Act VI

x294

Parte et Rai

We were gathered in a large classroom in the southern halls of the church. Outside, parents sat on the rims of the southern arena, in the yard we trained and played everyday. The church had set stands and seats along the arenas for those watching the events of the day. Parents were being given the opportunity to visit the church and witness the work their children had been doing while away from home, firsthand.

Classes were open for supervision, and the fields available for attendance. The room we’re in; a larger-sized lecture hall. It had seats that rose on each step upwards and to the back of the room in a half-circle from the front, where the lecturer would stand. A massive chalk board stretched from the windows at one end of the room, all the way to the other end of the wall, ending awfully close from the door. We were about seven steps up, near the back of the room. The rest of our cohorts filled the stands within the first four. Marise sat next to the window in the last row of the class, followed by Ralah, myself, and finally Eurus, who sat next to me with his head down. Master Elrik walked in calmly, quieted the chatter and addressed us.

“If we have not had the pleasure, I am Elrik, a teacher at this school. I hope each of you are in good health today. I have been tasked with instructing you about our events, so please, pay attention. In simple summary, your parents and guardians are just outside, in the courtyard. They’ve been given the chance to witness the results of your daily studies here at the church. You’re free to carry on as you always have, both in and out of class. Just remember that, today, you’ll have extra spectators. The south courtyard is open for those of you who utilize this time for physical education. There are a series of competitions and contests awaiting you. It is, after all, Adora Day Festival. Do entertain your loved ones. With that said, you are dismissed.” He finished.

The exodus of students, led by those who were the most excited and followed by the most nervous, quickly rushed out as people headed to south field, classes, parents, or guardians. I only watched calmly. Ralah sat content, though disappointed that neither of her parents would be attending. Eurus let out a yawn. Fitting, since he found himself in a similar-enough situation. Marise however, was quietly brimming with anticipation. He was happy and smiling and seemingly without a care in the world. Still trying to hold some excitement in maybe trying to be considerate. I did not share his excitement.

“So… what do you want to do?” Ralah muttered. Marise looked over intently, while Eurus’ head still lay comfortably in his arms.

“My father is attending today, supposedly.” I revealed.

“Oh? The Evil Tyrant King himself is coming, eh?” Eurus murmured, stretching.

“Eurus!” Ralah snapped sharply. She’s more tired of that line than I am.

Master Elrik approached us; the class now empty. “It appears different instructions have been given to you four.” He half-frowned. Eurus turned his head and poked an eye out. “It’s my displeasure to inform you that the council has seen it wise to excuse you from today’s competitions. They believe it would dishearten some of your classmates.” He informed.

“And you don’t professor?” I rebutted.

“Why would I?” He snickered. “What’s the point of a contest if you wont search for the best competitors?! Adults who give up before children over a little risk don’t interest me.” He gave a discontent shrug.

We rose from our seats and walked out in a line between the columns. Eurus sluggishly led us toward the steps, while Elrik continued head. He stopped once I’d reached the end of the steps.

“Fenris.” He called. I walked over to him as he approached in a tangent.

“What progress have you made with the project you and I discussed when last we met?” He inquired.

The day after the incident with the Sages’ Seals, I came to him with an idea I’d been thinking about.

“An expected amount, I’d say. It’s working, but I still need to perfect it.” I replied.

“Wonderous. Do feel free to ask for any assistance. ‘Tis’ a fascinating idea you’ve proposed.” He said happily.

“Don’t bet on it.” I smirked, excited at his recognition. He laughed and strolled out to the hall where the other three were waiting. They stood side by side, each in their own unique stance, against the wall. The carefree, the staring-into-space, and the loudmouth mute.

“Marise, Eurus, Ralah.” They each perched up. “Let’s go.”

Together, the four of us exited the classroom out into the hall. Walking a few dozen mets towards the doors, we escaped into the south courtyard. A boisterous crowd of people; families and children, students, and teachers—and their guardians, spread out far and wide. The hustle and bustle of life, laughter and smiles mixed in the sounds that borne them. The familiarity of the scene left me with an admittedly bitter taste, yet the sounds of the footsteps behind me urged me ahead, nonetheless.

Contests of all sorts were taking place.

Races, comparing power and speed. Fights measuring skill and technique, using weapons of all kinds. Even tests involving output and control of Arcane. Outside the field on the grassy side of things, a group sat together with books in a circle: a visibly younger-aged group of kids. On the bottom third of the courtyard a field game was being prepared. Two goal-like arches with a net hanging from the back sat at opposite ends of the portion of the field. The stout, brown haired who enjoys mocking me appeared from across the field where they were setting up. He approached looking half-blank, half-unimpressed and entirely condescending. He must’ve been addressed with the earlier class before us.

“So… I heard you guys were excused from festival games.” Pero began.

“I guess the grown ups don’t think it would be fair if we did.” Marise replied humbly.

“I don’t get how. There’s a bunch of us that could easily stand up to you guys. You’re not all that special.” Perro scoffed.

“Jealousy is ugly, Perro.” Ralah muttered again, still depressed, turning away.

“I must be crazy handsome then.” He chuckled, taking himself seriously. “See that over there?” He pointed to a wall of rock where a line of other students competing to see who could create the largest impact. At one end was a crater surrounded by cracks. He pointed at it gleefully, smirking. “That’s proof that I can take any of you guys whenever I want.”

“That proves nothing.” I rebutted, starting to walk away.

“Then let’s test it out.” He goaded. He let out a loud whistle, pressing his fingers between his lips. Suddenly a group of seven children our age, maybe slightly older, gathered around in the field. “Since you guys are so far ahead, you shouldn’t have any problems handling us, right?” He pressed further.

“If its a fight you guys want, you’ve come to the right place.” Marise announced, grinning slyly.

“We can’t, guys. If you start a brawl out here now, we’ll all get in trouble.” A girl warned from behind Perro.

“How about a game of Chukku? You four against the rest of us. This should be easy for you since… you guys are all SO amazing!” He laughed aloud, smirking, condescendingly. The sarcasm was, to be honest, slightly stabbing.

