They top a rise around noon and see Flamegarden. Kara remembers shacks and mud for the most part when she was here last. The city has grown considerably since then—paved streets where there was once mud and buildings made from wood and stone. The city is dominated by a central keep, with two prominent temples on the outskirts, Veleris and Bahamut, to the south.
Sister Stoutstorm stops to let the rest pass her; she looks at Kara, “Has it changed since you last saw it.” Kara nods, “It looks civilized now.” Elra says, “There, they are building walls, just in case. Over there, the red roof. That’s the Crownsguard barracks. The Market Square, over there, to the south, the Temple District. The large one with the tall tower that is Bahamut’s, the single-story one with the walls and complex of buildings is Veleris’. The huge building in the center is the College of Alchemy. They say the sewers are so imbued with potions that great magical monsters live in them. No sane person would venture into them. The residences span to the west and north. There are smithies around the lake. They use the water power for their hammers." Kara says, "Persi would have loved it. He would have made a bee line for the college."
Kara looks up at her, “You said Veleris’ temple. Most high priests would have said, “Their” temple.” Elra looks at Kara, “Then that high priest wants to be worshiped. Do you still want to visit the Temple of Bahamut?” Kara nods, “I need to ask them something. Are you still coming with me?” Elra nods, “I wouldn’t miss it.” Kara looks over her shoulder at Sylnoa, “Stay close and take my wrist if you see anything alarming.” She looks at everyone else, “Shae, let Lines take the reins in the city, then follow me. The rest of you, follow the Sisters to the temple.”
The acolytes outside the Temple of Bahamut don’t know what to do with Fearless and Trident. Kara tells them, “Just leave them be; they don’t require any attention; plus, I’d hate to come out and find nothing but your bloody feet left.” Elra slides off Trident, “They don’t like feet. They stink.” The acolytes turn pale as Kara leads the way inside, followed by Elra, Sylnoa, and Shae. A priest on the steps goes to his knees. When Kara starts up, she stops to ask, “Who is the high priest of this temple?” The high priest refuses to look and kneels, “High Priest Leo, Savior. He said you would come. Bless the skies.” Elra narrows her eyes and looks at Kara, “Savior? I could have told you Leo is the high priest here.” Kara looks at Elra, “Have you ever seen canaries near him?” She nods, “You didn’t answer my question.” Kara walks on in, “I didn’t hear a question.”
Priests and priestesses kneel or bow at the waist, averting their gaze as Kara walks toward the Main Chapel. Elra says, “Wait, what do canaries have to do with anything.” Sylnoa looks at Elra, “Bahamut is always attended by seven great golden wyrms.” Elra laughs, “I think I would know if… What?” Elra looks around the temple and stops. Kara stops with her. Elra hears the priests and priestesses say, “Savior,” “Slayer,” and “She has returned.” Elra looks at Kara, “I knew it.” Kara says, "The last time I met him was in Frostbarrow, in Anilvul. He was rather elusive in his answers, but I was able to figure out enough of what he said to find what I needed to find."
Kara goes to a knee, and Elra looks and sees Leo. Seven canaries fly around him and land on his shoulders. Elra looks from Kara to Leo as he approaches. Sylnoa and Shae go to a knee behind Kara. Elra says, “Leo, this girl thinks you’re Bahamut.” Leo doesn’t look at Elra; he addresses Kara, “Dame Karael Vala Elyslynn Proudshard Cinderblade. I’ve waited fifteen years for you to return. I must say, I had no idea you would defeat Tiamat that easily.” Kara stands, “I didn’t defeat The Dragon Queen. I took her away, intending to die with her. Nexus defeated her. But you know that. We could have used your help in her temple.” Leo laughs, “Gods don’t fight for a reason. Empires and Dynasties get wiped from maps when we do.” Elra stands there open-mouthed, “We, we’ve had tea and afternoon meal together many times.” Leo looks at her, “I’ve enjoyed every one of them. There is always a fire to your voice, plus I like watching people jump when you speak.” Sylnoa grasps Kara’s wrist.
