Chapter Nine

Kiabi Park still existed.

It was in the same place as the Before Times, but it was almost twice as large.

As Ashe and I veered off the pathway into the brush that would take us to the time pocket caves, a feeling came over me and it took a moment before I understood what it was.

Relief.

I was someplace familiar.

I was still digesting everything that happened in Bastillen on top of what I’d already been dealing with. Accepting that Callan could no longer be with me outside of that time pocket would take a long time. If ever.

My emotions were frazzled, and the only thing that was a comfort was reminding myself that if it wasn’t for Bastillen, Callan would have disappeared forever and I’d have never understood why. With all that weighing on me, it was nice to be somewhere familiar, where I didn’t have to contend with a lot of changes.

But as we made our way through the bramble, every snap of twig made me think a Kiabi Warrior was about to show up. More than once my hand reached for the Gladius before I stopped myself, realizing I wasn’t in danger. I kept telling myself that if one did show up, I would be able to drive if off again.

But I shouldn’t damn well have to.

I swallowed the roiling emotions that stirred, trying not to dwell on how it felt to once again be the target of magical machinations.

I had gone from magic-eating monsters to ancient tree warriors.

Some people had all the luck.

Ashe and I finally came to the small clearing where the cave stood, looking exactly the same. Ashe trotted ahead and sniffed around the opening. She looked at me and tossed her head to indicate she hadn’t picked up anything off.

We headed into the cave and were enveloped in semi-darkness.

We didn’t encounter anyone as we walked, and when we came to the small opening where there’d been a time warp, I was surprised to see that there wasn’t one anymore.

“I hope this doesn’t mean they were already Erased.” We headed down the path that led to the time pocket where I’d had a very memorable first meeting with Marcai, Chelara, and Sorjin. Had Chelara and Sorjin survived the attack by Varian’s Jigori? Or had Varian just not reanimated their corpses, like he’d done Marcai’s? I would never forget the image of Callan’s anguished face as he’d cut down his zombie-like father with a battle axe.

After we’d walked a bit further, I picked up on Temporal magic.

A good sign.

Ashe whuffed softly, having reached the time pocket first.

“The time warp is gone but the time pocket remains.” I regarded it. “I’ll try knocking and see if someone answers.” I picked up a handful of dirt and flung it at the time pocket.

A thrum rippled through the surface like a stone had been dropped into a still pond.

I stood back and waited as my mind went through various scenarios about who we would encounter here. I kept raising my hand and dropping it, unsure if I should have the sword ready. Nothing good had ever happened down here.

Finally, an opening like the one Callan had made at Bastillen appeared. It was only large enough for someone’s face to look through, but when I saw that face, my eyes widened.

I quickly unsheathed the Divine sword and stepped back.

“Chelara.” The growl in my voice almost rivaled Ashe’s.

Chelara looked surprised but continued using her magic to make the opening larger until it was big enough to walk through.

My body was rigid with tension. Looked like Chelara had survived the Jigori attack.

I noted the cane in her left hand that she leaned on to keep the weight off her right side. Her auburn hair was shorter than the last time I’d seen her, just brushing her shoulders. She wore a loose, long-sleeved dress with a yellow sash around her waist.

As I analyzed her, I noticed that she looked more anxious than aggressive. I tried to ease off the emotions that spiked when I remembered everything Chelara, Marcai, and Sorjin had been up to.

I recalled their ignorance about how dangerous their resurrection schemes were, not to mention the cruelty of reaping years from people. Chelara had helped orchestrate stealing my three hundred years of life so they could reopen the nexus points and bring magic back to the world, and didn’t listen when I told her that if they did that, the Majimorta would be released and unleash another magical apocalypse that would wipe us out.

I gritted my teeth. It was all I could do not to cut her down.

“Pennrae.” Chelara finally spoke. “It is unexpected but not unwelcome to see you, and I understand why you greet me with mistrust. I don’t have sufficient words to make amends for my actions when we first met. They were misguided, malicious, and manipulative. I am deeply grieved by my actions, and by those of Sorjin and Marcai, both of whom are lost now, and I would need an eternity to make amends. I am trying now, as I remain here to offer what help and guidance I can to those who are left.”

I regarded Chelara, then forced some of the tension from my body and re-sheathed the Gladius. Ashe quieted.

Seeing us dial back the aggression, Chelara offered a small smile. “Please, do come in.”

I hesitated but stepped through.

