76
Hershel knocked before opening the door, though he didn't give the ex-leader a chance to actually answer. Heavy Metal was in bed reading a scroll, but he glanced up as the Master Healer entered his chamber. Hershel tried to think of what he was going to say, but the older Oni didn't give him a chance to say anything.
"Keyda sent you."
Hershel hesitated, but then he shrugged.
"Not…formally."
Heavy Metal made a sound between a scoff and a sigh and pushed himself up in bed.
"Neither of you should have bothered; nothing is happening to me that shouldn't. Just what's to be expected at this point in my life."
Hershel didn't answer, but he had reached the bed and pulled a chair up. He exhaled slowly as he lowered himself into the seat.
"You should go find people more deserving of your healing," the scarred Oni argued, and Hershel finally looked up and met his eye.
"I already treated several people here in the fortress for fever; it's the season for it. Don't worry, I saved you for last. I hope there really isn't anything too wrong with you, or I would never hear the end of it from Keyda."
Heavy Metal didn't smile, but he seemed to realized that Hershel was joking. He fixed the younger Oni with an intimidating look; it was one that Hershel remembered well, and it was hard to maintain eye contact. He didn't waver, however, and Heavy Metal finally shrugged.
"Get it over with, then. But be honest when you report back to her; this isn't something that can be fixed. Growing old is just part of life."
Hershel nodded as he finally looked away, reaching for the older man's wrist. Heavy Metal allowed him to take his pulse, and the Master Healer's expression clouded as he became absorbed in his own thoughts. He continued the check-up without saying much to the ex-leader at all, just muttering to himself occasionally as he mentally filed the data he was collecting, forming silent diagnosis's and coming up with possible treatments. Heavy Metal watched him work silently. Hershel took a break to pull out a small scroll and began jotting down a few notes, and the older Oni finally spoke.
"How's your sister?"
Hershel froze. After a moment the Master Healer looked up again. Heavy Metal raised an eyebrow.
"She's doing well," Hershel finally managed, and Heavy Metal nodded, as if to himself.
"Such a frightened little thing," he murmured as if remembering. "And incredibly frail…"
"She's not like that anymore," Hershel cut in, going back to jotting his notes. "She does well balancing her healing trade with motherhood…and holding her own with Tolan to boot."
Heavy Metal looked surprised.
"Tolan? The one who…"
"Is a head guard at the fortress," Hershel affirmed. "He's Theodynn's bodyguard. He and Syn have been bound for nearly a decade now."
Heavy Metal was silent as he frowned in thought, but Hershel finished his writing and changed the subject.
"Keyda was right to worry, I suppose…but like you said…"
"It's not something that can be fixed."
The ex-Western Leader didn't seem upset, and Hershel realized that Heavy Metal had probably come to terms with his fate a while ago.
"But there are things I can bring to help with the pain," Hershel offered, rolling the scroll and stashing it in a pocket in his vest. Heavy Metal just scoffed.
"What pain?" he murmured. The Master Healer looked up and gave him a skeptical look, and Heavy Metal finally shrugged.
"I've been through worse," he said, and Hershel pushed himself to his feet with a grimace.
"I've no doubt," he said. "But there is no reason to suffer if you don't need to."
The scarred Oni didn't look convinced, and Hershel smiled wryly.
"If anything, it will get Keyda off both of our backs. She's not going to let me get away with doing nothing, especially with the case being what it is."
The older Oni sighed heavily and finally nodded.
"So be it."
"I'll bring the supplies in the next couple days. Or I'll send Syn."
The Master Healer headed towards the door, but he paused right before exiting as Heavy Metal spoke again.
"It's interesting…"
Hershel wasn't sure if the old Oni was talking to him or to himself, but he listened regardless.
"It's interesting what people can become, if they're allowed."
Not sure if he needed to answer or not, Hershel finally just nodded and pushed himself through the door.
Hershel had almost made it to the front of the fortress when he was stopped by a short woman with beady eyes.
"Who are you? How'd you get in here?"
Hershel sighed; he had already explained himself several times to guards and advisors alike. It had taken far too long to get someone to take him to see Heavy Metal, and he had finally been forced to pull the "Keyda-sent-me" card after all. He shouldn't be harassed all over again for leaving.
He met the woman's gaze with a bored expression.
"I am the Master Healer, and I was just leaving."
"Bah…you're the one who was treating the slaves, then?"
Hershel's expression flickered at the disgust in the woman's tone.
"Among others," he said evenly. He went to go around the woman, but she stopped him.
"We aren't going to pay, you know. We did not summon you to help anyone with fever, and we won't allow you to charge us for it…"
Hershel turned and raised a patronizing eyebrow.
"And who is we, exactly?" he asked dryly. Just then, another voice cut in.
"Bula!"
