by Ben Hale
Tess stared at the flames for a long time, but sensed that the face was waiting. Finally she said, "I am beset on every side by people who don't know where they should go, or what they should do. On top of that an enemy has unleashed an evil on our world that appears impervious to every known weapon."
The door rumbled, "The problems of the world are not your own, nor your problems the world's to solve."
Tess swung her chair around to face the door, confused by the cryptic answer. "But they are mine. I know I'm supposed to help—that I can help. According to Hawk, I'm supposed to lead the mages and aurens to peace."
"You speak of Hawk as if you know him," the door replied, its eyebrows peaked in surprise.
"I do," Tess said. "He's the one who has trained me, until now anyway." She couldn't keep the bitterness out of her voice.
"Then you know who he is?"
Tess had a flash of insight. "How long have you known his true identity?"
The door smiled. "We guard the fire, and know many of its secrets. The Son of the Ancient is known to us."
"But even he doesn't know what I'm supposed to do," Tess said. She tried to stop it, but the irritation at Hawk not being there seeped into her tone. Shouldn't she be glad he was fighting elsewhere?
"Out of a dying fire an ember may spark its own flame."
The door's tone was the most somber she had ever heard. It made her regret judging Hawk for not continuing her training.
"What should I do then?" she asked.
"The forge of light illuminates all," the door replied. "But a doubtful soul cannot enlighten those around it. An oracle is a vanguard of men, giver of wisdom and knowledge. If you lack direction, we are lost."
Tess didn't think its words were very helpful. "But where do I get direction."
"You bear the oracle's crest, and it harbors the answers you seek. Siarra's Refuge will help you unlock them."
With that the face receded into the door, leaving Tess to her wonder. For a long time she sat staring at the amulet that her ancestors had worn. She'd tried a hundred different ways to unlock it, none of which had succeeded. For the first time she had a clue as to where she should go.
She considered several ideas of what to do with the new insight. She knew without asking that Siarra's Refuge wouldn't be easy to find. Its location would not be on the mage net. At the same time she doubted she should inquire of other mages. She needed Iris.
For the first time since Alice had taken Auroraq, she smiled without reserve. Rising, she expressed thanks to the door and departed. Then she snuck back to her room. Iris wasn't there when she got there, and didn't come home that night. Her worry mounting, Tess was forced to wait. The next morning she hurried to breakfast, but Iris still wasn't there. Derek wasn't there either. Finally she found Iris outside the mind building.
"Why the need to talk?" Iris asked irritably. "You've been trying to find me all morning." She didn't comment on the previous day.
"Where were you last night?"
Her skin was a shade too dark. "I had to talk to Derek," she said.
Her tone made it sound like it didn't go well. "Are you alright?" Tess asked, her thoughts momentarily forgotten.
Iris dismissed her worry with a flick of her hand. "Fine. What do you want?"
"Can we go somewhere private?"
Catching the intensity of her tone, Iris cocked her head to the side. Then she gestured for Tess to follow her. Taking the lead, she led her inside the mind building and to the technology practicum room at the bottom of the structure. Tess had never been to this section of the school before. She wasn't surprised to find the techno practicum chambers sectioned off into individual rooms. She was surprised to meet the guardian of the techno training.
A barrage of iridescent blue and green light coalesced into a striking woman. It flitted to either side like a hummingbird, constantly floating and moving. Her features were almost frantic as she said, "WherehaveyoubeenIris.Ineededyourhelp."
"Not now, Root," Iris replied. "I need to talk to my friend."
"Isthattheoracle?!?I'dheardshewashere.What'syourname?"
"Tess," she replied, struggling to keep up with the movements of the entity.
Root pouted. "Fine,butyoupromisedtohelpme.YoubetternotforgetorIwill—ohno!—"
Without another word Root disintegrated into sparks and streaked away. Iris sighed when she was gone and opened one of the doors in the hall. The coloring of the door matched Root, and she wondered if the creature would burst through it.
