184

"Maybe he deserves to be punished."

Hershel didn't reply, but Myrah could see his scowl from across the room as he rummaged through the scrolls. She continued softly.

"Not cruelly. But Tolan does have an annoying habit of speaking his mind and not caring what it does to people…"

"Don't go there." Hershel's voice had a serious edge to it, and he glanced up to point a finger at her. "It's bad enough fighting myself; don't take the power's side."

She had only been teasing, really, but her smile faded when she saw how somber he was about it. Myrah set the pile of documents she had been sorting through on the table and walked over to where he was.

"You make it sound like a person," she pointed out, and Hershel sighed.

"I don't think it's a person," he explained softly. "But it's definitely got a mind of its own. Power can be greedy, and I've long since learned how to deal with the usual emotional cravings. But this? I don't know what I'm doing."

It still surprised Myrah how honest he was with her. As if he didn't mind trusting her with such sensitive things. It made her feel like living up to the trust.

"I should probably talk to Phos about it," Hershel admitted, putting another scroll into the "salvageable" pile.

"Phos?" Myrah asked, before remembering who it was he called that name. "Wait…I thought Archtivus was dead? But your niece also mentioned…"

"Archtivus is dead," Hershel clarified, finally looking up to meet her eye with a small smile. "But there are ways to reach him if someone has the power to do it."

It didn't make any sense at all to her, but she knew better than to doubt him.

"So you think he can help?" she coaxed, her eyes drifting down to the parchment-piled table. There was just so much to sort through; she wasn't sure they would ever get through it all. It still filled her with an aching kind of loss to see what her library had become, but she pushed those feelings aside. There wasn't much that had been damaged beyond repair; it was just a mess.

"I hope he can," Hershel admitted. He squinted at the faded record in his hand. "Philyp's History of Prominent… War shawls?"

"War Heroes," Myrah corrected with a smile as she eased the scroll from his hands. "War History, section 7."

Hershel met her eye and smiled. He was different now, Myrah mused. And yet, still very much the same—the warmth she had always sensed in him was still there, hiding in his eyes for when he felt like bringing it out. Hershel just looked a little different, that was all. Though, she was forced to admit that she wasn't the best judge on how he had internally changed since the Island. She couldn't claim to know everything about him, as they had only known each other a few months before all of this had occurred. She just knew how he made her feel.

"Do you have this entire Library memorized?" Hershel asked, and she could hear the teasing lilt. Myrah huffed.

"I've spent a lot of time in here," Myrah pointed out dryly, but Hershel just continued to smile. Like he wouldn't have expected anything different from her…and loved her for it. She searched his face for a reaction as she carefully probed.

"If you think Archtivus can help you, and you have a way to talk with him…why haven't you already?"

His smiled faded as he glanced down. When he didn't answer right away, Myrah reached out to tug at his hair. He was wearing it tied back again, probably to keep it out of the way as they tried to sift through the wreckage of her library. It was another thing that made him look more like himself.

"Hershel…"

"I don't know," he finally admitted, his brow furrowing. "Pride, I guess."

"What do you mean?"

He gently brushed the dust off another record. "To face him would mean to face his disappointment, his revulsion. I…betrayed his trust. Went against everything he had taught me. And on the Island, when he saw me…" He trailed of, his words becoming barely audible. "He was horrified at what I had become."

Every mention of the Island sent a chill up the Western Leader's back. But as haunting as this mysterious entity seemed to be, she found herself wracked with curiosity with each reference. This was the first time Hershel had talked about anything specific that had taken place there, and she quietly pressed for more.

"Archtivus…was on the Island?"

Hershel's expression flickered and he finally rubbed his face with one hand. When he looked up, he made a point to gesture at the piles surrounding them.

"This may take a while," he mused. "Didn't feel like having the servants tackle this one?"

Myrah's heart fell as he changed the subject. It seemed he still didn't trust her with everything. But that was alright. She didn't want to force him to tell her anything before he was ready. He had been through enough this week without her bullying him for her own curiosity's sake.

"I didn't want anything to get thrown out by mistake," Myrah explained, putting her hands on her hips as she also surveyed the scene. "It just felt like if I could put it back in order, I would never have to wonder about anything additional being destroyed or lost. I ordered this room to be left alone by anyone and everyone."

His small smile had returned. "So, I'm one of the lucky few roped into helping, then?"

"You offered," she reminded gently, and he nodded.

"I did." He glanced around again. "It was my fault, after all. Imgloss coming here…"

"Of course it wasn't," she snapped, and he looked back at her. She wasn't sure why his comment had made her so angry, but it had. "Imgloss is the only one to blame for his actions, Hershel. You cannot make yourself accountable for his tyranny."

He stared at her, his expression hard to read. After a moment, his eyes flashed. He seemed sheepish as he looked away. Myrah frowned, tugging his ponytale again.

"What?"

"It likes you," he admitted, pushing his hair out of his face. Myrah blinked; it took her a moment to realize what he meant.

"Your…power?"

Hershel nodded, but she could see that he was flushed now. It made her blush as well. She rolled her eyes to cover for it.

"Well, I guess I should be flattered. I'm doing better than Imgloss and your brother-in-law."

"It's got this firm sense of justice," Hershel explained. "Like you. So, when you're around, it just feels…"

He tried to find the right word. Myrah tried to decide if it was a good thing or a bad thing that Hershel continued to refer to the power inside of himself as a separate entity. Like it wasn't even part of him.

"Comfortable," he finally decided, and she smiled.

"I'm glad you're finally comfortable around me," Myrah teased as she moved closer. She wrapped her arm around him while her other hand continued to fiddle with his hair. Hershel hesitated, and it made her worry.