Leo looks at Sylnoa, “Platinum and golden auras, right?” Sylnoa nods. Leo says, “Kara, you’ve come here with questions.” Kara says, “A few, if I’m worthy to ask?” Leo says, “Sylnoa’s mother is happy in Elysium. She watches over Sylnoa, even now.” Sylnoa goes back to her knees with her hands over her eyes. Kara places a hand on her head, “Shae has bound herself to you. No, I won’t undo it. There is a purpose at work here that is greater than all of us.” Shae smiles. “Azura can’t return here for another eighty years; the thing that was your brother serves another now and is preparing for a day of ascension. Yes, Elra, Kara is your inspiration for the Sisters. No, I didn’t tell you because you wouldn’t have done the necessary things if you knew she was alive. Legends are much more inspiring than living people. Kara, you don’t want the answer to your final question. It won't be very pleasant. I will tell you that your grandmother is proud of you, but she has been banished from this realm.” Kara says, “Thank you, Leo.” She helps Sylnoa up and starts walking out. Elra continues to look from Kara to Leo. Leo wiggles his fingers at Elra, “I must leave now. I’ve been waiting here for her. This temple will not be able to offer any assistance. To do so could have dire consequences.” Kara stops, and Leo says, “I can’t answer that, Kara; the future around you is obscured. I hope you do make it home.” Kara starts walking again with an arm around Sylnoa. Elra runs to catch up.
Outside the temple, Kara helps Sylnoa get up on Fearless, “I feel like walking.” Shae says, “Shae will walk beside Kara. Shae has a greater purpose.” Elra looks at Shae, “Even if I offer to let you ride Trident.” Shae leaps onto the back of Trident, “Shae will ride beside Kara.” Elra says, “That boy will be so jealous.” Kara laughs at that. Elra asks her, “Why didn’t you tell me in the field?” Kara says, “I need you to keep it to yourself. The fewer who know, the better. I made enemies before I left, and I don’t like people fawning over me. I’m not some goddess; I’m a stupid girl who makes stupid decisions.” Sylnoa wipes her eyes and tells Kara, “Sasha told you not to say that again. Thank you for asking; knowing my mom is happy makes me…” Sylnoa starts crying again. Elra says, “The Sisters would,,,. You’re right.” Kara says, “When I make it home or don’t. You can tell them then.” Elra says, “If you let me, I’ll empty.” Kara stops her, “That’s why I won’t. This city depends on you and your Sisters. The Temple of Bahamut is leaving. The Sisters are more important than ever now.”
Elra looks back at the temple as the main doors close, "Why are they leaving? Where will they go?" Kara shrugs, "Tiamat's first action, the moment after she arose through the portal, would have been to burn the world and sacrifice every mortal to fuel her ascension from Hell. This world is sealed from the gods. They can't manifest here. Bahamut knew Tiamat would rise here because no other gods could stop her, so he waited and turned me into his weapon to stop her. He knew I had a few more questions to ask, questions I didn't know I had the last time I met him. Now Tiamat is gone, and those questions have been asked. The people of this temple will either ascend back to the higher planes with him or spread out to form other temples."
Elra says, “At least let me send a few more.” Kara says, “Sister Maen is more than enough. Although it would be helpful if we could call her Maen?” Elra says, “I don’t know; she is adamant that her name is Sister Maen.” Kara asks, “Does she just have a hard time with social skills, or,,,” Elra says, “Or. I really did find her in a gutter. No one would have anything to do with her. She is a changeling. If I hadn’t found her when I did, the rats would have eaten her. She was so tiny. She would almost fit in my hand. Most of the other Sisters don’t know she’s a changeling either. So, I ask that you keep that to yourself. I need to tell you. I told her to take another form in Port Summereach and follow you wherever you go.” Kara says, “One of my best friends is a changeling. She is also possibly the cutest person I know. I trust her with all my children. She’s also a follower of Veleris.” Elra looks surprised, “No? Well, I’ll be damned.” Kara stops, “Listen, I’m asking everyone with me to swear an oath to bind their souls to me. Will Sister Maen?”
Elra shakes her head, “Only if we tell her who you are. The girl lives her life as she imagined you lived. I’ll warn you she will throw herself in front of you without hesitation because legends claim the Slayer of the Dragon Queen, the Savior of Veniethea, wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice herself.” Kara smiles, “I’ll promise you; I’ll do my best to protect her. I understand the name thing; changelings are very peculiar about their names.” Elra asks, “What’s your changeling’s name?” Kara says, “Rinwauld.” Elra says, “That's a dwarf’s name.” Kara smiles, thinking about Rinwauld, “She chose it when she was four and alone; she heard someone talking to a dwarf wearing fancy clothes and thought if she named herself that, she would be fancy too.” Elra laughs. Kara says, “She is fiercely loyal to my family. She was waiting for me on a world, at a portal. She told me Veleris sent her to protect my children. The group I was with laughed at her; she didn’t flinch. I shut them up. I was pregnant with my first child and didn’t know it. At the time, I was also under a curse by Veleris. Something about her told me I could trust her. She would sit with me while I slept if Sasha was busy and hold me while nightmares ravaged me. You should have heard the ass-chewing she gave Arden to get him to lift the curse. Like Shae, she speaks in the third person. A third-person ass chewing is epic.”