They both turned, and Hershel stiffened when he saw a woman with dark eyes walking towards them. The woman next to Hershel sighed.
"No need to bother you, Myrah," Bula explained, giving Hershel another look of disgust. "This man showed up uninvited…never did trust you Healers, with your separate code of laws…"
"I can handle this, Bula," Myrah said coolly, having reached them. "You're supposed to be with the other advisors to discuss the food shortages near the sea."
Bula looked like she wanted to argue, but she bowed her head in acknowledgment instead. She shot Hershel one last dirty look before heading down the hallway.
"There's nothing to handle, I was just leaving," Hershel explained simply, but Myrah was standing, looking him over with folded arms.
"You're the one who burst in on our lunch the other day," she pointed out, and Hershel tried not to scowl.
"Yes. I didn't realize the Ruling Family had guests…"
"You seem quite comfortable showing up to fortresses uninvited," Myrah cut in, her expression and tone unforgiving as she finally looked him in the eye. She had the most interesting eyes…dark, with streaks of copper. "What was your name again?"
Hershel hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Master Hershel."
"Oh, Master Hershel. I suppose that is what Theodynn called you." Myrah's eyes darted down to the thick braided tattoo ringing his upper arm. "Though, it seems you do hold a Master title with that tattoo."
He was surprised; most people recognized the bands around his arms marking him as a full Healer. But rarely people understood the meaning of the tattoo that named him the leader of the clandestine Healer's Society. He opened his mouth to excuse himself once again, but Myrah was still talking to herself.
"Hershel…where have I heard that name before?"
"Probably at the lunch I so rudely interrupted," the Healer reminded dryly. "Now, it's fever season and you're wasting my…"
"The Poet! Of course."
Myrah looked up again and Hershel looked confused.
"The Poet?"
"I would have assumed you'd heard of him, since your parents named you after a master poet from a few centuries ago…"
"My parents were certainly not the type to be aware of poetry," Hershel cut in dryly. Myrah raised an eyebrow at that.
"Surely you Healers are trained with an education of the realm's history," she argued. "Your parents would have been aware. Unless, of course, the Healing trade is not all that my history scrolls have worked it up to be…"
"I'm not sure where they dug up the name, but considering the disgust the general populace has for things such as poetry, and the fact that my parents were worse than most, I highly doubt there is any connection at all. More likely it was…"
Hershel trailed off, having finally processed something else that the leader had said. Myrah cut in before he could say anything.
"An accident?" she finished skeptically. "Please…don't you believe that names have meaning?"
It took Hershel off guard and they stood in silence a few moments.
"What history scrolls?" he finally managed to blurt out, and she raised an eyebrow.
"I've heard the Healer's once kept a history, but surely you do not believe they are the only ones capable of writing down things from the past?"
Her tone was patronizing, and Hershel bristled. Myrah continued.
"We have collections of books and scrolls here in the Western Fortress. Everything from Bullock's take on the Great Dragon War to Hrshyl's collection of poems."
"I'm surprised such things were allowed to be written, all things considering," Hershel pointed out.
"Healers may have been tasked with keeping a history, but that doesn't stop others from recording their own views," Myrah argued. He was surprised to see that her stony demeanor was cracking as she became angry. "Besides, considering that the Healing Records were lost with time, it's a good thing that others deigned to write…"
"I didn't mean the histories. I meant the poetry. It's certainly not a common practice today, let alone…"
"It's part of our history, and it's been protected as such," Myrah said stiffly. "But I didn't come to argue about which records should and shouldn't be allowed. What are you doing here?"
Hershel wanted to point out that she was the one who had started this conversation and he had been trying to leave through all of it. But he didn't want to be delayed further, so he sighed in frustration.
"It was a healing visit. It's over now, and I'm going."
"You did heal those servants, then," Myrah said. She had reverted back to her serious, emotionless exterior and Hershel frowned.
"Yes…"
"Bula is right; we didn't summon you to…"
"Titles don't matter to a Healer," Hershel cut in testily. "Sickness, injury…those are what matter. I'm not here expecting payment, but I would like to be allowed to leave now that my work is done."
Myrah narrowed her eyes and Hershel turned to go.
"Wait."
He scowled and turned around, but she wasn't looking at him anymore. She seemed to be battling internally as she stared at the floor, and finally spoke.
"As long as you're here, Heavy Metal…"
"I already did."
She looked up in surprise and Hershel clenched his jaw.
"He's dying."
He didn't mean to say it so bluntly, but she didn't seem like the type of person who you beat around the bush with. Myrah was silent as she stared at him, but she finally nodded.
"I thought as much."
They stood a few moments before Hershel finally cleared his throat.
"I'll be back in a few days with something to help the pain, but other than that there isn't anything…"
"Tomorrow."
He paused at her commanding tone.
