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THE RIDE BACK TO THE forest was bumpy. We tried to load up as many wagons and caravans as we could to get as many subjects out as possible, but that proved to be a difficult task. There’s way too many people that need rescuing and not a lot of room. In the end, we had to tell the others that we’ll send help back for them, which as you can imagine, didn’t sit well with some of the subjects who were desperate to get out.
Fortunately for us, after some reassurance from their ruler, Malala, we were able to gather some food and resources for the subjects staying and leave with minimum fuss.
Malala almost burst into tears when she reunited with Balenda.
“My dear girl!” Balenda wailed as she embraced Malala’s thin frame and held her tight. “I’m so sorry I let you down...”
“No, you didn’t. You couldn’t have possibly done anything. I wasn’t as prepared for what The People had in store as I thought.” she reassured her through sniffles.
Her personal guards also came up to her, begging for her forgiveness for not being there.
After tearful embraces, and reassuring that everyone is okay, Rowan took good care to make sure Malala loaded into the caravan with ease and had everything she needed to stay warm and comfortable throughout the journey. Her body may be released from that spell, but she still needed to recuperate her strength from being under it for so long.
Balenda didn’t leave her side once, but it didn’t go unnoticed how Madame Rosely kept her distance. When she found herself across from Malala in the caravan she gave her a nod of acknowledgement, and although Malala looked on guard, she gave her a respectful nod in return.
Now that we’re leaving Hivena with what we came for, and everyone is safely within the caravan, I can breathe a slight sigh of relief. The journey gives me time to contemplate on what happened at the castle. That glimmer of energy...the magic I performed.
I fill Malala in on everything I knew about these coups and riots that have popped up across the world, and she fills us in on everything that’s happened in the castle. She told us of The People and their leader Obediah, who’s apparently Minister Ishmael's brother, and about this Mercurial Spirit that’s coming...the one they call the Queen Eater.
She recounts how many people turned on the crown so fast and how some were already lying in wait, like her maid Jewel, and couldn’t be trusted. I was shocked to hear how the Province Advisors quickly disintegrated when it was discovered that half of them were plants by The People.
When we finally arrive back at the Cyan Forest, we settle as many people as we can’t into the Lost Souls camp. After some correspondence with Prince Kuruk, Rowan is able to usher many subjects to the Zaphyre kingdom where they’ll have more space and resources to recuperate. And although Zaphyre isn’t completely free from prejudice, the subjects will be much safer then they are in Hivena.
“You and the prince must be good friends.” I comment to Rowan as we’re sifting through care packages for the refugees. Rowan smirks.
“More like, the prince wants to be good friends with me to remain close to a certain someone.” My cheeks ignite and I turn away from Rowan’s annoying smirk.
“That’s not true.” I grumble.
“Oh yeah? Then tell me why the prince has sent so many letters while we’ve been away?” I skeptically glare at him out of the corner of my eye. “It’s true! He’s heard what’s been happening to magic users in other dominions. And he sent items for the care packages...” The lightheartedness of the conversation seeps away at the mention of what’s happening to magic users in other domains and what all the people we couldn’t save must be going through at this very moment.
It makes me think of what happened at the castle as we were trying to escape. The surge of energy that burst through me.
I look around and nervously pull Rowan aside, away from the others sorting care packages.
“Hey...I need someone to talk to.” His eyes fill with worry at the tonal shift in my voice.
“Sure Zemi, what’s up? Are you okay?”
“I-I think...when we were in Hivena castle...something happened. I did something.” He looks at me curiously, then his eyes light with understanding.
“Oh, your magic.” I startle, taken aback.
“You saw?!
“Yes I saw.” He chuckles. Tears prick my eyes as a mix of emotions flood my system.
“I-I’ve never had magic before. I’ve never shown signs of it...I don’t know what it means.” He looks at me sympathetically.
“Well...what did you feel when you released your magic?”
“Scared...I just wanted to protect my friends and family.”
“Magic can be amplified heavily by emotions. That’s usually how most magic users discover their powers, but of course it can learn to be controlled.” He strokes his chin in thought. “What else were you thinking about when it happened?”
I think back to The People, and the sensation of Obediah using magic against us, which is a whole other can of worms in and of itself.
“Obediah had magic. I could sense it crackling in the air. I knew it would hurt us and I just wanted to protect us from it. I wanted to push it away.”
“Yes, I noticed something was amiss with him and some of his minions as well. But, the way you performed magic was curious. To be honest, I’ve never seen something like what you did before. Instead of actually creating anything, it's like you just pushed back the magic that was coming towards us, almost like you were deflecting Obediah’s. We’d have to do some tests and exercises for me to be sure and see all you're capable of, but having a power anywhere close to that is rare. We’ll both be learning about it as we go.”
I nod, then clench my jaw and look away.
I don’t know why I’m feeling so jumbled up inside about it. Isn’t this what I wanted this whole time, to be a magic user? But now that I’ve shown signs of power, I feel emboldened and scared all at the same time. Like holding a tiger by its collar and thinking you have it under control.
Rowan places his hand on my shoulder and gives it a light squeeze.
“I know what the world is saying about us, but being a magic user is a wonderful thing. We’re able to do unimaginable things for our friends and family that others can’t, and each of us are unique in our own way. Your magic is what you make of it. You’re not alone. Jabari and I will help you practice and explore your powers safely. Everything will be okay.” I give him a grateful smile.
