by Blake Vanier
Nero eyes Saraf. “What’s your challenge?”
Saraf rubs his hands together. “Oh, excellent, excellent.” He starts to pull artifacts from different shelves. He places them on a glass top table, prancing as he goes. “This will be a challenge of legendary dimensions.” When he collects a satisfying pile, he stands next to them with a serious face, arms crossed.
“Are you ready?” Nero asks.
Saraf gives him a curt nod.
“What do you want me to do?”
“Sort,” Saraf says with a quick point to the pile and crosses his arms again.
Nero frowns at Saraf, approaching the pile of Artifacts. I could sort them by bracelets, necklaces, gloves… maybe by Aether! He shifts his perspective. The pile glows with three different colors of light. Some of them are pulsing, some have a solid glow, and others have the weird tentacles.
Nero separates first by color, then by the type of light they emit. In the end he has rows of blue, red, and green separated into columns with solid lights, pulsing lights, and tentacle lights. All the while touching the tentacles as little as possible.
Nero stands back. “How’s that?”
Saraf looks at the grid. “Holy mother of pearl. You separated them by cast and type.”
“What does that mean?”
Saraf’s jaw nearly hits the ground. “How can you ask that, after you’ve sorted them?”
“I’m trying to tell you! I just did it by color and glowiness. Sosimo hasn’t taught us Artifacts yet.”
Saraf raises an eyebrow, scratching his chin. “Hm, curious. It’s as though you can see Aether as if it has different colors.”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to say.” Nero throws up his hands. “Wasn’t the point of the challenge to prove that I wasn’t making stuff up?”
Saraf continues to scratch his chin. “A challenge to prove that you’re not making stuff up… Good idea. I’ll have to think on that.”
“What? Are you okay?”
Saraf shakes his head. “Oh, yes, thanks for asking. How are you?”
“O―kay?”
Saraf pats Nero on the head. “Don’t beat yourself up. It’s your feeble Human brain.”
Nero looks at Saraf, blinking repeatedly. “So, what are the different types of Artifacts?”
“Ah, yes, Artifacts. My favorite topic,” Saraf says. “Well, there are four main branches of Artifacts. Capsents store Aether. Those are in your first column. Tursents convert Aether to a different form of energy―your second column. Sorbsents pull Aether from the user. Those are in your third column.”
“You said four.”
“Oh, and Carcerasents trap an essence and allow the owner of the Artifact to bring the essence into the world and control it… Borukins don’t mess with those though. The mental bond they require is dangerous and it’s no better than slavery.”
“What do the rows mean?”
Saraf stares down at Nero. A smile creeps across his face. “How about this, Mr. Fancy-pants. Come work for me. I have a feeling I’ll be able to use your little talent. Then, I’ll answer all the questions that spill out of that little brain of yours. Deal?”
“What about Sosimo and the candy store? He needs me to help him there.”
Saraf waves his hand. “Pfft. Making candy isn’t complicated. Crush some beans, add some sugar, do a little dance… I'll talk with him.” Saraf pulls Nero's medallion out of his pocket. “Here's this back. Sorry I took it from you.”
“It's okay.”
“Good. I'll see you tomorrow. My name is Saraf, by the way. What were your parents thinking when they named you after a maniac that nearly destroyed an entire civilization?”
“He fought to save his family! Nero was a hero.”
“I’m sure that’s the Human’s version of it… Did it mention how his lust for power consumed him like so many Humans before? Doesn’t seem like such a great idol to me.”
Nero looks down.
“I'm sorry―that was a bit over the top, even for me. Just make sure you wear that name as yourself, not the one who’s name you took.” Saraf pats Nero on the back and Nero lifts his shoulders a little. “Now, get out of here. And don't be late tomorrow morning.” Nero begins to walk out. “And make sure to wash your greasy nose!”
*****
“It seems that Saraf has taken an interest in you,” Sosimo says guiding Nero into the training room. “Many Borukins would be grateful to have a chance to work with him. Count yourself lucky.”