"Healers may not care much about titles…but I do. He deserves to be treated sooner rather than later, and I need you to bring it tomorrow."
Hershel didn't say anything, but the look on his face was enough to let her know he didn't appreciate being told what to do. Myrah flushed slightly and cleared her throat.
"Please," she grudgingly added, and Hershel smirked. He waited another minute before answering.
"Alright. I suppose I'll see you tomorrow."
"Thank you," she offered stiffly. "Hershel…Master Hershel. I will pay you for those services after you…"
She trailed off as he waved away her offer. Myrah frowned.
"You don't want payment?"
"Not for Heavy Metal."
She scanned him, as if some part of his body language would betray his reasoning so she wouldn't have to ask.
"Why?" she finally demanded. Here he smiled.
"I owe him a favor."
She seemed confused, but he didn't let her ask anything else as he turned and finally left. Myrah watched him go before finally turning and heading off into the other direction.
77
Syn looked up as Hershel came into the tent. He seemed to be in a good mood; he came in smiling to himself. The smile faded when he looked up and caught sight of his sister.
"Are you ok?"
"Hersh…"
She pushed herself up from the chair, hugging herself. He crossed the room quickly and her eyes filled with tears.
"What happened? Where's Pip? Is she alright?"
"Pippa's fine. She's making salve in the back."
Hershel grabbed his sister's arms, but just then Pippa burst into the front of the tent.
"Uncle Hershel! This mean guy showed up and stole your black chest!"
The Master Healer gave a start, looking from his niece to his sister's stricken expression.
"Syn?"
"It…was Imgloss. He was…"
"Imgloss was here?" Hershel's expression hardened. "Did he say something that scared you? Which chest?"
"It was Phos's black chest, with the red runes on it."
Hershel blanched, but before he could say anything Syn rushed on.
"When we had to go to the Isle of the Ancients, we needed a map. Imgloss was the only Ancient who could tell us where it was, but he wanted a price."
"So…he asked for the chest?"
Syn nodded miserably.
"Initially he asked for one of Amber's horns, but we couldn't give him that. Hersh…I swear I would have told you, but it completely slipped my mind!"
"He just came in and took it!" Pippa jumped in, tugging on Hershel's arm. "And he was so mean to Mom!"
Hershel looked back at Syn, and she shook her head.
"He didn't do anything…" she tried, but Pippa shook her head.
"He kept yelling at her and took the chest right out of her hands! And he kept talking about how I wasn't your apprentice!"
Hershel froze as he stood processing. Syn looked down at Pippa.
"Pip, head back and finish your chores. I need to talk to Hershel alone."
Pippa sagged in disappointment, but after her mother gave her a stern look the child sighed and dragged herself back into the back of the tent. Hershel exhaled slowly.
"So…the chest was the price for helping you get to the Island?"
Syn nodded, though she scowled.
"He didn't really help, in the end. We shouldn't have promised him anything."
"And he yelled at you?"
"I was supposed to give him the chest the day we got back, but I forgot. He was being horrible because he had to come all the way here to get it."
Hershel seemed lost in thought, though he looked sick.
"That's the chest the scroll was in….the Law of the Ancients."
"I know I shouldn't have promised it, as soon as he showed up. I…I didn't know what was in it. I didn't know it had that scroll."
They both fell silent as that sunk in, and Hershel finally looked at her again.
"What was Pip talking about, being an apprentice?"
Syn bit her lip.
"He was…I think he was just trying to get to me, really."
"Get to you how?"
Syn wouldn't look at him and Hershel pressed further.
"Syn…what did he say?"
"He…saw that Pippa has powers, and mentioned she would make a good apprentice."
Hershel looked stricken, and she rushed on.
"Pip thinks she's your apprentice…so that's what she told him. I know that you're waiting to make a decision like that, but he was just being awful about everything. Making it seem like he was going to…"
She trailed off and Hershel rubbed his face.
"Ok…" he murmured, and Syn grabbed his arm.
"Hersh…how important was that chest? Is he going to do something horrible with it?!"
Hershel's eyes cleared.
"I'll ask Phos about it. But for now, there's not much we can do. Just…keep Pip inside for the next few days.
Syn's eyes widened.
"You don't think he would…"
"No. I really don't…I think it was just talk. But to be safe, just keep her in here."
Syn nodded to herself, but she still looked sick about it. Hershel sighed and rubbed her shoulder.
"It's going to be ok, Syn. Healers have rules too."
"I know," she said. "Hersh…don't tell Tol about this, ok? I don't want him to get the wrong idea and react."
Hershel thought about it and finally nodded.
"Probably wise. But I'd make sure Pippa…"
"I already told her."
He nodded and then finally headed over to the table to unload his satchel. Syn watched him go and rubbed her arms, ready to change the subject.
