Anicia

  ?

  “Forward, reverse, propagation, cycle…complete force expansion, medium, no, no, no, it’s substance. Rah, Fartum, and Ester. " Myr was sitting cross-legged, staring a bit wide-eyed at the odd magical device for over an hour, occasionally mumbling to herself. I didn't understand a lick of it, and if I didn't know that she was a magus, I would have assumed the blank stare and muttering were the result of some kind of madness.

  ?

  Fortunately, I knew she would eventually stop, reach a conclusion, and then demonstrate some spectacular magic. It was moments like this when she was at her most terrifying. Sure, her magic was frightening, but sometimes her eyes became what I could only describe as beyond human, as if she were seeing more than other people. It only happened when she was deeply focused on learning new magic.

  ?

  There were occasions where she would simply stare at a single page in her notebook for hours without movement or a whisper. Her coal-black eyes became even more terrifying, often scaring little Edine.

  ?

  “Something’s missing. What am I missing?” Myr rambled. Then she started humming under her breath, a single discordant note that hung in the air. I was content to soak myself in the bath, watching as her mind worked. Acceptance of my nakedness around others didn't come to me as easily as it did for Myr. But over time, for one reason or another, I'd grown proud of my looks. My body was shaping out quite well, and I was pleased that I would most likely grow bigger than Myr. Perhaps then she would look at me a bit more.

  ?

  The humming grew louder and lower. Myr tilted her head upward, placed a finger on her throat, and hummed as loudly as she could. Then stopped and activated the strange vibrating tool.

  ?

  “Sound? Yes, sound. Ahhh, metal is the medium. Sound is causing the metal to vibrate. So sound is a forward and reverse propagation cycle. But why does it need two sources of primal energy to fuel sound? And why is only one adjustable?”

  ?

  She started humming again; at times, I was quite glad she opted to do this kind of study in private. She looked quite mad. The notes changed from high to low, her volume sporadically shifting, grating on my ears.

  ?

  “Tone and loudness are the two sources; the dial only controls loudness. And the last piece …"

  ?

  I lifted my hand to brush away a lock of hair and sat upright, the occasional drip of water being the only sound in the room. Suddenly, Myr’s head twisted in my direction, the sudden act sending a chill down my spine. She stood and walked over to me. I didn't even have time to be surprised as she stared into the water. Myr kneeled, placed a hand on my shoulder, and said, "Don't move, Anicia; I’m so very close.”

  ?

  She reached a hand into the water, and my breath caught, my mind drifting to all manner of lurid actions before she pulled it back out. Myr stared at the surface of the water as drops fell from her finger.

  ?

  “It’s a wave,” Myr said. Then she turned to me and said, “Look, Anicia…how the wave bounces off the walls of the bath…Echoes. That is why we hear echoes; the waves bounce. That’s why we see lightning before we hear it when it’s far away. Sound moves quickly, incredibly quickly, but the waves aren't instant."

  ?

  Myr stood and started pacing. “I bet if I set up an explosion far enough away and at a known distance, I could determine the speed of sound by just counting the seconds it takes to reach my ears. Hells, is the speed of sound in all mediums the same or different? Loudness is probably the size of the waves, and tone must be how frequent the waves are. Sound has a known speed, so what happens if an object moves faster than sound?"

  ?

  Her pace slowed, and slowly, the intensity of her eyes decreased. Though her eyes never returned to what I would consider normal.

  ?

  “Figured it out?” I asked.

  ?

  “Indeed, the device propagates sound through the metal, causing the vibration… simple and elegant."

  ?

  “And how will you turn that into a weapon?”

  ?

  Myr smirked down at me. “Am I becoming predictable?”

  ?

  “I wouldn't say predictable, but you typically go two directions with magical development: Weapons or leisure.”

  ?

  Myr was a liar of incredible skill, and while I’d chosen to stop torturing myself over whether or not the words coming out of her mouth were true, I knew for certain that her love of magic was genuine. That was the true Myr, without a doubt. This gave me hope and a goal: one day, if not tomorrow or years from now, I would like those eyes to look upon me with the same reverence.

  ?

  “This might be both. I've thought of conceptualizing. …"

  ?

  A knock at the door interrupted her words, and a voice asked to be let in.

  ?

  Julia walked in, looking clean and wearing a new, bright blue dress. In her hand was a stack of parchment. “The designs, milady. Ser Cramer’s assistant dropped them off.”

  ?

  After a minute of looking through the stack of parchment, Myr scoffed and then handed the box with the magical tool to Julia. After she left, I asked, “Something wrong with the designs?”

  ?

  “No, just pretentiously ornate and a waste of time and energy, but that was the agreement. I’ll be busy creating the items for the rest of the day, most likely. Be a dear and see to recruitment, and see if we can find another carriage; hopefully, we can find one large enough to act as a transport."

  ?

  “How many of the bound people should we take compared to regular citizens?”

  ?

  “That’s up to you and your mother to decide. We start recruiting after they’ve ripened. I’ll speak to Cramer about it after I deliver the items."

  ?

  Grinning, I stood and got dressed, mirroring Myr’s black, form-fitting clothing. Then I reached under the bed and pulled out a large chest. Ignoring the dragon's scales and teeth, I fished out a metal box and opened it to reveal stacks of gold and silver coins. After counting out 5 royals and 40 eagles, I made a note of it in the ledger and prepared to leave.