“Thanks Rowan.” I feel much better having some guidance and knowing Rowan will help me navigate these new found abilities. Most magic users find out they can wield magic when they’re young. I’d hate to lose control as an adult. Not only do I not want to hurt the people I love, but my magic will be more mature than a childs. I can’t imagine what kind of damage unleashing that kind of power could do if I don’t learn how to control it soon.
“I think I have something that may cheer you up.” He smiles, then he leaves for a moment, disappearing into the cabin. When he comes back his hands are full of letters, all sporting the royal seal from Zaphyre and Prince Kuruks signature. My stomach drops.
He wasn’t kidding!
There’s a whole pile of them! Many are addressed directly to me, and if they weren’t they were inquiring about me.
My heart flutters as I find a spot on the porch and read through them one after the other. In many of them Prince Kuruk is wondering if I'm okay and if the troupe has made it to our destinations safely. There’s advice on places to avoid in Sono and information that he’s heard that he thinks is useful for us to travel more safely.
As my eyes scan over each letter, I feel warm from the amount of care spilling from the pages, but I also feel bad for causing him to worry so much. I quickly rush into the cabin to grab a pen and paper of my own.
I write a letter back to let him know that I’m fine and so are the others. It’s been stressful, and a lot is going on at the moment. As much as I would like to inform him of our trip in its entirety, I’m afraid the letter would be an entire book that I just don’t have the energy to write. I confirm the things he’s said and the stuff that has gone down in the Sono kingdom and how we had to escape. But I let him know we’re okay and thanked him for the items for the care packages and the assistance of taking in some of the refugees on our behalf.
My hand hesitates and hovers above the page as I try to figure out what more to say, but I’m so overwhelmed with thoughts it’s hard for me to figure out what to put on paper.
In the end I decide to sign off and hand it to Rowan to send when he has the time before I word vomit all over the page. Then I go off to help the others.
My heart feels warm and comforted. Prince Kuruk is very kind and attentive towards people. I admire how he cares for others and isn’t afraid to lead with his heart. It inspires me to want to lead with mine.
I smile to myself.
He’ll make a great ruler one day. Princess Mayvie is very lucky.
A pang zips through my chest and stomach and I fight to swat it away as I approach the others standing on the porch.
“This is a mess, what are we gonna do?” Victoria murmurs as we watch another caravan of people from Hivena be taken to the Zaphyre kingdom to settle in since we don’t have any room.
“We must go to the Ringmaster.” Scirocco says. “He’ll know what to do.” Malala looks from her to me.
“Ringmaster?”
“The Ringmaster is the founder of the Lost Souls.” I explain to her. “He keeps the magic users under his care protected. I’m sure Rowan has already touched base with him as soon as we arrived, but he may have insight about everything that’s happening and what we can do for Hivena.”
“Should we wait until Her Majesty is better?” Sol asks, looking up at Malala with wide eyes. I chuckle to myself. She’s been enthralled by Malala since we rescued her. Just like when I arrived, it’s exciting to have the Queen of Hivena within her midst.
“No no,” Malala says standing to her full height. “I’m feeling much better. I’m ready whenever you all are.” And it’s true, with each passing moment that we’ve gotten away from Hivena, Malala has been looking better and better. Balenda is the same mothering hen she’s always been and has kept a sharp eye on Malala’s health. I was even surprised to find that Madam Rosely stayed close to her, and was very helpful in terms of keeping symptoms at bay that were caused by the spelled anklet with her potions. Not to mention Rowan stops by every few minutes to offer Malala food, water, and tea.
“When Rowan undoubtedly saunters over here to check on his beloved, then we’ll go.” I smirk, side eyeing Malala. Her face flushes as she elbows me in the side.
And as if summoning a ghost, Rowan appears with his arms full of food and tea. The girls and I just stare at him with humored expressions as he approaches and Malala does her best to turn and hide her blushing face. When Rowan notices us staring and smirking he stops in his tracks and looks at us curiously.
“What?”
*****
WE MAKE OUR WAY TO the Ringmasters temple and enter his office where he’s sitting at his desk as usual.
“Ah, Queen Malala.” He says before Rowan or I could introduce her. She pauses.
“You know me?” He smiles kindly, the smile reaching all the way up to his milky unseeing eyes.
“I’ve heard whispers. You’re another very important piece in this puzzle.”
“Ringmaster, we’ve come to you for help.” Although I’m sure he knows most of what’s going on, we give him a rundown of all that’s happened. He nods, listening intently. I decide to offer up my suggestion. I’ve been thinking about this a lot since we found Veah and saw that it’s alive and thriving. If we want to keep rescuing magic users and their families and take them somewhere where there is room for them, Veah is our best option.
“I think it would probably be best to set up a system to get as many people and magic users to Veah as possible. Now that we know it exists and is a safe haven, it’s our best bet for keeping everyone safe and starting new lives.”
Malala shakes her head and steps forward.
“No. Getting subjects out and sending them to Veah if they want is great, but there are a lot of subjects who’ll refuse to leave their home, and there are a lot of subjects brainwashed by The People’s control. I can’t just abandon the subjects of Hivena and let them be misguided by The People and their false claims. We must go to war and root them out of the land.”
I turn to her.
