73
Theodynn straightened further. He wanted to make a good impression on this new leader, but he wondered if he was going to be able to find the balance between being formal and being a stiff board. It was intimidating; this new leader could still be leading the West when he took over for his parents. If he took over for his parents someday.
Heavy Metal entered first, and Theo realized with a start that he did look old. It was hard to really look at the Western Leader without focusing on the horrible scars, but there were also wrinkles. How long had he been wrinkled? How old was Heavy Metal?
"Keyda," the leader said with his characteristic smile. It wasn't much of a smile; it only changed his mouth slightly, but his eyes always twinkled. He shook Keyda's hand.
"How are you feeling?" she asked, and he chuckled softly.
"I'm fine. Honestly, please don't see this as a reason to worry about me. It was just time."
"Of course," she said. "But…I'll probably worry regardless."
He shook his head and turned to Cole, who also shook his hand.
"Heavy Metal. I must admit, I was a little disappointed to hear that you're retiring; it's been nice having an ally in those leadership meetings."
"Yes, well…perhaps you've relied on me too much," Heavy Metal pointed out, and Cole shrugged.
"Fair enough."
"Where's Myrah?" Keyda cut in, and Heavy Metal glanced back at the Ruler.
"She's coming; she wanted to make sure the Hoofers were properly looked after.
Just then a woman walked through the door and Heavy Metal glanced over at her.
"Here she is now."
There was an awkward silence for a few moments as Myrah studied the Ruling family and they studied her. She stood straight and tall, and Theo decided she looked like someone who was sure of herself. Her hair was pulled back into a bun, with a braid hanging down from it. Her eyes were dark but interesting; the rims were hues of purple and brown, with dark purple pupils streaked with copper. Overall, her expression seemed cold—partly due to the dark color of her eyes and partly because there wasn't a hint of a smile to be seen on her face. Theo tried to guess at her age, since he knew better than ask outright. He finally decided on five to ten years younger than his parents; somewhere in her thirties. All in all, she fit his expectation of a leader with her expression and self-assured air. But he had half-expected someone older, like Tala. Though, considering that Heavy Metal had just retired, maybe replacing him with someone just as aged wasn't the best decision anyways.
Cole was the first to break the silence, extending a hand to Myrah.
"It's good to meet you," he said with a smile. She returned the handshake but not the smile.
"Yes, Heavy Metal has described all of you to me."
Myrah shook Keyda's hand next and the Ruler nodded respectfully.
"I just hope he hasn't told you too many terrible things," Keyda said, giving Heavy Metal a wry look. He tilted his head with a flicker of a smile.
"Not too many things at all, actually," Myrah admitted somewhat distantly. Her gaze slid away from Keyda and over to the third member of the greeting party.
"This must be Theodynn."
Theo straightened again as Myrah turned to him. She held out her hand and he accepted it for a handshake. Something flickered across the new Western Leader's expression, and it made Theo feel like he had done something wrong. He couldn't help but wish Amber was here to at least figure out what Myrah was feeling. Suddenly Theo realized he was still shaking her hand and hadn't said anything.
"Uh…it's good to meet you," he tried. "And you can call me Theo, if you want. I mean, if Theodynn is too long."
Another flicker, though this time he was pretty sure it was amusement.
"Theodynn is a worthy name; pity to shorten it."
He blinked, not really sure how to reply to that. He finally released her hand and Myrah turned to address Keyda once again.
"Word is you also have a daughter. Is she currently in the realm?"
The Ruler smiled.
"I'm sure Amber will meet up with us later on."
"She's working on a dance right now…to get back into school."
Myrah turned back to Theo and raised a single eyebrow, and he flushed.
"Though, I guess that none of that probably makes sense to you."
" I have heard that she often goes to another realm for something or another," she admitted. Silence fell again and Heavy Metal finally rescued them.
"We haven't eaten anything since leaving the fortress," he pointed out to Keyda, and Cole jumped in.
"We haven't had lunch either," he said. "I'll go to the cafeteria and order something; you can all head to our dining room."
Myrah nodded, though she turned back to Theo.
"You'll have to show me the way, Theodynn," she pointed out, and he glanced over at Keyda.
"Oh. Right…I can do that," Theo finally said, turning and heading down the hallway. Cole had already left to go to the cafeteria, and as Keyda watched Theo and Myrah walk away, she frowned. The Ruler glanced back at Heavy Metal.
"Well…she definitely trained under you," Keyda murmured, just loud enough for the retired leader to hear. He turned to her.
"Meaning?"
"Very aloof, keeps everything close to the vest…"
Heavy Metal just shrugged.
"She's a good leader. Not everyone is as emotionally obvious as you and Cole, Keyda."
She nodded. Myrah and Theo were getting further away and the Ruler sighed, raising her voice above a whisper now that she felt confident the new leader wouldn't overhear.
"She's younger than I expected; you said that she's been one of your advisors for years."
"She's a decade older than you were when you became Ruler of the entire realm," Heavy Metal argued. "Age isn't everything."
Keyda looked over at him; Heavy Metal was raising his eyebrows and she sighed.
"Alright, fair enough. I just don't like it when I can't even guess at how someone sees me. The other leaders were very obvious in their distrust and disgust for me; made it easier to know where I stood with them."
