“What are we supposed to do now?” Rendel said, looking across the wide expanse of water with Audain and Jerrid by his side. They had been following the bank of the swiftly moving river for over a day since Nathan turned back, and now stood atop a white mass of sandstone. It held the river in check, forming a large lake that stretched out before them. To their left, the Neverth flowed over the spillway, descending about thirty feet into a foaming pool and then rushing to the south.
Jerrid knelt down and touched the unusual rock formation beneath his feet.
“That must be Deluge across there, perched up above the water,” Audain said absently. “The city of water. Nathan said it is inaccessible, except by boat. In Gladeis, we think of Deluge as a cold place, cold and inhospitable. We seldom come here.”
Jerrid compared her description to a strange presence he felt in the sandstone. After a moment, he stood up, his eyes glowing with Amber.
“There’s a confusion of earth power here,” he mumbled. “I’ve never experienced it before.” He paused a moment. When he realized that his friends were listening, he became more focused. “I’m not sure how to explain. Usually a rock portrays a sense of bottomless age. Here I feel more of a yearning, like the sadness that hits you when you look forward to something for a long time and suddenly realize that what you hoped for will never happen.”
Rendel looked at him with a puzzled expression. “You don’t make the water sound very inviting, and I’m not much of a swimmer. I thought Nathan said there was a bridge?” He glanced back to the bottom of the spillway where the horses waited. “Maybe we should look for it. Better yet, we can keep making our way north. We’ve enough supplies to last for quite some time.”
Jerrid studied the shoreline a little more closely. “I think those rocks over there are some sort of landing.” He pointed a few hundred yards away. “It looks like there’s a trail that leads to it. We may as well take another look from there.”
Rendel shrugged and retreated down the steep slope beside the spillway. About fifteen minutes later, he was the first to reach the landing.
“Is that a boat I see?” Jerrid exclaimed when he caught up. He pointed to a spot about midway across the expanse of water between them and the city.
“I was wondering about that,” Rendel replied. “At first I thought it was a large bird floating in the water. Now I’m not so sure.”
“It does look like a boat, but kind of low and flat,” Audain commented. “Maybe it’s a ferry of some sort.”
Whatever it was, it was making steady progress, heading straight toward them.
“There’s a person aboard, a young boy, I think,” Jerrid added. “He can’t be more than twelve or thirteen. It’s odd though. He’s not even rowing.”
It did not take long for Audain and Rendel to see that Jerrid was right. About half an hour later, a ferry measuring about twelve feet in width by thirty feet in length, pulled up to the landing. The boy walked to its bow and tied a line to a post sunk between two large rocks. He was just over five feet tall, thin and wiry. His face beamed with a broad smile. His eyes glowed brightly with Sapphire blue, a contrast to his curly red hair.
“Hello, my name is Sefin,” he called out cheerfully as he stepped onto the landing. “Would you like me to take you to the city? We haven’t had visitors arrive from the south in as long as I can remember. Usually that way is closed.”
“Closed,” Rendel said. “Closed by what?”
“By the river, of course,” Sefin called. He walked to a patch of grass that grew nearby and plucked a stalk to chew on. “Actually, it’s the spillway I saw you standing on a little while ago. It sort of guards the narrows. I don’t know how or why, but sometimes it lets a torrent loose. I think it let one flow yesterday. I noticed a mist rising down here. It’s a wonder you didn’t see it.”
“Oh, we saw,” Rendel said, alarmed and surprised by what he heard. “It nearly caught us. Now who would want to deliberately flood travelers like that?”
“It’s not a matter of who,” Sefin answered, seeming a little confused, “more of a what, I’d say. If you come to the city, you can ask the Elders. The only thing is, they probably won’t tell you anything useful. Not because they hold back, but because they just don’t know. They’ll never admit it though,” he ended, chuckling merrily.
“I know what you mean,” Jerrid replied. “Almost every Elder I’ve ever met speaks that way too.” He left Feor and walked to the boat. “You’re kind of young to be out here picking up strangers aren’t you? Shouldn’t you be asking us questions before offering to take us to Deluge?”
“Questions, I’ve heard a bunch of them asked here,” he said with a sense of distain. “The thing is, after all the questions are done, they always take everyone to the city anyway. Why waste all that time? Barris said for me to watch the south landing and bring anyone I see to the city. That’s what I’m doing. For two days now, I’ve been watching, as punishment for not paying attention. An apprentice is supposed to always pay attention, Barris says, and follow instructions. That’s what I’m doing now, though I’m sure he never thought I’d actually be picking any visitors up. So if you want to go to the city, climb aboard.”