"How did it go at the Western Fortress?"
"Fine."
"How's Heavy Metal?"
Hershel put the half-used jar of salve on the shelf with the others Syn and Pippa had been making.
"Well…" he started, and Syn picked up on the tone.
"Oh."
Syn came over to help.
"Did you tell Keyda yet?"
"No. I'm back to the West tomorrow, and then I'll probably swing by and let her know."
"You're going tomorrow? So, is it something you can help with?"
"I can make it a little less painful."
Syn processed that.
"It's gotten to that point, then?"
Hershel nodded and she sighed.
"Is he upset?"
"No…he's surprisingly calm."
"Surprisingly? I never really knew Heavy Metal to be anything but calm."
Hershel thought about that and shrugged.
"I guess you're not wrong."
Syn leaned on the counter.
"Does he seem like he's in a lot of pain? That's why you're headed back so soon?"
"He seems…alright," Hershel admitted. "But the new leader asked if I would come sooner."
"New leader? He's not even dead yet!"
Hershel looked up, realizing he hadn't told Syn about what had happened at the Central Fortress.
"She's been the leader for a few days now; he chose her himself, apparently."
Syn frowned.
"Strange…it's been awhile since we had a leadership change. Maybe Tolan knows something about her; what's her name?"
Hershel looked back down at his satchel.
"I don't remember."
"Hersh, you just talked to her, how have you already forgotten?"
"She didn't introduce herself," Hershel said testily, hanging the worn satchel back on the wall. "She was too busy berating me about poetry and the snobbiness of Healers."
Syn looked confused, but she took in his expression and shrugged.
"Sounds like a winner; why are you going back if she's a jerk?"
"I'm going back for Heavy Metal, not her."
"But you said he isn't in a lot of pain…"
"He won't admit to it, but I know he is. Syn." He raised an eyebrow. "I've dealt with tons of jerks in my lifetime; I can handle a taciturn leader."
"I could go, if you wanted," she offered. Hershel smiled.
"And let her think she scared me off? I'm fine doing it, Syn. Besides, it's not like our paths will cross much after tomorrow anyway."
"You didn't have to say you'd go!"
Amber scowled at her brother as he tucked the invitation scroll into a pocket.
"Ams…she's trying to get connections going."
"Then she could have invited all of us," Amber pointed out. "We like dusty old scrolls as much as anybody else!"
"She did invite Dad, but he can't go tomorrow. She must have known Mom would be too busy…and you hardly won any favors after the way you talked to her."
"I'm telling you, it's suspicious," Amber growled, following Theo down the hallway. "You shouldn't go."
"There's no reason not to, Amber. I'm just going to go tell Jaqah that I won't be able to go over winter storage inventory like we planned. I doubt she'll mind pushing it off a day; she hates doing it as much as I do."
"Theo, I don't like Myrah. Something isn't right."
Theodynn sighed heavily.
"I get that, ok? She's a little rigid. But I think that we just have to give her a chance. Get to know her."
Amber raised a skeptical eyebrow and Theo frowned.
"Look, I know that in the past I've been pretty naïve…but I've grown up a lot. If there was something going on, I would know about it. I'm not totally clueless."
He pushed the door to Jaqah's office open. Jaqah was seated at her desk, but surprisingly Ret was sitting there right next to her. His arm was around her shoulders as they poured over some scroll together. As heirs came in, the two guards looked up in surprise. Ret's arm immediately came down, and in seconds there was a good foot-long gap between the two of them.
"Theodynn, Amber," Jaqah said stiffly. Theo frowned; she looked slightly flushed. "You know you should knock…"
"Sorry, Jaqah," Theo said, shaking off the strange awkwardness as he pulled out the invitation. "I just came to tell you that I can't do the inventory tomorrow; I've been asked to visit the Western Fortress."
"Any reason why?" the Captain of the Guard asked, and Theo looked down at the note.
"To visit the library there. I've been there plenty of times to train with Heavy Metal, but I've never seen the records room before. To be honest, I didn't know the Western Fortress had a library…I'm not even sure Heavy Metal knew!"
Jaqah smiled grimly at the joke and looked back down at her paperwork.
"Alright. We'll have to get to it the day after then."
Theo smiled and nodded.
"Thanks, Jaqah. I promise I'm not just pushing you off."
She rolled her eyes and Theo held up a hand in a goodbye gesture.
"See ya, Ret."
Ret nodded and Theo and Amber headed out of the office, with Amber closing the door behind them. After a few feet Theo frowned.
"Hey, Ams…did it feel like they were kinda being weird in there, or is it just me?"
Amber stopped to look at her brother incredulously. Theo turned and blinked at her expression.
"What?"
"Well…as long as you aren't totally clueless," she muttered, leaving him to puzzle over her words as she headed down the hall.