“Malala, The People are so heavily ingrained into our society. There's no way you’d ever be able to root them out completely. Some of them were living right beside us for decades and we had no idea. They can’t be trusted, and you’d never be safe there!”
“But I must try. It’s my duty to get a situation like this under control. What kind of queen would I be if I let my land be overrun by a secret society who’s planning on exterminating a vital portion of its subjects? I can’t allow it, Zemira.”
“I’m not saying you have to allow it, but give everyone time to recuperate in Veah. How are you planning on fighting in a war like this anyway? We have no soldiers and no resources. I just got you back from being under a spell placed on you by The People. I can’t lose you again!”
The Ringmaster sighs, interrupting our argument.
“I’m afraid Queen Malala is right Zemira.” I glare at him, startled by him siding with her. He’s not the one who had to see her completely out of it when she was sitting on her throne in Hivena. He’s not the one who had to fight through a thicket of guards to get to her lying sick in her bed. Is he truly aware of how dangerous the situation in Hivena has gotten?
“I should have known.” He mumbles to himself, then looks up towards us. “Running away to Veah won’t work as well as you may think, Zemira. They’re still a developing nation themselves after their long and tumultuous history. An influx of subjects from across many lands could overwhelm their resources. Then we’d have another problem on our hands.” I swallow hard. “And Obediah won’t stop. His sole mission is to destroy magic users everywhere. He’ll eventually branch out to find where all the magic users have gone in other lands.” My shoulders deflate.
“But why, why has he made this a twisted goal of his? Magic users may not be the most revered in many dominions, but they were certainly tolerated. Obediah’s brother, Minister Ishmael, is a born and raised citizen of Hivena and has taken part in many of our core traditions and ceremonies. Why would they do this?”
The Ringmaster’s face hardens.
“That’s because Obediah's hatred for magic users runs deeper than you can imagine. It’s been festering for more than many lifetimes, and Ishmael... isn’t Obediah’s real brother.” We all stiffen, staring at him in confusion.
He continues with a sigh.
“I have not been fully transparent with you all. Obediah... is my cousin. Ishamel is just a descendant of our bloodline. And although they’ve been living in Hivena, Obediah has walked this earth for a long time, just like me.” A verbal gasp reverberates through Malala and I’s chests.
“Then... that must mean...”
“Yes, they are also magic users.”
Malala looks from me to the Ringmaster.
“Then how could they do this?! Why would they go against their own kind?”
I look at the Ringmaster. I knew it. I saw Obediah and some of The People using magic when we were rescuing Malala from the castle. He’s one of us!
“How...w-why...”
“Long ago, when the both of us were very young, we lived in a village together as a family. A village...in Veah.”
My eyes widen.
They once lived in the fabled magical city of Veah?!
“We would play and eat together with our parents and others within our village. This was when we were only at the early stages of our magical abilities. Back then, someone coming into their magic was as natural as breathing. It wasn’t unheard of, but it was rare, and back then, the ones who were identified with magic were thought to be blessed. Any villages and families where magic users were born were thought to be blessed.” I wipe my sweaty palms on my pants as he continues his story.
“My magical abilities, along with a few of our close friends' abilities, grew faster than Obediah’s. He was a late bloomer, and he was often annoyed at us for it. I think he felt that when we came around, we stole his spotlight. As we got a little older and were entering puberty, Obediah got involved in a religious group passing through our village who despised magic users. They preached about how there was only one divine entity who should be powerful enough to wield this power. The Mercurial Spirit. And that no human being should have access to these powers and be above another.
“At first, many of us ignored them. They weren’t of our land so we let them pass through with their nonsense. Much later, I learned that magic was only taboo for them because it was something that they couldn’t control who received it. So they spread a narrative that it wasn’t divine, and shouldn’t be trifled with.” My heart hammers in my chest. So even back then, people were saying such cruel and harmful things.
“Obediah was romanced by these ideals. As long as the religious group stayed in our village, Obediah met with them. My friends and I paid no heed and didn’t see what was happening at the time, but Obediah internalized their teachings. He didn’t start The People per say, but with his help, he made them what they are today. They shared with him their religious doctrines and their process for bringing the Mercurial Spirit to this world to cleanse the land, and I think this gave Obediah a purpose, a mission unlike any other. He banded with this group, and created a plan with other magic users who believed in this doctrine and wanted to be cleansed. He believed that us having these abilities was a mistake, and in order for him to atone for being a magic user himself, he must use his powers to get rid of others, as a sacrifice to the Mercurial Spirit.
“Like me, Obediah has moved from place to place for centuries, never letting go of this mission to one day bring about the Mercurial Spirit. And now, he’s become strong enough to raise an army.”
I stare at him breathless. So this whole time, the Ringmaster and Obediah have been related. And Minister Ishamel is a descendant of their family.
“But the only real threat is Obediah and The People right?” Malala asks incredulously. “We just have to stop others from believing what they’re saying so all this can stop, because the Mercurial Spirit isn’t real...is it?”
“The Mercurial Spirit is very real.” A melodic voice says behind us. We whip around to the three Sages looming in the entryway of the office. I look back towards the Ringmaster who’s unphased by their sudden presence.
“The Mercurial Spirit isn’t unique to this world. It’s an entity that’s plagued many worlds throughout time.”
A shiver runs down my spine.
Many worlds throughout time?!
