Auraya

Auraya looked over her kin in their newly acquired dining hall. The room was far more opulent than they were accustomed to. The ones who were awake were looking around in either wonder or suspicion. Others were chatting away like it was any other day, whilst others slept already. It had been a busy day for all of them. They has all known their place and their duty, and suddenly it had all been turned upside down. It was still uncertain if the change was a positive one. Only time would tell.

Auraya reflected on the events of the day and catalogued all that had been done and still needed to be done. There were still too many unknowns from walking into this new world, so alien to what they had experienced. Hopefully, most of that would be remedied soon. Seelie had commandingly taken over the south wing library, putting not only her kin to work, but a large portion of the library staff. No one had complained yet, so she set that thought aside. Winnie and the earth elementals had commandeered the gardens, using a large portion to replant and propagate most of their crops. She had already corralled a group to convert one of the larger sheds into a place to produce their cures. The apprentices and patients had been informed of the move and were awaiting further instructions. There was even talk of relocating a few of the businesses in Whitegate to the west wing. First would be the blacksmith on their street. He had been producing them weaponry for cycles and seemed to favour the idea so far. Trevor and Rafe were still coordinating the sweep of the wing. The castle had so many hidden passageways – blocked and passable – they were still mapping and ensuring it was secure. None of her kin trusted anyone in the castle, and precautions needed to be taken. Patten was ingratiating himself amongst them well. He recognised stubbornness and knew how to work with it… or around it.

The spikes of irritation returned as she reflected on her earlier encounter with the Regent. She and Gina had been reading through Seelie’s report. Seelie, Evans, Patten, Trevor, and Winnie waited for them to familiarise themselves with the contents before they continued. Reading through the expectations of an heir and of a queen, she noticed that the duties seemed tedious, but somewhat similar to her current role, just on a far larger scale. The report included the role of the church, the council and the regent. Seelie had even thrown in a rudimentary description of how the council governs. She sighed thinking about how she would need to tailor her education. Turning the page, she saw that Seelie had included that too. The efficiency, care and forward thinking made her smile. She smiled over her shoulder at Gina, who had been reading the report at the same time.

Most of the information included she already knew, as their education had been thorough to say the least. Moralis is an absolute monarchy governed by the Reevers family, where succession is hereditary. Blood and magic make an heir true, which Auraya found strange as very rarely could a person use their talent without having been activated first. Either the king died before he could choose an heir or someone else was supposed to do it. Who, Auraya could only guess, but she had her suspicions. Seelie had not found any records of activation prior to the Choosing as yet. The country was divided into twelve provinces, and eleven of those were governed by a ruling family, the twelfth by the Reevers or regent. Also succeeded by blood. The ruling families sent a representative to Jude to sit on the council. Their actual power, as written in legislation, was limited, but they had mostly been given free reign to govern their provinces. Auraya couldn’t be sure if that was her father’s laziness, platitudes to keep the nobles happy, or some other political move borne out of necessity. It meant that each of the provinces treated the people in their care differently and were not held accountable for misfortune. After a perusal of relevant legislation, Seelie showed that the duties of ruling families were clearly outlined, but whether they knew, or were told they could simply ignore their responsibilities, Auraya did not care. The entire system seemed like a farce. What she read about the city guard showed that they were basically an entity of their own. They were meant to police crime within the city, but as far as Auraya had seen, they decided which crimes to investigate and only worked within the walls. They had no oversight and were never held accountable. There was a ridiculous amount of legislation documented in the library, 753 in total. Most of them contradicted each other, overrode one another, or just seemed circumstantial and irrelevant. Even though her mood had plummeted as she read through, she pulled her lips into a smile for her kin.

“As always,” she said, looking at Seelie. “Fantastic work. Going to need you to go deeper. We’ll need a comprehensive report on each area and more. The law, the church, the council, governance, the nobility, trade, treaties, geography, infrastructure…” She trailed off at the look on Seelie’s face. “Of course, sleep first. If you need extra hands and eyes, let us know. Your team only needs to attend one training per day for the next week.”

Trevor blustered and Seelie giggled.

