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THE REST OF THE RIDE to the Cyan Forest is long, but Scirocco distracts us by passing the time with more stories of her troupe. It takes the nerves away from thinking about if they’ll like me or not, and distracts me from the eerie feeling I get as we pull up to the daunting and vast forest full of tall lush trees. You can barely see through the first three rows, and all of the trees look the same. I can see how someone would get lost just by walking a few yards in and then losing their sense of direction.
I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there’s an intense feeling of dread that seeps into my bones when I look at it. Like there's a dark menacing bubble exuding from it that makes me want to turn back and run.
The caravan creeps deeper into the Cyan Forest, and I can’t help but eyeball Scirocco to confirm that this is actually okay and she knows what she’s doing. She looks unfazed, and as we pass through the tree line, the atmosphere gradually shifts and the feeling of anxiety grows and grows until there’s a slight pop in my ear.
Suddenly, the menacing and daunting feeling is gone and I’m left feeling...fine. I look around in wonderment. Nothing about the forest has changed, but everything about it feels brighter...calmer.
I don’t feel as afraid.
The trees canopy all around us, lush and vibrant. The birds and small animals chirp and scurry across our path as the sun shines through the canopy of leaves, letting in soft light while blocking out the heat.
This forest is so peaceful. It’s like the initial daunting feeling when first approaching it is a mirage of some sort.
The Cyan Forest is so vast, I admire how Scirocco confidently knows where she’s going. She must have traveled this path many times before to have it committed to memory.
The sun continues to creep across the sky and shine through the leaves, and at some point, the rocking of the caravan lulls me into a trance that I can’t help but close my eyes and take a nap.
A scream racks through my bones, ripping me from my sleep and causing me to sit up with a gasp. A weight crashes down on my shoulders and chest as I realize I’m in my bed... back at the Hivena castle.
The scream pierces through the night again, and I just know it’s from one of my sisters fighting.
The Thinning has begun.
I throw off the covers and hop out of bed, rushing to put on clothes and grab the emergency bag I have hidden away in the back of my closet. I knew when the time came I would have to pack light.
I grab it in a panic and find myself immediately transported to a dark passage hidden in the walls that Balenda showed me. I can’t remember how I got here.
The screams of my sisters echo all around me on the other side of the wall, making my teeth chatter.
“Balenda?” I call, clutching my bag to my chest.
She’s supposed to be here with me.
“Balenda?!” Panic rises in my stomach as the screams of my sisters become louder. Each one more painful and agonizing than the last. Tears prick my eyes and I grab at my chest, struggling to breathe.
Stop! They’re hurting each other, please stop!
I wish I could make them stop! Maybe I should go make them and...
I freeze in a panic at the thought, clutching my bag closer to me.
...and what? Do I actually think they’d listen to me? They won’t. And if Queen Mother is already there then...
I don’t know what else to do. I just want them to stop, but I can’t bring myself to go out there. I’m too much of a coward to face my sisters.
A light suddenly shines from down the hall, brightening the dark passage, and I can clearly see the night sky illuminated with stars.
That’s the way out!
Without hesitation I turn and run for it.
I’m sorry. I’m so sorry!
Shame floods my body as the relief from the outside world calls to me, and I follow, leaving my sisters to fight and deal with Queen Mother and the queendom alone.
“Zemi.”
I startle awake, gripping at my seat.
Where am I?
“It’s okay, it’s okay.” She soothes. I look over towards Scirocco who’s glancing at me worriedly. “Another bad dream?”
My cheeks burn. Since I’ve spent weeks with her on the road she’s had a front row seat to my night terrors. She’s been gracious enough to not ask about them in detail.
I kick myself, feeling ashamed at the fact that I fell asleep again when Scirocco’s the one who’s been driving the caravan all day everyday. I just can’t help it. Without any royal jelly laced food, my energy has been waning by the day. My body seems to power down with sleep in order to conserve it.
“Well, maybe this will cheer you up. We’re here.” She smiles, nodding her head towards my window. I sit up to look out the window and my eyes go wide as I suddenly notice the sound of rushing water growing louder and louder, until we pass by a beautiful roaring waterfall.
“Wow,” I breathe. It cascades down the smooth rocks into a pool below. I can even feel pricks of water droplets on my skin from yards away from the force of the waterfall.
She slowly drives by it until it’s out of sight, and not minutes later, we pull into a clearing where a big cabin-like house is tucked into the side of a rocky hill that could arguably be a small mountain. Behind the cabin is a giant green and white striped tent that’s as big as the cabin. It’s also the same shade as the leaves of the surrounding forest, making it blend in perfectly.
I didn’t really know what to expect when we got here. But I didn’t expect this.
“We’re heereee.” Scirocco sings and laughs at my bewildered face. A smile breaks out on my lips as a sensation thrums through me. Something about this place feels familiar...and cozy.
