Auraya

The grain reports were boring. For the five cities and thirty something villages in the Asmat region, taxation was fixed. The smallest and the largest paid the same amount. Luckily, even the smallest was able to pay as the region was quite prosperous, but it meant that only the largest were able to prosper, whereas the smallest simply got by. It made no sense, the Lords of the largest settlements were able to contribute far more than they were, and the Lords of the smallest settlements could flourish if they were taxed at a rate that was proportionate to their yield.

Skimming through the documents Seelie had provided showed that the gold, cattle, sheep, and fish reports were much the same. It made Auraya sigh. It made no sense. At least to her mind. Some were given the opportunity to thrive, whilst others were disadvantaged. It made no sense. Why would you not want your countrymen to prosper? As common or noble born, the prosperity of all benefited the whole. But for some reason, those on high failed to see that if the peasants thrived, then they would reap the benefits as well.

Auraya would never understand the nobility. And nor did she not want to. She looked off into space, considering how the problem could be remedied.

A noise distracted her, the pitter patter of tiny feet. When Auraya’s eyes focused on the room, all she saw were whisps of auburn hair.

She felt a hand on her thigh and looked down.

“Owaya,” a young voice called. Auraya smiled and grabbed the little girl, pulling her into her lap.

“Leanna,” she cooed. The two girls cuddled for a while before the little girl looked up at Auraya. “What’s the matter?”

“I’m scared, Owaya,” Leanna told her, lip trembling.

“You can call me O, you know,” Auraya told her, eliciting a bright smile.

“I can?”

“Of course, you are kin.” Auraya rubbed her nose on the little girl’s, causing her to giggle.

Leanna frowned, thinking to herself for a few moments. “Can I have one?”

“Have one?”

“A nickname.”

Auraya smiled. “Of course.”

“Can you choose?”

“I would be honoured,” Auraya told her with a smile. “How about… Lee?”

Leanna beamed. “I love it.”

“So, tell me, what has a strong girl like you scared?”

The smile fell off her face as she focused on the reason she had come searching for Auraya. It caused Auraya’s stomach to cramp, seeing the little one distressed again. Auraya had found her three cycles ago, cowering at the feet of her supposed father. The man had claimed due to her hair colour, she could not be his. The mother had been a limp wet thing, unable to muster the courage to defend her child. In a great feat of restraint, Auraya had refrained from opening the man’s throat and simply took the child off his hands. She had been a terrified little thing, but one must never underestimate the power of hugs. After spending a few cycles coaxing her out of her shell, Leanna had proved to be quite resilient. She still sought Auraya out though when she was scared, but Auraya was more than happy to oblige.

“The shadows are scary,” Leanna revealed.

A wave of guilt came and went. Auraya had accidentally activated her soon after taking her in. Reggie had told her it was because the girl was strong. Auraya had sent her magic to see whether the girl had talent and had activated it instead. Leanna was so full of magic that it was like it had been bursting at the seams. Leanna was a shadow walker and activating her so young had put her at risk. Going between this world and the other had to be done with finesse. And it was evidently frightening for one so young. Leanne had the skill, and Auraya was determined to help her with the courage.

“Aah,” Auraya replied, setting aside the documents she had been reading. She smoothed down Leanna’s hair and raised her chin gently. “There’s no need to be afraid, Lee. You were born to walk on the other side. Shall we go together?”

The little girl nodded her eagerness.

“You’ll have to give me a few moments,” Auraya told her, petting her nose. “I’m not as good as you.”

Leanna giggled and nodded again.

Taking a deep breath, Auraya closed her eyes. Behind her lids, she could see the flames of her magic spread throughout her. Much like the cloak she used for stepping, she saturated herself in magic to prepare her body for what was to come. It took time for her to be satisfied, as she didn’t tend to walk the shadows often. It was different for her, the others – steppers and shadow walkers – naturally kept their cloaks and saturations up, Auraya, as an absorber had to actively initiate them.