"Maybe you aren't that comfortable around me?" she coaxed softly, and he looked up and met her eye.

"Maybe I shouldn't have come," he murmured. It made her heart drop, and he must have sensed it because he rushed to explain. "This power…I don't have control of it, Myrah. I nearly lost myself with Imgloss, and then again with Tolan…"

"But you didn't."

"I could have killed him," Hershel whispered; a confession that she could tell was painful for him to admit. She shook her head as she studied him.

"You are strong, Hershel. You could have killed Imgloss too, but you found a different way. This power is not a curse…it isn't something you can't control."

"All it would take is losing control once," he pointed out, and the fear in his voice caused a shock of concern to hit her as well. But she pushed that away. They had already been through so much; there was no point in hesitating anymore. Of being afraid any longer. She leaned closer, kissing him gently.

"If you're trying to scare me away, it's not working," she murmured. "I just got you back…and I trust you."

It was hard to figure out what Hershel was thinking, but Myrah felt relieved when he kissed her back. After a minute he pulled back a bit.

"You feel you know me enough now to trust me?" he murmured. She smiled.

"I know you love me. That you'd never do anything to hurt me," she pointed out. "Anything else you can teach me as we go."

He scoffed a little, and she kissed him again.

"You don't know me any better," she reminded. "About my past…who I used to be. All we have is who we are now, right? And you trust me. Ancients know you would have plenty of reason not to, after everything I've done…"

He cut her off as he pressed his lips to hers again, and she let him. She didn't want to think about the times she had betrayed his trust, anyways. She still wasn't sure how Hershel had reconciled her mistakes…but she certainly wasn't complaining.

Hershel's hand had slipped into her hair, gently exploring and sending chills up her back. Everything he did was like this, Myrah realized. Soft and gentle and careful…but all the while hinting at a hidden inner strength and power. She couldn't believe that he would hurt her or anybody else accidentally… strange new aura or not.

Myrah mused how far she had come in the past few months. Back then, she hadn't trusted any power…even those who had proven they could control it. Now, she was willing to bet everything on something that the holder himself wasn't even sure about.

"I never want you to get hurt," Hershel murmured. His eyes were closed, and they stood a moment with their foreheads touching. "If I ever did anything to hurt you, I'd…"

"You're being stupid," she whispered back. She closed her eyes; he always smelled like a variety of herbs, all clinging to him from his work. Now was no different, though it was mixed with the dusty smell of old records. "You wouldn't have come here today if there was any chance of that…"

"I just couldn't bare to be alone," he corrected, his voice nearly inaudible. She ignored the confession as she continued.

"…and your new power likes me, remember? We can't let fear rule our lives, Hershel. With every other ridiculous thing that's come between us…don't let fear get in the way now."

He didn't answer, but she felt him move to rest his chin on her head, his breath stirring her hair. They stood like that for a long time, but it didn't feel like long enough by the time Hershel spoke again.

"This library's never going to get cleaned at this rate."

Myrah smiled, but didn't move to release him.

"We can work on it some other time."

"It's getting late."

There was regret in his voice, and Myrah sighed as Hershel pulled away, though he kissed the top of her head before doing so.

"I have to head back," he explained, his eyes full of disappointment and resolve. Her heart pounded as she cut in.

"You don't have to leave."

He cocked one eyebrow, and she traced the seam of his shirt collar with her fingertips.

"You said you don't want to be alone. You aren't the Master Healer anymore. You could just stay here at the Western Fortress…with me."

She didn't look up at him, though she wondered if he could feel her heart pounding as she waited for him to answer. But she had decided what she wanted. There wasn't any point in running from it…or trying to ignore it. She was ready to embrace it, and she realized that she was desperately waiting for Hershel to say as much himself. When he didn't answer, Myrah continued, keeping her voice calm and coaxing despite the anxiety that was building from his continued silence.

"There isn't any reason to hide this; we've already decided that we're no good apart. So let's not be apart."

His hands were suddenly cupping her face, and she caught her breathe as he kissed her one last time. This time it wasn't so gentle, and her hope soared as she clung to him. But when Hershel finally pulled away and Myrah opened her eyes, she could see his decision in his expression. Her hope plummeted.

"The Western Province is still woefully short on healers…" she mumbled in a last-ditch effort to convince him. His thumb traced her jawline.

"I love you," he replied, his eyes full of apology. "But I can't, Myrah. It's not that I don't want it…" He trailed off, heaving a sigh. "I have to be in control first. I can't…I can't have any doubts about myself, or this power inside."

Myrah shook her head; her disappointment cutting through her attempts to keep her mood light.

"After I just told you not to give in to fear," she chastised gently, and he smiled.

"Not fear. This is…more of a healthy caution."

"Mmm."

Her arms were wrapped around his neck; she wasn't really willing to let him go back to that cold, dark tent of his. But she also knew that he was going to stick to his resolve. There wasn't anything she could do to convince him otherwise.

"Then you have to promise me something before I'll let you go."

He scanned her features with his eyes. Even when they weren't filled with light, they had this soft glow about them that made her feel safe. She couldn't explain why.

"What?" he finally murmured, and Myrah smiled as she traced a pattern on the back of his neck.

"However it is you talk with Archtivus…do it tonight."

Hershel's expression became pained, and she tugged his hair again.

"I mean it. You aren't going to learn control by isolating yourself…or by hoping for the best. Talk to him so you can get the help that you need."

"Myrah…"

"Promise?"

