The Fallen One

by Lexy Wolfe

  Seeker's expression did not seem to change, but there was distinctively amusement in his eyes. "We are a people of extremes. So are the Totani. And 'shy and retiring' is not a phrase associated with any of the Raging One's children. Admire their beauty, they preen." He looked towards the house briefly. "Your master is busy talking with his new… circle. My sister sleeps and the others train. I wondered if you could assist me."

  Marcus perked up. "Help you? I would be honored to!" He jumped up to his feet. Then he looked uncertain. "Well, if I can. But if I can't, I am sure I can find someone who can! That is what a mage does, you know. Figure out how to fix problems."

  The boy fell silent when Seeker held up one hand. "It is tradition for Swordanzen to provide for themselves. But I do not know this land or your customs. I wish to find beads and string."

  "What for?" Seeker arched an eyebrow and Marcus turned bright red, dropping into a deep bow to hide his eyes. "I am sorry, I shouldn't question what a master wants. I'm pretty sure there's someone in Market Circle who has those sorts of things." The pair walked in silence.

  As they neared the more populated area of Ithesra, youthful voices called out, "Hey! Swordanzen!" Several pre-adolescents ran up. They stopped and put their hands over their hearts. "May the sun be more merciful than the winds," they stated proudly in unison in such heavily accented Desanti, Seeker nearly did not understand.

  A little confused, Seeker returned the gesture. "May the sands guide your path beneath the stars." The delight at his response danced in their eyes and shone in their bright smiles. He looked over each boy and girl critically, noticing they all wore bone-handled knives strapped to their legs. "May I see your knife?" he asked the taller boy.

  The boy grinned hugely. "Of course!" He removed the knife and offered it hilt-first, resting across the back of his wrist. "Do you like it? I made it myself. My brother didn't think I could do it, but even the local weapon maker was impressed."

  Seeker studied the blade. "The balance is good. The edge is sharp." He considered the carvings. "This is a Desanti symbol?"

  "Yup! Githalin Swordanzen Storm said it was a symbol of good luck and wisdom." The boy grinned. "And she told us that grownups have knives, but we hope she wouldn't mind if we made ours early."

  Seeker looked them up and down. "By your age, you would either be an adult or dead in Desantiva. I think she would understand." He handed the knife back.

  "Most of our parents thought it was silly, but they were happy it kept us busy, I guess." He looked over his shoulder at a girl with braided, honey-colored hair. "Except for Claire's pa. He is a blacksmith. He is over the moons happy with her."

  Claire smiled and shrugged. "Pa wanted someone to learn the family trade and so far, most of my brothers and sisters didn't have an interest. They thought trying to get in as a highborn servant would be a lot more interesting. But Swordanzen Storm taught us how important everyone is in a tribe, no matter how insignificant their tasks may seem. I know how important my dad's work is."

  "Highborn are stupid," the first boy grumped, crossing his arms. "They think only the stuff they learn is important so they are important and us lowborn aren't important enough to care about."

  Claire wagged a finger. "Don't be stupid, Erik! Your uncle is technically a highborn now because the great mother chose him to be the second Edai Magus of the Edai Tredecima. And the Avarians are good highborn, too."

  Marcus leaned over and waved Seeker down to whisper in his ear. "Master Nolyn said Githalin Swordanzen Storm would teach at a school for the lowborn. Githalin Swordanzen Skyfire would teach at the Magus Academy because she refused to go there."

  Seeker frowned. "Why would they teach outlanders at all?"

  Erik looked at Seeker quizzically. "Huh? Oh, Swordanzen Storm said they were teaching us because the Raging One wanted mages to understand his children better, but she was teaching us because the highborn were mean." He looked at Marcus and said grudgingly, "They got better since the new Se'edai Magus."

  "They were… mean?" Seeker asked in puzzlement.

  "Yeah," Erik stated, shrugging noncommittally.

  Claire rolled her eyes at Erik. "That answer doesn't tell him anything, you doof." She smiled at Seeker. "I think she felt bad for us because lowborn don't have enough magic to be taught how to use it. But because of Illaini Magus Terrence, who was lowborn, managed to prove himself to become one of the mortal servants of the Knowing One, they can't say that as much anymore. But it was too late for us."

