The Inn had given Sarya and Trisha a wakeup call just before sunrise as they had requested last night after Belis had returned and relayed the information to her. After her bath and good night’s sleep, Sarya was ready and confident that she would have something good to look forward to today. Trisha had woken up rather sluggishly after the initial wakeup call, but after realizing that it was time to start the day, was dressed and ready faster than Sarya. She was now standing by the door and waiting for her to finish preparing herself and head to the Academy.

“I have a feeling today is going to be a good day. You?” Sarya asked, smiling while putting her hair into her usual elaborate bun hairstyle.

“Mmm, it just feels like another day to me, my lady.” Trisha replied.

“Is it now? But today is the day we get to meet with the famed Headmistress of the Academy of Highleaf, one of few Master Chanters registered with the Guild. Knowing her, she should be able to suggest or point us in the direction of someone that should help us with our mission.”

Smiling wide, Sarya finished putting the final pin into her hair to keep it in place. Standing up in front of the mirror in the room she double checked to make sure her formal attire was presentable. Since they were all to meet with a prominent figure in the kingdom as well as the Guild of Chanters, it wouldn’t do to appear before her in casual clothing.

Trisha was still wearing clothing that made it clear she was a maid and lady in waiting, but the fabric and color was more extravagant than the typical muted browns and blacks. There were purples and blues weaved into the overall design. Sarya was wearing a very ornate dark blue dress decorated with silver stitching in complex patterns and designs throughout the skirt, trailing up towards the bodice to resemble branches and leaves. It complemented her fair skin and silver blue hair perfectly.

The two headed down the stairs and noticed Wendell, Belis and Ransell waiting for them. As they descended the stairs Sarya was pleased that they all cleaned up very nicely. The two Knights were in formal light armor gear showcasing the colors of Tranquil Refuge and the newly formed kingdoms crest. Wendell, not being a knight instead wore a simple yet higher class dress attire that one would normally see at a ball or formal event. Knee high leather boots, black silk slacks, and a dark red vest with white shirt, accompanied by a black capitano hat.

Each of the men admired the two women walking down the stairs and smiled at their approach. Even though they knew that Sarya was a High Elf and not truly a native of Tranquil Refuge, they took pride in knowing that the females from their kingdom were second to none in beauty and refinement.

Wendell had the carriage out front and ready for their departure, with Belis and Ransell’s horses being handled by one of the attendants of the Inn. Belis opened the carriage door and carefully helped Sarya into the cabin, followed by Trisha. After they were seated and the door shut, Wendell sat in the driver’s seat and waited for Belis and Ransell to take the lead. Once everyone was ready to depart, the snap of the reins echoed through the crisp morning air.

*****

The faint morning light that entered through the windows was more than enough to wake Ely up from her restless sleep. She knew full well that she wouldn’t get any rest, but she was at least able to get something. Sliding out of bed she stared out across the expanse towards the city once more, the sunlight just beginning to blanket the rooftops beyond the wall.

Raising her arms above her head she stood on the balls of her feet and stretched herself out and yawned. It was the start of what would be a very…trying, day. Walking over to her armoire, she opened the doors and looked at the assortment of dresses and clothing she should choose from. Deciding it would be best to wear something easy to move in yet still becoming someone of her position, she picked out typical clothes one would wear while riding a horse for leisure or travel. Brown slacks, boots and a simple white blouse.

Ely twisted and rolled her hair into a tight, plain bun and secured it with a single long metal rod. Carefully slipping her sleeping negligée off and letting it fall to the ground she slipped the slacks on, followed by the blouse and buttons it up before tucking it into the slacks before zipping them closed. Picking her boots up from the bottom of the armoire, she walked to and sat on a cushioned bench at the foot of her bed. Taking a deep breath and pulling the boots onto each foot she tried to prepare herself mentally. Running any number of scenarios, sentences, questions, and outcomes in her mind. She could feel her heart beginning to beat more rapidly the longer she dwelled on it all.

Letting one final long and loud breath out, she quickly stood up and exited the door to her office. Normally she would first head to her private wash room, but figure today wasn’t the time for such luxuries. She reached into a crystal bowl at the edge of her desk and grabbed a few of the mint candies and tossed them into her mouth. She hated the feeling in her mouth, but again, she didn’t have time to tend to such trivial things when Sarya Auren was only moments away from her door.

Making sure she made as little noise as possible, Ely exited her office and took extra care closing the door. The first step she took the heel of her boot clicked on the stone walkway, instantly making her cringe and stop dead in her tracks. It was amazing just how loud even the littlest things were when you didn’t want any noise whatsoever. Making sure to step lightly and on the tip of her boots she walked to the steps and began to descend. She was incredibly grateful that Amrin had decided to ride all through the night and day to reach Arestoth, with any luck he would still be completely asleep.