Hershel swallowed and Myrah gave him her best stern expression. She knew she had a good one, too; she had struck fear in enough guards, servants, advisors, and village leaders to know. But rather than look intimidated, Hershel's expression softened into a smile.

"I'll try."

"Try hard," she ordered. "Because I'm tired of waiting, Hershel."

His hand ran from her shoulder to her elbow.

"Me too," he confessed, glancing away.

"Will you be back tomorrow?" she asked as he finally managed to pull away. He glanced around the library.

"I have to talk to Cole and Keyda tomorrow," he admitted. "And a few other errands."

"What kind of errands?"

He shrugged, and she shook her head.

"One of these days, you'll tell me all your secrets," she challenged as she walked him to the door of the library.

"Count on it."

She was taken aback by how seriously he said it, meeting her eye. There was a whisper of wind, and Myrah finally blinked.

"Transporting?" she guessed. "I thought you didn't like to do that. What happened to not wanting people to see you?"

He smiled again, but this time it didn't reach his eyes.

"I've changed," he reminded. "I don't have much to fear from other people anymore."

She clenched her jaw at that, but then he was moving to kiss her one last time, and she forgot what she was going to say.

185

"He missed you…whined the whole time you were gone."

Pippa squealed with pleasure as Baffa basically tackled her, licking her face.

"Baffa stop!"

The sniffer just whined and tackled her again as she tried to stand up and escape his smothering. Pippa giggled but finally gave him a firm shove so she could sit up.

"I missed you too," she assured him, and the sniffer started sniffing her newly cropped hair. She made a face.

"I know…I hate it too. But it's gonna grow back, you'll see."

Tolan smiled from where he was watching.

"C'mon, Fluff. Your mom's getting something for you to eat before you head out with Ret."

She turned to look at her father in confusion.

"Why am I headed out with Ret?"

Tolan shrugged nonchalantly.

"He's just gonna watch after you when you go out; Baffa needs a good run, Fluff. He's hated being cooped up in this arena for the past few weeks."

Pippa's frown stayed put.

"But I don't need Ret to…"

"Tolan!"

Pippa and her father turned at Theo's voice, and Pippa's expression brightened. She pushed herself up, running over.

"Heya, Prince Theo!"

Theodynn gave her a big grin as he came over to ruffle her hair.

"There you are! I was so happy to hear that you were back, Pip. Woulda come to see you sooner, but you were sleeping…"

"I'm sorry I missed your birthday party!"

He blinked at her blurted apology, and she glanced down to kick the dirt floor of the arena.

"I didn't mean to miss it. But that mean Healer…"

She trailed off, her eyes flashing, but then Theo's hand was on her shoulder.

"Don't apologize, Pippa. Honestly, we couldn't really celebrate without you anyways. None of this was your fault…and we're just happy to have you home."

She looked up and gave him a shy smile. He winked and pinched her cheek fondly.

"Your hair looks nice, by the way. Now everyone can see your pretty face better."

Her eyes widened, and she didn't notice Tolan shifting from his position a few feet away. In that moment, Pip decided maybe her shorter hair didn't look quite so terrible after all. She still hated Imgloss, of course. But who was she to argue with Prince Theo?

Theodynn had looked over at Tolan now, and even Pip could sense that there was something off between the two of them. It was weird; she was used to them joking around and picking on each other. But now they just sort of stared at each other.

"Tolan…Mom and Dad wanted you in the meeting later on with Hershel…"

"Uncle Hershel's coming?!" Pippa perked up immediately. She had been scared that after her uncle had left the day before that he would be gone for a long time again. "When?" she demanded, right as Tolan clamped a firm hand on her shoulder.

"Pippa, you are taking Baffa out with Ret. Go find your mother and eat something before you go."

She wiggled in his grasp.

"No, I want to see Uncle Hershel!" she said, turning to fix her father with a confused look. "He's coming back…"

"You won't be seeing your uncle today."

Pippa didn't understand it; her father was never like this. He didn't boss her around this much…and he looked so angry. What had she done wrong?

"I want to see him," she said stubbornly, and her father's eyes narrowed.

"Don't start," he murmured. "You're going to do as your told today, Pippa. Now go find your mother."

She opened her mouth to argue further, but his expression was enough to break down her argument before it even had a chance to form. She sagged, still not understanding, but she finally whistled at Baffa and gestured for him to follow her. The child ran with her sniffer out of the arena…but after telling Baffa to go find her mother, the young Oni doubled back and slunk into the shadows in a different arena doorway. She waited; she knew all too well that the most meaningful conversations occurred when adults told kids to leave.

"…Master Hershel?"

Her heart pounded at the mention of her uncle again, and she peered from her corner behind the stadium seats.

"You'll see, Freak. He's not the same anymore. I don't want Pippa anywhere near him."

It felt like someone was squeezing her heart. Surely her father didn't mean that!

"Tol…she's had free reign for the last six years. You can't just…"

"Don't you dare tell me how to raise my kid. You're still a kid yourself, Freak…and a clueless one at that."

She could see Theo stiffen before shaking his head.

"I know you've been going through a lot, Tol…but seriously…"

"If the Ruler's want me present, then I'll be there," the guard cut in. "But don't expect me to say anything. Or if I do…don't expect it to be cordial."

"I would have thought you'd be more relieved that your brother-in-law was ok!" Theo pointed out. "What on earth has happened to him that you can't even be 'cordial' in his presence anymore!?"

"He went to that stupid Island!" Tolan countered. "He knew what would happen if he went there. But that didn't matter to him. All he could think about was himself...what he wanted. He went and got his sight back and his powers back at the cost of everything else and getting Pippa taken…"

"Master Hershel didn't kidnap Pip. Imgloss did."

