by Jenn Nixon
“This is why I’m going to such lengths. This island may be our only refuge. The protections are almost in place, but we need a sentry. You’re our strongest soldier left.”
“I’m not your soldier.” He clenched his jaw.
“The choice is yours, Zorin.”
“Do it. But I’m not taking orders from anyone, not anymore. I’ll protect the casters and the island, nothing more.”
“Very well,” she said. “Once I empower you, you’ll be as tough as stone and as fast and agile as a bat. Caster power will keep you strong and protected. In return, you’ll guard the island from the siphons and humans.”
“And when the war is won?”
“I’ll take the power back,” Mergan said with a sly smile on her mouth. “You will be invincible, Zorin, I doubt you will give it up so easily.”
“You don’t know me, Mergan,” Zorin snapped.
“Oh but I do, caster, your mind is an open book. I’m giving you a gift and if you unlock your true potential, you may never want to be normal again.”
Zorin covered his face fighting back the sharp, quick breaths besieging his tightening chest. Memories filled his mind with the horrific deeds done while in this form.
Did he even deserve to be human?
Needing to clear his head and no longer requiring sleep with the casters near, Zorin climbed to the top of the lighthouse and dove off the widow’s walk. He hadn’t patrolled the island in a few days and wanted to check on the human community.
More than that, he needed to find a distraction, one that would pull his mind away from the darkness lingering in his mind.
Something sweet wafted through the air and drew her from the old man nightmare that decided to return to haunt her. Cyndra opened her eyes and inhaled deeper, unsure what she smelled and excited to find out what it was. She stretched and got out of the bed, agreeing with Rune about its lumpiness, but enjoyed every second she slept on it. After she dressed and tamed her hair into a ponytail at the nape of her neck, she did a quick sniff test and exited the sleeping room.
Rune and Zorin sat at the table signing back and forth. The latter’s energy saturated the air. Despite having his back to her, the gargoyle’s wings twitched at the same moment Rune saw her and smiled. She breathed in to stay calm. She didn’t want another episode like she had in the mansion. With her power so wonky, one touch from Zorin continued to confuse and excite her. Thankfully, a full night’s rest seemed to help her gain a bit more control. Her power and emotions weren’t reacting together, yet.
“Pleasant morning,” she said, entering the kitchen area.
Same to you, Rune replied. There’s tea on the stove.
“And apple cider if you’d like,” Zorin added, rising from the stool and offering it to her.
“Thanks,” she replied and gaped at the bowl of fruits and berries, stuff they didn’t get in Baltimoretown. “Where’d this come from?”
“Beyond the mansion on the west side of the island,” Zorin answered without a story or history.
Cyndra moved to her bag and pulled out the caster box, a large roll, and a wedge of cheese, which she set on top and then carried to the table. “We should have a bit of protein for breakfast.”
This is just a snack. Zorin’s going to get us eggs.
“From where?”
“The humans have a few chickens—”
“No fucking way,” she said, vehemently shaking her head as she sat and set everything on top of the table. “We’re not stealing from anyone.”
“I can leave something behind, they will not miss a few eggs…” he mumbled, adding something else under his breath.
“Hmm?”
“Nothing,” he replied, making Rune smirk.
Cyndra sighed. “I appreciate the gesture. I couldn’t bear it, eating food I didn’t catch, earn, or trade…Sorry.”
Don’t be…it’s what makes you, you. I didn’t even think about that.
“This is way more than I normally have anyway,” she said with a shrug and lifted the cup to try the quarter glass of cider. The flavors exploded against her tongue, sweet and bitter, and completely delightful. She only drank half of it, so she could savor it and eyed the blue and black berries mixed in with decent hunks of apple and decent sized plumbs chunks. “Did you figure out a place for the caster box?”
Zorin nodded and gazed up. “There is a false panel in the floor near the table, it will be safe there.”
