Believe in the Mystics

by Tacori Bean

I turned around to Tristan standing tall in a long sleeve green shirt, stitched at the chest, most of it being covered by a metal chest piece that spread out like feathers on his shoulders. His sword was hidden by the dark green cloak that covered his back. Nola pushed his dark brown hair from his face, and he gently placed his magic book in the pouch of his cloak.

  Something about seeing him like this was so familiar that it sent chills down my spine and encased my body with goosebumps.

  “You look good. Ready to fight anyway.” I complimented, shaking away the crazy feeling.

  “As do you.” He replied.

  I looked down at my own outfit. A light pink flowy shirt with bell sleeves that pinned up if I needed them to, covered by a chest piece similar to Tristan's but that fit comfortably around my chest. Fitted black pants were tucked into black boots and a leather holster attached to my hip sat empty. I was covered with my original cloak, and my bracelet tucked safely under my sleeve. It was the last thing I had that reminded me of who I once was.

  That moment made me treasure it even more, because I became the person I was supposed to be. A girl who loved her people enough to take on the pain that came with returning to her kingdom.

  Nola looked at me, tears brimmed her eyes, “It brings me such joy that they are worn by the next generation of Mystics.”

  I smiled a small smile as she embraced me, “I hope we do them proud.” I whispered.

  She pulled away and placed her hand on my cheek, “You already have.”

  Tristan and I headed towards the Dark Forests’ boundaries and a familiar feeling seemed to pull me. One that was stopped by the darkness of the forest but one I gladly welcomed back, because it was no longer a burden. It was my destiny.

  We stepped out of the foliage and I still marveled at the breathtaking view of the old stone wall. A wave of relief washed over me seeing that the town was intact.

  The evil had not yet been here. It was still waiting somewhere in the shadows, but I knew what was coming.

  Maybe the people will hate me. Call me a coward for running, but that doesn't even hesitate this feeling inside of me. These were my people and the love of my people was enough to give me whatever strength I needed.

  I can protect these people, I thought, but even if I can't I have to try.

  At least that's what I told myself.

  ~13~

  YELLOW LIGHT FROM the flickering torches danced across Damon’s stone cold face. The expression covering his face revealed the rage burning within him.

  Shaking her head back and forth, Piper stood against the back wall behind him. She had been more shocked than anything at our return. Even though she warned me against returning, she knew I regretted leaving more than running.

  “We really should talk about what happened.” Tristan spoke up from his place beside Milku, who seemed unfazed by our return.

  Hatred practically fuming off of him, Damon glared at Tristan, “You have no authority to speak! You took her from us.” He paused, his eyes had gone from a beautiful lapis blue to a stormy ocean, “The townspeople were right to not trust you, you beast! You deserve to be-”

  “Damon!” My voice echoed.

  “It’s alright, Journey…” He spoke, staring down at the floor, his body trembling, “He’s right, I’m not welcomed here. It was fun… getting to go on an adventure with you.” He offered a small smile before making his way out of the tower, Milku following close behind him.

  A sharp pain pierced my heart and tears stung in my eyes. All of the progress he made in the last few months was undone by a single sentence.

  “What is wrong with you?” I shot Damon an accusing glare.

  I wasn't the only one who changed. Damon had clearly been wasting away in his worry, and it seemed over the months it had bewittled him down to the man that stood before me. These people are my people, and Tristan was the first person to help me see that. He was finally getting better, and I was not going to let Damon get away with degrading him like his father did.

  “I left on my own! Tristan had nothing to do with this… You had no right to speak to him like that!” I yelled, fire burning in my tone.

  A wave of anger flashed in his eyes, “I may speak to him however I please, this is my kingdom, or have you forgotten already? Before you speak, I suggest you learn your place!” He spat.

  “You may be the leader of this kingdom, but these are my people and it is my responsibility to protect them just as much as yours. That includes Tristan.” I retaliated, feeling my growing magic rise in the pit of my stomach, but I kept it at bay.

  He looked as though he was about to argue back until a young voice pierced the tense atmosphere.

  “D-Damon? Have you heard any news on Zephyr?” A young woman's voice shook.

  Standing in the doorway was a Metronite teenager. The half wolf- half human girl, like many Metronites living away from their packs, hid her wolf ears and tail. Her dark skin was covered in burns that were freshly bandaged. Long white hair was pulled into two buns on her head, while the rest fell straight down her back. She had ice blue eyes that would pierce any soul that questioned their intensity, though they were fogged over, terrified even.

  I assumed she was from Yaffu and I empathized with the girl, for I had witnessed many of the horrors as well.

  “I'm sorry, Basil, but there hasn't been any word yet. Try to get some sleep tonight, okay?” He gave a weak smile.

  She managed a small nod before turning and walking away.

  “Who is she?” I asked, sounding more harsh than I intended.

  “She and her mother are refugees from the attack on Yaffu. Basil's brother went missing soon after the attack began.” His tone calmer than before, he quickly explained.

  “So you've heard of the attack on Yaffu.” I muttered.

  His face still stern, Damon nodded.

  “Tristan and I were there too.” I added.

