Crita, Galla
Winter, 458 H.E.
The market place in Crita was crowded and lively. Galla had not suffered as much from the war as Tortall had. Jasson moved unnoticed through the crown, his thoughts unoccupied. The thieves from Tortall said a Gennature's brand was bad luck and would get you caught, so Jasson had been carefully training his left hand. If he'd wanted, pick pocketing would have been easy. Instead he was eagerly taking in all the sites and sounds. He'd lost George a while back but he wasn't concerned. They'd meet back at the camp later, and George had promised something good for supper.
Suddenly Jasson's ease and relaxation evaporated. All his senses jumped to full wakefulness and the hairs on his arms and the back of his neck stood on end. He stopped. The crowd continued to flow around him. Then something happened to the air. It grew heavy around him and crackled with magic. People swerved to avoid him without noticing. Jasson felt terribly exposed even though it was clear no one else could feel or see anything. The feeling of magic increased, pressing on Jasson from all sides. The Gennature magic in his hand hummed in response, making his scar throb. His own magic, which he always kept hidden deep within, fought his rigid control. The combination of forces made him feel nauseated. He knew instinctively that the magic was neither Gennature magic nor the Tortallan Gift.
As suddenly as the change had begun, the air popped and a great, beautiful woman stood before him. Jasson glanced around quickly but there was still no one who saw them. The woman smiled at him in an almost motherly fashion and Jasson's nausea faded away.
"It is good to see you again, my prince." Her voice was reminiscent of a summer breeze shifting through pine needles, but it was powerful enough to make Jasson's knees weak.
Jasson felt he should kneel or bow in some fashion, but shock and nervousness kept him still. The woman seemed to understand and continued to smile at him.
"I'm sorry I could not come sooner, but you seem content." At first the word 'content' stuck Jasson as inappropriate, but then he nodded. Her smile saddened a bit. "I must admit I was a little worried. George Copper is not a patron of mine, and I was not sure he was up to the task." Jasson felt the urge to jump to George's defense, but she help up a hand. "My doubt way misplaced."
She went quiet, giving Jasson a chance to speak, but he had nothing to say. She laughed and it was a beautiful sound. "Kitten bombards me with questions every time I see her, but you are very silent." Jasson shrugged.
"Then I shall get right to it. Time is running short, and I have a task for you. There is an object, something of great power, which I intended to offer as a gift to you. However, it was impossible for me to take it into safekeeping myself, and I have just recently located it. This object is your birthright and now is the time for you to claim it. You must go and learn as much as you can while you have the time." Again she paused, but Jasson was still silent.
"You're destination is a clearing not far from here. You should leave on the north road then take the east fork. The road will turn and head south then northeast, but you must remain on it until you reach a creek where the road crosses on a green bridge. Follow the creek against its flow, and you won't be able to miss the clearing. The object is in the care of two vassals of your father. Don't fear if they know you. They will help you. I say again learn all you can. Your life, your future path, is unclear even to me. You, young prince, have an important path to walk. Do not stray, but do not hesitate. Keep always an open mind and learn—learn everything you can." Jasson started at her. "Do you understand?" She asked.
Jasson hesitated, thinking over everything she had said and trying to make sense of it. "No," he finally said, "I don't understand." She laughed again. Jasson thought he saw a few people pause for a moment then smile as they continued on their way.
"Well," she said and there was still laughter in her voice, "we'll just have to see how things progress. Go to the clearing and perhaps we'll talk again—perhaps we won't need to."
Jasson felt the air change again, though faster this time, and the woman was gone. Someone ran straight into Jasson and, looking startled, mumbled something to Jasson about stopping in the middle of the road. Jasson moved to the side and started walking slowly, his hands shoved deep into his pockets and his mind reeling.