  "Wait." Seeker scowled. "You are all Forentan-born." The group of young people nodded. "Desanti don't have magic at all, but you are all born with the potential of magic." They nodded again. "And they don't… teach all of you how to use it?" He looked between Marcus and the other youngsters.

  Marcus scratched behind his ears, looking a bit sheepish. "That pretty much sums it up, yes. See, I only got lucky enough to study to be a mage because I tested high to get a scholarship to the Magus Academy. Otherwise, anyone can get into the academy if their family has enough money, even if they suck."

  He clasped his hands behind his back. "The old Se'edai Magus had wanted to stop the scholarship that allowed lowborn into the Magus Academy after Illaini Magus Ash took a lowborn for his apprentice. If not for Se'edai Magus Ellis insisting the scholarship remain in place, I would probably be learning how to pick acorns because that is what most people in my village do. We have a lot of oak trees."

  Seeker turned and walked away slowly. He spun back, making all the youngsters jump. "That is insane! You are wasting the potential of your people's gifts!"

  The youngsters traded looks then looked back. Claire smiled a little. "Swordanzen Storm said we just have to find our own way to serve the great mother. She said that not every Desanti is a great warrior, but every member of a tribe is important to the tribe if they work hard. And we don't need magic to be great. Swordanzen Storm is proof of that!"

  "And we are going to be important!" Erik declared. "My Uncle Nolyn used to be the captain of the guard. And that is what I'm going to be! The newest captain isn't a mage. Captain Dani is just really smart. Uncle Nolyn taught her how to make do without magic."

  Claire grinned. "I am going to be the greatest weapon smith ever!" The others chimed in with their future goals proudly.

  "I see. So, you have found wisdom in Desanti ways." Seeker smiled faintly and nodded. "That is good. Perhaps I will seek you out someday after we have found what I need in the market and teach you some other things from my people."

  "What are you looking for in the market?" Claire asked curiously.

  "Beads and string," Marcus replied. "I'm sure someone has something there."

  "Oh, beads and string? Like for making jewelry?" Claire bounced on her feet. "I know just the place! It's right by my father's smithy!" She grabbed Seeker's hand and then Marcus's hand. "Come on! I'll show you." She started dragging the two with her.

  "Hey! Claire!" Erik scolded. The rest of the youngsters gave chase. "Don't hog the Swordanzen all to yourself, Claire! Hey!"

  Chapter 58

  After several hours, the meeting to discuss the tasks of running the Verusia region was done and the last of the mages newly brought into his circle had left. Nolyn sat back in his desk chair, pinching the bridge of his nose with a sigh. "Great Mother," he said loudly. "I love you and I love Forenta. But this paperwork will be the death of me."

  "You look perfectly healthy to me, Master Nolyn," Kelafy stated as she walked in with a tray, plate of food, teapot and teacup residing in the middle. "I think you will survive. Especially if you trust your circle to handle the day-to-day issues. Just check up on them now and then to keep them honest and on their toes."

  Nolyn smirked. "Ellis has the senior members of his circle helping to train mine. A few were even willing to trade down for me to join my circle." He took one of the pastries and bit into it.

  "Psh. It is hardly trading down," she scolded as she poured the tea for him. "You are Edai Magus of Verusia.
"

  "And Ellis is now Se'edai Magus of all Forenta. I am a step down, Kelafy." He wagged his finger at her. "I am a step down for you, too. Ash leaves and you're left taking care of the most inept master mage— Ow!" He shook his hand, looking up at the woman in bewilderment. "What the hell did you slap me for?"

  "You are putting yourself down. Again." Kelafy put her hands on her hips, glaring at him. "Do you think I am unhappy? Have you even asked me if I am unhappy here with you? No." She frowned at him. "Do you have any idea why I wanted to be Master Ash's servant?"

  Nolyn stood, taking his teacup to walk to the small window, looking outside for a time before turning and leaning against the bookshelves, crossing one leg over the other ankle. "Most people seek to be associated with the most powerful persons or houses they can get involved with. And honestly, you cannot get more powerful than Ash. Illaini Magus? I think only the Voice of the Oracle rates higher."

  Kelafy shook her head, sighing. "There are too many who worry about themselves and appearances. It's a poison in our society." She waved a hand at him. "Tell me. Did you ever want to be an Illaini Magus?"