"The Law of the Ancients? You're sure that's the chest he took?"
Hershel nodded, and Phos seemed to be lost in thought for a moment. He was muttering to himself and Hershel couldn't decide whether that was a bad sign or not.
"Phos?" he finally prompted.
"Ambitious little troll," Phos finally muttered. "He would think it his right, with him being the only Ancient…"
"He's not the only one, is he?" Hershel cut in, frowning. "I mean…Pazzol…"
"He's still on the Island," Phos answered, finally looking up with a grim expression. "I'm unsure how long his imprisonment will last, but directly plotting against the Master Healer is a grave error."
Hershel was silent for a moment as he processed that.
"So…is it dangerous, for Imgloss to have that chest?"
"He can't do anything to you with it…not without cause," Phos finally admitted.
"What is it, Phos? Isn't the spell just for, you know, killing an Ancient?"
"The scroll contains the Law of the Ancients," Phos corrected. "It's an ancient spell itself, forged by the same beings who created Banishment. It has the ability to show many different Ancient Spells kept secret over the ages, such as the one I used to defeat Evynn."
Hershel's eyes became misty for a moment as he remembered back.
"What kind of spells? Why keep them secret?"
Phos's expression darkened.
"Many are punishments; the scroll itself can be used as a voice of justice, in a way. It will often reveal the spell the trespasser deserves; many believe that it was made using the consciousness of the First Ancients, and through it they can pass their condemnation."
Hershel winced.
"That sounds like something I'd rather not leave with Imgloss."
"It's more a status symbol than anything. Imgloss no doubt thinks it his right to have custody of it, given that he is one of the last known Ancients."
"Last known?"
Here Phos raised an eyebrow.
"Even I do not claim to know everything, Hershel."
Hershel frowned. After a moment he winced as another thought came into his mind.
"Phos…"
His old Master frowned, waiting for Hershel to continue.
"If the scroll shows the punishment deserved, and it told you…to give your life to kill Evynn…"
Phos's expression softened slightly as Hershel's voice became quieter.
"Was that the First Ancients condemning you both?"
There was silence, and Phos finally shrugged.
"Like I said…I do not know everything. The important thing was the spell was there when I needed it."
Hershel stared at the ground and Phos reached out a hand to put on his shoulder.
"But you hardly deserved to be involved at all, Hershel. You taking part…even the small part you did…was an unnecessary evil."
"I would have done it, Phos."
The Ancient's expression became sad.
"I know."
78
"It's been awhile."
Theodynn glanced over at Tolan who was riding next to him, but the Bodyguard was busy staring at the fortress ahead of them.
"Not too long; we were just here, weren't we? When I did that training challenge with Heavy Metal," Theo argued. Tolan scoffed as he looked over at him.
"That was a long time ago, Freak. Before the tournament…before Amber even left for school."
Theo frowned.
"That long?"
"Gee, you sure your head's not still up in the clouds?" his bodyguard asked wryly, and Theo shot him a dirty look.
"I'm fine. C'mon; we're going to be late."
Tolan rolled his eyes as Theo got Dragon to go faster, leaving his bodyguard behind. Eventually they dismounted near the stables, leaving their hoofers with a few stable-hands.
"Should we go around to the front door?" Theo asked, suddenly unsure. He rarely ever made visits alone, and they weren't very formal. Usually when he came to the West, he wouldn't go inside at all; he just went straight to the training ground.
"Might as well; hate to keep the woman waiting any longer," Tolan said dryly. Theo ignored him and they headed to the front entrance. The guards let them in, but then the two were awkwardly alone in the front entrance hall.
"What do we do now?" he finally whispered, and Tolan whistled low as he looked around.
"Mmmm…loot the place?"
"What are you doing here!?"
They turned in surprise at the bossy voice as a woman began marching over. Her sour expression disappeared, however, when Theo poked his head out around Tolan and gave an awkward wave.
"Hi! Um…sorry for just coming in, I just wasn't sure…"
"You're Prince Theodynn," the woman recognized, her gaze lingering on Theo's eyes. He nodded, rubbing his neck self-consciously.
"Yeah. Sorry…I don't know if I'm in the wrong place, or…"
"Not at all!"
The woman's entire demeanor changed instantly; her bossy tone replaced by a silky one.
"Yes, I apologize that I didn't recognize you sooner. Myrah instructed me to come guide you to the library, where she is waiting. I just mistook your bodyguard for someone else."
The woman seemed to realize she hadn't followed proper protocol and gave a bow.
"My name is Bula, and if you need anything, you let me know."
"Thanks, Bula." Theo said, his tone friendly. "But I'm not sure I will need anything…"
"Your guard can refresh himself in our barracks; you certainly won't need his protection during your stay here."