She pulls the caravan next to two others and we step out onto the grassy dirt ground.
This place is amazing!
“So this is where you guys disappear to when no one knows where you are?”
She shrugs.
“Well, we have a couple places like this all over. But yeah, this is one of our official housing sites. No one else knows where this is.” She says, giving me a pointed look. I nod, feeling honored. If no one else knows where this place is they must have to really trust someone to bring them here.
“Now, why don’t you come in and meet your new family. I can’t guarantee that they won’t be just as crazy as your old one.” she chuckles.
A pang hits me in the chest as I follow her. I know she meant it jokingly, but the last part of her statement puts me on defense. I can’t deny that there's a part of me that already feels some form of kinship with the Lost Souls, even though I haven’t met them in person yet, but my sisters weren’t crazy. At all.
We walk up the porch steps and enter into the warm cabin where we’re suddenly confronted by a group of boisterous and jovial characters. People I recognize from past performances at the castle, and some I don’t, laugh and chatter in the open kitchen, while some sit in the open living room in front of the unlit fireplace. A warm smile comes to my face as I soak in the light and cheerful atmosphere and my nerves melt away.
They look to be enjoying themselves, showing off tricks with their magic and having vivid debates. Then, everyone suddenly goes quiet, spotting Scirocco and I in front of the entrance. I stand there awkwardly, not sure what to say or do, when they immediately rush over and bow their greetings.
“Your Highness! We are your humble servants.” An older gentleman says with salt and peppery, bushy brows and gaunt features.
“Would you stop it Pierre`, you’re gonna scare the poor girl.” A young woman with long coarse hair that hangs below her backside and three braids of red ribbon says.
Pierre? I remember Scirocco writing about him in her letters. He’s what they call a water warlock.
“We must show our respect, Jubilee. She’s royalty after all!”
Jubilee! That’s one of the twin fire eaters!
“Everyone, this is Zemira. Zemira, this is Pierre, Jubilee, Sol, Dante, Veronica–”
“Do you really expect her to remember all of those names, Scirocco?”
A good looking man with hazel eyes and medium brown skin leans against the wall next to the kitchen, his arms crossed. My heart thumps in my chest.
“You’d be surprised, Rowan. She already knows many of their names, and she hasn’t even officially met them yet.” She turns to me. “This is Rowan. He’s like our troupe commander that keeps us safe and fed.”
“More like our troupe maid.” Jubilee snicker along with a few others. Rowan casts them a daggered look before turning to me.
“Don’t mind them, Your Majesty. I take charge of this troupe under the direct command of our Ringmaster.”
“Ringmaster?”
“Yes!” Scirocco informs. “I didn’t write to you about him, but you’ll meet him very soon. First, can everyone please give her some space! It’s been a long journey. We have to get you settled in.” She grabs my arm and pulls me out of the crowd of excited and friendly people. I wave to them and promise to talk with them more as she pulls me to the left down a hall and past a couple of rooms. She stops at one big bedroom that has four beds and dressers. The other three already look occupied and lived in.
“This is the room you’ll be staying in, with me, Jubilee and Sol.” I look around, feeling warm, and set my bag next to the empty bed, turning to Scirocco.
After spending weeks on the road, and being so far away from the castle, my brain signals to my body that it can finally relax and feel at ease.
Tears prick my eyes but I quickly fan them away. I don’t want to freak anyone out on my first day. And Scirocco has dealt with enough of me already, I don’t want to become too overbearing.
I turn to her gratefully and grab her hands.
“Scirocco... thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me.” She shrugs bashfully.
“Of course, it’s no big d–” I hug her tight, cutting her off. It’s no big deal to her, but to me...this is everything.
She saved my life.
Although we’ve exchanged letters back and forth, she has no idea the true depth of the life that I’ve lived. And now it feels like it was a different life altogether. At first we were only strangers with a fascination of each others’ lives, but her friendship has been invaluable beyond compare.
“Thank you. You’ve truly been my guardian angel.” I whisper as one of my tears slips out and falls down my cheek. She hugs me back.
“You’re welcome.”
She leaves me to settle in and once I do, which wasn’t hard because I didn’t have much, I head out into the kitchen where only Sol, Veronica, and one of the men Scirocco introduced as Emitt are chopping vegetables.
Where did everyone else go?
“Hello Zemira! I’m not sure if that’s the appropriate way to address a royal, but that’s what Scirocco told us to call you.” She whispers that last part.
“Hi,” I wave with a chuckle. “Yes, you can call me Zemira, but Zemi is also fine.”
I’m not sure what Sol is per say, but I know her magic has something to do with light. Usually at their shows she can create a rainbow out of thin air, but Scirocco has alluded that she can do much more than that. I think they all can.
I turn to the other two. Scirocco hasn’t really mentioned Veronica or Emitt in our exchanges. They must be new.