Elra says, “What? Arden said he cursed someone once but wouldn’t elaborate. He was a mess then, his daughter gone, stripped of his connection to Veleris, drinking like there was no tomorrow.” Kara says, “Rinwauld, Sasha, and Cyndra chewed him out. But in his defense, I deserved it when he cursed me. I wanted him to kill me, but he thought that would be too lenient. You've told me all the stories about how I was the Slayer of the Dragon Queen, helped the helpless, and gave everything to those in need. Elra, before that, I was the Avatar of Azura, The Murderer of Cities, and The War Bringer. I tortured, pillaged, and raped without mercy.” Elra stops and stares, shaking her head. Kara says, "Azura tricked me into a pact infernal and wore me like a dress, using my body to do those things. I wanted with all my heart to stop, anyway I could. I tried to kill myself more times than I can remember. I tortured and killed Arden's daughter, Cyndra. That is why I deserved the curse he placed on me. I hold no ill will toward him. If he chose not to lift the curse, I would have died happy that I gave his daughter back to him."
Elra looks at Sylnoa and Shae before looking at Kara. Kara says, "I'll understand if you tell me to get the fuck away from your city. I had to come here to see Leo." Elra grabs her and holds her close, whispering, "You've been tried through the heavens and hells and found to be pure. I'm honored to call you a friend and a sister. I'm honored to have a Sisterhood based on you. You're not a myth or a legend. You're real." She kisses her cheek. Kara sees tears flowing freely down her cheeks. Elra wipes them away, "Anyone says anything about me crying, and I'll have you digging trenches for weeks."
They step onto the grounds of the Temple of Veleris. It’s a simple stone citadel with dorms on one wing and behind it. Elra says, “Home at last. There is a guest area at the rear of the dorms. It’s not as fancy as the one in Cragcall, but it’s a roof, warm and heated by natural hot springs deep below ground. Make yourself at home. I’m going to make sure the Sisters care for the refugees.” Kara says, “One question.” Elra stops. Kara asks, “Why only Sisters, women.” Elra looks at Kara and smiles, “You packing something in those pants I don’t know about.” Kara looks at her, confused. Elra puts her hands on her hips, “Really, we’re all women because you’re a woman.” Kara says, “Oh, no, nothing in these pants.” Elra laughs as she walks off. From behind Kara, Aran yells, “HEY! What the hells Shae?” Shae is still sitting on Trident. Elra snaps her fingers; Trident vanishes, Shae lands, her feet slips and ends up on her butt.
Sylnoa slides off Fearless as he steps into the ethereal, and she throws her arms around Kara. Sylnoa steps back so she can see Kara, “What was the question you don’t want the answer for?” Kara turns toward the temple and starts walking, “Who are my real parents?” Sylnoa catches up with her as Ava, Aran Shae, and Lines join. Kara asks, “Where is Sister Maen?” Ava shrugs; Kara says, “If you see her, tell her to join us in our rooms. I want to get these oaths done and over with. Who’s first?” Sylnoa answers immediately, “Me, me.” Kara says, “Let’s drop our gear and see where we’re staying for now.” Sylnoa drops the question, feeling Kara doesn’t want to talk about it.
The Sisters show them the way to the guest quarters inside the barracks. They find Sister Maen moving her stuff in. She stops what she is doing and stands upright and stiff like she’s preparing for inspection. Kara says, “Relax, Sister Maen, you’re going to be one of us now.” Kara turns to Shae, the last one in, “Please close the door.” Once the door is closed, Kara listens and hears nothing except her friends. Kara sees this room, with six bunks and a large table capable of seating at least eight people, another room with two larger beds, and a third with a large sunken stone bath and a couple of open privies. She walks to the head of the table and motions for everyone to take a seat, then sits once everyone is seated, “As I said outside, I want to get these oaths over with and done. If you don’t want to, I will not force you to. Sister Maen, the purpose of this is to protect your soul from being consumed by the sword, which is the thing that killed Persi.” Sister Maen says, “I have no interest in….” Kara says, “Let me finish, please.” Sister Maen sits back. Kara says, “I spoke to Sister Stoutstorm about it. You can confirm with her before you decide. What I’m about to tell you doesn’t leave this room. Clear?”
