PREPARING FOR THE UNSEEN
The paladin was a trained soldier. A warrior. She’d fought in several inquisitions. Seen countless people judged for innumerable heinous acts. But when Amari was told she would be permanently assigned to protection duty for a princess from another world, she thought she’d done something wrong. Surely such an assignment would be dull and unfit for someone of her ability.
And yet, she already had to fight off a concerted attack on an estate. In the middle of a city. Then not long after, she had to fight a small army while acting as the guard for that child.
As Amari got to know that girl, she quickly realized how important the terran was. How her heart was filled with gold.
How the Avirans constantly sought to knock her down.
Now, she’d been attacked by someone wielding magic.
That will not stand.
Amari stepped into the Headmaster’s office for the second time in a week. The worst part was it was only the first week of school.
She took note of the middle-aged high elf in the room. The man was the Head of the Academy Guard and someone who didn’t like her or Khalan.
Not that either of the paladins cared.
He also seemed quite angry.
Outwardly, she maintained a neutral expression. Benevolent indifference. It was a difficult thing to accomplish.
The man’s face twisted into a scowl as he took note of her. “You–”
She raised a hand, silencing the man before he spewed things he could not retract.
Why was it that people always seemed to think they could dictate her actions?
She had a mission, and she would complete it.
Nothing on Eona would stop her.
Except for death.
“I will speak. Let us not say things we may regret.” She leveled a gaze at the Headmaster. The woman seemed resigned to whatever it was that Amari was about to say. It was how it should be. “You have a problem. One of your students is exhibiting the ability to use magic. However, it is a type that has the potential to be quite insidious.”
The high elf woman closed her eyes and Amari saw the telltale signs of the woman counting to herself. When the older woman opened her eyes, she asked, “What type of magic is that?”
“Mind magic. The boy tried to use it to manipulate the mind and actions of my charge,” Amari stated.
The guard fumed. “Witnesses say he did nothing before the princess’s hands erupted in flames. Then you attacked a student. A mere child. How dare–”
Amari had her sword out before he could finish and pointed it at the man. “That child assaulted my charge with magic. He sought to manipulate her into doing what he wanted through magic. A lesser could become a slave to his power. He is lucky I did not cut him down there. How dare you attempt to dictate how I perform my mission?”
She pulled back her sword and resheathed it in one smooth motion before turning on the Headmaster. “I told you, nothing would stand in the way of my priority to ensure the safety of our charges. If you have any sense, you will take steps to ensure the protection of your staff and other students from that boy.”
The Headmaster rubbed at her temple. “Do you have any idea who that boy is? Lord Racine… His mother–”
“Could be the queen of Avira for all I care. I would still not hesitate to cut him down if he attacked my charge again. In fact, the only reason he is still breathing is that the princess was capable of fighting off his weak attempt to influence her mind.”
The guard opened his mouth but Amari silenced him when she rounded on him with a glare. “Do not speak again,” she stated coldly.
The constant need to remind others of her authority was tiring.
It was always the same with individuals such as these. Fortunately, they were not high-status nobles. Those were even more troublesome.
Every day it seemed as if one more person thought that her status as a paladin was simply for show. As if the church’s reach and power were something that could be ignored.
As if the hundred thousand brothers and sisters of the Inquisitorium arm of the Order would not crash down upon any nation in the world that broke the Decrees. Paladins whose entire purpose was to make war. To crush rogue nations that sought to dishonor their gods.
That harbored evil.
Amari let out an exaggerated sigh. “I am here as a courtesy. To let you know what you have lurking amongst your halls. It would help future interactions if the both of you simply understood our respective roles and authority.”
Looking into the guard’s reddened face and narrowed eyes, she added, “Do not forget what organization I belong to. Empires have fallen to our blades, no force on Ikios makes me so much as pause. The protection of the princess is all I care about. My brother in Alos will have the same thoughts concerning Lady Tiloral. Our missions are necessities dictated by higher powers than mortal men and women. Now, please excuse me. I must return to my charge. Do recall this meeting before future interactions.”
The Headmaster bobbed her head slowly. Amari nodded hers in response before turning and making her way out of the office. The door had barely shut before she heard the guard complaining loudly.
