by Alex Linwood
The crowd tittered uncertainly. The Splintering? Portia gasped, recognizing the term from the book from the library. The elf in black crossed his arms and glared at the crowd. He opened his mouth to explain further but was interrupted by half a dozen city guards bursting into the circle and surrounding the elves. One guard grabbed the Elven woman who had created the display, and she squeaked in surprise as he yanked her forward by the arm and shoved her towards the five elves in the center of the circle. The display itself abruptly vanished.
The captain of the city guard, a tall lanky man dressed in the gold and purple uniform of Coverack, approached the elf in black and gave a small bow. “I’m sorry, sir, but I must ask you to stop this preaching.”
The elf in black drew himself up in indignation, puffing his chest out and flashing his dark eyes at the captain.
The captain nodded slightly, acknowledging the elf’s ire and changing his tactic. He spoke more deferentially. “May we request you accompany us to the palace? This appears to be a matter for the queen. I believe you would agree. Let us not further bother these gentlefolk.” The captain gave the elf a meaningful look, clearly wishing him to agree and graciously remove himself and his companions from the display area.
Understanding came to the elf, and he nodded slowly. “The queen, yes, that is the appropriate audience.”
The captain bowed again and motioned towards the palace. The elf in black walked out of the circle, his head held high. The crowd murmured in disappointment as the city guards and elves left the area, walking out of the circle of onlookers and towards the royal castle.
Portia watched them leave, frustrated that she would not be able to learn more about their magic. She was curious about what a Splintering was and what preparations needed to be made.
“Well, that was interesting,” Ella said dryly. “Do you suppose we’ll ever find out what that was about?”
Richard looked after them thoughtfully. “I’m not sure I want to know. It didn’t sound good.”
Liam elbowed Richard. “Why jump to such bad conclusions? It could be something exciting.” Richard did not bother giving Liam an answer, and Liam took the hint and left him alone.
“Oh, I would so love to learn that magic,” Portia said. This drew surprised looks from the entire group. Portia looked back questioningly. “What did I say?”
“Humans can’t do elf magic, silly,” Ella said, rubbing her belly. “Let’s go back. I feel supper calling.” Mia laughed at Ella’s obsession with food.
“But wouldn’t that be great to have elf magic?” Liam said, a look of envy in his eyes. “They can see magic nodes. Try laying a surprise for them… That’s not gonna happen. It would be a handy tool to have for sure.”
Portia agreed. But the part about humans not being able to do Elven magic bothered her. “Is there a rule against using elf magic?” she asked as they started back to the campus.
Mia quietly spoke up next to her. “No rule. Humans just are not… able. They simply can’t do it.”
Portia frowned at that news.
Chapter 3
Portia was exhausted that night. Between rising early to find someone to look at the purple book and going to the festival, it had been a long day. She was grateful when supper was over and she could retreat to her room and get ready for bed. She didn’t normally retire so early, but it seemed like a good idea.
But it was not to be. A knock on her open door alerted her to a Royal Guard standing outside. She jumped at the unexpected presence. Hilda or someone else in charge at the Academy must know about this, or else the guard never would have been able to pass through the portal to the Pyromancy house. Still, it unsettled her. She would have felt better if he had been escorted by someone she knew.
She tried to hide her discomfort. “Can I help you?”
“I’m sorry to disturb you, Miss,” he said, giving her a small bow. “I know it’s late, but there is an urgent matter, and Queen Lorica requires your presence immediately. I’m to escort you to the castle. Professor Griffiths has given me this note for you.” He held out a small folded piece of paper with a heavy wax seal on it.
Portia took the letter, her neck and fingers tingling from magic as she touched it. The thick seal, imprinted with the symbol of fire, was beautiful but decorative. The real barrier against tampering was the magic that keyed this letter to her and her alone. At least that was how it normally worked. No one else but the addressee should be able to open it and read its contents. If others tried, the letter would be blank, or in the case of extremely sensitive correspondence, would burn itself to ash immediately. Few possessed the magic needed to protect written correspondence beyond those few practitioners at the Academy, so the letter’s presence along with the guard having passed through the portal reassured her that this was not a ruse.
She sucked in her breath and slid a few fingers under the flap of the envelope, pulling the letter open. Indeed it was from Professor Hilda Griffiths, saying only that she was to accompany the guard immediately to the castle. Portia threw the letter on her bed and nodded at the guard. She grabbed her outer coat and the bag she always kept with her and walked to the door.
The guard had a carriage and a team of four horses waiting at the edge of the Academy grounds. It was short work to reach the castle.
As always, Portia was struck by the beauty of the Royal House. The shimmering purple stone was difficult to see at night, especially against the backdrop of the sea, but during the day it reminded her of an exotic flower. She had only been there a few times, which she acknowledged was more than most would ever experience, and she was still in awe that her life had changed so much. Two years ago, she never would’ve imagined herself in the presence of the queen and king consort, much less required for a discussion.
When they passed through the long hall of portraits of prior kings and queens, she was gratified to see Professor Hilda and Professor Aelric waiting for her outside the throne room. She hoped they would let her know what was going on. She was nervous enough as it was in front of the queen.
