Chapter Nine

Yori squinted her eyes against the beginnings of dawn, the light bleeding into the space through its multiple windows. A cooling box was anchored to the wall via several metal pipes. Bottles of wine stood in a row along the length of a countertop, most of them still full. Cool air kissed her cheeks, blown from above by a whirring fan. The kids were beyond the room’s central door-- she couldn’t hear them make a single sound.

Turning, she reached inside her coat pocket to withdraw a necklace. A star was anchored to the center of the metal. Pain lanced down her chest at the sight of it. Ben’s ashes. They were stored inside the star, so that he would be with her wherever she went. It’s cruel. Bearing the star was not her choice; Yori knew that such a thing was the fate bestowed upon her by the Decisive Ones. She was a Selfatarian, which meant she believed that fate was a still concept that couldn’t be changed.

Once someone was set on one path, she believed that they wouldn’t stray. It was why she lived most of her life without dating. There had been many opportunities for her to hand in her blade and settle down with some rich man. When she was younger, that had been the one goal she had. Getting rich and having to do nothing to provide for herself seemed like the ideal life. Then she met Ben and everything changed. Yori still wasn’t sure what exactly had drawn her to the meek young man. Perhaps it had been his kindness. All she knew for sure was that his tendency to apologize meekly and his habit of looking away from her had quickly grown grating.

What I’d give to hear him apologize again…. The thought surprised her. It was rare that she was so self-aware. It must be the fact that she was on a quest. Her first major one in several years. Is that really it? Her eyes narrowed slightly as she gripped the star necklace tightly. If she truly did feel this was a result of being given another opportunity, then what did that ultimately mean? Yan had pointlessly tried to convert her over the years.

He gave her offerings of meat. He tried to send her passages from the texts of the Yulmerians, a group of peoples that believed in abstinence from certain pleasures. Yan eventually gave up, something she was mostly grateful for. Mitch’s words were always on the forefront of her mind. How long do you plan on keeping this up? The older man had always came off as hard to approach to her. As one of the few women appointed as a questmaster, she felt the need to isolate herself. It seemed hypocritical to notice Mitch’s abrasive demeanor, but she found that she cared less about such things as the years went by.

Still. Yori couldn’t help but wonder if Mitch may have been right. Her beliefs made her not believe in things deemed futile, like hope and miracles. Her historical studies proved that fate reigned over every other aspect of life. A baby born without eyesight can’t ever be able to see again, she thought with a frown. Just how had she ended up here? I was just minding my own business. I thought that that job seven years ago was the last one I’d ever do. Ben...you jackass. Look what you’ve made me do.

Hot tears fell from her eyes, dripping from her jawline. Did Yan give her this quest to try and show her something? The younger generation is valuable, Yan had told her days ago. I know your religious beliefs prevent you from viewing things in the same way as myself, but just try to consider this. You are a Saint. One of my best, in fact. I don’t use flattery casually, as you know. Try to see these kids as your own. You may just shock yourself.

It had been so long since she’d been in charge of a quest. The sheer nature of being in charge of such an important operation left her blood icy. Or do you want to dishonor Benjamin’s memory? Yan had asked her with a slight smile on his lips. No. Of course not. Yori narrowed her eyes and tucked away the star necklace. So Yan wanted her to see these kids as her own. A bitter laugh passed her lips. I’ll do that, you nonsensical bastard. Maybe I’ll finally get what I want along the way….

“Miss Yori?” a voice called from the door. Ari.

Yori turned to face Ari, who held a clear box close to her chest. They’re playing a game? Her brows shot up at that, before she could suppress it. She recognized that box. Many children in and out of Asonia adopted that game. By pouring a powder on the box, a myriad of colorful paths would etch themselves along the box’s clear surface, where you could then drag soft stones. It was a basic game. Her lips grew flat.

“Yes?” Yori managed.

“We just...wanted to play this game. Is that all right?”

“I suppose it is. You’re a Cadet, aren’t you? You don’t need to ask.”

“We were wondering if you wanted to join us.” Ari’s smile was serene and shy. “If you want to, that’d be great.”

Yori’s eyes grew round. W-want to come with me? Benjamin had asked her. It had been the first time someone had asked her out. She knew her plain features and her attitude were the reasons why she hadn’t faced much luck with dating. Lips trembling before stilling, she approached Ari. She’s already wearing her uniform. The other kids probably are, too.

“For a little bit,” Yori said. “Then we have to go out and get started on finding this elf.”

“You were crying, miss. Are you all right?”

“Yes, child. I’m fine. Now, come on.”

Ari held her eyes. She’s smarter than she looks, Yori thought with a grimace. She expected Ari to say something else, but she didn’t. Ari stepped through the door; Yori followed. Is this what you want, Yan?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So we’re going to a tavern?” Aldric said as they crossed through one of Acaldin’s many alleys, a putrid odor choking the narrow space.

“Yes,” Yori said. “Be quiet. We don’t want to draw any attention to ourselves.”

Ari brought a finger to her chin. “How come, miss?”

“They’re listening. They may dwell in the shadows, but rest assured: We’re being watched.”

Linnea made a face. “Gives me the creeps…”

“I don’t think they’re watching you,” Aldric said to her. “I mean, there are prettier..."

Linnea lifted her fist, cutting him off.

“Questmaster,” Amynta said softly. “I assume we are heading to a tavern to gather intel, but wouldn’t it look less conspicuous if we were traveling in a smaller party?”

“Doesn’t make a difference. The Horsemen would still keep a close eye on us regardless. All we can do is try not to break any laws. The tavern’s close. Don’t say another word. Stay sharp.”

They fled the alley, stepping out onto the wide street, where carriages were pulled by beautiful stallions and civilians dressed in fine-tailored clothing roamed. The buildings here rose at varying altitudes, fashioned mostly from brick. Fingers of smoke blew from their chimneys. A circular-shaped building glew like the tail of a firefly in the distance, the top wound like the coils of a spring. An open street, with rising buildings…. Yori’s throat grew hard. With perfect vantage points….

Yori spun and leaped in front of Emma. The bullet punched through her shoulder; her vision flashed white as she toppled over, blood beginning to pool beneath her. What….my body moved on its own…. Vision beginning to be crushed by darkness, breathing becoming heavy, she watched in pure horror as Horsemen descended upon the Cadets and seized them.