Amari exhaled as she made her way to the princess’s dorm.
She had to admire her higher-ranking brothers and sisters or even the Archpriestess. They surely had a blessing of patience granted to them from Eona, herself.
While there were situations that necessitated more tact than force, this was not one of them. You wouldn’t find Amari talking down to the king of Avira.
Maybe just remind him of his obligations and of the success rate of inquisitions.
Only twice in her Order’s millennia-long history had they been rebuffed.
There wasn’t a nation around that could stand up to them. Especially now with the nations weakening each other through war and sabotage. She felt safe to say that the Church was at the forefront of exploiting the benefits of the introduction of magic.
Of course, there were always exceptions, such as the princess and her House. Yet another reason Amari’s mission was so important. The girl was bound to bring great change. It wasn’t Prophesy that gave the paladin such confidence, but witnessing the girl in action.
Helping the girl and learning alongside her could only bring glory to the Family.
Revelations of this new… existence they found themselves in wasn’t just courtesy of the girl, though.
It seemed that every day something new was being discovered by members of the Church. Why just recently a new process arrived from the Sovereign cities concerning a Ceremony of Paths.
Something everyone in the Church’s leadership was very interested in. There was already word that the Archpriestess would lift the station of the High Priest who had discovered it.
It was a ceremony that she wished to see for herself. She had heard some of the thoughts that Gwyn and her mentor, Maya, had posited. Amari was constantly training and pushing herself. She’d had many of the rushes of mana and energy that the young princess had spoken of.
There was word that the ceremony would give her an idea of her progress.
First, though, she needed to speak with Ser Sabina. The woman was extremely loyal to her princess, which was a positive. Amari, however, was not sure how much she could trust the knight due to her magic.
It was time to take the next step.
Ser Sabina Dominis needed to be tested. Amari knew what the woman had done with one of her ‘Wynvers’ and it had given her an idea.
If the woman passed…
There was no way that boy that had attacked Gwyn was simply a natural talent. There had to be someone else. A mentor. The boy had erred because now Amari knew they existed.
And that awareness was all the Church needed.
They would find them.
What could be better than having a mind mage of your own for such a task?
✦ ✦ ✦
The gates of the Lower School opened and soon students of all ages were rushing to the freedom that lay beyond. Excitement and joy-filled emotions permeated the area along with sporadic feelings of triumph. An amusing emotion to Sabina since it was as if the children expressing it felt like just surviving the first week at school was a victory.
Ah, the trials and tribulations of youth.
‘Do you see her?’ Taenya asked her mentally. Her own anticipation uncharacteristically leaked into the link the two knights shared.
Sabina smiled. She knew that her friend was excited to see their fiery charge. While they had not sat idle the past week, Taenya herself fit the part of an anxious mother whose child had left home for the first time.
Which, in a way, was true. The woman had filled that motherly void that Gwyn had needed ever since the young human had arrived on Eona. This past week was the only true time apart the two had experienced in the last year and a half.
‘Not yet. Relax, Taenya. Look for the paladin.’
The woman fidgeted slightly as she took a deep breath. ‘Oh. Right. Yes, thank you.’
Sabina smiled.
She couldn’t help it. The emotions that she felt were light and airy. Happy. Contentment.
Even those pockets of disappointment, awkwardness, or even sadness were quickly drowned out.
They stood there as Taenya craned her neck searching for the red-armored paladin.
As Sabina contented herself with all of the pleasant feelings emanating from those around them, it was strange that a single negative emotion would stand out. Her eyes narrowed as she felt a source of anger and hate that was so visceral, so primal that it put her on edge.
She searched for the source and found it quickly enough.
A boy.
One who couldn’t be older than Gwyn.
He was walking with a group of boys but then quickly divested himself of them and made for a carriage where a woman and armored man awaited.
As Sabina scrutinized the two, she froze.
The woman…
‘Taenya, it’s Amanda Levings.’
The telv knight tensed and looked around before narrowing her eyes as she saw the terran woman.
“Why is she here?” she asked.
Sabina watched as the angry boy spoke to the terran, the woman quickly curtsied before opening the door of the carriage. A knight that stood there gestured to the woman and Amanda made to follow the boy into the carriage.