  ?

  “What do you intend to do with all that coin?” Myr asked. I knew she didn't actually care how much I spent; it was one of the things I adored about her. “I'm planning on spending lavishly in the town and dropping hints that we’re looking to recruit people. Julia, Micheal, and the rest have been buying up whatever produce is in town.”

  ?

  “How do they get resources this far into the desert?” Myr wondered aloud.

  ?

  Fortunately, I knew the answer. “Trading caravans. I think most people figure they should sell as much as possible since we're buying everything in silver. Once the caravan comes, they’ll gain much more. It’s due to arrive in a few weeks. Some of the more industrious people in town have been coming to the house personally to sell. I’ve been making sure to invite them inside to enjoy the cool air.”

  ?

  Myr gave me a genuine smile. “Very good tactic. I’ll leave this matter to you.”

  ?

  With a courtesy that I was still practicing, I left the room with a perk in my step.

  ?

  ~

  ?

  “Ben, could you accompany me to the town?” I asked.

  ?

  I couldn't see much beyond his eyes, though slit in his visor. He stood outside in the heat guarding the manor. As a reward for his service, Myr gifted him a medallion that cooled the air around him. So, unlike the guards watching the peasants, he wasn't suffering.

  ?

  “What ‘bout…” Before he finished his sentence, Michael came walking out, dressed in thick leather, nodding to Ben, a crossbow in his hand.

  ?

  After returning the nod, Ben asked, “Where to?”

  “Not sure yet; let's just stroll for a while.”

  ?

  As we walked the dirt street, I gazed at the bound people for a moment, nodded at the guards, and kept moving.

  ?

  “How’s the armor?” I asked.

  ?

  “Good, lighter than I thought. But still...I’ll need to put on some muscle to wear it proper. Our Lady busy?”

  ?

  “Yes. Quite a bit of magic to get done. We, however, have other goals.”

  ?

  “What’s ‘at?”

  ?

  “Finding more people. Townspeople, maybe even some of those bound wretches.”

  ?

  “Ah, there's one thing you ain't consider.”

  ?

  I had to admit I didn't expect him to have any new thoughts. “That is?”

  ?

  “Cramer’s men. Got chattin’ with one earlier. I’m thinking he doesn't like workin’ for him.”

  ?

  “Is it the coin?”

  ?

  “Nah, coin’s good. Cramer, though… He doesn't really offer any good reasons to fight and die for ‘im. We get paid far more coin than we rightly deserve; people notice. And well…” Ben paused.

  ?

  “Go on; I’ll not be offended.”

  ?

  “You, Julia, and Myr are dressin’ are all nice all the time. Get ‘em thinkin’, maybe jumping ship would be better.”

  ?

  “Well, next time you go chatting with this person. Feel free to offer a position. You’ll need someone to teach you the sword and proper horseback riding; they all seem competent.”

  ?

  “What if they owe debts? Most don't own their weapons and armor.”

  ?

  “Not to worry; we have coin to spare.” I stopped staring at what appeared to be a smithy. Tapping my coin purse, I entered.

  ?

  ~

  ?

  A quarter-hour later, I walked out with a set of anvils, various tongs, hammers, chisels, and punches, all in a thick wooden box. It was enormously amusing to throw coins at people and watch as they bent themselves backward to please you.

  ?

  We visited tailors and cobblers and bought anything and everything using silver. Eventually, I had Ben lugging my purchases around with a wheelbarrow. Finally, I stopped and stared at something truly interesting. A man, rather old in cheap linens, sat at a covered stall. Usually, I wouldn't care about him, but what he sold surprised me. Glass, proper glass, most of it was green-tinted and shaped into cups and saucers.

  ?

  The man took one look at me and my fine clothing, then at Ben, who was struggling with the wheelbarrow full of items; he stood and bowed. "Milady, what can I do for ya?”

  ?

  “You make these yourself?” I asked.

  ?

  “Aye, all by my hands.”

  ?

  “What’s your name?”

  ?

  “Kass, Milady.”

  ?

  “You have family and friends in this town.”

  ?

  Kass was starting to look worried. “Aye, and a wife."

  ?

  “I’ll take everything and every bit of glass you have. Along with information.”

  ?

  The man paused, mouth hanging open. He took a deep breath, licked his lips, and said, “Fifteen eagles.”

  ?

  Glass was difficult to make, but what he had on offer wasn't the best I had seen. This collection wasn't worth more than four or five. I gave him the coin without delay.

  ?

  “As for the information, my lady is interested in glassmaking. You will provide your methods to her along with the intricacies of their construction that you have observed over the years."

  ?

  The old man paused, unsure of what to say. Reaching into my coin purse, I took out an entire gold royal and tossed it to him. It bounced off his cheap clothing and fell onto the table. Eventually, his mind caught up, and he grabbed for it. “There will be another once you have given her what she wants. She’ll want to see you work personally. Am I understood?

  ?

  Kass looked over to Ben, standing imposingly at my side. With a sigh of resignation, he said, "Understood. I’ll be ‘ere. I don't want any trouble.”

  ?

  Without another word, I turned and left.

  ?

  ~

  ?

  “A gold just for some pointers on glass makin’?” Ben asked, unsurprisingly confused.

  ?