“Three and a keeper vs seven and a keeper.” Marise pondered. “Hmm... that doesn’t sound too bad, actually.” He shrugged. Ralah also nodded in agreement.

“I’m not interested.” I firmly stated.

“Expected that one.” Eurus shrugged. “Perro, if we’re being honest, the eight of you could all go at us and you’d probably end up on your backs, so instead you’ve got a team and challenged us to a game. But I still don’t see any reason for us to play.” Eurus walked around from behind and landed in the centre of the two groups. Slowly, an evil smirk crept across his face. “So how about we make a bet? If you guys can beat any of us, one-on-one, or even all together, then my cute older sister Maralah will give you a kiss, Perro. After we win—”

“You’ll stay off the courtyard… for the rest of the season.” I interrupted.

“Yeah, right. She wouldn’t kiss me if I were the last boy on the continent! And where would we train if not on the courtyard?” He replied in a small fluster, scoffing.

“I don’t care. But don’t think you can challenge me unless youre ready to lose something.” I snapped back sharply. He growled. Whispers rung mildly in the air behind him, between the other children.

“Fine. But I’m choosing what I get when we win too, then.” He snickered.

“Hmph, do what you want.” The conversation came to an end and we went to our opposite sides of the field.

“This ought to be fun.” Eurus grinned.

“I hope he’s got a plan.” Marise added, as he stretched his arms. Ralah had already begun walking toward one of the goals.

Chukku. A team game usually played with even numbers, though it didn’t have to be. It involved a ball made up of a mix of rubber and leather that had to be outfitted with seals and sigils, to allow one to use Arcane on it without destroying it.

Usually, eight players take to the field, with one on each team serving as a goalie. Players in the outfield are not allowed to hold the ball with their hands and must play predominately with their feet. However, you are allowed a single touch of the ball with any other part of your body including your hand. The goalies are the only ones allowed to hold the ball with their hands and catch it. They are permitted to do whatever is necessary to prevent the ball from entering their goal. The ball must stay within the boundaries of the field, and aside from directly attacking other players, anything goes. Field length is usually 48 by 62 mets for most unofficial spaces.

“Ok. So, what’s the plan?” Marise began, as we gathered in front of our net.

“Winning. Winning is the plan.” Eurus scoffed; the sarcasm thick in his voice.

“They have a full team, so maybe we should at least pick some positions.”

“We’ll just throw Fenris out front, and everyone will be too scared to try and play against him.” Eurus commented.

“Goalie.” Ralah volunteered with a stern look on her face.

“Hmph. That’s a bit unfair. But I don’t mind.” I replied.

“Well, they asked for it.” Eurus shrugged as he strolled away to the far-left side of the field. Marise also walked to the far right. Ralah nodded at me. I could tell she was hiding some excitement, her earlier depression vanishing.

I stood at the apex behind and between Marise and Eurus, in the centre of our half of the field. The four of us took a wide formation. Ahead, our opponents stood arrayed, watching us closely.

“Hey!” Eurus called. “What’re we playing for here?”

“Can’t winning be enough?” Marise asked with a half-nervous smile.

“I only play for keeps.” I crossed my arms.

“LET’S GET STARTED.” Perro yelled from across the field. Suddenly, a brown-coloured ball went flying in the sky. The other children began to spread and move.

They kept a tight control, passing the ball quickly to each others’ feet. The three of us stood patiently, watching. The way they were moving, with and without the ball, made it clear they’d prepared beforehand.

“I suppose he thought he could catch us off-guard.” I smirked.

Is that supposed to be impressive?” Eurus stood with his hands behind his head. Soon, the attack came.

“Too scared to move now that we’re actually playing, huh? Well, too bad!” Perro grinned widely.

A team of five ran up to our half, carrying the ball along. They passed the ball from side to side, and eventually passed the three of us.

“Ha! You’re making this too easy!” Another child yelled. With a lob from one side to the next, followed up with a strong shot, the ball found itself heading for the far-right side of our net. Ralah took two steps to her right and caught it with one hand, dead in its track.

“WHAT?!” Assorted squeals chimed throughout the court. Perro’s face wore a baffled expression as he stared at Ralah. I couldn’t help but let a chuckle slip.

Ralah held the ball in the air, jumping with two hands quietly, further excited at having caught it.

“Throw it here!” Marise shouted aloud. With more force than imaginably necessary, Ralah drop-kicked the ball in Marise’ direction. It flew with a whiz adjacent to the ground. With a face that half-expected as much, Marise jumped, spun, and instantly kicked the ball with some force into the ground. With a loud thud it ricocheted into the air.

“Get him!” Yelled our opponents. Shouts and cries of battle resounding as they raced towards the boy whose eyes were stuck to the sky. The ball fell as they closed in on him. It bounced once. Then, with some finesse, Marise did a swift turn around one of the kids, cut around another and sped past a third. Touching the ball lightly once on each step as he went. He dodged to the edge of the boundary line; Eurus began to walk inconspicuously towards the enemy goal. As Marise tapped the ball forward, he noticed.

“Eurus!” He shouted. Eurus dropped his hands, and his face became dead serious for moment. Dashing, he leapt over the centre, 20 mets from enemy goal. Marise drove a kick, sending a lob that curled in the air, dipping above Eurus. Two more bodies flung themselves skyward, giving chase.

“Too slow.” Eurus grinned.

A twist with his body mid-air, and he unleashed a resounding strike with his foot against the ball. With a swirling trail, the ball zipped between the two slowly drifting bodies, hit the ground, and bounced into the top of the enemy net. Marise let out a cheer.

“Don’t forget what you agreed on.” I reminded Perro. He could only growl in disdain as he returned to his side of the field. A small crowd had formed along the sideline. I turned and walked back toward the net.

“Not playing?” Ralah asked with an unsurprised face.

“Isn’t this already enough?” I sat my spine against the left pole of our net.

“Stay here then.” She grinned, skipping into the field.