Sister Maen nods, and Kara continues, “Sister Maen, I am the one you know as the Slayer of the Dragon Queen; that was me fifteen years ago.” She stops there and watches as Sister Maen processes what she just said. Sister Maen sits there for a second, looks at Kara, and then around the table to each person. Everyone nods as she looks at them. She looks back at Kara. For a moment, it seems like she’s about to get sick. Then, that weird smile creeps across her face. Kara continues, “As for the rest of you. Each oath is a personal matter between you, me, and your god. After dinner, we’ll talk about it more in-depth.” Kara removes a piece of paper and places it on the table. “This is the oath. Read it, memorize it. It’s short and simple. If you don’t want to take the oath, then that’s fine. The matter will be dropped.” Kara looks around the table. Sylnoa is reading the paper, and Ava is staring over her shoulder. Lines looks ready to swear to anything she commands. Aran looks disinterested. Shae looks like she’s chasing an imaginary squirrel. Sister Maen is staring at Kara wide-eyed.
The paper reads,
“I, Karael Vala Elyslynn Proudshard Cinderblade, ask you, [Name], to grant me ownership of your soul until such time that I willingly release it back to you or you willingly want your soul returned, whether I am alive or dead.”
“I, [Name], grant you, Karael Vala Elyslynn Proudshard Cinderblade, all ownership of my soul until such time that you willingly release my soul, or I willingly want my soul returned, whether you are alive or dead.”
Ava says, “Shouldn’t we specify a task, like, “Follow you, or protect you?” Kara says, “I don’t think we need that. This is simple. I must ask for it to be given, and either of us can end the contract.” Aran says, “What if you decide to sell our soul?” Kara sighs, “I’ll keep working on it.”
Sylnoa says, “I’m ready.” Kara shakes her head, “No, sorry, Sylnoa. I’ll keep working on it. Hopefully, Sasha will contact us soon. She will know what to say.” Kara pulls the paper back and stares at it. Aran quietly leaves, and everyone else, except Shae and Sylnoa, leaves. Kara looks up, “You two don’t need to stay if you don’t want to.”
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Sylnoa says, “I’ll swear to that or anything you ask of me.” Kara smiles, “Thank you, but I want it to be right. It’s okay. You and Shae can get something to eat, check the place out, or do whatever.” Both continue to sit quietly while Kara stares at the words. Kara grabs a quill and starts writing, “Protect me to the best of your abilities until such time that I release you” Kara says, “Damn, this is, wait. I remember I have a copy of Rinwauld’s contract.” She reaches into her bag of holding, pulls out a scroll, and unrolls it. She and Sylnoa start reading. Sylnoa says, “This is the work of a true master.” Kara says, “That’s my Babe. I need some blank scrolls.” Sylnoa runs for the door, “I’ll be right back.” Kara looks at Shae. Shae smiles, “Shae is not going anywhere. Shae is Kara’s protector. Shae has a higher purpose. Lines has been teaching Shae.” Ava sticks her head in and sees Kara and Shae, “I hope you’re hungry.” She steps in with a tray piled high with meats, bread, cheeses, and fruits.
Ava sets it down, “Oooo, what’s that?” Kara says, “Rinwauld’s contract.” Ava starts reading it while Kara and Shae eat, “This is incredible.” Kara says, “Sylnoa went to get some scrolls. Change a name here, and the rest is done. Outs included.” Sylnoa returns after Kara, Shae, and Ava have eaten, “Oh, thank you, Ava, I’m starved.” She sets down a stack of blank scrolls, quills, and ink wells. Sylnoa says, “If we each write, then it won’t take long. I’ll handle mine and Sister Maen’s, assuming she will sign. I got the vibe and how her aura changed when you told her who you are. I think she’d sign anything you put in front of her. Ava, you take yours and Aran’s. Kara can handle Lines, I guess.” They hear a snort and look at Kara. Her head is down on the table. Ava looks at Sylnoa, alarmed. Sylnoa says, “She’s just asleep; she’s dreaming about her children and you, Ava.” Ava and Sylnoa go to work on the contracts.