"I highly doubt you disgust her, Keyda. I've heard her talk about how she respects you and Cole and all you've done for the realm."
"Well, that's a relief, I suppose," Keyda admitted. "We should probably catch up now, though."
Heavy Metal smiled and then gestured for her to go first. She nodded and then headed down the hallway after her son and the new Western Leader.
Theo wasn't usually at a loss for words. It was something Amber often teased him about; she claimed he could small-talk with anyone, which was something she herself resisted with a passion. But walking down the stone hallways with only the echo of their footsteps, Theo realized that he wasn't quite the social butterfly that Amber claimed.
"So…how long have you known Heavy Metal?"
Myrah looked at him like she was surprised, and he wondered if that wasn't the sort of thing he should be asking. It was frustrating; he knew that certain things required decorum, but he had always been able to talk to the leaders in a real way. He joked with Ottan and appeased Ymil and had even had some genuine conversations with Tala. But this new woman was as silent as stone and it felt like she was judging his every move. Technically, his family was the Ruling family, right? So why was it they were trying so hard to impress Myrah? Shouldn't it be the other way around?
"I've lived in the Western Fortress since I was a child."
He looked over in surprise as Myrah began speaking.
"Warrack was in the habit of gathering people, I guess you could say. He searched out his own slaves, guards, everyone. I was chosen specifically to be trained to become an advisor. Though things got out of hand for a while after his execution, I was able to continue my training under Heavy Metal's regime and eventually became one of his advisors. Now, I am his successor."
Theo processed the information.
"So…I guess you've known him a long time," he finally translated. She looked over and gave him the barest hint of a smile in reply. Theo rushed onwards.
"Me too," Theo explained, wishing that they were at the dining room already. "I mean, I went with my Dad to visit the other leaders as early as I could remember. Heavy Metal taught me how to fight…though I could never really hold my own against him. He was a strict teacher though."
"That I can agree with," Myrah said. Her aloofness seemed to be fading a bit, which brought Theo some relief. He looked over at her again, and realized with a shock that she was the same height as him. She wasn't really short or tall, now that he thought about it, but the way she carried herself she just sort of felt taller.
"You must have a lot of responsibility," Myrah mused, and Theo frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean you're the heir to the throne; Prince of the Oni. You've been training for the role since you were born, it sounds like."
"Well, maybe not training. I've just known the other leaders a long time."
"But someday you're going to be in charge of taking over the realm," Myrah pointed out matter of factly, and Theo swallowed as he fiddled with the band on his wrist.
"Yes. But not for a long time."
"True…but the fact remains you are the Heir. Should something happen to the Rulers, you would…"
"Nothing is going to happen to them!"
Theo had stopped walking, and Myrah paused in surprise. She scanned his face and then continued in soft apology.
"I didn't mean to imply that your parents were in any danger, Theodynn. I only meant that the fact is you are the heir and you would take the throne should anything happen, which is a lot of responsibility."
He was silent and she sighed as she turned to face him more fully.
"I'm ready to lead the Western Province, but that doesn't mean there isn't a lot of pressure. I merely wanted to point out that you also must be under a lot of pressure. It's undoubtedly hard…especially dealing with it all on your own."
His frown deepened, not understanding what it was Myrah was trying to say.
"But…I'm not on my own," Theo finally pointed out. Myrah smiled at that.
"No, I don't suppose you are."
Theo could hear the footsteps as his mother and Heavy Metal finally caught up. Keyda frowned when she saw that Theo and Myrah had stopped moving.
"Is everything ok, Theo?"
He turned at the question and nodded.
"Yeah, Mom. Everything's fine."
When the sun started beating down through the open-ceilinged arena, Amber realized she was late. She pushed her sweaty bangs out of her face and grimaced as she headed to turn off the CD player.
"Why didn't anyone come to find me?" she muttered to herself. She had made good progress on the choreography, but now she was going to walk in late to meet what's-her-face. Not that she really wanted to anyways. She couldn't remember the last time she had been to a meeting with the other leaders…or even when she had talked to one of the other leaders.
Amber headed down the hall towards her bedroom to change, though she was trying to decide whether or not she would even make an appearance. It's not like she would even be around anyways, especially if she got back into the school.
"Amber!"
She whirled around in surprise to see Hershel coming down the hallway.
"Hershel? What are you doing here?"
"I came to check up on Theo, make sure he's still feeling alright."
"He's fine now," Amber said, feeling a rush of irritation. Since when did Hershel just show up out of the blue? "But now's not really a good time because he's…"
"Well, I have actually been meaning to talk with you."
Amber stopped walking, suddenly wary. Hershel's tone was nonthreatening, but she could sense that he was a little uncomfortable about the topic that was about to be breached.
"Me? What do you have to talk to me about? I'm feeling fine!"
"Not about you being sick," Hershel explained. He had reached her now, and Amber fidgeted under his serious gaze. Why did it feel like he thought she had done something wrong? She didn't do anything wrong…unless…
"I really can't stay, Hershel. I'm late!"
"Amber, this is important. I need to know how exactly Theo got better."
"What do you mean? He was sick and he got better; it had nothing to do with me."