From this point forward the rest of the game wasn’t even fun to watch… at least for me. Eurus toyed and trolled, until everyone but Perro and a couple of others gave up on challenging him. Marise ran around, taking on anyone still willing to play. He at least kept it a game. Ralah stood close to the net, scoring each chance she could. Whether it was a small kick here, or a soft punch there. She began to make a show of it, using her elbows and head, and even diving. That, at least, was entertaining; seeing her play so much was unusual. It didn’t take long before we tired out the other team.

“Woo, you guys don’t give up easy.” Marise said with a wide grin.

“Never! We’re gonna bury you guys.” Perro rebutted with some confidence, which got him a mixed reaction of groans and awkward glances from his teammates. “Come on guys… Don’t give up yet! If we work together, we can at least score once!” He rallied, bolstering their moral.

The sun was now at its highest, and creepily descending. The crowd had grown, and, quite frankly, that made me uncomfortable. At this point, no one was tending to the score board anymore; the actual difference lost in the game. The opposition had split into the more and the less competitive. The challenge had become a memory of a self-confident and arrogant pair of boys. I couldn’t help but smirk. After all, when all the royal stuff fades away, we’re still only children. Eurus floated over quietly.

“Well, well… Look who’s enjoying themselves.” He grinned.

“Just barely.” I scoffed. Ralah also soon hopped over, brandishing a grin which, by her standards, was gleeful.

Marise was running around with the ball, dodging and diving past a seemingly infinite onslaught of opponents.

“HEY! Where’d you guys go?!” He shouted.

“He’s all alone! Get him!” Perro yelled.

The crowd of swiftly moving bodies collapsed onto Marise, and a dog pile ensued.

“Hey, hey! Watch it! I don’t have the ball anymore! Let go of my arm! That tickles!” Marise bellowed, laughing in a half-panic.

Bursting out from the mudslide of bodies, Perro came running toward our goal with the ball.

“Fenris!” He called as he ran. “I’m gonna score, no matter what. Now get ready! This time I’m serious!” He screamed.

I uncrossed my arms and took a stance.

“Open!” Eurus blurted as he rushed away from the net. Ralah scurried back from the corner of my eye in kind.

Perro rushed from the half-line, running at full speed. An aura gathered and seeped off his legs as he ran, flickering almost like a flame, with a dull shine.

From 40 yards out, he struck the ball with a resounding force, air rushing out as though the field had become the centre of a tornado.

I released some energy in response. Keeping it tight around my body, I let the glow of my Arcane envelop my right arm. The ball came at a breakneck speed. The crowd watched intently. With a wide base, I met the ball with my right fist. A clash ensued.

Gradually, the two forces canceled out, and I held the ball in my hand. I looked up. Perro’s sweaty face and ragged breath hung in the distance, and I couldn’t help but catch his silent gaze. His confidence faded with his breathing. I gripped the ball fiercely, instantly turning it into an orb of lightning. A light toss into the air, then lace to leather, I struck the ball with my right foot, twisting at the hip. In half a second it flew past him, like a bolt, dragging all surrounding light into enemy goal. Their keeper was unable to even react to it. I calmly walked up to him as they all stood silent and stunned.

“So… what will you do, now that you’ve lost your little bet?” I posed.

“Its not fair.” He started to choke up. “I work hard and train every day. I pass every test and do well in my classes. I never back down from a fight, I—” He continued to choke back the tears that spilled, uninvitedly, down his face. He hesitated to wipe them. “What makes us so different?” He clenched his fists in anger. “Why’re you so much stronger? Because you’re a Scion? If that’s the case, then why should any of us even try? It’s so unfair! What am I supposed to do? HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO COMPETE?!” He yelled in a deep frustration. The rest of the children couldn’t help but look toward the ground, visibly caught in a swirl of similar emotions. Behind me, my three friends stood watching, silently. Partly sympathetic, partly unapologetic, and partly unmoved. Marise, Eurus, and Ralah had no words to offer.

“Wipe your tears.” I commanded. “You’re not weak.” The sounds of his sniffling kept me from continuing, and I waited for him until he managed to compose himself to a silent, steady breathing a few moments later.

“What you’re born as, Scion or otherwise; it makes no difference. We’re just a bit further ahead. Unfortunately for the both of us, we have no intention of just letting up on the race. There’s no need to compete with me. But if you’re so determined to do so, stopping now would be a betrayal to the you that worked so hard to reach today. Today you were defeated by a most powerful foe. Become stronger and challenge us again. After all, nothing is impossible, and no one is invincible.” I gave him a stern unwavering gaze, filling myself with all my determination to be a good example.

I turned and left, off the field and towards the end of the courtyard—to the blessed tree near which we always train. The wind there blew quietly. The sound of cheers and laughter, voices of all sorts resounding: none of it could disturb my peace while I was there. I sat underneath the shade of the ever-beating sequoia tree, the constant rustle my only company.

“That was rather kind of you.” A voice praised.

“Kindness is not in my nature.” I rebutted.

“I would argue otherwise. Yet still, your training has made even your compassion as sharp as a blade.” A male voice chuckled. From behind the tree, the faint ruffling and shadows revealed a tall, strong man: walking upright, back straight, chest out, and a soft smile that only welcomed. It was Kind Aohd. His hair was a faint red at the top of his head, fading into a deep blue at the base. He wore a long, crimson mantle around his shoulders, his outfit a mix of red and black, embroidered with dark brown symbols boasting his royalty.

“That looked like fun. Did you enjoy yourself?” He asked, smiling.

“I suppose so.” I muttered.

“That boy, Perro was his name? He will become strong; you have ensured that.” Aohd chuckled.

Fenris shrugged. “That’s out of my control.”

“Still, you owe it to yourself to enjoy such things while you can, as a Scion you have many responsibilities… and yet, it is still crucial for children to be children.”

“Hmm… Shouldn’t you go and greet your son?” I diverted.

“Not much for conversation, are you?” He gave a glance from the corner of his eye. “I will see him in time. For now, I’d like to remember this image of my boy as happy as he can be, and to speak with you, Fenris.”

In the distance, Marise, Eurus, and Ralah were talking amongst the other children on the field, pleasantly. Marise had a wide grin, clearly bragging as he laughed aloud. Eurus kept his carefree attitude, his hands behind his head as usual, snickering as he did. Ralah had an uncanny, soft smile I’d become quite familiar with. The opaque crystals in her eyes gave a gleam which had appeared only so long ago.