“What about the horses?” Audain asked.
“You can bring them. This barge can carry a good many more than the three you have here. We have a stable in the city, though it is seldom used. It’s not large, but they will be safe there.”
Jerrid walked back to Feor. He pulled the stallion’s head close to his own for a moment, as if explaining what to expect on this new experience.
“Go slow. Keep the horses to the middle,” Sefin explained. One by one, he helped the riders guide their mounts to the center of the wooden platform. Supporting it was a series of hollow barrel-like cylinders lashed to heavy support timbers. When everyone seemed positioned, he untied the rope, pushed away from shore and sat down on a stool near the stern. He then grasped the handle of the rudder.
A moment later, Jerrid felt a slight vibration coming from the floor of the craft. He looked at Sefin. The boy smiled back, his eyes blazing with Sapphire. Gradually, the boat began to move and was soon speeding northwest at the pace of a brisk walk.
“Sefin,” Jerrid said in wonder, a smile wide across his face. “I don’t understand. Is there a rope beneath the water that pulls us?”
“No rope,” Sefin answered, seeming a bit irritated by the question. “Don’t you know anything about Sapphire? This may be just a small barge, and I am only an apprentice, but I can pilot with my Sapphire as well as men twice my age.”
“You mean it’s only the power of your enhancement that moves us?” Rendel said. “That is amazing.”
“I wouldn’t call it amazing,” Sefin replied, growing less defensive and returning to his prior state of cheerfulness. “It’s something all Shapers do, and some apprentices. We depend on these barges to move our goods from place to place. We have no need for horses or wagons. The water is our horse and the barge is our wagon.”
“Do you think you could teach me how to do this?” Jerrid asked, intrigued.
“I can try,” Sefin answered, sounding a little doubtful. “I’ve never tried to train anyone before. That’s what Masters do. Without Sapphire though, nothing will happen.”
“Is it ok for me to grab the rudder, to hold it with you?” Jerrid asked.
Sefin looked puzzled but nodded his permission. Jerrid grabbed the end of the handle and willed himself to relax. He quickly established an Emerald connection, feeling the wood and allowing himself to interact with it like Audain trained him to do. He felt the flow of the water running over the wood’s outer surface beneath the boat. Yet he was surprised that there seemed to be no unusual force or energy within its structure. He glanced up and smiled. Sefin was looking directly at him.
“I like that green color in your eyes,” the boy said with a grin. “I’ve never seen that before. Just remember. It takes Sapphire to make the water move the boat. Let me know when you’
re ready to start.”
“What do you mean? I’ve been ready,” Jerrid answered feeling abashed. “Why do you think I took the rudder?”
“I don’t know,” Sefin said and smiled again. “I thought you wanted to steer. What else does a rudder do?”
Rendel and Audain laughed at the dumbfounded look that crossed Jerrid’s face. When he realized what a fool he was being, he laughed himself. Sefin joined in as they all enjoyed the joke.
“Okay, Sefin,” Jerrid said when everyone calmed down. “I guess I am ready now. I’m not always patient, you can see.”
Sefin grew more serious. “The power to move the boat comes from the lake. You may want to sit down and put your hand over the side where you can feel the water. I did that at first, but now I can propel the boat without actually touching it.”
He waited until Jerrid repositioned himself. “Have you ever noticed how when you put two magnets together, they will either try to pull each other tight or push away from each other? The way they behave depends on which way they are turned. To get the boat moving, you need to make the water feel like one magnet and the wood like the other. Then, all you have to do is turn them the way you want, and they will repel each other. This causes the boat to go one way, and the water the other.”
“Sounds simple enough,” Jerrid said. “So how do I make the water act like a magnet?”
“You have to feel the waves in it. Not the waves you see when you look at the surface, but the waves of energy that flow through it. Then you focus on the area around the boat and use your Sapphire to rotate them. When you get it right the boat will start to move forward. It takes some practice. You can then use the rudder to steer. That’s how it was explained to me. It took me a few days but little by little, I caught on.”
“You make it sound pretty simple. You’ve even given me some ideas I never had before. Let’s see if I can make any use of them.” Jerrid looked up to see Audain paying close attention as well.
Small ripples of lake water lapped at the front of the bow as the small ferry slowly moved northward. Jerrid paid no attention to them, or the gentle breeze blowing into their faces. Instead, he concentrated on the water, letting it run over his right hand as he dragged it along. At first, he felt only its coolness and saw its pure clarity as the afternoon sunlight glittered from the surface into his eyes. Gradually, he allowed these sensations to overtake his consciousness as he disconnected his senses.
