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I FEEL AROUND MY DESK for any loose papers or books. Now that my time has come I might as well straighten up a bit. I don’t want the cleanup to be too much of a hassle.
I laugh to myself in disbelief that it’s been so long since I’ve arrived here in the Cyan Forest and created a home for all magic users to come and live. Now that it’s time for me to go, it feels like it was just yesterday.
I stack the papers so Rowan can look through them later with ease and make my way into the domed room with the pansophical orb. It’s been my constant friend since I’ve settled in this cave.
This place became my home at a time where I was losing all hope, and losing my sight. This cave became a part of me entirely, and I’ve grown to know it like I know the back of my own eyelids.
As I enter the room, I think back on the resurgence of Veah and a rage of emotions swirl in my chest.
My home.
I never thought I’d see the day. When Veah fell into ruin centuries ago, and many Veahians fled for their lives, I thought that was the end of my beloved homeland. I felt guilty, and partly responsible, since I was cast out by my cousin a few years before and never had the courage to go back and warn them. Fight for them. Now, hearing that it’s not only resurfaced after all this time but is thriving, makes me feel more at ease with leaving. And to think, the bloodline of the Veah ruler lives on! She’d be so proud of her descendant if she knew.
I smile to myself at how the fates have blessed me with these last parting gifts. Like they’re telling me that the world will be okay in my absence and I don’t have to worry. I trust Zemira will do an excellent job. The pansophical orb was sending pictures of my successor long before she was conceived.
I pull a chair into the middle of the cave and look up towards the dome. Although many people just see a dark endless ceiling, it’s the only thing I can see clearly.
A shiver runs through my spine.
I don’t know what will be on the other side, or what comes next for me, but it's not completely over.
My cousin, Obediah, should have been handled by me a long time ago, but I wasn’t strong enough then. I let so many people down. Since I hadn’t handled my duties like I should have back then, many people have suffered by his hands. I must set this right. And now that I’m free to leave this withering body behind, I will do just that.
I lean back in my chair and close my eyes, taking a deep breath in this life for the last time, before finally being set free.