Aohd continued: “Marise is energetic and boisterous, loving and caring. He is warm and, truly, he possesses a heart that burns with the true flame of a Fire Scion, though he doesn’t quite understand it yet. He’s also rash and naïve and has much to learn. You are not much older, and I do not wish to ask much of you, but I hope you can be his friend and guide him. Even, in the event that I am un—”

“—I won’t make any promises.” I interrupted.

He crouched down closer and placed a hand on my head, rubbing it softly. “You don’t have to. I’ve seen the heart that gave birth to yours. It’s only natural you would share it.” He grinned.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I pressed.

“HEEEY, DAAAAD! FENRIS!” Marise called. Him and the other two began to walk over, then picked up their paces, soon running over to us. Marise leapt into the hands of his caring father.

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“How are you my boy? Did you have fun?” Aodh caught him energetically.

“Mhm. Yup!” Marise replied.

“Dear Reinhelda, young Eurus. Good day to you both.” Aohd smiled. “Ah, Fenris, I believe your father is to be attending the church today as well. Have you seen him?” He asked, looking over back at me.

“I’m sorry to say I have not.” I replied.

“Very well. I’ll have him rush over if I should find him, yes? Come Marise, show me to your classes.” The father-and-son duo walked away smiling and happy. It was picturesque, to say the least.

“Your father still isn’t here?” Ralah inquired.

“If I worried about every little detail, I would become a paranoid, wouldn’t I?” I said, in as sarcastic a voice as I could muster.

“I suppose if it’s correct often, you’d call it intuition.” Ralah rebutted.

“Funny, that one sounded more like me.”

“Ah, that was from my self-praise and pride folder.”

“Funny.” I scoffed at her.

Eurus stretched and pressed his back on the tree as well as he stood, a sour look on his face.

“What’s with that look?” I poked him.

“I don’t know. To think there are people out there that are jealous of us. It’s not like I asked to be adopted and trained like a dog. Who would want to be a Scion, anyways?” He scoffed with a slight grimace.

Ralah couldn’t hold back a small chuckle. “That was different, for you.” She said.

“Shaddup.” He rebutted.

“You’re right. It is annoying. But this is who we are. And Scion or not, as Prince of Nariko, I have a responsibility.” I declared.

“With determination like that, no wonder Perro is so jealous. Still—” Eurus dropped his hands and turned to m. Half-bowing; he swung his arm under his chest. ”—lead us to greatness, oh Great Prince of Tyranny.”

I smirked at his exaggerated display. “I don’t expect any of you to follow me… but if you will, I won’t leave you behind.”

“Including Marise?” Ralah uttered with a half smile.

“It’s different if you can’t keep up. I won’t make any promises.” I repeated.

“You don’t have to.” She grinned back.

“While this show of new kindness is pleasantly uncharacteristic, they’ve started cleaning up the field and I’ve been asked to help as part of the cleanup crew, since I don’t have any parents visiting.” He threw in the last part grossly nonchalant.

“You too?” I shifted, ignoring it. Ralah gave me a soft nod. “I’m going to wait here for my dad to show up, if he does.”

“I figured as much. Come on big sis.” Eurus motioned out toward the opposite end of the field, where older students and teachers were packing up stands and signs.

Ralah waved as she followed behind him.

The ensuing silence was washed with a mixture of rustling leaves and the faint whispers of the wind. A sort of tiredness took me over and I rested my eyes. My body felt at a peace as I lay against Hallyia—I thought I’d name the tree after so long, as I’d gotten tired of calling it just ‘sequoia’. I hadn’t seen it grow much in the time I’d been at the church. I wonder how long it’d take before it changes… if everyone else will be okay with the name. It was while having those thoughts, that I fell into slumber. A good deal of time passed before I regained consciousness. A light grogginess was present in my head, and my vision the tiniest bit blurred.

Twist, and twist. I felt a gripping wind in front of my head. Inside my brain, a migraine exploded. I could feel the sickness breaking into my throat. Suddenly, a chilling silence woke me entirely. There were no birds, no wind—even the leaves were as silent as could be. For a moment, I dreaded the seconds that passed, while my hairs grew on end in reaction to a wave of goosebumps overtaking my arms. It spiked down my back, and I slowly rose to my feet, checking the different sensations in the parts of my body. No sign of poison, sickness, or anything else. This was merely intuition, then. I kicked the ground several times. At first, nothing. I kicked again in the same order… then I received two knocks back. A third knock brought tension to my body. The delayed response meant she was in danger. My legs became bound is a crystal light, crackling violently. I shot through the field, jumping past the displays, ignoring the faces around. I stopped at a wall and jumped sharply upward. Eclipsing the side of the church, I landed on one of the roofs. I leapt again to the southern pillar’s tower, the highest point this side of the church. Grabbing onto a ledge, I hung and peered over the area, taking notice of a blurred stain in the western court. A yellow-bricked walkway, a maze outlined by foliage, sealed in a cage of bricks. A half-garden with a fountain set inside an incredibly wide centre. I blasted into action to the scene. At the edge of the circle, kneeling on all fours, was Ralah. She was dyed a deep red – strikingly different from her earlier green. The entirety of her cloak and robes, her hair, and even down to the sash at her waist—all were stained. I instantly rushed over to her side. “Ralah!”

Her voice creaked deeply as she slowly turned to face me. Her eyes were bleeding a sludge-like blood. Her light skin tone had now gone completely pale.

“Ralah! What’s happening to you?!” I shouted.

“It’s my powers… my seal is trying to supress my powers. Forget me—help Marise!”

I raised her to her feet. “What’re you talking about?!”

She pointed over at the fountain. As soon as I looked over, an explosion of energy and heat burst out! At the centre of the court, a young boy was breathing life into an explosive ball of fire with an uncontrollable force. His eyes were aflame with a deep mix of red and orange and yellow. He hardly looked the same.

“Marise! You have to control yourself!” I shouted.