Kara stands on the balcony above the school, watching Lydria play with Ava in the garden. The two seem to get along, even though Ava is several years older. She watches both, hoping neither ever has to experience anything near what she went through. Just the thought is frightening. A young Sylnoa joins them with her dolls. They are all playing together when some blonde elves start walking past them, glaring at them. Kara tries to yell, “Leave the children alone!” But no sound comes out. She tries again, not so much as a whisper. She looks to the stairwell leading down to the garden, but it’s not there. The elves have stopped and have surrounded the children. She grabs the rails to leap over and down to the garden, but the rails extend to the ceiling. She grabs the rails to bend them away, but they won’t budge. She looks down. The children seem oblivious to the danger as the elves pull blades from scabbards. Kara tries to release herself to become the Avatar of the Dawn Bringer, but nothing happens. She starts ramming the bars, screaming, ramming.
She jumps out of the chair, her eyes flaring as light explodes off her. Her face twisted in rage. Wings unfold from her back, tipped in razor-sharp celestial steel.
Ava, Shae, and Sylnoa all jump away. Ava grabs Shae and Sylnoa, shoving them behind her as radiance flashes around the room from Kara, burning her. Ava has no defense against radiance. It feels like she is being burned in a fire. Sylnoa jumps from behind Ava and reaches for Kara, only to have Ava snatch her back as one of Kara's wings slices through the stone floor where she was, as if it were butter. Ava pushes Sylnoa and Shae out of the door and kicks it closed as Ava launches across the room, unsure what she will do. Kara doesn’t even try to move as Ava pushes her onto a bed. Kara sees Ava, “Oh, gods. What have I done?” Ava lays on her with her arms wrapped around her, “Are you back?” Her avatar form fades instantly, and her wings fade.
Kara sits up and heals Ava, “What have I done? Ava, I’m, I didn’t, I’m sorry.” Ava says, “I’m fine. I’ll live.” Kara looks around the room, “Did I hurt anyone? Gods, I’m so sorry.” Ava shakes her head, “I’m fine. Shae and Sylnoa got out.” The door creaks open; they see Shae peek in. Shae throws the door open and runs in. First, she checks Ava, then Kara. Kara touches Shae’s cheek, “Kara is so sorry, Shae.” Shae smiles. Sylnoa looks in cautiously, and when she sees Kara, she steps in. Sylnoa does the same as Shae, checks Ava first, then Kara, “What were you dreaming? I sensed you dreaming about your children and Ava.” Kara looks at Sylnoa and says, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” Shae and Sylnoa help Ava and Kara sit on a bed. Sylnoa says, “Kara!” She stops saying I’m sorry and looks at Sylnoa.
Sylnoa says, “Your aura suddenly changed to the one I said people get when they are about to kill. What were you seeing?” Kara says, “Lydria and Ava were playing in the Garden at Nexus. You, or a young version of you, joined them. You had your dolls. Some Silent Star elves surround all of you. I couldn’t get to you. Everywhere I turned, the path was gone or blocked. I couldn’t scream to warn you. I used the Girdle to… I don’t understand. I’ve never used it or any power in a dream or nightmare and had it happen in the waking world, too.” Shae asks, “Has Kara ever had a nightmare about her children?” Kara shakes her head, “No, I can normally control my dreams.” Sylnoa says, “This may be partly my fault, showing you my dream.” Kara shakes her head again. Sylnoa says, “Something is bothering you?” Kara nods, then looks at Sylnoa with a troubled expression.
Sylnoa asks, “What is it?” Kara says, “Since you let me see your dream, I’ve felt I know that place. Sylnoa, I’m from there. I am a Silent Star. I was taken away shortly afer....” Sylnoa stands, “That was your question, wasn’t it?” Kara nods, “I would have only been about three months old when I was taken, but some things. It’s only been flashes of memories; I saw a face.” Sylnoa feels cold chills. Kara shakes her head, “Not your mother. The woman that told you to die. Sylnoa, I think that was my birth mother. I’m so sorry.”
Sylnoa walks out of the room. Ava says, “I’ll go.” Then she follows. Shae sits down next to Kara, “Shae doesn’t understand why Sylnoa would be angry with Kara. Kara was too young to do anything bad.” Kara lays her head on Shae’s shoulder, “Shae, just sit with me.” Shae smiles and lays her head on Kara’s.