"I'm not sure that's the case."
Amber started walking again. She changed her mind and starting heading for their private dining room rather than her bedroom.
"Amber!"
Hershel followed behind, shaking his head.
"I can tell you're upset, but…"
"I'm not upset."
"Then stop running away."
Amber stopped dead and turned to glare at him.
"I'm not running. I'm just late!"
Hershel looked down at her, and she could tell the Master Healer didn't believe her. He sighed and his tone became softer.
"Syn told me about how Theo was…and that doesn't sound like sickness. It sounds more like the after affects of some troubling memories."
The blood drained from Amber's face, but Hershel rushed on.
"I just need to know: did you erase them?"
She was trying so hard not to shake. How had he known!? She felt fear and guilt rush up inside and stubbornly forced the feelings down. She shouldn't feel guilty; she had done it to help Theo and it had helped. Hershel sighed.
"You don't need to be afraid, Amber. I've been meaning to talk to you about this for a while, but…"
"I'm not afraid!" she snapped, her fists tightening, but Hershel shook his head.
"You're not the only one who can smell fear."
"I don't have to tell you anything," Amber said. Her stomach was twisting in knots. "And I have to go."
She hurried down the last hallway and pushed her way into the dining room.
"Amber!"
She froze as the Master Healer came through the door after her. The rest of the group in the dining room froze as well. Even Hershel was statuesque once he realized he had stumbled upon more than just the Ruling family.
"Hershel!" Cole said, giving him a confused smile. "What are you doing here?"
There was silence for a few moments and Amber sighed and headed for the table.
"He came to check on Theo…" she started right as Hershel said "I just wanted to see how Theodynn was faring."
"I'm doing alright," Theo offered from his place at the table. Hershel sighed and nodded, feeling out of place.
"I…didn't realize you had something going on today. I'll come back tomorrow."
"This is Hershel," Keyda explained to Heavy Metal. The scarred Oni was sitting across from her and he looked over at where Hershel was standing. "I'm not sure if you've ever met him before…he's the Master Healer."
"Our paths have probably crossed once or twice," Heavy Metal mused. Keyda turned back to Hershel.
"Would you like something to eat?"
Hershel seemed to unfreeze, and he cleared his throat.
"No, that's alright. Honestly, I can come back another day; I just wanted to check up."
"Well, thanks Master Hershel. I can come see you tomorrow, if you want," Theo offered, and Hershel looked back over at the younger Oni.
"Well…"
The Healer trailed off as he caught sight of the woman sitting across from Theodynn. Amber turned and frowned at Hershel, but after a moment he blinked and looked away.
"If you wouldn't mind, that would work," Hershel managed, and then he showed himself out. Amber watched the Healer go and tried to figure out why he seemed so spooked. Then she realized with a twist of guilt that it was probably her fault; she had denied erasing Theo's memories, but the way Hershel spoke it's like he already knew.
"This must be your sister."
Amber turned to see the woman staring at her. She couldn't remember the new leader's name, but that's who this must be. Theo nodded.
"Yes…this is Amber. How'd the choreography go, Ams?"
Theo felt a little stiff to her, but Amber could tell that he was really nervous. It was almost funny; Theo didn't usually get nervous in social situations. Something about this woman had him on his toes, though. It was probably the change, she mused. Theodynn never liked change.
"It was fine; I think I've almost got it," she finally answered, coming over to sit next to him. Cole and Keyda were embroiled in conversation at another table with Heavy Metal; no doubt discussing the parameters of his retirement and whatnot.
Amber glanced up at the leader again. The woman was eyeing her with a steely expression and Amber straightened. She refused to be intimidated; she had nothing to prove to this woman. She would probably not see much of her in the future anyways.
"Who are you again?" Amber asked rudely, and Theo winced. The woman seemed surprised.
"Myrah," she answered, and Amber sighed.
"Oh yeah. I'm Amber."
"So I've gathered."
Amber looked up to glare, and Theo cut in awkwardly.
"She's taking over for Heavy Metal…"
"I know," Amber snapped. She felt a little bad; Hershel had gotten her on edge and now she was going to ruin another social situation because of it. But she really wasn't in the mood for this formal, meaningless banter.
"Amber," Theo chastised. He glanced up at Myrah apologetically, and the woman fixed Amber with a long look.
"These situations can seem a bit forced," the woman admitted, much to Amber's surprise. However, her next words just made the Xinta more irritated. "That's hardly an excuse to act this way, however."
"Sorry to interrupt your forced situation," Amber snapped, moving to stand up. "Good meeting you; I'm going to go change."
"Amber, stop. You haven't even eaten anything yet," Theo argued. She glanced over at him, and softened a little at his expression. She knew that he was silently begging her to stay…and she realized that he was probably having a hard time trying to keep the conversation going with the patronizing new leader. She scoffed and sat back down. Theo glanced up at Myrah.
"You were telling me about the library in the West," he prompted in an obvious attempt to get them on a less caustic path of conversation. Myrah nodded, her cold gaze finally shifting away from Amber to Theo.
"Yes; the West has always prided itself in keeping knowledge. We have many records there. Warrack didn't spend much time there, of course, but in my opinion if one is to lead, they must strive to know as much about who they are dealing with as possible."