I had come to inform anyone who was around about Bastillen. Which included her. I felt uneasy about Chelara spending a lifetime in the same place as Callan though. Even if she’d truly changed for the better, there would be no forgetting what she’d done.

What if she got up to no good in Bastillen too?

I was concerned, but I couldn’t withhold the information I had because of my personal feelings about Chelara.

Déjà vu settled on me as Chelara led us into the large cavern where I’d been reunited with Kinari. My eyes immediately went to the left where a few small caves stood. That was where I’d heard my little sister’s voice after thinking she’d been dead for three hundred years.

The Temporals had defiled her grave, reaped time from people, and brought her and others back without their souls. I felt the same complicated knot of emotions I had then.

What the Temporals had done was so wrong, but I would have kept Kinari with me if I could have gotten her soul back. But she had sacrificed herself to save Gideon and I was glad he was alive.

And sad that I couldn’t have it all. My biological family and my found one.

When my gaze landed on the Temporals’ office, memories of the Jigori fight flashed through my mind. The blood-splattered walls after a Jigori had gouged Gideon. How my ears rang with Toji’s screams. The pain I’d felt that day pierced me.

I pushed the memory away and refocused on the present.

Gideon was alive and wasn’t the one in danger right now.

I looked around.

Like the other times I’d been here, there were a few Wild creatures romping around, including a small flock of lithe Iloxi with their downy pelts, jewel-toned eyes, and impressive curling horns.

My lips twitched as a fluffy Haellin tried to engage with one by headbutting its hind leg, making its floppy ears flap about. The Iloxi was more than twice its size and did nothing more than blow air at the Haellin from its wide nostrils before cantering off.

There were about twenty people here, lounging near the cave homes, on benches, or sprawled on the lush grass. A few children were splashing in one of the small pools, and on the far side I saw an Earth Conjurer instructing a Pachrall. It looked like they were making repairs to one of the cave homes.

The vibes felt uneasy though. There wasn’t much laughter or upbeat chatter, and all of the adults looked solemn. I observed them for a moment, then turned to Chelara.

“Have people been disappearing?” Better cut to the chase about why I was here.

Chelara looked startled, her eyes widening as she looked at me. “Ah…y…yes. I’ve been trying to help people assimilate to the world now that it is safe for us to leave. But then…people started to vanish. I’ve seen it happen and can make no sense of what is going on. How did you know?”

“I just learned that everyone in this community is going to be Erased from existence.” I spent the next few minutes explaining Erasure and telling her about Bastillen. When I was done, her expression was one of disbelief. I don’t think she realized that she’d reached out to grip my forearm. “Once again Linella has come through as a savior for those in this community. You won’t be Erased at Bastillen.”

“Is this true? It seems impossible. I’ve been watching people disappear not knowing why, and now you’re saying there’s a way that we can continue on? Live above ground?”

“Yes, albeit in another time pocket, but from what I’ve seen, the village is large. More like a town, really. Callan is there with all the people who left with him and Linella. The unchanged lands will be a safe place for all of you.”

“I can’t believe it.” She let go of my arm and clasped her hand over her face, tears shimmering in her eyes as she shook her head. “We have been through so much after leaving the past.” Her voice cracked.

“You should gather everyone and head there as soon as possible.”

“Yes…” She looked around at the people before us. “Oh yes, we must go. Now, immediately.” She moved, then paused and turned back.

“After the way I worked against you…thank you isn’t enough.” She looked like I had rolled the weight of the world off her back.

“Don’t thank me, thank Linella. I’m only the messenger. Move quickly. Erasure seems to be happening gradually, but there’s no telling when the rest of you will be Erased.”

“We will make preparations right away.” She still sounded in awe, and I hoped she had her head on straight because if she brought trouble to Bastillen, I would push her out and watch her disappear with no hesitation. “I really must thank you, Pennrae.” Her voice was heavy with emotion. “I’m so grateful.”

I nodded. I would never be fully at ease with Chelara, but she and everyone else here deserved the chance to make a home in Bastillen and live out their days in this timeline.

We said goodbye, and Ashe and I left the time pocket.

When we emerged, I checked the time and saw that it was after two. It had felt like I’d been there maybe half an hour, but over an hour had passed. I forgot how differently time flowed within time pockets. It would be disorienting going in and out of Bastillen, but I’d get used to it. At least I was still on track for my meeting with the Diviners.