Tolan shifted position to better fix the woman with an unimpressed look, one hand resting casually on a hilt of his new katana. Theo shook his head politely.
"Tolan stays with me; he's my bodyguard."
"It really is unnecessary…"
"I'm not leaving the kid alone," Tolan cut in, his expression daring Bula to say anything else. Theo jumped in to diffuse the situation, putting a hand on Tolan's shoulder.
"It's a requirement; I've no doubt I'll be safe here, but Tolan's job is to stick with me. Besides…he's my friend."
Bula's expression flickered at the word.
"Friend? How…quaint."
She gestured for them to follow her, talking in rapid fire as if to make up for her earlier comments.
"Of course, he can come along if he so desires. I do apologize that I came over so angrily, I mistook your bodyguard…."
"For someone else," Theo finished, hiding an amused smile. "Who did you think he was?"
"Oh, we had this Healer show up yesterday," Bula sighed. "Just came in unannounced, like he owns the world. Roguish, arrogant fellow. He was incredibly patronizing, and yet he claimed he had come to treat the slaves of all people…"
"Perish the thought," Tolan cut in dryly. "This Healer…he didn't happen to be freckled, with his hair pulled back?"
"Yes!" Bula said, turning to the guard. "That's him! You've met?"
Tolan made a show of thinking about it.
"He is rather patronizing, isn't he?" he started, and Theo elbowed him.
"Tolan!" he reprimanded before turning to face Bula. "Yes, we know him. That's Master Hershel…another friend of mine."
Bula went silent again, and Tolan looked over to share a look with Theo. After a few moments, the Western Advisor spoke again, her tone light.
"How lucky to have so many friends."
They came to an ornate door and Bula finally stopped, turning.
"This is the record room here…Myrah often calls it the library. You may go in; she's waiting for you."
"Are you coming?" Theo asked, and Bula gave him a tight smile.
"I regret there are a few other things I must finish, but you'll find Myrah inside."
"Huh…it's going to be difficult to get Theo anything he needs when you're not even here to wait on him," Tolan pointed out.
Bula stared at the guard blankly and Theo resisted the urge to face-palm
"He's kidding," he assured quickly. "We'll be fine…I'll be fine. I'll just go and find Myrah."
Bula nodded, and finally left, looking a little dazed.
"Busybody," Tolan muttered, and Theo gave him a warning glance.
"Be nice," he hissed. Tolan rolled his eyes as the heir pushed his way into the library. Theo blinked in surprise; they weren't kidding when they said it was the largest collection of scrolls. His dad had quite a few history scrolls, and Hershel did as well. But this room was massive, shelves lined with records of different sizes and shapes. Some were books, some thick manuscripts, some scrolls. Many of them looked incredibly delicate, and Theo couldn't help wonder how old they were.
"Theodynn."
He jumped and looked over to see Myrah standing a few yards away. She smiled a little as he met her gaze, and he grinned.
"Myrah, it's kind of you to invite me to come see the library. You were right; I've never seen anything like it…"
"You've seen scrolls before," Tolan muttered, looking around the room uninterestedly. Myrah's eyes fell on the bodyguard and Theo cleared his throat.
"This is Tolan, my bodyguard. He's got to stay with me, if that's alright."
"Of course; you're the heir of the realm. Your safety is incredibly important."
Tolan narrowed his eyes, but Theo didn't seem to mind as he wandered over to a large tapestry.
"How old is all of this stuff?"
"Depends. Some is centuries old…some I only recently collected."
Theo looked over to see Myrah admiring the tapestry with him. Her eyes were shining and Theo couldn't help but smile again.
"You really love history, huh?"
The Western Leader looked over in surprise.
"Yes," she finally admitted. "Especially Western History and experiences. But I've also extensively studied the history of the realm as a whole; I've always felt that history is prone to repeat itself, so we can learn from the past to prepare for the present."
"That's what my Dad thinks too. I mean, he doesn't put it exactly like that, but he always told us stories about the realm's history."
"Your father is a wise man," Myrah commented, and Tolan snorted behind them. Theodynn turned to glare, but he didn't get a reprimand in before the Western Leader spoke again.
"How is it your father knew the history of the realm? He…is not native to this world."
Theo turned back to Myrah.
"We have scrolls at the fortress, and my father read them to us."
"Not your mother?"
"My mom didn't know how to read; my Dad's the one who taught her."
Myrah was silent as she processed the information. Theodynn wandered over to a collection of dusty scrolls.
"These seem really old," he pointed out, and Myrah glanced up.
"They are; they date back to the reign of Virgil the first."
Theo made a face and Myrah looked surprised.
"Do you have something against that ruler?"
"He was kind of a tyrant, wasn't he?" Theo pointed out, his eyes scanning the shelf. "I mean, he's the one responsible for the purge. He's the reason the realm got so messed up."