Sefin looked on and smiled even more broadly than before. He saw a glimmer of Sapphire arise in the eyes of his new student.
----
When they reached the city’s docks, Jerrid closed his eyes and pictured the sunlight of a bright morning like his grandfather once taught him. He didn’t want anyone to notice even a hint of blue in his eyes. During their crossing, Sefin had stopped the ferry. With some additional coaching, he managed to teach Jerrid the rudiments of the local craft of piloting a lake barge.
“Get a hold of yourself,” Audain whispered to Jerrid, “or we’re going to get far more attention than we’re looking for.”
A small crowd waited as Sefin skillfully directed the boat into one of the open slips. They appeared to be curious fishermen, just in from the lake. A few bystanders looked down from the edge of the city. After getting a glimpse of the visitors and their horses, both a rare sight in Deluge, they dissipated, climbing the ramp that led up about twenty feet to the level of the city. By the time Sefin completed tying off the barge, only one elderly man remained. He was rather on the short side, well rounded at the waist. He had a look of impatience on his clean-shaven face. The tufts of short hair around his temples were gray.
“Welcome to Deluge,” he said as Sefin turned his attention to helping Rendel lead Tara from the barge up a small ramp to the stone landing that anchored the end of the dock. “I trust you had a fair crossing. I’ve been watching for some time. Did you have some difficulties, Sefin? I noticed you stopped a few times.”
“No difficulties, Master Barris,” Sefin answered. “This man here, Jerrid he is called, wanted to try the craft of piloting. He and his friends, Audain and Rendel, are from Gladeis. You told me to fetch any visitors from the South Landing. I trust I have served you.”
“Yes, you have done well,” Barris answered. “Rest assured that you may join the other apprentices in tomorrow’s lessons. Only now, I’m not sure where to start.” He paused for a moment and looked toward Jerrid and his companions. “I am Master Shaper Barris. It has been a long while since we had news from your city. Is all well there? It is strange that you would arrive from the south.”
“Thank you for your concern,” Audain replied. “As Sefin said, my name is Audain. My father is Captain of Gladeis. We come from the south, for our travels have brought us here from Arnot.”
“I see, very unusual that is,” Barris replied, still confused. “Especially with Sefin mentioning yesterday that the Spill seemed to be flowing as it sometimes does. It’s odd it would treat Foedan in this way, especially those of the Emerald. I am glad you survived it. We would not want our garden city brothers to perish in such a manner.”
“We are not all from Gladeis,” Jerrid said. “I am from Garth. There was also a Comburen man with us, a good man, coming here in hopes of opening trade with you.”
“I’m sorry,” Barris said scornfully. “We do not wish to trade with Arnot. Was he killed then, when somehow you three survived?”
“I hope you’re not disappointed,” Jerrid said tersely. “We all survived, though after the water ebbed, our friend decided to return to Arnot. It seems he made the right choice.”
“Yes, I should say he did,” Barris replied coldly. “I’m sorry, but he would not have been welcome.”
“Why is that?” Rendel asked, getting caught up in the discussion. “What is it that you have against the Comburen? You judge our friend without knowing him.”
“Please sir, be calm. We do not judge, and I hope you are not judging us now, though you seem to be. Let me ask you something. When you visited Arnot, did you travel north of that city?”
“Yes, we did,” Rendel answered, trying to remain calm.
“Did you then perchance notice anything about the Forest in that area, or even the land itself?”
Rendel thought for a moment but seemed to draw a blank.
“We noticed destruction near the edge of the Forest,” Audain answered for him. “The land was carved open, exposing seams of different ores.”
“Yes, that’s it,” Barris replied. “And when you went to the city, I’ll guess you noticed great piles of these items and many large buildings with smoke belching from them. It is in these buildings that the Comburen use the spoils from our Forest and hills to manufacture goods. They seem to thrive upon these goods, never being satisfied with what they have, always needing more. In Deluge, we strive to live in harmony with the land, using only what we must, growing rather than taking. Were we to trade with Arnot and people like your friend, we would be adding to the destruction they bring.”
“I’m sorry,” Jerrid replied. “I see I have judged you unfairly. Please forgive me.”
