It was an easy task to find the girl. The majority of the squad knew where she rested and they all ran right there. Alec wondered what they would do if she was still in her meditation, but his fears were unfounded.

Shea had moved from her position and was now sleeping peacefully next to the table. A spilled decanter lay by her side but the water had run in another direction, not interfering with the sleeping girl.

“Hey…” Denni whispered, being the first one to approach. Her voice elicited no response, so she shook the shoulder while biting her lip. Shea might be a nice person but this could still be considered surprising a shaper, and they didn’t do well with that.

However, the girl didn’t seem to be part of her kind even in her most vulnerable state. She just groaned in a soft voice before opening her eyes to stare at Denni. “Hi…” she murmured, her eyes closing back as she pulled her body into a tighter ball.

“You need to wake up,” Denni said with a smile to her lips. “Hey, Shea!”

This made the girl groan again and Alec shooed the majority of the squad out, himself included. “Let’s give them space,” he told the men of his group. They left easily, already chatting about dinner, wondering what it would be today.

Only Grey had a scowl on his face, not participating in the conversation. “Everything all right?” Alec asked, coming to stand beside him.

“Yeah,” answered his friend, but his face muscles didn’t relax.

Alec followed Grey’s gaze but saw nothing in the direction. More collapsed houses, a street torn apart as if by a whip. Nothing unusual in this city after the destruction.

“He didn’t let me take the food!” Grey finally burst out, turning to face Alec, “and he even shouted at me for considering it! If he doesn’t need it, it doesn’t mean we don’t! Why do we only bring stuff for his precious Mistress, while our own folk have nothing? It doesn’t make sense!”

A quick look around showed that no one else was close enough to hear the outburst and Alec breathed an inner sigh of relief. Opinions were great but one should know when to keep them to himself. This wasn’t a place to show discontent if one wanted to see the sun rising in the morning.

“Mistress is of noble blood. It is important that we protect her for she’s the one that will lead and protect us in the future.”

Grey turned away from him, spitting on the ground. “You’re just like all of them! I watched you and all you do is lick Commander’s boots, never voicing a word against. People like you make me sick!”

After saying that he was ready to stomp off, but Alec caught his shoulder. “And what do you want to do? Raise up and see everyone killed?”

The kid blanched at such words, but quickly regained his composure. “We have the shaper now! He’s the real one that we should listen to! Not that sissy girl hiding in her big house!”

Colour drained from Alec’s face. If anyone else had overheard them… And the kid was smiling! He thought he’d won, embarrassed his superior! How did this come to be?

Alec grabbed Grey, one hand over his mouth, and dragged him behind another house. The kid tried to free himself, tugging to free his mouth but he was no match in strength. The six year difference in age was now more obvious than ever.

When they were far enough, Alec dropped the squealing child to the ground and rounded on him. “If I ever hear you spitting that rubbish again, I’ll kill you myself. Do you understand me?” His hand went to rest on the pummel of his sword as he towered over the kid.

The boy crawled back, hitting a building’s wall, his eyes going wide with terror. He tried hiding it with clenched teeth but the wild look was not so easily controlled.

“Do you understand me?” Alec repeated the question, his sword leaving the scabbard with a distinct grinding sound. The boy’s eyes were captivated by that motion, unable to look away from the bared weapon.

He gulped when the sword moved towards him and then nodded quickly. Numerous times.

“I won’t say a word, please! I promise! I promise! Not a word!” he begged, tears appearing in his eyes as he still stared at the weapon aimed at his heart.

“Don’t forget it,” Alec told him in a cold voice, sheathing his sword. “If I ever overhear even a whisper of such notions…” He let the sentence drift away, allowing the kid to imagine whatever he wanted. From experience he knew there was nothing worse than one’s own imagination. It knew all the most vulnerable places to hit.

Nods changed into shakes and Alec left the boy alone. He wanted fall next to him and take him into his arms, say that he was sorry, he hadn’t meant any of it but this wasn’t the place, nor time. If the children were allowed to think of rebellion… all of them would get killed by the evening.

He couldn’t allow that. For as long as he could, he had to keep them ignorant. They were too young to face the reality, to accept that there was no way out. Mistress was the greatest shaper in the world, no records of a stronger one existing in all the recorded history.

Against that, there wasn’t even a fighting chance. Iago himself had acknowledged that he was no legendary talent. He was good, but not good enough. That was why he didn’t dare to show his face to the Mistress, not wanting to be killed by her for having differentiating thoughts.