“It feasts on the lives of many, and with enough sacrifices, a ritual can be performed to lure it here. It has been centuries, but it looks like Obediah and The People have completed that sacrifice.” Malala’s brows scrunch in disbelief.
“No, that can’t be. I escaped!”
“Unfortunately, you aren’t the only queen The People have been grooming to sacrifice to the Mercurial Spirit. Usually, just about anyone can be used as a sacrifice to lure it, but this world is more unique than you may realize. It’s potent with magic, and although everyone isn’t capable of manifesting it at will, royals are more predestined for their roles as leaders than you may think, because of their inherent magical capacity. Their ability to influence and gather enough power to lead a nation is an example of them using magic that no one realizes. Unfortunately for you, in this circumstance, the queens of this world harbor the most magic... through their blood. Obediah and The People must have learned this information long ago. That’s why another common name for the Mercurial Spirit is the Queen Eater.”
I immediately deflate as a sense of dread fills my stomach.
“Then what do we do? How do we stop some all consuming spirit from coming and destroying us all?” The Sages stand quietly for a moment, unmoving. The fact that they can stand so starkly still is unnerving.
“It’s time for us to go to war. The only thing capable enough to defeat the Queen Eater, is a panacea made with the essence of the euphorbia flower.”
“The euphorbia flower? The Ringmaster has some growing here in his temple!” I inform them.
“We’re going to need a lot more than that to cast the Queen Eater away.”
“The royal conservatory.” Malala’s eyes sparkle. “Not only is there an ample amount of euphorbia flowers there, we already have a pantry with a stockpile of harvested royal jelly.”
I look between her, the Sages, and the Ringmaster who all seem to have a knowing look about them. This causes my stomach to drop, but we may not have any other choice. If this Queen Eater is really coming, and The People have successfully lured it here, then we have to find a way to stop it immediately before the whole world is in danger. If the euphorbia flower is the only way to stop it...then we have no other choice.
With a heavy heart, I clench my fists and voice exactly what I know they’re all thinking. Even though we just fought for our lives trying to escape, if we want to continue to survive and save everyone we love and care about...
“We have to get back to the Hivena castle.”
*****
DAYS GO BY AS THE LOST Souls prepare for battle and a long trek back to Hivena. Word of us going to war spread fast amongst us, with my valiant sister, the Queen of Hivena, leading the charge. I didn’t realize how many people would be itching for this war and a way to fight back for their injustices that they’ve suffered. I, on the other hand, am feeling leery.
The Sages just confirmed that this entity is real and has destroyed many worlds before. Not only that, we no longer have an advantage. Some of The People are also magic users who I’m sure will know how to use it.
What if we aren’t strong enough to fight this thing, or The People, and we’re just marching everyone to their deaths.
It was a miracle that we escaped the first time, especially considering some of The People and Obediah surprised us with their magic. That completely changes the dynamics of what we thought they were capable of!
Maybe I should have fought harder for everyone to run away to Veah. At least everyone would be safe there.
Jabari ambles up to me in his training clothes.
“Hey, you ready?” he asks, bringing me out of my thoughts. I nod. Him and Rowan have been taking turns training me with my newfound abilities. They didn’t want to completely bombard me with techniques, so we’ve been starting off small.
Jabari helps me to run through some meditative exercises to improve my focus and help me unlock and control my abilities. Only once I’m in a state where I can feel them can I actually use them.
I sit down in the middle of the training tent, just like all the other sessions, and focus, breathing in and out as Jabari guides me.
Our training usually takes place when no one else is around so I’m not distracted, and to ease my anxiety about anyone getting hurt from my uncontrolled abilities.
After what feels like ages of listening to Jabari’s voice and focusing, I finally feel a spark... but I'm not entirely sure what to do with it. It’s illusive and falls right through my hands when I’m trying to access it, as if it’s made of a vaporous liquid. I sigh, frustrated, and open my eyes.
“I can’t grab it.” I grumble. He rubs the back of his head. It’s been this way all the other training sessions too. Once I get the spark I usually have a hard time touching it, and that’s only if I manage to make the spark.
“What did you feel the first time that you accessed your magic?”
I shrug my shoulders.
“It just came out of nowhere the first time. I felt an overwhelming sense of Obediah’s magic and I panicked, and suddenly...”
Jabari looks at me in thought as he rubs his chin.
“Give me a minute,” he mumbles. Then he leaves the tent. Minutes later he comes back with Scirocco in tow. I watch them curiously as he has her stand in the middle of the room. He walks a few feet away from her before looking at me.
Then, without warning, he attacks her with a raging stream of fire from his hands that encompasses her entire body. My heart drops.
What is he doing?!
“Jabari!” I instinctively reach out to Sciocco and a surge ripples through me, coming out as a thin blue light that extends towards her and blows the fire back on Jabari. He flies backward with the reverberation and tumbles to the ground. Without missing a beat, he jumps to his feet to put out the small fires around the tent.
I run over to Scirocco to look her over and she’s...fine. No burns...nothing. Her clothes aren’t even singed.
Jabari jogs up to us with a smile and wide eyes.
“You didn’t think I’d actually hurt her did you?” I look between the both of them, worried.
“No I...it was just... I’m sorry, I didn’t know how else to–”
“That was amazing!” Scirocco gushes, staring at me as if I’ve grown wings and a halo. Jabari nods in agreement.
