by Phoebe Brown
Kirk looked frustrated.
“And what of the men who attacked us?” He asked, “They knew where we were and who we were. It must have been planned.”
The king didn’t respond. Instead, he sat back in his chair and studied them both. Something about his eyes told her that he knew much more than he would ever say.
“Son,” he began, “you mean more to me than this entire world. I will do everything to protect you if that is the answer you seek.”
“I want to know who these men were and why they were after us!” Kirk insisted.
Gaia looked over at him and noticed his clenched fists. He was beginning to lose his composure.
“One of the many lessons you will have to learn as the future leader of the kingdom,” Keiron continued ignoring his demands, “is that there are some things you will never be able to reveal. Even to the ones you love.”
His eyes flashed thoughtfully to Gaia and then back at his son.
“I will find out what happened there yesterday.” Keiron continued, “I will send an inquiry to find someone who knows something. For now, you should focus on your lessons.”
Kirk didn’t seem pleased with his father’s lack of interest.
“Kirk,” Gaia whispered knowing that there would be no further conversations on the topic.
He turned and looked at her and she saw the restrained anger in his eyes. She knew then that this was why he had carried her here. He wanted her to be here to stop him from falling apart. She thought it strange that she could read him so well in one moment and then be blind to him the next.
“We should go.” She said.
She turned and took another look at the two men sitting before her. The older man still struck her as oddly familiar, but the king’s eyes pleaded with her to help his son. She couldn’t understand why he thought she could help. She had experienced the same thing he had, and she was just as shaken. Together they walked out of the room but as they stepped into the hallway, she saw Solomon walking towards them. His gait was slow and purposeful as if he had timed their exit and was waiting for them.
“You two look as if you’ve taken a beating.” He said with a feigned look of concern
As he drew nearer Gaia straightened. She didn’t want to seem weak in front of this man.
“Kun Solomon,” Kirk said respectfully.
The older man seemed genuinely happy to see his grandson. For all the evil he seemed to be capable of, she hadn’t expected him to be capable of warmth towards his grandson.
“I heard you had a bit of trouble in your first mission.” He said resting his hand on Kirk’s shoulder
Deep down Gaia wanted to vanish, to become invisible so that the old man wouldn't see her.
“Cheer up, the kingdom will grow to see you as a mighty leader. They’ll love the story of how their prince managed to come in last at his very own trial.”
Kirk nodded.
“Thank you.”
“And was she a part of your team?” Solomon asked.
“Yes, she was.” Kirk replied, “She’s the best there is.”
“Ah, is she? Gaia.” Solomon said reverently, “So nice of you to be there for my grandson.”
“It was my pleasure,” she replied bowing respectfully.
He smiled and nodded.
“You two be off now. Classes begin in the morning and you’ll need to be rested.” He said ushering them off.
They both nodded and moved out of the hallway towards the alcove where the rest of the team would be waiting. Kirk kept his head straight and said nothing until they were almost there.
“Thank you.” He said in a low whisper turning to face her, “You saved my life and now you have my undying loyalty.”
The annoyance and anger she had seen before were gone and now she couldn’t read him.
“Thank you,” she replied, not exactly sure what to say.
He turned again and started walking towards the alcove. The others were already gathered there waiting patiently.
“What did the king say?” Tafari asked as they walked in.
Gaia stood back and allowed Kirk to do the talking. He was surprisingly composed here among the others. She realised he never allowed many to see that side of him. It was a wise decision considering he would become king someday; it wouldn’t do him any good to break down before everyone.
“He says they’ll send an inquisition,” Kirk replied in a calm measured tone.
“It’s strange.” Helen said, “Did you tell him they knew who we were?”
Kirk simply nodded. They were gathered around the small table in the alcove. It was perfectly hidden from sight which was why Kirk had chosen it. As an added precaution, he had somehow secured it from prying eyes and ears.
“We need to make a plan,” Kirk said looking around at all of them sitting at the table. When his gaze landed on Gaia, he stopped and smiled.
“Something is amiss, and I want to know what it is.”
“It has to be someone in the palace,” Khar said, “there are hundreds of people here.”
As she said this the table went silent and they looked around. Gaia’s eyes lowered and her memory flashed to the night in the library with Solomon.
“Classes begin officially tomorrow; we will have to keep our eyes out for anything strange,” Tafari said.
They all nodded in agreement. Gaia suddenly had the urge to leave. She felt an overwhelming premonition that they all needed to leave, and it was suffocating.
“What’s wrong?” Tafari’s hand rested on her shoulder for an instant before he flinched and backed away
“You’re burning up,” he said looking at her with wide eyes.
She hadn’t realised that her temperature had gone up but as they looked at her in shock, she knew something was wrong. Suddenly, she was hot and uncomfortable.
“What?” she asked.
“Your eyes,” Khar said stepping towards her, “it’s impossible!”
