Kelani waited by the statue of the Chalice; flipping through Jhee’s pages. There had to be mention of Eyden’s Passage somewhere. How could the mortals have secret knowledge she didn’t? She was about to give up, when Jhee took over. The pages sprang to life as they flipped open to the bestiary section. The ink had dried, but the smears remained.

Under the streaks and crinkles was a grotesque illustration of a many mouthed worm. Rows of teeth stared at her, while the pale slimy creature erupted from the ground. 'King Shadeseeker, the Volatile'. Her stomach tightened at the thought of witnessing the pointed teeth firsthand. Apparently, Eyden’s Passage wasn’t the abandoned settlement she thought. It was a territory for ancient monsters called Shadeseeker.

She shut the book with a thud. Her insides churned as countless thoughts whisked around in her brain. The hundreds of possibilities and outcomes spun into a whirring waterfall. Loud, deafening and dangerous. Pull yourself together Lani, we can do this. If this is Saule’s path, then it's her responsibility to see her through it.

If Osana were there, she wouldn’t hesitate. A chance to see a beast of lore in real life would have sent her jumping for joy. If only some of her fearlessness rubbed off on her.

“Morning Kelani!”

Saule wore a bright smile and waved as she crossed the square. The Mage wore her pack slung on her back. No longer wearing the Academy robes, she chose lightweight fabric shirt and pants. A vibrant orange scarf wrapped around her head allowing enough room for two braids to fall to her shoulders.  

“Where’s your pack?” She asked. Kelani pointed to the bag at her hip with the strap strung over one shoulder. “That’s it? Don’t you need more?”

“This bag is under an enchantment that makes it infinite. Trust me it has everything you or I could possibly need.”

“Hey Saule!” A teenage boy called from a fruit stand. He handed the produce he was buying to another woman before approaching them.

“Janus, what are you doing here?”

“Shopping,” he motioned to a servant wearing mauve and grey robes at the fruit stand. “Sort of. She’s shopping and I’m avoiding the house until Eevi’s tantrum subsides.”

“Sorry, I guess I’m to blame for that.”

“Don’t fret, it happens more often than you think. We’re all used to it. Although, her loss to you really set her off, usually she gives up by now. Oh sorry, who’s your friend?”

“Kelani, she’s a foreigner. She’s going to help me train.”

“Oh, do you have some secret methods to be bestow on to us?” His grin made Kelani’s face flush, she hugged Jhee to her chest and composed herself.

“I have the wisdom of the ages,” she held up Jhee for him to see. “Everything from the past is at our fingertips.”

“Impressive. But Saule doesn’t need help, she’s one of the best already. Did you see that win the other day?”

“Were we at the same match?” Saule counters, “I barely pulled off that last attack. Your sister’s right, I was lucky. And luck isn’t enough to become Council Elect.”

“Eevie’s a pushy brat, don’t let her get to you. But if you’re going on some fancy training, count me in.”

“Wait, I did not agree to two,”

“Why not, you can’t just play favourite. Will a second person be that impossible?”

“Janus, you don’t even have any supplies,” Saule added glancing at Kelani. Of course, there was more to their adventure than simple training. The Guardian wanted them to survey the obscure area for an unknown purpose. She doubted he wanted additional people in on his plans. Despite Saule’s objection, he turned and snapped his fingers.

“Cami!” he called, summoning the woman to his side. “If my mother asks, tell her I will be late.” He removed the bag from the servant and slung it over his shoulders. “Okay, got a pack. Let’s go.”

“Janus this is absurd.”

“Can you simply do that?” Kelani watched as Cami bowed before returning to the nearby spice stand. “You stole her bag?”

“Her bag? It's my father’s money that paid for all of it. As his son, it's basically my bag.”

“Will she get reprimanded when she returns without the items?” The way he paused told her everything she needed to know. “Perhaps it is for the best if you stay here,”

“Why can’t I be part of your secret club?” He turned to Saule for support, “I won’t be a problem. I promise, you won’t even know I’m here.”

“It’s okay Kelani, he’ll be good. Won’t you?”

“The best. Please, Kelani?”

“If you must, but do not get in our way.”

Saule led them from the market and down the quiet streets of a residential area. Homes made of bricks lined the meandering streets. From her home among the stars the desert seemed barren. But walking among the homes told a different story. Entrances were decorated with hanging flower baskets, the cacti in flower growing on street corners, and people wearing every assortment of colour, revealed a beautiful scene. The people were friendly enough to nod as they passed but not enough to ask questions.

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Towering over the flat roofs was a giant stone arch, which marked their exit. As they got closer, she spied a set of heavy doors like the one from the Passage to Prosperity her and Osana had used to first enter the kingdom. And like before, four hooded Mages in crimson robes stood guard.  Larger than life paintings decorated the stone walls. It marked the vitality of the desert after the rains. She marvelled at the vibrant colours used to depict a lush scene with plants, flowers, and a variety of animals.