“Really? He seems a bit odd. What’s wrong with him?”
“He’s eccentric. He used to be the Obsentsan Overseer, which is an Artifact maker of the highest degree. Then he realized he wasn’t happy, so he decided to relinquish the title and loosen up… which allowed his oddities to come out in full bloom, as you probably saw yesterday. Just don’t let him fool you. He’s incredibly smart.”
“His Artifacts were all really amazing. I couldn’t believe he made them,” Nero says. “He said he taught you to make Artifacts. Is that true?”
Sosimo looks down. “It’s been a long time since I’ve made one. Maybe too long. I’m thinking it’s time to start again.”
“Why did you stop?”
“It’s in the past. I don’t wish to talk about it.” Sosimo takes a deep breath, looking at Nero. “So, Saraf tells me you have an incredible sense for Aether.”
“I guess.”
“Modesty's a good trait. Unfortunately, if you don’t know the first thing about Artifacts, I'll never hear the end of it. We'll have private lessons every few nights. Are you ready to learn?”
“I think so,” Nero says. Sosimo looks at him, waiting. “Yes?”
“Better. We’ll work on that.”
18
A Disappointing Purchase
Nero
Nero slips out of bed and into his clothes. Illi is just beginning to break the night’s hold on the sky. He sneaks out of his room and down the hallway. Thea is on the stairs.
She turns toward him. He freezes. “What are you doing, Nero?”
“Nothing… what are you doing?”
Thea looks down. “I had another bad dream. At least, I think that’s what it was. I just know it didn’t feel good.”
Nero sits next to her on the stairs. “How long have you had them?”
“They started when we ran away. Sometimes they’re not so bad, but sometimes they wake me up.”
“I’m sorry. Remember it’s only a dream. It can’t hurt you, no matter how horrible it is.”
Thea nods. “It just felt so real. I was talking to a man that wanted me to run away so that I could help him. I wanted to, even though something about it felt wrong…” They sit in silence for a while. Thea turns to him. “You haven’t been around much. I miss hanging out with you. What have you been up to?”
“I don’t know. Stuff.”
“Yeah, but what do you do in the mornings? I always hear you coming back before our morning exercise and you act different.”
“Uh… I just kinda go to the park… and run around a bit…”
“Could I come?”
“Uh…” Nero looks down. Would it show up if she were with me? “It’s not really that fun. It’s something I like to do just by myself.”
“Okay,” Thea says with a tinge of hurt. She stands up, walking back to her room.
Maybe I should have said yes… It takes him a moment to collect himself before he leaves.
*****
Nero runs through the park, grabbing the broomstick that he dropped the day before. No sooner does he have it in his hand than a bolt of energy zips over his head. He blocks the second and third bolts, and rolls out of the way of a fourth. He kneels behind a tree. The broomstick vibrates gently in his hand.
This must be Aether. Could I use it? He shifts his perspective and sees that the stick is glowing green. He notices that he is subconsciously pushing against the Aether in the stick. He relaxes. The vibrations increase slightly. A tingling flo
ws through his hand, up his arm, and under his scalp, invigorating him. He leaps out from behind the tree with an excitement that carries him well past his balance and he tumbles. The Entity is flickering.
What are you flickering about? “Think that's funny?”
Nero leaps after the Entity and they begin to spar at a higher level than ever before. The Entity easily matches Nero's new speed and strength.
*****
After Nero's exercise with Sosimo, he hurries back to Saraf's, exhausted. When he arrives, Saraf is showing out the Borukin man and girl that Nero has seen before. The girl walks away without paying Nero any mind. The man with the white tattoos on his face looks at Nero briefly before he follows.
Saraf beckons Nero in. “You’re breathing awfully hard, boy. Are you sickly?”
“I just ran so I wouldn’t be late. Who were those two?”
“That was Grebson and Natina. A few times a week I train her in secret before the shop opens.”
“Why?”
“The King doesn't believe his daughter needs to know about Odo.”
“Her dad's the King?”