It was fun entertaining the thought of them fighting, killing each other with their powers but it was naught but a dream. Shapers didn’t duel for exactly that reason. Weaker just submitted to the stronger and that was all. The stronger would have little power anyway, knowing that a push too far would end with both of them dead most likely.

There were tales of the stronger ones winning through shear power but they were rare.

Walking towards the squad, Alec was certain that’s what would happen. Iago would get killed and then they would be reduced to eating rotten food again. Many of the survivors had died from it prior to the shaper’s arrival, and once he was gone, the rest would die out too. He was necessary like air but no one held any power over him, or could keep him safe.

His days were numbered.

Hours maybe even. The girl would tell everything, not understanding her words were a death sentence. He could try explaining it to her but his squad would be close and they didn’t need to know. It would break them, or at least tear everything apart.

It was a sad truth, but Alec could do nothing for the shaper. His own people were already too much for him to protect. He couldn’t save everyone in the world. The people closest to him had to be enough. Goddess will have to forgive him.

While such thoughts assailed him, Denni walked out with Shea behind her. The girl was moving slow, one little step at a time but the companion to her side was beaming with joy. Denni’s smile could have outshone the sun, had they competed.

She sent a grateful look towards Alec, and he nodded as if knowing what she was thanking him for. Was it the words of encouragement? Giving her space to wake the girl? It made no difference, and he watched the two with his heart crying inside.

This was not going to last. For all he knew, it might be their last meeting like this - as equals. The moment Mistress took a hand in her education, Shea was going to become a different person. It was expected, her being a shaper and all, but that did not mean he had to be happy about it.

Weren’t they humans just like everyone else?

That Iago had said something of the kind but it had been just words. Shapers weren’t normal humans. It was a simple truth.

The time it took to reach the Mistress’ abode was much shorter than it took leaving it. Or that’s how it felt to Alec as he dragged his feet after the chattering group. Each step paving the road to a tragedy he knew was coming but had no power to stop.

Servants stopped them at the gates, refuting their right to enter. They said such filthy people weren’t welcome in the Mistress’ presence. It took a long time to convince them to at least send the message about their arrival with the girl in question.

“Do I really need to meet her?” Shea asked, staring at the high gates, the metal tips at the top sharp as arrowheads. “Iago said I should keep away…”

Alec hadn’t known that and was surprised the shaper had had the foresight to warn his companion about such danger. “Mistress is the leader of this camp. You can’t not show up when you’re being personally called without suffering great consequences.”

Though, was that really true? He hadn’t considered whether Mistress would dare to face two shapers at once if they teamed-up. No matter how strong she was, two enemies were a whole different thing.

“If you say so…” The girl didn’t look convinced, glancing repeatedly at the gates and parts of the mansion that could be glimpsed.

It was one of the largest houses, if not the largest, that had survived and now stood like a giant among the piles of rubble. The white of its walls shone with mocking conceit, having been spared the destruction.

He had no idea why it was singled out in the city, not another house had been for miles around, but it was. A noble’s mansion… And one favoured by the Mistress if the delight upon her discovery of its survival was anything to go by.

Screams from behind the gates reached their ears. The ear-splitting noise soon subsided but the smiles disappeared from the faces, exchanged for creases in their foreheads. A couple people crossing their arms in a defensive posture. Alec’s own hair stood up as he waited, no longer certain what was going to happen. None of this should have come to be. Why did Hugh had to open his large mouth…

“So, are you the girl everyone was so astounded by?” came a voice from their right.

Alec spun in place, coming face to face with the Mistress. She had come out alone from a side entrance, watching them with disinterest.

“Come forward, girl. Don’t stand there like you’re part of those peasants.”

“There’s no need for that,” another voice interrupted. All faces turned to see a figure leaving a shadowed alley on the other side. Once it got closer, there was no mistaking who it was.

“Iago!” Shea exclaimed in relief, running to his side. Her actions were encumbered by her weakness, turning her run into an unsightly gait but none of the squad members dared to voice an opinion. In a confrontation between three shapers, making any noise would have been a suicide.

Mistress saw the interruption with disdain, her lips curling in disgust. “And who might you be?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“And you know who I am?”

The man’s face twisted as if in pain but soon returned to a semblance of normalcy. Still, he couldn’t hide his body shivering in fear. It was a minor movement but living in constant despair, Alec was adept at noticing the signs.

He admired the man for standing strong when his body had to be screaming to run. Maybe they had more in common than he had thought before.