“Why are there so many guards posted here?” She whispered to her Mage.

“To make sure the Mages leaving the kingdom have the proper safety measures in place.”

“What safety measures exactly?”

“Our staffs. And to make sure we travel in groups. The desert is dangerous. Unless you’re an experienced Mage, most of the students need to travel with others.”

“Wait, I am without a staff.”

But the Mortals had already approached the guards. She wracked her brain, thinking of a way to prove herself without revealing her identity. The guards towered over Saule and studied her sunstone staff. The other, took Janus’s emerald staff in his hand and held it to the sky. Flickers of green light reflected over his hood. It was the first time she noticed the guards concealed most of their face in black fabric.

Their eyes were mortal, but something about how they carried themselves reminded her of old legends she once read. Supernatural creatures that roam the dark countryside, hunting their prey. The nameless, faceless predators that devoured magic until their greed swallowed it all. The Mages before her were mortal. Based on the square of their shoulders and size of their hands, all four of them were men. Their leader was the tallest. But still the image of the night creatures raced in her mind.

“No staff?” The third guard barked at her. “Do you have your letter?”

“She isn’t an Innocent, she’s a Mage, so she doesn't need a letter. She's a foreigner, that’s all.”

“Someone as young as you with no staff must have been poorly trained. You’re better off staying here.”

“Impossible, I need to leave with them.”

“Mages under training have staffs here.”

“Where I come from, we have no use for them.”

“Prove it.”

She didn’t like his tone. Nor the insinuation that she was inadequate. She had no doubts she could handle some desert insects or wild dogs. “As you wish. Saule, stand there and attack me.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Now hurry up, we do not have all day to waste.”

Mages, born from Umara, had elemental magic rooted in their world. It was impossible for her to mimic it. But she had something that could suffice. Saule faced her and moved her staff to the attack position. She chewed her lip before waving her hand over the gem, summoning a flame on top of it.

Kelani planted her feet, and awkward movement, considering she rarely needed the stability. But Mages couldn’t float on command, and she needed to blend in. Hands together with her two fingers pointed, she channelled the magic from within. Little feelers, like a prickly plant, rolled over her body. She watched as the flame glowed brighter, snaking into the air.

With a gentle coaxing her magic reached her skin, wormed over her arms to her fingertips. From there, its enthusiasm bubbled; flickering like the mortal’s fire. Kelani pushed her magic harder, the feelers swayed in the air. When they found each other, they latched on, connecting with rigid angles. Translucent panels floated in front of her, like shimmering windowpanes.

She nodded to Saule, who let out a deep breath before flicking her wrist and launching a fire ball in her direction. Kelani tapped her fingers together and the panels snapped together forming a ridged wall. The flames spun, soaring at top speed and smashed against the panel. The vibration radiated through her body. But the magic held, the spinning ball evaporated into the air.

“Kelani, how did you do that?” Saule shuffled to her side.

“Like I said, we have no use of staffs in my lands.” She turned to the guards. “I am more than capable of surviving whatever creature is out there.”

“A young Mage without a staff is as good as dead.” The lead guard stated. “But your fate is not my concern, go and try your luck. But do not cry to us upon your return.”

Another one snickered as the other two opened one of the heavy doors. Kelani bit her tongue, trying to keep her opinion to herself. Saule approached the door first, when she was promptly stopped.

“Where is it that you three are heading?”

“Oh, the riverbed. Thought we’ll get some training in before the next semester begins.”

The guard seemed to approve and the three of them exited the kingdom proper. Passing under the arch, brought her face to face with the canyon bottom. Cliffs rose to the sky, making her feel small and insignificant. Sparse trees grew in small groups, usually with harsh brush at the base. They walked in silence, but as the doors shuttered close behind them, Janus nudged Saule with his elbow.

“Okay where are we really going?”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t play dumb. The riverbed is for novices. So, where's this secret training place?”

“Eyden’s Passage”

“Seriously? I thought that was a story the Assistant Instructors told to scare us.”

“No, it’s a real place, and I think I know where it is.”

“If you are too frightened, there is no shame in returning home.” Kelani added.

“Oh no, I’m coming. I can’t let you girls have all the fun.”

Janus strolled ahead of them, smiling and pointing out items of interest. He pointed to canyon caves his friends explored. Enthusiastically recounting the time they found a Sand Cobra, claiming they barely escaped with their lives. Her mind drifted away, leaving his childish tales to Saule to bare. She thought back to Jhee and the Shadeseeker from the passage.

She knew her abilities made Umara a safer than the guards believed. But for the first time she considered the two students before her. Were they capable of challenging a mythic beast? Being superior in the arena was one thing. But in the wild. She wasn't sure.

Saule seemed dead set on going, even after the Guardian’s warning. She was hungry to prove herself. An aspect of her character, Kelani needed to investigate. A part of her wished they would remain at the riverbed. Whatever her mortal's relationship with the Guardian was, his presence emboldened her. Whether it was a hindrance, or a blessing was yet to be decided.