Amber Uncovered

by Tom Larcombe

  Charles shook his head, trying to clear it.

  I don't want to think about the Council any more. I need to change the subject.

  “So I had a visitor this morning,” he said. “A rather confusing one.”

  Kathryn was happy to follow the subject change.

  “Oh really? Why were they confusing?”

  “It was a young girl watching me plant the trees. For a moment I thought I saw Earth Magic surrounding her, but then it was gone. I might've let that go, but she said something about seeing flashing lights on the roof and the only way I could explain that was if Rose showed herself to the girl. So, I'm back to thinking she has magic of some sort.”

  “Ah, so you think you might have your next victim to tutor?” Kathryn said.

  Charles looked indignant.

  “Victim?” he said.

  “That's what they all say, at least for the first month or so, then they realize why. But you do have to admit, it's kind of harsh forcing them to forego any contact with the people they knew.”

  He shook his head, having not managed to change the subject as well as he'd hoped.

  “Once they learn about the Council and what they'll do to them, or the people they knew before they started training as a wizard, they understand. At least most of them have.”

  Kathryn eased over next to Charles and put her arm around him. She'd been the one to help him through the two cases where his students insisted on showing off their new powers to the people they'd known earlier in their lives. Both cases had been ugly, with the wizard losing their life and the people they'd demonstrated their magic to losing portions of their memories.

  Both cases had left Charles adrift, unwilling to continue with his work, despite knowing that even worse things could happen to an untrained wizard. He somehow felt responsible, as though he hadn't stressed enough the Council's reactions to a wizard who wouldn't help maintain the secret of magic.

  I know better, he thought. I know that headstrong youth like to rebel. But there has to be something I could've done that would've kept them from doing that. Some way to get through to them.

  He straightened up, Kathryn's arms falling away from him.

  “I need to get my head straight; I dislike talking about all this,” he said. “I also need to recharge a bit. I'm going to the park and going to meander through that tiny forest a bit. You're welcome to join me if you want.”

  Kathryn was an Air Wizard and knew that the other half of the park was wide open with a small pond. The breezes frequently danced through that half of the park, seeming playful and happy.

  “I think you're right. I don't like the mood we get in when talking about these things as well, so yes I'll join you. I'll just lay out on the grass in the other half of the park while you walk the forest though.”

  * * *

  The park was only a ten minute walk so they didn't bother with any other form of transportation. When they got there, Kathryn headed for the beach of the small pond and Charles walked directly into the tiny forest. He made a beeline for the clearing in the center of it, knowing that it was the place he could relax and recharge most easily.

  That's weird, it feels like there's someone in the clearing, he said, his awareness stretching out to encompass the woods.

  By the time he got there, it was empty. There were quivering branches on the far side of the clearing showing that someone had just left, but he wasn't going to chase them. He was happy that someone else found the clearing as relaxing as he did and thankful that they'd left it to him.

  He settled in and leaned back against a tree. As he scanned the clearing he saw where someone had recently been digging. A quick check with his Earth Magic showed him that he was correct, the soil had been disturbed. Rather than invade the person's privacy, he withdrew his probe without checking what they'd buried. Then he focused in on the white rock they'd topped their hole with. It was a very low grade of quartz, nothing like a crystal that he'd use to store energy.

  But if someone is doing the buried treasure thing and marking it with a rock then I bet they're young. So, I'll see if I can't give them a little thrill.

  He reached out with his Earth Magic, flaking and smoothing the stone they'd place over their filled-in hole. A few minutes later, when he was done, the stone was close to a perfect sphere, the white quartz covering its entire surface.

  There, that ought to give them a bit of a thrill, he thought, and maybe a second treasure to go with the one they buried.

  He loved doing that sort of thing with his magic. The Council had no issues with magic use that had no witnesses, even if it resulted in something people couldn't explain.

  Well, within reason, he reminded himself. I remember that water Wizard, Duane was it? The one who made a small stream flow backwards, then left it that way. That raised a ruckus in the press, and when the Council finally found out about it no-one heard from Duane ever again. So, even witnesses after the fact count with the Council, at least when it's something that goes contrary to natural laws.

  With the energy of the sun and the tiny forest infusing him he felt better already, although he knew he was a quite a ways away from being in top form. The warm feeling he got by doing little tricks like the one he'd just performed helped as well, the satisfaction of hopefully surprising and pleasing a total stranger helping him recharge faster.

  Charles opened himself to the area, allowing the ambient energy to flow through him while he retained a small portion of it. He spent a couple of hours in this not quite napping state before he was disturbed. He snapped out of that state when he heard a rumble somewhere in the sky. His eyes shot open and he looked to the dark clouds that had rolled on overhead.

  I guess that's enough time in the park for today, he thought. If I'm quick and I get Kathryn now, we might make it back before the rain starts.

  He stood and made his way back out of the miniature forest, heading towards the pond on the other side of the park. When he exited the treeline he saw Kathryn already heading in his direction.