“I do, Lady Cyana Winteridge, one that could make the world fall on its knees with just a word. Your renown is legendary and hadn’t dwindled in the hundred years this land was blessed with your presence. It is an honour to make your acquaintance.” The shaper said it all in a calm voice, with just a little tremble once, lowering his head in acknowledgement at the last sentence.

Mistress smiled at that, tilting her head with amusement. “Somebody here knows of me.” She laughed. “And you dare to stand in my path?”

“It is of great importance to keep one’s promises. I can do nothing but stand in your way, even if it puts me in danger.”

“Haha! What a brave little guardian, I think I like you kid. What do you say about working for me?”

Alec thought he was following the exchange but the quick turn caught him off-guard. Iago was being offered a position under Mistress’ care? It was the best place to be in this destroyed world but that was for normal humans.

As a shaper, he could never accept such a thing. His pride wouldn’t allow him being anyone’s pet when he could kill everyone in the camp with just a thought. If he wanted, he could find another group of people, maybe even the Scavengers, and rule them like a god. No one could fight his right to rule them without falling dead the same moment.

The shaper was silent for some time but his body never relaxed. His muscles were taut with tension, the respectful pose leaning towards one for flight. “I am honoured by such an invite but I am unable to accept.”

“Do you think your lady can object?” Mistress asked with a dismissing wave towards Shea. It was clear she had already lost all interest in the girl, captivated by the man standing in her path.

“Not at all. It is my conscience that would never consent to such an action.”

“Are you a knight? At such an age?”

“Not at all, my lady. I’ve lived in darkness long enough to have my word become a promise, and that promise something I’ll strive toward fulfilling even if it costs me my life. Otherwise… Otherwise... No, it doesn’t matter.”

Mistress smiled then, her eyes alight with curiosity. “I’d like to hear those stories of darkness then. Come visit me when you have finished with your current charity case.”

The crowd of Alec, his squad and both Shea and Iago gasped at her words. She had just called… called… He couldn’t repeat it even in his mind. This was outrageous, an insult like that. No one in their right man would aim it at a shaper, not even one much weaker.

There would be nothing but death afterwards.

Yet Shea just stared, her mouth hanging open. Instead of moving forward, she took a half-step back, hiding behind Iago as her body shook like a leaf. In comparison to her, the shaper by her side was an obelisk of strength.

Chuckling, Mistress turned away and returned to her castle, the mansion behind gates three man heights tall. She disappeared in a flash but her presence lingered much longer. It took awhile for Alec to wake up from the freezing spell she’d put on everyone.

Once he did, he turned to see Shea crumpled on the ground. Her legs had given way and she sat on a verge of tears, staring with terror at the place the Mistress had stood. “She… She… How..? Impossible…”

“What happened?” Denni asked, dashing towards her friend and wrapping a hand around her shoulders. “What did Mistress do to her?”

Iago took a step away, watching them all with a weary look. “Nothing. She just saw the difference in power.”

“What?”

“In your terms it would be like putting on your best armour, unsheathing the sharpest sword and silently beckoning your opponent to start the fight. Shea just realised that against that, she was standing with a chipped weapon and rusty armour.”

That was enough for Denni, she gathered her friend and helped her stand up. But Alec had one more question. “And you’re better off then her?”

The man laughed quietly, the sound lacking any humour. “I’d be wearing a loincloth.”

Alec winced at that, all his worst fears confirmed. There was no way they could challenge the Mistress with such meagre powers. They would be slaughtered like flies. Everything gone in an instant.

It had been the right choice to stop Grey before he became more vocal with his ideas. If anyone had heard them… Even if Iago felt for his plight, the boy would be sacrificed. No sane person would take up the blame when it meant putting your head under the chopping block.

Shea stood up suddenly, her eyes focused on Iago. “You shouldn’t be able to shape at all!”

“Mhm?”

“You don’t have the pool inside! I remembered when meditating! Mother said people should never attempt that! Never!”

There was no obvious reaction from the shaper at the accusation. He just tilted his head, bringing his eyes to the girl before him. “This is not the place, nor the time for this conversation. I do what I need to do, that’s all.”

“But you have no talent! You’re using… you’re using up… your own life force!” she shouted out with tears in her eyes. Her hands rose to cover her mouth as she whispered, “No one can last long like that!”

To say that everyone’s eyes seared into Iago would have been an understatement. They gaped, frowned and glowered in turn, the expressions changing in quick succession. Alec himself was no exception to this.

