“Aura, my sister,” she said. Her hand slipped into Aura’s. “There are many regions in Thindoral, and I need assistance leading these regions. Aura has always enjoyed traveling and meeting new individuals. I, myself, tend to get a bit seasick.” The room filled with laughter. Adie smiled. “That’s why I’m creating a new position. This position will be the Monarch of Northern Thindoral. She will lead the regions of Ologpha, Nitari, Hatem, and Vadim. She is already in good standing with the Etoyoc in Nitari and will help rebuild Hatem with the remaining Fales that reside here in Giriveen.”
Aura opened her mouth to speak, but words failed her. Monarch? Lead? But there’s only one Ruler. Shock froze her and everyone in the room as silence thickened the air.
She wasn’t expecting this. Minister of Affairs, perhaps, but a new position . . . a lead position. A leader of regions. This is what will allow you to make a difference. She grinned as the realization hit her. This will allow you to fix what you’ve done.
“She will appoint the new representative for Nitari and have them report to me as soon as she has chosen. She will also have an Executive Guard of her choosing.”
“Bokah,” Aura said without thinking.
“That’ll be fine,” Adie said, smiling and looking out into her Council. “Any concerns or questions at this time can be brought to Gossamer, who will report them to me. But please, today is a day of celebration. Samuel has bravely fought and killed the individual responsible for the death of so many in Hatem. We must celebrate that we are no longer at risk and join the festivities in Giriveen. Please return to your families and be happy.”
The Council members, past and present, clapped and smiled at Adie. But Aura’s resentment returned, mixing in with her joy of the new position. Why won’t she mention Felipe?
Adie walked briskly out of the Council Room, followed by Gossamer. Her mother and father, along with Samuel and Aura, followed closely behind.
“I wish you would’ve told me your plan this morning,” Gossamer said.
“I told you I wanted to call a meeting.”
Aura noticed the slight irritation in Adie’s voice.
“I thought it was to welcome your new Council and speak of how new representation would be coming for Nitari.”
“And that was brought up. We lost the member.” Adie stopped walking and faced Gossamer.
“Felipe,” Aura said, hoping Adie would catch the frustration in her voice.
“Yes, Felipe. We lost that member due to an attack from a Sight. I specified that.”
“No one has ever created a new leadership position.” Ambrielle brought her hand to Adie’s shoulder.
Aura noticed the gray hair sprouting from her mother’s temples. She’s aged so quickly since passing the Rokis to Adie.
“Mother, this is something I have thought about for a while. Aura loves to travel, and this position suits her. The Rokis has made me feel something—this calmness. I know my purpose now. This is Fate telling us where we are meant to be.”
Aura shuddered at hearing her sister happily say the phrase that seemed to pronounce her own doom again and again.
“You must trust me and trust that I know what I’m doing.” An elongated smile emerged from Adie that made Aura step back.
What has gotten into her?
Ambrielle looked wary but nodded as she grabbed Nemiah’s hand. “Your father and I will join the Town Square in celebration. Samuel, I insist that you join us. You’re a hero!” She kissed his cheek, and Samuel grinned at her.
“I will gladly join you,” he said, taking her other arm.
“I will join you later this afternoon. I’m to meet with the Sandman,” Adie said, motioning for Gossamer to follow her.
Aura watched as they dispersed and wondered where she should go. She quietly made her way back to her room, not feeling like joining the crowds celebrating outside. While part of her was happy she would be traveling and having her own regions to lead, despair still riddled her. She longed for Felipe to be there and celebrate with her. Her sister didn’t even mention him like she’d promised. She seemed to have forgotten his name.
Aura walked into her room and closed the door. Leaning her back against it, she shut her eyes and clenched her fists together. A loud crash across the room made her jump. She opened her eyes to see bits of broken mirror covering the floor.