  They both looked at me with wide eyes.

  “It’s why I came back. I think this has something to do with the prophecy.”

  Piper locked eyes with me, “I thought we agree that was only a story.”

  I shook my head, “With how random the killings were, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a last-minute attack…” I trailed off.

  “Something has felt off since the attack. It's like my heart is telling me I need to be here, that something is going to happen; something I may be able to prevent. Trust me I was going to follow through on my plans of running, but something kept calling me back here. Whoever or whatever this evil is, it's out there and it is planning something terrible, I can just feel it.”

  “So, what do you expect us to do?” Damon asked.

  I exhaled slowly, “I don’t know, but right now I’m going to find Tristan.”

  ~~~

  Damon's POV:

  Pacing the confines of the tower now that everyone was gone, I spoke, “How could she have been so careless?”

  “She doesn't understand the true severity of this battle she is facing.”

  I bent over the stone window ledge, letting the chilled breeze cool my heat stricken face.

  A deep sorrow set in my chest. How could I have been so harsh to her… The hurt in her green eyes flashed before my face.

  I looked over my shoulder to see her and the Piper walking down the paths to the heart of the kingdom.

  She is in so much danger and she has no idea.

  She looked at Piper and smiled, the nerves fell in the pit of my stomach.

  How long will it be until that smile disappears? I let out an inner sigh, For what is now ahead, not long enough.

  I will protect her, no matter what. That is my promise, not only to her but to myself. As long as she'll have me I'll stay by her side and hope she doesn't find out the truth about this evil.

  Or my connection to it.

  ~14~

  WHY! WHY WOULD you do such a thing! The voice sobbed.

  T-They are in danger… I can’t let them die. I resp
onded, shakily.

  No matter what you do it will never be enough... Because in the end there will be one life lost. And it will be yours. The voice cracked then disappear.

  I sat up in bed, holding in my tears as a wave of sadness washed over me. Sweat poured down my face, but my body trembled uncontrollably.

  That’s the third time I’ve had that nightmare since we got back.

  I got up and pulled back the sheer curtains of Piper’s guest bedroom. Orange and pink blended beautifully above the lingering fog.

  Sunrise…

  Heaving a sigh, I got dressed in the battle gear Nola had given me and creeped downstairs. I grabbed my cloak and slipped silently out into the fogged town.

  I just need some time to think.

  I followed the pathway until I found my way to the heart of Secret Hollow: The Mystics’ Tree.

  The spiraled steps called me up to the soft ground, allowing me to see far beyond the fog.

  A wave of energy hit me as soon as my foot touched the ground, and the memories of what once happened here washed away along with any thought of my nightmare. It was calming, yet so powerful at the same time.

  I looked up at the dark trunk that twisted towards the sky and erupted into pink leaves, some littering the ground. I had heard the rumors since returning that the Tree was already past due to change for the Dark Season.

  I wonder if magic energy would still be absorbed even if the Tree does not change.

  Walking up to it, I placed my hand on its strong trunk. It was almost like I could feel the living, beating heart of Secret Hollow beyond the magic that surged towards me.

  Good, it’s still releasing magic energy...

  I slid down, my back against the tree and just sat with my head against the trunk, thinking, and listening to the peace of silence. The power and magic of the Tree was almost like a blanket of comfort and protection.

  Journey… Sadness filled the voice.

  I raised my head and looked around me, but there was nothing.

  Journey…

  “Who’s there?” I called.

  Open your eyes, Journey, and see what truly is.

  My mind burned at the words, filled with what seemed like thousands of voices all crying out at once.

  Open your eyes!

  I shot my eyes open and looked around me, but nothing had changed. I looked in front of me, and jumped slightly.

  A woman stood, wearing a white dress, matching her long white hair, pale skin, and sad white eyes.

  She walked over to me, almost gliding as she stepped with such grace and beauty it left me bewildered.

  “Who are you?” I asked as she took a seat next to me.

  The woman gave a sad smile, “That is not important… You called me here, what do you need, young one?”

  “I-I didn’t-”

  The woman held her hand up, “Yes, you did. Something is bothering you?”

  I nodded hesitantly.

  “I’m here to offer any help I can.”

  I heaved a sigh, understanding I had no other option than to speak to the woman, “I’ve been having nightmares...well… a nightmare.”

  “About what?” She asked.

  I shrugged, “Nothing but a voice. At first it called my name, then it moved on to scolding me for coming back. Now, it says that ‘in the end one life will be lost, and it will be mine.’”

  She looked at me, “Sounds like they have a further understanding of the matter than you.”

  I met her eyes and searched for some trace of comfort or reassurance, but in my unsure state anything would be enough.

  “I think what you did was brave. You wouldn’t abandon your people, for that you are admired. But you are loved, because you decided to fight for your people.”

  “But I don’t even know what this evil is. What if I can’t defeat it… What if it’s too powerful?”

  She shook her head, “Do you believe in yourself?” She asked.

  “No.”

  “Do you believe in your people?”

  I nodded, “Yes.”

  “Then do it for them.”

  “Lady Journey!” A young woman's voice called.

  Basil ran up from the stairway, “Lady Journey!” She yelled out of breath.

  “A… ship at the… at the dock… on the beach.” She gasped for air.

  “Just slow down and take a break. I'll go to the docks.” I started towards the stairway, “You stay here.” I looked back at Basil.

  The woman was nowhere to be found.