Theo's voice was uncharacteristically hard, and Pippa frowned. This wasn't nearly as entertaining of a conversation as she had hoped it would be—to be honest, it made her feel all muddy inside—but she couldn't pull herself away, either.

"He wouldn't have been able to touch her if Hershel had just stayed in his tent!" Tolan countered. "It was simple enough, really. All he had to do is stay put, and the realm would have been fine…but apparently that wasn't good enough for him. He had to go and…"

"Was that all?" Theo cut in, his own eyes flashing from some unknown source of anger. It made Pippa uncomfortable to see them fight…actually fight like this. She knew why her father was mad, even if she didn't really agree with him. Maybe Uncle Hershel had left…but he had come back. And to her, that was the most important part. No, the biggest mystery of this was why Prince Theo was so mad.

"What's your problem, Freak?" Tolan snapped, clearly as confused as Pip was. Theo just scoffed.

"Just think it's interesting how fast you change tunes…"

"What are you talking about?"

"So when I'm the one sitting in a cell for the good of a realm, I get yelled at and called a coward. Because heaven forbid I stay locked up when I have the power to free myself. But the second it's Hershel trying to free himself, you've decided that it would have just been better for him to sit there for the rest of his life in the dark…"

"Hershel wasn't in a cell, Freak! And you were the most powerful thing in that weak realm; you didn't have to worry about someone taking revenge on everyone you cared about…"

"That's exactly what I had to worry about!" Theo yelled back. "There are different kinds of powerful people, Tol! Different kinds of revenge…and different kinds of captivity. Maybe for once in your life, you can try to think about people's decisions from their own point of view!"

Tolan's hand was drifting towards his katana hilt now as he hissed angrily at the Heir.

"My daughter was at the mercy of a tyrant because Hershel failed to protect her. There isn't much else to see than that, is there?"

Theo's eyes narrowed.

"I was at the mercy of a monster when I was near Pip's age, because you failed to protect me. But you don't see me or my parents holding that against you, do you?"

Pippa wasn't really sure what Theo meant, but the effect was obvious on her father. Even from here, she could see the blood drain from his face as he grabbed the hilt of his katana like a lifeline. Theo had already looked away; he looked like he was sorry for what he said, but he didn't say as much. Instead, he started walking away.

"I'll tell my parents you can't come. You can go spend the day with Pippa. I don't want you there if you're going to be like this…"

"How dare you."

Theo paused as he heard Tolan's soft fury. He turned and met his eye unwaveringly.

"You're my friend, Tolan. But Hershel's my teacher…and he's saved my life and yours in the past. Maybe you can remember that next time you're tempted to blame everything on him, alright?"

Tolan just glared, but Theodynn had turned and walked away again. Pippa felt stuck now; she was scared of getting caught if she left, but that conversation had left her feeling sad inside. She wanted her mom…and the promised breakfast. And she wanted to see her Uncle Hershel, to see if her father was right and he really was different. He looked different, sure, and his power was white now. But in his eyes, he was still her same Uncle Hershel.

Wasn't he?


Hershel tried not to think about the cold cup of tea sitting on his table at home…untouched from when he had made it the night before. He had tried to muster the courage to connect to Phos for a while, for both his and Myrah's sake. But seeing his reflection in the tea, all he could think about was the horror in his old Master's voice.

What's happened to you?

The guards standing at attention outside the conference room opened the door, snapping the pale Master from his thoughts. His heart was pounding at the thought of meeting with Keyda and Cole. They had always had so much respect for each other…and he realized how much it pained him to lose that respect now.

"Master Hershel!"

He looked up to see Theo coming over to him. Ah, Theodynn—always the first to accept someone, no matter how far they strayed. Hershel could feel the heir's shock and surprise—no doubt at Hershel's changed physical appearance. But he could also sense relief…even happiness. Some of the anxiety that had been building inside of Hershel eased.

"Theodynn," he responded with a small smile. Theo's eyes scanned his face and hair.

"The…Island?" he finally guessed, and Hershel glanced away.

"Yes."

"Theo, take a seat so Hershel can actually come in," Keyda chided with a smile. Theo smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry, Master Hershel. Come on in…we have some tea. Have you had breakfast?"

He hadn't, but he wasn't hungry. So he just didn't answer as he came over to the table and sat where Cole was gesturing.

"We're glad you're back," the Elemental Master said with a kind look. "Syn's filled us in a little…but we're still in the dark about a lot of stuff. That's why we figured we would just ask you to come yourself…"

"There is a lot I won't be able to tell you."

It came out blunter than he meant, but he figured that it would be better for them to know up front. He had no intention of telling them everything. The Ruler family looked surprised.

"We figured as much," Keyda admitted. "But we just we wanted to know everything you could tell us."

"Starting with the most pressing order of business," the tall woman standing near the door cut in. Hershel glanced over at the Captain of the Guard. He knew Jaqah by reputation, but other than that, they were hardly familiar with each other. Her eyes were hard as she studied him.

"Where is Imgloss, and who exactly is the Master Healer now?"

Hershel thought about it.

"Probably him," he admitted, causing everyone else at the table to radiate shock and unease. He continued. "Though it is an empty title at this point. You won't have to worry about Imgloss anymore; he is powerless and locked down in an isolated area of the realm."

"Powerless how? He's an Ancient."

Jaqah's tone was no nonsense, and Hershel groaned internally as he felt the power stir within him. No one could speak to him patronizingly anymore…not without him having a reaction to it. And he was forced to admit that when unpowered people put themselves above him it made his power the angriest.

