The morning came too early for Aidan and Petra. While Aidan took his foggy head in stride, Petra glared at him from her seat on the cart.

"I hate you," Petra grumbled to Aidan who, despite his fatigue, still led them onward towards Edgewood.

"I told you to get some sleep," he said, wishing he had taken his own advice.

"Still hate you. I hate this town for being so far away, I hate this cart for making my rump sore, and I hate the sun for coming up when I just wanted to sleep."

"Is she always this grumpy?" Aidan whispered to Cassius.

"Oh, yes," Cassius laughed.

"Just be thankful there was food to pacify her," Syra said, bounding up to Cassius, "Otherwise, you might have lost your head."

"I heard that!"

"At least you got a new toy, right?" said Cassius.

Petra scowled back at him, but hugged the twin blades lying in her lap.

The trip had gone smoother than expected. Ros had given them each a bag with travel essentials, including rations to the siblings' delight, and fair weather made the hours seem to pass quicker.

It was this last leg of the trail that became more arduous. The rolling hills of farmland grew into foothills at the base of the Elder Mountains. The road wound through the valleys and over streams at a steady incline, and they had to stop to rest a few times on the way. By the time the city was visible in the distance, Leif was aglitter in sweat.

"We're here, we're here!" Leon chattered when they neared the simple, but strong gates of Edgewood.

They stopped briefly for the guards to examine them and their load. But upon seeing the herbs and Syra's earring—and getting an earful from Leon—they had no further questions.

"Welcome to Edgewood!" cheered Leon. He flitted about the street like a child released for recess and waved them onward, "Baba's place is this way!"

Surrounded by trees with the gray mountains looming in the distance, the city had a serene feel. The bright greens of spring leaves accentuated the stained wooden buildings, and the cobblestone roads were clean and new.

Syra gawked at the crowds that wove among the streets of such a small city. Most went about their shopping and gossip, and the merchants called out their deals of the day. All were lively. Even the carpenters renovating the older buildings told jokes while they cut and hammered away. A stark difference from Landelle.

"Wow. Well, I'm impressed," Cassius said, as if reading her thoughts, "I honestly wasn't expecting something so...nice."

"Heehee," Leon beamed and hurried the group down the shop-lined street. "It's come a long way. You wouldn't have recognized it a few years ago."

"How so?" Aidan asked, taking in the array of magical and mundane items displayed on stands and behind windows.

"When the alliance between humans and dragons broke, we lost our supply of mana crystals. So, we had to find them elsewhere. Luckily, Edgewood happens to sit right next to a Sylic vein. That's why you'll see so many miners around here. It's really quite booming and has done wonders for the people here."

As they turned onto the main street, Syra's attention snapped to the handful of tall figures intermingling within the crowd.

"Even Tal come here?" Syra said in surprise, noticing the pointed ears sticking out beneath their silken hair.

"Why wouldn't they?" Leon asked, "They live just up the mountain. My favorite boutique is owned by one, actually." He tapped his tiny silver ear cuff, showing it off.

"No wonder so many people come here," Syra said, resiting the urge to find the closest bakery. "There're so many choices."

"And! it's surrounded by all kinds of magical plants and bugs and critters. Baba's twice as busy as she was just a year ago."

"Speaking of Baba," Petra piped up, "are we there yet?" Her wound was starting to dry and scab, and the itching only added to her irritability.

"Oh, right right!" said Leon, flying off down the street and waving them over, "It's just a few more streets over."

Past the busy main street and down a quieter side road that wound up into the hill, sat the quaint little cottage bordered by gardens on all sides. The front yard wasn't intended to be a garden. Baba had simply let it go too long and had resigned herself to 'keeping it natural'. In truth, she was just too lazy to bother with it.

Knock knock knock! went Leon's tiny fists on the door, "Old lady, Baba! I've brought people to see you."

"How many times do I have to tell you, I'm not old!" came a scratchy but full voice from inside.

"They brought your cart back."

"Oh, goody! I wondered where he wandered off to."

Faint blue light glimmered around the door's edge, and with the click of a latch it swung open.

"Come on in!"