Myrah stared at him and Theo turned and flushed at her expression.
"Don't you think?" he asked.
"His methods were cruel…but surely you can agree that he was effective in wiping out affection. Such an emotion…"
"It wasn't right; you can't label any emotion as wrong. We're going to feel them all regardless, but hunting people because they felt love for other people…" Theo shuddered. "I can't imagine it. I'm glad it's not like that anymore."
Myrah's expression didn't betray anything as she stared at him. Theodynn turned and saw his guard staring intensely at weapons mounted on the wall.
"What'd you find, Tolan?" he called, heading over. He turned to address Myrah as he went. "Tolan's a big fan of weapons… it took him like a week just to pick out the ones he carries now."
Theo's smile faded as he reached his bodyguard and took in Tolan's tense body language. The younger Oni reached out.
"Tol…you ok?"
"I recognize these."
Tolan's voice was soft and Theo looked up at the weapons mounted on the wall in surprise. Tolan reached out and pulled a broadsword off its pegs, bringing it closer for inspection. Myrah's expression darkened.
"Don't touch those; they are part of the history of this province."
Tolan didn't act like he heard her, running one finger along an etching in the metal. Myrah had reached them and Theo looked over at her.
"How so? They don't look that old…"
"It was an event that occurred only a few decades ago," Myrah admitted, still watching Tolan coldly as he checked the balance of the blade. "It was a western village that held elite craftsmen, dedicated to the work of weaponry."
"How is that history?" Theo asked. He thought he felt a whisper of aura wind, and he glanced over at Tolan warily.
"It was a providence tragedy; the entire village died off. Many blamed plague, but Warrack believed it to be the work of another province, jealous of the West's fine craftsmanship…"
Tolan's grip on the blade tightened, and Theo watched in confusion and concern.
"How could another province do that?" he murmured, trying to decide if he should try to take the blade from Tolan. Not that he would be able to, but Tolan definitely had a look of rage in his eyes.
"Poison," Myrah answered nonchalantly. "Though no one will ever know for sure. These are just a few of the weapons pulled from the carnage, but Warrack was surprisingly superstitious. Claimed they were cursed, and wouldn't let anyone…"
"How do you know all of this?!"
Tolan whirled on the leader, and she frowned at his furious expression.
"I was only a small girl when it happened," Myrah admitted. "But I was trained to be an advisor, and was taught the history of the province. Even small little stories like that…"
"Small stories?!"
There were definitely aura winds now, and Myrah looked wary. Theo had a sinking feeling as he stepped closer to Tolan.
"Tol…"
"Why didn't anyone do anything, if everybody knew?! And it was no poison….or if it was…"
His eyes flashed, and he grimaced as a hand went to his head. Myrah took a step back in alarm, but Theo grabbed Tolan's arms.
"Tolan. Are you alright?"
"Fine, Freak." Tolan spat, though his eyes were still tightly closed. His hand was starting to glow as it gripped the sword and Myrah reached for the Heir.
"Theodynn…"
"He calls me that, sometimes…just a joke," Theo assured, but his expression was serious as he looked at Tolan. He had never witnessed someone lose control of their powers…and he wasn't sure what to do. Even when Amber had her fits as a child, she wasn't ever not in control.
"It's ok, Tol…" he tried, and Tolan just scoffed as his eyes flew open, blazing. Theo clenched his jaw as the bodyguard turned to glare at him.
"It's ok? It's ok that they suffered and no one did anything? It's ok because it's all just some story for people to hear and be superstitious about?!"
The winds were whipping around them, and Theo exhaled shakily.
"Tolan, we need to leave now…"
"I said I'm fine!"
The blast exploded out of him, and Theo winced as it hit him in the ribs. Myrah was there in another moment, pulling the heir backward.
"Theodynn, it's not safe," she said, and he turned to see that she had drawn a dagger. His eyes widened as he realized what she meant to do. Tolan had yet to notice, his eyes closed as he panted and fought the storm inside. Theo knew what that felt like, and he also knew Tolan's reflexes were always air-tight. The teens eyes darted around the library…a room full of priceless, flammable scrolls.
"I've got to get him out of here."
He grabbed Myrah's arm before she could do anything to Tolan, and she gave him a stern look.
"He hurt you. I'm not going to let him do so again…"
"I'm fine, really," Theo assured. He moved quickly to reach Tolan before Myrah could block his path. She froze, and he turned to give her an apologetic look.
"I'm really sorry about all of this…"
The Leader moved towards them, but there was a sudden flash and both figures were suddenly gone.
Syn heard the flash and the pop and went to the door, expecting Hershel. She froze when she saw who it was.
Tolan's eyes were blazing, but he dropped to his knees and groaned. The reaction was wearing him out, and Theo's teleporting had made him sick to his stomach. His eyes faded as nausea vied for his undivided attention.