  “I could have paid ten royals, and Myr wouldn't have thought twice about it. She considers knowledge to be priceless.”

  ?

  “So would books be a good gift?”

  ?

  A chill ran up my spine; my left hand twitched towards my crossbow for a fraction of a second before I caught myself and asked, “Why do you want to get her a gift?”

  ?

  “Just somethin’ to show my thanks. I sent back 30 eagles to the family and paid the courier extra to bring a reply to someone at an Inn Derk called Dunes Turn.”

  ?

  Upon hearing his reasoning, I calmed down quite a bit. “Are these couriers so trusted?”

  ?

  “Aye, the wastes are a shitehole, but curriers are known fer always deliverin’. That should be enough coin for ‘em to live well for a few years at least.”

  ?

  “In that case, I recommend something academic. It could be anything from medicine to woodworking. So long as she lacks the knowledge beforehand, she will appreciate it.”

  ?

  While I couldn't see his face, I could hear the happiness in his voice. “Thank you, Anicia.”

  ?

  I didn't respond; instead, I internally promised myself to watch Ben even closer.

  ?

  Corina

  ?

  I stared down at the bound people through the window of my personal room. I could never understand Myr’s intentions. Why she was indulging the guilt I held within my heart was lost on me. Every attempt to understand the woman I swore to serve was met with failure and greater confusion. At the very least, Anicia was happy. No, happy wasn’t the word exactly. Myr lit a fire within her, a fire she kept feeding, and while she glowed with confidence and vitality, I couldn't stop myself from worrying.

  ?

  But why did Myr want me to recruit from those condemned? And why between five and ten? She explained it was just a matter of not expanding too quickly, which made sense, but once again, I couldn't completely trust that there wasn't something beneath her reasoning. Regardless, I would do it. I wanted to do it; perhaps I was a hypocrite to not urge my daughter to follow a more righteous path while I indulged myself, but no amount of introspection would calm my mind.

  ?

  Shaking my head, I belted on the sword, straightened my leather armor, and walked out of my room.

  ?

  I was greeted with the scent of fresh bread, roasted meat, and butter still hanging in the air from dinner. Laughter drifted through the manor. Michael, Elias, and Morianne were in spirited conversation.

  ?

  I couldn't help but smile at that. For all Myr’s bad habits, she took care of them. Walking into the kitchen, I saw them sitting around a small wooden table, trays empty save for Michael, who was mopping up the grease with a piece of fresh bread.

  ?

  “Ah, my lady Corina, come join us,” Morianne said.

  ?

  “Where are Julia and Edine?” I asked as I took a seat.

  ?

  “Bathin’. Quite a wonder it is. Ain't nothing like a proper bath to wash the scent of horses away," Michael said cheerfully. The brown-haired man picked up an oddly smooth metal tankard and downed it in a single gulp.

  ?

  “You are content?” I asked them.

  ?

  Michael shrugged. “Aint nothin’ to complain ‘bout. Wife’s happy… child's happy. I’ll take it while it lasts. What’s our lady up to?”

  ?

  “Working on creating magical items for Cramer. You know she prefers to work in silence.” I said.

  ?

  "Shame; I quite like watchin’ her work, but I've got lots to do today,” Elias said. The old man's bare face was slightly flushed from the wine.

  ?

  "Don't show too much interest, dear," Morianne cautioned. “In fact, none of you should show too much interest.”

  ?

  “It ain't like we can learn by watchin’,” Michael said.

  ?

  “You’re right,” Morianne admitted. “However, she is a woman of power and ambition. Covetousness is the result of pursuing this path. Never let that fascination blossom into desire.” Then she turned to me and asked. “Am I correct, Corina?”

  ?

  “Yes.”

  ?

  While Elias seemed to sober up a bit, Michael didn't so much as react. “All’s I’m hearin’ is just that as long as I care for the ‘orses, manage the camp, and don't betray ‘er. I ain't never gotta worry ‘bout coin or someone tryn' somethin’ with my wife. Don't know if they'll want us for the long term, but by the end o’ this year I’ll ‘ave enough to live well till I die. Hell's, my girl’s dowry will be big enough for her to marry into a good family.” Then he looked at me pointedly. “So you tell our lady she ain't gotta worry ‘bout me.”

  ?

  It wasn't exactly a secret that everything they said I reported to Myr, but I still gave him a nod.

  ?

  “You seem confident; do you even understand the power a magus wields?" Morinne asked Micheal.

  ?

  “I saw the explosion. I ain't blind, deaf, dumb, or stupid, Morianne. Who cares as long as it's pointed at someone else? Ever heard your little girl cryin’ in the night from hunger with no way to fix it? ”

  ?

  Morianne paused, not saying anything. Michael continued, “Now, she’s wearing pretty dresses, sleeping warm and safe, and goes to bed with a full belly of good food every night. That is ‘cause of Myr. We have fresh, clean water to drink; we don't even have to boil it. Magic bath, magic stove, magic lights, and fresh meat every day. My tent’s more comfortable than my childhood home. So no, I don't need to understand nothin’. Go ahead, ask Corina, so long as I keep doin' what we doin’ and we don't louse this up by bein' stupid. We'll live like kings every day."

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  ?

  Every eye turned to me. “Yes, you are right, Micheal. But remember, all this luxury…the magic, the coin, the clothes, and the privilege of using her name have a price."