Inside, the cottage was cluttered with jars and bottles containing colorful liquids. Herbs spilled from baskets on tall shelves lining the walls, and an alchemist set bubbled on the center table.

"Excuse the mess, dearies. Allergy season has me busy busy."

An aging woman with braids like woven silver tottled about, waving long, shimmering fingers. Brooms zipped about sweeping, overturned containers righted themselves and found their proper places, and the fireplace ignited itself under a small cauldron. In moments all was put into picturesque order. And yet, compared to her humble furnishings, this vibrant woman in painted silk robe and feathered cowl appeared startling out of place. Like an exotic bird in the town display. She certainly looked like one in all her flailing, and Syra muted a laugh at how the plumes about her neck made her out like a ruffled show-chicken.

Bark!

A sudden yap from the fireplace snapped Syra from her snickering.

"Oh, no," said Leon. He braced himself as a small, but a little rotund, pup leapt from the embers to greet him with steaming jowls.

"Yes, hello to you, too, Yorkshire." He feigned politeness as he hovered inches above the Fire Pit's excited leaps and snapping mouth.

Petra covered her nose with a scowl, "With all these plants I'm surprised you're not miserable."

"Ironic, isn't it?" Baba chuckled as she straightened a basket of dried, pink flowers. "Plants that can cure a stuffy nose, can also cause one."

"Excuse me, Laby Baba?" Aidan asked as he stepped inside, "Where did you want the cart?"

"The cart? Oh, yes! Don't worry about him deary, he's already found his way home."

Baba pointed out the window and both Syra and Aidan startled at the cart putting itself—and Leif— away in the empty stable outback.

"Is that..." asked Aidan.

Syra smushed her cheek against the window and caught a glimpse of the runes shimmering across its frame.

"Animancy?" Syra turned a stunned, but curious, eye to Baba.

"Only Magus are allowed to use that," Aidan said, taking a step between Syra and the witch.

"I thought you said she was a Green Witch," he hushed down at Syra.

"I'm a lot of things, dearie." The scars speckling her forehead creased as she smiled. "But right now, this businesswoman is curious as to why you've come to my shop. It couldn't have been to just return my cart—you even left my wares in tact. So, what do you actually want?"

Syra studied the jewel-toned woman smiling in front of them. So unassuming at first glance, but her smile made no effort to hide the fact that she had secrets.

If she's actually able to perform animancy, and without Court interference, then she must be a powerful mage. Maybe even an archmage.

Syra stepped around Aidan and confronted the witch with steady gaze.

"Tell me, does this mean anything to you?" She held up her hand, brandishing the silver band on her finger.

Baba's eyes went wide at the glinting ring. But then they creased as a true grin stretched across her face, and her arms stretched wide.

"Syra?" Baba latched both arms around her and squeezed hard enough to make Syra squeak. "Good Erd, why didn't you just say something? You had me worried the Council was calling again."

"We weren't sure we could trust you," Syra managed to squelch out before Baba released her. "Valen didn't say just who we were meeting. Just gave me a map and said, 'go'."

"Aiya," Baba groaned, "that boy is great at following orders, but still has horrible communication skills."

"Alright then, now that I know I won't have to turn you into a side table," she waved for them to follow her into the small living room, "come come! Put your things down and rest a bit. You'll stay here for the night."

She waved a shimmering hand at the wall and the bottom half folded outward into the room, revealing a plush bed, "For the lovely couple."

Aidan waved it away, "Oh, no, we're not—"

"And for the twins," a flick of her wrist brought a set of bunk beds down next to it.

"Seriously?" said Petra.

"I thought we were done with those," said Cassius.

"Haha!" Baba laughed at the twins' annoyed faces. "Nova told me you two shared twin ledges, so I decided, why not?"

"Wait. You knew our mother?" Syra asked, freezing in place.

The room went quiet and the air became thick and still.

"Indeed!" said Baba. Her eyes were bright, but their crystal blue held a buried remorse. "She was a student of mine at one time. Quite the mage, that one." They narrowed just a slight as she gazed at Syra, "But I hear she has a promising successor. Valen tells me you might even be a better healer than she was."

