Lyra woke up in the healer's section of the compound in a slight daze. The magic that had infected her body no longer ate away inside her. Knowing she was free from its grasp, Lyra smiled.
“You appear to be in good spirits. How are you feeling?”
Pushing herself up, Lyra said, “Hello, Haera. I am. Thanks for asking.”
“Good. You performed admirably during the mission. I already had a chat with Kellam. He plans on staying late tonight, so make sure you visit him after you’re discharged.”
With a smile of her own, Haera vanished, leaving Lyra alone in her room. Healers came in and out during the day to check up on her and confirm the magical infection hadn’t resurfaced. Her day had been tolerable until he showed up.
Nasir walked in like he owned the place. Oozing with self-confidence and a smug superiority, Nasir did the worst thing he could, open his mouth.
“Thank goodness you recovered. Like I told you before, it is dangerous being a Ranger. In respect for my brother, I intend to keep you safe, and what better way than to make you mine officially?”
Stunned by the audacity, Lyra clenched her fist, focused her rage solely on him, and said, “You have been nothing but rude and obsessive toward me since I ran into you in Timberwood. Why would I want to live with you when I can hardly stand being in the same room as you?”
Lyra’s voice rose as her anger toward him bubbled out. “I may tolerate your face because we are family, but that doesn’t mean I like you. Especially when you treat me like some fragile object about to fall apart unless you are there to hold me together.”
Fuming at her words, Nasir’s anger clung to him like a hungry flame devouring an entire forest. That flame turned black. She felt the same corrupted magical aura surrounding him that once fueled the crow that nearly killed her. There was no mistaking it.
The tears she shed unabashed quenched his anger, leaving him with a confused expression. “Lyra?”
Tinesi was right. He was a dark mage now. Subservient to the mages responsible for killing her family. Regardless of how she felt personally, he was still family, and the truth of his betrayal hurt more than she would admit.
Pointing toward the door, tears still streaming down her cheeks, she said, “Leave before I am forced to make you." Her voice was dead calm, contrasting with her outward appearance.
One assistant responsible for her rushed in behind the lead healer with a team of Rangers behind him. The team grabbed Nasir and dragged him out of the room with little fuss. Lyra almost wished he had given the others an excuse to use force to put him down like the traitor he was.
Drained from the experience, Lyra lay back down on the bed.
“Are you unharmed? Did he hurt you?”
“No. If he tried, I would have killed him.”
The assistant tried covering up his laughter, earning a frown from the healer.
“I’m glad it didn’t come to that. I will be back to do your final assessment and discharge you.”
Alone again, Lyra relaxed and reached out to Ruvan, who flowed across her skin until he rested in her palm.
“Bad elf gone. I keep you safe. You trust, yes?”
An unfamiliar child-like voice resonated in her mind. Self-assured, yet hesitant. If it weren’t for the familiar aura tied to it, she would have been more worried.
Ruvan?
“Yes! I learn speak. Or is bad? Momma upset with Ruvan?”
The sudden influx of emotion rattled Lyra to her core. The more she thought about it, Ruven was born from her mana. Ruvan curled up in her palm, their unease filling the silence.
Momma is not upset. I’m proud of you.
“Ruvan happy.” The elemental paused, then ran down her arm away from prying eyes. “Healing nice elf comes. I hide.”
Thank you. I will do what I can to let you out so we can play.
She felt a rush of joy and excitement burst from the elemental. Basking in the pure cheerfulness from Ruvan, Lyra missed the healer approaching her bed.
“Feeling better? I’m back for your discharge assessment.”
Nodding at his question, she said, “Let’s do this. I’m sure my companion is getting worried. Since she's not a Ranger, they won't let her in to check on me.”
He reached out his hand and sent a healing spell through her body. “I won’t waste either of our time and get you out of here.”
Once he confirmed the curse hadn’t resurfaced, the healer asked Lyra to move about and perform simple magic. Feeling better than ever, Lyra thanked the elf and left. Many of the Rangers she passed by waved or asked how she was. On a whim, she spoke with Haera on her way out.
Knocking on the door, she asked, “May I come in?”
“Go ahead.”
Doing so, Lyra stepped up to Haera, who sat behind her desk, and said, “Nasir has a horrible personality that I can’t deny, but he is still a capable warrior. Even though I don't want to fight alongside him, I request you don't remove him from his position because of me.
Haera leaned back in her chair and studied Lyra. The woman’s aura gave Lyra the impression they felt her request humorous.
“I know my request may be unreasonable. To be honest, there is something off about Nasir. He has changed somehow, and I worry.”