He wriggled around uncontrollably, seizing. As the heat intensified, I drew a curtain of light around us, and then a net of electricity. I continued to add several shapes, building as big a shield as I could. Ralah got up, shielding herself as she pushed toward me. Even in that state, her strength was amazing.

“He’s gone berserk. If he continues like that, he’ll incinerate the courtyard! We have to stop him!” She screamed. A burst of hot wind came rushing by and blew her back, forcing her down again. Marise began to let out screams of all sorts, and the air pressure increased all around us.

“I will, Ralah. Just stay back. you have to stay in control as well.” I mustered as much confidence and strength as I could, holding my stance and pushing against the force of his flames.

“I know you will. I’m with you.” She rose once again to her feet. Stumbling over to me, she placed her palm on my back, with some strength. I could feel her giving me a stable support as I pushed back. I couldn’t help but grit my teeth a little harder. Against the rushing force of Marise’s energy, I stood only as strong as every fibre of the Arcane emanating from me, lesser and greater, would allow; and Maralah withstood it. I gathered everything I could to my hands.

Blowing the shield away, I forced a clash with his energy. Instantly after, I shot lightning from my fingertips, against the grain. Gold chains of arcing electricity curved jaggedly to form a circle around him, connecting at the ends. I raised my hands and forced the combined energies in the centre upward, creating a dome-like cage over him. Immediately, the strings bent again into a series of letters and symbols. In a pattern, I created a sigil after every two or three seals, their larger size standing out.

“You’re going to seal him?!” She shouted.

“It’s the only thing I can think of.” I admitted in a yell.

“Can you do it?” Ralah asked.

“I don’t know. But I don’t have a choice Brace now!” I said.

I braced myself against the sheer heat and force as Ralah held me firmer still. Her feet had to have been sunk into the ground. Confidently, I braced myself. What happened next was the true trial. It took every feeling of tension in my body to keep the barrier up while performing the seals. With Ralah bracing me from behind, taking the brunt of both our energies, I pushed myself to move quicker. I wrote seal after seal, wasting no time between each passing moment. Many burned away in the heat of his flames, some fused and created even more complex sigils. I had no time to read them all, but I continued writing anyway, creating sigils without pause. Finally, in sequence the circles I’d drawn began to shrink – locking into place. Their sizes diminishing along with the intensity of his flames. As the heat fell, the sensation of burns across my body began to throb… especially over my shoulders. But that would mean that maybe it’d spared Ralah some damage, and that was good enough.

Ralah was not as unscathed as I’d hoped. I turned around and took her by the hand. She had several first-degree burns but supporting me as she had would likely leave her right arm permanently scarred. I felt a ball of guilt swell in my throat for a moment, the irony stabbing me in the chest. I should’ve been able to spare her, at least. Eventually, a large commotion erupted across the garden way. Adults and children poured out from the mouth of the opening. Father appeared among them as well, his hair disheveled as he panted slightly. At first, they all stood gawking and gazing at the scene. Their faces showed more despair than I understood. I turned around and immediately understood why. Next to the unconscious Marise, lay the blood-splattered body of King Aodh.

One Month Later

I continued to my thing atop the desk space in my room at the church. Since the disaster with Marise, a lonely month had gone by. Marise’s mother had arrived two days after it’d happened and brought him and Aohd’s lifeless body home. I did not attend the funeral under father’s orders. The strength Queen Adeen must’ve had just to keep herself composed until she’d left must’ve been tremendous. I imagined it should’ve lasted only until the moment she’d been seen any kind of privacy.

After that, a horseman squad of guards, caretakers and healers of sorts were sent by Ralah’s parents and escorted her home as well. She was bedridden the whole time until they until they arrived. Her eyes had been severely scarred, on top of everything else. Considering recent events, father had granted me permission to visit Cephas. Exiting my room, a carriage picked me up at the front of the northern courtyard, driven by one of father’s men dressed as my chauffer. We rode out from the centre of the city onto the beaten path. Strangely enough my last memory with Edgar, riding home from that incident, flashed in my head.

The ride to Cephas took the whole day.

The driver stopped twice on the way. First to rest the drakes pulling the carriage, and again once we’d gotten closer to the capital. We crossed a checkpoint, and from there, were escorted by a squad of mounted guards the rest of the way. By the time we made it into the city proper, night had long fallen. I looked outside the carriage window and took in the sight of the large city that sprawled out in different levels; connected by great staircases and bridges. The dimly lit city hummed with a quiet, subtle silence that calmed me. Cephas was a city that had clearly been the result of decades of building, added upon each time by its lineage of rulers. Grand separations and architecture, possible only through human hands, amazed me. The castle was literally carved into and from the earth.

We passed under a tall bridge, surrounded by three rings of moats. As shadows overhead faded in and out, we stopped at a hidden side-gate, behind a small forest. I was escorted into the throne room by three knights. They towered over me but showed no hostility. Instead, they had a sympathetic look on their faces. A soft smile sat on the lips of one; a gesture that seemed pleasantly out of place. They eventually stopped at a large stone door, and two of them, each grabbing a handle, slowly pushed the doors open. The sound of the stone dragging against the ground caused a small hiccup of anxiety, forcing the blood to my head. All the same, I was met with Queen Valterra’s deep, but welcoming gaze.

“So… you’ve arrived, young prince.” She greeted.

“Good evening, Your Highness.” I returned, bowing my head.

“Raise your head, child. I’m amazed you could convince your parents to allow you to come here. Virga has become so estranged from the rest of us through these years. Still, in you, I see hope yet, young one.” She expressed a small glimmer of kindness.

“Your words are too kind.” I said, trying to sound humble. The truth of her words stung a little.

“Alas, I fear you may have made the trip in vain. Reinhelda has hidden herself in the castle and has refused to come out… even at the announcement of your impending visit.” Her voice took on a saddened tone.

“Has something happened?” I asked.

“Yes… You see, when she arrived home from the church that fateful day, the injury to eyes were a mere shallow reflection of the pain she had truly sustained. I should commend you for your efforts in being able to seal the raging energy of the Fire Scion. However, something occurred which scarred her in a different way. She refuses to speak of it. Still, she was stricken with such grief the depths of which I couldn’t recognize in time. Filled with negative emotions, she sought solace in her father’s arms. Now… he is bedridden, his life force severely diminished. At the sight of his body laying across the ground, she cocooned herself in the earth. By the time I was able to pry it open, she was already gone.” She explained, her face contorting with a grimace that faded in and out.