The small girl walked over to her and rested a hand on her forehead. The touch was like a cool flood of water rushing over her. Closing her eyes, she let Khar soothe the heat within her.
“What was that?” she asked looking down at the small girl who was regarding her with concern and interest.
“What’s wrong?” Kirk asked.
“She’s exhibiting the symptoms of a young Dorylus.” Khar said, “The black eyes and feverish temperature are the first signs of the powers.”
“That’s impossible.” Helen said, “She’s a Cenobyte.”
They were all quiet for a moment as they stared at her. Gaia felt the intensity of their gazes, but she was just as clueless as they were. Kirk looked at her gravely and she knew he was thinking about what had happened in the clearing. Could she really be Dorylus? Still, it made no sense, what she had done wasn’t something the Dorylus could do.
“I was an orphan.” She replied, “I don’t know where my real parents are from.”
“They're not Dorylus.” Kirk replied, “It has to be something else.”
Khar shook her head.
“This is the sign of the Dorylus.” She said looking up at Gaia, “This is fascinating.”
“What happens next?” Gaia asked suddenly worried she would be exposed and forced to leave the palace.
“Next you gain your powers.” Khar said, “A young child is dangerous until they’re trained to control their powers.”
Gaia looked at Khar who was smiling up at her.
“You can't tell anyone.” Kirk said from behind them, “We can't be sure what’s happening here but if she was a Dorylus, she wouldn’t be allowed to stay if it’s found out.”
Everyone nodded and she felt relieved. She had been worried they would be eager to say something to someone, but it seemed they were intent on protecting her.
“Khar, you have to watch her to see if these powers emerge. If they do, then you should teach her to control them.”
Khar nodded excitedly as if she had been waiting her ent
ire life for this very moment.
“I will.” She said, “I’ll take care of her.”
As Gaia looked up at the others standing before her she finally understood what it meant to be a part of a family. These strangers were the only hope she had of staying alive in the palace.
Chapter 14
The next morning, Gaia sat by the window in her room and read as the sun rose. She clutched the book Khar had given her to her chest and greedily read as much as she could. The previous day had been surprisingly strange, but the most surprising part was finding out she was exhibiting behaviours of the Dorylus.
The book she read told the story of their civilization and their powers. Like the other kingdoms, the Dorylus had been a people blessed with powers from the Gods. As Gaia read, she was surprised to find out just how powerful they were. She now knew that Khar had been using her powers in the group that night they first met.
A knock sounded on her door and she quickly hid the book expecting Lolita to burst in with the instructions for the day. When the door didn’t swing open Gaia walked over to it and opened it. The moment she did that, she stepped back. Standing before her in the doorway was the man she had seen sitting beside the king the day before. He looked down at her with interest.
“Be silent.” He said softly holding up his hand and motioning for her to let him in.
It wasn’t proper for her to be alone with a man in her room and so she stood her ground.
“Let me in,” he commanded without raising his voice
There was a look of urgency on his face but he didn’t look sinister. Deciding that she was the one with the advantage if anything went wrong, she stepped aside and allowed him to step into her room. As he came in, it seemed as if the room became smaller. She hadn’t realised just how large he was earlier but now that he stood to his full height, she saw that he was tall, even taller than the king. He looked older now that he stood in the light of day and she wondered just how long he had been alive.
She closed the door and walked over to the window to put some distance between them.
“Why are you here?” she asked.
“I could ask you the same question.” He replied looking around the room.
His eyes landed on a chair and she watched as he strode over to it and sat. His body slumped down. As he sat there, she took the time to really look at him. Something about him felt familiar and comforting.
“I was chosen by the king.” She replied.
He waved his hand before his face as if he was waving her answer away. The gesture reminded her of Master Morrell.
“I know about the politics of it all.” He said in a deep voice that sounded as if it rumbled through him, “I want to know if you know why you’re here.”
Gaia looked into his piercing gold eyes and became transfixed. It felt as if he had reached into her mind and was searching for her darkest secrets. She looked away quickly releasing herself from his probing gaze.
“Ah, the Dorylus comes first.” He said with a wry smile
She hadn’t realized she was holding her breath, but his words caused her to gasp and she turned to look at him again. To her surprise, he was no longer there. She spun around half expecting to see him behind her, but he was nowhere to be seen.
“Just the Dorylus,” she heard him say again.
She spun towards the sound of his voice and saw him sitting on the chair once again.
“What, where, what,” she stuttered unsure of what to ask.
“I have a story to tell you.” He said without acknowledging her confusion. “Do you want to hear it little bird.”
Gaia swallowed and nodded. Even if she wanted to say something, she was afraid her voice wouldn’t work.
“Good, take a seat.”
Her body moved automatically to the window ledge. She could hear birds chirping in the distance as the palace awoke but her eyes were focused on this man and only him.
