(Ivan)

Ivan lay in bed staring at the ceiling, considering what had occurred yesterday. His mind was in turmoil, thinking about everything that had happened in the labyrinth. His thoughts kept jumping between the Amulet of Storms, his future fire magic, the war, and his conflicting feelings for Jane Sapphire.

He had been guarded during their initial meeting at the Temple of Cea’Nia, filled with suspicion and doubt about her motives. That doubt had changed to a grudging respect and even amity by the time they had reached the entrance of the future portal.

His heart stuttered when he recalled how he had felt about her in the future. He had never felt that way about anyone else. He had even considered that he might have been enthralled. But, if that had been the case, his feelings for Jane would be just as strong at present. Now, all that he had left was the memory of his love for her.

He lifted his head and glanced at his new blade. Sharp Reason was cradled in its sheath on top of the dresser. Jane had given it to him a second time after they had been kicked out by Leaflet.

He recalled her words – “I’m not sure when and I’m not sure how, but I know that you’re going to need it. I know that your life will depend on it.”

He dropped his head down and covered his eyes with his forearm.

I need to get up and get moving, he mentally nudged himself.

He kicked off the sheet and let one of his feet drop to the floor with a thump. He rolled onto his side and pushed himself up. He let out a heavy sigh, walked over to the aquastone basin, and splashed some cold water on his face. He reached for the towel, dried his face, and lumbered over to the closet.

A run will help clear my mind.

He avoided people during his morning run and skipped breakfast. He had no appetite and was feeling nervous about the emergency War Council. He was scheduled to give a report.

An hour later, he headed toward Cliff’s Edge.

“Good morning,” Greg Tinbury greeted the small gathering. Only the top Commanders were present. “We called this emergency meeting after some new developments. I’ll let Sub-Commander Snow provide the report.” He gestured to Ivan.

Ivan stood up and described the events that had occurred in the labyrinth. He reported the salient information and presented Har'esh Ser'on. When he was done, he sat down.

The chamber remained silent until Taran spoke, “Our scouts have observed columns of rising smoke and expanding cracks in the southern parts of the Old Mountains. I can also confirm the reports from Ixia about the ground tremors and ashfall. We have an established trade route with them.”

Greg nodded at Taran. “In recent years, the water specialists from the Construction Guild have reported that the temperature of the hot springs around Scar has been steadily increasing. The increased amount of dust in the kingdom could also be connected with ashfall.”

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One of the bloodstalkers leaned forward. “The Shadow Queen being under an enslavement spell sounds farfetched. Casters tend to have an improved resistance against their own school of magic.”

“That’s a valid point, but it has no impact on our strategy.” Rose gestured dismissively. “Enthralled or not enthralled, she’s still working against us.”

“Well, considering these findings, the information provided by Leaflet appears credible,” Commander Clay concluded. “As such, the Amulet of Storms should become a priority for the Nature Kingdom.”

The discussion continued but they eventually agreed that there was little that they could do about the amulet right now. They needed to remain focused on disrupting enemy supply lines and the upcoming offensive to reclaim Stoneridge.

(William)

William wiped the buttercream frosting from his mouth. Vanilla croissants were the best! After he devoured a few delicious pastries, he raced out of the kitchen in search of Ivan.

His aunt and his brother had been acting weird since yesterday.

Something is going on, he thought.

Aunt Lisa had been quite upset before the start of the Archery Competition. Mary had told him that his aunt and Ivan had argued right after the sword finals. William was shocked to hear that because he had only heard them quarrel one other time when Ivan had wanted to join the resistance. After he found out about the fight, he had wanted to know everything, but Mary had been short on details. She had explained that Ivan had left the coliseum right after the argument.

Unfortunately, his aunt was being tightlipped, and Ivan was acting weird. His brother had even left the celebration early last night.

What’s going on?

He knew where to find Ivan. The training grounds.

A few minutes later he saw his brother dueling someone from Tork in the courtyard. Everyone wanted to spar with the new champion. His opponent took a hit and staggered. Their duel ended by the time William reached them.

“Good morning,” Ivan greeted him. “You’ve got some frosting on your shirt. You must be coming from the kitchen.”

“Guilty as charged!” William swiped the buttercream off his shirt and licked it off his finger.

Rose walked toward them. “William, with Ivan’s tie in the Sword Event yesterday and the Shadow Lands win in the Archery Event, the pressure is on us tomorrow.”

“With your talent and my good looks, we’ll be unstoppable.” William tossed his hair demonstratively and grinned.

“I thought I was bringing the good looks and you were bringing the talent,” Rose quipped.

Rose and William shared a look and burst out laughing.

“Hey, Ivan,” William called out. “I want to talk to you. When are you going to be done?”

“Don’t worry, we’ll catch up later tonight.”

William sighed. He did not press Ivan anymore. He knew that further attempts to coax information from his brother would be futile.

Yeah, I can pretend to be patient. I hate secrets… unless they’re mine.

Suddenly, a boulder crashed next to him, startling him. Reflexively, he summoned a Light Shield.

“Oops, I missed.” Rose shrugged. “I was aiming at your head. It’s such a big target, you know.”

William narrowed his eyes. “So, that’s how it’s going to be…”

Everyone cleared the area and a battle between Rose and William ensued. Chunks of earth zoomed around and exploded in midair.

(Ivan)

Ivan sat cross-legged on the grass and watched the training. Rose knew exactly how to get his brother to practice casting, without making it a chore. Though to be fair, William had been much more motivated to improve, especially with his healing magic.

Ivan wondered, again, how people would react when they saw William using spells from the other schools of magic. It was bound to cause an uproar. Someone would certainly raise an objection to his brother’s participation in the tournament.

He leaned back against the fortress wall and stretched his legs out in front of him. His thoughts drifted back to Jane. During the war council meeting he had shared everything that had happened in the labyrinth, except the events related to his fire and her water magic and how he had felt about her in the future. The last thing that he wanted anyone to know was that he was going to fall in love with the enemy.