  “Did you have a good time?” she asked.

  He nodded.

  “I probably would've stayed longer if not for the storm, but I do feel somewhat better.”

  “Well, we should be going, unless we want to be out in the rain. If I use a touch of Air Magic, I can make sure we get back before it starts.”

  “No, don't bother. If we get caught in the rain, we'll just go inside and dry out. You know a little rain doesn't bother me.”

  “I remember that, but I'm doubting myself a touch here. I'm the one who had half-convinced herself that you took the job here in the city to get away from me, remember?”

  He leaned in and took her hand in his.

  “I remember, I also remember telling you that I'd never do that, so make sure you remember that as well.”

  Kathryn smiled at him as they held hands and walked back towards his apartment. They were still a couple of minutes away when the skies opened up and dropped a torrential downpour on them. Charles started laughing as she glanced at the sky and growled.

  “If you'd wanted to stay dry, you could've done whatever you offered to do for me,” he said. “You didn't have to let it rain just because I don't mind getting wet.”

  “I don't mind a light sprinkle, but this is like taking a shower with my clothes on,” she said.

  “Bit late to do anything about it now though.”

  “Not quite,” she replied.

  Kathryn's gaze grew unfocused for a moment and when it cleared Charles realized that they were now only being misted on, despite the downpour elsewhere.

  “Um, isn't this dangerous? There might be witnesses,” he said.

  She shook her head.

  “Nope, we're still getting wet and we're already soaked. If anyone suspects anything they'd have to be less than a foot away from us to tell the difference. The rest of the rain will blur their vision.”

  Charles shrugged and they continued to walk.

  I don't get
it, we were already soaked and still are, so why would she bother? he thought.

  Then he saw her pat her hair lightly, putting it back in place.

  Oh vanity, thy name is Kathryn. At least that explains it. She didn't want to completely ruin her hair style.

  When they made it inside, he offered her a towel and took one for himself. A few minutes later, still slightly damp, he settled into a chair in his living room.

  “If you don't mind, I'm going to check for that potential wizard I saw this morning. She was carrying a rather full backpack and out earlier than most kids normally are so I'm afraid she might be a runaway. That would explain why I hadn't noticed her in the city before.”

  “Go right ahead. I'm going to toss on a robe and put my clothes in the dryer. You might not mind being a bit damp, but it drives me crazy.”

  He closed his eyes and sent a tiny bit of his awareness from his body. He wouldn't need much energy for what he was doing since he'd set this up a long time ago. His awareness would feed a tiny bit of energy into the pattern he'd created for his job. It spread throughout the city and, when he checked on it, would let him know if anyone had been using magic and where. He'd set it up so he could set exclusions so any known wizards wouldn't trigger it.

  The only problem with it was that occasionally it seemed nature itself decided to do something magical and those instances registered on his spell web similar to unknown wizards doing magic.

  This was one of those times. Since he'd last checked, there were quite a few instances of magic, but when he looked closer they all appeared to be natural magic.

  That's very strange. I know I get a lot of natural Air Magic going on in this city, that's been going on for years, but this many instances in this short a time is something new. I may have to check this out. I'll look again tomorrow and if there are any more, I'll get locations and start searching for the source.

  As he came out of his trance-like state he found Kathryn sitting on the other side of the living room, looking at him.

  “You know Charles, I've been thinking. What you said earlier? About Rose showing herself to this girl? Did you think to ask Rose why she did so?”

  “Umm, no. I didn't. But she's fae, what are the odds of her giving a straight answer?”

  “You'll never know unless you ask, now will you?”

  He shrugged and stood.

  “No time like the present then,” he said. “Are you coming?”

  “But it's still raining out,” Kathryn said.

  “Shall I take that as a no then?”

  “No, no, I'll come. But on your roof I can put up a full rain shield, right?”

  He chuckled.

  “Yes you can, I don't think anyone has line of sight onto my roof.”

  “Alright then, let's go.”

  She stood up as well, but when they entered the hallway, she turned towards the elevator while he turned towards the stairs.

  “I'll meet you up there,” Charles said. “I can't stand that thing, it's too slow.”

  “I find it charming and stately,” Kathryn replied, pushing the button to summon the elevator.

  He opened the door to the stairwell and started climbing.

  * * *

  Rose was darting about above the garden in her hummingbird form when he stepped onto the roof. It looked like she was trying to dodge the raindrops in a stunning display of aerial acrobatics, and mostly succeeding as well.

  Charles stopped and watched, waiting until she noticed him. When she finally did, she stopped in mid-air, hovering, then flew over to him. She shifted her form, leaving herself as a tiny humanoid, hovering in front of him.

  “Charles? What wonderful rain we're having,” Rose said.

  The roof door opened again, Kathryn stepping up off the stairs since the elevator only went to the top floor, not the roof.

  “Kathryn,” Rose said, her voice cooling somewhat. “How nice to see you.”

  “Likewise, I'm sure,” Kathryn responded in a similar tone.

  Charles sighed heavily.