“Come on T.” He acquiesced with an eye roll.

As Seelie left, a man entered.

He was tall, thin, and regal looking. His cheekbones were sharp, his nose was pointed, and his lips were thin. He reminded Auraya of a bird of prey, gaze always sharp looking for prey. He dragged his eyes across the room, barely hiding his displeasure. He gave both Evans and Patten a look of disapproval. The former shrank back, the latter squared his shoulders. He turned his attention back to Auraya before talking.

“Greetings. I am Damian Smythe, Regent of Moralis.” He seemed to pause for effect. Auraya stared impassively, waiting.

“I welcome you, Auraya Reevers.” The lie was expected, who would want their power circumvented by a mere common girl.

Auraya nodded and waited for him to continue. Gush she would not. He brushed off his irritation seemingly with ease.

“I have come to discuss your ascension to the throne and several issues that have been brought to my attention.” He looked around before saying, “these are sensitive matters, privacy is necessary.”

“I appreciate your concern, Lord Smythe,” Auraya replied as eloquently as she could muster through her own irritation. The entitled made her want to cut people. “However, it is not required.”

It was clear that this man was unaccustomed to being questioned, let alone outright refused.

She motioned to the chair in front of her desk. She had yet to rise from her position. The invitation was a challenge, and they had an audience. This was one of the most powerful men in the kingdom. He expected respect and obedience, and yet a wheedling from Whitegate was openly challenging and defying him. Taking the chair would mean conceding a portion of his power, which he would have to do over the next two cycles regardless.

He chose to ignore her gesture.

“I have been made aware that you have brought your… orphanage to the castle.” He paused, searching for the words. “And have displaced some prominent families from the west wing.”

“My kin have accompanied me.”

“This castle is a seat of governance, not a home for wayward children. It would be more appropriate for them to return to their home.”

“Yes,” Auraya began, leaning forward. “Patten and Evans were equally perturbed by my decision. Alas, their suggestions also fell on deaf ears.”

As her meaning settled, Smythe’s irritation rose. “I am the Regent of Moralis and caretaker of this castle. All decisions are to pass through me.”

“I’ll bear that in mind for next time, Lord Regent.” She considered her next words before speaking again. “Seeing as you were in Sulzheim until this morning, I went ahead and moved my kin in.” She talked over his attempt to interject. “The nobility and foreign delegates from Lontia were more than happy with their upgraded accommodations. Evans and his team discreetly moved all the families within a few marks. It is done Lord Regent.”

As she spoke, Smythe’s face betrayed a myriad of emotions, shock and irritation the strongest of them all. This was clearly not the meeting he was expecting. No doubt a cowed and awed child was closer to his imaginings. She considered why he had been away when the Choosing took place. As regent, he should have been present, but the high priest had held the ceremony in his absence. She sent her thoughts to Seelie, who nodded imperceptibly. More machinations to ponder.

“And what do you intend to do with an entire wing?”

“Secure it, and continue as we were before, but with added duties of course.”

“Continue what?”

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“We are healers, Lord Regent.”

His confusion was laced with curiosity. “You are members of the guild?”

This time Auraya made no effort to shield her emotions; her distaste warped the shape of her lips.

“As I am sure you are aware, Lord Smythe.” She pushed down her wayward emotions. “We are from Whitegate. The guild does not cater to those of meagre income. Thus, we do what we can for those in need.”

“How… noble.” He clearly had a mountain of questions and warred with which he would voice. He chose to change the subject.

“As I was not present at the Choosing, I have come personally to confirm your eligibility.”

Auraya waited, wondering if it was parentage or magic he was referring to. She could only presume the latter.

“The crystal would not glow if you did not have magical talent. Yet, it is still to be confirmed.”

As he spoke, a tickle at the back of her mind drew her attention momentarily away. Gina said but a word before retreating.

“I have come to visually confirm said talent.”