With a quick pull of mana, she used her [Hear Thoughts] spell on the woman.
It was like walking face-first into a wall.
Surprise filled her and she probed at the woman’s mind again.
Sabina couldn’t help but gasp. Some sort of mental barrier surrounded the woman’s mind, protecting her. She would need to focus–
Her eyes widened further when she noticed the knight instantly move his hand to his blade and look around in quick jerking movements. Sabina quickly turned back toward Taenya and used [Calm Emotions] on herself and Taenya.
Her friend’s eyes widened but Sabina subtly shook her head. A moment later she felt a slight mental spell brush past her. It tasted foreign but yet… similar. Something like her [Detect Emotions] but more pointed.
It passed quickly and she forced herself to not turn around. Internally though, in the area of her mind that always held her [Mental Fortress], she was ready to react.
After what felt like an eternity, she deliberately focused on a family walking with a child away from the gate.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
When her gaze passed over where the knight had been, they were gone.
‘What. Was. That?’
Sabina winced. ‘Another mind mage. They did something to Miss Levings. I tried to hear her surface thoughts but was detected by the mage. They then tried searching for me, I used Calm Emotions so as to not give away our feelings about Amanda. There wasn’t time to explain. If you felt the brush, that was him.’
Taenya nodded slowly. ‘Thank you, then.’ The woman sighed. ‘I didn’t sense any brush… Likely because I was too focused on the shift in my feelings. This is concerning, Sabina. We will need to talk about the mage back at the townhouse. Think of options. And come up with a signal so that I am not surprised.’
Sabina agreed. They’d always discussed what to do when another mind mage appeared, but to find one that had been so close to them?
Her brows shot up.
That’s it!
Amanda had been so easy to [Suggest] when she had visited Gwyn. What if that was because her thoughts and mind were already being tampered with? What if they were using the terran as a way to get close to Gwyn?
She had to be careful. They had to be careful.
“You two look like you’ve seen a ghost,” a young voice said.
Sabina’s head jerked around to see a smiling Gwyn, Amari, Lorrena, and an orkun girl she did not know.
“Gwyn!” Taenya said cheerily.
The young princess smiled as she walked over and hugged Taenya. She quickly pulled away and moved to Sabina.
‘What’s wrong?’ Her princess demanded.
Sabina knew better than to hide anything from the girl. She’d gotten too good at reading the two knights.
It’s like I’m the only one who needs magic to know what people are thinking.
‘We saw Miss Levings. She was with a student. I will tell you and Amari more at the townhouse.’
Gwyn sucked in a breath but nodded.
“Guys, this is Adrienne Devereaux. A lady from Blightwych. And she’s my new friend from my class…” she coughed into her fist. “Class Fourteen. Oh, and she’s staying with us this weekend.”
Taenya’s eyes widened. “She’s… what? Wait… Class Fourteen?” Her head jerked back and forth from Sabina to Gwyn. “...What?”
The telv knight turned her focus on Lorrena who had a sheepish look on her face. “What class are you in, Lady Lorrena?”
“...Class Ten,” she said, almost as if she was embarrassed to be ahead of the princess.
Sabina glanced at her friend who mouthed a question of how to her. Gwyn had been doing so well in her practice and studies… Lorrena had not.
“How did you get placed into Class Fourteen?” Sabina asked Gwyn.
Gwyn fidgeted. “Can we talk about it at home? Also, where is Ilyana?”
Taenya nodded. “We will. If I need to speak…” She sighed. “Friedrich is picking up Ilyana from the Upper School. We should go–”
“Ser Taenya, please wait one moment. Evocati Khalan will be meeting us here shortly with Lady Roslyn. There is her carriage right now,” the paladin said as she pointed toward the street.
They all turned and watched as the Tiloral carriage approached. The ducal crest with its image of a gryffon was painted onto the door with gold filament. Behind the carriage came the young heiress’s knights on horseback. Once it stopped, the guards that had been sitting on two seats at the rear of the carriage stepped down to grab the horses, allowing the knights to dismount.
The female knight caught sight of their group and gestured for the man to follow her.