  ?

  “Loyalty,” Elias said.

  ?

  “And if that is betrayed? We can assume the worst," Morianne said.

  ?

  “If you can't give a single good reason for your actions. Myr wouldn't hesitate.”

  ?

  “What would be a good reason?” Micheal asked.

  ?

  Morianne answered, “If someone held your loved one hostage or something like that.”

  ?

  I continued, “If that’s the case, we'll do our best to get them to safety. But you must tell us. If we must feign ignorance and give you coin, information, or magical items to keep your family safe until we mount a rescue, then we will. But you must tell us not just for Myr’s sake. But for the safety of everyone else."

  ?

  “That is…fair of your lady,” Morianne said.

  ?

  “Our lady," Micheal corrected.

  ?

  Morianne didn't respond, and the room fell into silence. In that moment, I decided to find someone for Morianne to teach immediately. Her loyalty wasn't at a level where Myr would be comfortable; at the very least, she was open about it. Which was honorable in its own way.

  ?

  “Why are you so distrustful, Morianne?” I asked.

  ?

  The woman shook her head and held up a palm. "It's not proper distrust; it's…I've seen people like her before: generals, strong, bold, intelligent, ambitious…And deadly. It’s not something I want to live through again. But I can understand why you follow, and I’m not scarred enough to not admit that she is a far better prospect to a prosperous life than wasting away in some farm or village."

  ?

  "Perhaps you should speak to Myr; she enjoys hearing differing perspectives," I suggested.

  ?

  Morianne pursed her lips. "Perhaps it's time I truly speak to her. ”

  ?

  Two Days Later

  ?

  ?????

  ?

  Never have I hated anyone or anything more than the sun. The heat could not be escaped; my skin reddened, burned, and blistered. I cursed the world, the goddess, myself, and that fool I decided to bed. But not all was death and horror; when the walls literally blew apart under what had to be magic, the men who stormed in didn't tear my clothes off and take me as I had expected.

  ?

  Cramer, that bastard, I knew, was looking down at us from that beautiful manor. Even after two days of cooking, we received no water, and many of us had to relieve ourselves where we sat. As we reached well into the third day, I considered suicide. There was no hope for survival. At the very least, there was a chance I could end it all before I was sold to a brothel. My looks, which I’d been proud of, at least compared to most town girls, were now a curse I wished I could toss onto someone else.

  ?

  I was broken from my half-dried musings to see that woman; her hair was as black as a night, with skin so pale it almost looked like porcelain. I only saw her eyes once, black with seemingly no iris, just pools of colorless, dark ichor that drank in the light.

  ?

  She was the magus; I didn't even need to see her use magic to know. No one with a gaze that intense could have been normal. She wore all-black clothing, a form-fitting shirt, pants, heavily polished boots, and a black corset with red accents. Next to her was a girl with flaming red hair and green eyes, wearing similar clothing, though she couldn't copy the aura surrounding the magus. I’d seen her several times, strutting about with her quality clothing and fine jewels. How they weren't suffering in that clothing was beyond my comprehension. I could only say magic since there wasn't even sweat on their brows, even though you could fry an egg in iron just using the sun.

  ?

  Myr, the maiden of fire, they called her; apparently, she was famous. The rest, I was sure, were servants, though they all looked at us with that same pity, all while they, no doubt, ate and drank well.

  ?

  Next to the exit of the manor was a woman in leather armor. I would have bet my last bit that she was the red-headed girl's mother. She walked alone with a sword in an odd metal sheath at her waist, and a simple-looking crossbow hung over her shoulder. To my utter surprise, she was walking towards us. Most kept their heads down away from the sun, but I kept watching her. She stopped and spoke to a guard. He blanched for a moment, then allowed her to approach.

  ?

  “Do any of you have notable skills?” She asked. No one responded. I looked around at the men, women, and children. Some had disdain in their eyes; others didn't react, unsure of what other cruelty would befall them if they spoke.

  ?

  While no one responded, the woman didn't look surprised. Blood sacrifices, demon worship—there were many horrible rumors about magi. But I was no fool; no one could have such happy servants and be a monster. If she were asking about skills, then it could mean she was recruiting.

  ?

  Immediately, I worried about Cramer’s reaction, and then the question answered itself. If the magus wanted one of us, then what was he going to say? That was the answer. That meant this was an opportunity.

  ?

  "I'm a seamstress. Really good at it too; you won't find anyone with nimbler fingers," I shouted at her.

  ?

  “Any other skills?” She asked.

  ?

  I almost lied, but that magus...if I ever had to face her with those lies, I didn't think she would be merciful.

  ?

  “I-I can sing really well. I’ll do anything else." My voice grew even more desperate. “Anything really.” Somehow, from my sun-dried body, I managed to find some tears. “Anything.”

  ?

  Then I saw it again in her eyes: pity. Before, it turned my stomach; now it filled me with pure, distilled ecstatic hope. She turned her head to a guard and said. “We’ll take her for now.”

  ?

  Then the shouting began, others pleading and begging for their children, wives, and sons. The woman pulled out a glowing blade that was almost as bright as the sun. Even the guards stepped back, and then she spoke once more. “I said, we'll take her for now, which means we will also take others… At her recommendation. ”

  ?