Ely had no intentions of hiding the fact that Sarya was coming, but she also wanted to make sure she could get answers from her before the uncharacteristic anger took over Amrin and there was no chance to do so. It was slightly selfish of her, but also justified due to how Amrin even mentioned that he was losing himself to anger more than he thought was normal. She was doing this for her master…she hoped.

It was the first time in a long time Ely cursed the fact that she decided to make her office and personal chambers on the top floor of a nearly ten story tower. She had good reason to make it so though, one of which was to make it harder for unwanted guests to sneak up on her or make unwelcomed house visits. The other was to at least get some form of exercise in her daily routine. The thought of becoming flabby or overweight terrified her. She didn’t think it would be possible to gain any weight, but she was not about to take that chance. The second reason was something she would never tell anyone though.

Since the dormitory rooms were all connected to the main entry hall on her way down, Ely made sure to cordon off the hallway from the stairs with a notice that classes will be canceled and all students to remain in their rooms. She couldn’t help but be grateful for yet another reason that she did in fact live on the top floor instead of any other, doing this any other way would have been a pain.

Once Ely was finally done with that she swung open the main entry doors to the Academy and waited at the top of the steps for the inevitable meeting between her and Sarya. She closed her eyes and tried to calm her breathing, taking slow steady breaths in through her nose and out through her mouth. Something she learned from the times she watched the students Martial training courses. The only thing she didn’t know how to solve was her ever racing and anxious mind.

Worst case scenarios flashed wildly before her eyes, none of which ended in any way she found pleasant. The best case scenario was next to impossible she thought. One where Amrin would sit down and talk with Sarya just like he did with her. But she knew that was asking for far too much…even though she thanked whoever, or whatever, was listening for giving her that opportunity. She opened her eyes and her heart dropped to the bottom of her stomach.

The cloud of dust from the carriage traveling on its way towards her made her lose all sense of calm. Her palms were sweating, she could feel her body beginning to tremble. Knots were forming in her gut and beads of sweat began to tickle and itch as they formed all over her body. Soon. Soon she would be able to ask Sarya the question she had wanted to ask all those millennia ago. Why did you do it? What reason could have possibly made you throw away the best thing in the world?

Then it dawned on her, after all this time she never bothered to think it through, but since Sarya was only minutes away from her, the implication hit her head on. What if she was the only one that was truly happy? What if she was only imprinting her happiness and joy onto the others when they really weren’t satisfied with their situation? What if they really hated being tied to Amrin?

She quickly shook the thought out of her head. It was ridiculous. They knew that Amrin wasn’t so petty or heartless to keep them tied to him with the pact if they truly wanted out. It was a flawed and insane reason to do what they did. If they weren’t happy, they could have said something! This was nothing more than betrayal of the highest order…one that would be repaid.

Two horses galloped through the gate of the Academy followed by the carriage. They made their way straight to the steps of the main building where Ely stood, firm and unemotional. The carriage swung wide and the side now faced the steps. The two Knights dismounted and one took the other’s reins while the first went to open the carriage door.

Sarya was slightly nervous now, while earlier she was filled with positivity and optimism. But the second she saw through the carriage window a figure standing atop the steps that could be the person to usher them into an audience with the Headmistress, she began to worry. The carriage door swung open and Belis waited to take her hand and assist her out of it.

With as much grace as she could manage, she took Belis’ hand and stepped down to the dirt and gravel ground just before the steps. Trisha was close behind, silently stepping out and coming to stand beside her. Both of them gazed upon the person at the top of the steps and noticed that she was dressed rather casually compared to them, making them both think that she was merely an attendant.

Ely’s eyes locked onto the figure that exited the carriage and her heart skipped. It was her. She had her doubts and would be lying if she said she hoped it wasn’t really her. But the moment her gaze fell onto her face, her hair color and style, and her eyes...Ely knew without a shadow of a doubt, this was her.

“Sarya Auren.” Ely said, her voice stern and gaze unwavering as she peered down at her.

“Y-yes. I am Sarya Auren.”

Ely’s eyes flinched ever so slightly and angered her at the response. What was she trying to pull? She hadn’t seen her in over two thousand years and now she’s pretending that she knew nothing?

“That is all you have to say for yourself?” Ely said, furrowing her brow and grimacing.

“My apologies!” Sarya said, and bowed. “I am Sarya Auren, Royal Advisor and envoy for King Cassus Mardax. I wish for an audience with her grace, Lady Elena Aqua.”