"Makes sense," Theo said politely, and Myrah gave him a hint of smile. Amber frowned. She had decided against taking part in the conversation. Instead, she tried to probe into the ruler's emotions. There wasn't a lot, but the Xinta was surprised to come across whiffs of anxiety. Perhaps Miss stone-face was just as nervous about meeting the Ruling family as Theo seemed to be about meeting her. Amber scowled a little; it irritated her, but knowing that Myrah was hiding secret feelings of unease and anxiety made her slightly less hateable. Though she still really didn't like the way the woman was looking at Theo.
"Do you know much of the history of the realm, Theodynn?" Myrah was asking, and Theo nodded.
"Our parents taught Amber and I as much as they could growing up. The Oni-Dragon war, the rulers of the past…"
"Theo knows more about the realm than anyone I know," Amber cut in.
"Ams, I don't really know that much," Theo countered, but she leaned forward.
"He's going to be a great Ruler."
There. A flicker of emotion…but what?
"Amber!"
Theo hissed at her, and she could feel his frustration mix in. It made it hard to pick out what Myrah was feeling.
"I think your sister is right, Theodynn," Myrah cut in. Theo's face was red as he looked back at the Western Leader. "I think you're on the right path to being an influential leader."
He shrugged, staring at his nearly empty plate of food.
"Thank you."
Amber narrowed her eyes.
"What is it you want, Myrah?"
The Leader turned to look back at Amber.
"What I want?"
"You know…your goals. What is it you're after?"
The leader could probably hear the challenge in the question, but she maintained steady eye-contact.
"At the moment, I think I'd like to get acclimatized to this new role," Myrah pointed out. Amber rolled her eyes.
"But after that."
"Amber, that's enough."
She turned to see Theo glaring at her.
"You're being very rude!" he chastised, and she huffed.
"I was just asking!"
"It's alright, Theodynn," Myrah cut in. She leaned forward, breaking her stiff posture for the first time. "Amber makes good points. Leaders need to have a vision, otherwise you might as well put a statue on the throne."
"Because you don't resemble a statue at all," Amber muttered, and for the first time she felt a flash of irritation. So it was possible to get under this woman's skin…good to know.
"So, what is your vision?" Theo said, obviously trying to get the attention away from Amber. Myrah looked back over at him and her icy expression softened again.
"To create a better realm, of course. What is your vision, Theodynn?"
He blinked and finally shrugged.
"Um…the same thing, I guess."
Here Myrah smiled.
"Good."
74
"If you were going to act like that, you shouldn't have even bothered coming."
Amber scowled at her brother as he finished up in the bathroom mirror. He turned and looked at her with a stern expression.
"She's a leader now, Amber. You can't just act like that…"
"She's only a leader if Mom formally accepts her," Amber pointed out as she brushed through her hair angrily.
"Why wouldn't she? Mom has every intention of formally accepting her at the monthly meeting in two weeks. All your attitude did was make things strained between Myrah and our family."
"Please, things were plenty strained when I got there," Amber argued. "I don't like her. It feels like she's hiding something."
"She's just reserved. And you know what? You don't have to like her…but that doesn't give you the right to say every rude thing that comes to mind. Honestly, it was like having Tolan in the room…"
"Maybe he would actually listen to my side of things!" Amber argued back. Theo sighed and folded his arms.
"Which is what? What exactly did Myrah do that put you so on edge?"
Amber opened her mouth, but then nothing came out. Why didn't she like the Western Leader?
"She just seems patronizing; like she thinks she's better than us." Amber finally managed. Theo shrugged.
"That's how the other three leaders feel too…and I don't see you harping on Ottan or Tala or Ymil. If anything, I felt like Myrah was far more courteous and civil than any of the other leaders we work with, besides Heavy Metal or Wu."
"Maybe to you."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I mean she was treating you different than the rest of us. If Mom or Dad said anything to her she'd answer in like three words or less. She hardly paid me any attention after our talk…"
"Can you blame her? You weren't exactly cordial."
"…But then she would act different around you. Asking your opinions, opening up…"
"So?"
"So, it's suspicious."
"Well…maybe it's because I'm not really anyone of importance."
Amber's scowl deepened as she followed her brother out of the room.
"That's hardly true! You're the heir to the throne!"
"Well, yeah. But I mean it's probably intimidating talking to the realm Rulers, you know? And Mom and Dad were spending a lot of their time with Heavy Metal rather than Myrah anyways. Maybe she just felt a little more comfortable talking to someone who wasn't this older adult with a big title."
Amber thought about it.
"Maybe," she admitted grudgingly. Theo glanced back at her as they headed towards their bedrooms.
"You were just in a mood when you got there," he reasoned. "Speaking of…what was it that Hershel wanted to talk to you about?"
"He wasn't trying to talk to me. He was coming to check on you, remember?"
Theo didn't look convinced.
"It was your name he was yelling when you guys walked in, not mine. And you both looked pretty upset."
Amber glared at the floor, debating whether she should say anything. Theo stopped walking, grabbing her arm to stop her as well.
"C'mon, Ams…I thought we told each other everything. If it's something I should know about, you better tell me. Otherwise he's just going to bring it up when I go visit him tomorrow."