Ashe gave herself a good shake, then trotted forward. I followed her through the brush so we could head back to the park’s pathways.

As we walked, I kept trying to ease the anxiety that seemed ever present.

My magic felt restless as well, both Shaper and Divine.

When I focused, I could feel the pull of both magics within me. When the sword had first been powered up, I’d felt Divine magic extend from the blade into me like a circuit.

Now, I felt Divine magic whether I was touching the sword or not. That was…interesting? Concerning? Was I still a metal and wood Shaper or was Divine magic in the mix too?

That was a staggering question and my anxiety spiked. Especially because my ability to wield Divine magic could be what put a target on my back for the Kiabi Warriors. At least according to Cindra.

I was glad I was heading to Quivess so I could talk to a Diviner about it.

Ashe and I stopped walking at the same time as our in-tune instincts picked up a disturbance.

We heard the faint snap of a twig not too far away.

I unsheathed the sword, its white glow lighting up the nearby trees and bushes and deepening the shadows between them. I braced myself, tension tightening my muscles. Was it a Kiabi Warrior?

Ashe was hyper alert. Her ears were far better than mine and twitched to the left.

I slid my eyes that way, but it was too dark to see past our immediate area, even with the light from the sword. I slowly felt some tension ease as I concluded that it wasn’t a Kiabi Warrior. The one from yesterday had exploded onto the scene dramatically and the feel of its intense, otherworldly magic had been immediate.

“Creature?” I whispered.

If it was a squirrel or some other creature traipsing through, we could continue on our way. Ashe lifted her head and I heard the soft whisper of her deep inhale as she pulled in and parsed the scents closest to us. Then she shook her head.

Not a creature. Okay then.

I squared my shoulders and kept the sword in a tight grip out to my side. “You can show yourself or I can flush you out, but I guarantee one of those options is much more painful than the other.” Ashe backed me up by releasing a terrifying howl.

Then we fell silent and waited. I started to count to ten in my head. Once I got to ten, we’d be trying option B.

But it seemed we wouldn’t have to, because the sound of more twigs snapping signaled that someone was moving toward us. I turned so I was facing the direction they were coming from. Ashe shifted so she could attack first and provide some cover for me.

But when I saw who emerged from between the trees my eyes widened.

“Kana?”

“Hello there.” She smiled and gave a little wave. She was in her armor, with all her weapons. “Nice night for a stroll?”

I cocked an eyebrow as I put the Gladius away. Ashe relaxed from her aggressive posture.

“You frequently take strolls off the beaten paths in public parks?” I crossed my arms over my chest.

“Only when I have to,” she replied lightly. “Like when it’s part of my training. Cindra thought a good task would be to see if I could follow you and Ashe and remain undetected. Stealth is one of the hardest warrior skills to hone.” She smiled ruefully, shaking her head. “But you two are damn good.”

“Well, we have had three lifetimes to hone our skills,” I said breezily. What a doozy of a statement. Better to laugh about it than scream, right?

“Sorry about using you for skills training but Cindra insisted.”

We fell into step and continued walking, following Ashe as she led us out.

“I’m flattered, I guess.” If this was gonna become a regular thing maybe I could start charging for it. “So, you follow Cindra’s orders? Is that because she outranks you?”

“I’m part of Cindra’s cohort, and she’s the leader as the highest ranked,” Kana replied. “There are four of us. The others are on assignment in southern Nova Celes.” We emerged onto the public paths and started making our way out. “Alongside my offensive and defensive training under Cindra’s guidance, I put in part-time hours at one of the purified burial grounds here in Triumph.”

Purified burial grounds were where people with Talent magic were buried to ensure our corpses and souls weren’t left vulnerable to Necromajin.

“Seems like you keep very busy,” I commented.

“I enjoy it,” she replied. “Despite the dangers.”

I cringed. I was directly responsible for some of her recent dangers.

“I’m really sorry for what you and everyone else went through at the forest. Ever since I found out about the magical blackout and what happened because of it, I’ve been horrified. I can’t believe the ripple effect me stepping through a portal caused.”

We were walking past the Killipsion statue to the stable near one of the park’s entrances. Riding mounts in the park wasn’t allowed, so they had to be stabled upon entrance. A handler had tried to stop me when Ashe and I walked in, then another attendant recognized us and waved us on with wide eyes.

Guess there were some perks to being the “Changer of Worlds”?