  "Of course, when I was younger."

  "But you stopped wanting that. Why?"

  Nolyn frowned faintly. "Because I saw what Ash sacrificed. Everything he had to put up with. Every happiness he gave up for his duty to Forenta." He added, looking up towards the ceiling, "Not that I do not love serving our goddess."

  The woman could not help but smile a little. "Of course. Every good servant knows that those who serve our goddess sacrifice a great deal. They also require time to be able to serve Her and our people." She put her hand over her heart. "If we can help ease the burden of those we serve, then that makes us happy. I did not want to serve Master Ash simply because he was Illaini Magus. Or even because I could see the promise in him when he first became journeyman."

  She looked down at the desk, tracing the edge lightly. "Ash was a lonely soul. Save for you, he had no one in his life he could trust. No one he could depend on. He did not even have one servant who took care of him. Dessa did her duty, yes, but he took care of her for… reasons you well know."

  Tilting his head to the side, Nolyn said slowly, "So, you wanted to serve the most powerful… to take care of them?"

  "They are usually the ones who need taking care of most," Kelafy pointed out gently. "The more responsibility one is burdened with, the more set apart from others one becomes. A good servant knows when their charges need a special wine, a favorite cake. Sometimes, they become a confidante, someone that has no stake in a troublesome matter."

  Nolyn looked down at his tea, frowning a little. "So, you see me as helpless?"

  Kelafy moved to stand in front of the younger man. She put her hand over his heart. "I see you as alone as Ash had been. Overwhelmed by responsibilities you never expected to be yours. Helpless? Once you find your rhythm, you will be magnificent, Nolyn Lirai. You are the best thing to have ever happened to Verusia and to the Edai Tredecima. Helpless is the last word I would ever describe you with."

  Nolyn smiled and, clasping her hand, he kissed her knuckles lightly. "Just to make things easier for you, I adore cherry cobbler."

  Her eyes twinkled and she bowed slightly. "Duly noted, Master Nolyn." She accepted the empty cup he handed her, collecting the tray and departing.

  Decidedly in a better mood, he returned to his private suite and was surprised to find Kiya in his room, curled on his bed. He approached her, worry in his eyes as he touched her cheek. "What's wrong?"

  "I feel so lost," she whispered. "I watch my kinsmen train, and the servants work and the birds fly. I… watch. Just watch!" She covered her head with her arms. "I am a disgrace to my people. I can do nothing to earn my place."

  Nolyn sighed and gathered her into his arms. He had no idea what to say to console her and was more relieved than irritated when the door opened to admit Marcus and Seeker. The Desanti man held a shallow box that was long and wide. Marcus went over to the table, taking down several glasses and filling them with water from the pitcher that occupied the small table.

  "Sister," Seeker stated. When she looked up, he held the box out to her without a word. It took some moments before she finally unfolded from her miserable posture, resting the box on the bed and lifting the lid.

  She blinked in surprise. "Beads?"

  Seeker nodded. "They are not like the ones from Desantiva. Some are passable substitutions." He sat on the bed across from her, looking at the compartmented box filled with beads of all shapes and colors. "I met some Forentan students of Githalin Swordanzen Storm. A girl introduced me to a jeweler friend of her father's. When I said you wished to have beads to make some jewelry, she gave them to me." He paused and looked up at her. "She asked only that she can get one of your pieces in exchange for them."

  Kiya's eyes sparkled as she lightly ran her fingers across the piles of beads and the frame of the box. "I have not made anything since Mother…"

  "I know. You were very good at it, I remember," Seeker said, his voice gentle. "I thought perhaps you could show these treewalkers what true beauty is." He added, "If this jeweler likes your work, she said she would be willing to pay you for more than just the first piece."

  Nolyn smiled at Seeker, nodding to him in understanding. "I thought you said you did not have any skills you could use to earn your place."

  "It is just… jewelry," Kiya replied, blinking several times. "Father said it was… it was worthless to others. They just make their own."

  "That's just silly, Su'alin Kiya," Marcus said as he brought her a cup of water. "People love jewelry. Especially the highborn. The fancier the better. And nobody makes their own jewelry, except maybe goldsmiths. Some highborn pay more than what an academy tuition for a year costs when it's made with really expensive metals and gemstones."