The amusement shifted into curiosity and suspicion. At least, that’s what Lyra guessed. She didn’t make it a habit of reading people’s emotions from their aura. She rarely spent time around elves like Haera, who had a powerful aura and didn’t suppress it.
“I will take your request into consideration. Everyone’s safety is my job, and I won’t tolerate behavior that can get Rangers or civilians killed. There aren’t any other teams who would take him in.”
Leaning forward, she said, “Shaerwyn’s team is his last chance. When I release him from his punishment, I will send them on a mission to see how he performs. That’s the best I can offer.”
Standing at attention, Lyra saluted and left, heading toward the exit and Timberwood. Tinesi waved from her spot, leaning against a tree between the Ranger compound and Timberwood. She hadn’t seen her newest companion since she left to join the Rangers. Lyra wondered what the mysterious elf had been up to all this time.
“Momma’s friend. Ruvan happy.”
When she reached Tinesi, the elf said, “I hear you had a rough time on your trial mission. Curse magic is rare among their kind. Tough luck on your part. You hungry?”
A rumble from Lyra’s stomach left her embarrassed, but she couldn’t deny a good meal would do her good. “Yes, please. Will Elora be able to join? I have news of my own.”
Patting her on the back, Tinesi started walking toward the gate. “Of course. Despite her husband’s annoyance, we have been having most of our evening meals together. I won’t be staying much longer. Elora has explained this countless times. Her husband can be stubborn. He makes for a great captain of the guard, though.”
Walking by the area along the inner wall where the traders set up their wagons, Lyra noticed an empty spot with a small offering of flowers. Curious, she held up a hand for Tinesi to wait and went to check it out.
An older female elf sat in front of the offerings; head bowed. When Lyra approached, the woman looked up. Face puffy from crying, the elf asked, “Can I help you?”
“I feel great sadness. Why is she sad, momma?”
I feel it too, Ruvan. Let me find out.
“I apologize for intruding. Are you related to the trader the Rangers were asked to search for?
Tears freely flowing, the elf just nodded.
“I see. I was part of the team who found him and eliminated the beast responsible.”
The elf reached out and grabbed her pant leg, gripping it tightly with a trembling hand. When she had calmed down, the elf said, “Thank you for finding my husband. I heard a Ranger nearly died fighting the magical beast. Was that you?”
Unsure if she should have told her but was unwilling to lie, Lyra said, “Yes. The healer just discharged me today. I made a full recovery.”
The woman let go, wiped at her face, and stood up. Bowing politely, the elf said, “Thank you for your service.”
“I lost my family to a magical beast. I know what you’re going through. The pain doesn’t go away, but the best we can do is to move forward. That’s one reason I decided to become a Ranger.”
Standing tall, the elf nodded and smiled. “I agree.”
Lyra returned to Tinesi, who was generous enough not to have asked questions, and the two of them continued to their destination. Sitting in their usual spot from before, a waitress stopped by to offer them something to drink. The crowd was lively, offering a pleasant atmosphere.
Joining them not long after, Elora sat down after shooing away her husband. Lyra felt at ease having a meal in a place like this with them. Her past self would have drowned in guilt for enjoying this moment, but with her life set on a course she couldn’t take back, there was no room left for guilt.
Choosing her words carefully, Lyra said, “My friend that you thought stole my black pants was the one after all. I don’t know if they were responsible for the rest, but it’s a start.”
Elora and Tinesi looked at each other, then back at Lyra with a sad but knowing gaze that hinted at a resolve for what they would have to do with this information. Lyra found herself baffled at the increased perception of other’s emotions. She couldn’t pinpoint what could be responsible for it.
“Ruvan help momma. Ruvan in trouble?”
No, you are fine.
She could feel the elemental running across her body under her clothes, wrapping her mind in a blanket of warmth and happiness. The unexpected growth paired with the childlike nature gave Lyra much to think about.
They filled the rest of their meal with normal gossip and the idle discussions Lyra enjoyed in her youth. When it was time to leave, Elora said, “I will escort you to meet with Kellam. It’s time for your official team assignment.” Glancing at Tinesi, she asked, “What about you?”
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“I have reports of my own to make, and I plan on checking out the location you fought. You may not see me for a few days at least.”
Reaching out, Lyra offered her hand to Tinesi, who raised an eyebrow but took it, regardless. Lyra grinned shook Tinesi’s hand and said, “When you get back, I would like to talk about a hot friend I met recently. The relationship has some interesting developments.”
With a knowing grin, Tinesi parted ways outside Rolim's, leaving Lyra alone with Elora. Lyra, wondering who her new partners would be, asked, “Any hints as to who I will be matched with?”