Ava catches up to Sylnoa, “Sylnoa, Sylnoa.” She spins on Ava, glaring at her. Ava says, “You know she had nothing to do with them or what happened to you and your mom.” Sylnoa snaps, “She suspected she was from there and didn’t tell me.” Ava shrugs, “What good would it have done? You know her heart, probably better than anyone here.” Sylnoa relaxes some. Ava says, “You know her, Syl. She does everything she can to protect those around her. She also doesn’t think things through all the time.”
Sylnoa leans her back to the wall and slides down so she’s sitting on the floor. Ava sits beside her, “If she thought she could use a Wish to undo what happened to you, she would start a quest this instant.” Sylnoa says, “I don’t want to be mad, but it’s hard. They made our life a living hell. They took my mom from me.” Ava lays her head on Sylnoa’s shoulder, “And look at you, all you care about is helping us, hopeless people. I’m sorry for what they did to you, but all we can do is move on. Blaming her for that would be like me blaming her for not showing up in time to save my world or my family.”
Sylnoa kisses the top of Ava’s head. Ava looks at her, and then she kisses Sylnoa on the lips. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking.” Sylnoa looks at Ava, not knowing what to say or do. Ava’s aura is unlike anything she’s ever seen. She feels that warmth. Ava tries to stand, but Sylnoa pulls her back, “Sit with me.” Ava says, “You’re not mad?” Sylnoa says, “Not anymore… I kind of liked that.” Ava looks at her, “I liked that too. It felt all warm and tingly.”
Aran and Lines see Sister Maen sitting in a corner alone in the main hall. Many Sisters are seated around her at other tables. Aran walks over with a plate and mug of mead, “Do you want some company?” Sister Maen nods toward the empty seats. Lines asks, “Did you confirm with Sister Stoutstorm?” Sister Maen shakes her head, “She is busy right now. I’ll talk to her later. I want to believe it's true.” Lines says, “I just found out myself. I’ve heard the stories of Shadowbel sending an army to Anilvul, of a great battle, and of the girl who sacrificed herself to save us.”
Aran says, “I’ve only been close to Kara for a few months. But I’ve been on Nexus for years. I’ve often seen her rush into portals alone, then return with beat-up-looking people. I know she won’t hesitate to fight or use herself as a shield. She took a blow meant for me the first time her brother attacked. It would have killed me.” Sister Maen leans forward and gives Aran and Lines a glare, mixed with a smile that sends chills down their spines, “I’ve modeled my life after that girl. I give everything I don’t need away. I take nothing for myself and only keep what is gifted to me by others. The Sisters are built around her legend. I would be very disappointed to find out I’ve been lied to.” Aran and Lines both nod. Aran says, “It’s all true. They talk about the day Kara arrived at Nexus all the time.” Sister Maen turns her eyes toward Aran, “Tell me.”
Aran gulps, “Well, I wasn’t there then, but I’ve heard the story. It was a quiet day. Camiella was the Commander of Nexus. She was walking the wall, inspecting, you know, doing what commanders do. Then, there was a flash of light about a hundred feet outside. I need to explain that Nexus is a castle that floats in the void of the Astral Sea. It has its own gravity and atmosphere. So, there’s not much around it.” Aran tries to pause for dramatic effect, but Sister Maen says, “Continue.” He does, “There was a flash, everyone was pointing. Camiella looked out and saw Tiamat and an angel. She immediately ordered the arcane batteries to fire on Tiamat. Tiamat seemed to be focused on this angel, snapping at her. She was preparing to release her breath weapons on the angel when the batteries struck her and made her miss.” Sister Maen asks, “What is an arcane battery?”
Aran thinks for a second, “It’s a massive gun. I guess these were fired using magic that could be stored in them like wands. Image a hundred magic missiles being fired at once or a hundred fireballs.” Sister Maen gets a look of realization, “That would be incredible.” Aran says, “Anyway, now that Tiamat was focused on Nexus, the Princess and Anya opened a portal next to the Angel, and the Princess reached through, grabbed her, and pulled her in. Tiamat saw this and tried to fire off another breath weapon at them, but another battery hit her and made her miss again. Camiella was very mad about the Princess putting herself in danger like that. By then, Captain Bloodhammer had come up on the other side of Tiamat with the Phoenix Rising; he hit her with a full broadside of batteries. By now, Tiamat was beginning to realize she was in over her heads. She opened up with all her breath weapons against Nexus, blowing out an entire wall. The Phoenix Rising rolled to present its other broadside and fired. Now that the angel was out of the way and the portal closed, Nexus fired everything. Tiamat managed to take out another wall before she was overwhelmed and destroyed.”