Cyndra set the cheese and roll aside, and lifted the lid. She pulled out the journal and then shut it and slid the box to the edge of the table. He picked it up and disappeared upstairs.
Rune glanced across the table. I’m sorry about Pristy. Zorin filled me in, you really think they went through the mirror?
Shrugging, Cyndra lifted the cider to sip again. “I don’t know what to think anymore.”
I know you’re frustrated, we all are.
“You don’t seem like it.”
I am. Rune smirked. My guardians did care for me, Cyndra, very much. Treated me like a son. They taught themselves sign the moment they realized I knew a handful of phrases. Being born mute, I was easily frustrated, but my guardians encouraged me to communicate, to express myself, and share what I was thinking and feeling. They taught me how to deal with everything bothering me. Their guidance helped me more than you can image, especially lately.
“You think I need to share more?”
He nodded. Get things off your chest, and find an outlet for what’s inside. Talking is the easiest.
“Not sure that’s the best idea,” she said, shuddering when Zorin’s dark pull filled the living area again.
“The box is secure,” he said and crossed the room to stand near the stove. “Do you not like the fruit?”
We were just talking, Rune answered and popped two blackberries into his mouth. They’re amazing.
Cyndra stayed quiet and sipped the last of her juice while Rune pulled a knife from his belt and cut three pieces of cheese out of the wedge. She ate a few blueberries and a plum chunk as she debated whether she wanted to get up to make some tea.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Zorin said as his shoulders and wings tensed.
“You didn’t…I’m just not sure what’s next.” Cyndra picked up the roll and tore off the end then shoved her piece of cheese into the middle.
“Read the journal,” Zorin suggested.
Cyndra frowned as she palmed the top of it having almost forgotten she and Pristy tried to unlock it. “Don’t even know if it worked. Guess there’s no time like the present.”
Rune leaned closer as she took a bite of her bread and slid the journal to the middle of the table. She unclasped the buckle and peeled back the cover. The same note as before appeared. When she turned the page, Rune grinned while she gasped and moved the book sideways so they both could read.
Cyndra, Pristy, my darling granddaughters, if you’ve unlocked the journal, then your grandfather has passed and you’re in possession of the crystals and the Caster Crest. Guard them and this journal with your life, for you may be the key to reviving Earth.
“What the shit?”
Keep reading, Rune said, shaking his head.
The responsibility we’re putting on you is unfair, but it may be our last chance to save the casters from annihilation. These pages will tell you our history, the truth of what happened to our world, and explain the power within.
The first two pages went on to explain everything Zorin had already told them, from the rift between casters and humans to the war and Mergan’s plan to eliminate the humans. When she read the next passage, Cyndra covered her mouth with both hands.
My only choice is to stop her, end this war with the humans, even if it means giving up my life. Those who stand against Mergan either die or find themselves imprisoned; there aren’t many of us left to continue the fight. Silvio and I have a plan. We’ve bonded the ten strongest caster children, including you two, to your grandfather’s energy shield. You�
��ll be protected on the island until Mergan is stopped and the war ends. No one will be able to find you so long as he lives. Should I fail to return and save the others, you can begin anew, here, after the Shield is gone.
Her eyes welled. Evie knew she was walking to her death and went anyway. Cyndra didn’t know courage like that even existed. When Rune reached across the table and squeezed her hand, she sniffled back and wiped her cheeks only to feel Zorin’s hard stare from across the room.
“What does it say?”
Mostly everything you told us, but she mentions a prison and saving others, Rune said and pushed the book to the edge of the table.
“We were on the island, before the flare. Pristy remembered the lighthouse. The memory with my family…was here,” Cyndra said softly as the revelation hit her. “That’s why I wasn’t afraid of you, Rune. The reason sign language seemed familiar. We were all here. Why can’t I remember?”