"What was that?"
"A techno magic entity," Iris replied. "And before you ask, no, there aren't very many. They always end up like that, a little crazy and distracted." She issued a grunt. "I guess that's fitting, though."
Distracted by Root, Tess tried to gather her thoughts. Before she could, Iris frowned. "You could have just sent me a message."
Tess sighed, wishing they could get past the tension. "I didn't think this was something I should send, though. It's about . . ." She touched the amulet on her neck.
"What about it?" Iris's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Did you unlock it?"
"Not yet," Tess replied. "But I think I might know how to figure it out. An old friend suggested I search for a place that might help me, but I doubt it's mentioned on the mage net. I figured since you had created an archive of all the books in the school library you might have come across the term. Ever heard of Siarra's Refuge?"
Iris jerked, her eyes narrowing. "Where did you hear that?"
"You know about it?"
"It's a legend here at the school," she said with a shrug, "and every few years it becomes popular to go searching for it."
"Why would anyone care?"
"Because it's rumored to contain powerful and valuable artifacts."
Tess snorted. "They think there's treasure."
Iris laughed. "Whether there is or not doesn't matter. No one really knows."
"Can you search through the unpublished archives and see what you can find?"
Iris shrugged, her eyes glazing as she accessed her magic. Tess felt a flash of gratitude. She'd half expected Iris to still be angry.
After a minute she said, "It's mentioned in a few places, but most of them imply that it isn't real. The only detailed reference is in: The All Seeings, A Collection of Oracle Writings From Throughout History."
"What does it say?"
Iris's expression was distant as she stared at the wall. Occasionally flicking her fingers, she murmured to herself while simultaneously dismissing people that tried to talk to her. Just when Tess was getting impatient, Iris said, "This is the best reference I can find." She gestured to the wall and a single paragraph appeared in shining letters.
As in many times of strife, I retired to my refuge to ponder in privacy. My love for Tryton's Academy runs deep, yet it affords few places of true quiet. To my consternation and pride, the students have proven adept at discovering the castle's secrets—but I cannot allow them to discover this sanctuary. It is guarded by unique magic, but if necessary I will destroy it so it cannot be used for ill intent.
Tess read it a second time. The words implied that the refuge lay within or near the school itself. At the time of its creation Tryton's was a large castle, which for the last few centuries had been relegated to the school library. Since the principle founder of Tryton's had been Siarra herself, it wouldn't have been difficult for her to create a place of secret without anyone's knowledge.
"Do you think she would have destroyed it?" Iris asked.
"The Ironguard seemed to think it still existed," Tess said. "But you said it was a myth, so I assume no one has ever found it."
Tess glanced at Iris, and saw that she'd turned to another wall. Her gaze was an odd combination of focused and glazed at the same time.
"No one's found it," Iris said flatly. "And a lot have tried. The legend of Siarra's Refuge has persisted for a very long time. It's not like we can just walk up to the door and find it." She shot Tess a l
ook. "Or at least no normal person could." She then performed a complicated gesture with her hands and a swirl of glowing lines appeared on the opposite wall.
"What is . . ." Then Tess recognized it. It was a diagram of the library. Each corridor, room, and chamber was lined in detail. "I didn't know techno mages could make lightcast models," Tess said as she approached the map.
"Strictly speaking it's not a lightcast model like light mages do. This is a combination of all the audio, video, internet, mage net, and mage signals floating through the air. With practice, you can combine them into the visible spectrum to create things. It can't be permanent, but it's a suitable representation if necessary."
Tess traced her finger down the corridors that she was familiar with. The basement where the Swordsman had trained her and the glass-topped terrace where she usually met with Hawk were just a fraction of the castle. She'd never thought to explore the whole thing.
"Can we take this with us?" Tess asked. It would take time to examine the whole map.
"Of course," Iris said.
She reached out and tapped Tess's temple, causing a matching image to fill her vision. She blinked and struggled to contain it, eliciting an annoyed grunt from Iris.