“Wait until Rowan here’s about this. I’ve never seen a power like it....let’s try again.” He smiles, then looks around at some of the smoldering spots in the tent. “But, maybe we should take this outside.”
With excitement I nod in agreement and we make our way outside, away from the cabin, the tent, and the others milling about out front. We wind up in a small clearing not too far from the camp.
“Now, I need you to hold on to that feeling, Zemira. You need to start recognizing when your magic is being triggered and discern the difference between your emotions and your magic so you can use it at will.”
“Okay.” I nod, feeling invigorated and anxious.
We practice over and over again as Jabari does various attacks against me and Scirocco with his magic and I try my best to deflect them. Some attempts were more effective than others.
At first it was hard to coax my abilities because, unlike the first time that took me by surprise, I knew that Jabari had no intention of hurting us and is very skilled with his powers. Just like in the tent, he can engulf someone in flames without actually letting the flames touch them, but I quickly had to learn that just because he has no intention of hurting us, doesn’t mean his powers can’t. If this was a real battle, I wouldn’t be able to rely on my opponent pulling back at the last second.
After a while of some hard training, we finally make some ground. I began to become familiar with the sense of my own magic and I’m able to tap into it at will and deflect Jabari’s magic. It still requires a great amount of effort that takes most of my mental strength, but Jabari says with time I’ll become stronger.
“There you guys are.” Veronica says as she emerges through the bushes to all of us sweating and taking a breather. “Zemira, we've been looking for you. You have a visitor here to see you!”
I look from Veronica to Jabari and Scirocco confused.
“A visitor?” Everyone I know is already here at the camp.
We end our training and follow Veronica back to the cabin where a regime of Drones from Zaphire and their caravans are outside standing at attention. I gasp at the sea of blue and silver uniforms scattered across the front yard and between the forest trees. Many of the new magic users and refugees are enamored by their intense presence too.
My steps falter as I notice that standing right by a grand steam carriage is... the prince.
“Prince Kuruk?” He turns to me with a dazzling smile on his face that makes me feel warm and giddy on the inside. I’m suddenly very conscious of the layer of sweat and dirt covering me from training.
Then, a sense of anxiousness fills me. Since the last time he saw me I was just Zemira, a Lost Souls performer. But now, I’m a magic user. I’m not just associated with magic users anymore. I’m officially one myself, and considering the philosophies many people have about magic users and the dangerous climate we’re in regarding them, I’m not sure how well he’d accept that.
Will he look at me in pity and not as a friend? Will he decide to distance himself from me because it’s easier to associate with non magic users.
I hesitantly make my way over to him and I’m startled when he openly pulls me into a tight hug.
“I’ve been so worried about you. You stopped answering my letters when you were away.”
God he smells so good.
He pulls back and looks me in the eyes.
“Zaphyre has been receiving word of what’s happening to magic users all over the world. So when I received your letter that you were back, I had to come see you. I wanted to be sure you were okay.”
I hear sniffling behind me and turn to see Scirocco, Sol, and Jubilee on the porch wiping away fake tears and grabbing at their hearts.
I ignore them, my face flushing.
“I-I missed you too.” I rasp. Let’s walk this way... so we can talk in private.”
He extends his arm and I take it, guiding him down the winding dirt trail towards the direction of the waterfall. He does a hand gesture to let his soldiers know to not follow, and when we’re far enough away from the others, he turns to me.
“I want to know everything that’s happened.” I smile shyly.
“I don’t want to burden you with all the details.” He makes us stop and grabs my hands, looking me in the eyes. It catches me off guard and steals my breath away, which only causes me to feel upset.
Why does he have to be so informal and friendly? It confuses me.
“Zemira, nothing you say is a burden to me. I’m here to support you. I don’t ever want you to feel like you have to carry things alone and you can’t tell me things.”
My cheeks catch on fire as I nod slowly. I resume pulling him towards the waterfall so I can break the intensity of his eye contact. I motion towards the big rocks to sit on, more for my benefit than his. With how close he’s standing and all of the words he’s saying, I fear my knees might buckle and I’ll pass out. This attention from him, although it feels really nice, is overwhelming, and makes me uncomfortable. I’m not used to anyone who I admire so much showing me this much genuine care back. It makes me feel unsteady. Like I don’t know what to do with myself and I’m afraid I’ll mess it up.
When my emotions have calmed from the sprinkles of cool water reaching us from the waterfall, I tell him everything that’s happened since I left, what’s going on in Hivena, and what the Ringmaster and Sages said.
“I-I also have developed new found...abilities...I’m a magic user. I haven’t fully learned how to control them yet, but I’m learning.” After pausing for such a long time, he gives me a humorous smile and squeezes my hands.
“I always knew there was something special about you, Zemira. You being a magic user doesn’t change that.” I smile at his words, feeling light and warm. Then his face slowly falls. “So does this mean...you’re going to war with them? The Lost Souls?” I nod.
“Yes.” He stares at me for a moment with a worried expression. Then he lets go of my hands and stands.
“Okay then, let’s go.” I look at him with wide eyes.
“What do you mean?”
“You didn’t think that I’d let you go off to war by yourself when I just got you back did you? This world has gotten so dangerous Zemira, I’ll follow you wherever you go from this point on. And I have an army that I think could help your situation.”
I stare at him in awe.
“You’d do that?”
