Although it scared her to admit it, she’d have to put her trust in others eventually, and Tomias seemed like a good place to start. With his help, she could strengthen her powers and learn to block her mind. If she could do that, perhaps she’d be able to rest easy at night and not always be worrying about the safety of the thoughts inside her head. If she could accomplish that, there’d be no telling what might follow. Perhaps one day she might even be ready to share her thoughts willingly, the ultimate gift to those who’d earned her trust.
She studied his face, skin outlined in cold, blue light from the glow of the nearby fire. There was a gentleness to Tomias, a warmth that even the icy light couldn’t steal from him. She made her decision. Clasping his hand, she allowed him to pull her to her feet.
“I promise.”
CHAPTER 12
The weeks that followed brought a renewed sense of purpose for Kirheen. Training was no longer something to fear, but a tool she could use to protect herself, a way to protect her mind. They’d learned so much in such a short amount of time. The power that had been lurking within them their entire lives was finally starting to make sense, the picture becoming a little clearer day by day.
Over the weeks, they’d both started to find their niche. Garild worked on subtlety, gently shifting the landscape of his opponent’s mind to turn the game in his favor. He often worked with Tomias, learning various ways to manipulate and change thoughts, to shift reality just enough that he could trick and coerce even the cleverest of opponents. It was a gift he was quickly honing, and Kirheen dreaded the times she had to face him.
Kirheen worked on improving her blocking, and there was none better to learn from than Fenir. He was a silent attacker, slipping quietly up to her barriers and attacking with forceful blows that were astonishing in their ferocity. She was having to learn to adapt to a variety of situations. His attacks were never straight forward, and she quickly learned how to strengthen her whole mind, not just the parts she anticipated being attacked. It forced her to manage her energy reserves, never exerting too much effort in one place and always keeping some tucked away for when he’d try to break through in earnest.
Once they’d gotten a good grasp of their powers as individuals, they started working as a team. Some days it was Garild she was teamed with, and they’d work together to try and take down their instructors. Other times she was paired with Tomias, an altogether different experience. He didn’t need her to help block his mind, and as such, she was allowed more freedom to focus on attacking.
It was rigorous work, and the hours of training left them feeling weak and exhausted. Garild withered under the training, his usual optimism fading. And he wasn’t alone. The mood in the Temple of Gathering was somber, stories of training passed between the Bonded quietly, if at all. In the mornings they’d arrive, bleary eyed and exhausted, and when they’d meet for their evening meals, it wasn’t uncommon to find some of her kin opting out of eating in exchange for a few moments of rest.
Fall passed by in a blur, training drawing too much of their attention to notice the season slipping by. Towering wraith woods trees lost their leaves, jagged limbs twisting across the sky. The ground glowed with the remnants of fall, picked up by chilled winds that sent the leaves dancing through the air, blue sparks that faded into the dark. Days became shorter, the night stealing the light more and more each day. They soon added another layer to their robes, donning heavier boots and gloves to ward off the chill as they worked by candlelight. Trista often joined them at the end of the day, bringing with her spices that, when added to a warm mug, came alive with wonderful smells that lifted the spirit and warmed their aching bones.
It was on such an evening that the wraith wood trees fell dark. One would expect such an event to happen loudly, like a great beast heaving a final sigh before drifting off into a winter slumber. But there was no noise to warn of the coming dark. It happened swiftly, sweeping across the land like a breeze, tree by tree losing its glow until darkness was the only thing that remained. It would take only a blink of the eyes to miss it, to be left wondering why the forest seemed to have lost its magic.
A rare few could feel it.
As they sat around the hearth, blue flames of the fire twisting and dancing over crackling logs, Tomias lifted his head. The conversation around him dulled, Kirheen’s laughter becoming a soft bell drifting towards the back of his mind. A feeling of dread filled his heart, his innards twisting into knots as the feeling intensified. His hands trembled, and he watched helplessly as his mug tumbled out of his grip, shattering on the floor.