"I really need to teach you how to build an info res so you don't get overloaded with knowledge."
"Later," Tess said. "When I have time."
Iris grunted. "You now have the exact map you are looking at here. It's the official map for students, but includes any secret areas I have found through the unpublished archives. You'd be surprised how many secret passages line the place. They should be laced in blue so you can tell them apart."
A smile split Tess's features. "Do you want to go have a look with me?"
Iris shook her head. "My to-do list is longer than my arm, and if I fall any more behind my army will start to fall apart. I've gotten fifty-seven pending messages just while we've been talking. Besides, I'm meeting my mom later." She raised her chin and folded her arms, practically daring Tess to comment on it.
"Iris," Tess began, "I'm sorry about last night. I'm happy you get to see your mom."
Iris thawed . . . a little. "I know you are worried about Alice, and why she did it, but I can't ignore that my mom is here."
"Just be careful, alright?" Tess said. "With Alice there is always a purpose."
Iris offered a small smile. "Thanks for being worried about me."
On impulse Tess hugged her. "What are sisters for?" she said.
They separated, and Iris's expression was tight with emotion. "Why don't you take Derek?"
Tess brightened at the suggestion. "I'll do that." They left, and a few minutes later Tess passed Rox outside the water school. When she asked about Derek, Rox nodded.
"I think he's in the earth practicum," Rox said with a frown. "But he seemed upset. Is he alright?"
"I'll tell you later," Tess said. "Thanks."
Her thoughts on Siarra's Refuge, she turned and hurried to the earth school. Distracted, she didn't notice the figure step from the bushes in her wake. Rox gasped in surprise—and then she was yanked out of sight.
She did not reappear.
Chapter 25: Taken
"We have to do something," Kendrik protested.
"What do you plan on doing?" Breaker challenged. "Go in and fight the things? How many did you see die when the Voidlings walked into your office?"
"They have our children," Kendrik said, jutting his chin out. "The Voidlings are blocking the entrance to the school and no one is allowed in or out."
"You don't think I know that?" Breaker shouted. "My daughter is in there, and I know your son is too. But what's the point of assaulting the Spirus? How many will you get killed? How many have already been killed?"
"I am the highest ranking member of the Rayth corps—"
"Highest surviving member," Breaker corrected. "The Prime was one of the first ones killed when they kicked us out—or do you not remember?"
Kendrik's eyes narrowed. "We have to do something."
Breaker stabbed a finger at him. "You are so used to having the superior force that you have forgotten all semblance of tactics. The Voidlings are immune to our magic. What about that do you not understand? You might as well throw rocks at them."
"We have to try," Kendrik said, and stubbornly folded his arms. "We have to show the families cowering in their homes that we are still fighting. Or are you just afraid?"
Breaker issued a scornful laugh. "Intelligence isn't fear. I don't take on a fight I can't win—or are you saying you have a weapon against them? If you do I will lead the charge myself."
Kendrik glowered at him. "I am ordering you to join our ranks and stand with us. We are marching on the Spirus in an hour."
"The Rayths are gone," Breaker growled. "We are the resistance now. The sooner you start seeing that, the more of your men will live to fight when it counts."
Kendrik's face had gone red. "I will have you drawn up on charges as soon as we have regained control of the Spirus."
Breaker laughed in his face. "If you survive to that day, I dare you to try. Now get out of my house."
Trembling in rage, Kendrik swept from the room. The echo of the slammed door resounded throughout the house. Breaker remained in place until his anger had subsided. Then he strode to the window and looked out on the handful of men gathering in the street.
"Fools," he muttered under his breath.
High Captain Kendrik had gathered enough support for an assault, but many shared Breaker’s reluctance. Without a weapon against the Voidlings, any attempt to attack the Spirus would be suicide. Their only choice was to build a resistance that could fight when they had a chance of winning.