"I blocked his powers and tethered him to a far corner of the realm. If you don't wish to believe me, that's your problem. But I don't have any reason to lie," Hershel said softly. The others must have felt the tension in the room because Theo leaned forward.

"How did you block his powers?"

His question was curious rather than dubious, and Hershel wondered at how to answer. Or if he should even answer. Keyda's eyes flicked across his face.

"Perhaps it would be easier to start at the beginning?" she tried carefully, and Hershel glanced up at the Oni Ruler.

"Very well. You know that Imgloss blinded me and bound my powers…"

"Well, we didn't know it was Imgloss, actually," Theo cut in sheepishly. He sounded like he was trying to keep his tone light, but there was a glimmer of something else and Hershel suddenly realized that the Oni heir was all too aware of the fact that he had lied to him when he had asked Theo to take him to Imgloss's all those weeks ago. Hershel cleared his throat.

"I felt trapped," he continued. "I didn't want to spend the rest of my life in my tent, in the dark. So, I asked you to take me to Imgloss and I asked him to transport me to the Island. The plan was to summon the First Ancients for help."

"Did you know what Imgloss would do in your absence?" Jaqah asked, the question obviously weighted. Hershel narrowed his eyes as he turned to the Captain of the Guard once again.

"I came to speak with the Ruling family," he reminded her. "Of which you are not a member. If you want to accuse me of something, put me on trial."

The tall woman flushed angrily, but he met her eye evenly. He ignored the other feelings in the room. It was a harsh thing to say, but it appeased the power inside. It seemed to feel justified, and he couldn't help but feel relieved when it smugly relaxed.

"No one is accusing you of anything, Hersh," Cole cut in. "We honestly just wanted to know what happened. I mean…something obviously happened on that Island. You were able to contact the first ancients?"

Hershel's eyes hardened at the memory.

"No."

The Rulers blinked in surprise and he glowered at the table.

"They ignored my pleas."

"But you can see now!" Theo blurted. "And you have powers, if you managed to block Imgloss's. How…"

"The Island has a mind of its own. It initiated the transformation."

His words were clipped, and he was beginning to think that this wasn't a good idea after all. It wasn't that he didn't trust the Ruling family. They were good people, and good Rulers. Cole had saved his and Syn's life in their youth, after all…and he and Keyda had transformed the realm itself in the decades they had been in charge of it. But he hadn't even been able to talk about the Island with Myrah…even though he had wanted to. He couldn't bring himself to tell Cole, Keyda and Theo now, even if they had good intentions.

"What do you mean?" Keyda asked, just as he knew she probably would. He just shook his head, his eyes flashing once. They seemed to realize that this was the part he wasn't going to talk about.

"The Island?" Theo probed carefully. "You mean…Lunise?"

Hershel physically recoiled, the name blindsiding him. He turned on Theo, his eyes blazing for a moment.

"What?"

Theo's eyes were wide at Hershel's reaction.

"Um…Lunise…the Island Guardian. She helped us when we went to the Island. Well, I mean she threw Tolan and Syn in a pit, but she made it so Amber and I could summon an Ancient, and she helped me save my sister when Evynn was trying to take control."

Hershel just stared and Theo swallowed.

"You didn't meet her?"

"I did."

Hershel's expression made it clear that was all he was going to say on the matter, and Theo rubbed his neck.

"I just wondered if that's who you meant when you said that the Island changed you. She was the only we met there."

"Lunise was merely the Island's Guardian," Hershel cut in. "The Island itself is a powerful entity created by the First Ancients and corrupted over time. It…has a mind of its own."

He shuddered at the memories that now pressed their way to the front of his mind, and Cole and Keyda glanced at each other while Theo frowned.

"Was?"

Hershel looked back at the Heir as Theo shook his head.

"What do you mean she was the Island's Guardian?"

Hershel just stared for a moment.

"She's in the departed realm now," he finally admitted, and he could feel Theo's shock once again.

"How…"

"I told you, I cannot tell you everything."

Hershel had pushed himself to his feet, his tone both firm and apologetic.

"I know you probably have questions, and I'm sorry that I cannot answer them right now. But know that the realm is safe. Imgloss is not a concern, and I finally have the power and ability to protect the realm as I should have been doing for years."

"What do you mean?" Keyda asked. She and Cole had stood as well, but Theo continued sitting as he stared at Hershel with a distant expression, as if trying to piece together some difficult problem in his mind.

"Had I been a better Master Healer, I would have been able to help with the parasite problem. I could have made sure that Imgloss couldn't hurt me or anyone else that I loved. I may no longer carry that title…but I'm more dedicated than ever to ensure the safety of the realm."

"Ensure it how?"

Jaqah spoke again, her voice and gaze cold as he turned to look at her. Hershel's eyes narrowed.

"However I see fit."

Concern leaked into the air, but Hershel ignored it. He couldn't risk the power becoming upset that they didn't trust him…or didn't respect him. They didn't understand what he had become. They didn't understand who he had decided to be.

"There are other things I must get to today," he heard himself saying, turning to look back at the Rulers. "Thank you for your time…and I apologize if I'm leaving you with more questions than answers."

He didn't even give them a chance to respond before he disappeared in a flash of blinding white light.

186

Amber walked through the door and hoped that she looked more confident than she felt. The Ninjago Council Office Building was far fancier than most buildings she had visited, and her heart pounded as people in professional suits milled about. She headed for the secretary at the front desk, her head held high.

"Um…hi. I'm Amber, and I'm…"

"The Oni girl. Right; Paul here will accompany you to the Council Meeting."