When she was ready, she walked over to the shadow by the window and stepped in. They sunk down into the other place and the feeling of weightlessness was instantaneous. Auraya held Leanna close as she looked around. It looked like a reversal of the real world; the entire room was upside down and the hues were slightly grey washed. Looking up, Auraya could see into the room they had just left. It was like looking through a window. It was eerie. She could hear the scratches of Gina’s quill, and her quiet breaths.

Auraya looked at the little girl in her arms. She was looking around with a fearful expression, searching the corners as if something might jump out at her. Auraya could understand, it was slightly oppressive.

“It’s scary, O,” Leanna confessed, squeezing tighter.

“I agree,” Auraya confirmed. “It can seem quite scary. But you know what? You and the other shadow walkers are the masters of this world, and as far as I know, nothing here can hurt you unless you let it.”

“Really?” The hope in her eyes melted Auraya’s heart. She felt naught but disdain for most people that weren’t her kin, and the affection she felt for Leanna was greater than with most.

“Really.”

They spent the next half mark floating around in the world beyond, playing chase and exploring. Little by little, Leanna’s anxiety eased. It would not be gone in a day, but eventually she would feel at home in the shadows. It helped that none of their kin drifted past them like a phantom. When they returned, Auraya sent her back to her classes and noted the spring in her step.

Later that afternoon Auraya was amused yet again as she watched Evans and Patten bicker. Gina was trying to resist rolling her eyes and Trevor’s amusement was evident in the wide grin.

Over the past half turn, they had begun bringing in service staff. Seelie had led a team of interrogators – as Patten called it – in interviewing the former workers and allowing them into their wing again. Auraya was reluctant to have strangers in their sanctum, but knew it was necessary. They could not and did not want to be responsible for cleaning the entire wing – not when they had a generous budget to do otherwise. There were still places that no-one was allowed to go, and Patten had tailored his guard rotation to ensure her, Winnie’s, Rafe’s, Trevor’s, and Tristan’s offices were well guarded. That didn’t stop Auraya from anointing all the entrances in blood as added security though. But no-one outside of her kin needed to know about that. Let them try.

Patten and Evans were arguing about Patten’s new initiative. Trevor had suggested to Patten that all service staff in their wing be subjected to irregular assessment to ensure they remained loyal. Auraya and her kin were blessed with a healthy dose of paranoia and did not want to risk being betrayed whilst they slept. Patten had thought it was a brilliant idea and had proposed it to Evans before going off to Smythe. Evans had been extremely insulted, claiming his staff were of excellent character and ongoing harassment would be detrimental to his low turnover rates.

With everyone’s attention on the squabbling pair, a servant girl slipped into the room with a tray of food, almost unnoticed. Auraya’s attention was drawn to the mouse like girl’s mouth, which was moving in quiet conversation as tendrils of blue smoke wafted up to her nose. It was odd.

The girl had mouse brown hair, was small in stature, had a round face and a button nose. She was altogether forgettable, with an air of innocence.

She approached Auraya’s desk. As the girl’s gaze drifted to her, Auraya slipped her eyes back to Evans and Patten. The mouse came around the desk, no longer muttering, and placed the food in front of Auraya.

“Enjoy your meal, y’highness,” she breathed in barely a whisper. She gave a shallow bow, then turned to leave. The smoke virtually obscured her face, and almost tugged Auraya’s brow into a frown.

“What is your name?” Auraya asked, schooling her expression.

The girl froze, fear evident. Gina and Trevor’s attention turned to the girl, further increasing her terror.

“Meera, y’highness,” she squeaked.

“Who made this food, Meera?”

“I’m… I’m not sure, y’highness,” she replied. Even without the blue tendrils as evidence of her falsehood, her desperation to avoid eye contact and her squirming betrayed her words.

After a moment of watching the girl, Auraya calmed her growing annoyance and told the girl to “sit”.

She looked up and paled, not moving an inch.

“It was not a request,” Auraya told her, adding steel to her tone. The girl hastily followed the directive.

At that point, Auraya acknowledged each person in the room. Gina and Trevor stood at attention, ready to move. Patten had brought his hand to his hilt and Evans looked nauseous.