Syra swallowed the knot forming in her throat and grinned.

From the corner of his eye, Aidan caught Petra clench her jaw and turn her attention to the set of bunk beds, feigning interest in the quilted blankets. But, to the side of the beds, a mirror reflected back at him and lured his attention away.

"Is that an actual seeing glass?" Aidan approached the old but ornate mirror, changing the subject.

"You mean a looking glass?" Leon said, fluttering with confidence above Aidan's shoulder.

"I'm not stupid, Leon." He pointed to the glowing flower bud at the mirror's top corner, "Father used to have one until its conduit died."

"Well let's test it out, shall we?" Leon hiked down his britches and waved his exposed behind at the mirror, "Mirror, mirror, made of glass, show this boy my shiny a—"

"Leon!" Baba snapped and Leon froze with his tush in the air. "Is that any way for a squire to behave?"

Leon adjusted himself with a reddened face, "N-no, ma'am!"

"Wait. You're a squire?" Aidan asked, half laughing.

Leon whipped out his toothpick of a saber and poked its tip to Aidan's nose, "Aye! And if you got a problem with that, I will sew your mouth shut, Bati or not."

"Is that any way for a squire to act?" Aidan mocked.

"Aye, it's called honor. Are you familiar with that term, my prince?" Leon hissed low, shoving his sword at the ring hiding under his shirt.

"Aidan's right," Syra said, approaching the mirror and analyzing the lacey leafing around its frame. "I remember seeing a similar mirror in Valen's chamber."

"You still go there?" Aidan asked with a light sneer.

"He is my mentor."

"Was your mentor."

"Oh, good Lord, just stop," Petra said with an eyeroll that nearly threw her backwards.

"Ah!" Babe cried out.

All hushed and whipped their eyes to Baba, hands on their hilts.

"I completely forgot our meeting! Leon, why didn't you remind me?"

"Um...I was kind of locked in box until now."

The entire room exhaled in relief.

Aidan relaxed his hand, "What meeting?"

"Scoot scoot, thank you," Baba scuttled between Syra and Aidan and grazed her finger along the bud's petals, causing it unfurl and reveal the luminescent spider inside. She gave the webbing a quick tap and the spider flickered in technicolor, sending light pulsing through the threaded leafing.

"So sorry, Valen! Got a bit caught-up," she said as light flickered from the mirror and Valen appeared on the other side.

"Oh, it's quite alright," said the image in the mirror, "I'm just relieved they got there safely."

"Valen!" Syra shoved her face in front of the mirror and grinned wide—she could see his study in the background.

Knew it.

"Why, hello, Syra," he said with a chuckle and scooted closer to get a better look, "You're looking better. Been drinking your tea like I told you?"

"Yes, sir," she with a proud nod, "every day."

"Glad to hear it. Keep it up. I see the twins there," he gave a little wave to Petra and Cassius who sat on the edge of their bunks, "Seems they've grown accustomed to their new forms."

"Suck a toad!" Petra snarled back at him. "I still haven't forgiven you for cursing us!"

"Don't you worry, Petra, I'll fix you two right up once everything is taken care of."

"You better."

He turned his attention to Aidan, who remained silent, "How are things are your end, Aidan? Anything to report?"

"Report?" Syra asked.

"Your hunch was correct," Aidan said, ignoring her, "There's definitely unrest building out here." He paused and clenched his jaw, wording his thoughts, "It was a tough trip to get here."

Valen's peppy attitude turned grave, "I see. That's quite unfortunate. Is everyone alright?"

Aidan nodded and glanced down at Syra, who avoided his gaze as to avoid answering the question.

"Everyone is fine, for now," he continued, "Petra and Cassius got some bad scrapes, but they're healing quickly."

"As they should...can you explain what happened?"

Aidan described the events of the previous days as Valen tried to temper his disgust, but his reddened cheeks betrayed him. A heavy sigh let off some of the steam, and he rested his forehead on his hands.

"That's worse than I thought. You said the man's name was Larson?"

"Yes, sir."

"And were you able to dig up any information on him or his people?"