“None of you need ask for my forgiveness,” the Master said. “I am honored that I was able to help you see our point of view. All the Foedan people live in a similar fashion. Yet since we travel seldom, we sometimes do not notice that things are changing around us. We began to realize what was happening in Arnot a number of years ago. The earth powers in the Spill have risen to protect the Forest. They do not ask for our permission. They act without our knowledge.” He paused for a moment and watched as Sefin prepared to bring Feor to shore.
“I would like to speak more with all of you, though this is not the place,” Barris continued. “I see your horses are nearly all on solid footing now. Sefin shall show you where you can stable them for tonight. Our chief Elder will have heard of your arrival by now. I believe he will also want to speak with you. Perhaps we can provide you a meal and you can tell us more abo
ut your travels and why you are here?”
“Yes, thank you,” Jerrid answered. “We wish to be no burden. We’re merely passing by on our way north.”
“Sefin,” Master Barris commanded. “After you have helped our new friends put up their mounts, bring them to the Shaper’s Platform.”
Sefin nodded. The old Master turned and walked up the ramp into the city. The apprentice motioned everyone to follow. When they reached the level above, he led them into the wider streets of the city and through an area of small shops.
The stable was up a side alley, away from the active harbor market. They left the horses in the care of another apprentice. Their mounts seemed content with an ample supply of straw and fresh water. Following Sefin, the travelers were able to briefly tour the city. He took them from one street to the next on a steady progression of upward sloping passages, heading toward the center of the island. A few times Jerrid tried to see ahead but the height of various buildings obscured his view. Occasionally, he looked back and was able to glimpse the blue of the surrounding lake. The view made him realize they were already a surprising height above its surface.
After traveling about a quarter mile, they entered an area where no buildings had been built. Many rooftops were visible below, descending in arched rows toward the lake. They walked along a rocky slope devoid of vegetation until reaching a circular wall of sandstone, ten feet high and approximately fifty feet in diameter. Sefin explained that it was a reservoir, located at both the highest point and the center of the city.
Along the eastern side of the reservoir steps led to the top of the wall. They connected to a large platform made of wood. Barris sat there at a simple table. With him was an older man. Though small and withered, he possessed a hardened quality. Jerrid thought of the ancient pine trees that grew atop the Summit when he looked at him.
“Welcome, this is Master Dellum, the leader of our Elders,” Barris said, motioning for them to sit down. “Our Shapers come here often to get away from the bustle of the city. It is a place to speak freely and to think clearly. Sefin, before I ask you to leave, you mentioned that Jerrid wanted to try the craft of piloting. Please tell me more about this. Was he at all successful?”
“He started slowly, but then seemed to catch on,” the apprentice said, not noticing the look of surprise these words brought to Dellum’s face. “He figured out the basics quicker than I did when I learned two summers ago.”
“There’s been a nice breeze blowing all afternoon,” Barris said doubtfully. “Did perhaps you confuse Jerrid’s efforts with a push from the wind?”
“No, Master. I am quite certain. Jerrid piloted us the last mile, dead into it. His pace was nearly equal to mine, though his control is a bit unrefined. I didn’t think he was ready to bring us to dock, so I took over as we entered the harbor.”
“Thank you, Sefin. We shan’t be in need of you until dusk.” Barris paused a moment, watching the boy as he headed down the steps. “Where are my manners?” he continued, then pointed at a platter resting upon the table. “Please, help yourselves to some food and drink. You must be hungry. It is a long trail from here to Arnot.”
Barris waited while they all got something to eat. Jerrid took advantage of the break to enjoy the beauty of the setting. The blue of the lake contrasted with the wooded shoreline to the east. When he looked south, he saw the whiteness of the spillway. Beyond it the contour of the land was distinct where the river made its way into the Narrows.
“Is that your valley?” he asked Audain, as he pointed almost due east.
“Yes, the river enters the lake there,” Barris answered for her. “Gladeis is a week’s ride up the valley from that point. It’s been far too long since anyone from our city traveled that route.”
“What is that river I see further north?” Jerrid asked, squinting in that direction.
“You must have good eyes, Jerrid,” Barris replied. “That’s the Heimdell. It gets most of its flow from small streams leaving the mountains. It originates in the shadows of the plateau where the ruins of Aradith lay.”
“Have you had any word from Rhindus?” Jerrid asked softly, looking to the northwest.
“No, I’m afraid not,” Barris said carefully. He noticed that Jerrid was looking in its direction. “We heard rumors of the Sortiri attacking there some years back, other than that, nothing.”
“What sort of rumors?” Rendel asked.