No talent? That was impossible! Talentless people were called that for a reason! Not being able to shape was one thing, but more than that they were supposedly blind to the truths of the world! It was told that shapers could see things that no one else could, life currents in the air that gave them power!

This was as much of a reason why commoners couldn’t shape as any. How could you use something that you couldn’t see? That you had no idea existed at all? It made no sense. Simply impossible!

“That’s where you’re wrong,” Iago noted, his eyes boring into Shea like ice javelins. “I do see the currents. My only fault is that no one bothered to teach me.” Then he turned away, his body growing tense once more. “But who cares, none of it matters now.”

“But you’re dying!” Shea cried.

The man didn’t falter in his step. “I’ve made my choices.”

When he was out of earshot, Scorpius left his hiding place and followed after. It was an easy task, everyone being too preoccupied with their own thoughts. Iago was good at leaving others with their minds in disarray.

As he caught up, there was a sense of darkness around the man. It was like a rain cloud descended on him and just him alone. The surroundings were bright as ever but Scorpius didn’t dare to fly any closer. He was certain it would end in something happening to him.

The man prowled through the empty streets for hours. Not once had he encountered another soul. Every time his path took him near a populated place, he’d turn as if sensing the presence of other humans. It was uncanny how he managed that long before hearing or sight should have alerted him.

In time the sun descended, and moon rose drawing the cloak of night over the land. Cold winds rose to dance through the streets, stealing all the warmth from Scorpius’ body. He was considering returning to the tower when Iago stopped in his tracks.

It was so sudden and unexpected, Scorpius barely dodged a wall in his path.

“You’re still here, aren’t you?”

There was no reason to pretend otherwise, so he flew towards Iago. Upon closing, he shifted mid air and landed with dust raising around his feet.

“You’ve heard everything.”

It was more of a confirmation than a question so Scorpius just nodded. He had a feeling that something quaint was going to happen now. It wasn’t long that he knew Iago but not once had there been such a haunted look in his eyes.

The way they stared at him, judging, calculating and staring right through, was not natural. Unconsciously, he took a step back from that cold look, shivers running down his spine. Was this really the same person he was facing?

Iago watched without a word, giving him time to run away. When he didn’t move, the shaper spoke up. “Choose now. You can leave and be free, or stay and be sacrificed for my war. One I’ll lose whatever the outcome.”

Each word was said in a dead pan voice, slow and controlled. They were like bricks put with care into building someone’s tomb. Iago’s own judging by his words.

“Why fight then?” Scorpius asked the only question that mattered. He knew his decision already but maybe this way he could learn something new. Iago loved his secrets which made helping him a stroke of luck. You either managed to stumble upon something that interested him by accident, or you didn’t.

There was never a way to know what would interest him. Sometimes it was as simple as scouting for the survivors, but that was the only task like that. Since then, Scorpius was certain he hadn’t done anything of use. Worse, he was certain he should have kept the last news to himself.

Prior to it, Iago had been genuinely satisfied with his lot. Or at least looked so. Now there was no hiding the stricken expression in his eyes. He had been shocked to the core, everything he’d believed shaken.

It had taken the majority of the day to make a decision but he’d settled on the course to his own damnation. Scorpius had no idea what it was. Mind reading wasn’t one of his talents no matter how much he’d have liked to have it at this moment.

All he knew was that it was his fault. If not for him, the man would have continued in his blissful ignorance. He had never wanted to meet the Mistress in the first place and it might have lasted till the end of their days if not for him.

As he pondered all that, a sound caught his attention. Iago had turned away from him, head bowed to stare at the ground as he started to walk forward. “Because I must. She didn’t need to survive. She shouldn’t have…”

His voice sank at the last syllables, almost disappearing. Then he whirled around, eyes burning with hell fires boring into Scorpius. “She had to die! I did it all, all of it so she would die! No.. not I … He, he did it! Everything happened because of her! Her and that damned family of hers! No.. wait… It was… it was the Father! He was the monster! And so was she, his precious jewel!”

The man breathed hard, taking large gulps of air but he wasn’t finished yet. “It’s all her fault! She doesn’t deserve to live! No… she… she… she doesn’t need to live! I swear it, I promise on all the faces of the goddess I’ll make her suffer! The world won’t change with the tyrants surviving the revolution. They won’t. She won’t. I’ll make sure of that!”

“So, you’ll do it for the people?”

Hollow laughter reverberated through the silent night.

*****

Author's Note:

Hope you enjoyed it! Comments, suggestions and reviews are very welcome to help me improve and make this story the best it can be.