“Hey, Roderick and Janine. How are you two doing?” Gwyn asked the two ducal knights as they stepped closer.
Ser Janine smiled. “I am well, Your Highness. Are you waiting for Lady Roslyn?”
Gwyn nodded. “Yup. I wanted to see if she could come over to the townhouse for a little bit. You two, as well.” She glanced at Amari. “We have something important to talk about.”
The two knights glanced at Amari, who nodded once.
It wasn’t long until the other paladin came into view as he followed the blonde high elf, and with that, the girls all greeted each other and talked about heading to the townhouse for a big meeting.
Taenya glanced at Sabina and sighed.
‘This is a lot more people than I was expecting.’
Sabina couldn’t help but agree.
✦ ✦ ✦
Gwyn sat in her room with the others. She was finally back with all three of her ladies-in-waiting and the girls were excitedly talking about everything they’d done for the past week.
As her roommate, Lorrena’s week was nothing that Gwyn hadn’t already known.
Aleanora’s week was filled with various tasks around the Reinhart Manor. She’d been acting as Sir Friedrich’s personal assistant where her purpose was to help the man with acclimating to local customs and norms. That, along with daily meetings with the two scholars of the House kept the girl exceedingly busy. Mister Branigan and Miss Rolfe were helping the elf study and prepare for the following year when she tried to attend the Upper Academy.
Speaking of the Upper Academy, Ilyana had a very successful week. The older girl had already started her electives, and like Gwyn, she was taking a combat class. She also was taking a class about dancing.
Ilyana even told them how she was trying to incorporate her dance ability into her combat movements which made several of the girls laugh. Gwyn, though, found it fascinating. Especially when the elf explained how she’d learned several mana abilities that helped with it.
That reminds me…
“Hey, Roslyn?” she said to get the attention of the girl sitting next to her.
Her best friend turned her head and squinted her eyes.
“Yes, Gwyn?”
She glanced around at everyone in the room who had quieted. She still didn’t quite like the attention she got all the time. But right now, Gwyn didn’t mind it. It was important.
They had to get stronger. To prepare themselves.
“I think we all need to train together. With magic. I know not everyone here can use it, but I think it’s time people learn all they can about it. After today with the boy with mind magic, I–I am scared for all of you. I don’t want–”
Roslyn placed a hand on Gwyn’s.
“Gwyn. You are not going to lose any of us.” She swept her gaze over those in the room. “We are your friends and confidants. But you are right. We need to prepare ourselves.”
She smirked.
“After all, we cannot have you being the one constantly saving the rest of us with your magic,” Roslyn said.
There were nods from around the room. Adrienne stood up and walked over to Gwyn before reaching down and grabbing her hands.
“I know that we have only known each other for one week, but when I see those here, I see people who care about you. You have a kind heart, Gwyn. I too will stand by your side, if you will have me. I am not a fighter, but I…” She pulled her hands back and glanced around. “Does anyone have a knife?”
In a swift motion, Ilyana drew a dagger from her boot with such speed that Gwyn barely had time to process what was happening. With a fluid motion, she flipped it around and handed it to the Orkun girl hilt first. Adrienne moved to the center of the room, holding the dagger up for all to see.
“Allow me to show you what I can do,” the girl declared, bringing the blade toward her own hand.
Gwyn’s eyes widened in shock as she reached out, but it was too late. In a sudden, unexpected move, the girl brought the blade down across her palm, slicing a deep gash. Lorrena let out a piercing scream, and everyone else in the room called for the girl to stop. Blood flowed from the wound as Adrienne winced, but she held her hand steady, displaying an almost unnerving level of control.
The room fell silent as everyone stared at the girl, bewildered and uncertain of what to do next.
Ilyana caught the dagger before it could fall from the Blighter girl's hand and moved to assist her, but was waved away.
Adrienne Devereaux then completely surprised everyone.
As everyone watched in amazement, Adrienne's face contorted in concentration, and her other hand began to emit a yellow-green glow. To their astonishment, the gash on her hand seemed to be drawn back together as the pooling blood was absorbed back into the wound.
Gwyn's eyes widened in shock as she exclaimed, “You're a healer!”