“Nothing specific,” Dellum answered, breaking into the conversation, his voice dry but not unpleasant. “I think it was more speculation than anything. Some of our Shapers sensed a foreboding after a full moon. A few guessed that it meant that there was an attack. We considered sending a scouting party to check on the city.” He paused a moment to look north. “I’m embarrassed to admit that we decided against it.”
“That’s over now,” Barris added. “So, tell us now, if I may be so bold. Why are you here?”
“We are trying to learn more about the Sortiri,” Jerrid answered quietly. “We hoped you might help us.”
“The Sortiri are nothing to us,” Barris snapped immediately, “nothing but a bad dream.”
“I’m sorry,” Jerrid replied. “When I was young, I watched the ‘bad dream’ attack Garth. My mother and a few others were lost. I was too young to really understand what happened. My hope on this journey is to learn more about these Sortiri, in case they decide to return to Garth.”
“You will learn nothing here,” Barris said more firmly. He seemed unwilling to meet Jerrid’s gaze.
“What of you Master Dellum?” Jerrid pressed, growing agitated by the curt responses. “Do you have any words to help the other Foedan understand the Sortiri? I fear their menace is more than a bad dream, as Master Barris calls it. Perhaps it is even a living nightmare? I have heard rumors that the creatures have attacked this city. To tell you the truth, today I was a little surprised to find that your city still existed at all.”
Barris rose from his seat as if to confront Jerrid. The ancient Master grabbed the younger man’s arm and pulled him back. “I will answer, truthfully and totally,” Dellum said. “But only if you answer one question of mine in the same way.”
“What is the question?” Jerrid asked.
“First, you must agree to answer.” Barris said coarsely. “If you have nothing to hide, what risk do you have in the question?”
“Every man has things to hide,” Jerrid snapped, “but I will take the risk. What is your question?”
“I would like to know how you piloted our boat today. You see, my question is quite simple.”
“Yes, Dellum, that is a simple question,” Jerrid answered. “My reply is quite simple as well. You see, I am a Blender. My natural enhancement is Amber. Audain has taught me to use Emerald, and today, Sefin was kind enough to provide me a key to understanding Sapphire. Your use of energy waves is fascinating. I can hardly wait to see what else I can do with this principle. Now, please answer my question.”
“Wait, Dellum,” Barris interrupted. “Do you think we are fools? There has been no Blender since the early days. Why should we believe you?”
“Because your own apprentice told us the same thing,” Dellum answered quietly. “I believe you Jerrid, and I will tell you our tale about the Sortiri. To save time, I will be concise. We have been attacked eight times. The first was seven years ago. In that attack, the creatures stole into the city while we slept. They made away with the souls of eight of our people, six adults and two children. Their next attack came less than a year later. This time, we recognized the warning signs and put our strongest men on the bridge to defend the city. In that attack we lost fifteen souls, many of them our best Shapers. From that experience we learned that we could not keep the creatures out of our city. Instead, we decided to put our people on boats to see if the Sortiri could swim. Since then, there have been five more attacks. The people on the boats have been safe. Only the few stubborn souls who refused to join have perished.”
“They still breathe, but all life is gone from their eyes and mind,” Dellum said. “We put them in floats made from bark and dry willow whips, and then we send them over the Spill. The water reclaims them, just as it always has when our brethren Foedan reach their time to depart.”
Jerrid did not know what else to say. “I am sorry,” he replied at last, his voice thick with emotion. “If we can find a way to help you, know that we will.”
“There is no help against the Sortiri,” Barris interjected. “They are a part of our lives now, a curse put on the Foedan that we must endure. We have accepted that.”
Jerrid shuddered to think what would happen if the Sortiri learned to use the energy waves made possible through the Sapphire.
“Thank you for the food and for allowing us to come to your city,” Audain said. “It will be dark soon. If you would provide us with a place to sleep, with your leave, we would like to get an early start tomorrow. Our next destination is Rhindus.”
“I thought you might say that,” Dellum said. “I believe Sefin is waiting at the top of the steps. He’s been there awhile if my hearing does not deceive me. He will show you to quarters near the stables. There also will be some supplies prepared for you. Sefin will pilot you to the north landing in the morning. I appreciate your directness, Jerrid. I hope you are able to bring your skills to good use. You’ve given Barris and I much to consider.”
Dellum rose and walked down the steps. Barris held back as if he wanted to say something, but decided against it and followed. When they were gone, Rendel went back for more food. He motioned to Sefin to join him. Audain and Jerrid did as well.