The woman had hardly glanced at her as she typed, gesturing to a tall security guard next to the desk. He had a dark suit, sunglasses, earpiece…the full ensemble. Amber couldn't help wonder if he was meant to protect her, or protect everyone else from her. She couldn't really get a read on his emotions either. This Paul seemed as open as a block of ice.

The security guard gestured with his head and Amber sighed as she followed him down a corridor. After a few minutes they reached a staircase. Amber couldn't help but be impressed; it was carved and polished wood, with designs etched into it. It twisted as it went up, and on the walls there were paintings of various scenes from Ninjago City History.

"Woah," she murmured, and Paul glanced back to make sure she was still following. At the top of the staircase were two ornate doors guarded by more security guards. They didn't even look at Amber, but at seeing Paul they nodded and opened the doors to emit them both. Amber continued to walk confidently, but her heart was pounding with the realization that she had absolutely no idea what was expected of her.

"Ah, the Ambassador."

There were seven men and women seated around a horseshoe-shaped table. The speaker was the man at the head of the table—he was older with grey-streaked brown hair and a goatee. He had a serious air, but his eyes seemed kind, and that gave her hope.

"Hello."

It was all she could think of to say, but when none of the seven people staring at her answered she cleared her throat.

"I'm Amber…"

"The Oni Princess. We're well aware of who you are."

A woman this time, with long black hair. Her eyes were less kind.

"Your seat is over here," another woman explained, pointing to a chair at the far end of the left side of the horseshoe. Amber blinked and then found herself glancing at Paul, as if for affirmation. He raised an eyebrow and she sighed and headed over to the chair.

"Now that we are all present, can we finally get started? Or is there anything else you're waiting for, Speaker Lawrence?" The dark-haired woman asked. The man with the goatee smiled a little.

"Quite so, Councilwoman Talia. We may begin."

And thus ensued the most boring two hours of Amber's entire life. She had no idea what any of them were talking about, and they certainly didn't want her opinion on any of it. She found her mind wandering as they spoke. M. had said that he would meet her at the zoo with the Instruments, but if this meeting was much longer, she was going to miss them. She glanced at the clock for the millionth time, trying to decide if all of this would be done in the next thirty minutes.

"And that brings us to the last order of business."

Amber perked up at Speaker Lawrence's words. That sounded promising. But now she could see everyone throwing her sideways glances. After being totally ignored for the last two hours, it made her uncomfortable that people were now paying attention to her.

"We have an ambassador from the First Realm. The first time we here in Ninjago have ever had an ambassador from a different realm, to be honest. Quite unprecedented…"

"I still don't understand why we have allowed them to send a mere child."

Talia cut in again, and Lawrence gave her a withering look. Amber felt a rush of anger as well. Though, it was strange for people to dislike her because of her youth. She was far more used to people calling her a monster or a freak. But it seemed that even her age made these people think she wasn't good enough.

"This was all decided weeks ago, Councilwoman Talia…" Lawrence reminded. "Today's business is not to question the Onis' decision in their ambassador. It's to decide who ours will be."

Amber blinked at that. She had nearly forgotten that Ninjago was going to send someone to her home realm. She wondered how that was going to turn out…

"I put forward Eve Pullman as a candidate for the ambassadorship…" One of the councilwomen said.

"I second that motion…" A man started, but Talia cut him off.

"Eve Pullman would be a good candidate, if this realm were as civilized as our own."

Speaker Lawrence frowned.

"What do you mean?" he asked tiredly. Talia gestured at Amber.

"The First Realm is full of Demons and Dragons. None of us have been there, and we do not know what to expect. All impressions point to a barbaric society…"

"It's not…" Amber started, and the others glanced at her. She wondered if they had forgotten she was even there. Talia continued, ignoring her.

"…and someone such as Eve would be eaten alive. She may be good at politics, but she rarely leaves the comfort of her mansion. I doubt she'll last long in a place with no running water."

"We have running water!" Amber blurted with a glare, and this time everyone turned to her fully. Her cheeks flushed under the scrutiny. "It's just…not hot water."

They seemed surprised by her outburst, but Talia gestured to the Oni as if to prove her point.

"You see? We can't just send anyone. It needs to be someone who understands exactly what they are getting into. Who can stand for our ideals in even the most barbaric of societies."

Amber's eyes were flashing now, and she heard the concerned murmurings of the other council seats. Lawrence held up a calming hand.

"You've made your point, Talia…but I would warn you not to speak so negatively about our new allies."

Amber huffed, folding her arms. This was a huge waste of her time; why was she even here? To hear people argue about whether or not her realm was barbaric?

"You seem to have someone in mind, Councilwoman Talia," a bald man with a red beard pointed out dryly. The black-haired woman drew herself up.

"I think Tobias Bentworth would be a much better choice," she sniffed. There were a few murmurs as people discussed that.

"Tobias would be a good choice, if he wasn't already stationed in the outer villages," Speaker Lawrence pointed out, but Talia shook her head.

"One could argue that the ambassadorship is more important. I've written to him already, and he has shown himself willing to accept the call, if it were made. He is one of our best; to the point, happy to face challenges, and un-swayed by even the most rugged circumstances."

"That's true," a blonde woman with short hair admitted. Speaker Lawrence sighed.

"Are there any other candidates that we would like to consider?"

A few other names were brought up, but Talia seemed to have done her research. She had a reason against every single one, until the council was finally more or less forced to go with her choice. Amber watched the woman with narrowed eyes. She didn't trust her; the lady was obviously ambitious, wanting everything to go her way. Amber didn't have any real reason not to trust her, really…but she had known people like this. She didn't like them.