“If she’s the daughter of the King, that would make the King her dad. And the daughter of the King is usually a princess… so, maybe you can deduce what that means.”
“She doesn't look like a princess.”
Saraf smiles. “That is exactly why I like her. She has a good brain,” Saraf says, ruffling Nero’s hair. He stops, looking at Nero sternly. “I'm trusting you with this information. Don't tell anyone. It’s not your secret to share, nor is it possible to ensure its safety with another person.”
“I won't.”
“I hope not.” Saraf slaps his hands together. “Now, let's get this pig show started and see what you know.” Saraf walks to the middle of his room, holding out his arms. “These are all different kinds of Artifacts. Do you know why Artifacts are important?”
“Because they do cool things?”
Saraf’s expression shows shocked disgust. “Because they do cool things? That’s the best answer your feeble brain could come up with?” He exhales sharply. “We may be in trouble.” Nero deflates, looking down. “Ah, buck up. It’s not completely hopeless. Once I get my hands on your brain, there’s a chance I can massage some life into it, yet.” Saraf’s hands massage the air. “So, pay attention. Artifacts are essentially Aether programs. They allow people to use skills they may not have or are not in line with their cast. They’re also so easy to use any carrot cake can do it. It’s as simple as that. Now that Artifact copies are getting better, Artifacts have become a lot more affordable. Pretty much everyone and their nakok is using them. The downside to Artifacts is they’re not as efficient as performing a skill without one. And the skill is limited to the strength of the Artifact.”
“Is what makes Artifacts work the same thing that lets people use Aether? Wait! Do artifacts have an essence?”
Saraf throws his hands up. “Yes! Three points for your brain. Count ’em up, all for you. And because Artifacts have an essence, they strengthen with use. Just like people.”
“Can any essence be used?”
“Good question. Two more points for your brain! An exciting comeback. All essences are pretty much the same, but there are advantages and disadvantages to using just any essence. There’s a race called the Werrin. They are skilled in creating protective, Aether-absorbing Artifacts. It is a common practice for a grandparent to sacrifice their essence on their deathbed so their Vitaya can be used to make an amulet. They tend to be exceptionally powerful―in the hands of their own bloodline.”
“Where do they live?”
Saraf slouches. “Minus ten thousand points. Non-Artifact-related question.”
Nero frowns. “How do you make Artifacts?”
“With difficulty. Plus one.”
“Are you going to show me?”
“Maybe.”
Nero looks around. “What would you like me to do?”
“Plus ten,” Saraf says with a smile and a pat on the back that nearly knocks Nero over. “Sweeping is the first order of business. Then, you can clean the bats out of my belfry.”
“What?”
“Nothing. I’ll find you a broom.”
*****
Nero walks nervously through the streets, fiddling with the money in his pocket. I can't believe he sent me by myself! We’ve always gone together.
Nero follows the path by memory until he reaches the market. He weaves through the people, stopping at the stand of the traveling merchant Saraf had asked him to look for. The merchant is well tanned and small. He is covered by a thick, travel-worn jacket.
“Come, come! Behold the splendor of my Artifacts and relics. You will find nothing better across all of Majirin and the world. I have traveled from the Gearamonish Archipelago to the Black Ocean of Tyrona. I have been so close to the Tenebrous Miasma that a part of me was lost forever. I labored through many perils to bring you these fine items, and through my travels I’ve never seen their equal,” the merchant yells to the crowd. He points to a board where fancy amulets of gold and precious stones hang. “These come from the land of the Werrin, in Holentor. I gathered them from a Werrin master Obsentsan directly. It pains me to part with them, but for you, my friends, I will endure the suffering!”
Nero squeezes around the shoppers until he manages to reach the display of artifacts. He shifts his perspective and looks at the items. He is first drawn to the display of hanging amulets. They all give off a weak radiance of light. Nero frowns. Of all the pieces, only a talisman attracts Nero's attention. It is still hardly comparable to Saraf's. Nero picks up the talisman, inspecting it further.