“Of course.” Then he takes a step closer to me. “Our relationship–this friendship, means a lot to me Zemira. I wouldn’t let you handle something like this on your own. Anything I can do to help, I’m here for you”
Overcome with emotion I jump from my seat and hug him tightly. Having an army from Zaphyre would help Malala tremendously. That type of power could really boost our chances of at least surviving this thing.
He pulls me close and his body feels so warm. I know I should pull away and set some boundaries, but I don't want to.
He suddenly pulls back and gently places a firm kiss on my lips that makes my knees wobble. I stare at him in surprise.
“I’ve been waiting to do that for a long time.” He breathes.
“Prince Kuruk–”
“It’s just Kuruk...for you.” My face warms.
“Kuruk...” I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what to make of this situation. I like him a lot, and now I know for sure that he likes me, but this isn’t a love story. This isn’t how political systems work. In reality, we’re going off to war in which I may not survive. He’s a prince of a well established kingdom and I’m a runaway dwarf queen who’s supposed to be dead.
I think for a moment if I should tell him. If I should tell him my former status within Hivena, but I can’t bring the words to come past my lips. I’m afraid of what he might think, since technically, I’m not supposed to have a title and ran away from my duties.
His parents would also never accept him ignoring an alliance as great as a marriage with the kingdom of Farrah. If what I saw when we were there for the prince’s birthday is any consolation, that’s what both nations have been hoping for and nourishing since the two royals were born. And he has to know that too.
Regardless, I can’t bring myself to tear away. If I can have this kind of joy in my life, if only for a while before we go to war, then I’ll take every drop.
I grab his hand and take him back to camp so his guards don’t worry, and introduce him to my sister Malala, who’s standing on the porch. They hit it off and I don’t miss the look of approval she sends me as we’re all talking. And I also don’t miss the inquisitive look in his eyes as he looks between me and Malala and our unusual statures.
“Queen Malala, will you join us for dinner?” A group of subjects call from the firepit that they’re gathered around a few yards away. She waves to them and nods, and I can’t ignore the look Kuruk gives me as he begins to piece together how my sister is the current Queen Of Hivena. My cheeks warm in embarrassment.
“I–”
He grabs my hand and kisses the back of my knuckles before I can say anything.
“You don’t have to say anything. We can talk about it when you’re ready.” His words cause me to feel even more embarrassed, but I nod in relief. The story is long, and exhausting...and shameful. I’m afraid what he’ll think after I tell him everything.
*****
THAT NIGHT, PRINCE Kuruk heads back to Zaphyre to make arrangements for their army to travel with us to Hivena. He said the process for getting approval for this will take some days, but that’s plenty of time for everyone to prepare and get their affairs in order.
I practice more of my magic with Jabari, Rowan, and the other Lost Souls. I discover more of how I can not only deflect but also redirect other people's magic, and even use it temporarily in my deflections. None of the others have ever seen a power like it before. And Rowan says it’s understandable that I didn’t discover any hint of my abilities until later in life, especially since I haven’t grown up around magic users or been around them for long periods of time. My ability requires the presence of other magic users to even discover that I have them.
As time goes by I get better and better at my abilities, and I feel a sense of pride I don’t think I’ve ever felt before growing in my chest. Even when I first started performing with the Lost Souls, I don’t think I’ve felt this invigorated. Finally having access to my magic just feels so...right.
One night, Rowan knocks on our door and interrupts Scirocco’s story on how she was recruited by a gang who encouraged her to use her powers of agility and flexibility to steal, to call me out into the hall.
I close the door behind me.
“Hey, what’s going on?” I ask.
“The Ringmaster would like to speak with you in private.” My heart hammers in my chest. Talking to the Ringmaster is always a nerve racking experience. You never really know what’s going to happen. I wonder what he wants to see me about.
I nod and follow him outside where we hop into one of the caravans and drive in silence to the cave.
When we enter the temple, Rowan leads me to the domed main room where the Ringmaster is sitting in a chair next to the pedestal and magical rock. He motions for me to continue on my own and I clear my throat as I approach the Ringmaster.
“You wanted to see me?”
“Yes.” I look down at him as he gets up from his chair and stands before me, his frame slightly bent. “I wanted to officially congratulate you on your growth...and your initiation into the Lost Souls.” It takes a moment for me to register what he’s saying, then a disbelieving smile stretches across my face.
“Really?” He nods with a proud smile.
“Yes. You have come so far into your own. Not only that, along the way you’ve shown great care for the magic users. You’re willing to go great lengths for justice. When you came here from Hivena, you were running away from your past. Now you’ll be going back, to fight for your future.” My cheeks flush. I’ve been waiting patiently to be a part of the Lost Souls, now that it’s here, it feels so sudden. I feel...undeserving.
“B-but I’ve only just come into my magic. I’ve only been practicing for a few weeks.” He looks at me with humor in his eyes.
“Nonsense. You’ve been using your powers sense you got here.” I stare at him confused.
What?
“Do you think other magic users have just been finding their way here and showing up where you are by happenstance?” He places a frail hand on my shoulder. “You’re a beacon Zemira. A guiding light for all the Lost Souls left in the dark to find their way here. To find their way home. I saw it as soon as you stepped foot in my temple. It just wasn’t fully developed yet.”