32
Gossamer
Gossamer sat quietly in the chair in his office. Adie’s words echoed through his head. The Sandman stood tall in the corner, and he watched him closely, trying to decipher his expression. What does this premonition mean? Why would the Sandman have the Rokis? He wished he had requested Tut to come to this meeting.
The Sandman’s left eye drooped again past his nose as it twitched. Bits of sand fell from him. “And this premonition came to you last night?” he asked, turning toward her.
She nodded. “Do you know the place I saw?”
He looked at her with one of his eyes and blinked. His deep voice hitting all corners of the room. “I do know of such a place, but it’s more of a hiding place. It’s a space between worlds, where one like myself has the ability to travel. I’ve never been. Never had a reason to . . .” His voice faltered.
“But in my premonition, you were there. You had the Rokis.”
This isn’t over. Zakar has something else planned. He silently cursed himself for leaving him for dead and not killing him. I should’ve drained him of breath!
“And the Sights found us?” The Sandman’s nose crinkled.
“Yes,” Adie responded.
The Sandman frowned, both corners of his mouth faced down, an expression Gossamer hadn’t seen on him before.
“That perplexes you?”
“Yes.”
“Why?” Gossamer asked.
“A place between time and worlds should only be accessible to those like me. Anyone else would have to be invited or know how to get there. I don’t foresee me inviting Sights to that place.”
Gossamer stood, looking to Adie. “You’re still having premonitions of Sights after Zakar has been killed. He must not have been the only threat. What are we missing?” The Wicked Willow. The words bounced around in his head, but he didn’t dare speak them. It couldn’t be. She’s trapped.
The Sandman glided across the room. The sound of sand moving across the floor filled his ears. “We are sure his power died with him?”
“Samuel has been checked thoroughly. There’s no sign of dark power,” Gossamer said.
“I will consult with the elders back in Bakete and get back to you.” He looked at Adie reassuringly. “It may be for the best to have your sister looking over the northern regions. She can keep an eye on Vadim for us and report any activity. Please keep me informed of your premonitions, especially the ones that include me.”
Adie nodded as the sand fell away from him and he disappeared.
Gossamer made his way toward her. “You were right to keep me and the Sandman informed on this.”
She looked at her uncle. “I have brought this information to you and the Sandman only. At this time, I know I can trust you both. I’ll speak to Aura tonight about everything to keep her apprised of the situation. I have a feeling this isn’t over, and I made a promise to the citizens of Thindoral to keep them safe. I’m going to keep that promise.”
Gossamer nodded, agreeing with her words. He relished in her newfound confidence from the Rokis, but something shook him. Can she keep these promises? Do we know what we’re up against? He hoped the concern didn’t show through his eyes. They had to keep the citizens safe. But at what cost?
33
Aura
Aura waved the sparks coming from her hands over the glass on the ground. They melted into small silver puddles that came together, forming the shape of the mirror. As the frame came back together, the silver solidified, showing Aura her reflection as she picked it up.
Questioning emerald eyes glared back at her. She removed her hands from the mirror
, and it floated up to the wall. Tucking a loose curl behind her ear, she walked closer and ran her hands along the cheeks of her reflection. This is you now.
She looked away, grabbing the sides of the mirror and pressed it against the wall.
“Did it fall?”
Aura whipped around to see Adie standing in the doorway of their adjoining doors. The Rokis was no longer on her chest. Did she catch me?
“Yes,” Aura said, setting the mirror back on the ground.
“Do you need help—”
“No, no, I’ll do it later,” Aura interrupted.
Her sister pulled at the ends of her curls and shifted her weight from foot to foot. Aura knew she could never admit to it, but part of her relished in the fact that her sister had returned to her usual self.
“Look, I wanted to apologize. Things got hectic today, and I didn’t mention Felipe. I had promised you I would, and I know that upset you . . .”
Aura smiled, shaking her head. “It’s fine. Really, it’s fine,” she lied. “I just really wish you had told me about the new position.”