Hilda walked towards her, a warm smile on her face. She grabbed Portia’s hands within her own. It was as if she could read Portia’s thoughts. “Don’t worry, we’re here too. She’s discussing something with her advisors. They’ll call us in a minute.”
The admonishment to not worry had the opposite effect—now Portia was worried. Why would Hilda think to mention it otherwise?
Portia’s ruminations were interrupted by Professor Aelric approaching her. “That book was very interesting. Once I started working on it, I found it difficult to concentrate on much else. So, lucky you, I finished it early. Frankly, as a professor of history, I am somewhat appalled at myself for not having known of its existence, as well as the failure of the library staff to bring it to my attention. Are you sure it was just lying on the shelf?”
“I think so. I wasn’t the one who found it.”
“Interesting. In any event, I have finished translating it. You may pick up the translation in the morning. We will have time to discuss it further,” Aelric said with a small sniff. He wandered away to look at the portraits while they waited to be called.
Portia turned her attention back to Hilda. “Do you know what this is all about? It’s so late for an audience.”
Hilda’s face mirrored her own confusion. “I don’t dare venture a guess. But I know you worry, so I want to reassure you.” Hilda gave a small laugh. Portia couldn’t help giggling a little herself. It felt good to be known so well. But that meant Hilda’s reassurance couldn’t mean much if she didn’t know the reason for the summons either.
The door to the throne room opened abruptly. Hilda and Portia straightened up, drawing their faces into serious looks, while Aelric turned from the paintings and quickly walked back to the throne room door. A guard stepped out and nodded at the three. “The queen will see you now.”
He stepped back and motioned for them to enter. The room was much emptier than the last time Portia had been there.
The crowds of nobles were not there. Only a few advisors, King Consort Aldis, a scribe in the corner and, of course, Queen Lorica. Guards stood at every door and two on either side of the dais.
Portia, Aelric, and Hilda approached the throne. Portia had been practicing her curtsy but still felt awkward. Hilda’s motions were much smoother, and Aelric managed to maintain his dignity while bowing.
The queen motioned at the guard standing in front of a door to the side of the throne room. He opened the door, and much to Portia’s surprise the elves she had seen earlier at the festival entered the throne room. The elf in black bowed to the queen.
Queen Lorica nodded, and an advisor stepped forward to address Portia and her professors.
“A matter of much urgency has come to the attention of the Kingdom. These elves,” the advisor said, motioning to the small group who had entered from the side door, “are from Rocabarra.”
Portia knew Rocabarra from her history class. It was the Elven kingdom to the northwest of Haulstatt. It was quite far away. She wondered at their journeying to Coverack.
Queen Lorica interrupted, impatient at the languid words of the advisor. “This envoy comes bearing news that might warrant the attention of our Jack.” She motioned for the elf group to step forward and speak.
To Portia’s surprise, the elf in black stepped back and bowed, while a female elf, dressed in flowing robes of various shades of blue, stepped forward. She curtsied to the queen, as well as to Portia and the professors. “My name is Lady Harper of the Meadows. I’m the leader of this convoy. We have been sent here by King Magnus of Rocabarra to bring serious news that needs the attention of both our countries. The Splintering is at hand. The fate of the world is in the balance of our actions. We must act now.”
The Splintering. The same thing they had talked about at the festival, Portia thought. She looked to the queen and then at Hilda and Aelric. Their faces betrayed no shock. There was no clue from them as to the seriousness of what the elf was saying.
Lady Harper waited for a response. When none was forthcoming, she hesitated then spoke again. “Your Majesty, perhaps I can share our understanding of the Splintering? Would that be useful?”
Queen Lorica nodded. “It would. Please proceed.”
“The Splintering is our name for the event that has happened every several thousand years in the history of our world. The first mention in our books brings the elves to this world, but we have been told this was not the first event. The dwarves have recorded previous events but are reluctant, or unwilling, to share further details with us. The second Splintering in our written history brought humans to this world, pushing the elves and dwarves further afield.” Lady Harper looked uncomfortable then pushed on. “Just as the Elves pushed the Dwarves out before that time.”
Portia’s mouth fell open into a small circle. So this was the human origin story that Professor Aelric had been teaching. But it sounded so different coming from another. The displacement of others was not something of note in their class, at least in the way he had taught it. What else was not thought of as worthy of the academy’s teaching? Did the elves have information as to where the humans, or even the elves, had come from? Surely they were not just created from thin air to appear in this world.
“What do splinters look like?” Portia asked, forgetting herself.
Hilda’s surprised look and Aelric’s scowl reminded her that she should be following court manners and waiting to be asked a question. The queen didn’t look upset, though, instead turning to the elf and awaiting the answer to Portia’s question. The king consort was also interested, leaning forward in his seat.
Lady Harper hesitated for a moment, then answered. “We do not know. There are no sketches or other indications in our records. It is written of as being a chaotic time, and we feel lucky to have the information that we do have. We do know if the current splintering is not healed quickly that others, beings unknown to ourselves might come into this world and cause havoc.”