“Rafe,” Auraya called calmly.

As always, he was there within moments. He gave her the barest of nods when their eyes met, then Auraya turned back to the quivering mouse, who had devolved into tears.

“Explain,” Auraya commanded.

“I’m sorry,” the mouse cried. “I’m so sorry. He’s all I have left. I was so scared. I didn’t know what to do. He’s all I have left.” She continued the nonsensical rambling for a little while longer until Auraya glanced at Gina. She approached the girl and passed her a handkerchief. She knelt by her chair – causing Trevor to step closer – and offered a few calming words and tones to reduce the girl’s alarm. Once she was visibly calmed, Gina broached the subject again.

“Can you start from the beginning?” Gina’s voice was soothing. “Who is he?”

“Me Pa,” she explained. “It’s just the two of us now. Me Ma died when I was young. Pa’s looked after me as best he could since. But he got sick a few cycles back, so now I gotta look after him. The guild wanted so much coin to just look at him, and even more to cure him.” She took a breath and drank the water Gina offered with thanks.

“Three nights past,” fear distorted her features once more. “A man held a knife to me neck. He told me he’d taken me Pa and to get him back… he said I needed to poison y’highness.” She glanced at Auraya then, who kept her expression stony. “He said if I did it, he’d give me Pa back… and enough coin for a cure.”

“I’m so sorry,” she said as she held Auraya’s gaze. “I love me Pa so much. I was so scared I wouldn’t see him again. And even if I did see him again, it wouldn’t matter anyway ‘cause we don’t have the coin to cure him. He’s gonna die soon.” She broke down after that. Auraya used the time to gather her thoughts. No one spoke, the only sounds coming from the mouse.

Turning to Rafe, Auraya enquired, “Paddy?”

He nodded and disappeared. Auraya turned back to the girl.

“Do you still have the poison?”

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“Yes, y’highness.” She retrieved the vial from her pocket and handed it over.

Not the smartest criminal, Auraya mused.

Opening it, she smelled the contents recognising the potent poison, hemlock.

“How much did you put in the food?”

“He told me four drops would be enough.”

“We would have roughly... a third of a mark from ingestion for the poison to take effect,” Auraya told the room.

Patten stepped forward, hand still on the hilt of his sword and looked like he wanted to speak.

Auraya raised her right hand to halt his progress. “Please be patient, Captain.” She spared him a look, pushing down her irritation. There was no time for arguments. Once placated, she waved her hand over the food tray with a look of displeasure before looking back at the girl.

“When my companion returns,” Auraya told her, waiting for the mouse to look her in the eye. “You are going to take this tray and discard it in the closest empty room. Then you are going to leave this castle and go home. Do not run but do make haste. Talk to no one if you can, and do not speak of the events that have come to pass in this room. If the attacker finds you, tell him it is done, no more. Can you do as I ask of you?”

It took a few moments for her to gather herself, before she nodded and said, “yes, y’highness,” a look of determination in her eyes. If she hadn’t been her would-be assassin, Auraya thought she might have liked the little mouse.

Whilst Auraya spoke, Gina had used her magic to move the contents on the tray to the fireplace, and Trevor had set it aflame, leaving only ash behind. Auraya gave them her thanks when they had finished and pushed the tray forward. She told the girl to dry her eyes.

Rafe appeared with a nod of confirmation.

Standing, Auraya motioned to the tray – now close to the mouse – and told her to be on her way. She hesitated, clearly gathering her courage before enquiring, “me Pa?”

“We’ll do what we can,” was all Auraya could give her. The only response was a nod, as the girl gathered up the tray and made her way to the door.

After the girl left, Auraya turned to Evans.

“I’m going to need you to perform some theatrics Evans,” Auraya told him with a hint of mischief. He returned her gaze with only confusion. “You are going to need to be visibly upset and perhaps a little delirious. You need to go find a castle healer and bring them back here. Tell no one the cause of your mania. When you find the squirrel, tell them I am in need of their aid, no more. Can you do as I ask?”

“Of course, your highness,” he was still confused, but clearly determined.