"Only that they call themselves, the Black Thorn, and they're growing stronger. A man in Landelle said he had friends in Renguard who have begun to see their handiwork."

"So, it is them," Valen said, glancing to Baba, "If they're in Renguard already, it's probably safe to assume they're even as south as Dairos. They're spreading faster than anticipated."

Baba's eyes clouded over, "Hate always does."

"Wait," Cassius said from behind them, "you two already knew about them?"

"We knew of stories," Baba corrected, "Hearsay from travelers, patrons, barkeeps, and the like. I had also started noticing those bronze coins becoming more popular. I thought it just a new fashion trend, but now..."

"You four are going to have to be even more diligent now," Valen said, eyeing Syra. "Talian and Kiithrani territory should be fairly safe, but do try to keep a low profile when around human areas. Even then, I wouldn't put it past them to recruit other races. Do you understand?"

"I understand avoiding situations like the carriage," said Syra, "but you're talking like our faces are on bounty flyers."

"I doubt I need to remind you of your banishment status," Valen said, giving her a warning stare. "Plenty of people saw you that day, and not all of them were Altaira locals. You don't want to be recognized."

Syra lowered her head with a quick nod, "Understood."

"Does Father know about this?" Aidan piped up. "Why am I just now finding out about this? If they've grow large enough for concern, they must have been around for a while. The guards around here haven't even been told how to handle them!"

"Easy, Aidan," Valen hushed. "They haven't been told yet because we don't know how to handle them yet. The King is aware of the situation and working with his officials to finalize a plan."

At this, panic swelled through the party.

"Perfect!" Petra said, flopping down on the mattress, "I love it."

"Hush, Petra," Syra scolded.

Petra flashed her teeth, "Make me."

"You don't even like humans, so this doesn't concern you."

"Actually, it does," Valen said with some hesitation.

"What do you mean?" Syra and Aidan exchanged worried looks, seeing how wrinkled his brow had become.

Baba raised a concerned eyebrow, "Valen, are you absolutely sure you want to do this? Gold light casts long shadows."

"The pieces are already moving, Baba. Plus," his clay-brown eyes muddied over, "they'll learn about it sooner or later."

"I don't like this," Aidan said.

Valen steeled himself, "I was going to wait until you collected the first two shards since you wouldn't be in human territory, but it seems time is more of an enemy than we originally thought."

"Just spill it, Valen," said Aidan.

Valen gave Baba a long look.

"You started this," she said, backing off with raised hands.

"The reason why we don't know how to deal with the Black Thorn yet," he started with a deep breath, "is because we don't know how to take on its leader."

Aidan blinked in confusion a moment, "How hard can that be? From what we've seen, they're all working class folks with a bad grudge. Altaira's army alone could snuff them out."

"We have reason to believe that Marrak is their leader," Valen said with a straight face.

Syra's blood ran cold.

"B-but, he's a dragon!" Syra said, panicked, "And not a small one, either."

"As are you," Valen said, causing her to flinch. "You think you're the only one who can shift?" His voice took on a condescending hiss, fed by fear and the knowledge of how outmatched they were. "Did I not tell you he was an archmage? He could have three forms if he wanted, and you wouldn't be any the wiser."

Syra bit the inside of her cheek and wrung her hands, unable to speak.

"That's why it's so imperative you keep your heads down," Baba added. "He knows about the Kesh Raza, but we don't need him knowing that you're the ones collecting the shards from under his nose."

Syra's head swam and her hands felt clammy.

"Why would Marrak even bother to mess with humans, let alone lead them?" Petra asked. "He could just burn them to the ground if he wanted."

"What he wants are the shards," Aidan said and Valen nodded. "He knows he couldn't take them himself, so who better to use than dumb, unassuming humans to steal them right from under our noses? Even better if he can win over other races."

"Meaning we better hike double-time," said Cassius, standing.

"Right now, you need to sit," Baba said, pushing him back down, "and rest. The sun is setting and you leave for Kor Lahru tomorrow. Your feet will thank you."

"Kor Lahru?" Syra asked, spinning to Valen. "But that's Fae grounds."

"And it's forbidden to humans," added Aidan.