  Forty-seven desperate pleading eyes stared back at me. Even my cousin, a young boy around my age, who hated me, looked at me in desperation. Six guards approached, undid my bindings, and dragged me away. Numbly, I walked towards the woman. I wore nothing other than a thin, half-rotted shift.

  ?

  “Follow.” She said, and so I did, unable to look back at my fellow prisoners. I didn't know what to say to her, so I trailed her like a dumb mule.

  ?

  Eventually, we reached the blue manor. My breath was nearly knocked from me as we passed through the threshold.

  ?

  “The air," I muttered. It was pleasantly chill. The more I looked, the more I began to see strange things. Odd glowing lanterns and curious-looking metal circles were mounted on three-legged stands; it wasn't until I walked past one that I realized it was blowing cold air. We walked past a kitchen where a few people were digging into a meal of roasted meat. The scent nearly drove me rabid. Then we were brought into a room. In the center was a large bath; to the right was a table with soaps and oils and what looked to be a glass pitcher filled with water and a glass cup. On the wall hung another strange, brightly glowing lantern. And to the right was a tall mirror. “I’ll have clothing brought to you. " She reached for a small table and brought me a metal box with a circular dial. "Turning it left makes the water get hotter; turning right is cold.”

  ?

  I nodded numbly.

  ?

  “These contain water,” She said and pointed at an odd metal container. ”I recommend you wash yourself first with those until you're clean, then soak with the oils. You’ll need to be presentable."

  ?

  “Julia will bring you clothing before you're finished."

  ?

  “Yes. Thank you. I don't know your name.”

  ?

  "I'm not the one you need to thank, and my name is Corina. For now, your door will be guarded. Once you're finished with your bath, knock, and a meal will be brought. My Lady will have questions for you when she returns; you will be confined here until then. There is a chamberpot if you have to satisfy nature. Do you need anything else?"

  ?

  “No, this is…everything.”

  ?

  “This is an opportunity for you; don't waste it.”

  ?

  She left before I could respond. I stood alone in the room for long moments before I walked to the mirror. My once long brown locks were matted and dirty; my skin was blistered; my lips were cracked and near bleeding. I couldn't look for more than a handful of seconds. I turned to the picture of water and drank my fill, not even using the cup.

  ?

  Knowing I had to clean myself before Myr returned, I got to work using the cloth and buckets provided to wash away the filth that clung to me. It was to my shock that the containers of water refilled themselves. The rush of air was loud, but at the very least, it didn't last long. After most of the filth was gone, I walked towards the bath, dial in hand. I placed a hand inside, and as the woman said, the water heated and cooled in response to the dial. I toyed with it until it was where I wanted it, poured some oil, and sank in.

  ?

  A moan of pleasure escaped my throat as I completely submerged myself. The coldness of water numbed the burns; relief rushed through me, and then, like a flood, I cried—no, I bawled. The sudden shift in fortune was too much, and a release was necessary. The sobs wracked my body, lasting long minutes until they finally subsided, and I stared at the ceiling. The bath surprisingly kept the same coolness, and I had to turn the dial again since I started to shiver.

  ?

  "This is you chance, you cant miss it,” I muttered.

  ?

  A woman delivered clothing to me, though she refused any form of communication. The dress was a fine blue linen; food was delivered not long after, by a young blond girl in a bright-pink dress.

  ?

  The door opened as I finished wiping away the grease from my face. The meal of roasted lamb, potatoes, and fresh bread was the best I had eaten in my short life.

  ?

  Corina stepped in, and I immediately stood up to brush the fold out of my dress. “My Lady is waiting.”

  ?

  “The Magus,” I whispered.

  ?

  Corinna nodded and turned on her heel. I didn't need her to tell me to follow.

  ?

  We ended up in the rear of the manor, which was largely empty save for a large metal ring and, if I missed my guess, piles of gold, iron, silver, and glass of all things. The magus, Myr, in her ink-black clothing, took a single deep breath.

  ?

  To my left was a rush of howling air. I turned to see what looked like some kind of furnace, but its surface was near-perfectly smooth; I had to wonder what kind of man or woman would force someone to polish the surface to that extent.

  ?

  Corina raised a hand and said, “Wait, she prefers silence as she works."

  ?

  Suddenly, the gold coins, silver jewelry, iron, and glass began to glow rapidly as they were melted. The steel formed a box almost as tall as the woman herself. She thought the forward-facing side was missing. On the surface, the silver formed intricate patterns. Occasionally, the magus would pause, look down at a piece of parchment, and continue to work. A door was formed of steel; its handle was silver with gold inlay, and then glass orbs formed and seated themselves inside the box. Odd-looking silver dials with gold inlay were formed on the right side of the box.

  ?

  My mind was incapable of keeping up with what I was seeing. It was magic, real, actual magic. The bath and the air coolers were impressive, but only now did I understand how they were created. It was her.

  ?

  She released a sigh as whatever the large box became was complete. After flipping a small lever on one side, inside the box lit up brightly. After a few more experiments, turning the other two dials, she nodded in satisfaction.

  ?

  “What do you think, Corina?” The Magus asked.

  ?

  “It is beautiful, perfect for a man like Cramer.”

  ?

  The magus didn't even spare me a glance. “It certainly opened my eyes. I've paid too much attention to the practical use and ignored the material cost in adding finery. 300 royals was certainly too low. But he paid in full, and the future is open to much more profit.”