“As a boy, I knew there was a purpose I was to serve.” He began cryptically, “I had no knowledge of the world yet, but my parents saw that I was a gifted Mistral. They enrolled me in the Guild and pretty soon, I was chosen by High Lord Solomon to attend the Leviathan. I came and excelled at my trials. I soon became the king’s advisor for the Mistrals.”
Gaia felt her throat go dry as she listened to his story.
“One day I got a visit from a woman,” he continued, “deep blue eyes, cascading black hair and wearing a dress the colour of fresh snow. She was here as clearly as you see me, Gaia. She touched my head and told me that she was anointing me as Kieron’s seer. She said I was to prepare the way for the Kahli.”
His eyes bored into her.
“She gifted me to see the future that day Gaia, and since then I’ve been awaiting the arrival of the Kahli.”
“What’s is a Kahli?” she asked completely drawn into the story.
She had studied all the Gods and she had never heard of Kahli.
“The Kahli is the final creation of the Gods.” He said, “Their most fearsome instrument.”
“Why are you telling me all this?” she asked, “Do you think I’m that person?”
He chuckled.
“I’m not here to tell that to you.” He said, “I’m here to tell you that you must be careful.”
His eyes were on her again.
“You must always be on your guard.”
A knock came at the door and she looked towards it with horror. Movement caught her eyes and she realised that he was gone. Just as he had vanished earlier. She rushed over to the chair to see if he was still there, but it was empty. Moments later, the door swung open and Lolita bustled in wearing a bright smile.
“Oh good, you’re already awake.” She said cheerfully, “I have a surprise for you.”
Gaia watched as two other young girls came into the room holding dresses. She was surprised at the amount.
“What are those?” she asked.
“Well, you can't wear the same dress every day.” Lolita chided. “And if you’re on the prince’s team you need to look your best at all times.”
Lolita flashed her a grin and she blushed. Thoughts of Kirk crossed her mind. He was such an interesting prince. One minute he was composed and intense and the next he was carefree and kind.
“Come and look at them!” Lolita insisted.
Gaia walked over to the bed and looked down at the dresses as they were being laid out. There were about fifteen of them and she doubted that anyone she knew owned so many dresses.
“They’re beautiful.” She said running her hand over a light lavender dress with gold trimmings.
They were all more feminine than she was used to.
“We have dresses you can also do combat in.” Lolita said with a pleased look motioning to one of the dresses, “It’s fitted with britches beneath it so you can ditch the skirt and wear the top and britches.”
Gaia raised her brow.
“I thought you were a fighter.” Lolita teased.
“These are beautiful.” She said, “Thank you.”
Lolita beamed at her praises. She bathed after the dresses had been packed away and Lolita helped her to braid her hair into a crown. They chose the lavender dress for the day and as Lolita fastened the buttons behind her, she suddenly felt a little like she belonged here.
“You’re going to turn some heads today.” Lolita teased turning Gaia so that they stood facing each other, “Just make sure they all know you can defeat them with your smallest finger.”
Gaia chuckled nervously. She left the room soon after. In the hallway, she could see other girls leaving their rooms and walking towards the classrooms. As they walked by, she caught a glimpse of Khar and Helen lingering near the window close to her room. They turned and saw her and rushed over.
“We thought you’d never come out.” Helen said with a look of relief, “How are you?”
Khar reached up and touched her face and Helen wore a look of grave concern.
“I’m fine.” G
aia replied shrinking from their attention.
“Are you sure?” Khar asked.
“Why, should I be worried?” she asked.
Khar shrugged.
“I have no idea. Usually when the Dorylus transition, they’re bedridden for days.”
“Well I’m not bedridden, am I?” she teased, “I’m fine. We can talk about it later. We have to go to class.”
They both sobered up.
“You’re right.” Khar said, “Well come on, we can't be late.”
Together they walked to the dome-like room where classes were to be held. The students were seated according to their teams and so they walked over to the only seats left. Both Tafari and Kirk looked up when they approached, and their eyes shot to her.
“I’m fine.” She said before they could say anything.
Tafari held up his hand in mock surrender and Kirk gave her a knowing smile. As they sat, she saw Solomon walking into the room. He observed all the students closely before his eyes came to rest on her. As she looked on him, she had the sudden thought that he had been seeking her out. She closed her eyes and wished at that moment that she was invisible.
“Today, we discuss the history of our world.” Solomon began.
The entire class hushed as he spoke his first words
His voice was loud and commanding and she imagined him as the king of the realm.
“I’m sure you know the story of how our world began.” He continued, “The gods came together and decided that they wanted to make us. They each decided to bestow us with powers and so they gave unto each nation a power that separated them from all others. Through the years, we have lived together in harmony.”
Gaia had heard this story many times in her childhood from the Templars, but she always loved hearing it.
“You before me, are the children of the gods and someday, you will rule over the people as instruments of their authority.”
The way he said those last few words sounded almost bitter. Gaia wondered if that was what she had heard or if she was somehow mistaken. The class was silent as they waited for him to say more.