“Would you guys like some help?” I offer. Whatever they’re making in that giant pot smells fantastic, and I’m starving.
“Sure, if you’d like, Your Majesty!” Veronica nudges Sol with wide eyes and Sol realizes her mistake. “Oh, I mean Zemi.” I smile gratefully and join them. I’m not as great of a cook as Malala, but I’m sure I can chop some vegetables.
The sudden thought of Malala puts a rock in my stomach and I rush to push it away.
“I’m Sol, and this is Veronica and Emitt.”
“Nice to meet you all.” I smile brightly. I learn that both Emitt and Veronica have healing magic. Emitt has the power to heal others. He doesn’t perform with the troupe, which would explain why I’ve never seen him before, but he stays near to help incase of injury or illness. While Veronica can rapidly heal herself. She’s a designated stunt woman, as well as an aerialist.
All three of them gaze at each other with excitement and I can’t help but chuckle. Even with all the unusual things they can do I’m sure it’s pretty strange to have a royal at their hideout cooking with them in their kitchen. Scirocco must have told them who I was ahead of time so they’d be mindful of how they treated me according to my station, but I’d appreciate it if everyone pretended that I was some random woman off the street instead of a royal. Me being a dwarf queen is a thing of the past.
I help them finish preparing the vegetables and stir the food in the pot until it’s done.
“I’ll take that.” Emitt says. I step to the side as he stands over the pot with his hands raised. Suddenly, a glowing stream of pale green, yellow, and blue light seeps from his finger, forming an iridescent cloud.
“Woah,” I whisper.
The light moves from his hands and seeps into the food, melding with it.
“What just happened?” I ask.
“Emitt used some of his healing magic in the food.” Sol smiles. Emitt shrugs.
“It’s easier to manage everyone’s health all at once this way. I’m not exactly a doctor, so this get’s any general ailments I can’t see.”
“That’s why we put him in charge of the food.” Veronica says playfully. I look at him in awe.
That’s amazing.
He then grabs the giant hot pot with some mittens and carries it out the front door towards where the other Lost Souls are tending to a bonfire. The fire illuminates their sitting and talking figures while the setting sun dims the sky. Their laughter reaches us long before we make it to the circle. It makes me feel warm inside. I haven’t felt this warm in such a long time. It feels wrong.
“We have a seat for you right here Ms. Zemira.” Pierre gestures dramatically. I take a seat amongst the smiling faces. “Have you met Jabari, Naomi, and Dante?”
“Nice to meet you.” I smile, shaking the two men’s hands. I’ve heard of Jabari, he’s the other fire eater. Twin to Jubilee, although they look nothing alike. He’s muscular and tall, close to my height, with creamy ebony skin. He’s also the one tending to the bonfire. However, I haven’t heard much about Dante or Naomi and their abilities. They must be new to the troupe too. I look around at the group of people.
“Aren't there usually more Lost Souls in your performances?” Jabari smiles, showing off brilliant white teeth, and nods while helping Emitt set the stew we just brought out of the kitchen onto the fire.
“Not all of the troupe are here at the moment. Some are out doing performances in nearby towns and other dominions.
“It’s a good way to make some extra coins.” Veronica adds.
“The Lost Souls are one of the most popular performance groups in the entire world, I thought you’d all be well provided for.”
Sol nods.
“Oh we are! We have everything we could possibly need working for the troupe. However, not all Lost Souls want to stay performers.”
“Many have goals of their own that they’re saving for.” Pierre adds with a far off look in his eye. I nod slowly. I guess I never considered that not all magic users want to be performers and are looking for better lives. In Hivena, there aren’t many options for magic users. A performer seems like the best one.
“Food’s ready!” Jabari pips and passes out bowls of the hearty stew, along with meat from wild chickens and wild rice that we’re already cooking on the fire.
It’s delicious!
I don’t know what some of these spices are, but they’re amazing. Since the Lost Souls are a traveling group they probably have a stock pile of spices from all over the place. Malala would love it!
My stomach growls loudly and I clutch at the pang, trying to hide my discomfort. Even though the food is delicious, it doesn’t have any royal jelly in it. The more I eat regular food, the more sluggish I become. Although this food doesn’t feel too bad. It’s settling much better than anything else I’ve eaten so far. I wonder if that has anything to do with Emitt’s magic.
However, it isn’t enough to make me better. Since I left Hivena I’ve been sleeping more often just to conserve my energy. And let's not even mention the random headaches. I fear if I don’t find out how to fix my lack of royal jelly problem soon, the symptoms will get much worse.
I finish my stew and chicken as we sit around the campfire. The troupe looks like one big happy family as they tell stories and jokes about each other.