  ?

  I blinked as she casually talked about receiving such a massive fortune from Cramer.

  ?

  “I assume you’ve completed the agreement,” Corina asked.

  ?

  “Indeed, that’s the last one; you can have Cramer’s men bring it to him with the Instructions.”

  Myr finally looked at me with a strange, almost supernatural intensity. Immediately, I felt justified in my decision not to lie to her.

  ?

  “Meave, yes?”

  ?

  I tried my best to curtsy. “Yes, Milady.”

  ?

  “I hear you desire to work for me. My right hand, Lady Corina, says you’re rather skilled with needlework. Is this true? How do you compare to a proper seamstress?”

  ?

  “I’m not a royal seamstress or anything, but my fingers are quick and steady. Fixin’ or makin’ ain't difficult.”

  ?

  “Is that so?” Myr asked. “Then what of my clothing? Can you repair or create something of similar quality?”

  ?

  Myr wore an ink-black silk shirt, a tight bodice, and high-quality wool pants tucked into polished black leather boots. Her ears, neck, wrists, and fingers were all adorned with gold and silver jewels. Pinned to her corset was a large silver brooch in the shape of a bird, with a beautiful emerald in the center.

  ?

  “At best I can make repairs, but I can't make anthin’ like that.”

  ?

  “Is that so? Can you read?”

  ?

  I opened my mouth and then closed it. “I can get by.”

  ?

  “Can you fight?”

  ?

  Lowering my eyes to the ground, I shook my head in shame.

  ?

  “I can sing,” I whispered.

  ?

  “Speak clearly.”

  ?

  “I can sing,” I repeated with some confidence.

  ?

  “Very well, sing for me.”

  ?

  Looking up at Myr, I found no mockery in her eyes; it seemed to be a genuine request.

  ?

  With some hesitation, I sang a simple drinking song, my voice clear and the harmony easy. Myr didn't react in any way.

  ?

  “Acceptable voice, but I have no use for a bard. Your martial skills are nonexistent, and your practical skills are underwhelming.”

  ?

  “Please, my Lady,” I interrupted, “Sure there's something I can do, anything.”

  ?

  Myr slowly shook her head, her eyes already dismissing me.

  ?

  “Can I make a suggestion?" Corina said. Myr looked to her; I was rather grateful her eyes no longer focused on me. “Morianne will only be with us for a year. We’ll need another healer; perhaps she can train her.”

  ?

  A fire of hope blossomed within me. Before Myr’s words dashed it all together. “Those skills take time to learn.”

  ?

  “I can learn,” I said quickly.

  ?

  Myr turned to me, her eyes so intense I feared I might soil myself. “Are you so sure you can?”

  ?

  I took a deep breath, stood straighter, and said it with as much confidence as I could muster. “I can if you allow me to learn.”

  ?

  “Very well, I will hold you to that. You may rest for the day, and tomorrow you will begin learning. We will leave this town in three weeks if you haven't shown significant progress before then. Well, you would be of no use to me.” With some relief, she turned her gaze back to Corina. “Speak to her; learn about her family, her history, and why she was arrested with the rest. A single lie, falsehood, or omission, and she returns to cook in the sun.”

  ?

  She left without another word, and I breathed a sigh of relief. “So, that is a magus… Amazing."

  ?

  “No, that is Myr. This is an opportunity for you, a chance to become more than what you were. If you fail or prove to be inadequate, you will be abandoned without hesitation or, at best, relegated to menial labor. However, if you succeed, she might look upon you as more than just a desperate servant. But before all that, we must speak; you will tell me everything about yourself. The good and the bad: leave nothing out. Your past crimes are irrelevant so long as we know all.”

  ?

  After a short pause, I began to speak. “I was born here, in this town. My mother's dead, my father is a drunk, my brother works the mine, and I have a few more kin I don't speak to."

  ?

  “Why were you arrested?”

  ?

  “As soon as some of the men took over the town, I hopped into the bed of one of the rebels. Lived quite well until Cramer came knocking…”

  ?

  Lord Enthir Heywood

  ?

  “Another one? Is this why you wanted to see me so urgently? ” I asked. Markus was sitting across from me, staring at me with a serious expression. We were in my office in the imperial castle, second only in grandeur to the emperor's own quarters. Books lined shelves that stretched all through the room to the top of the near 20 foot high ceiling. Before Markus could respond, in walked Empress Chass in her full regalia, a blue dress so voluminous that one wonders how she could walk.

  ?

  “Why was I summoned? You know how the court is this time of year. ” She complained.

  ?

  “We can hold off choosing a consort for your son for some time; however, this cannot wait,” Markus said.

  ?

  Our beautiful empress, with her scarlet hair tied in complex braids. She sneered and reached behind her. The dress fell away, bundling at her feet, leaving her standing in simple silk underclothing and a corset.

  ?

  With the burden of her station gone, she sat next to Markus.

  ?

  “I received another report: a northwoman spotted in the south,” Markus announced.

  ?

  Empress Chass shrugged impatiently. “What of it? We've seen dozens of reports like this. I thought you were investigating why so many Andregi are going further south."

  ?

  “That matter has long since been determined; however, this report has me concerned. It was from Farway. A northwoman was spotted entering the home of Myr’s mother.”

  ?