  I keep hoping that they'll get over this, he thought. But they both think they should be the primary focus of my attention. My job should be my primary focus if I'm to do it correctly. Maybe that's why Kathryn and I never got serious? She wants all of my attention when there are other things I have to do.

  “Rose,” Charles said, “I have a question for you.”

  “Yes?”

  “There's a girl that was nearby last night and this morning. She says she saw flashing lights up here. Did you show yourself to someone, and if you did, then why did you do it?”

  “Of course I showed myself to her. She is Dilectis Caeli.”

  Charles blinked several time.

  “She's what?”

  “Dilectis Caeli, it is an old human term from a long time ago. I think your Romans coined the phrase.”

  “What's it mean?” Kathryn asked.

  “It means she is Dilectis Caeli, loved by air.”

  “Exactly what does that entail?” Charles asked.

  “Ah, you mean who is awarded that title? It is given to those who have such a natural affinity for Air Magic that the air itself seems to guard and protect them without any overt action from the Dilectis Caeli. The title may also be given to one when a gift is bestowed upon them, one given by an Air Wizard. The giving of this gift is normally deadly for a wizard, so it is not frequently bestowed. Normally it is only given from the deathbed of a powerful Air Wizard.”

  “So she's either a powerful Air Wizard or has the blessing of one?” Charles said.

  “It would seem that way,” Rose replied. “I only know what I sense and I sensed that the young girl is Dilectis Caeli.”

  “I thought I saw a flash of Earth Magic on her though,” Charles said, “although there was a small breeze that blew dust in my eyes when I noticed that. I wonder if it's related to this?”

  “It is the type of common protective occurrence that would happen if the Dilectis Caeli chose to want to escape notice,” Rose said. “It can be far more powerful, and dangerous, than that though.”

  “And she did keep shying away from me. Almost as though she were frightened, even though all I did was talk to her.”

  “Well, you have your answer,” Kathryn said.

  “Thank you Rose,” Charles said. “As you probably noticed, I put in those trees and shrubs I told you about.”

  “And three rose bushes,” Rose squealed excitedly. “I've already visited them to strengthen their roots.”

  “I'm glad you're happy,” Charles said. “Are you any stronger yet? I know you said you needed to regain your strength before leaving the city.”

  Rose shook her head mournfully.

  “No, not yet,” she said, then darted through the air, hiding herself in the greenery again.

  Charles and Kathryn turned and left the roof.

  “I'm telling you again, I don't think there's anything at all wrong with Rose,” Kathryn said. “She just doesn't want leave here.”

  “Why would she want to stay here when there are none of her kind around?” Charles asked.

  She just stared at him for a moment, then shook her head.

  “Never mind, you wouldn't believe me if I told you.”

  “Told me what?”

  “Just let it go Charles. If you haven't noticed yourself just how much she likes to be around you, then you need to let it go.”

  Noticed what? he wondered. That Rose likes to be around me? Of course I've noticed that she does, we're both creatures of magic and we both appreciate the earth and plants. Why wouldn't she like to be around me?

  Charles joined Kathryn in the elevator going down. It was slightly faster in that direction and this way they could keep talking.

  “I can't believe how willing she was to volunteer that information,” he said. “Normally she's much more reticent.”

  “She just wanted to show off for you a little,” she replied, “especially since I was there.”


  “Why would that matter to her? For that matter, I've never understood why you two don't get along.”

  Kathryn chuckled.

  “Jealousy, envy, lots of little things, and one big one. But that's our business and it will stay that way,” she said.

  “What?” he asked.

  She just shook her head and stayed silent. As the elevator approached the ground floor, Charles heard his phone ringing.

  “Busy day for me, I hope it keeps ringing until I can get there.”

  As soon as the elevator doors opened, he darted towards his apartment. The phone had stopped ringing by the time he got inside, but he had an old-fashioned answering machine to go with his land-line phone. He could hear the message as it was left and interrupt it to pick up the phone if he wanted. This time he chose to do the latter.

  “Gregory,” he said into the phone. “I haven't heard from you in a while.”

  “You know it's just Greg, not Gregory. I hate my full name.”

  “Fine then Greg, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

  “Well, it's not just a friendly call. I've got a kid, a young girl, that I think might need some help.”

  “Has she asked for it yet? You know I can't help until she asks.”

  “She's close to asking. I think if she had a chance to talk to you, then she might. She said something about being worried about not knowing the person who was going to help her. That she didn't know that they wouldn't be worse than her current situation.”

  She's got to ask for help, Charles thought. Even the Council has agreed that children in need who ask for help should get it, whether magical or not. Even if they do insist that the memories of any magical form of help be removed afterward.

  “Is she there now? I can come over and talk to her if you like.”

  “She isn't, she stopped in for a few minutes to get out of the worst of the rain and said she was going to the movies and that she'd stop back here again right before I closed.”

  “You still close at six?” Charles asked.

  “Yup, how about you come over around five o'clock and we'll see if she shows.”