Sister Maen sits back, “So Kara didn’t kill The Dragon Queen.” Lines, still amazed at the story, says, “She did throw herself against The Dragon Queen and dragged herself and The Dragon Queen off into the Astral with the full knowledge that she was going to die. So, did she kill The Dragon Queen?” She had no idea or control of where she would appear. The Dragon Queen would have killed her if she had appeared elsewhere, but Kara still would have removed her from our world. Either way, Kara’s goal was accomplished. Right?” Sister Maen nods, “Oh, the glory in sacrificing yourself to save the world.” Aran leans forward, “If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Kara, it’s not the glory you gain from doing that. It’s the fact that you placed others before yourself. Glory means nothing. I think her only goal was to protect the world.” Sister Maen’s strange smile goes flat at those words. She just sits there. Lines leans over to Aran, “I think you broke her.” Aran shrugs, both eat and watch Sister Maen as she processes everything.
Kara sits with her head leaning over on Shae’s shoulder, “Shae, Kara is so sorry. Kara never thought such a thing was possible.” Shae says, “Shae wakes often from bad things in mediation, reaching for Shae’s daggers.” Kara says, “Kara thought elves controlled what they saw in meditation?” Shae shakes her head, “Shae has been unable to control her visions since the slavers took Shae.” Kara says, “I’m sorry, Shae.” Kara and Shae see Ava and Sylnoa step back into the room.
Kara starts to say I’m sorry again, but Sylnoa silences her, “I know you had nothing to do with what happened. I remember that family, I can..” Kara shakes her head, “Leo was right. It’s an answer I don’t want. Anyone who can say that and be that way toward a child, I don’t want to know anything about them. My mothers were Vala and Elyslynn Proudshard. They were the best. Even with everything that happened to me, I’m glad I was taken from those monsters that tormented you.” Sylnoa realizes Kara just said she was happy she was tortured instead of growing up in Silent Star. The last bits of disgust and anger drain away.
Kara says, “I’m more than familiar with the Silent Star. Like your mother, not all were monsters. My best friend was one. She escaped decades ago; she traveled this world until Azura tricked her, then trapped her in a mental prison. My friends, The Chain Breakers, found her and rescued her. Sylnoa, I think your brother was a Chain Breaker.” Sylnoa steps back, bumping into Ava. She stares at Kara and says, “Rolt?” Kara nods, “I think so. It was right after I arrived. The Chain Breakers left suddenly. When they returned, they had a Silent Star with them; her name was,,, Krisra.” Sylnoa says, “Krisra Celestialstar.”
Ava wraps her arms around Sylnoa’s waist to hold her up when she feels her legs give out and helps her to the table. Ava says, “Sylnoa. Sylnoa, what’s wrong?” Kara steps back, thinking she has gone too far, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have…” Sylnoa shakes her head, “No, I always wondered what happened. When I was young, I had visions of my brother or someone I thought was my brother. My mother would never tell me. She always told me it was my imagination. I could see it was a secret she was trying to protect, not for her sake or mine, but for him. Then, one day, she was gone. I was alone and so afraid. I did what she told me. I hid and waited. She told me that if I was left alone to hide for three days, then to follow a path she had shown me.”
Kara says, “When she arrived, she argued with Rolt. I tried to help, but everyone was mad. She kept yelling at everyone and saying that she had to get home. Her daughter was alone. Everyone tried to explain that they would help get you out. They just needed time to plan. There was no stopping her. She was going to tear through everyone to get back,,, to you. Sasha ordered Anya to open a portal as close to Silent Star as possible. Rolt, Dae, and your mother left. The Chain Breakers told him to contact them when he had a plan. He never did. We never heard another word. His Guardian Ring reappeared in his room a few days later.”
Sylnoa looks at Kara and Ava, “Guardian Ring?” Kara shows Sylnoa her Monarch Ring, “Like this. If Nexus was working, I could use this to summon a portal to take us home. I would also be able to feel the emotions of others wearing a Ring of Nexus. But it’s not. If we take off the ring to abandon our bond or we,,, die, the ring returns to Nexus to wait for the next bearer. I’m sorry, I have no idea what happened after they left. Dae and I had become friends in Shadowbel, so I knew her from before. We weren't close or anything. I think she was Silent Star, too, only she had a disguise to hide what she was.