  Seeker's eyes flashed briefly, in annoyance at Forentan selective education and amusement at the apprentice's help. "Your people are insane, Master Nolyn. But we should learn about their insanity so when we return home, we can tell our people about them, Sister."

  She flinched at Seeker's criticism, glancing at Marcus and Nolyn. Nolyn shrugged. "I am not arguing with the truth. My people are insane."

  "I won't argue, either," Marcus added. "My family would agree. Just, you know. Quietly agree. They are… not so brave."

  Kiya tilted her head, looking at Marcus for a moment. "It is not bravery to throw rocks at a nest of poisonous snakes when you can just as easily avoid them."

  Seeker grunted as he stood. "Poisonous snakes are less venomous than these highborn here, nor do they try to hobble their kind by not teaching the younger ones how to bite. Hopefully the snakes will forgive me for even mentioning them in the same breath as treewalker highborn." He walked out of Nolyn's room, still fuming under his breath.

  Nolyn watched Seeker leave, bemused. "He doesn't seem to like the highborn much, either. I like him. Good man, your brother." He stood as well, stretching a bit before taking off his tunic to pull out a new one that was less refined, more practical. "Marcus, go get ready for your lessons today. I will be there shortly."

  Marcus glanced between Nolyn and Kiya, expression unchanged. He bowed respectfully. "Yes, Master." The mischievous grin appeared briefly as he turned back to close the door quietly, his youthful eyes twinkling.

  "Brat," Nolyn lamented, amused. He turned back to look at Kiya, whose attention had returned to the large box of beads. Tossing the tunic over one shoulder, he walked back to her, touching her cheek lightly so she would look up at him. "Are you going to be okay?"

  She closed her eyes, nodding. "I am sorry I intruded on your privacy. You were busy and I wanted—"

  "Kiya," he chided, a warm smile taking any edge off his tone. "I am honored you felt my room was somewhere you might find some peace. I wish it could have given you what you needed." He let his hand drop away. "I wish I could give you what you need."

  She carefully closed the box lid, then stood, putting he
r arms around his waist and resting her head on his chest. He sighed softly, holding her close. "It did give me peace," she murmured. "Being close to you gives me peace, and I felt close to you here, even when you were away. I did not feel so alone with your scent around me." She sighed. "I do not feel so ashamed for feeling so weak with you."

  Nolyn closed his eyes, arms tightening around her slightly. "Kiya, how many summers have you seen?"

  She turned her face into his chest, her embarrassment apparent. "Sixteen. I will be seventeen in a few turns of the greater moon."

  While he expected a low number, Nolyn jerked with his shock. "…Sixteen? How long have you been… ah, when did you become an adult?"

  Regarding him with some confusion, she replied simply, "Eleven. I could have gone for my adult trial when I was ten, but Father made me wait." She tilted her head. "Why? I know you are old, but twenty-five is not really all that old. Not compared to some of the elders who are in their forties."

  "Wait. What?" Nolyn stepped back from her to look at her. "You think I'm twenty-five?" She nodded. "An elder in Desantiva is someone who lives until they are in their forties? What about someone who is older than that?"

  "We call them ancients. There has not been an ancient in Desantiva in three generations, though. Why?" Kiya touched her cheek, as if feeling for wrinkles. "Am I too old?"

  "Too old?" he echoed, briefly flabbergasted. "Dear gods, no! No, not at all. I just…" He bit his tongue. If she thought sixteen was old, he had no desire to devastate her by saying he had assumed she was in her early twenties. "I was just curious, is all." He smiled and took her hands in his, drawing them to his lips to kiss gently. "I should get to my lessons with Marcus. You are welcome to use my room anytime. Even if I'm asleep. You are so quiet, you put the mice to shame." She smiled brightly, picked up the box of beads, and went over to the table, opening it again to study the assortment in the better light.

  In the hall, he leaned against the door briefly after closing it. "Oh, Great Mother, what did our ancestors do to her people? So young and so old all at once. Now I feel as though I am thinking about robbing the cradle wanting to be with her, but I'm not sure Desanti even have cradles if she matured so fast. What will she think if she finds out I'm only a handful of years from being an elder in her eyes?" He rubbed his temples. "It explains so much about the Desanti but…" He looked back at the door, then turned to head outside. "Gods, my head hurts."