"This is quite the exception," Valen said. "The first shard is under the protection of Vesna, the Fae Queen. She will be expecting you. However, Aidan..." he shot the human prince a stern look, "you must show the upmost respect. Vesna's grudge is longstanding but her patience is not. Pray you stay in her favor."

"Yes, sir, understood." Aidan's firm nod hid the glint of excitement for exploring the forbidden fairy fields.

"Excellent. After you retrieve the shard, head east to Mirna. King Tahlu will escort you to the Tal's shard. We will reconvene then. Forewarning, it's quite a hike up Mount Tenlok and its weather can be unpredictable this time of year, so go prepared." He looked to Baba, "I trust Baba can help with that."

"You question me after all these years?" Baba asked with a snicker.

"Good, I'll leave it to you. I'll go inform King Rogan of the new information regarding the Black Thorn. Please, take care of yourselves."

With that the light faded and left them to stare at their own reflections.

"I can't believe I'm going to Kor Lahru." Aidan strangled a squeal. "No one's seen that place in decades."

"Hold on." Leon's head perked up and he hovered just above the dusty teacup he was sitting in. "If they're going to Kor Lahru, then..."

"Yes, Leon," said Baba, "you're going, too. I wouldn't trust anyone else to guide them. Plus," her eyes nearly disappeared behind their creases as she smiled at the giddy pixie, "when was the last time you went home?"

***

Night sung of a soft breeze, tiny insects, and the wispy snore from Cassius' bunk. This night, clouds covered the moon and it was Syra who couldn't find sleep.

She stared at the dark hump curled up in the cinders of the fireplace. Yorkshire's tongue lolled out of his mouth and a paw twitched with happy dreaming. The bed was soft, but she was painfully aware of the mound of blankets separating her and Aidan. She could still feel his warmth and his scent made her ache to flip over and bury her face in his shaggy hair.

"I need...time." His words clawed at her chest.

Ugh. This isn't working.

She slid from the bed and stood, silent, in the middle of the room. Her eyes wandered about, from the wad of blankets topped with Aidan's disheveled locks, to her slumbering siblings sprawled out in their bunks. Petra had lost her blankets to the floor and Cassius' wound was barely a scar at this point.

A scar. A thin sliver of fresh skin. Like the pale, slick blisters left by dragonfire on her comrade's bodies. Just like the one's on Ethan's body all those years ago. Charred and red. Red, like the gash in her father's neck. Image after image bubbled up from the chest she had stuffed them in. Red, like the fiery lines between Marrak's scales. Like his eyes as they locked onto her as a wolf stares at a slab of meat.

Can we actually do this? The cold grip of fear slithered over her. She padded over to the kitchen and fetched herself some water to calm her nerves. No, we have to. We don't have a choice.

The scent of old flowers and ash drew her attention from her glass to a door left slightly ajar.

On the back porch in an old rocker sat Baba, puffing at an old wooden pipe. A night breeze wafted the silver trail over Syra, the cloud tickling her throat and making her cough.

"Funny, isn't it?" Baba said, keeping her gaze fixed on the flickering lights of evening bugs floating about the garden.

"What is?" Syra asked, covering her face.

"How being away from something for so long can make the normal seem overbearing."

She peeked at Syra from the corner of her eye and chuckled at her confused expression.

"I bet your lair was full of smoke," she said, raising her pipe, "yet a wisp now makes you cough."

"Isn't too much smoke bad for humans?"

"Too much of anything is bad for anyone. So, you just leave an old woman her pleasures."

"I thought you said you weren't old."

Baba just grinned, "Cheeky little thing, aren't you? Just like your mother."

Syra froze a moment, her mind racing to memories of the pearlescent dragoness teaching her to hunt, and fly, and prank her father with frozen treats and belching potions.

"What was she like?" Syra finally asked in a small voice. "I barely remember anything outside the den."

"Oh, that's right," said Baba, "you weren't much older than a hatching when she died. Quite a shame, really. You remind me of her; had a sharp mind, but could also have a sharp tongue when she wanted to. Though, I will say Petra seems to have inherited her intolerance for nonsense...and Cassius her compassion. Yes," she said, looking up at Syra, "I think she would be proud of all of you."