Sylnoa says, “I waited, not for three days, but over a week. Then, one day, Mom showed up. She was crying, happy I was there, and mad I had not followed her instructions. She was crying, laughing. She was a wreck. I asked her where she had been, but she never told me. I could see thoughts she was unable to hide. I saw images, but they didn’t make much sense. I think she somehow sent Rolt and his wife to another world. It was never clear, but she seemed content that he was safe. I never saw him in another vision after that.
Ava says, “If the Library Archives survived, there may be a record of him. If we’re lucky, they may even have information on where he went and if he was wearing the ring until the end. Ava looks at Kara and Sylnoa, waiting to see what they do. Both sit, lost in thought, as they process how close they were in the past. It makes the universe seem so tiny. She says, “Both of you are from the same place; both of you knew your mother, Sylnoa. Maybe Elirae has nudged us to put us here at this point?”
Ava tries to change the subject and get Sylnoa’s mind off Kara’s life, which is so close to her, her mother, and her brother. She looks at the table and sees that it is mostly untouched. “We have contracts to finish.” Kara smiles. “Thank all of you. Again.” Sylnoa turns her head and kisses Ava on the cheek. Ava feels like she has been shocked; chills cover her.
To be safe, Kara removes the Girdle of Trials. “I’ll wear it if we go out into the city. I’m not taking another chance on what just happened happening again. I can do nothing about my seraphin form, but at least I won’t be able to strike you with radiance.” Ava looks at everyone in the room. “Someone will have to tell me about these Silent Star elves.”
Sylnoa says, “I will tell what I know while we work. It’s not pleasant. Shae listens as Ava, Kara, and Sylnoa organize the scrolls and writing utensils. She starts with, “From their point of view because that’s what I know. Long ago, a great war was being fought over a device called The Celestial Engine; at its core was the Arcane Heart. Scattered out on it were The Stars of Veniethea. The Spring Star would control the Spring season, The Summer Star would control Summer, and so on. There was one called the Soul Star. It could allow a soul to be reincarnated with all their memories. The one my family was named for was The Celestial Star.”
Sylnoa lays out several items on the table in a pattern to represent the Stars, “Then one day, the King of the Silent Star, Korin Silentstar, convinced his people to steal all the Stars. With them, they could end the war and gain control over everything. They tried but got caught before getting them all. This caused the Celestial Engine to stop working as it should, throwing it out of balance. The seasons, life, magic, it all went wild. It stopped the war alright by sundering the planet. For the most part, there were no kingdoms left to fight. It also banished the gods from Veniethea. Over the millennia, many of the Stars the Silent Star stole were stolen from them. Now, they have only The Silent Star. The rest are owned by other nations or lost.
Ava says, “That’s bad, but it did stop the war.” Sylnoa shakes her head, “No, they didn’t stop there. The Silent Star got it in their heads that they were destined to become the new gods. They also decided that to become gods, they had to be perfectly pure. So, they sealed themselves off. They began breeding programs inside Silent Star. No one was in control of who they could love. Every child was carefully planned. If defects were detected in the child, they would be thrown into the wild for the animals to consume. I don’t know why I was allowed to live. My mother had something on someone. They controlled every aspect of your life. What you learned, what you ate, who you would mate with, and when. Many couldn’t take it, so they escaped. They became known as Runners. If a Runner was caught, they were brought back, executed, or placed in a cage and used as a breeder.
Ava asks, “Why didn’t your mother get you out?” Sylnoa says, “They could track me until I became an adult. I was hunting a few days before my name day. That is when my uncle saw me use my mystic abilities. That is when we ran. That is why they found us so quickly. The moment I became an adult, they could not track me.” Kara looks at the two of them, remembering how Ava initially wanted to beat Sylnoa. Now they are best friends. She thinks of the moments she spent with Alhindri, Camiella, Khive, Rowan, Anya, and many more. She hopes Ava, Sylnoa, Aran, Shae, Lines, and Sister Maen can build that kind of love for each other. She sees a particular spark between the two of them.
They finished the contracts with Sylnoa flourishing a final line on the last one with an “Ah ha! Done.”