The sound made everyone jump, four pairs of eyes turning to look at him. A stunned silence settled over them like a blanket. He stared at the broken pieces of his mug, glittering in the light of flames that were no longer an icy blue. They shifted and changed, a deadly tornado of red and yellow. Trista filled his vision, her hands warm on his face from the mug she’d been holding.
“Is it the trees?” she asked, gaze filled with concern.
He reached up and grabbed her hands, pulling them away from his face. He held on to them tightly and she did not pull away. “Yes.”
“They’ve gone dark,” Kirheen said, staring out the window. The glow of the wraith wood was gone, the shadows of the house made darker and deeper from its absence. It felt like things lurked in the shadows, waiting for them to let their guard down.
“Come. Let’s get you to bed,” Trista urged, shifting her weight so she could pull him to his feet. He felt weak, like his tether to the world had been severed. Fenir grabbed his other arm, taking the burden of his weight off Trista, and helped get him into the bedroom. They shuffled in the dark and found a bed to set him down on. He sank into the blankets gratefully and listened to the soft patter of their retreating footsteps as they left him in the dark.
Kirheen knelt on the floor next to Garild, helping pick up pieces of Tomias’ broken mug. She’d never paid much attention to the trees going dark. It was something that happened every year before the chill of winter fully settled over Sanctuary. It was a simple changing of the landscape and, while a little unsettling, never captured her interest.
It was different this time. She felt like the world had been smeared with a fine layer of grime. It wasn’t enough to prevent her from seeing the things around her, but it had distorted her view just enough that it bothered her. She wondered about her powers, if it was wasn’t the newfound connection with her gift that made her feel that way.
When Trista and Fenir returned, she asked about Tomias. He’d looked so pale, hands shaking and eyes distant, lost in some other place. “Is Tomias going to be okay? What happened to him?”
Trista nodded. “He’ll be fine. He just needs to rest. We’re not entirely sure what happens to him when the trees go dark, but this happens every year.”
“And you don’t feel it, Fenir?”
He shook his head. Though he usually showed little emotion, she could see the signs of worry on his face. His brows were scrunched, lips drooping into a frown, eyes drifting to the room where Tomias slept. The two of them were connected in a way she’d never fully understand. For someone like Fenir who was twin born, he couldn’t help but be hyper aware of his brother, especially when something was wrong.
“Do the trees actually have anything to do with our powers?” Garild asked, glancing out the window to the darkened forest beyond.
“Perhaps, though no one really knows for sure,” Trista explained. “It’s long been thought that your powers are stronger here in this grove, that we are strengthened by the trees. When they go dark, many claim to feel a slight dampening of their powers, but not to the extent that Tomias feels it.”
“It does feel different,” Kirheen said. “Guess I never noticed it before.”
“Well, you’re more aware of your powers now. It would make sense that you feel a change now and didn’t before.” She glanced towards their bedroom. “We really should let Tomias rest. Would you mind going over to see Grant? I
’m sure he’d let you join his group for the evening.”
“Of course,” Kirheen said. “When should we come back?”
“I’ll come get you when he’s feeling better.”
Kirheen glanced to Garild and he nodded. They stepped outside, eyes adjusting to the shadowy landscape surrounding them. The lack of glow from the trees was eerie, and her skin crawled as she looked out into the forest. They hurried across the clearing, heading for another house just across the way, casting nervous glances back and forth as they ran.
They both sighed in audible relief when they were safely on the porch. Kirheen knocked on the door and glanced over her shoulder, hoping someone would answer sooner rather than later. The door creaked open and Grant, instructor to Burk and Abby, peered out at them. He was tall and broad shouldered, his hair dark and skin fair. A gruesome scar ran across his right cheek, cutting a line through his lip and disappearing into his beard. It gave him a look of a man constantly scowling. No one knew where he’d gotten the scar, and nobody dared to ask. “Moon whelps, is that you?”