  I shook my head and stated. “Perhaps someone learned of her origins and passed the information to a northwoman.”

  ?

  Markus shook his head slowly, and from out of a pocket he pulled out a parchment. “Northwoman entered the home; after a lengthy conversation, she exited, then entered the forest. The mother had tears in her eyes; the subject returned and left, leaving the mother collapsed on the ground, pleading.”

  ?

  “If this is Myr, she avoided her lover and the people she considered family just to speak with her mother. Surely she would have known we would be watching just in case. ” Empress Chass argued.

  ?

  “This was her home, the source of what drove her. We know she doesn't know the root cause of her mother’s neglect, nor does she know the name of her father. Perhaps sentiment clouded her mind.”

  ?

  “I don't believe it,” I grumbled out. “She couldn't have survived the forest.”

  ?

  “Why are you so certain she couldn't survive?” Markus asked.

  ?

  “Centuries… Centuries we tried conquering the forest, taking armies, and some of the most powerful magi equipped with our most potent magical weapons and tools. Even a few were created by the Crimson Maiden herself. Every attempt failed, and almost every magi was killed by the beasts that haunted that forest. Myr was shot through the abdomen, whether from the wound corrupting, the beasts feasting on her bones, or the dryad herself. Myr had no chance of survival. Place me in my best armor and weapons, and I couldn't guarantee I could live past a week. We monitored the forest for months, even sending a few fools in to follow Myr’s trail of blood. Most of the scouts died not six hours in. However, the survivors confirmed Myr kept going deeper.”

  ?

  Markus and Chass remained silent, contemplating the paradoxical situation. After nearly a minute, Empress Chass asked. “What did you mean by almost?”

  ?

  “Mhhh?” I mumbled, caught off guard by Chass’s question.

  ?

  “You said almost everyone died. Suggesting at least one survived.”

  ?

  I blinked repeatedly, a chill crawling up my spine. “No, no, no. It’s impossible.”

  ?

  “What’s impossible?” Markus demanded.

  ?

  “It’s not even worth considering. She’s too young, untrained, and inexperienced," I said.

  ?

  Empress Chass flew to her feet in anger and yelled, “Yet all evidence points to her being alive. I already know of the animus; what more secrets need to be hidden?"

  ?

  "She has a point, Lord Heywood. I cannot imagine how she could survive, but I am not a magus, and the intricacies of the animus are beyond me." I was mildly surprised that Markus agreed with her.

  ?

  Knowing Markus had the resources to find the answer regardless, I spoke truthfully, “Magical beasts also have an animus; they can sense this in other creatures. They can't easily sense this in humans…unless.”

  ?

  “Unless what, Heywood?” Empress Chass practically screamed, getting angrier by the moment.

  ?

  “Unless she managed to push her animus to the point where it cannot be deactivated. In this state, she is more magical beast than human.” Even as I said the words, I refused to believe them.

  ?

  “Then why are you so convinced that she couldn't have?” Markus asked.

  ?

  “Thirty-seven, twelve, and four.”

  ?

  They both waited for me to clarify. “Thirty-seven magi in the entire history of the magisterium have pushed their animus to that point. Twelve died of aneurysms within days; four lost their sanity entirely and had to be put down. The rest, however, became some of the greatest magi in the history of the empire. While that could explain why the beasts didn't tear her apart, that doesn't explain how she survived the wound. Myr is as lucky as she is ruthless, but surely there has to be some limit. Could that bolt really not have hit something important? Could she really remove the bolt with minimal damage and avoid infection? Madness…Utter madness."

  ?

  “Dammit, Heywood, I told you we should have sent an army to kill her.” Empress Chass complained to me, planting both hands on my desk.

  ?

  I scoffed at her ignorance. “And have the magisterium go to war over another scroll? No, little empress, I'd rather deal with a dozen Myrs than even one rogue scroll. Even if she survived, it’s still a better conclusion. One word in the wrong ear about that scroll and…I can't even begin to imagine the conflict. How many died in the black tar eruption?”

  ?

  “300,000 in the initial blast, close to a million over the decades," Markus said.

  ?

  “This is the result of a scroll?" Empress Chass asked.

  ?

  “It’s the result of a scroll in the hands of a competent magus. And little empress, the explosion was an accident.”

  ?

  Chass sat back down, seemingly chastised.

  ?

  “Lord Kewell, by your best guess, can you predict Myr’s actions?” I asked.

  ?

  “I half expected her to burn her village to the ground. I suppose seeing most of her family dead killed whatever satisfaction could be found in the slaughter. Her only option is southeast to the wastes, most definitely, since we have next to no influence there. There’s also the matter of her two companions. Mother and daughter, if we are to assume the similar hair color and appropriate ages aren't a coincidence.”

  ?

  “Why is that a concern?” Chass asked. ”She’s recruited people before.”

  ?

  “Perhaps,” Markus admitted, throwing me a knowing look. “But it’s something we should look out for. She doesn't do anything on goodwill or sentiment; there is always something greater to gain.”

  ?

  I interjected, "We're talking in pure hypotheticals; we need information. Three things primarily: has Myr reached that point where her animus is permanent? Is she recruiting people, and what for, and finally, is she spreading magical knowledge?"

  ?

  “The last two we can determine, but the first? I don't see how we could," Markus said.

  ?