“I thank you for your praise Your Highness… and for recalling such painful events to me. I hope that you will indulge me. I sensed from the moment I set foot within the castle that Maralah was… not well. Still, I believe I know how to make her come out; or at least how to find her. If you’ll let me, I think I can be of assistance… to both of you.” I offered.

“My... To come into this castle and force yourself on us… how tyrannical. My kingdom is in this vulnerable state, and still you try to bring us into your debt?” She gave a strange sarcastic look as she paused for a moment. “Come boy, show me what you have.”

I moved, half-cautiously, toward the throne, and reached into my cloak. “Only if,” she said, making me stop, “you can prove to me you do in fact know where she hides.”

Ceasing in my tracks, I pulled my hand from my cloak. My eyes peered around for an open area that wasn’t covered by any rugs or carpet. I quickly located just the spot, to the left. I stepped loudly on the bare ground, making a defined sound with my heels, clicking them against the stone. I did so a series of times. No response.

Valterra looked over, patiently. I kicked a few more times...

Still no response. I took a deep breath and bent down.

“What are you doing, boy?” She questioned.

I punched on the ground twice with my fist. And then, a portion of stone rose upward at me, with some force. I jumped back quickly to avoid it.

“She’s upset, but she’s still in the castle.” I half-smirked, walking back to the throne.

“Very well. What is it you need?” The queen opened.

“I would like to remain here for some time, until I complete a certain project. It should take me three days at best and a week at worst. There’s no longer any need to return to the church, so it’s likely I’ll be headed straight back to Nariko from here. However, before I return, I’ve brought something for your daughter. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m confident I can complete it. I ask only that you allow me access to your library.”

I bowed slightly in respect.

“I see… Very well. I will have my aides escort you and whatever belongings you have to the guest tower in the east wing. Return to your carriage.” She finished.

“You have my thanks, Your Highness.” I replied.

The night ended in a sort of haste.

I adjourned quickly to the room in the east wing, then placed the small satchel bag of books and a change of clothes I’d brought with me on the table. I then rested my weary body on the bed, next to the window. The light shining through spilt onto the ground next to me, leaving my body cloaked in the darkness. I eventually sat on the bed, my back against the wall, and avoided the sight of myself in the mirror, half-scared at what my face might look like. Half-upset that it would be familiar, in the wrong way. Quietly, two soft knocks resounded in the room. I couldn’t help but let out a small sigh of relief. I slid off the bed and knocked on the ground three times. Two more knocks followed, in response.

“Can you hear me?” I said.

Knock.

“Your mom told me what happened. Are you hurt?”

Silence.

“So, you don’t want to admit it? That’s fine. That’s not why I’m here.”

Knock. Knock.

“I have something for you, but you’ll have to wait for it. I’ll come find you when its ready.”

Knock.

“You don’t have to come out of hiding, just… don’t go running when I come.”

Silence.

Realizing she had nothing left to say, I went to sleep.

Early the next morning, I asked to be escorted to their library. Valterra reluctantly permitted it. Before I had noticed, they’d prepared food and water, a bath, and amenities of sorts for me. Each of the aides and stewards greeted me with unexpected warmth. It appears the queen had really acknowledged me.

As I stepped into the grand library, I took notice of its massive size and overwhelming features: green carpeting spread through the floors, outlined with yellow frills, with the walls rising tall, made of ashen-coloured stone. The place was littered with flags and paintings of all sorts, and a grand map held a great section of a wall all by itself.

I wished I could someday explore it’s whole. Each of the shelves was painted a gold brown, while the rows and columns seemed to half-disappear at angles. It was exact kind of fancy room I expected to find inside a royal castle. Despite Cephas being I think the newest of the kingdoms, it made a sort of sense too. They’d been adding to it for generations. Centuries, even. It was like that with some of the city I got glances at as well.

I pulled out a scarf-like cloth from the inside pocket of my robe and laid it across the table. It was a light, snowy grey, and had a series of sigils and symbols across it in black ink; but not the whole way, with a deep series of writings halfway across it. I placed my hand over it, and each droplet of ink across the sash became alight in the faintly yellow light of my Arcane. They rose and grew slightly in size. I opened several books and stared at them. A basket of apples had been placed at the end of the table, so I took one and returned to my task. Ever since Elrik’s class, I’d been working on an idea to help Ralah more directly with her powers, but without sealing them. I thought it’d work. I’d eventually make it work.

The day passed slowly, and yet; I didn’t waste a second of it. I worked and read and scoured through the library for anything that would offer any kind of useable, comprehensive knowledge. Stopping only for the essentials – the shadow of night slid in quickly again. Finally, tired from the work, I wandered around, finding an open window in the library which led out into some sort of yard. Escaping through it, I stared up at the moon and took a few deep breaths to recollect myself. I considered my reasons for being here: for working so hard. I let out another sigh. I’d grown tired of having to stare my weakness in the face. I’ve never thought of myself as being weak… but I’m not strong. Not strong enough to protect Ralah, save Marise, or help Eurus. Then there’s father’s expectations, and let’s not forget Edgar. A sultry chuckle slid from my mouth. All this weighting me down, and not even a fight yet.

“Something Fenris can’t do, huh? That’s a lot easier to find than you think.” Eurus’ grinning face flashed before my eyes.

“Taking a break, are we? You struck me more as the do-or-die type.” Queen Valterra surprised me from behind, exchanging the basket on the desk with a fresh one full of assorted fruits. I turned around to return. Quietly, I climbed back through the window.

“You’ve made some progress.” She said, examining the sash. “But it seems you’ve hit a wall.” She flashed a glowing hand over the writing, and it glowed back. “I meant to ask if you were in need of guidance, but the work you’ve done and the look on your face tell me you don’t.” She said, shifting her gaze back to me. Walking away to a round, couch-like seat, she planted herself in a half-comfortable, half-watchful position.