"He knows."
She blurted it out before she could think about it, and she could feel Theo's confusion.
"He knows? He knows what?"
"He knows that you were suffering from those memories, and he knows that I erased them to fix you."
Theo was silent.
"How?" he finally managed, and Amber sighed.
"I don't know! Must be some perk of being Master Healer that you magically know things."
"What did he say? Was he angry that you did it?"
"I don't know! I denied it and didn't give him a chance to say much. I just showed up at the dining hall and that was that."
Theo shook his head and Amber tried to pull away.
"I'm tired, Theo. Let go…"
"Why didn't you tell him about it? I mean, it was kinda unorthodox, and I don't recommend telling our parents any time soon. But it's Hershel. He knows all about powers and stuff like that. I don't think he would have cared."
"He acted like he cared," Amber muttered bitterly, and Theo sighed.
"Well…he's probably going to ask me about it tomorrow, Ams. If you want, I guess I can be vague, or play dumb…"
"Go ahead and tell him," Amber snapped, finally pulling her arm out of his grasp. "Or don't. Up to you; I'm not going to tell you what you can and can't share. I'm going to bed."
"Amber!"
But Amber ignored her brother as she stormed the rest of the way to her room. He watched her slam the door and sighed before heading to his own bedroom.
Myrah closed the door behind her and sighed. She rubbed at her face for a moment before straightening and heading across the room to the dresser. A knock sounded at the door before she could even pull a drawer open.
"Come in," she called. The door opened to admit a stocky woman. The woman's darting eyes caught sight of where the stately woman was standing and she bustled over.
"So you are back…and here I thought you'd be staying at the Central Fortress tonight."
"We were not invited," Myrah answered with a slight smile. "You should be happy; now you are able to pick my brain a day sooner."
"I'm no gossip, Myrah," the woman chided. "I'm the one who trained you…taught you everything you know." Here the woman's expression became distant. "And look at you now; Leader of the West. I always knew you would rise to the top. Not that you're at the top, yet…"
"Bula," Myrah cut in. "It's been a long day, and it's going to be a long day tomorrow. Surely you can wait until morning for this."
Bula shook her head, her eyes glancing around the room again.
"Nonsense; we're both here now, and I intend for you to fill me in. I was going to ask you to dismiss your personal slave, but it seems you still have yet to get one."
"They aren't called slaves anymore," Myrah reminded.
"Slaves, servants…it's the same thing. And just because Heavy Metal never had personals doesn't mean you don't need them."
"I appreciate your concern," Myrah cut in, sounding bored. "But I'm fully capable of dressing myself and opening my own door, as I have been doing for years."
"You are the leader now, Myrah. Just because you are capable does not mean you should."
Myrah's serious expression didn't change as she went and sat down in an armchair, gesturing to the other.
"Take a seat, Bula, if you really can't be convinced to push this conversation off until tomorrow."
The woman did so, her irritation melting as she leaned forward eagerly.
"Well?"
"Well what?" Myrah demanded, putting a hand to her head. She suddenly wished she did have a personal, so she could have them bring her a cup of tea.
"How did it go, meeting the Ruling Family? Did you leave a good impression?"
"It was fine."
"And the Ruler accepted you? Formally, and all."
"Not yet."
Bula's eyes widened.
"Not yet? Oh Myrah. You were all stone-stiff, weren't you? I warned you to lighten up; the Ruling Family is very open emotionally, if the rumors are to be believed. Not that it's a good trait to have, but being aloof isn't going to help you gain their respect."
"I was perfectly acceptable. The Ruler is, and always was, planning on accepting me at the Leadership meeting in a few weeks. This was merely an introduction."
Bula rolled her eyes, but after a moment her tone dropped lower.
"And the heir?"
Here Myrah looked away.
"He was there, wasn't he?" the senior advisor pressed.
"He was there, Bula. But…he's a boy."
Bula scoffed.
"Of course he is."
"I mean he's a child. Hasn't even reached his second decade."
Bula shrugged as if Myrah's point was unimportant.
"The binding wouldn't occur for a few years, at any rate. More important now is building the foundation."
"I'm twice his age, at least," the leader argued further.
"We knew that before. What's changed between now and then?"
Myrah sighed, leaning back in her chair with an air of discontent.
"I suppose I just thought he wouldn't seem so young, but he does. Innocent, nervous, uncommitted and undecided. He doesn't seem to like to think about what is ahead of him."
"Sounds like just the type of person who would benefit from being joined to someone older and wiser."
"I suppose."
Bula narrowed her eyes.
"If you don't do something, then this is it, Myrah. This is as far as you go. I'm not saying that winning the West was any small feat, but you've got vision. That's what set you apart as a child. That's what lead Heavy Metal to name you his advisor, and then his successor. But there are only certain ways you're going to be able to take that vision on a realm level, like you've always talked about. The boy's your key, unless you plan on organizing some coup."
Myrah's expression darkened.
"Of course not. But having met him, I'm not sure he would agree to a binding."
"Not after one meeting, no. But after knowing each other for a few years, it would become far more feasible."
The Leader was silent and her advisor pulled out a traveling fan to cool herself with. Bula always kept one on her because she was always flushed. She sighed as she fanned herself.