Adrienne looked up at them, a small smile playing on her lips as she held up her now-healed hand. A thin white line was the only evidence of the previous wound.
“Like you, I have magic,” she explained. “I have been blessed by Aldum and granted magic of the stormy seas.” Adrienne took a deep breath and continued, “I would be honored if I could join all of you so that I may learn to improve my magic and take it back to my homeland to help my family.”
Gwyn's curiosity was piqued as she asked, “Who is Aldum?”
Roslyn let out a chuckle, and Adrienne's excitement instantly deflated. It was clear that she had assumed Gwyn would know the significance of the name.
“Aldum is the God of the Seas,” Roslyn explained. “As an island nation, the Blightwych Kingdom holds a special reverence to the god who controls the seas. They also hold the Sisters in high esteem, as they control the tides with their celestial bodies.”
Adrienne nodded her head in agreement, adding, “That is correct.”
She hesitated, her gaze drifting down to her formerly injured hand. “Please forgive me for frightening everyone. I didn't know any other way to demonstrate my abilities,” she spoke in a subdued tone.
Gwyn let out a soft, breathy chuckle, trying to ease the tension. “Don't worry, it's okay. Let's just avoid hurting ourselves in the future, alright? We'll have plenty of opportunities to practice healing without cutting ourselves.”
Roslyn let out a nervous laugh, breaking the tense silence that had settled over the room. “That alone should tell us that we should really focus on training,” she said, trying to lighten the mood. Then, she delivered news that caught everyone's attention. “Speaking of, I have learned that the Royal Academy will be introducing a new class that all who exhibit magic ability must attend. It will begin after the mid-year exams.”
Gwyn's eyes widened with interest. A new class at the Royal Academy meant more opportunities to learn and showcase her magical abilities. But Roslyn's next words made her heart race with excitement.
“In addition to the potential hazards that constantly assail us, it would behoove us to be as prepared as possible,” she continued. “I believe if you two showcase your magic there, it will not be long before you gain rank. After all, I seriously doubt the school would let go of potentially the strongest spellcaster in the kingdom, let alone a strong healer.”
Adrienne and Gwyn exchanged a look, their minds racing with possibilities. Gwyn’s smile grew as she turned back to Roslyn. “You mean I get to show off?”
Roslyn laughed. “I hope you don’t mind if I join you! I think I’m ready…”
Wait.
“You have magic now?” Gwyn asked excitedly.
The other girls gasped.
The ducal heiress laughed more as she nodded her head.
Gwyn relished in the joy of training and practicing with her magic and sword. The thrill of creating new spells, perfecting her swordsmanship, and combining the two was exhilarating to her. However, she couldn't help but miss her training sessions with Theran. He was a great teacher, and Gwyn always felt like she was improving under his guidance.
As for Taenya, Gwyn had to admit that the head knight was a force to be reckoned with. Her skill with a sword was unparalleled, but she could be particular about things, which could be frustrating for Gwyn. It was like the knight became a different woman when she was fighting and training.
Maya, on the other hand, was focused on pushing boundaries and learning how far Gwyn's magic could go. However, the woman was meticulous about documenting every step of the process.
“So that others may follow along in your footsteps one day,” the woman had said.
Gwyn couldn't wait to include Roslyn in their training and practicing sessions. Having her best friend with her would make everything so much better. The mere thought of Roslyn using magic and becoming stronger brought a wide grin to her face. She was eager to see what kind of spells Roslyn could come up with. It would be amazing to watch her best friend’s progress and see her become a skilled spellcaster at her side.
Side-by-side. Against the world.
Gwyn's face lit up with excitement. “Oh, man. You’re going to be so good at magic when I’m done with you. I have so many ideas for training and learning. With Miss Rolfe's guide and plan, we'll be unstoppable. Oh, this is going to be great,” she said, brimming with confidence.
Roslyn’s smile fell. “Wait. What? How hard is this going to be?”
You have no idea…
Gwyn just laughed.
It’s going to be amazing!
✦ ✦ ✦
Amari stepped into the office with her fellow paladin and the two Reinhart knights. The four of them were… tired. They had just spent the last two bells discussing everything that had happened at the school. Specifically the mental attack on Gwyn and the subsequent meeting with the Headmaster.