“The literature in the library has helped me a great deal already. Have you read most of this?” I asked.

“Of course not. This is the work of hundreds great men and women who’ve dedicated their lives to understanding the arts, which you’ve taken a mere twelve hours to begin to utilize. Tell me boy, what motivates you? Is it your father? Does he push you to be great? Or perhaps you’ll do everything you can to be as unlike him as you can? Do you mean to tell me helping my daughter is your only reason for this endeavour? Or… perhaps you really do mean to put us in your debt for selfish reasons?”

The edge in her voice as she interrogated me brought a sort of ease to my chest. She seemed puzzled by my now-relaxed state. I let out a deep sigh and cleared the air.

“Thank you, Your Highness. With all that has happened these past moons, there are those who would call me an enemy of Cephas. Of Halfryta, even. Honestly, I’ve grown used to being the villain. And yet, I’ve been welcomed here with open arms; and that’s because your daughter has accepted me. Despite your interrogation… I know you have too. I have a mother who cares for me as deeply as you care for Reinhelda. I can’t imagine the strength it’s taken you to handle all of this, with Ralah, and with Old King Trevet. I hope you can find solace knowing that I only want to help Reinhelda. I owe her this much. In the short time that I’ve known her, she’s become an important person to me. For that reason alone, and nothing else—political or not, I will finish my work.” I bowed as I spoke, openly expressing my feelings.

“Hmph… Show me then.” She replied with a deep gaze.

I returned to the desk and took a focused stance over the sash and myriad of books laying under the warmth of the candlelight. Hours passed. Queen Valterra eventually fell silently asleep. I quickly vanished to my guest room and peeled the quilted blanket off, relocating it to the body of the sleeping queen, whose face, only now, seemed to be relieved. She shared the same soft complexion as her daughter; the resemblance was expected. I thought back to her words. Thanks to the queen, I could work without worrying. Her questions helped me confirm that I wanted nothing more than to help. If it’s for Maralah—if it’s for the people who matter to me, I’d work as hard as I need. As hard as it takes, even if it kills me. Why? Because there’s no point in being strong, if I can’t be free to live with who I want, how I want. Full of resolve, I continued my work throughout the rest of the night. As the sun rose in the distance, beyond the square crack in the stone wall, I laid my head down and rested my eyes. Only for… a few… moments.

“Young master...” A muffled voice called. “Young master… sleeping in such a manner is not appropriate for your health, sir.” The old butler said quietly.

Slowly, I raised my head, stretching my arms and rising into my chair, feeling half-dead. I looked beyond the window at the bright light that permeated from the outside.

“Noon, huh?” I muttered.

“Yes, sire.” He replied.

“Queen Valterra?” I asked.

“Has begun assembly.” He answered.

“And the princess?” I continued.

“sadly, still hidden away I’m afraid.”

“As expected, thank you.” I finished.

“Of course, young master.” He bowed.

I got up from my seat, sort of sharply. I had a kind of excitement abuzz about me, though I tried to hide it as I exited to the hallway. Calming myself, I gathered a pound of Arcane to my right fist and tried to focus on Ralah’s presence as much as I could, imagining her. I pushed my blazing hand into the ground and sent pulses, ripples, bursts, toward the grain of the castle. Moments passed. The waves shook as they returned to me. I followed a thin, jagged line I’d created and ventured to find Ralah.

Through corridors and rooms, I turned. Gradually, my footsteps grew in a sort of hop as I jumped mets, trying not to draw too much attention. It was minutes before I found a dome-like court deeper in the castle, filled with an assortment of plant life; surrounded by an enclosure made of glass. It was a greenhouse. Inside, a small door behind a few bushels of flowers revealed itself to me. It shed into a narrow hallway, with only a single light existing at the end. I followed it all the same...

… and came upon a stone asylum. Around me lived plant and animal life I’d never even seen before. Small creatures of assorted colours, and even some strange, larger creatures, but thankfully, nothing hostile. A forest spilled out, and with it, a warmth impossible to find anywhere else. A strange familiarity, which radiated its own energy, came from the white-petalled flowers on the roof, easily distinguishable from the rest. I could only move forward as I continued to be captivated by their glow.

Suddenly, my eyes came upon a black blob. A beast, I imagined, slept curled amongst the foliage. Its transparent horns twirled and pointed a clear glass-like shade. The beast was purple, its black hair falling from its head and all the way down its back, ending before the skinny tail that strung out behind it. In its embrace was a young girl dressed in a white robe. It had seals written in, glowing a soft yellow; her hair falling to a somber green under the light.

“Tread lightly. She roars when provoked.” The faint sound of a girl’s voice, warned.

“Is this... a behemoth?” I asked.

“Yes. Her name is Eda.” Maralah said.

I peered about. “I see. I didn’t know you could keep one as a pet. What is this place?”

“This is the true botanical garden. Only royalty and important members of the family know where this place is or are allowed in it. My father and I have tended to this place for as long as I can remember. The life here can only grow in places rich with Arcane.”

“He created a place just for you here, then...” I examined.

“When my powers go berserk, the wildlife here feeds on it and grows. Everything you see here is because of that.” She answered.

“I see. Is this why you won’t come out?” I asked.

Silence.

She avoided my glare as she twiddled with the white-petalled flower between her fingers. “You don’t have to-—”

“After what happened with Marise, my eyes were scarred deeply, they said.” She looked at me and stared into me with two gashes that ran straight down over her eyelids from above her eyebrows to just above her cheekbones. The centre, a deep smoky platinum.

“It hurt.” She paused. “No, it wasn’t because someone tried to heal them. My father simply wanted to hug his daughter… to console me. But because I felt such strong emotion at the time—anything at all, in fact—because of his love for me, my ‘strength’ seeped out. He absorbed it all himself, forcefully; to minimize damage to the castle… and he’s been bed-ridden since.” She choked at the end.

Silence again.

“Eurus is gone.” She shook her head, wiping faint tears away, sniffling.

“No one could’ve stopped him. He disappeared during the commotion with Marise. I wasn’t surprised he left… I know he’ll be back. There’s no need to try and blame yourself for that too.” I said. Another pause. She seemed to want to believe my words.