Chuckling to herself, Elora shook her head. Hesitating at first, she looked at Lyra and said, “The one pleasure Kellam refuses to give up is a good surprise. As you have been told before, he rarely sees anyone. So, if there is something he wants to tell you in person, he expects to be the one saying it first.”
Scratching the back of her head, Lyra couldn’t help but laugh, too. “I wouldn’t want to get on his bad side, that’s for sure. I haven’t spent a lot of time around the other Rangers yet to get a feel for the kinds of people I will be working with. Trusting in his judgment and Haera’s reports will have to do.”
Elora reached out and patted Lyra on the back and said, “Fret not. He may be eccentric, but our leader knows what he’s doing. His predecessor had the right of things when he pushed this responsibility in his lap.”
Their conversation dwindled by the time they reached the checkpoint, and Lyra’s hands shook from the nerves once they entered the building and she was standing in front of Kellam’s door for the second time. When Elora squeezed her shoulder, Lyra flinched, startled by the contact.
“Easy there. He’s not going to bite you. That’s not his style.”
Forcing a smile on her face, Lyra stomped down on her emotions and centered her resolve.
“He bite and I hit his face with fire.”
Thanks, Ruven.
Lyra raised her hand to knock on the door when the telltale sign of the magical lock being opened caught her off guard. The door swung open; her hand still raised to knock.
“Don’t just stand there, girl, come in, come in. We have much to discuss and the day isn’t getting any younger and neither am I.” Lyra stepped in and closed the door. She heard the lock re-engage behind her and froze in place. “I haven’t thought of a way to turn back time. It has an annoying stubbornness that refuses to go anywhere but forward.”
Surprising herself, Lyra said, “Time may only go forward, but it’s possible to alter your perception of it, giving you the illusion of slowing it down. It has happened to me before, not that I have figured out how to activate it consciously.”
Leaning against his desk, Kellem reassured her with a nod and said, “If you figure it out, please share it with the rest of us.” With a clap of his hands, Kellam stood up straight and walked closer to Lyra. “Now to more pressing concerns. Your placement.”
He walked around the room as he spoke. “From the report Haera provided and the whispers I have heard from others, you are a remarkable fighter. You can think strategically, act decisively, and even protect those you would rather punch in the face.” He winked at her when he said that last part. “When it comes to placing new Rangers into existing teams, I must consider many factors, such as personality, combat abilities, and role within a team. There are front-line offense and defensive fighters that deal damage or keep the enemy’s attention on themselves. Ranged support such as archers or pure magic and those that provide healing or buffs.”
Kellam stopped in front of Lyra and asked, “What do you think is most important when deciding if you fit well with a group?”
Being top of her class when under her father’s instruction, she put together patrols to test her abilities. In the beginning, she focused on filling the basic roles while ignoring the rest. This resulted in a mix of average to outright failure.
Thinking back on why, she looked Kellam in the eye and said, “Personality is the simplistic answer. What drives them to fight? Do they have a personal motivation, or would they rather let others dictate the direction they travel?” Feeling more animated, Lyra pressed on. “During my trial mission, my motivation was to prove myself and show how capable I could be. Nasir appears to be driven by a personal need to prove he is the best, which is great at self-improvement but challenging when working with others. Elemalu is an excellent healer who cares for others, and it showed during our mission.”
Taking a second to think, she said, “Haera is, well, Haera. A master Ranger who can take command and use her abilities to deadly effect in the best way that contributes to the overall success of the mission.”
Grinning at her explanation and analysis, Kellam said, “That was insightful, and I agree. Motivation is a key factor that influences the rest. It’s easy to fit people together that satisfy an optimal party, harder still to find those who can elevate each other to higher levels.” Resting against his desk, Kellam focused his attention directly on Lyra.
“What you need is a group that is capable and receptive to your battle tactics. As it so happens, I have a pair of siblings who need a new partner. The last two Rangers that I sent their way hurt themselves during their last mission and requested a transfer.”
It didn’t take a genius to figure out who Kellam was talking about. She knew of one pair of Ranger siblings. Lyra asked, “Keya and Paeral, correct?”
“Precisely!” Kellam said enthusiastically. With a flick of his wrist, a gust of wind pushed Lyra toward Kellam. He gripped her by the shoulders, halting her momentum, and grinned. “Paeral can be impulsive, but his prowess holding those two swords is unmatched. Keya’s ranged support and buffs complement her brother perfectly. They have worked together for so long; they know how the other will respond during battle and act accordingly.”