Breaker turned away, cursing the death of the Prime. At least that man had been smart, and would not have championed a suicidal attempt on anything. But even if the battlemage leader had survived, their situation would be no less dire.
Grumbling to himself, he strode through his house. Built by his own hands, the walls were of textured dark stone. The stairs and ceiling were made of malachite and had been polished to reveal the swirls of dark green and black. Curving arches of molded sodalite over the doorways maintained their natural dark blue, giving an elegance and color to the structure.
Distinct from the rest of the house, the kitchen had been crafted from smooth aquaglass. Solidified enough to stand on, it nevertheless remained translucent. Light from the aquaglass windows cascaded into the home and reflected throughout the kitchen, bathing the room with illumination.
Breaker put his hands on the counter. What would you have me do, Rivena? He had no answer. In all the preparations to keep his family safe he'd never dreamed that Alice would be so bold as to take Auroraq.
His first impulse was to gather his family to safety. For now Rivena and the boys were in Azertorn, which was as safe a place as any. But Roxanne was at Tryton's. Even if he could get past the Voidlings and retrieve her, there would be no escape from the city. Alice had ordered all tornado launchers and the Sundrops shut down.
Noticing he'd been grinding a fist into the counter, he forced himself to breathe. Damaging his wife's handiwork would only invite her wrath on him. That thought brought a bitter smile to his lips. Alice's takeover was keeping him apart from her, and that alone made him furious.
But what to do?
He couldn't walk into Tryton's, and he couldn't use a tunnelian charm to go underground. The connection from Sentre and the Points had been reinforced with numerous spells to ensure it could not be weakened. Nothing short of titanic magic could break it, and doing so might cause the whole school to fall from the sky.
Then a thought that he hadn't considered crossed his mind. He shuddered at the very idea of it, but at least it was moderately likely to succeed. But first he would need a change of clothes. Once he was on the school grounds he wouldn't want to be questioned.
Tightening his jaw against what he was about to do, he strode upstairs and collected the cloak he
used when giving lectures at the school. Then he ducked out the rear entrance of his home onto a back street. It was the middle of the afternoon, but his plan would be better in the daylight anyway.
Passing a handful of people in the streets, he continued east until he reached the very end of Eastpoint. He threw a glance behind but no one appeared to be watching him. Then he strode into a gap between a tree and the wall at the edge of the city. Beyond the wall lay a twenty thousand foot drop.
He swallowed at the fear burgeoning inside him. Like most earth mages, he hated heights. The fear was not the same as those of young gravity mages before they learned to fly. It was the fear of letting go of the earth. The idea of hanging above endless space was terrifying.
He clenched his fists, and forced himself to climb over the wall. The wind tugged against his form as he lowered his leg over the side. He tightened his grip until his knuckles went white. Then he slowly lowered himself until he was hanging by his fingertips. From there he cast a charm that pulled a ledge out from the rock beneath him.
He'd cast the spell a thousand times, but he couldn't suppress his trepidation as he lowered his weight onto it. To his relief it held, and he gathered his magic to move it. Then he made the mistake of looking down.
The wisps of clouds did not block the sight of the earth far below. They floated past, serene and mocking as he clung to the side of the city. The open air curled past him, and with every touch he thought it would yank him free. For a long moment terror bound him, and then his anger burnt it to a crisp.
He was a Rayth, and height was like any other enemy. Drawing a fist back he punched the stone next to him, embedding his arm up to the elbow. With the additional anchor he fixed his gaze forward and cast the slideways spell. Both his embedded arm and the ledge under his feet began to move.
Like a zipper on a coat, the stone opened to accommodate his forward motion, and then resealed behind him. The spell emitted a faint rasping sound, which the whistling wind was likely to mask.
On many occasions he'd used the spell to move quickly across the ground, and he knew he could glide as fast as an auren car. This time he kept to a snail's pace as he followed the curve around Eastpoint. No need to rush when a fall to your death lay inches from your feet.