“I knew you would be hesitant about it.”
“No, I’m glad. I mean, Gossamer is good at what he does, and I’ve always wanted to travel more and visit the different regions. I think this will be good for me. It’ll be good for Thindoral.”
Silence followed, putting more distance between them.
“You seem . . . different,” Adie said.
Aura smirked. “I could say the same.” That thing you were wearing changes you.
Adie eased over to Aura’s bed and sat on the edge. “I had another premonition last night. That’s why I wanted to meet with the Sandman and Gossamer privately.”
“What about?” Aura asked. What if she has a premonition about me having the dark powers? She looked away from Adie and paced the room.
“I met with the Sandman on a beach I didn’t recognize. He was giving me the Rokis. He had it for some reason. There were Sights. I was running from them.”
“What did he make of it?” Aura asked, leaning on one of the poles coming up from the corner of her bed.
Adie touched the side of her sister’s top, feeling the soft material. “He said he would have to get back to me. He agrees with my decision to create this new position. It’s obvious my premonitions are warning me there’s more to come. Having you to help oversee part of Thindoral will ensure we can keep everyone safe.” Adie cocked her head to the side. “This outfit of yours, it’s really daring . . . and beautiful. I don’t recognize it.”
“You don’t know everything in my closet,” Aura said, forcing a smile, hoping Adie wouldn’t see through her lie.
Adie returned the smile and stood. “Look, I know it may be hard for you to return to Nitari, but I trust your judgment on finding a replacement for the Council. I know the tree people will welcome your help to rebuild Hatem.” Adie walked toward the door leading into her room. “I’ve told Gossamer that we’re keeping these chambers. So anytime you’re here in Giriveen, it will be home as usual.” She looked at the ground. “It’ll be odd not having you here every day, but until I know for sure we’ve defeated Zakar and whatever plan he had, it’s best that you’re keeping an eye on things for me out there. I’ll schedule your ship to leave mid-morning tomorrow.”
Aura nodded. Zakar’s plan. His voice echoed in her mind about how she was his plan all along. She shook her head, dismissing the thought. I have defeated you.
“I understand completely.”
Aura watched Adie leave and waited until she heard her bedroom door close. She checked to see if her sister had left. Adie’s room was vacant. She sighed. Adie had probably joined the others in the Town Square to celebrate.
Aura raised her hand, sparks circling her fingertips. The dark clouds formed, swirling in her palm. She flattened her hand, extending it toward the mirror. It slid against the wall into place.
She dropped her arm. Her powers were getting strong. She smiled at her reflection. I just have to learn to control them, and they will never know.
Aura awoke to a knock on her door. The door creaked open as Adie walked in. A navy strapless dress trailed behind her as she approached Aura’s bed. The Rokis lay on her chest. The center gem shone brightly as blue swirled inside of it. An essence of maturity followed her as she sat on the edge of the bed.
Aura sat up slowly, wondering the time. She hadn’t heard the Announcer yet. Surely it’s not past mid-morning.
“It’s still early,” Adie knowingly assured her.
Aura yawned. “How long till I need to be ready to leave?”
“Just a few hours.” Adie looked at the cases in the corner. “I see you packed a few items.”
“Clothes and books mostly. I hoped to visit the weapons room before leaving to make sure we’re fully stocked aboard the ship.”
“I don’t see a problem with that. I had the kitchen staff prepare meals for you to take until you reach your destination. Have you decided where you’ll reside?”
“I’ll visit the Etoyoc first. I want to see Felipe’s mother and break the news of his passing in person, since he saved me . . . and from there I wanted to notify the replacement Council member and have them contact you via the Globe for transport back to Giriveen.”
“Seems you have a plan.”
“After speaking with you last night, I realized what you said was true. This is for the best . . . for Thindoral.” And I need the time to control my powers.
“I’m glad you feel that way.”
“As soon as I find a place to reside, I’ll contact you and let you know.”