"Tolan! What happened?"
Syn made it to his side, and looked over to see Theo standing nearby, looking a little sea-sick and tired himself.
"We were at the Western Fortress, and he had a little reaction," the heir explained softly.
"I'm fine." Tolan argued, but his words were slurred and Syn shook her head.
"Can you help me get him inside?" she asked, and Theo nodded. Together, they managed to get the bodyguard onto a mat in the back of the tent.
"Dad!"
Pippa came running over, and Syn sent her outside to find some herbs that would help with his obvious nausea. She tried to get a good look at him, but Tolan stubbornly shooed her and Theo's attempts at helping him. Eventually they gave up, leaving him to himself as they headed into the front room. Syn seemed lost in concerned thought for a moment, but when Pippa came in with the herbs she snapped out of it.
"Take them to your father, and keep an eye on him," Syn ordered. Pippa nodded and headed into the back. Syn immediately got to work boiling some water into a tea for her and Theo.
The heir seemed lost in thought himself from his place in one of the armchairs, and when Syn turned she noticed that he was unconsciously holding his ribs. Her heart sank.
"Theo…"
He glanced up as she came over.
"Did he hurt you?" Syn asked quietly.
"Oh…no, he just…"
Syn went to move Theo's arm, but he resisted.
"I'm fine, really!"
She gave him a stern look and he finally relaxed. She noticed the burned cloth and her heart lurched. Theo winced as Syn carefully pulled his shirt up to get a better look at the wound.
"It was just an accident," The teen assured quietly. It wasn't a bad wound; in all her years, Syn had definitely seen worse. But at the sight of the burned skin, her eyes filled with tears.
"Auntie Syn…"
"Give me a minute…hold the cloth away from it so I can get the salve and bandages."
Her voice came out woodenly and Theo looked sick.
"It really was an accident. I…I should have done something, but I just didn't know what."
She turned back to Theo's stricken expression and shook her head adamantly.
"Do not blame yourself for this, Theodynn. This wasn't you."
He swallowed and she quickly collected what she needed. Theo didn't let himself flinch as she spread the salve on the tender skin before wrapping the clean bandage around his torso.
"I'm sorry, Theo. I…I thought he was doing better," Syn finally murmured as she wrapped.
"It's ok, really. I remember what it was like when I unlocked my powers; it's hard to control. I just wish I knew what it was that got to him. One minute we were looking at these old swords, learning about where they came from, and then he was so angry."
Syn processed that, but she didn't know what to say. Theo swallowed, keeping his voice hushed.
"Just…don't tell him about this…"
"Don't tell me what?"
Syn and Theo looked over in panicked surprise as Tolan pushed himself into the front of the tent, scowling. Theodynn immediately pulled his shirt down, but not before the bodyguard caught sight of the sand-colored bandage wrapped around his ribs. Tolan's expression froze, and Syn pushed herself to her feet.
"Tolan…"
"I'm going on a walk."
He moved quickly, and in seconds he had disappeared out the back. Syn looked torn and Theo stood.
"Are you going to go after him?"
"No. He needs to be alone."
She moved towards the tea-kettle, which had started whistling loudly. She poured different things in to steep and Theo rubbed his arm.
"I just feel terrible…"
"Tolan needs to learn how to control it. It isn't your fault, Theo-boy. This is him."
"I know," Theo said softly. "But that doesn't make it easy. And…and Myrah must be worried. I'll have to send a note…and we left our hoofers there. I'll have to go pick those up; maybe I can transport back…"
"Theo, you're exhausted. You aren't transporting anywhere. Sit down."
He blinked but obeyed and Syn poured a cup of tea.
"Who's Myrah?"
"She's the new Western Leader…"
There was a crash as Syn dropped the tea-kettle, and Theo jumped to his feet in alarm.
"Syn!?"
"He…reacted in front of a leader?"
She looked ashen suddenly, and Theo reached her and helped her into a chair.
"It wasn't too bad…I got him out of there before anything got damaged. Though, I'll have to return that sword he was holding."
Syn was shaking and Theo frowned in concern.
"What is it?"
Her eyes filled with tears as she hugged herself.
"I just…when the old Northern Leader found out about Hershel…"
"Myrah's not going to do anything, Syn. It's going to be alright," Theo assured, and she looked up at him.
"You can't know that, Theo. What if she…"
"I promise. She was surprised, to be sure, but she's not like that. Besides…I don't know anyone alive who could take Tolan down."
She looked unsure, and Theo looked over at the water bucket.
"I'll be right back, and we can make a new pot of tea. It's going to be ok, Syn. It is."
She watched him take the bucket and disappear out the door. Her eyes stung with tears as the worries and fears of the last couple of days built up and threatened to drown her.