“Your grandfather’s shield made everyone forget.” Zorin frowned and pointed to the next paragraph as he kept reading. “With the Shield in place, casters and humans will forget, give the scars time to heal. Once the Shield is gone, your memories should return over time. When they do, the journal will guide you the rest of the way. Help you revitalize the earth after you’ve awakened. The world needs casters, Cyndra, and those of you whom we protected may be all that’s left.”
It’s starting to come together, Rune said, nodding his head. You said you didn’t know what happened to the rest of the casters and now Evie mentioned imprisoned casters.
“We confirmed my grandmother trapped Mergan in that tower—”
“Which also houses a mirror you’re certain the wraiths were trying to drag Rune and Pristy into.” Zorin sighed.
Cyndra glanced Rune then Zorin. “The mirror is a prison, just not the one I thought it was.”
You think other casters are in there?
“How it’s possible, I’m unsure, but the pieces fit,” Zorin added and flipped through the pages. When his face fell, Cyndra glanced down and saw more than half the book was still blank. She and Pristy didn’t finish the cast to unlock the whole thing.
“Shit,” she grunted, feeling her hand already starting to warm. “Why am I not surprised?”
Better than we had before, Rune said, turning back the pages. Looks like there’s a beginners guide of sorts, I’m sure this will be helpful, Cyndra.
“You’re right, of course,” she said, scrubbing her cheek. “Why don’t you take a gander? I think I’m going to take advantage of the shower before heading out.”
“You’re leaving?” Zorin asked as his gaze narrowed.
“Uh, I was planning on it. Not much else I can do here until I learn my elements. I have a trade shop to run and people are going to notice if I don’t open for two days straight. They’ll call the village council, and it’ll cause a huge mess,” Cyndra fibbed slightly, rising from her seat, trying to ignore the odd look in his eyes. “What?”
He shook his head and dashed up to the next level.
Rune frowned.
“What?” she asked again.
He tilted his head. What happened to deciding as a team?
“Oh, shit,” she said, frowning. “Well, you’re certainly invited to come back to the village with me, probably smart we stick together until we’re strong enough to actually do something useful.”
Why not stay here?
“People are going to wonder where I am. I only left because…because I thought I killed someone and wanted to find Pristy, but I don’t feel guilty about old man soulless anymore, and now that I know—”
You’re just going to leave her in there…that mirror?
“Of course not, I have to learn how to evoke my elements before I can break any barriers or prisons,” she said, turning another page of the journal. “I have this now. I don’t have to leave my whole life behind.”
What about Zorin? We’re just going to leave him behind?
If I can get strong enough to transform him back, I will, but I doubt it’ll be anytime soon. He said it takes years to master an element.
You haven’t even tried.
Her heart dropped. “That’s not fair, Rune. I can barely control what I already do. What if I make him worse?”
Then maybe we should stay here, learn from the journal and Zorin until you can. He can’t evoke the elements, but he can teach us more than those dozen pages, I’m sure of it.
She had promised they’d decide as a team. Although making quick, sometimes rash decisions had led her here, Cyndra needed to think this through properly. When Rune frowned and got up from his stool, she reached out and grabbed his right hand with hers. The strength of their bond warmed her fingers, though it was much tamer than when she touched Zorin.
My father may be in that prison, Cyndra. He said we may see each other again, this could be why. I don’t want to leave here without being certain.
“We’ll decide together, I promise…just give me some time to think about it, okay?”
He sighed and nodded. I’m going to talk to Zorin if he’s still here.
“He is,” she replied.
Rune made another cup of tea before heading upstairs, leaving her alone and cranky in the kitchen area. Yes, the pieces were coming together, but without solid answers, she still felt all over the place. Thinking her time was better spent reading than taking a shower, Cyndra turned to the next page labeled firecasting, and started at the beginning, praying her grandmother had enough information crammed into the front of the book to help her make the next, life altering decision.
The sun had already warmed the island by the time he reached the widow’s walk. Although he wanted to dive into the air and ride the wind, Zorin seemed unable to peel his fingers from the railing. The thought of leaving the casters unprotected from the wraiths and the unanswerable questions they likely had was even too cruel for him to manage without feeling guilty.