He sighed and let go of her shoulders. “That is a blessing and a curse. If you can’t adapt to their fighting style, you will end up like the last two who got in the way and ended up in the care of the healers.” He smirked and said, “When I found out the companion you arrived with fought with the pair, I hoped you might be equally capable. I dare say you have shown great promise in that regard.”
Kellam stepped away from Lyra and walked to a corner in the room, leaned down, and opened a chest. Rummaging through its contents, Kellam said, “I have been waiting for a long time for a Ranger of your caliber. Anyone who can impress Haera is impressive on its own, let alone me.”
Pulling something out, he held a chain, no, a necklace, toward her. A flame-red jewel hung below it. Gems were rare and their uses were even rarer. Lyra had heard about them, but this was the first time she ever had the chance to see one in person. Her thoughts must have been evident because Kellam said, “A friend gifted this to me long ago. Told me I would know what to do with it when the time came.”
With a few brisk steps, Kellam closed the distance and held out the necklace toward Lyra. “And you would never guess what happened when I met you for the first time. I felt it react to your presence.”
“Momma. I want it. Can we have?”
Lyra sighed and put on a knowing smile. “Did Haera mention everything in her report?”
“Clever girl. She did, indeed. I surmise from your reaction that this friend of yours is interested in the necklace?”
Resigned to her fate, Lyra held out her hand where Ruven appeared and jumped out of her palm, transforming from an image drawn on her skin to their physical manifestation. The gem glowed brighter in the elemental’s presence.
Kellam handed the necklace to Lyra, kneeled, and examined the fox with the flaming tail. He reached out to pet them, looked up at Lyra, and asked, “Is it safe?”
“If you mean no harm to me or them, it should be ok. They are a fire elemental, after all. They have full control over their flames.”
Ruvan moved in and brushed up against Kellam’s hand and pushed into it until the old Ranger started scratching the spot in the fur.
“Ruvan happy. Like elf.”
Finished placing the necklace over her head, Lyra said, “Congratulations. He likes you. That’s good news for you since he won't have to burn this all down. That would be a shame.” She tried to keep a straight face, but the shock in his eyes broke her and she laughed.
Come back to me, my friend.
“Yes, Momma.”
Ruvan leaped toward Lyra and dived into the gem, causing it to glow brightly before dimming. Lyra placed a hand over the gem and felt the heat, a comforting warmth, against her skin. She tucked it away under her shirt and looked at Kellem, who now stood with a satisfied smile.
“Now that is out of the way. Back to your assignment. The three of you will be without a healer regrettably, but I trust you can take care of yourself, right?”
“Yes, sir. I can do the basics. When my son was still alive, he always showed up with minor cuts from running around. Just enough can go a long way.”
A solum look came over Kellem. “I agree.”
Putting on his smile, he said, “It's getting late for both of us. Unless you have solved the mystery of time manipulation, our joyous conversation will have to end.”
Lyra took a step back and saluted. “Not yet, but I will keep you posted. Good night, sir.”
Kellam reached out toward the door and unlocked it. “Take care, Lyra. I expect great things from you.”
“So do I, sir. So do I.”
Lost in thought, Lyra made her way down to the first floor and out of the building. Breathing in the fresh air, she looked up at the night sky. Drained from all the excitement of the day, Lyra wanted to head back to the Ranger compound. With that in mind, she started walking. The streets were still lively with the late afternoon buzz of activity.
After passing by a rowdy group looking for a late meal at Rolim’s Rest, Lyra heard someone call her name from behind.
“Lyra, wait up! Are you heading back to the compound?”
Recognizing the voice, Lyra turned around and waved at Siranya. She recalled the elf had a strong dislike toward Nasir, and Lyra couldn’t blame the Ranger. He was awful to be around. She couldn’t tell if he had changed for the worse or if she had been blind to the fact. Either way, he was a dark mystery and a traitor to boot.
And she asked Haera to keep him within the Rangers, where he could betray them at any moment. What did that make her? The heat from the gem radiated against her skin, sending a sense of calm from Ruvan. Focused, Lyra said, “Yes, I just received my assignment from Kellam.”
“Really? Who do you get paired up with?”
Not seeing any reason to hide it, Lyra said, “Keya and Paeral.”
The cringe reaction from Siranya when she mentioned Paeral didn’t surprise her if the rumors she heard were to be believed. Compared to Nasir, though, she could handle Paeral's boisterous nature. “I will be fine. If he talks too much, I can always encase his head in water till he stops.”
Siranya erupted into uncontrollable laughter that tapered off when she noticed Lyra silently standing there. The Ranger caught her breath and asked, “Wait, you were serious?”