"Your father chose well," she continued, seeing the desperation on Syra's face. "She was kind and just, and so very patient with you wyrmlings. A tad self-centered when she was younger, but that's to be expected of any youngling. She loved just as strongly as she fought. Too strongly if I'm perfectly honest. Whether it was over stolen prey or because I wasn't teaching spells quick enough, she was determined to get what she wanted or fix whatever needed fixing. Be it through magic or fire. Everything was done with purpose."

Baba smiled and padded Syra on the arm, "You would have learned a lot from her. But," she booped her on the nose with a thin finger, "as her prior teacher I have at least one lesson for you."

"Oh?" Syra asked, straightening, "What is it?"

"Go to bed! How many times do I have to tell you younglings that a long journey requires ample rest?"

Syra laughed and put up her hands in surrender.

"Now go. Shoo, shoo." Baba waved her away and returned to her pipe.

Syra returned to her half of the bed and stashed her worries away in favor of blurry memories of warm moss and lullabies, if only for the night.

***

Petra was the first one out the door the next morning. Baba had added a healing balm to her dressing that soothed any irritation and thus, her temper.

"Are we leaving today, or what?" she asked from the front steps, awaiting Baba to finished her final checking of their bags. With the feathers about her neck, she truly did look like a mother hen.

"When you go hungry because you forgot your rations, you will be wishing you had waited," Baba said, giving the bag her tap of approval before handing it over to Cassius. "All set."

The party filed out the door, but Baba still wasn't quite done.

"Not you, Aidan. Get back over here." She waggled a finger at him to follow her to a set of drawers.

From the drawer she pulled a necklace of leather strap and stone pendant.

"First, take this," she said, looping the necklace over his head. "The Black Thorn does have a few mages in their company, so it's best if you have some form of protection—can't have the one decent councilman dying on me. Just make sure to suck on it a while when you can, especially in the next few days."

"Suck on it? As in, in my mou—"

"Would you rather the other end? 'Cause that works, too."

"No no, that's fine. Just a bit...odd."

"Oh, don't worry." She chuckled at the boy's pained face. "It'll take some time to charge after imprinting, but it will only grow stronger the longer you wear it."

"Stronger, huh?" Aidan examined the stone with curious fingers. With its rich, mossy sheen, it was a larger version of the stone on Syra's ring. "Wait. Is this viridite?" He gave it a light tap.

"Yes, meaning—" she held his hands still—"you must be careful with it. This one's a morakii—a pure 'star heart' from Morai Dürnath. They're powerful little buggers, but quite unstable if damaged. If it cracks, you will not be feeling very well for quite some time."

Aidan rested the pendant against his chest with gentle hands, "Good to know."

"Good. Now secondly," at this Baba grabbed him by the arm and pulled him close, her face darkening as she glanced back at Syra through the doorway, "make up your blasted mind and do it quickly."

"Excuse me?" Aidan faltered from her harsh tone, but her gaze was cold, firm, and held him in his place.

"I told you, I am many things but I am not blind. Either commit or cut her loose. It's going to be hard either way, but don't you dare drag this out for her. It only makes the cutting worse."

Aidan searched her eyes for any story swirling within them, but only found stony resolve.

"With respect, Lady Baba, that's our business, not y—"

Baba's fingers clawed tighter at his arm and blue flashed across the glare aimed up at him.

"Her mother was my friend—and I dare say I don't have many. So, I will not have you scarring her daughter anymore than she already is. Is that understood, my prince?"

Aidan fought the urge to glare over at Leon, and dripped his head, "Y-yes, ma'am. Understood."

"Good!" she said, giving him a harder-than-necessary pat. "And don't worry about Leif. I'll make sure he gets back home safely."

Baba looked to the door to see Petra watching them with a bouncing foot, "Yes, you may go now."

"Thank you!"

"Oh, and Leon!" she called after the fae. "Avoid Everglenn if you can. It's springtime, so the Greenway will be extra crowded and the tourists even more hormonal than usual. Best you go around."

"Got it!" He gave her a little twirl and lead the party away towards the more wooded part of town.