“How’s Marise?” Maralah asked.

A bit of guilt escaped across my face, and I turned away. “He’s fine… but he’s asleep. It’s possible I overdid it and placed too many seals on him. They assured me he’d be okay and tried to make me feel better… but it only made me sick. Until he wakes up, I won’t know exactly what I did to him. And even they had to admit they don’t know exactly when that will be, because of how many of the seals managed to stick.”

“Then he’ll be back too. What will you do when he is? “She peered at me behind dishevelled locks of hair, hanging if front of her red, teary-eyed, face.

Looking at her, I couldn’t hold it any longer. For just a moment I gave way to my emotions and, for just a moment, tears hung in my retina. “I don’t know yet.”

“There’s nothing to console.” I walked over to her, blinking it away. Eda raised her head.

I knelt before her, pulled the sash from my robe, and handed it to her. “The library here gave me everything I needed to finish this. I understand why you’d want to stay here. Even if your powers go berserk; in here it won’t hurt anything. Someone like you could never want to hurt others. Still, I know that a fight awaits us in the future. At the very least, I want you to be confident in yourself.” I pleaded to her. “I created this sash by using a special sealing technique. It won’t suppress or seal your Arcane: it’ll help you circulate it and keep it in your body. It’ll help you control it.”

Ralah looked at the sash and thought for a few moments. She then glanced back up at me. “And if it doesn’t?”

“Then I’ll control it for you, or I’ll help you control it. Or, even better, you can train with me until you can control it all without anything else to help you.” The look on my face softened. I softened my tone even more. “This is also an apology. I am sorry about your arm. I… should’ve taken more care.”

She took the sash with one hand and stared at it for a moment. Eda pushed me away with her head, and I stumbled back on my feet. Ralah snickered. Eda took the sash between her teeth and flung over Ralah’s head, licking her face playfully. Ralah could not help but smile.

“Use it to cover the scars on your right arm and come with me.” I said, turning toward the exit. The sound of footsteps suddenly erupted from behind me. Ralah appeared at my side grabbing my arm.

“What about my eyes?” she asked a sad tone.

“What about them? The scars will look cool later.” I smiled a little. She placed her head on my arm shyly. Then a change in mood.

“I have an idea!” She grinned widely, then pulled me toward the door aggressively. I stumbled to follow her as she went along gleefully. Then, I heard the loud thuds of Eda’s feet behind me as she got on all fours. Ralah hurried toward the exit, and Eda let out a ferocious roar, giving chase. Quickly, Ralah slipped through the narrow hallway, still tugging on my arm. Eda slid to avoid crashing I gave in and followed. Together, we jumped through the castle, a confident unwavering grin across her lips. Her eyebrows perched ahead.

Between rooms and through corridors, then outside, we leapt over courts and pathways, ignoring seemingly happy eyes that watched. Moments later, we landed toward the back of the castle. A facility, much like the barracks at home and at the church, but still more sophisticated, opened – pouring out a wildly thick tension. The wooden indoor hall was full of strong warriors, clearly elites, in the middle of training. Around were men and women whose focus, and physique clearly stood above normal standards. We walked through a wooden archway that split at the opening to each side, cornering again and again, meeting at the opposite end, creating a box. The arena at the centre offered a wide space. Valterra sat down on a carpet at the head of a the stable-like structure. Next to her sat a general, clearly a cut above the rest. Ralah jumped over to them.

“Mother!” She screamed as we landed.

“I’m ready.” She said with a stern look, looking down at her mother. She was met with a deep stare from her.

“Are you sure?” Valterra replied.

Ralah nodded with confidence. Valterra stood and placed a hand over Ralah’s head. A moment of pause, a ringing shine, then a pop—the robe around Ralah’s shoulders shone and dropped to the ground! Under it, Ralah wore a tight-fit set of clothing, dressed half as a battler.

The air began to shake. First a rumble, then more and more violently. Burst! A ferocious blaze of Arcane spilt out of Ralah, funnelling into the sky. From head to toe, everything but her skin was dyed now into the same somber green as her hair. Her normal, lightly tanned complexion, sunk into a deeper caramel colour. She stood calmly. Her breath flowed slowly from her lips, with the sash still in her hand, flapping amidst the shifting force. She took it and tied it around her eyes. I was only half-surprised. With a swish she knotted it and let the loose ends flap in the wind. The vortex of energy twisted about her, dwindling, absorbing back into her body. Her hair turned an opaque gray, her skin returning to a light complexion. then the force around diminished completely, sucked back into its source. Finally, the grey sash burned into a crimson red, reminiscent of that fateful day. The green and brown fully returned to her leather armour, and the bright ink shone a soft yellow, outlining the runic writing, then fading clean away into the sash.

“It worked…” I whispered to myself.

“Hmph… Hector, take them.” Valterra commanded.

“As you wish, Your Highness.” The tall, dark, physically endowed bald man stepped forward. His complexion was darker than mine, his voice echoing deeply. “And who might we have here, princess?” He gazed over at me, bellowing.

“This is Fenris: my most trusted personal aide.” Ralah walked away toward the arena nonchalantly, prompting me to look over at her. Hector let out a resounding laugh.

“I am Fenris Torvald Beneberakk, Prince of Nariko Cestmir. Future King of Battle.” I replied sharply.

“I’ll have you eat those words, boy.” He rebutted with an evil grin. “FALL IN!” He yelled. Immediately, various warriors from the previous room flooded the arena. “Both of you, into the front… and prepare yourselves. The Elite Armaments of Cephas are by no means second-class warriors. Training with us is an honour, a privilege, and a bad decision all at once.” He chuckled. “At the ready!”

“Do you feel it too, Fen?” She whispered to me as they recited the oath.

“That everything’s about to change? Yeah. But you know, it’ll take sacrifice… Maybe way more than what we’ve already given up.” I suggested.

“Are you scared?” She asked.

“Not if you are.” I answered.

She grinned a competitor’s grin.

“Good.” I returned.

This Halfryta’s Garden – Act VI

FIN

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