I snorted. “Not at all. We tend to stick to our own kinds of magic. We marry very distant relations from other Solzien clans around the world. The Bloodline Keepers know how we are all related.”
Nimla shook her head in disbelief. “But wouldn’t a child of mixed families be stronger?”
I hadn’t really thought of it before. I’m not sure if anyone had… it just seemed strange to think of someone with access to different magics. Where would they live? “I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe not. That would be a question for the Bloodline Keepers.”
“You should ask them!” She said leaning toward me.
I almost, almost told her to do so on her own until I remembered that most people couldn’t see her. I shifted uncomfortably. “People don’t normally talk to them… until one is ready to marry or a child has been born. I am not ready to be married. I’m only eleven!” I explained. “Do you know the name of the Sorin wind mage who could see your people?”
“The elders said her name was Selva irel Lan Sanga.” Nimla replied promptly.
“Irel Lan Sanga???” I shook my head in confusion. “Are you sure it wasn’t Selva dae Sorin? I’ve never heard of what you called her.” I said. I frowned though as memory tugged at me. Something about it was familiar.
“She wasn’t a wind mage,” Nimla replied with a shrug. “Wind mages cannot see my kindred. Nor can plant, sunfire, water, stone, magmafire, gemstone, or metal.” She said naming all the magics in the world that a mage could have an ability in.
“Then what type of mage was she?” I asked in confusion. “What type of elementals are you?”
Nimla grinned before straightening. “ ‘ In the beginning of Time’” She began to recite “ ‘ God created the heavens and the earth. He was all there was in the formlessness of possibility. All it needed was a Dreamer, a Creator, an Author; the Spirit of God is all of these things and more.
“ ‘ He created light first. Separated it from the darkness and called it good. This was the light he later stored in the sun and stars and reflected off the moon. Thus He had created the first ‘day’ and the first ‘night.’
“ ‘ Next he separated the fluids of air and water; giving air the sky above and water its mysteries of below. He deemed his work good. But He was not done yet. He moved the water and raised earth from beneath the flowing water. Thus He called the earth ‘land’ and the water ‘seas,’ ‘lakes,’ and ‘rivers.’ He was pleased with his creation. But there was something missing… Nothing moved or breathed.
“ ‘ So upon the land and in the waters He breathed plants and animals into life. Birds too, to fill the sky with their songs. Along with the animals he created elementals of each kind, to keep watch over their element. With all these creatures exploring their new existence and the world around them, God created the sun and stars and the moon so time could be kept.
“ ‘ Then the Creator crowned his creation with the Peoples; the Kindred who understood the beasts of land, sky, and sea; the Elmora who bathed in the primordial elemental springs so they could have the strength to defend creation against jealous beings from beyond; and Humans who were created in His likeness.”
“I have heard this before in church, Nimla.” I pointed out when she paused for a breath. I really didn’t know how the creation story had anything to do with what she was.
Nimla shook her finger at me, telling me wordlessly to hush and listen. I humored her. “You may have heard of this before, Kel. But have you stopped to think? The elementals your people think of as the strongest because they were created first are not the ones created first.”
I frowned at her. “What?”
“The first was created before the world was made. Before time itself.” She grinned again. “Spirit. Primordial Spirit. I am but a filament of creative life energy the Creator has dreamed up. Just as you and all of creation! But” she said holding up her finger again. “I can tap into this great, unseen power. All living things do to some degree, but my kindred and others of Spirit have a better understanding of it, ability to direct it…” She frowned looking for words. Eventually, she shrugged. “it is hard to explain because it is like breathing and thinking and just… living. How can you explain any of that fully to one who doesn’t have an inkling as to what you are trying to describe? Like describing color to the blind. Like you describing me to any of your family.”
I nodded in understanding. “I see what you are getting at. But you’re magic, element, energy – whatever – is stronger than sunfire?”
“Can be, yes. Imagination is its pathway, intent its driving force.” She added. She then peeked around the tree. “I think we will have to talk some other time, Kel. I think your family is looking for you. Something about dinner?”
“Oh!” I said scrambling to my feet. I glanced toward the now very low sun. “Time flies when you are having fun. Same time tomorrow?” I asked looking back at her, or rather the deeper formless shadow. But I knew she was still there. I could… feel her presence.
“Yes. Still much to talk about. Goodnight Kel.”
Chapter 7
Fybrairy 8th, 518 AC
Oakelan High Zien dae Plavea walked along the desks holding Plavean student’s work that the teachers found most exemplary. The students were not there because they did not need to be. This was for the adults of the family to see. This was a peek into the future of their family. It was a tradition started long ago. It was a duty that Oakelan kept. Some years, though, he wished he hadn’t. Those years had not been all that promising, and he had worried about his family’s future… were they losing their gift?
And then there were other years, like this one, where there was quite a bit of promise. It made him feel better about the future.
Everything presented to him were from the students who would be turning sixteen this year. Some before the Summer Solstice. Others not, like his own son who had been born several months after the solstice. As he walked, Oakelan sampled some of the teas and lotions. Ointments and other medicines he studied but didn’t try. One doesn’t take a medicine if one didn’t need it. But he listened to the teachers explain what they found so remarkable about each.