My heart thumps in my chest. I think back to all the magic users who kept showing up to the Lost Souls camp not having any idea how they were able to find us and what I felt in Veah as soon as we stepped foot on the sand.
You mean to tell me I led them here?
Another thought crosses my mind. As much as magic users were persecuted in Hivena, many of them still chose to settle there and try to build a life.
Is it possible that the strong hub of magic users that’s settled in Hivena over the years could also have something to do with me? Did they come because they could feel me and my magic?
“I’m overjoyed to finally be sharing all of this with you Zemira, because... my time has come.” A sinking feeling dampers my excitement.
“What do you mean?”
“Now that you’ve been revealed to us, it is time for me to pass the torch, and rest.”
“I-I don’t understand Ringma–”
“The leader of the Lost Souls must be someone who deeply cares for all magic user’s well being, and must have the means to protect them. You’ve shown considerable promise, Zemira, and now... you are the new Ringmaster.” My heart drops into the pit of my stomach as tears prick my eyes.
“Me?! A-are you sure about that? You’ve only just accepted me into the Lost Souls, I don’t think...” I wipe the tears that are blurring my vision from my eyes, feeling overwhelmed. I don’t think he’s fully thought this through. “Rowan and Jabari have been caring for the Lost Souls for years! I don’t know anything about how to guide them.”
The Ringmaster watches me patiently, waiting for me to calm down. He grabs my shaking hands and looks me in the eyes.
“Yes you do. You already do it naturally. I have not made a mistake, Zemira. Nor is this a decision made on a whim. You were born to lead, and those skills will serve you now...Come, I must show you something.”
He leads me over to the pedestal with the strange glowing rock on top and stands me in front of it.
“Part of my power as a Ringmaster is to maintain the protective shield that guards all of the Lost Souls that come under my care. I also amplify their powers, but this has drained me over time. As I’ve grown older, my powers have waned. That’s why I reclused myself many years ago to this cave.” He gestures all around us. “This is where the spirit of magic called to me and guided me to this tool.” He says pointing at the stone. “I don't know where it came from, but it harbors the core of magic itself, and allows me to stabilize my abilities so I can focus all of my energy in maintaining the protective shield keeping the camp hidden, and extending that shield to Lost Souls who travel outside of the boundaries of the forest.”
He looks into the surface of the stone as if lost in his memories. Then he turns to me.
“But you... since you have now come into your powers, my work is coming to a close, and this will now be your duty.”
I look into the glowing rock that’s pulsing with energy, pulling me in. I didn’t get a good look at it the last time the Ringmaster used it with me, but now that I'm looking at it, it’s almost like a beautiful, colorful thunderstorm is raging through the golden cracks. And the surface looks translucent to the point where I can see images swirling inside.
I shake my head as panic rises in the pits of my stomach.
“What if I can't...what if I can’t do it?”
He chuckles with ease.
“You’ve already been doing it. It’s part of who you are, Zemira. And when it’s time for you to take full control, you’ll know.”
Tears fog and spill out of my eyes as I take in everything he’s saying. I really don’t think I can do the things he thinks I can...but I also don’t want to let him down. I’ve been given a home here, a place to stay when I was at the lowest point of my life. How can I say no.
He takes one last look at me and smiles.
“Just make sure you do your best. That’s all I ask. Now go, and know that you won’t be alone.”
I head out of the mouth of the cave in a daze, the words of the Ringmaster buzzing in and out of my ears. I’m still trying to figure out what I’m going to do and what all of this means.
I almost don’t even notice as Rowan walks quietly beside me. He doesn’t say anything, he just smiles at me with a knowing and sad smile.
I stop and turn to him.
“Did you know about this?” He nods slowly and I swallow the lump in my throat. “Do you believe him?” He smiles again and nods slowly.
We get back into the caravan. I make a note of how Rowan drives slowly as we make our way back to camp just as the sun is starting to light the sky and the others are waking up to prepare for the day.
I don’t know what else to do with myself so I hop back into my usual routine of practicing my magic and getting stronger. On the outside it looks like a normal day, but on the inside, everything has completely changed.
Around noon I pulled Malala aside. She’s back to her normal self. Balenda, Madame Rosely and Rowan have done a good job of nursing her back to health. And the others fall more and more in love with her each day.
We sit on the big rocks by the waterfall and I tell her everything because it’s too much for me to process on my own. I tell her how unsure and confused I feel. I tell her my fears and my worries, and she takes it all in quietly and sympathetically until I’m done and have nothing left to say.
Then she smiles at me.
“I’m not surprised Zemira. You’ve always been special. You’ve always had a connection to magic users, and you’re no less of a queen then I am. If anyone is going to be able to take over this task and protect and guide all of these people, it would be you. I think the Ringmaster knows exactly what he’s doing.” She grabs my hand. “This is what you’ve been training all of your life for. To be a reliable source to your people, and help guide them to a brighter and safer future. All of our lives we may have thought that meant ruling Hivena, but maybe for you, that’s leading the magic users here.”
I sniffle and wipe my eyes as she continues.
“I’m so proud of you. And I’ve watched you here amongst the magic users. How they respect and trust you. I’ve been watching you train with them and wield powers I’ve never seen nor could imagine in my life. I didn’t know a queen could be so powerful. And if anyone was going to guide magic users towards a brighter future, it would be you.”