While she had passed the boy over to the Academy Guard, she was sure they didn’t really believe what she had said. That sentiment was reinforced by the Head Guard in the meeting.
The Tilorals were rightfully cautious about the implications of the situation and the potential consequences for their young charge. This caution grew even stronger after the adults had a discussion following the departure of the girls to engage in whatever activities noble children typically do in groups.
Taenya’s description of the meeting she’d had with this ‘Lord Edele’ individual was frustrating. It appeared that no matter where they looked, there were enemies arrayed against them.
Amari did not like having to balance her desire to fight these enemies, with the urge to protect the sanctity of her young charge’s youthfulness.
Khalan was at least aware now that it wasn’t just the princess being targeted. In fact, more and more it seemed as if the princess only had the focus she did because of her relationship with Roslyn.
Taenya let out a long breath. “So. What do we do? I am open to suggestions.”
The other knight glanced between the paladins. “We need to figure out what is going on with House Racine,” Ser Sabina pressed. “That appears to be the more immediate threat. Amari, from your description, the actions of the prince and princess may simply be posturing. We have yet to hear anything from the Crown Prince, himself.”
“The last I heard from Siveril was that he had established himself in his new county,” Taenya added. “He is raising an army with the assistance of the duke, ostensibly to protect the duchy’s borders. What hasn’t been said, is that Angwin is consolidating his forces back to his march. He fears retaliation and after the princess and Amari’s actions, he is lacking trained soldiers.”
Amari smiled. The attack on the marquess’s forces had gone exceptionally well. She had received a commendation from the Inquistorium for how well they executed the counterattack. She focused on Taenya. “Your House’s gains from the battlefield were substantial, as well.”
Even that almost seemed like an understatement.
House Angwin’s forces had been set up for some time in a hastily built fortified encampment on some baron’s land just waiting for the time to strike. They’d left about thirty support personnel and servants behind. When the paladins appeared, they quickly surrendered.
Unfortunately, everyone who had knowledge of the operation and how they learned of the House’s timelines died to either fire or blade.
In the end, they’d taken complete control of the baggage train, stripped over two hundred fifty men’s worth of equipment, and ransomed the camp followers back to House Angwin.
While much of the equipment was damaged from either the paladin’s charge or Gwyn’s fire, it was serviceable enough to either repair or sell.
The camp and some of the wagons even had chests of gold that the army was using to pay for any supplies required. A lot of gold.
All told, it was a massive bonus. Especially since the paladins left all of the spoils to House Reinhart.
The telv inclined her head. “Indeed. The confiscated equipment and supplies were a large boon to our coffers and armory. After all, it helped pay for this townhouse and the equipment for our House Guard here in the capital. Now, options…”
The four of them spoke on the situation, but it all came back to Sabina attempting to ascertain more information.
Including how the man Taenya had met knew to avoid her. Amari suggested that the nobles were simply aware that Sabina was the spymistress of the House. Keeping her away would be prudent. It was highly unlikely they knew about the woman’s magic.
That seemed to relieve the two women.
In the end, it appeared that Amari needed to test Ser Sabina sooner than she’d imagined.
Amari sighed. “Actually, I do have one idea. However, I will need Ser Sabina to accompany me to the Astral Monastery,” she said.
Khalan raised a brow. “Will you need me to attend, as well?”
She shook her head. “No. This is something she and I need to do alone. I think it’s time.”
The man gave a slow nod of acceptance. Taenya appeared wary, but Sabina just seemed resigned.
“I have been waiting for this ever since the message from the Archpriestess,” the high elf woman stated. “When would you like to go?”
While she wasn’t aware of a message the Archpriestess had given the mind mage, she could guess the gist of what it could have been. The leader of the Church was quite interested in House Reinhart and seeing it succeed.
“If we are done here, I think we should go now.” She glanced at Taenya. “We will not be overly long. If it would make you feel more comfortable, I can request a few of the Order to come to stand guard outside until we return.”
Taenya shook her head. “That won’t be necessary. I will see you two later.”
Amari didn’t miss the look the two women gave each other.