Turning to Patten, she relayed his orders next. “Take a small contingent of trusted guards to search for our fleeing mouse. Tell no-one of who or why you are searching. Of course, do not stop, hinder, or follow the girl. Search only the castle grounds and give her the chance to escape. Make your presence – if not your intentions – known. Ensure that no one enters this room unless accompanied by those who are currently in here now. Can you do as I ask?” At the annoyance she saw, Auraya added, “all will be made plain in time, Captain.”

Patten nodded, placated enough, then replied, “I am at your command, your highness.”

Turning her eyes on Gina, her companion of well over a decade spoke first. “Winnie?”

“And Imogen,” Auraya replied in agreement. She smiled as she continued. “Some theatrics if you will. T can you inform the masses.”

She saw Trevor place his left hand on his chest and close his eyes. The familiar buzz at the edge of her senses confirmed that Trevor was making the situation known. She blocked off the noise and looked at the three due to leave in turn.

“Play your parts well,” was all she gave as farewell. They left, leaving silence in their wake.

It had only been a turn since the Choosing. It would seem the games had begun. They had expected a person or four to make an attempt on her life. She thought they were slacking really. Each day, they secured their base further. Letting the servants in had been a risk though, one they would need to revisit. Their scheme to ensure loyalty had been faulty. This Meera had proved it. She had been forced to act through blackmail and bribery. She had been let into Auraya’s office, when none but her kin and a select few were supposed to be in there. Auraya sighed. She needed to know who was guarding her door and why they had failed. Someone must have opened the inner door for her.

When Trevor was finished, he sat in the chair previously occupied by the mouse. Rafe remained motionless. Always watching. Auraya turned to him.

“Any word from Louis?”

“Two or three days,” he replied shortly.

“And on the other end?”

“Neutralised.”

“Very nice.”

He nodded in reply.

“I’m looking forward to that debriefing,” Trevor added. “So, we’re crossing oceans now, are we?”

The barest of smirks touched the edges of Rafe’s lips in lieu of response.

“Is he going out again?” Trevor asked.

“In time.”

Before more could be said, the door opened. Gina, Winnie, and Imogen came in.

Once the door closed, Gina returned to her spot next to Trevor. Winnie walked to the corner of the room, forcing the orange tree to feed her. Imogen wandered about touching the room’s objects at what seemed like random. Auraya smiled at her kin. Being in their company was always comforting. They had been together for most of their lives and shared the bond of kinship even without the bond of blood.

“So,” Winnie said, breaking the silence, not looking away from the foliage she was caressing. “Less than a turn, and already someone wants you dead.” There was no humour in her voice.

“Slacking, aren’t they,” Auraya added.

“Kidnapping probably means more than one, but not definite. The money suggests nobility,” Gina commented.

“I thought we’d have more time to settle in,” Trevor mused. “Shame we can’t try the food now.”

They had only decided to take kitchen staff on a few days prior. The staff had been cleaning out and restocking the kitchens. Planning menus and scheduling. They were due to start producing food the following day. Now they would have to shut that down completely. There was no way they could trust outsiders with their food.

The door opened, bringing Evans and Figg. The older man simply looked obnoxious. His large nose was high in the air. His clothes were expensive and pristine. His greying hair was cut short, he held himself like royalty, and he looked at the room’s occupants with contempt. His confusion and alarm were clear though, and only deepened when he laid eyes on Auraya. Evans hastily closed the door after he entered.

“Is this a joke?” His comment brought a smile to Auraya’s lips and caused Winnie to draw way from the plant.

Walking over to Imogen, who had taken quite an interest in a sheet of paper, Auraya handed her the vial of poison, her back to Figg.

“We’ll talk about it after the squirrel leaves,” she said quietly, eliciting a small grin from the girl.

Turning to Figg, Auraya had to stifle a laugh when she saw the open hatred in Winnie’s face.

“Figg.”

“Your highness,” he replied after a moment, inclining his head.

“Someone has attempted to poison me,” she continued.