“So you are a Blender,” Sefin said in awe. “I knew it as soon as we got past that business with the rudder.”
“Let’s not start with that again,” Jerrid said, ignoring the smirks on Audain and Rendel’s faces. “How long were you sitting there?”
“My ears say he never really left,” Rendel commented. “He went down the steps, trotted a few paces along the path and snuck back up here. My guess is he heard every word.”
The smile on the boy’s face confirmed that Rendel was right. “My older brother often says that curiosity is a great equalizer. With it, a person grows. Without it, he shrinks. If I see a chance to grow, I don’t let it slip past me.”
“You are wise to listen to him,” Jerrid replied.
“Maybe,” Sefin laughed, “but I often find myself in trouble with Master Barris.”
“I’m glad to see that you don’t allow that to hold you back,” Jerrid said. Almost instinctively he felt a connection to Sefin. They both liked pushing limits that others tried to set for them. “What about the rest of your family? Do you have other brothers or sisters?”
“I have two sisters, twins, born just before the first attack of the Sortiri seven years ago. My mother died during their birth,” he paused and looked to the south toward the end of the lake. “I remember watching her go over the spill. My father joined her there just a year later. He fell defending the city from the Sortiri. My brother is ten years older than me. He was forced to raise us. That’s not a job any young man would relish, but he has put his heart into it. I think he was relieved when I became an Apprentice. Now I spend most of my time under the watch of Master Barris and my brother has one less charge to worry about.”
“I’m sorry you have faced so much sadness,” Audain said.
“Don’t be sad for me. My brother is a good Shaper and my sisters make me laugh. I try to make the most out of each day I am given.”
Everyone grew silent while they finished eating their meal. From their vantage above Deluge, they watched the rays of gold and red light from the setting sun cascade upon the city, the lake, and even the Crosscut Mountains to the west. When the food was gone, Jerrid shifted his focus eastward toward the Summit. Though he could not pick out its distinctive shape from such a distance, he noted a faint glitter of color that seemed to pulse within an area of clouds that drifted above the darkening horizon.
“We should head back down into the city,” Sefin said. “There is a room near the stable where you can spend the night. It is not fancy, but you will be comfortable. I can show you more of the city in the morning.”
“I’m afraid that we will be leaving at first light,” Jerrid replied, then cringed a little when he realized how harsh this sounded. “Rendel is from Rhindus. We are concerned about his people there.”
“I understand,” Sefin answered. The natural glow that seemed to envelop his face dimmed slightly with the news that his newfound companions would not be staying long.
----
The birds were heralding in the new day when Sefin knocked on the door of the room where Jerrid and his friends were bunked. Dellum was right when he said they’d be near the stables. In reality, they used the same beds built for the hands who sometimes worked there. Jerrid had rested well, happy to be near Feor.
Their young guide escorted them to the harbor. The city was just rousing as he piloted a barge away from the docks and turned it northward. He let Jerrid experiment a little with this new skill while offering additional pointers and insights into the Sapphire. The stone cutter’s face beamed with joy as he expanded his new ability.
“We also use the Sapphire for other tasks such as pumping water, irrigating crops and creating farms to raise fish,” the boy said. “As you have learned, it even has become our main defense from the Sortiri. Without Sapphire our city could not exist here.”
About two hours after sunrise, the barge reached the northern landing. Sefin helped lead the horses onto solid ground, then looked at the three travelers expectantly.
“One day I’m going on a journey of my own,” he began, then glanced toward the island city. Its upper reaches were just visible across the water. “My people have always thought that they were safe there. The Sortiri have proven them wrong. Now I hear Dellum muttering about threats from the Comburen. I wish I could come with you so I could learn more.”
Rendel turned and looked straight at the boy. “Your place is here, at least for now. Don’t underestimate what you mean to your people, and what they will mean to you one day. Your calling will come soon enough I’m afraid. Until then, do as you have done, enjoy each day, help your brother and laugh with your sisters.” When he finished speaking he mounted Tara and turned her northward. Without looking back he coaxed her into a walk.
“We will come back when we can, Sefin,” Jerrid added as he climbed onto Feor. “Rendel is right. None of us know when our calling will come. Watch for the sign.”
“Goodbye, young Sapphire,” Audain said after embracing the boy. She then hoisted herself onto Arum and followed her companions. Left alone, Sefin grudgingly walked to his barge and began to pilot it back across the open water.
Chapter 12: Fallen Bridges
The Shrine of Arthis Book One: The Power of Denial Page 11