"Don't let the age difference bother you too much, Myrah. You know the history of leadership; this would hardly be the first binding with such an age gap. It's all politics; doing what's best for the realm. Forming prestigious connections."
"I'm not sure Theodynn will see it like that."
The Advisor tutted, shaking her head.
"Poor boy's got bad examples in his life. His mother's some overtitled nobody—honestly, they crowned a slave. Absolutely no political training of any kind. And his father is some outsider that the Ruler chose for love."
Bula said the last word with disgust, her expression twisting.
"All that affection and romance. Utterly deplorable. You'll have to help the heir realize that bindings were never made with such frivolity in mind. They had one purpose: join partners together who would make the biggest political difference in the realm."
Myrah frowned, but she did seem to be considering her advisor's words. They sat in silence for a few minutes, the only sound the soft whooshing coming from Bula's zealous fanning.
"You talked to him, at least?" the Advisor finally asked.
"Yes."
"And you weren't all distant and cold…someone who's been raised as he has won't respond well to that."
"I was as open as I could be. We finished the day acquaintances, at least."
Bula nodded.
"It's a start."
"Indeed." Myrah seemed to be lost in thought. "His sister is wary of me."
"His sister? Oh, right. I always forget that there's another one." Bula closed her fan and sat up. "Her opinion is hardly important; she's not even in the realm, most of the time."
"She was stubbornly rude for the entire time she was with us."
"Well, you can't expect them to act with decorum, considering who raised them."
"It was only the Xinta; Theodynn had excellent manners."
"Well…that's good at least. You don't need to impress the little freak, anyways; she has no political sway or importance."
"But she's incredibly important to Theodynn; that much was obvious."
"Mmm."
Bula seemed lost in thought and she finally shrugged.
"Don't worry too much about it. Focus on…"
"I appreciate your concern, Bula. But I am the Leader, and I've made it this far. Surely you can trust me to do what I think is best."
Bula huffed in annoyance.
"Well, of course. I always have."
"Good."
Myrah pushed herself to her feet, her expression calm and stern.
"I really would like to go to sleep now, Bula."
The advisor stood as well, pocketing the closed fan. She seemed a little flustered, but she finally scoffed.
"Alright. Goodnight."
She headed to the door. Right before exiting, Bula turned.
"Now, don't go overthinking this, Myrah. We have a plan, remember."
"I remember."
Bula nodded to herself and left. Myrah watched the door close and sighed to herself again, but then she headed back to the dresser again.
75
"And you let her?"
Theo took a long drink of tea. Then he looked up to meet Hershel's eye.
"Yes. I trust her."
"So it seems."
The Master Healer's expression was serious and Theo frowned.
"Are you mad? I…I wasn't right in the head. Amber had to do something, and she was the only one who could."
"What if something had gone wrong, Theodynn? You know what happened to your father…and Amber's never done this sort of thing before. Has she?"
Theo fell silent and stared down at his tea.
"I don't think she has. I know it was a risk…but…"
He trailed off and Hershel finally sighed.
"It seems that it's worked out," he finally conceded and Theo nodded.
"I haven't had any other problems, Master Hershel. Ever since she took those memories, the fog left."
Hershel seemed lost in thought.
"I understand that it was probably hard for you…trying to reconcile two worlds."
The younger Oni shuddered.
"I can't remember the departed realm anymore, but I remember talking about it. I don't know what would have happened…and I was scared. That's why I let Amber do it."
"Did she offer, or did you ask?" the healer asked a little sharply. Theo looked up and frowned.
"Does it matter?"
Hershel sighed.
"I'm just trying to get a feel for…"
"What, do you think that this is going to become some hobby of hers?" Theo cut in, setting his tea-cup down. "You're afraid she's going to become like the Alchemist?"
Hershel met Theo's eye calmly.
"I just need to know what she's capable of, Theodynn."
Theo pushed himself to his feet.
"No. She's not someone you need to keep tabs on, she's not going to become like Evynn. She's nothing like her!"
The Master Healer stood as well, holding his hands up.
"I know, Theo. I know she isn't; I didn't mean to imply that Amber was anything like the Alchemist. I…I just wasn't aware that she was capable of memory manipulation."
Theo's expression twisted.
"I…."
He sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
"I wasn't either."
Silence fell and Hershel studied the heir of the realm closely. Theodynn shrugged.
"I was terrified. But Amber isn't like the Alchemist. She's better than her…that's how she beat Evynn in the first place. I knew that I could trust her…and I can. But…"
"But what?"
Theo's expression hardened.
"But nothing."
He relaxed and faced the Healer once more, holding his arms out to the side.
"Here I am, you wanted to see me. I'm fine, in perfect health…no longer losing my mind. Anything else you needed?"
Hershel frowned at Theo's bitter tone.
"How's your aura?"
Theo blinked, but summoned aura to his hands easily enough. Hershel studied the output.
"How was it when you were 'in the fog?'" Hershel asked, and Theo shrugged.
"I don't remember ever trying to use it, actually. I wasn't even aware enough to recognize people half the time, let alone summon aura. My feelings all felt buried, or asleep."