Auraya smiled slightly before cloaking herself in magic and willing herself to the other side of the desk. As she locked eyes with Smythe, she sent herself back to the seat. She gave him time to collect himself. As far as Auraya was aware, those with talent were a rare sight in Moralis. Only the Reevers had shown talent for several generations. Reggie had told her that magic had been growing weaker for many cycles. Auraya and her kin were somewhat a novelty. He had taken in those with a reasonable amount of talent and had been activating them since she had shown her abilities. For what purpose, Auraya could not truly be sure. In the past, talent had been confined to the noble families. It must be jarring to this man – the epitome of the elite – to discover it was now the less fortunate who were blessed.

“I have been told your… group also have talent.” The unspoken question was heard by all. It was no doubt vexing to know they had hidden their gifts so well.

“That is correct.” Her voice hardened as memories surfaced. “We grew up in Whitegate, Lord Regent. Trust is given sparingly.”

They watched each other for a time. Auraya again thought this man had walked into a conversation he clearly had not been prepared for. Eventually, he began to rummage through his pockets and produced several sheets of paper.

“I have taken the liberty of compiling a list of studies you will need to undertake in preparation for the coronation. The tutors have been informed and are compiling a timetable.”

A perusal of the list had Auraya tamping down her annoyance again. He clearly presumed her to be an illiterate fool. It included basic literacy and arithmetic, elocution, dance, etiquette, and other frivolities.

“My thanks, Lord Regent,” she smiled sickly sweet, laying the list to the side. “However, such pointless undertakings are unnecessary. I will see to my own education.”

Of course, that had not been taken well. In the end, Gina had stepped in to show him the provisional curriculum, which had him stunned once again. She smoothly told him that they would take his list into consideration and add a few courses to assuage him. Being underestimated often worked in her favour, but it still rankled. Gina effectively placated the man and he had left shortly after.

Auraya felt the tingling at the edge of her awareness that indicated an approaching presence and dragged her attention back to the present. Her eyes were drawn to Bec, who stood and approached her, and then to Alan, who did the same. Paddy emerged from her shadow a few moments later confirming what she suspected. She rose from her spot in the dining room and motioned for the group to follow her out of the room.

Bec, as always, had an air of nerves about her. Auraya believed that that much uncertainty generally led to mistakes. However, her faith in Rafe was unwavering, and he believed in Bec, so she would too.

They made their way through the corridor to Auraya’s office. When they entered the waiting room, Auraya turned to Bec and closed her eyes. She hesitated for only a few moments before raising her hands and bathing Auraya in her magic. It was uncomfortable and somewhat invasive. As a healer, it worked against Auraya’s own magic which was constantly trying to maintain an equilibrium of normality and health. Changing her face was in opposition to how her magic knew her to be. It was an effort not to instinctively fight the initial onslaught of changes, and then to maintain them. It didn’t take long to grow accustomed to the change though. The talented were well acquainted with partitioning their minds to tasks they were constantly performing and then ignoring. Once balance was achieved, she opened her eyes. She internally cringed as her bosom – small but hers nonetheless – shrank to nothing. Paddy stepped up as Bec stepped back. She accepted the bundle he was holding with thanks, going into the office proper. She changed into her disguise and emerged quickly.

She thanked Bec and told her to get some sleep before reaching for Alan. His cloak was nothing like Rafe’s. She chided herself for making the comparison. Alan had only been stepping for three cycles. She and Rafe had been using magic for just over ten. It itched slightly as he layered her and then drew her towards Rafe. They slowed on arrival, landing in an empty cell. She quietly thanked him before venturing towards the noise. Seeing Deb in a different face brought a smile to her lips, which promptly slipped off as she looked down to the person Rafe was attending to. A golden-haired creature was lying on the floor in dire need of healing.

Auraya immediately dropped to her knees and rendered the boy unconscious. He had been slipping from wakefulness intermittently, and she did not want him awake for what she had to do. With that done she probed the boy assessing his injuries and discerning what she could and should do to help him. They needed him coherent and able to walk. Healing him too much would raise suspicion and no doubt drain Auraya, but she could not in good conscience let him suffer further than he had.