Kirheen could only guess he was referring to their symbol. “Yes, it’s us. Trista sent us over.”
Grant looked beyond, surveying the shadows. “The trees, isn’t it? All right, get in here.” He took a step back, letting them duck under his arm. Burk and Abby were already turned in their chairs, straining to see who was at the door. They both grinned when Kirheen and Garild stepped into view.
“Come join us,” Burk called, raising a mug above his head. Abby waved them over and pointed out where to sit. All the homes for the Bonded were set up the same way, the only thing separating them being the symbol carved onto the front door.
“What brings you two here so late?” Abby questioned.
Kirheen wasn’t sure what to say, or if it was even okay to say anything at all. Garild hesitated to speak, giving her an uneasy glance. They both sighed with relief when Grant spoke. “Shut it, girl. It doesn’t matter. They are here now, so treat them well.” He brought them each a mug. The contents were darker and less spiced than the mixture Trista was prone to making, but it warmed them all the same. He settled into the only remaining chair and regarded them with bright blue eyes. “How goes your training?”
Kirheen shrugged. “It’s been about as tiring for us as it has been for everyone else, but we’re making progress.”
Grant took a slow sip of his drink. “What are you specializing in?”
“Blocking, mostly.”
“Ah, suiting,” Grant said, the unscarred corner of his lip twitching. “Figured you’d pick up on that, especially after what Herzin did.”
Before, Kirheen might have found his words offensive, but she’d been asked about her fight with Herzin so often that she’d grown numb to it, had learned to block out the feelings it brought to the surface. She looked to Grant and merely smiled, keeping her lips sealed.
“And you, boy? Are you the pusher?”
Garild shook his head. “Not quite. I’m a manipulator.”
“Allseer be damned,” Grant exclaimed. “I didn’t expect that out of you. You’ve always been too quiet and polite. Didn’t take you for the manipulative type.”
“What about you two?” Garild questioned, nodding to Burk and Abby.
“I think mine is pretty obvious,” Burk said, raising his arm and flexing it.
Abby rolled her eyes. “He’s obviously a pusher, and an idiot. He’s built like a bear, so what else could he be?” Before Burk could cut in, she continued talking. “I’m a blend of a pusher and a blocker.”
“Is that pretty common?” Kirheen asked, raising a brow.
Grant nodded. “It is. Not everyone has a predominant strength. Some people mesh their talents and use them in more unique ways than those that only focus on one. Blending techniques allows a person to be less predictable.”
“Anyone can learn them, right? Or are we stuck with what we’re good at?” Garild asked.
“You can learn as much as you’re willing. Unfortunately, most take the easy road and stick with what they know. They’d rather limit themselves to what they are naturally good at rather than facing the humiliation of failing at something they aren’t.” His eyes shot to Burk, whose smile wilted off his face faster than a flower in the heat of summer.
“I’ll learn something else eventually,” Burk mumbled, suddenly very interested in the contents of his mug.
“You best have something learned by winters end.”
Abby frowned. “If it ever does. It’s barely started and I’m already tired of it. I can’t stand the cold.”
Grant laughed, a gruff bark that sounded more condescending than amused. “You’ll be too busy this winter with training to worry about how cold your toes are, and too tired in the evenings to care.”
With a sigh, Abby tipped back her mug and downed the rest of the contents. “A girl can dream.”
“Is there a reason we’re training so hard?” Kirheen asked.
“Because it’s too damned cold to do anything else, and these winter months will drag on like a bad cold if you don’t stay busy,” Grant explained. “It’s far too easy to lose your focus once that chill settles into your bones.”
“You’re a cheery person, Grant,” Kirheen replied. He met her gaze and she grinned. Crossing his arms, he leaned back, grunting as he settled deeper into his seat.