  I spoke quickly, dispelling his confusion. “Her magic and tools. The items she creates will become increasingly complex; her rune work, more refined, reaching and perhaps surpassing a properly trained imperial magus…”

  ?

  For the first time since I’ve dealt with Myr's situation, I felt fear, not for the scroll or her intention but for the power of her animus. My mind drifted; a thought entered unbidden. If the magisterium ordered me to kill her regardless of the cost or political fallout. Could I do it?

  ?

  “Just say it, Heywood. No point in holding us in suspension," Markus said.

  ?

  “Soon enough, she’ll realize what she can do with shape transformation, and when she does, she may be more than I can handle in single combat.”

  ?

  “I don't see how she could," Markus said. “We still have access to some of the most powerful enchanted items in the empire. How would myr compare to that?”

  ?

  "Indeed, you are correct," Heywood admitted. “However, this grants her the one thing a magus lacks…rapid adaptivity.” I shook my head and continued, "Regardless, we need to decide what to do next. We need to find out where she’s been for almost three years. Could she have been hiding in the forest, or was she squatting with someone in the empire?”

  ?

  Markus stood and said, "Agreed. I’ll set my people on it. In the meantime, I suggest we let information about her spread organically and prepare a response, and finally, there’s one thing we haven't asked ourselves. The one thing we have been avoiding as a possibility.”

  ?

  I nodded, knowing his direction. In truth, it clawed at my mind at times. Now, with news of Myr’s probable survival, the thought felt crushing.

  ?

  “What is this thing?”

  ?

  I looked at this poor excuse for an empress, slightly impressed she could be so ignorant. “We never found Myr’s notebook. The same one you saw her read during your travels. What if she happened to have written down what was inside the scroll?"

  ?

  Markus turned his attention to me. “How much does the possibility of her deciphering the scroll increase based on her animus?”

  ?

  Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and admitted, “Before it was practically impossible; now, it’s only highly improbable. I still don't think she could decipher it in a short period of time. But someone so young pushing her animus to that point...give her a decade or two, and there's a very good chance. Myr, wherever she is, is currently the most dangerous woman, no...the most dangerous person, in the empire.”

  ?

  “So much power and potential,” I muttered. “All in the hands of a child.”

  ?

  “We have even more problems. If I were her, I'd be trying to ingratiate myself to the desert kings, offering magical items and brokering deals. No doubt she intends to exploit our concocted tale of the dragon slaying. What happens when she gets her hands on more orichalcum and enchants her own armor?”

  ?

  “Perhaps Heywood should head south immediately, find her, and kill her. Regardless of the consequence," Empress Chass suggested.

  ?

  "Don't be naive; when this spreads, the archmagi will be in an uproar. Do you intend to face them without me?" I asked. “And by the time I get there, she should be well situated in a capital already brokering deals with nobles and the like. Remember her territory; no doubt she will prepare something worse. Most people don't realize that our alliance with Helios is tenuous; it could spark a war. What if they decide to broker an alliance with Myr? What if we come down so hard on her that she is forced to do the one thing we think she’ll never do? Teaching magic. All she has to do is stand in a town square and shout from the heavens. Write a book and commission it to be spread. Just like that, pursuing Myr becomes infinitely harder and possibly meaningless. I’d rather deal with a house fire instead of a forest fire. It’s like we were in an unspoken agreement with her.”

  ?

  Markus sat back down and agreed, “I agree. If our next attempt doesn't end in her immediate death. She will be forced to take extreme options. ”

  ?

  “What about something subtle? Poison? A blade in the night?" Chass suggested returning to her seat.

  ?

  Markus answered, “It’s the same problem. None of it is guaranteed to work.”

  ?

  “Then what do we do? There is a ruthless monster out there in the world, seemingly on the path of becoming the Crimson Maiden reborn, and you two seem to be paralyzed by fear.”

  ?

  Markus leaned back into the chair, staring at the vaulted ceiling. “Not fear…caution. For now, we learn as much as possible and wait for the right moment to strike. No more plans within plans.”

  ?

  “Perhaps you’re right, Lord Heywood. Maybe Myr really is blessed by the goddess," Markus said. “They speak of her in the temples, you know. It's a mixed bag of condemnation and praise; the clergy can't make up their minds.”

  ?

  We sat in silence for a long moment until both of my guests left, leaving me with my own thoughts. I stood, brushed an errant lock of grey hair away from my eyes, and walked over to the large mahogany closet. Inside was my armor, crafted by my own hands. I remembered the fear in her eyes the first moment Myr saw me. I had a sneaking suspicion that the next time we met, she would not run.

  ?

  Closing the closet I left, I decided that if I was to face her again, I needed the best armor the magisterium could offer. Even though I still had many years left in my life, I was afraid that my remaining years would not be measured in decades.

  ?

  Myr

  ?

  I sat at a small oak table, staring down at a parchment; a new arcane circle was drawn on it. After binding, I smiled as a faintly glowing orb of light appeared at the center of the circle. It was barely brighter than a candle and used dozens of times more primal energy to fuel it. But I finally understood what light was, at least partially. I stumbled upon the answer to my question through an exhaustive search, which took an entire day. Months of work would be needed before using light would be practical.

  ?

  Smiling, I broke the binding, burned the strip of parchment, and muttered with a grin, “How interesting, light is a wave.”

  ?