Gnorlia was a world of whispering mists. Fog was everywhere, blanketing trees and cities alike. It was thick, cold, and perpetual.

There were six continents of equal size, each ruled by an archmaster. The Glowering Halo to the north, a place of darkness and fear. The Withering Heights to the east, where mountains pierced through the mists as if to escape its cruel touch. The Midnight Drift to the west, where cities were built on lakes and rivers. The Sundered Vales to the south, with lush valleys and hills that one could only see in the wee hours of the morning. Under the sea lay the hidden lands of the Hollow Earth—not a continent as such, but a network of underground tunnels, inhabited by rough people who cared little for those above. And, in the center of it all, the Outer Expanse, where lived the fairest of them, a land of hope and faith, birthplace of rulers, heroes, legends, and gods.

Val stared at the teenager.

The son of the man who ruled over that most sacred region.

The Outer Expanse.

She was about to speak when the boy looked up at her with a frown.

“What do you do on the ship, Diin?”

Val blinked. “Excuse me?”

He gestured in her direction. “Your clothes. I don’t remember seeing anyone else wearing something like that before.”

She swore to herself. She should have seen this coming.

Val pointed over her shoulder. “I think they’re gone. I should go too. Taken too much of your time already.”

He jumped to his feet as she started to turn.

“Wait! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. It’s none of my business. It’s just that...” He looked away.

Startled by his reaction, she paused.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

He made a face. “I’m tired of being alone, that’s what. He’s always bossing me around, taking me places I don’t want to go.”

“Your father?” He nodded. “I’m sure he means well. He wants to teach you his ways, is all, so you can someday take over—”

He laughed. “You’re not from Gnorlia.”

She shook her head. “No, you’re right, I’m not. Is it so obvious?”

Avran sighed. “Power must be earned. I would not become archmaster just because I am his son. I am nobody on Gnorlia.”

“Oh.” She turned to face him. “Then he is preparing you.”

“Preparing me for what?”

“For life. For adulthood. For everything. If there is no certainty about your future, then it is all the more important for him, I imagine, to impart his wisdom and experience to you. How would you make a place for yourself without this?”

The boy scowled. “You assume I want to go into politics. I do not. I am not like him.”

“What would you rather do?”

He frowned and looked down. “I don’t know. Just... not that.”

“Why not?” When he did not answer, she smiled. “Because you don’t want to be like him?”

“Maybe. I don’t know. I’m just not interested in politics. It’s all so... fake.”

She laughed. “Can’t blame you there.”

“I don’t want to do a job where I would have to lie all the time. He can’t understand that. He says it’s not about lying, that it’s more like a game you must win. Except it never ends! How can you win a game that never ends? I don’t like it.”

Val nodded. “I get it. I really do. I don’t like politics either.”

“What should I do?” he asked her, his eyes filled with hope.

“Why ask me? I’m a nobody.”

“So am I,” he reminded her.

She sighed. “If experience has taught me anything, it’s to follow my guts. So follow yours. That’s all I can tell you, Avran. You only have one life, don’t waste it. And now, I really must go.”

The boy nodded. “Alright. Wait!” He rushed to the door before she could reach for it, cracked it open, and peered outside. He then opened it wide. “All clear,” he said with a grin.

“Thank you, Avran.”

“No,” he said as she went past him, “thank you.”

She smiled at the boy as he closed the door.

Val looked at her wristpad. Juden had gone back to his room.

With a sigh, she headed toward her hiding place.

As she turned a corner, she bumped into someone.

“Watch where you’re going—”

The guard stopped short, eyes going wide when he saw her. He pulled out his phaser before she could react.

“Don’t move a muscle! Who are you and what are you doing on this ship?”