I watch them in awe and wonderment, not wanting the night to end. Even though I don’t have anything to add to the conversation, it’s fun just to listen. And the troupe makes sure to include me in their jokes and stories. I get the feeling that they try to make everyone who stays with them feel included, not that they’re just trying to include me because of my station.
The conversation drifts to work and they talk about their next performance coming up that’ll be in a kingdom called Zaphyre.
“Will Zemi be joining us?” Sol asks with wide eyes. My cheeks warm. Although I love to sing and dance, and even do acrobatics for my sisters, I don’t know if anything I can do will be as great as them. I don’t have any magic. But maybe if I worked really hard, I’d be able to contribute something.
Rowan looks at me and my cheeks burn even more.
“Well I don’t know. Have you ever performed before Zemi?” I shake my head.
“Not really. The only people I’ve performed for are my...I mean... no. But I really want to learn and try.”
“We should definitely give her a chance, Rowan. Zemi shared with me some of her thoughts on our aerial combinations and they could be interesting if executed correctly.” Rowan looks from Scirocco to me curiously, then nods.
“Fine, we’ll see what you got. But first...in order to be initiated into the Lost Souls...you must meet with the Ringmaster.”
Ah, this mysterious Ringmaster again.
“I’ve never heard of the Ringmaster before in stories of the Lost Souls.”
“Yeah, you wouldn’t.” Jabari says, almost sardonically. “That’s by design. No one wants to hear the story of how the original Lost Soul came to be. They just want entertainment.”
“The original Lost Soul?” I look around at the group as they go quiet.
“I’ve never told Zemi how the Lost Souls came to be.” Scirocco tells the group, and I nod my head to confirm what she’s saying. Pierre claps his hands jovially, breaking the silence.
“Well, you’re in for a treat my dear!” He gets to his feet. “Why don’t you sit back, relax, and we’ll tell you all about the tale of the first Lost Soul...The Ringmaster!” He flicks his wrist and water droplets pour onto the flames of the fire. Not enough to make it go out, but enough to cause an eruption of steam and smoke.
“Hey! Watch it! I worked hard on that fire.” Jabari grumbles as his hands maneuver to keep the fire going.
“Well Zemi. The Lost Souls came to be because a long time ago, there were two young men with great and special powers.” The steam from the fire begins to take shape into a depiction of two young men. I sit up giddily. I’ve seen this trick before. One of the performers I discovered in Hivena was able to create figures and scenes out of smoke. She did an amazing job at our royal feast.
“They were close cousins who did everything together. One was called the Conductor because of his ability to influence other people. And one was our Ringmaster, but he wasn’t called the Ringmaster back then.” My eyes widen seeing their magic maneuver up close.
“One day, the Conductor came across a group of men who believed magic and magic users were a sin against god. He was brainwashed into believing that they were right, and that people with special and abnormal abilities were a poisoned people.” The smoke shows a group of men chatting around an impressionable young boy. “From that day on, the Conductor believed that all magic users must make atonement for their capabilities by serving the nobles, and that the most powerful among them, should be put to death. The Ringmaster didn’t believe in any of this. He tried to talk his cousin out of his ways, but it was no use. The beliefs ran too deep and they got into a great battle. The Conductor set a trap for our Ringmaster and used that to strengthen others' belief that magic users, left unchecked, are dangerous and destructive. With fear in their hearts, the Ringmaster was cast away.” I jump in excitement at the explosive battle taking place in the smoke, and the Ringmaster walking away in defeat.
“Not soon after, his home was attacked and destroyed.” A vast city crumbles to dust. “In a fit of despair and rage over his loss, the Ringmaster walked the land alone. He used his magic for good and to help as many magic users as he could as atonement for his defeat, but the longer he lived, his magic began to dull. Until one day, he stumbled upon a power that increased his own and gave him great strength, knowledge, and a renewed purpose. He vowed to use that strength and knowledge to make a home for any magical lost soul out there so they can freely live and express themselves in all of their glory. That is how the Lost Souls came to be.”
Wow, I’ve never heard of this story before. That sounds terrible that the Lost Souls all started from this Conductor turning on his own people and having the Ringmaster cast away like that.
“When will I get the chance to meet with the Ringmaster?”
“In order to become a part of the Lost Souls, everyone must meet with the Ringmaster at his temple. That’s where he will test you.”
I nod my head vigorously, but swallow nervously. I’ve taken many tests in Hivena. Intellectual and physical. But I've never taken a test to measure any magical capabilities. Will it be enough? Will I be enough?
“When can we go? When can we visit the Ringmaster?”
I don’t like to wait. Putting things off just makes me more nervous about them.
Rowan chuckles and it’s warm and light. It’s a comforting sound.
“You just got here from a long journey, Zemi. Why don’t you rest and get your bearings. We don’t just throw new recruits into the temple to be tested. We’re not animals. Tomorrow evening, I promise we will take you to the Ringmaster.”