“Are you seeking my assistance?” Incredulity was too tame a descriptor for how Auraya felt, and that was clearly reflected in her expression. The old man’s eyes hardened at the sight. He turned to Winnie when he heard her snort.

“I wouldn’t trust you with my worst enemy,” Winnie spat.

“We are simply allowing the natural progression of events to unfold,” Auraya confirmed, speaking over his no doubt acerbic retort. “Only a short amount of your time will be required.”

Winnie used the time to goad the older man. Riling him up, until Rafe stirred from his statuesque position a little while later and drew Auraya’s attention, “it’s time.”

“Figg, you can go,” she told the older man. He waited for more information. When he received none, he inclined his head, barely masking his annoyance and left.

“Evans, bring the captain back.” He nodded his head vigorously, showing his excitement, and left too.

Turning back to Rafe, Auraya considered for a moment then said, “bring the deed as well. If there is one.”

His left eyebrow rose a fraction, before he inclined his head and disappeared.

They only waited about a quarter of a mark at the most, before Rafe, Meera, her father, and Paddy appeared.

“Thanks Paddy. You did good.” He smiled faintly, then moved to the closest shadow and faded from sight, but Auraya could still sense him in the room. She turned her attention to Meera, who was gaping at the space Paddy had just vacated. She stared for a few beats before her attention was drawn to her father, who had begun to cough insistently.

The sound was jarring. The man looked extremely thin and pale. When he breathed, it was laboured and loud. He was clearly not able to take in a full breath. He wavered on his feet as the cough continued. Trevor stepped forward and guided the older man to the sofa, gently depositing him. Auraya and Winnie approached and flanked him. The three shared a look, conveying disappointment, disgust, and outright hatred for the Healers Guild. Their greed attributed to the poisoner’s opportunity. Desperation could turn even the kind-hearted to the treasonous.

Auraya sank to her knees in front of the man and laid her hand on his chest. She began by relieving his pain, then thoroughly assessed the state of his lungs. Foreign elements were blocking the lung’s ability to draw in breath. The damage was quite severe. His lack of breath was affecting other parts of his body too. Meera had been right; he didn’t have much time left.

“You are a fire fighter,” Auraya stated, looking into the man’s face.

“I was,” he croaked through a neck he rarely used. He smiled for the first time in wonder. “How could you tell?”

“Your lungs are filled with ash, and damaged by smoke. It seems to have been happening over a long period of time, until it overwhelmed you.”

“Yes,” he stared wistfully at the wall for a moment before focusing back on Auraya. “Fires speak, and I always understood. Been putting them out since I were a boy. Best occupation around. Pays good too.”

Auraya probed the man further at that and noticed that he was a fire elemental. His magic was dormant, like most, but his affinity had led him to the perfect profession. She retreated and looked at the man again.

“What I’m about to do will be uncomfortable,” she told him calmly. “Do not fight the urge to cough, but please, refrain from vomiting until the process is over. I will remove the ash from your lungs, and then heal the damage. Please be patient, calm and still.”

Gratitude and awe washed over his features before he nodded his affirmation and rasped, “okay.” Meera began to quietly weep from somewhere behind Auraya, but she had begun to block all the room’s distractions and close her eyes, so she barely noticed. She sent her mind inward to the place her magic dwelled.

Healing was about finesse and precision. She had spent so many cycles of her life learning about the body and its functions. How to manipulate its processes to follow her will. Memories of reading and reciting, scoldings and her teacher brought with them a wave of sadness. But Auraya locked the memories back in place and maintained her concentration.

Her magic was warm. In her mind’s eye, it looked like a curling ball of tame fire. Tame only through years of practice and patience. It followed her will and entered the man’s body through her right hand on his chest. She dampened his pain further before gathering the foreign elements, drawing them together and up towards the man’s mouth.

“Open your mouth,” she told him, not opening her eyes to confirm it, but sensing it through their connection.

He began to splutter as the first bits of detritus came out. She directed it towards the hearth and called for “T,” to ensure the flames were hot enough to consume the waste.

