minder set up a stepladder in the frame. Standing at the top he accepted a brilliant sapphire the size of a pomegranate and slotted it into the frame where a large emerald was already waiting. The frame hummed faintly, though visibly unchanged. Next, he pulled out two similarly sized orange spheres that clicked into place on either side of the sapphire to make a line of four massive stones. As soon as the second topaz locked into place a blinding flash of blue, green and orange light assailed her.

Timbrelle swore, slammed her eyes shut and ground the heels of her palms into them at the surprise aura blast to her corneas. The carriage jolted forward, presumably to cross the gate.

“What the hell happened? You looked at it, didn’t you? You idiot! Didn’t I tell you to close your eyes?” He fussed at her, trying to unfold her from where she’d doubled over.

“You literally said ‘watch the minders’!" She accused in frustration.

“Dammit. I did say that, didn’t I? I gave you a warning too, so I should get some credit for that. Come here, let me see the damage.”

Timbrelle turned to face him and felt him peel open her eyelid but saw nothing. They were raw. Exposing one to the air for that brief second sent a pulse of lightning pain through her brain. From the long line of curses Davian strung together, she gathered that it looked as bad as it felt.

Davian patted her hand awkwardly, “The gate won’t stay open too long. Can you hold tight until we make it to Tellcentra? It’s just a minute or so.”

She nodded and tried not to rub her eyes as they rode through the gate.

“…I thought Timbrelle the Fragile was a bit rude for a title but you are awfully accident prone, huh?” He announced. “Do you think the title is prescriptive or descriptive? Either way it feels appropriate.”

“I think we should ride in silence. If the two of us work together, I’m sure we can make it happen against all odds.” Timbrelle groaned.