"Alright, it seems we have finally come to a unanimous vote," Speaker Lawrence was saying dryly. "Tobias Bentworth will be the Ninjagoan Ambassador for the First Realm."


The wind tugged at his hair, still tied at the nape of his neck. It felt good to have it out of the way—it made him feel more like himself. Now if he could just remember to cut the locks that hung in his face.

His feet walked the path without him really thinking about it. His familiarity with this place didn't come from his new power, however…but from his past.

"Halt, traveler!"

Hershel glanced up at the wannabe guard at the edge of the village walls. There was no recognition in the man's eyes, even though he had seen Hershel only a few months earlier.

"What brings you to the village?" the man demanded, and Hershel gestured to his clothing.

"A healing visit," he said calmly. "Have you any that would benefit?"

The man's expression flickered with confusion, and Hershel couldn't blame him. It would have been a long time since anyone had come here to offer help. In fact, the last time was when he had come with Phos to treat fever. When he had exposed his powers.

"You must be new to these parts," the guard finally said, but Hershel was relieved when he stood down. "We haven't had a healing visit around here for many years."

Hershel nodded and came in, and the guard watched him as he walked away. He had brought his stocked satchel, just in case there were people that required attention. But it had been a bit of a lie to say that he was merely on a healing visit.

It didn't take long to make his way to the crude village market. It was only a few stalls, selling mainly food. In a village such as this, it was the simple necessities that the villagers would and could buy. When your belly was empty, it was hard to justify buying weapons or other tools. His eyes locked on to an older woman at the last stall, hawking baked goods. He ignored the other sales calls as he headed for her.

"Good afternoon."

She had been bent over, getting another basket of goods. At his soft voice, the old woman straightened and squinted up at him.

"What do you want?" she asked, her voice skeptical. Hershel blinked and pulled out a few coins.

"Something to eat," he said, as if it should have been obvious. She accepted his money but continued to stare at him suspiciously.

"Forgive me," she finally said. "I've had reason to mistrust strangers in these parts. We don't get many…and certainly not those claiming to be healers."

He glanced down at his clothing and nodded.

"I have heard it has been a long time since one has ventured here."

"Indeed."

She seemed to be waiting for him to leave, but he purposely took a long time in selecting what he wanted.

"The truth is, I am not so new to these parts," he finally confessed, finally taking hold of a long loaf with a cracked crust. He could sense her interest peaking; busybodies never could keep their noses out of a good story.

"That so?" she asked, her tone betraying none of her inner interest as she wiped down the parts of her stand not covered in baskets. "I've lived here my entire life, and I've never set eyes on you."

"You certain of that?"

She looked up at him again, and this time really looked. But there was no recognition in her expression and she finally scoffed.

"I would have remembered the likes of you," she finally admitted. "You look like you should be my age, with that hair. But your face betrays your age as just out of your youth. Odd…but then again, all healers are a little odd."

Hershel just smiled sadly. "I was actually wondering if you would have information about a healer…one who lived here decades ago."

The woman just snorted, studying his face.

"What makes you think I'll know?"

"Because you've lived here your whole life," Hershel pointed out. "And I know how much you love to gossip, Foan."

At her name, the woman blanched. "How do you know me?" she demanded, and Hershel decided it probably would have been better to remain a stranger. But it was too late to take it back now.

"I'm not surprised you don't remember me," he admitted quietly, pushing his hair from his face. "But I remember you. That's why I've come—to see if you have the information I need."

She was disturbed now, and he knew she was wracking her brain for who on earth he was. But there was only one way for her to get answers, and it was to ask more questions.

"Who is it you're looking for?" she asked finally. Hershel's small smile faded.

"I'm not looking for him, because I know he is dead. But I wanted to know if you remembered a traveling healer named Hugo."

"Hugo," Foan repeated, her wrinkled face scrunching in thought. "Hugo…sounds familiar…" After a moment she snapped her fingers. "Large chap…a little lost in the head. Yeah, I remember him. Died a few decades back."

Hershel nodded. He knew that much.

"What do you want to know about him?" Foan asked, studying his sad expression.

"Everything you remember."

She blinked in surprise, but Hershel tugged a few more coins from his pocket, setting them on her stand. The older Oni glanced down at them, and then pulled them across the surface and into her own hand.

"We called him the wanderer. Rambled in and out of many villages around these parts. Was an alright healer…nothing special. Known for getting lost on his way to the well, if you know what I mean. Not really sure how he survived as long as he did…especially with him traveling through the wilderness most of his life. Strong fellow…carried a large club to keep the sniffers at bay. But we were certain he would end up bumbling off a cliff, or into Dragon Territory. His mind was always in the clouds."

"Why did he wander so much?" Hershel couldn't help but ask. Foan just shrugged.

"Guess he never had a reason to stay in one place. Not until…"

She trailed off, her expression suddenly tightening. Hershel's heart pounded.

"Until what?" he breathed. But the woman was scanning Hershel again, her mind far away.

"Can't be…" she was muttering to herself. Hershel leaned on her stand, his expression becoming serious.

"What made Hugo finally stay in one place?" he demanded, and she blinked.

"Ilya. We warned her how he was, but she needed help keeping that failing farm going, and he was a docile enough brute that could do her heavy lifting. Not sure what they saw in each other, really. But he was still prone to wandering, even after they got together. That is, until her son was born."

Hershel's hands gripped the edge of the stand, the power swirling inside. This time, it was more in reaction to what he was feeling than to the person speaking. He didn't know why he needed to know this so badly…but ever since that scene the Island had shown him, or rather told him…

Foan was still studying him, her expression sober.