  ~~~

  I ran across the sand, trying my hardest to reach the dock.

  Staring out to the sea, Damon stood at the start of the old wood structure.

  Three white sails were being hoisted down from their sturdy mast where a large wood boat swayed next to the dock.

  Sounds of metal footsteps brought my attention back to the end of the wooden planks.

  There she stood with tired teal eyes, chopped ash blonde hair, covered in her suit of armor.

  “Ozara.” August scowled.

  Damon looked at me, “Stay behind me.” He whispered.

  Ozara walked slowly, taking each step carefully, but it didn't seem like her, more like an empty shell of the woman I met so long ago. Her strides were not confident, her stare not piercing. Something was different.

  “I've come to speak with the girl.” She spoke.

  August growled, “Likely story. Tell us what you are really doing here.”

  “I've come to speak to the girl.” She said through clenched teeth.

  “No.” Damon spoke up, “We ask that you turn your boat and go back to Evnock.”

  “I need to speak with the girl.” Rage burned in her tired eyes.

  “You may not come any further, unless it is a fight you are looking for.” Damon stated, putting his hand on the handle of his sword.

  “If it is what I must do then let it be done.” She reached for her sword.

  August went forward with his dual swords ready to strike.

  “Wait!” I yelled, stepping in front of Damon. “Let me speak to her.”

  Ozara put her sword back into the holster.

  We met halfway; Damon standing protectively beside me, and August stepping back.

  “Logol!” She hollered.

  A young soldier came up beside her, “Yes, Commander.”

  She turned to him and grabbed the handle of a sword in one of his two holsters. With one quick motion she pulled it from the holster and threw it to the ground in front of me.

  “If you wish to end up better than the girl and her mother, I suggest you get your guards to teach you how to use this sword.” She turned.

  “But, Ma’am, we came for the refugees.” Logol spoke out of turn.

  Ozara’s head snapped towards him, “Did the order come from me?”

  The soldier’s face turned red as he hung his head, “N-No Ma’am.”

  “Then it is none of your concern.”

  I kicked the sword to the side, “How do you know of Basil and Lyra?”

  “It was hard to miss the two Metronites running. Sadly the fate of the male with them is unknown. They haven’t identified all the fallen yet.”

  I felt my magic grow in the pit of my stomach, anger coursing through my veins.

  “It was you that attacked Yaffu!” I yelled.

  Damon put his hand on my shoulder but I shrugged it off.

  “Women and children… all dead because of you. You monster!” Tears stung in my eyes, “Calvin made you do this, didn’t he?” I attempted to dry my eyes and calm my voice, “He sent you to do his killing while he sat back and took the credit. How could you serve such an evil man!”

  Some of the soldiers ran up, angered by my comment to their prince, but Ozara held up her hand to them, making them stop.

  “Journey… I don’t have time for this nonsense.” She sounded urgent.

  “What happened to Yaffu is only half of what will happen to Secret Hollow if you remain here
. Calvin is coming for Secret Hollow next. You need to get out of here!” She screamed, some of the soldiers coming up beside her.

  It was treason exposing battle plans to an enemy, and Ozara just did it with a dozen witnesses around.

  I grabbed the sword from the dock and placed it in my empty holster.

  I turned and began to walk between Damon and August, then I paused, “If it’s a fight Calvin wants, I’ll give him a war. He should be satisfied with that.”

  Damon turned to me, “I don't think that is a good-”

  I held my hand up and continued walking.

  “Journey, Please! Heed my warnings…”

  It’s my responsibility to protect my people. So let the war begin and if this is what ends with my life lost instead of theirs, so be it.

  Little did I know how many hardships we would face, the skills we had to learn, and the lives we would both lose and gain because of that one thoughtless decision I made.

  ~15~

  MANY OF US stood in the guard tower. No one had spoken a word since I informally declared war on Evnock, a town with twice our strength.

  “So, what is our battle plan?” I asked.

  August glared up at me, “Battle plan! You declared war only moments ago, and you expect us to have a battle plan!” He yelled.

  I stared at him blankly.

  Damon put a hand on his shoulder, “Let's plan one out then, the least we can do is be supportive. This is our kingdom after all.”

  I nodded, “First thing we need to go to Yaffu, take them some of the crops and blankets. They will have a lot of people without homes. We may speak to the king and inform them of the war. We don't need injured refugees looking for refuge in a danger zone.”

  “You need to learn to fight.” Tristan spoke up.

  I looked over at him, “As do you.”

  Damon nodded, “That will be attended to when we return. If we leave in the morning, we should arrive in Yaffu before midday. We would stay a night there and head back in the morning.”

  “Then that's settled. We'll figure out the rest when we return. August, Tristan, Basil, and I will make the trip. Damon you can stay here and watch over the town.”

  Tristan left to prepare for the next day. As I was leaving, Damon called me to the side.