“It is good then that you warned us,” Queen Lorica said. “How may we assist in this matter that must affect us both?”
“We need access,” Lady Harper said. She gave the queen a deferential nod.
“Access?”
“To the sea, Your Majesty.” Her expression was grave. “Humans are the only race whose lands border the sea. Our records indicate the Splintering has only occurred over water. If others come through, then humans will be the first to bear the brunt of any untoward events. We have also sent an envoy to the dwarves, imploring that they share any information they have in this dire time.”
“And when do you expect a response?” Queen Lorica asked.
“We hope for a response by summer. We have had poor luck in obtaining information from the dwarves in the past. It may be that they ignore our envoy and we are on our own.” Lady Harper looked down, then up again at the queen, considering her next words. “I will be forthcoming with you. We are offering our help in a selfish desire for an alliance. We fear that if the splinter is not stopped in time whoever—or whatever—joins our world through it will overwhelm us all. We need access for our mages to prevent it, and if not, for our warriors to fight any possible invaders.”
The throne room was silent at this pronouncement.
Queen Lorica nodded. “Your honesty does your kingdom justice.” She looked at the elf, her eyes hooded slightly, and her lips pursed. “However, letting an army onto our lands for such a vague pronouncement does not seem wise.”
Lady Harper cleared her throat. “That is understandable, Your Majesty, but I assure you that only Elven magic can heal the splinters.”
No one spoke for a moment. The scratching of a quill on parchment resonated through the room as the scribe recorded the meeting.
“How convenient that only elves can do this magic. Why cannot humans?” the queen asked, an edge to her voice. “And how did the dwarves manage before the coming of elves?”
The elf’s face turned red at this last statement. “We do not know how the dwarves managed in their time. As we have mentioned,” Lady Harper said with a grimace, “the dwarves have not been forthcoming. We have not found them reliable in a crisis. We should do much better with an alliance between elves and humans.”
“And the question of humans and this magic?” the queen asked a second time, her eyes narrowing.
“I cannot explain why, but in all our experiences we have found no human that could perform our magic. There is no analogous human magic.”—
“I see,” said the queen, in a noncommittal tone. “I shall have to consider this.”
Lady Harper’s face hardened at these words. A delay was not welcome.
“In the meantime, I have reason to believe that one of our own may be able to perform this critical magic.” Queen Lorica smoothed her gown, then rested her gaze on Lady Harper. “You will test her—and teach her if she is able.”
Lady Harper stilled. She considered the queen carefully. “We need to heal the splinter, and with haste. The longer it is open, the wider it becomes, and the more vulnerable this world is to any who might want to explore it or make it their own. It is imperative we are granted access—”
Queen Lorica held up her hand, stopping any further words from Lady Harper. “Yes, you have told me as such, and I have told you, you will test our Jack. We will take no further action until that is completed.” The queen pointed to Portia, who shrank under the angry stare of the watching elf. “And as you told me earlier, the splinter is not yet open, correct? Then we have time. I will not allow others alone to defend our kingdom. We have a champion, and we will use her.” She motioned her advisor to step forward.
He addressed Lady Harper. “We will provide you with whatever you need to test our Jack.”
Several emotions crossed Lady Harper’s face—indignation, frustration, and impatience—before she finally settled her visage into a calm smile. “I see. I must remind you that we have little time.”
“As we are aware
,” the advisor said with a knowing smile. “Please let us know how we may speed things along.”
Lady Harper grudgingly nodded acknowledgment. She turned to Portia. “You are the champion? A Jack?”
Aelric stepped forward at this, answering for Portia. “A Jack of Magic can do magic from all branches. They are not limited by one branch of magic, or even one single type of magic, as is the case for nearly all humans. Portia is one of three known Jacks in the history of our entire kingdom, the first herself creating the magic that allowed for Jack. It is written in our history books that these Jacks only occur when they are desperately needed by our kingdom.”
Queen Lorica interrupted. “This is why we are not surprised by the news you bring us this day. We have been expecting something ever since Portia’s existence was discovered.” Aelric nodded acknowledgment and stepped back.
Lady Harper took this in, considering it. She turned to Portia and raised an eyebrow. “Is your name also Jack, or is that merely your title?”
Portia shook her head shyly. “My name is Portia. I don’t think ‘Jack’ is an official title.”
“Portia, then. It is apparently our task to see if you can learn this magic. It is an arduous type of magic, and you would have to come to our land to learn to heal a splinter since none of our convoy members are versed in it. But before you make the journey, you must pass the basic tests to see if you can even do any elf magic at all. These basic tests are our current task,” Lady Harper said, her tone indicating she thought it would be a waste of time, but she had no choice. The queen had left her with none.
A lump formed in Portia’s throat. What if the Academy was wrong about her being a Jack? What would happen to her? She already felt unsure in her position, and the events of last winter and Deyelna’s death at her hands weighed heavily on her conscience. Now another test loomed in her future. Another opportunity for them to find her lacking. Sweat broke out along her back and neck, but she spoke of none of this, instead merely nodding at Lady Harper. She had no choice. She had to prove herself yet once again.