“It’s funny,” Burk mused, eyes focused on the fire blazing in the hearth. “It’s so easy to forget that there is a purpose to these powers. I mean, we’re learning it now, but at the end of it all, we’ll be using these powers to protect people, to push back against the Darkness.”
Everyone nodded in agreement, his words lulling them into a moment of contemplative silence. It was a thought that was always there in the back of her mind. It was a strange feeling to have such a responsibility looming over them. Beyond training, there was much more at stake, a world gone dark. It was easier to pretend Sanctuary was all there was, that it was all there would ever be, but beyond the walls was a blackened, twisted world that they’d one day have to reclaim.
“Never forget the purpose of your powers,” Grant said, breaking the silence. “Keep focusing on the reality of your powers, what it’ll be used for. You’re not just learning for your own sake, but for the sake of everyone around you. You fail, and Sanctuary will one day fall.”
“There are others out there right now fighting the Darkness?” Garild asked.
“Yes. You weren’t the first to be bonded, and you won’t be the last. Those that came before you fight as we speak, and they are working tirelessly to keep you all safe. And those that aren’t fighting are working to keep you fed and clothed, so you better appreciate the simple comforts you have. We’d have fallen long ago if it weren’t for all of them.”
Kirheen opened her mouth, a question on her lips, but a knock at the door stilled her tongue. Trista poked her head inside, taking a quick glance around the room. “Sorry to interrupt, but I thought I might steal Kirheen and Garild back.”
Grant nodded, leaning forward to take the mugs out of their hands. Kirheen thanked him for the drinks and rose from her seat.
“We probably won’t see much of you this winter,” Abby said, voice tinged with sadness. “Take care of yourselves and keep training hard. We look forward to seeing what you’ve learned once spring arrives.”
“We will,” Garild said with a smile. “You two do the same.”
“You have the benefit of two instructors, so we expect you to know twice as much as we do by then,” Burk teased. “Perhaps one of these days they’ll let us test out our powers on each other.”
Kirheen smirked. “You challenging us, Burk? You really think you could win?”
“Save it for later,” Grant muttered. “It’s late. Kirheen, Garild, it was a pleasure. Remember your purpose and train as much as you can. The time to push back against the dark will come faster than you think.”
His words sent a chill up her spine. She gave a curt nod
before following Garild and Trista outside. The air was crisp, and each breath formed a tiny cloud in front of her face. “How is Tomias?” she asked, rubbing her hands up and down her arms as they crossed the clearing.
“He’s doing better,” Trista replied. “By tomorrow, he’ll feel like himself again.”
“Ah, back to the lectures then.”
Trista laughed. “Sounds about right.”
With Tomias recovered, training would continue. The talk they’d had with the others had inspired her, but she also felt a terrible sense of dread. Their powers weren’t just for show, and she wasn’t just learning as a means to protect her mind. Someday, she’d have to face the Darkness beyond the walls, to undo the corruption that had taken so much of the world out of their grasp. The fate of the world pressed heavy on her shoulders, a burden that felt impossible to bear, and even harder to ignore. There was no going back, no turning away from their responsibility. Either they’d grow stronger or die when it mattered most.
CHAPTER 13
Winter crept across Sanctuary, devouring the light as it went. Day light became a brief companion, there for a moment and gone the next. Chill winds blew through the trees, bringing with it the first snows of the season, blanketing the land in white. Light robes were traded for fur lined winter wear, and cold bodies stayed close to the warm glow of fires now burning in a myriad of oranges, yellows, and reds. Throughout Sanctuary, the wraith woods trees remained dark, slumbering while they waited patiently to awaken at the first sign of spring.
Training began in the early morning hours and stretched on into the inky darkness of the evening. Meals were once again confined to their homes, the Bonded seeing less and less of each other as the season dragged on. With little to do outside of training, they gave every spare moment to improving their skills. They’d moved beyond the basics of controlling their powers, learning new and interesting ways to manipulate the skills they already possessed.
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