Usually the desks had a small collection of items on it. After all, the students were still learning. Many it took years to really understand the mundane uses of plants… but then he came upon a desk that was full of treatments and teas. He tried a few of the teas, as was his usual course, and found that they were more refined than the others he had tried.
“Whose work is this?” Oakelan asked Sage who stood on the other side of the desk.
“Jay, Daniel’s son.” She replied.
“He has done very well.” Sage nodded. Several of the other teachers murmured approval. From what he could hear, some had been worried about Jay at first. But they were glad to see he had been doing much better.
Oakelan came to the next desk and stared for a moment. It wasn’t just one desk, but two. Both were covered in samples of the student’s work. He glanced at Sage. She simply smiled. He went about his testing. The borage tea made him feel instantly happier with life. Not that he had been upset, but things seemed brighter now. He blinked in surprise at the cup in his hand. Jay’s work may have been refined, but what he was sampling here was the work of a master. He glanced up at Sage suspiciously.
“You do realize that this is only for student’s work, right?”
“Of course, High Zien.” She replied with a slight bow.
“Then why is your work here?” he asked gesturing at the desks.
It was her turn to blink in surprise. “It’s not, High Zien. These belong to Kel.”
“It’s true, High Zien.” Cedar spoke up. At Oakelan’s look he continued. “I was sitting in on the class the day they were mixing those tea blends. Your son did it all himself with no help from either Sage or I. In fact, he was giving tips to his classmates who came up to ask him. He has quite a head for herbs.”
Oakelan was pleased with this news. And with what he was
seeing of his son’s work. But he felt worried as well. Kel might be doing well in school, but he had disturbed half the house last night screaming. They had found the youth sobbing in the Estate’s modest library. No one could make sense of anything he was saying when the lady of the house had asked him what was wrong. Only Celosia had ever had a chance of drawing their son out of these terrified outbursts. Last night it had taken her a good long while to get Kel to calm down. He finally did calm down, but he refused to say anything about what had obviously terrified him so.
“Why won’t you tell me?” Celosia had cried as Kel pushed away from her.
Barely glancing at his mother the youth shrugged. Oakelan had halted his son’s progress by grabbing his upper arm. “Answer your mother. You owe us that much for disturbing our rest and worrying us so.”
Kel’s cheeks had reddened with what Oakelan had been sure was embarrassment. After all, curious and concerned family were standing in the doorway. Despite this, Kel’s gaze didn’t leave his father’s. “Why? You’re just going to tell me it was a nightmare. You always have before.” With that, he had yanked his arm free of his father’s grip. He then raced up the library’s staircase to the third floor of the House.
Apparently, Oakelan wasn’t the only one who was remembering the incident. “Well, if we decide the boy isn’t sound of mind enough to work magic we know he can still be useful,” Elma muttered. Noticing her patriarch’s look, she added quickly “no offense meant.” He couldn’t yell at her, because he was just wondering the same thing.
“Don’t you dare count him out!” Sage growled angrily. “Don’t you dare deny him his birthright.” She turned to Oakelan. “High Zien, your son is the hardest working student of his year!”
“That may be, Sage. And I thank you for standing up for him.” Oakelan said softly. “But as the High Zien I must consider the consequences of a mage who is not sound of mind working magic. Can you imagine the potential destruction?” It hurt him to say this, especially in the face of his son’s obvious talent with plants.
Sage shook her head. “I don’t think he is mad… or a coward. He has been harshly misjudged. He is not panicked in the Old Wood. Watchful, sure. But who isn’t? I’d be more concerned if he wasn’t. He also likes the archives in the Clan Library. Not many like to go down there, I know.” She said with a glance at Cedar and Elma. “Some rumor about it being haunted keep most from going there, and yet he volunteers.” She said turning her full attention to Oakelan.
“I do know the habits of my own son.” He replied, not liking the idea that she thought he didn’t. “But tell me, Sage, what happens when his magic is awakened, and he has another fright like last night? What then?”
“Maybe then he can have some defense against whatever it is that frightens him so.” She replied crossing her arms.
Elma laughed. ‘There is nothing ever there. He just screams like a babe.”
Sage gave Elma the dirtiest look Oakelan thought he had ever seen. “But what if there is something there? Has anyone ever thought to truly look?”
“I didn’t see you looking last night.” Elma huffed.
Sage snorted. “I couldn’t. You wouldn’t move your fat ass. By the time I got close enough to see what was going on, Kel had long since left.”
Oakelan raised a hand to stall Elma from retorting. The two women fell silent at his gesture, not that he was really paying attention at that point. He was too deep in memory. His son telling him over and over again about something that frightened him. Until last night… “Why? You’re just going to tell me it was a nightmare. You always have before.” Kel’s voice echoed in his memory. Perhaps, Oakelan thought to himself, perhaps it is time for me to ask him again. To actually listen. He mentally winced at that thought. But what parent did give credence to what frightened their child when no evidence of it could be found? Wouldn’t others have thought as he had, that Kel just had very bad nightmares? He wasn’t that terrible of a parent… was he?