Once completed, the man’s cough settled as she healed his throat and worked down towards his lungs. Now clear, it was even more obvious how extensive the damage was. She set to work healing his lungs. After the lungs were healthy, she revitalised his organs and muscles, and then fed her magic into the man to nourish him. She barely noticed as time slipped by.

At some point, a hand touched her shoulder and drew Auraya from her task. She looked up to see Rafe’s look of concern. She realised she had almost gone too far, so she gave him her thanks with a tired smile.

Sitting back on her heels, Auraya looked up at the man. His complexion was far better than when he’d arrived, and the slight weight gain chided Auraya just as much as Rafe’s look. If he hadn’t stopped her, she may have continued until she lost consciousness. She silently berated herself.

“Can you tell us what happened.”

The man had swung his legs down and seemed on the verge of gushing his gratitude before Auraya spoke.

His brow descended before he began. “I was going to refill me water. Someone put their hand over me mouth and nose. The taste was foul and the smell… it was like the fire at the Healers Guild a few cycles back. Like… like cures.” He had been staring blankly at a corner of the room, until the final part, when he looked Auraya in the eye. Meera had made her way over to her father and was sobbing into his lap. “Then, I woke to Meera shaking me. She told me what she had done.”

He intended to say more, but Auraya stood and raised her hand. “You have raised your daughter well, sir.”

She turned and walked over to their possessions strewn about where Rafe had brought them. “Did they pay?”

Meera untangled herself from her father’s embrace, walked to the pile and began to rummage. She brought out a fair sized sack that jangled with the tell tail clanking of coins. Opening it and handing it over, Auraya looked inside to see a large number of gold coins. The amount would be enough to heal the man several times over. Taking a closer look at a single coin, Auraya noted that it looked untouched. It shone and reflected the rooms light brilliantly.

“Imogen,” she called, who had been hovering in the corner of the room. The girl came over, took the bag, and dove her hand in.

“That should be more than enough,” Auraya told Meera. She looked to the mouse’s father before she spoke again. “You will both need to leave the city. Go far and be suspicious until you’ve crossed the sea. Take the port in Schlu and travel to Holceston. Rafe will take you as far out of the city as he can. I suggest you buy yourselves a dagger or two.”

The man rose from the sofa and stood next to his daughter. He looked at Meera, then back at Auraya.

“Meera,” Auraya directed at the mouse who looked sheepish. “For the crime of treason, you are hereby banished from Moralis. You and your kin will be stripped of all your possessions. If you are found in this kingdom again, you will be executed. Do I make myself clear?”

The girl smiled and thanked Auraya profusely, grasping her hand with a familiarity that wasn’t unpleasant. She then turned and hugged her father.

Auraya glanced at Rafe, “the deed?”

He produced it and handed it over. Turning to Gina, Auraya gave her a cheeky smile and handed her the document. Gina rolled her eyes and set about transferring over the man’s property. Imogen handed the coins back to Meera, and then scurried back to her corner. Once the final signature had been placed, Meera and her father began to gather their belongings.

“Safe travels,” Auraya bade them.

“Thank you, y’highness,” they both replied.

The door opened just as the three slipped from sight. Evans and Patten walked in.

“Are you going to explain what happened?” Patten looked disgruntled. Auraya stifled a laugh. She had basically done everything on the fly. What she didn’t like was to be questioned whilst she was getting things done.

“Someone tried to kill me,” she replied with a smile. “Imogen?”

“She had the poison too long,” Imogen replied breathily. “The coins were in a chest. Dark wood. Red on it. It was a man. His face was hidden. He seemed… rich.”

“Thanks. Write down what you can,” Auraya told her.

“Why all the theatrics?” Patten huffed.

“Needed to give the little mouse a chance to escape.”

“She tried to kill you!” Patten shouted.

“And?” Auraya asked nonchalantly.

“That’s treason,” he replied incredulously.

Auraya blew a raspberry through her lips. “If I killed everyone who had tried to harm me, the streets would be piled with bodies.”

“Yeah, they would,” Winnie chimed in.

Patten’s mouth just hung open for a time before he turned on his heels and left. Auraya sighed. He’d get it soon enough.