The merchant spins on Nero. “Young man! That is a fine piece you’re looking at.” The merchant snatches it from Nero's hands. “Unfortunately, it is too fine a piece for you to touch, unless you have one-hundred and fifty Anterren.”
It doesn't seem so nice… Nero continues to look around. I hope Saraf doesn't get mad at me if I don’t bring anything back.
At the far end of the stand, he sees a large, gnarled piece of wood covered in dried moss. It is a display for red glowing Artifacts. He squirms through the people and looks. The red Aether flows into the wood and, just before it fades away, he sees a slight tinge of violet, similar to the fruit he found back in Ferin Forest.
Nero grabs the Merchant’s attention. “How much for this wood?”
“Oh, that? That’s just for displaying my goods.”
“Is it for sale?” Nero asks.
“How much you got?”
Nero pulls out money from his pocket. “I have two-hundred Anterren.”
The merchant plucks it from his hand and counts it. “Well, it's not much, especially for a piece that has been with me for as long as I can remember, but since you seem to be partial to it, I'll give you a discount. Deal?”
“Uh, yeah. Thanks.”
The merchant clears the display. Nero bear hugs the log off the table and waddles back to Saraf's shop as quickly as he can.
*****
“Stop!” Saraf says just as Nero takes his first step into the shop. “Think carefully before you bring that dirty thing into my shop.”
Nero freezes and looks at Saraf. “But this is what I bought.”
“I didn’t think you had much of a sense of humor, but you got me.”
“No, I’m serious. This is the only thing I saw of value at the stand. Well, I think it has value…”
“I didn’t know we were into collecting firewood. Did you find a particular likeness to yourself that captured your attention?” Saraf walks up to him, eyeing the wood suspiciously. “And how much did you decide to spend on this?”
“The merchant took everything.”
Saraf nearly chokes. “You spent all of the money on this? I was a little worried, but I didn’t imagine you’d blow it this badly.” Saraf’s face turns serious. “What exactly drove you to buy this?”
“I don't know. The Aether reminds
me of the Aether from that katshy fruit. I figured it might be worth it.” Nero looks down. “I thought that stuff was expensive. I’m sorry.”
Saraf's eyebrows come together. “Katashne’n?”
“Yeah, that's it.”
“What? Where did you see Katashne’n fruit?”
“By a tree in Ferin Forest.”
“Sosimo didn’t mention anything of the sort.”
“Yeah, I didn’t really tell him…”
“Why not?”
“I don’t know. I didn’t think he’d believe me, and my friend Korbin would have probably made fun of me.”
“Doesn’t sound like much of a friend.” Saraf begins to pick dried moss and dirt from the piece of wood, scattering it all about the floor. Nero looks at the mess in horror. Saraf rubs his thumb against some of the exposed wood then stops. “Nero. This could be Katashne’n wood. Did you know?”
“Uh, that’s―”
“Close the shop and throw the sign over the door. We’re going to find out for sure.”
“But…”
“No buts! I’m as excited as a little schoolgirl, and I have the patience of one as well. Follow me!”
Saraf runs off with the piece of wood over his head to the stairs in back.
The first part of the basement is a training room similar to Sosimo's, with stone walls and a small stationary bicycle in the corner. Saraf grabs the wood and puts it on a side table, below a rack of Artifacts.
“Hop on that bike. Pedal as fast as you can.” Saraf runs into the back room.
What the heck’s going on? Nero lowers the seat as far as it goes and starts to spin the pedals. They are attached to a chain that turns a strange mechanism: a small box with a handle, sitting at the center of several rotating disks.
Just as a burn develops in Nero’s thighs, Saraf runs, grabs the hunk of wood, and disappears again. He pokes his head out a moment later. “Grab the Aether container and bring it here.”
Nero shifts his perspective, noticing the small box has a green pulsing glow of Aether. He pulls on the handle, and it comes free.
The next room is a disaster. Different materials and tools are hanging from the walls, strewn about the tables, and stuffed in cabinets that will never be able to close.