I give her a watery smile and hug her tight, the tears streaming uncontrollably now. I didn’t have any expectations when I pulled her aside. I didn’t expect her to have all of the answers for my situation, but nevertheless, she knew the exact things that I needed to hear.
All my life I thought that in order to be a ruler I had to be perfect and could never make mistakes, and if I did, that meant I wasn’t equipped to be a ruler. But after all of this time that I've been spending with Rowan, Malala, the Ringmaster, and even Kuruk, I’ve come to understand that being a ruler is much more than being the perfect role model. It’s about being brave enough to take on the responsibility of a people and foraging a path with the tools that you have. You may not think it’s enough, but it may be exactly what the people around you need.
After a little while, my sobbing finally stops and we wind up in a fit of laughter over how life has turned out for us. This is far from what we’ve been taught in our studies, and far from what a traditional dwarf queen’s life is supposed to be. In a way, this is unknown territory for the both of us.
As we reminisce on our childhood and everything we’ve been through, Rowan comes over. He clears his throat and bows.
“It’s important for you to continue your daily walks for your health, Your Majesty. Then we can make sure you have something proper to eat.” He says to Malala. Her cheeks develop a warmth as I look between the two of them and dramatically roll my eyes with a smirk.
Now that she’s much better, Malala has been training hard with all of us like when we were younger. She’s even been teaching the other magic users and subjects basic fighting arts, so it’s cute to see Rowan treating her as if she were a fragile figurine that needs to be cared for. He’s barely left her side since we rescued her from Hivena.
“Go on you two.” I chuckle as I gesture for my sister to join him. She squeezes my hand and I watch them both walk away side by side with an air of lightness and ease between them. It brings me a sense of happiness for the both of them.
I look out towards the waterfall, contemplating everything that’s been going on when I hear shouts coming from the camp.
“They’re here! They’ve returned!”
I get up from the rocks and jog back to the cabin to see what all the fuss is about.
The Lost Souls and refugees are all standing outside agasp at the sea of men in glistening armor and the hundreds of caravans trailing all the way from Zaphyre. I try to close my mouth and not drool over Kuruk as he steps out of the carriage in his full armor with an army of Drones at his back. It takes my breath away.
“Now this is an army!” Pierre boasts with a gleeful laugh as he descends the porch stairs to greet the soldiers along with the others.
I approach Kuruk with a timid smile and he unloads something from his caravan with the help of a soldier.
“I brought something for you.” He beams. He opens a big chest and pulls out a blue uniform of armor. But it’s not like any armor I've seen before. “I brought these for you and the other magic users. Through some connections I was able to commission these. They’re made from a special material that protects you, but is light and allows you to move freely. Perfect for magic users in combat.”
I hold the armor in my hands as the others gasp and hoot in excitement, gathering closer. I didn’t even think about something like this, and the fact that he did warms my heart. I wouldn’t have been able to provide this for them on my own, and it fills me with an overflowing sense of gratitude.
“Kuruk I...thank you.” His smile broadens and the Drones pass out the chests of armor so the Lost Souls can suit up and try them on. Everyone can’t get enough about how good they look and some magic users immediately get to practicing in them.
Finally the day comes when everyone is ready and has their affairs in order. I find myself standing on top of a hill looking towards the horizon and the direction of Hivena in my new suit of armor.
“This is it.” I rasp. All this time I tried my hardest to run away from Hivena. I ran to have my freedom, and now, my sister and I must go back to the birthplace of where this all began. Back to the place of our happy childhood memories, and our most tragic. We must go back to end this all.
I hear shuffling behind me and turn to Kuruk who’s smiling at me.
“Are you ready?” He asks. I nod. He grabs my hand into his and looks me in the eye. “I don’t know if this is the best time to tell you this. But if we’re riding into battle, I want you to know. Since the first moment I laid eyes on you and saw you perform, I was enamored by you. The grace and strength you displayed during my birthday celebration was awe inspiring, and I couldn’t get you out of my head since.” My hands shake as emotion builds within my chest.
“Why are you saying this?” I whisper.
“Since we’ve gotten to know each other, sending letters and visiting, I’ve felt more alive and the most myself I’ve ever felt. You inspire me to continue to be a good person, which inspires me to want to be a good leader. I love how you make me feel like a better version of myself, and when you were gone and I couldn’t get an answer from you, I panicked everyday. The thought of not seeing or talking to you again left a gaping wound in my heart. So I have to tell you... that I love you, and I’m going to stay by your side until the very end. No matter what.”
He pulls me close and I don’t even realize how hard I’m crying until my tears are beading off of his armor. I’m so overwhelmed that I don't know what to say, but my lips find his and we share a long passionate kiss. It feels electrifying and warm and zips throughout my entire body. His lips are so soft, they cup mine perfectly. I don’t want it to end.
“Get a room!” Jubilee calls from one of the wagons she’s loading up in. I break the kiss with my cheeks burning and wipe my face.
I didn’t mean to get carried away.
I abashedly look at Kuruk and he smiles at me humorously and kisses my knuckles, then my forehead, his warm eyes making me feel at ease.
“Let’s go.” I nod and we load up into the caravans with the others, an intimidating line of vehicles full of people ready for war. I don’t know how this war will end, or if we’ll be able to even accomplish anything significant, but at least with my sister and Balenda, my new found family with the Lost Souls, and Kuruk by my side, we’ll get through this together.
