Lirran drifted into the bay of dreams much easier this time. Kaza already waited for him, smiling but shy.

Lirran decided to send out his thoughts first. I think you did well on land today.

I don’t know when the last time was that I actually walked on land, much less during sunshine. The wet cloak actually helped a lot.

I wish I could say that your ritual helped as much, but it seems not all of the darkness within me was burned away. That Danny guy said some horrid things about your kind, it made me so angry I wanted to punch him, made me want to punch everyone for doubting you.

Kaza seemed to sigh. That wasn’t to burn your dark away for good, it was to show that there is light in you. Dark will always come to occupy your mind, Lirran. To ward it off your light must grow to not give it as little space as possible. You now know that it is there and what it looks like, that is the true seed of light. If there was someone who never had any bad thoughts, would that person be truly good or simply incapable of bad?

Lirran thought for a moment. I thought you were such a good being. You came to me like a true angel.

You saw what darkness I was capable of, what deception. Even in me there is darkness, as a matter of fact-

Kaza stopped. The face of her form turned expressionless, then stiff as if a masque.

I know what kind of stories Danny told you of us children of the dark waters.

But they’re not true, right?

There are many stories but also many people. The children of the dark waters are very reclusive. The few that do approach surface dwellers might just be those that have ugly intentions and greed for those things that cannot be found in the deep, but I know that your kin and other kin too engage in piracy, murder and raiding. Many souls I have healed that have met such an end, by hands of many different kin. As I just told you: there is no individual truly devoid of darkness and so there is no people truly avoid of dark individuals. It is the knowledge that there is light and what it looks like that seeds the growth of goodness. That was one of the purposes of what I did to you. Equally, now that your mind and body know what separation in death and fear looks like it is that they can unite even better in life and bravery. Your progress from this is yet to follow.

Lirran hung his head low. I am sorry for doubting you. I am sorry for doubting myself. But what now, how will I learn? More rituals of pain and fear?

A smile appeared on Kaza’s mental face. Ha! No, from now on, you will have to acquire skills yourself. Besides, the more you trust me the less such a thing would work to instil fear and pain, which is why I did it so soon.

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A question in Lirran came up. How should I address you? How should I tell people? Will they accept that I am your apprentice?

Being honest is the best behaviour, even if you think some passing acquaintance is unimportant. She seemed to think for herself about the question. But still, even I cannot answer that question. What are we? You said you wanted to be my apprentice, follow my guidance into the shadows, and yet, you cannot follow me everywhere. I wish to impart my knowledge and wisdom onto a land dweller. An equal colleague from the land would not accept my knowledge as willingly as you would. We must forge this path together. First, as you follow my experienced steps in the borderlands, then as you embark on the lessons I lay out for you, then, as we discover the paths that lead beyond together and hopefully, one day, long after you have left my care, we can share again what we have learned apart from one another.

It appeared to Lirran as if Kaza was not used to talking this much and yet, the words she said were carefully chosen, as if she had foreseen this question a while ago. Then he remembered what Danny had said.

Navigator. Your kin are good navigators and you are leading my way. I shall call you Lady Navigator and I am your apprentice. It makes sense to learn navigation from your kin, it also describes what you offered me to do when we met at the threshold and I am sure I will come to learn how to navigate the oceans from you as well. In this world as the waking one and even if I should pass beyond both, you are who shows me the way, my Navigator.

Kaza's mind smiled. Yes. That will do. You seem to have a knack for layering the truth.

That was the nicest way anyone had ever called me a liar.

It is not a lie and still a trick, but not malicious. Let it be a lesson to you on how to treat the truth from now on.

Lirran accepted the sentiment. Now, Lady Navigator, what is our destination?

Undil-Ca-Voan. Kaza said this without doubt or hesitation.

Lirran repeated in disbelief. Undil?

Yes.

The walls of the world?

Yes.

Across the oceans of the north?

Yes, exactly there. Kaza’s words had a determination to them that was frightening as if she was about to erupt in anger about his disbelief.

Why?

Because there is something you need to learn there and only there. Along the way, we will have many opportunities to learn much else.

Lirran wanted to retort something about the incredible distance they would have to cross to get there, but he reared his mind.

Kaza noticed and nodded in approval. Yes, leash your will, rear it back and when it is quiet, you may hear the guidance you asked of me. In time, you will learn when to unleash your will. Now rest. You will still feel the effects of almost death for a few days. I recommend that we stay on the beach for the day. Let me gather more food to prepare. I never had an issue with catching my food as I wandered and eating whenever I could, but with the two of us... I guess my previous lifestyle will have to make way for a change. You can prepare the boat and rest.

Lirran needed little encouragement to follow this command, he just let himself fall back, there was work to do, good work.