"But you haven't had any problems now?"
The power faded from Theo's hands and he shook his head.
"Am I good to go?" he finally asked, and Hershel nodded.
"Yes. I've been meaning to check up on you for a while, but I haven't been able to get away until yesterday."
"Tolan mentioned you went on some crazy trip for some flowers. You find everything you needed?"
Hershel smiled, suddenly looking distant.
"Yes."
Theo wasn't sure how to interpret Hershel's expression, so he cleared his throat.
"Well…I'm glad you guys are back. I've started up my leadership duties again, and I'll need my bodyguard."
"Just keep an eye on him, Theo. He may seem confident with his powers, but…"
"He's an emotionally closed off guy; I can guess where there could be problems," Theo assured with a smirk. Hershel returned it.
"Fair enough."
"It's fine, by the way, that you weren't able to come before yesterday; it's fever season. Life must be crazy for you guys right now."
"Well, it's been busy," Hershel admitted as he took his and Theo's cups. "I'm just sorry that I stumbled in on your lunch with Heavy Metal."
"Don't worry about it, Master Hershel. And you really could have stayed and had something to eat, if you wanted."
Hershel smiled, but he shook his head.
"It wouldn't have been appropriate."
"You could have met Myrah."
Hershel paused in his cleaning up.
"The woman who was seated with you," he remembered. Theo nodded.
"She's the new Western Leader; Heavy Metal's retiring."
Hershel turned in surprise.
"Really?"
Theo nodded and Hershel frowned.
"Makes sense, I suppose. He was getting on when I was a boy, he must be rather old now."
"You knew Heavy Metal when you were young?" Theo asked, and Hershel looked up in surprise.
"Well…not well. He was the Captain of the Guard when Syn and I lived at the fortress."
Theo bit his lip as the understanding sank in.
"When you were slaves," he remembered, and Hershel nodded.
"Who is this woman to him? I don't remember him having any family."
"She grew up at the Western Fortress. She was trained to be an advisor ever since she was young and then he chose her to be his successor."
Hershel wiped the cups dry with almost too much of a nonchalant air.
"How is she?"
Theo thought about it.
"I don't know. Very proper, and formal. Kinda…stiff. But then she'd open up a little here and there and I'd realize there is somebody under the stern exterior."
"Mmm."
Hershel seemed lost in thought and Theodynn put his hands in his pockets, fidgeting.
"Hey, Master Hershel?"
The Healer turned to glance at the heir.
"Yes?"
"Are things awkward between you and Heavy Metal? I mean, he ran the fortress when you used to work there, and I'm not sure…"
"I wouldn't say awkward. Honestly, it was a long time ago."
Hershel moved to put the cups away and Theo rushed on.
"Well, good…cuz after you mentioned him I was a little worried. You see, my mom had a favor to ask you."
Hershel frowned as he turned, his task completed.
"What kind of favor?"
"Well…Heavy Metal's retiring, like I said. And Mom doesn't think he would do that if there wasn't a reason to…and he'd never call a Healer himself. Plus, Tolan said there aren't even a lot of healers in the West."
Hershel raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything.
"My mom wanted to ask you to go to the Western Fortress, and say that she sent you. She wants someone to check in on him, see what's wrong with him. And, you know, give him stuff to help him if he's in pain and stuff."
"Healers don't follow political orders," Hershel reminded, and Theo winced.
"I know, so maybe don't say she sent you. But Healers are in charge of healing people, leader or no. You've helped us out loads of time, and there wasn't anything political about it!"
Hershel didn't look convinced and Theo sighed.
"Look. It really matters a lot to my mom. Heavy Metal isn't the type who would get himself help if he needed it. It would mean a lot to my parents if you'd just go and try to see if there was anything he needed. And…you know…see if he was dying or something."
Hershel frowned.
"You think he's dying?"
"We don't know! He just said it was time to retire, and it's driving my mom crazy with worry. Heavy Metal means a lot to her; neither of them would ever say it, but he's the closest she's ever had to a father."
Hershel fell silent at that, and he couldn't help but glance over at the portrait on the wall Syn had painted all those years ago of two children with a grumpy-looking healer.
"And it has to be me, who checks on him?"
"You're the best healer we know, Master Hershel. And, honestly the only one we trust. Well, besides Syn, of course."
Hershel stared at the picture for a few moments longer and finally sighed.
"Alright. You can tell your mother that I'll go make rounds at the Western Fortress tomorrow. But not just to see him; no doubt fever has spread there as much as anywhere else."
Theo's expression relaxed.
"Thanks. I'll tell her."
Theo went to leave, and Hershel folded his arms as he watched him go.
"And Theo!"
The teen turned once again, and Hershel raised an eyebrow.
"Tell Amber I'm not mad. I just need to know these sorts of things."
Theo nodded his understanding, and then the heir was gone.
"Where's Uncle Hershel?"
Syn looked up to see Pippa bouncing around near the scrolls.
"He's gone out to the West today."
The child perked up and looked over.
"The West? Is he going to go get some new weapons? Dad and me found lots of good ones….like my new knife!"
Pippa whipped it out so her mom could see it, and Syn sighed.
"Your father was not supposed to get you any weapons on that trip."
