Quintessa squinted as she drifted out of her meditative state. What had disturbed her? Maybe there was something out there?

She tried to look towards the forest, but the bright glow from the orb before her was almost blinding. Past the edge of the path, a bubble, projecting from the sphere before her shimmered. It's rippling surface protect them from tendrils of dark magic, swirling outside the aura. She always felt nervous when they were traveling through the void.

Silhouettes of decaying trees surrounded the path, twisted into infernal beings in her mind. She would be protected if something happened; Quintessa reminded herself.

Vibrations rocked her with each step the vehicle's legs took. Metallic parts clicked and clanked against each other as the machine scuttled along. The spider-like legs extended from a large metal chassis, propelled by gears and levers that connected to the primary hull.The constant  rhythm sounded like clockwork in her ears. She knew that wouldn't have alerted her. What could it have been?

She gazed back towards the orb studying the tether of energy, connecting her to the sphere. The rippling colors were mesmerizing as they danced through the air, splitting and twisting around each other.

'Get him up here.' A voice called from in front of her.

She flinched as a loud squeak of metal echoed through her ears. Boots clanged against the ladder rungs before Eligius smirking face popped up through the hatch.

His gaze lingered on her for a second before he winked and pulled himself onto the roof. He always looked like he doesn’t have a worry in the world, even so far away from the sanctuary of a city.

She felt a presence of power, merging with her own inside the hovering artifact. The bubble that encompassed the squad expanded outwards, pushing the dark energy of the void farther into the forest.

Eligius gasped her shoulder firmly with his hand. ‘Quint, cap says it’s my turn to take over Anchoring us.’

Quint rose and shuffled out of her seat as she began to ease off her channeling. The glowing link of light connecting her to the orb faded as her link to the eye weakened.

The bubble collapsed back to its former size as the dual-link dissipated. She saw the change in Eligius eyes as he drifted away in concentration.

‘Over here, Quint. Now.’ The captain yelled from his position at the front of the Arachnae.

She studied his back as he surveyed the terrain ahead. One leg stood perched atop the parapet as he intently watched for danger. His black cloak, emblazoned with a white Invictus symbol billowed out behind him. The captain's' armor was made from black leather, flexible enough to provide maximum mobility, while still affording some protection. His salt and pepper hair blew softly in the wind. He was old enough to be her father, and similarly stern.

As she approached Quint observed the white trim on his shoulder plates, indicating his rank. White trim was standard for those lucky enough to be born with two chronomantic powers, a rare blessing. She gripped her wrist tightly, waiting for a reaction.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

'Enjoying the sightseeing trip?' The man said, still surveying the area ahead. 'You must have seen something amazing; if it was worth risking all of our lives for a look.'

Quintessa cringed. He had seen her. 'Apologies sir, I thought there was somethin-'

'Girl.' The captain interrupted, turning to face her. He looked furious. 'I refuse to get turned into one of those things because you were busy staring at rocks. You know the protocols. Never break your concentration until you feel that hand on your shoulder. Do I make myself clear rookie?

Quintessa stared at the floor in shame. She didn't know what to say. 'Yes sir' Her lips seemed to speak by themselves.

'Good, now go get some food, I need you back here maintaining the Anchoring field before we reach Zaurak.'

'Yes Captain Baccius, sir.'

Why were they going to a ruined city? Quintessa thought as she studied her leader.

  She stepped over to a large metal hatch in the floor. She grasped the handle while struggling slightly to lift the heavy door. Mounting the ladder she began to climb down.

Over the parapet, she could see two figures clad entirely in black, riding ahead of them. Their equipment bore no markings, but she knew who they were. The two organizers of this expedition, Atropos. One of the riders turned back as if sensing her gaze, and instantly locked eyes with her. It was the female. She looked barely older than Quint. Her face looked stern. Quint jumped down the last few rungs in the ladder, into the Arachnae's hull. Shards of Chromantium set along the walls glowed, dimly liting the interior. She smelled the aroma of food cooking. Quint began to make her way towards the rear of the vehicle, towards the alluring smell.

Quintessa noticed the older woman staring at her as she wiped her bowl clean with a piece of bread.

'Want some more?' She asked.

'We aren't supposed to Ambria. You'll get in trouble.'

'Don't worry, everyone else has eaten and there is a little left.' She smiled fondly, offering the large ladle. Quint held her bowl forward, and Ambria tipped the stew into it. She is always so kind to me; almost like a mother. Mine could have used a few lessons from her if she hadn't been so busy mixing with the mercantile elite. Quint hurriedly slurped the stew down before stuffing the last of the bread in her mouth.

'Quint, get up here. Now!' A booming voice echoed through the hull. She mumbled an unintelligible reply before rushing back towards the hatch. Looking back, she could see Ambria smiling at her.

She reached the ladder in seconds and hurried up. What was so urgent? Almost at the top of the ladder, Quint braced her shoulder against the trapdoor and pushed it open with her whole body. Why did they make these things so heavy?

Peeking out, she heard a sound that made her spine tingle. A feminine sound somewhere between a song and a scream. It echoed ominously through the trees as she climbed onto the roof. Void-possessed, Sirens by the sound of it.

Quintessas heart thumped under her white leather breastplate. She felt her palms begin to sweat. Why were they this far out?

'Quint, relieve Eligius, we are stopping here.' The captain called as he pulled a large crank towards himself. The Arachnaes legs slowed, and the craft ground to a halt. The sudden stop jolted her slightly as she moved over to her comrade.

She grasped his shoulder firmly before connecting herself to the eye. Her power amplified and merged with his as he began to rise and his connection to the orb began to fade

'Can't say this is my favorite melody.' He chuckled. She smiled nervously back at him while they traded places. 'Don't worry Quint, we've dealt with sirens before.' He ruffled her hair as he stepped away to speak with the captain.

The wails rang louder in her ears. They were getting closer. She stared into the Eye of Romulus, feeling a calmness wash over her. The eye was made from pure Chromantium, a mystical metal that was semi-translucent, it seemed almost crystalline.

She watched the vibrant colors swirling inside as a calmness washed over her. Her heartbeat began to slow as her mind began to fade.