Rune’s gentle power seeped into the air as he exited the lighthouse, sipping a cup of tea and making a slow approach. His green eyes gazed out at the ocean and inhaled the fresh air, which easily put a smile on the earthcaster’s face. Here, away from all the decay and death of the mainland, Rune could prosper. He’d enrich the earth, help crops grow, and in turn, the land would feed him. The way casters were meant to live. Zorin didn’t want to see the caster go and sighed when he glanced over.
What’s the matter?
“I’ve grown accustomed to your company, Rune, it has been many years since I’ve had…”
A friend?
“Or anyone, save Mergan’s voice in my dreams and a few human neighbors who could never see me.”
I don’t think we should leave. Not if there’s a chance my father’s in the mirror.
Zorin nodded.
The casters felt strongly about their theory and he saw no reason to discount it. If the Shield was strong enough to bind himself to ten caster children and make the entire population forget a horrific war that ruined the world, a prison inside a mirror seemed possible.
“You are welcome to stay as long as you want.”
Thanks.
Zorin sensed Cyndra’s firecasting explode from every angle. He gripped the railing tighter and watched Rune’s eyes light up with joy when the sensation vanished and then returned an instant later.
She’s practicing. He bobbed his head happily.
“Apparently the journal is being helpful,” he replied through a clenched jaw, failing to ignore the pull of her power. Zorin shut his eyes and let it wash over him, without opening his siphon, fighting each moment until her energy tangled with the heat, tempting his resolve.
You should ask her to stay.
“Returning home is a wise choice,” he said, shuddering from head to toe.
Zorin, look. Rune pointed toward the mansion, aiming for three mirror-wraiths floating out of the woods. They’re drawn to caster power, just like the soulless.
“Yes, they are.”
Have you ever seen any here?
“Soulless? No. Mergan’s protections must keep them away,” Zorin said, grateful for something else to focus on.
Yet there is a connection, the soulless brought the wraiths to the mainland. You said they rarely leave the mansion grounds. Rune’s mouth twisted, then his gaze fell to the field between the lighthouse and woods. The mirror-wraiths were nearing the middle.
“Let’s see how close they come,” Zorin murmured as he stretched his wings, prepared to chase them back if needed.
I can try to lure them, Rune offered, holding out his right hand and rubbing his fingertips.
Zorin nodded.
Rune created a fireball above his hand and from the surprise in the caster’s eyes, it was larger than the previous time he evoked the element. Although the wraiths sensed the additional power, they never moved closer than the edge of the field, keeping their distance from the lighthouse. Looks like they’re staying back.
“For now, yes. Perhaps it’s best you both return to the mainland.”
Rune shook his head. I’d rather take my chances with wraiths here, than them and soulless out there without you. If I can’t convince Cyndra to stay…will you come with us?
“I can’t.”
Why?
“My place is here, on the island,” he said and saw the caster tilt his head. “I was a strong caster with no family to train me, guide me. I learned mostly on my own, at schools, and bonded with friends to fill the void. Those bonds rarely lasted. When I found others…it fell apart as well. Once that bond is ripped from me again…”
We’re not abandoning you, Zorin. We care about what happens to you.
“As do I, but being near Cyndra unleashes a hunger I cannot escape in this form and it only grows the stronger she becomes. Losing it would—”
Rune appeared to be chuckling as he shook his head.
“Why are you laughing?”
She has too much power she can’t control and you need that power to survive. Seems like a perfect match to me. Besides, we both know there’s more to it than that. Rune rested his hand on Zorin’s shoulder. Shocked at the caster’s observation, Zorin glanced back toward the lighthouse door, again sensing Cyndra’s firecasting linger in the air, heating his skin, making his cheeks flare and Rune smile. Talk to her. Tell her what you’re feeling, and ask her to stay, because she needs you as much as you need her.