We stood in line, and Ashe wandered a short distance away, sniffing inquisitively at other creatures being stabled or retrieved.

Kana took a steadying breath. “I…I didn’t see much since I was knocked out pretty quickly, and I couldn’t even tell you what knocked me out. But the moment of the blackout was intense.” Her brow furrowed. “There was a moment where I felt…I dunno, dead?”

My eyes widened.

“There was a beat of absolute stillness. I felt as though my heart had stopped, my limbs locked up, there was an emptiness that came over me that I had never felt before. Then creatures exploded out of Drisdari and it was like we’d been dropped into the middle of a war.” She shook her head, her voice strained. “I saw wings and claws, smoke, shadows, heard sounds in my head that made me want to scream. And then of course there were screams all around me from…”

“Fuck.” I felt rattled as my mind created an image based on what Kana said. Ashe came over and rubbed against me, sensing my agitation.

“The Kiabi Warriors made quick work getting the entities back into the forest, but…”

“The damage was done,” I finished, voice soft. “People died. People suffered. Are still suffering. And now a Kiabi Warrior is after me.” I glanced at Kana. “If you hate me it would be totally warranted. You don’t have to pretend.”

She flashed a sad smile. “My feelings are…difficult. But I don’t hate you. I can’t hate the person I owe my existence to.”

I once again felt unnerved by that fact, but I just offered her a smile.

We were at the front of the line, and she retrieved her mount, a chocolate-brown horse with lovely brown eyes. Kana patted her side affectionately.

While she mounted her horse, I hopped on Ashe.

“No saddle?” Kana asked. Her mount was fitted with a sturdy saddle, complete with Kana’s dark blue supply bags with silver buckles.

“Ashe never cared to be saddled and I’ve figured out how to ride her in a way that’s comfortable,” I replied as we headed for the park exit.

“Well, here was where I was supposed to reveal myself if my stealth mission was successful,” Kana said, grinning. “And then accompany you to Quivess.”

“Sounds good. Is Cindra there?”

“She’s gonna meet up with us before we head to Quivess. Toji is already there, though, getting to know more members of the Quivess faction and meeting with the Diviner of our family line, Naranthe. I’m gonna head back with you guys to go to Gideon’s event, then I have a late patrol shift in the magic district. We’ve been trying to stay ahead of the bogus maps that are sending people into Drisdari, and there’s also been issues of items from the forest being sold in underground markets.”

“That’s the source of contention between the Council and Queen Rubiyana. Are there a lot of people missing due to the maps?”

“Dozens,” she said solemnly. “And it’s not safe to send search parties to look for them. It’s frustrating that the dangers of entering the forest haven’t deterred people from plunging in.”

“The allure of legendary magic can override common sense.” I shook my head. I could understand the appeal of pilfering something like an Everflow Gourd or even the Stasis Water Varian found, but it was more likely someone would find their death at the claws and fangs of one of the creatures in the forest than they would some incredible treasure.

“You’re right about that,” Kana said. “We’re trying our best to keep people from the forest, but Queen Rubiyana has had a rather flippant attitude about beefing up patrol at the border. It’s rigid on our end, but we only have a small stretch of the forest under our jurisdiction. Which is why people have been sneaking into Arcenou to get in.”

“Queen Rubiyana seems like she’s so easy to work with.” My thick sarcasm made Kana chuckle.

“She’s taken a liking to you. Maybe you can become a diplomat so we can bridge our issues.”

“There’s an idea.” An uneasy idea as I was reminded of the way Jarron and the queen had spoken about me, like I was a powerful little secret weapon for them to control.

I had yet to fully wrap my head around the shape of this new timeline, but something told me I wouldn’t have an easy time finding my place in it.

But maybe I wouldn’t even be alive for it to be an issue.

I startled, sitting up straight and shaking my head as Kana and I eased onto the road designated for traveling by mounts.

That thought was born from a moment of weakness and I couldn’t be weak right now.

I needed strength.

I needed to help Callan with what he’d just learned. I needed strength for myself so I kept my head above the water when it came to the things that had happened throughout my very long life, the shifts in time, the losses, and the danger I was still in.

I needed strength, but deep down, I was running on almost empty. I was so fucking tired, but no one could know because so many people needed me.

Ashe whined. I patted the back of her head and tried to clamp down on my emotions. I’ll be okay, I kept saying to myself.

If I said it enough times maybe I’d believe it.