“Besides the weapons, the ship assigned to you has been fully equipped. You will have a Globe so you can contact us. Your crew will be waiting for you and for your announcement of the ship’s name.” Adie stood to leave but turned.
Aura thought she saw a glimpse of the old Adie peeping through.
“Thank you, Aura.”
“For what?”
“For trusting me.”
Aura watched her sister exit. She sighed and fell back on her bed. Frustration filled her mind. Her sister had apologized for not mentioning Felipe but hadn’t sent any consolation message to Nitari. That heavy burden lay with her now. It’s probably better this way. A knock came. This time, from the hallway. Please don’t be Samuel.
“Come in!” she shouted, still lying in bed.
The doorknob twisted, and she heard a few expletives coming from behind the door.
“Bokah?” she asked, heading toward the door and opening it.
“The doors are too tall in this place!”
“Bokah!” Aura got on her knees and hugged the dwarf, surprising him and herself. She relished in knowing she had a friend who knew Felipe.
“Well, hello there, yourself!” he said, returning the hug.
She pulled away, and he reached out his arm to her shoulder. “I heard about Felipe. I’m really sorry. I know he meant a lot to you.”
Aura welcomed the comfort from his words. “We’ve both lost someone who meant a lot to us. I believe we can comfort each other.”
Bokah nodded. “I was happy to hear you first thought of me when Adie mentioned the new position,” he said, walking into her room. “However, I am curious as to what you expect of me.”
“For now, let’s just see how this goes for the both of us. We might make this up as we go.”
“Sounds like a plan. I’ll be down in the kitchen, saying goodbye to some of the staff. I’ll meet you out there in an hour?”
“Okay.”
Bokah left and cursed at the door, trying to shut it behind him.
The laughter eased her mind. It’s good to have someone to talk to who isn’t under the influence of the Rokis.
She brought the sparks back to her fingertips and moved her hand from her head, down to the floor and watched as she transformed. Her hair now smoothly braided, fell past her left shoulder. Her uniform, reminiscent of the black uniform worn by Gossamer but w
ithout the gold-stitched symbol of the Rokis, conformed to her like a second skin. She looked at herself in the mirror one last time. It seemed crooked, so she moved her hand slightly, and the mirror straightened. She grabbed the bags and headed out, not looking back.
Seeing the ship brought back memories that seemed a lifetime ago. She took in the beauty of the day, and the smell of salt relaxed her. Walking toward the bow of the ship, she ran her hands along the fine dark wood. Exhilaration pushed through the painful recollections of the past few days.
This ship belongs to me. She eyed the crew working diligently at getting the ship away from the dock and moving with ease across the waters.
Bokah came by her side. “I had a fun time reviewing the weapons on board . . . and the pies the kitchen insisted we take. I may have eaten one. Possibly two.” He chuckled and licked his fingers.
Aura grinned and stared out at the horizon. She couldn’t see land but felt at peace knowing they’d be there soon. “This is Fate telling us where we are meant to be.” She shuddered. She had never said the words aloud before.
“That sentence always bothered me,” Bokah said.
Really? “Why is that?”
“I don’t know. Why would Fate want to tell us anything? If Fate was on our side, it would let us make our own decisions. It almost seems like it laid out a path before us because it chose the path, not because we chose it. And folks seem to say it either to remind themselves that they need to stay on this path even if they don’t want to, or they finally realize they have no choice and are in utter despair and resigned to the outcome.”
“I like your way of thinking, Bokah.”
“I’m glad, because you’re kinda stuck with me,” Bokah said as he patted his long beard that fell down his chest. He looked at Aura. “What are you going to name her?”
“The ship?” Aura shook her head. “At first, I thought Felipe would be a suitable name, but since you said her, I must go with something else.” She looked at the pale blue water crashing against the ship. Felipe’s voice rang in her mind. You cast your own shadow. “Shadow. The Shadow. ”
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