“Sage, we will do nothing as of yet that would prevent the boy from learning magic. But we – “ he broke off when he noticed someone standing in the door. He instantly recognized the uniform of a Clan Library assistant on duty. “What is it?” He asked. The young man, Leef, shifted nervously at interrupting them. But in a clear voice, he reported that Uncle Lyrel requested counsel in how to deal with a situation at the library. “A ‘situation’? Oakelan repeated with a raised brow.
“His words, High Zien,” Leef said.
“I see. I’ll be there shortly.” Oakelan nodded in dismissal. He then turned to the teachers. “It appears I have business elsewhere. Have a good night.” He then turned and followed after the assistant. Footsteps sounded behind him. He turned to see Sage keeping pace. “Can I help you?”
“No, High Zien. I’m just curious about what is happening… And Elma is annoying me.” She admitted with a glare over her shoulder. “I figured it would be better for her health if I indulged my curiosity.”
“I see.” Oakelan shook his head ruefully. He wanted to smile, but that would be showing favoritism, and he really didn’t like doing that.
***
After school that day Jay and I were at the Library. As was normal, to be honest. I knew some people worried about what the High Zien and the teachers were discussing. It was out of my control, at this point. So I didn’t bother worrying about it. But I knew Jay was worried. It was in the line of every movement as he went about putting books away on the shelves in the front.
My arms were loaded with books as well, but all of them lived down in the archives. I nudged his foot with my shoe. He glanced up from where he knelt on the ground. “Come help me with these.” I invited him.
“Those go down in the Archives, don’t they?” He guessed shelving his final book and getting to his feet.
“Of course. I’m the only one who takes care of them.” I replied with a shrug. “Want to come? I don’t think Uncle Lyrel has any more returns to shelve up here.”
Jay thought about it for a moment. He had ventured down with me before. While the place had struck him as creepy, nothing ‘creepy’ had actually happened. Each time I invited him to the Archives he grew more willing to come with me. Jay shrugged. “Why not? I think I prefer being down there than worrying about my future.” He muttered slumping.
“Exactly. Though I doubt you have anything to worry about.” I said as I led the way toward my favorite place in the library.
“You truly think so?” Jay asked as he followed after me.
I nodded. “I truly do.” I winked at him over my shoulder “Now stop giving yourself grey hair before your time.”
Jay’s eyes widened. “Do I have gray hair?! I’m too young to have gray hair! I’m only fifteen!” I laughed. “Kel! Seriously, did you see a gray hair?” I just laughed harder. “Kel, this isn’t funny. My dad started going gray when he was thirty. I don’t want to go gray early!”
“Stop worrying then,” I replied with a shrug. “Here, help me with these,” I said indicating the books piled in my arms.
Jay snorted. “I’m not sure why I should with you picking on me.” He complained as he took about half the stack from me.”
“Because you are a kind soul,” I replied with a grin. He grunted. Relieved of half the books, I felt better about going down the stairs. I could check my footing easily now unlike when I had to worry about the pile of books swaying should I move in a way they didn’t like. Books were too fragile to go tumbling down stairs.
At the bottom of the stairs I glanced at the top book on my stack. History. I nodded to myself and led the way to the history section of the archives, Jay following a step behind. We had to go around Thistle dae Plavea’s model of Lunakiheim, the Tower of the Moon.
It was said Lunakiheim was located somewhere in the Old Wood, but no one has been able to find it since Thistle. Some thought Thistle had made up the story so it didn’t look like she had just gotten lost again. To prove her point, she had built the model. Though t
hat hadn’t really helped her since it had been commonly believed that she had built it based off of some old sketches in the oldest records of the library. For all the controversy around whether or not Thistle had found Lunakiheim, the model was beautiful. Very well crafted and thus had been given a place of honor at the entrance of the archives.
Along the way to the history section I saw Rosa, Mary, and Carl-Jack far down several aisles. The three were some of the few visitors to the Archives I had ever seen. When I asked if they needed help finding anything, as a good library assistant should, they had thanked me but said no. They were conducting research for a collaborative and exhaustive history of the world and didn’t want to skip anything important by being too narrow in their search in these beginning stages. They had been working hard for about five years now in our library alone. There was quite a bit material for them to work through. Upon occasion, I would point out a book I found interesting. But very rarely could I get them to tell me more about their project.
Carl-Jack would just grin mischievously at me and say that I would have to wait like everyone else in the world until the book was done. Rosa would then often mutter the world would be waiting forever to which he’d toss a crumbled bit of note paper at her for. Or he would pretend he didn’t hear it. Mary would often just ignore the other two.
They were too far down their aisles for me to wave at them. I also had an armload of books… so, yeah. Rosa did glance over and wave at me. I nodded my head in return, but neither of us said anything. The law of quiet was respected everywhere within the library. It was kind of sacred, if one truly thought about it.
Chapter 8
Jay and I were halfway through putting away the books when we heard an awfully loud crash. It shattered the silence and startled the two of us badly. “What in the world was that?!” Jay demanded looking especially pale.
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