"Hugo's the only reason that infant survived its first three years. Not that most people allowed affection in their lives back then, but Ilya honestly couldn't care less about the little welp. Hugo did all the work in raising him; used to keep him on a leash as they went to work or around the village. We assumed he was wary of the boy becoming a wanderer himself. Had the child made it past the village limits, he would have been picked off by sniffer or heat or worse. Hugo always kept him close."

Hershel was trembling a little, not even sure what he was feeling or what he had expected to feel. Foan was leaning forward now, scanning Hershel's face. Her eyes finally came to rest on the faded freckles on his face.

"Are you a ghost?"

Her voice was just a murmur, and she reached out a shaking hand to touch him. Disturbance flickered across her face as her fingers came to contact with his arm.

"No. I'm as alive as you are," Hershel pointed out. He knew he should probably leave, but he stayed put…that part inside of him still longing to know everything about that past he couldn't remember.

"Are you Ilya's boy?" Foan finally demanded, her voice becoming a little stronger. It was hard to know what she was feeling; fear, confusion, and curiosity all burning as one from her.

Hershel glanced away at the mention of his mother's name, and she narrowed her eyes.

"You survived. All this time, we assumed…"

"It was better for everyone to think I was dead," he murmured, his eyes blazing for a moment. She jerked her hand away.

"Seems she was right about your powers," Foan breathed, and Hershel didn't say anything. Inside, his power was churning, and he was willing it to calm down. There was no point in being angry at Foan…his mother was the one to blame, and she was dead. But then Foan was touching his face, turning it to face her again. He turned in surprise; her face was surprisingly sad.

"You look so much like your mother," she murmured, and Hershel flinched at her words. The older Oni sighed and shook her head. "That Ilya…a lost soul in her own right. Perhaps that's why she and Hugo ended up together. Easier to be lost with someone else."

"Do I not look like my father?"

She looked as surprised as he felt about his question, but after a moment she narrowed her eyes as she thought about it.

"Not many similarities, if I can be honest," Foan admitted. Hershel felt his heart fall, and he wasn't sure why. The older Oni continued. "Hugo was a large man…close-cut hair and a beard, from what I remember. You have your mother's build and freckles…and her eyes."

It made him feel sick. He had never thought much about it, but to hear that he bore similarities to the monster who had hurt him so many times cut deep.

"Though…I suppose there is something about you that reminds me of Hugo," Foan mused, almost talking to herself now.

"What?"

"That haunted look in your eyes. He had it too. Made us wonder if he was running from something, and that's why he wandered so much."

Hershel's brow furrowed at the information, and the woman finally shook herself from her thoughts.

"Now then, if you've gotten what you wanted, perhaps it's best you go now."

Her guard was up again, and she busied herself with stocking the already-full baskets.

"It's mid-meal, and people aren't going to approach a stall where a stranger is lurking," she pointed out. She wanted him gone now, Hershel realized…though he wasn't exactly sure why.

"If you'd answer one last question," he asked, though his tone made it less of a choice as an order. She glanced up at him with a tight expression and he continued softly. "How did my father die?"

It was strange to call him that. Indeed, it was hard to associate the title with a traveling healer from decades past rather than a cranky anti-social Ancient.

"No one knows for sure," Foan answered, her brow knit as she remembered back. "Eventually, he wandered off again. His body was found in the wilderness. Weren't sniffer that did it…all we can think of is that the heat got to him."

Hershel's heart twisted. He already knew that he was dead—Ilya had mentioned his dead father enough for Hershel to know that his birth father had died before he had ever met him. But hearing Foan talk about it made it seem more real. In a way it brought closure, but in another it brought up more questions.

"But you aren't sure?" Hershel asked. She scanned his face and sighed.

"Helped bury his body myself, boy. Didn't seem like anything had happened to him, other than the fact that his life had left him. Didn't even catch any trace of sickness."

The pale man glanced away, and Foan cleared her throat.

"Ilya was easier to diagnose. Never was the healthiest. Not sure if you were aware, but she's also…"

"Dead. I know."

He ran a hand through the hair hanging in his face with a sigh. He could feel Foan's continued discomfort, and by now he could sense other villagers who were indeed waiting to approach her stall but were keeping their distance. It was time to move on.

Hershel pulled out a few more coins and went to hand them to her, and Foan's expression twisted.

"You already paid for your meal, boy…and the information."

"This is to pay an old debt," he murmured, and she narrowed her eyes. He smiled a little, but it didn't reach his eyes. "You probably never noticed…but there were a few times I pilfered your wares as a child. My sister and I had to eat something, and they had stopped feeding us."

Foan didn't move to take the money, her face twisting with disgust.

"It didn't take Ilya long to move on to a new brute," she murmured to herself, as if in memory. "Surly fellow."

Hershel nodded, but continued to hold the money out. The woman finally scoffed and shook her head, closing his hand around the coins.

"You were a terrible thief," she muttered. "Clumsy and obvious. Couldn't have stolen anything that I'd miss."

He hesitated, realizing what it was she was saying. She shoved his hand away roughly.

"I've a business to run. And if you really are a healer, there are others who would benefit more from your presence than me. Help them, if you'd like to make up for past mistakes."

Hershel stood there a moment more, but she had closed off now. Even her feelings seemed to be blocked as she looked away, busying herself with her wares once again. He finally moved to pocket the coins.

"Thank you."

She shrugged, but something flickered across her expression. He finally turned and left, in search of those who might need his skills before he moved on. Though he worked efficiently for the rest of the afternoon, his mind was far away.

24