Ely couldn’t believe it. She really had no idea who she was! But she quickly remembered why it was possible. She didn’t look the way she did the last time Sarya saw her. Before everything happened, Ely came no further than the middle of Sarya’s stomach. But after the ritual that changed their lives forever, she was now at least as tall as her. She looked nothing like a Fae. But only one way to find out.

“So you serve your king fully?” she asked.

Sarya blinked a few times at the question and tilted her head.

“I…I’m afraid I do not understand. What does that have to do…”

“You swear your life, your being and all that you are to the one named King Mardax!?” Ely shouted before Sarya could finish her sentence.

Trisha narrowed her eyes and clenched her jaw at the way the attendant was speaking to her master. One that was in higher standing and regard than her. One more outburst and she would find it very hard to stay quiet.

“I swear my allegiance and assistance. But my entire being is…” she trailed off.

“You swear that to another?”

“I do. I mean I did.”

“Did?! You tell me that your loyalty to him was only so feeble that he is no longer worthy of it?!”

Belis and Ransell quickly came to stand in front of Sarya, Wendell crouched atop the carriage, the Knights hands firmly on their swords. They had listened to this random interrogation for long enough.

“Who are you to question who Lady Sarya swears her allegiance to?!”

“Silence!” Sarya shouted.

The air around her began to distort and warp.

“My Lady.” Trisha quickly whispered to Sarya, and tugged on her sleeve gently.

“Now is not the time Trisha, please.” She was quick to reply in a hushed tone.

“My Lady!” she said through clenched teeth.

“What is it Trisha?” Sarya finally relented and turned to look at her.

Sarya immediately flinched and furrowed her brow. Trisha was sweating and breathing hard and didn’t take her eyes off of the woman atop the steps.

“She’s…very powerful. I’ve only known this feeling from one other person.”

“Who?”

“You.” She said and looked at her in fear.

Sarya’s mouth fell open and eyes widened. It couldn’t be. Someone this powerful and asking seemingly random questions out of the blue were beginning to make sense. The name was similar, but she looked nothing like Elynara. She looked closer to that of a High Elf than a Fae. There was no way that she could have grown…that…

Her mind began to reel with theories and possibilities. Sarya was quite possibly the most educated among their entire group. Not to say that the rest of them were simpletons or fools, but Sarya prided herself in the knowledge she had gathered through books and education in every facet she could expand upon. Her level of critical thinking and deductive reasoning was almost second to none.

She swallowed hard. The excess power from Amrin after that day must have changed Elynara. Just as it did her. While her transformation was more magical, Elynara’s was clearly more physical. Her heart began to beat out of control in her chest. She never wanted to have to face Elynara. Not after the events of that day. It was agreed that she nor Gindel not take an active part in the ritual, so they were both kept completely in the dark.

Looking at Elynara’s face, twisted in anger and hate she couldn’t blame her. After Valdiss has finished his false ritual, he had left with the Obelisk and they were left powerless on the ground, in pain and grief. Unable to do anything other than watch in horror as their world fell apart. It wasn’t until hours later that they were able to move once more. The first thing they did was make sure that Gindel and Elynara were safe. And while they were still unconscious, they were unharmed. They would never understand, so it was decided that one of them stay behind and explain while the rest pursue Valdiss.

Since Justinian was the weakest of them even after they had enough energy to move around, he decided it was only appropriate that he stay and explain things. So much had happened after that, so much that she couldn’t possibly begin to explain it all to her in this moment.

“Elynara…” Sarya said.

“You do not speak my name as if we’re close!” she shouted.

Ely waved her arm and an Aqua Cutter darted towards her. Before it made contact, Belis and Ransell had drawn their swords and barely managed to deflect it with both of their combined efforts.

“What is the meaning of this!? How dare you attack an envoy and Royal Advisor of another nation?!” Belis yelled.

Wendell was standing atop the carriage with his bow drawn and aimed directly at Ely. Ransell and Belis both took a defensive stance and were prepared for an attack at any moment. While Trisha knew just how powerful this woman was, she had pulled the two daggers from her thighs hidden by her long dress and stood in front of Sarya ready to protect her.

“Stop, all of you!” Sarya shouted.

“I’m sorry ma’am, but she means you harm. It is our duty as your guard to stop any that mean to do so.”

“How lucky you must be…” Ely said. “It appears that you have gained the trust of a king, gathered your own entourage and live the life of luxury without a care in the world.”

Sarya cringed and looked away.

“I suppose I am no better than you. But I tried! I looked for him for over two thousand years! I tried looking for all of you! Where were you all when I needed you! You abandoned me and left me with nothing!” her eyes began to water recalling the days, weeks, months and years that went by while she was all alone.