She found cuts, bruises, a broken leg, broken ribs, and a punctured and deflated lung. As his head had not suffered extensive damage, the lung was the priority. She realigned the ribs and coaxed them into repairing. She then made an incision and syphoned the air that had escaped his lung, repaired the cut as soon as it had served its purpose, and then healed and reinflated the lung. She then moved onto the leg. She realigned the break and coaxed it to fuse and heal. Once done, she set about reducing the swelling, seeking out any potential infections, and ensuring that she hadn’t overlooked anything dire. Most of the bruising was left fairly fresh and tender, to ensure the boy knew he had been hurt, but would still be able to function.

She began to rouse him slowly but in spite of that he still reacted with sheer terror. A given due to the horrors he must have experienced. She soothed him with her hand and voice; gently petting him and cooing for him to calm. Touch may not have been appropriate after the savage beating he had clearly endured, but she wanted to ensure his first movements didn’t cause any further damage. Touch was required.

After his fears and tears had subsided, Auraya whispered into his ear. “We’re getting out. Can you stand?”

A touch of hope brightened his face, as he tried to rise. He was still a little shaky but kept himself up.

Whilst Auraya had worked, Bec and Rafe had freed the other prisoners. They all look scared. Most looked a little sceptical, a couple looked hopeful, and one was making a lot of noise.

“How do you presume you’re going to rescue me with guards and that man in the room beyond?”

“You don’t need to worry about that,” Rafe replied before turning on his heels and walking for the door at the end. The prisoners followed hesitantly.

When they walked through, there were several shrieks from the group.

“You killed them?” The loud boy accused. Rafe didn’t answer. Auraya snorted knowing he would soon be nearing his limit of patience. One of the prisoners gave her horrified look.

“They held us prisoner,” she explained. “Would you prefer them alive to put you back in your cell?”

Most of the group just looked away at the query. The loud boy scoffed.

The group made their way up the stairs, where more muffled gasps were heard. A scream from the room on their right drew all of their attention. Instead of heading to the door opposite the dungeon stairs, Rafe led them towards the woman’s cries.

“Red?” An older woman was standing next to the body of a dead man. She was deathly pale, looking at the group with growing confusion.

“He tried to put me in the dungeon with them,” Rafe told her, seeming scared. How he thought he could manage that with a blade at his belt, Auraya wasn’t sure.

“We’re leaving,” he informed her as he walked briskly towards the door.

“But… but…”

“Check the other room,” he suggested as he slipped out the door.

Auraya herded the group from the back, and Bec did the same from the middle. They walked through a maze of corridors before entering an entrance hall and filing out into the driveway. A man was standing to the left of the entranceway stairs. He looked up in surprise as they came down the steps.

“Where did you come from?” The man asked. The blue wisps made Auraya send a quick message to Rafe to alert him of the man’s involvement.

Rafe ignored the man and kept marching for the gate. There were two guards standing before it. They looked up in confusion, unsure what to do with the bedraggled group.

“We want to go home,” Rafe whined, sounding almost choked and close to tears. The others added their voices too, some leaking actual tears. The loud boy began throwing his father’s name around. Auraya recognised it as a prominent noble of Jude. The guards recognised it also and promptly opened the gate. At least the boy was good for something.

Once they were away from the manor, Rafe asked the group where they were from. Most were from Jude; however, two were from Sulzheim. They had been snatched while accompanying their parents on a visit.

Rafe slipped away whilst Auraya and Bec escorted the Jude residents to their homes. Of course, little Mr Noisy demanded he be returned first. That made sense – regardless of his attitude – as he lived the closest. He was basically a neighbour of his captor.

It took several marks of walking through the city to get everyone home. Bec suggested that they split the group into two to reduce the time and wandering, but the others didn’t want to be separated from each other until they were home. Rafe re-joined them after about a quarter mark. They avoided questions about themselves, saying they lived further from the rest, and they would get home fine together. When it was just the two from Sulzheim left, they made their way to a carriage stop near the north of Jude. Rafe spoke to a man near the horses and returned for the two. They would be taken home by carriage and would arrive the following evening. He deflected their questions but told them he got the money from the dead Lord. They didn’t seem all too convinced but did not question him further.

Once the three were alone, they sought out an empty alleyway and made their way back to the castle in a blink.