[Book II Chapter 143] SARAH: A Brewing Tempest

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Sarah sank in her bath, enjoying a sense of peace she hadn’t experienced in a long time. The luxury of a high-end hotel was an amenity she’d sorely missed.

The convoy had reached Waceria safely, and Garreth Black had returned after the summoning pit’s destruction. Her role as interim leader of Tulven was almost over, as well as the responsibilities it entailed. There was little chance of Sekken harassing them again, and, even if he did, she now had the power to thwart him.

She sighed, holding her hand before her face, and reflected. While her eyes saw nothing, she sensed its outline. Shapes were easy. They had weight, a physical presence in the world which affected fate. More intangible qualities, like color, were difficult, requiring a herculean effort. Mirrors are useless now…

Her tranquility was disturbed by a presence in the bathroom. It was so faint, flickering in and out of her perception, that she doubted herself at first. Orion’s ghost?

The spirit hadn’t made an appearance since her sight was lost. She’d believed his visits were over, convinced he was too ephemeral to catch her attention. Didn’t he already accomplish his purpose? What more does he want?

“Get out!” She commanded curly.

Once alone again, she got out of the water and covered herself. Channeling sharply, she guided the power to her scalp and destined her hair to be dry. Waiting for the moisture to dissipate, her irritation gradually turned to apprehension. Was that kindly old man really one to peep? And, even if he wanted to, why make himself known? With the way her vision worked, it must has taken a tremendous feat of will to do so. If it wasn’t for the serenity of her surroundings, she would’ve never noticed.

Sarah got dressed and picked up Miracle Worker. It had been a few hours since she’d checked the situation around Neon, and her view was much improved. Her blind eyes widened. A veritable battle was raging in Nordric, precipitated by an invasion from Mount Gull. The strands of fate had weaved themselves into a storm.

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Recovering from her shook, she considered. While the fighting would be over shortly, the important part was what came after. She had a role to play guiding destiny on the correct path.

She left her room and crossed the hall to Varon’s temporary quarters. The man was at a desk poring over reports covering the logistics for the next stretch of their journey. She cracked a smile. Since it’s become a chore to read, I have the perfect excuse to delegate tedious work.

“I need you to gather some people for me.” She announced.

“Who?” The man dutifully asked, despite his fatigue. She listed the individuals in question.

“Once I’ve spoken with everyone, we’ll depart on your airship. Please have it waiting outside and clear out whatever you need.”

Varon grimaced at the request. “This is important?”

“The lives of millions are at stake.” Sarah answered. “I’ll be leaving the convoy in your care.”

She sensed his expression changed from incredulous to grim. He nodded.

Sarah retreat to her room, and, not long after, Garreth Black arrived. “You sent for me?” He asked.

“We’re traveling to the twin cities.” She responded. “Your strength will be needed there.”

The necromancer frowned. “I just stopped by the Adventurer’s Guild. They assured me the situation in Nordric was under control.”

“Not for long.” Sarah turned to watch Soul Skyfell’s five-man party walked in, followed by Jayden and his team of ninjas. Clay Donnaster and Hope Skyfell entered last. Everyone is here.

“Thank you for coming on such short notice.” Sarah announced. “I have commandeered Varon’s airship for a trip to Neon. I urgently entreat that you all join me.”

“Won’t this leave the convoy ill defended?” Jayden objected.

Sarah shook her head. “The Area west of Waceria is mostly free of Mount Gull’s influence. After his setbacks, Sekken doesn’t have the stomach to be aggressive in unfavorable terrain. The same goes for the lesser revenants. One of their number perished permanently in Nordric. Leucothea and the others will be enough.”

“What threats will we be facing?” Soul asked.

“There are two: one that is unavoidable and one that may yet be prevented.” Sarah answered. “Our role is to deal with the second one.”

“And what is that second threat?” Soul pressed.

Here Sarah’s confidence faltered. “That remains unclear. I am not the one fated to uncover its nature. That honor belongs to the young woman named Filia.”

“Me?” Filia exclaimed as everyone turned to her. “What…?”

“The laughing man was involved in the attack on Nordric.” Sarah continued. “He stole something. Does this mean anything to you?”

Filia’s shock was plain. “He got the sukemon card he was after?”

“And if so, what will he do with it?” Sarah asked, her curiosity genuine. She was frustrating to no end with her ignorance of the looming danger.

“Without knowing which one it is, it’s hard to determine…” Filia apologized.

Sarah sighed. “Then let’s depart immediately.”