“Yes. If I were joking, I would have used ice. That’s harder to recover from.”
The upheaval of losing her family and the stress from all the constant changes, including the fact she was on borrowed time now, forced Lyra to change or be consumed by it all. Finding humor where she could was a welcome distraction.
Scratching her head, Siranya let out a breath relaxed, and said, “If you say so. Mind if I walk with you? I was with Shaerwyn at Rolim’s. We were having a meal with another Ranger group that just got back.”
“Fine with me. I don’t have many friends here, so a friendly face is welcomed.”
The two of them began chatting as they walked toward the exit. The elves they passed by were friendly even if they gave them a wide berth. The Rangers were an integral part of Timberwood’s survival against magical beasts, which meant that the average elf had no chance of defending themselves against the elite force.
Lyra glanced over at the line of carts where she met the grieving wife. The offering of flowers was left alone amidst the bustle of activity from the merchants still open for business. Noticing her gaze, Siranya said, “I always looked forward to seeing what he had to sell. His wife used to join him, but the increase in magical beasts made it too dangerous.”
She placed a tentative touch to Lyra’s shoulder grabbing her attention and said, “For what it's worth, I’m glad you survived. Us women got to show those men what a real warrior looks like.”
Patting Siranya’s hand, Lyra said, “So am I. These magical beasts aren’t going to kill themselves. Rangers like us got to handle the dirty work for them so the men can come back and claim all the glory.”
They reached the Rangers compound and entered the woman’s wing of the living quarters without any other distractions. Before parting ways, Siranya said, “We may not be in the same group, but I have your back, and I hope you’ll have mine.” Lyra found herself tapping into the emotional resonance coming from Siranya. Could her connection with Ruvan or the dagger be the cause?
She felt hesitation with an underlying desire for companionship battling against her outer defensive persona that demanded to be seen as strong and deserving of respect. Panic from the loss of control over her abilities surged forward until Ruvan’s aura wrapped her in a warm blanket and soothed her nerves.
“Ruvan protect momma.”
Thanks, Ruvan. I needed that.
Siranya stepped back, her whole body deflating, when Lyra realized she hadn’t replied. She reached out reflexively and said, “I didn’t mean to leave you hanging. You caught me off guard, is all. It would be an honor to have your back.”
Jumping forward to envelop Lyra in a hug, Siranya squeezed, giggling in excitement. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Never expecting to see another side of the otherwise stoic Ranger, Lyra didn’t know how to respond. Giving in and hugging the elf back, Lyra tried not to think about the last time she ever hugged Ryo. Calmed down, Siranya stepped back and waved before hurrying off toward her bed. A slight redness to her cheeks glowing in the soft candlelight.
Yawning, Lyra got ready for bed and fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.
“Momma, wake up.”
Stirred awake, Lyra blinked away the fogginess clouding her brain and focused on her surroundings. An elf holding a candle was looking around at the different Rangers still sleeping. When their eyes met the Ranger smiled and hurried over and said, “You must be Lyra. My name is Keya. Haera wants to talk with us.”
A small chuckle escaped Lyra's lips. Quick to cover her mouth, Lyra said, “Sorry, I find it funny that my last two missions started with a wake-up call. Not that I'm complaining, but how are you finding out before me?”
Not wasting time, Lyra got up and dressed while Keya said, “Haera expects all group leaders to meet in the morning before daylight breaks. That’s when we receive our orders. Since you’re still new, Haera wants to talk with all of us instead of leaving it to me to explain.”
Ready by the time she had finished explaining, Lyra joined Keya and the two of them met up with Haera who was chatting with Paeral or rather listening to Paeral go on about something. That all changed when he saw Lyra, waved enthusiastically, and started to run over. Haera’s grip on his neck halted all momentum.
“Don't you dare scare away the best recruit we have had since I joined.”
His shoulders drooped then popped back up, his chipper attitude back in place, all be it a more subdued version. Lyra followed Keya and stood next to Paeral in front of Haera.
Getting down to business immediately, Haera said, “For your first mission, I want the three of you to escort a merchant. Use this time to get to know each other. Keya has the contact information.” Stepping closer, Haera put a hand on Keya and Lyra’s shoulder, leaned in, and said, “You will remain the leader, Keya, but if Lyra proves herself, she may take over. Objections?”
Keya replied, “No,” at the same time Lyra said, “What?”
Teleporting back to her prior position, Haera grinned and said, “Good. You’re dismissed,” then vanished.
Paeral pounced bringing both his sister and Lyra in for a hug and said, “We are going to have so much fun together. Welcome to the Rangers, Lyra.”