“I…I’m sorry.” Sarya said.

Ely tensed up and her face contorted in rage.

“You’re sorry!?” she shouted.

Once more raising her hand, another Aqua Cutter darted out from the sky towards her. Belis was prepared this time and easily cut the watery blade in mid-air causing the two separate parts to veer to the sides and impact the ground. Wendell let the arrow fly from his bow with pinpoint accuracy right at Ely’s eye. Thinking this would all be over he grinned in satisfaction.

Before the arrow could get too close, a pillar of ice erupted from thin air and encased the arrow mid-flight, quickly shattering after its purpose was complete.

“Wendell, do not attack her!” Sarya ordered.

“My Lady, she means to kill you, why do you wish to protect her!?” Belis shouted.

“It’s not her I’m trying to protect…” she said simply.

“Belis…” Trisha said.

Turning around to face Trisha, he was taken aback at her expression. She was pale as a ghost and he could see her visibly shaking. He has seen Trisha in a number of missions that were near suicide to attempt and she always returned completely unharmed and unfazed. But seeing her like this made her wonder just what it was that she was so afraid of. Then he remembered her mentioning her ability to feel the magical energy of those around her. It couldn’t be. This attendant was that powerful?

Even though Trisha was an assassin whose typical day consisted of training so hellish and oppressive that anyone would break under the strain and agony. Being this sensitive to powerful magic was her downfall and only form of weakness.

“Who are you!?” Belis demanded as he turned once again to face her.

“Elynara Aquinas, or better known as Elena Aqua, Headmistress of Highleaf. Loyal servant, friend and family of Amrin Endrane. Now, and forever more.”

His eyes shot open, this was the headmistress of the Academy? A master chanter and highly respected name, even in Tranquil Refuge. But who was this Amrin Endrane and why was his name mentioned?

“I tried looking for him, Elynara. I did…we did. But he was nowhere to be found!”

Ely knew that she had no right to be angry about it. She tried looking as well and came up empty handed. But she was no longer angry about that. She was angry at the fact that it happened in the first place.

“Why?”

“Why…what?” Sarya said cautiously.

“You know damn well what! Why did you do it!? Why did you betray him! Didn’t you love him too!” she shouted.

“I did! I still do! But he’s gone now! It’s been over two thousand years and he’s still not here! It’s time to let him go!” the tears streaming down her cheeks as she screamed at Ely.

Sarya couldn’t believe what she was saying. She didn’t mean any of it, and yet why was she spouting such things to Elynara? Maybe it’s what she wanted herself? To finally let him go? To finally be free of the sorrow, guilt and anger of losing him? She didn’t know.

“…”

“I’m sorry…I’m so sorry.” Sarya said, covering her face with her hands as her voice broke.

In that instant an overwhelming and oppressive feeling erupted throughout the academy grounds. The open area behind Elynara was engulfed in pitch black. What looked to be tendrils of darkness began to writhe and crawl along the ground, the frame of the door and ceiling. A black fog like mist rushed out of the doorway and down the stairs, none of it touching Ely as it blanketed everything in its path.

“No, you aren’t. But you will be.” Ely said, stepping to the side and lowering her head, fear plain on her face.

Sarya uncovered her face and looked up at her. Her eyes open wide in terror. She couldn’t move. Her body was frozen in place. There was no way.

Two loud clanging sounds shot out from behind Ransell and Belis, they quickly turned to see what it was and were horrified by what they saw. Trisha was crouched on the ground face buried between her legs, hands and arms covering her head, crying and shaking uncontrollably.

“No, no…please no…” she kept repeating the words in utter terror.

Everywhere the tendrils touched, the stone underneath it either vanished, melted, was crushed under tremendous weight or withered away in the blink of an eye. The only other thing that came from the shroud of darkness was the slow click of footsteps. Each one coming closer and closer to them.

The pressure they all felt would naturally make anyone want to run away screaming. It felt as if death himself was about to walk through the wall of darkness that stand before them. Wendell, Belis and Ransell were trembling. Wendell had already dropped his bow and could hardly stand. Ransell was on one knee, propping himself up with his sword and sweating profusely. Belis mustered every ounce of willpower and strength he could to keep from collapsing, the sword held out in front of him shaking violently from fear coursing through his body.

He had seen death, met it head on and been through what he thought was hell on earth. But this feeling…this feeling made every one of them combined feel as if it was a happy and glorious day. For him, whatever was coming from inside the Academy was worse than death. In fact, whatever was to emerge from the darkness was something even death would fear.