"But it's a really good knife, mom! You should…"
"Come put it to work then, Pip. These Fever-Leaves aren't going to take care of themselves!"
Pippa's expression became sheepish and she darted over to help her mother pull the sap out of the thick waxy leaves. The child made a proud sound every time her knife made a cut, breaking the silence every once and awhile to point out to her mother how clean the slices were.
The tent flap moved, and Syn looked up. She wasn't sure if she was expecting Tolan or Hershel, but she froze in shock as a short figure pushed his way into the tent.
Pippa looked up as well and tilted her head.
"Who are you?" she demanded curiously. Imgloss raised an eyebrow, his gaze falling on Syn.
"How unfortunate, that you made me come all the way here seeking my payment."
"Imgloss…" Syn finally managed, putting down the knife and leaf she was holding. "What…"
"Don't play dumb, girl! You know what I'm here for. It is the price you promised to pay."
Pippa's curious expression soured.
"Don't talk to my mom like that!"
Imgloss glanced over at the child and scoffed.
"Hold your tongue."
Pippa went to say something else, but Syn grabbed her shoulder tightly.
"Pippa, be quiet."
The child blinked and looked over at her mother in surprise. Syn wasn't looking at her, however.
"I…I meant to bring it to you, but ever since coming back it's been one thing or…"
"I warned you, didn't I? You were to bring me payment the day you got back, no later."
Syn stared at him, not even sure what to say as her heart pounded. He finally gestured impatiently.
"Well?!"
The woman jolted back into action, turning immediately to where she knew the black chest was. She had seen it before, but it really had completely slipped her mind ever since coming home. There were just too many things to think about…
She turned with the chest in her hands, and suddenly Imgloss was there, ripping it from her grasp.
"You know, I should consider this late payment," he hissed. Syn was not a tall woman, but even she found herself looking down on Imgloss. However, despite his small size, she found that she couldn't shake her unease. He was an Ancient, after all…and after hearing about Pazzol, Syn had no idea what Imgloss was capable of.
"What do you want with it?" she demanded, and Imgloss rolled his eyes. She put one hand on the chest again, wariness flaring in her chest. "I…I think we should wait for my brother to get back."
Imgloss lashed out, and Syn gasped at the strength in which he grabbed her wrist. He yanked her down lower, his eyes flashing.
"You're lucky I don't punish you for waiting until now, girl. I would not advise keeping me from my payment any longer."
"Do not touch my mom!"
A blast hit Imgloss in the shoulder, and he released Syn and turned in surprise. Pippa stood glaring, aura swirling around her fists as her eyes blazed. Syn gave up on the chest, rushing to her daughter's side and pulling her close.
"Pippa, enough."
The power faded, but the child continued to scowl at the Ancient. But rather than look angry, Imgloss looked intrigued.
"My my…I had no idea your daughter's powers were unlocked."
Syn's stomach twisted at his words and she pulled Pippa closer.
"It wasn't something you needed to know," she pointed out coldly, and Imgloss gave a humorless laugh.
"You realize the shortage we have of powered children right now, don't you? Makes it difficult to continue the true Healing Trade. I think your little girl would make somebody a fine apprentice."
"I'm already an apprentice!" Pippa argued. "I work for my uncle Hershel!"
Imgloss just sneered, making a point to stare at her blank forearms.
"Doesn't look like he's claimed you to me," he pointed out softly, and Syn pushed her daughter behind her as she stared at the Ancient in anger and fear. They all stood in tense silence a few moments longer, and Imgloss finally snorted.
"How selfish your uncle must be…keeping talent for himself without formally claiming it. It feels like something I should do something about, especially considering how I had to come here to find the payment I was promised weeks ago."
Syn was shaking now, and Pippa frowned behind her mother's form, not sure why Syn seemed so spooked.
"You got your stupid chest!" Pip pointed out, poking her head out from around her mother to glare at the Ancient once more. "So are you gonna take it or not?"
Imgloss's eyes lingered on the child a moment longer and he finally scoffed as he met Syn's furious look.
"Do not cross me again, girl. Don't forget, you are not a real Healer…you are a powerless nobody who's been taught a few tricks."
With that, he took the black chest and left, pushing his way out of the Master Healer's tent. A few moments later there was a flash as he transported, and Syn sank to the ground in both fear and relief.
"Who was that guy, mom?" Pippa demanded, still glaring at the doorway. "What did he want?"
"He…was just another Healer, Pip."
"Dad's gonna be mad when he hears how he treated you…"
Syn turned to her daughter, her expression stern.
"Don't tell your father about this. I'm going to talk to your Uncle about it when he gets home, but your father doesn't really need to know."
Pippa met her mother's eyes and she finally nodded sagely.
"He'd probably have a reaction," she realized, and Syn nodded. Pippa sighed.
"We'll tell him if he comes back, though…right? Dad's strong; he could beat him."
Syn couldn't help but smile a little at that.
"He's not coming back, Pippa. He got what he was after."
"It wouldn't even be hard for Dad…I mean, the guy was barely taller than me!"
Syn laughed, and the tension in the room finally dissolved somewhat. However, even as they both got back to the fever leaves, Syn couldn't completely shake the worry that gnawed at her.