Chapter 4:
In the few weeks since the Invasion much had changed. For the first two weeks everyone had mourned and helped rebuild what was lost, houses were rebuilt, rubble cleared, and then once the citizens had returned to Kyralia, had attention turned back to the Guild. A Meet had been called by the Higher Magicians, and they were also going to reveal who would take up new roles. Sonea and Akkarin had continued to wear black robes until a decision had been made about them. Outside the Guildhall it was crowded as all the remaining magicians entered for the Meet. The Guild had lost many people, yet enough remained to fill just under half of the Guildhall. Akkarin and Sonea took a seat next to Rothen, Dannyl, and Dorrien and anxiously awaited for the Meet to begin. Akkarin froze in confusion when a swirl of blue robes entered, but as the man turned around he realised who it was and let out the breath he was holding. It wasn't Lorlen, it was Osen. He looked down to find Sonea's hand had slid over his and held it tightly, as he looked at her she smiled sadly. 'Lorlen isn't coming back.' He said mentally. The shock had still not gone. He had been best friends with him for seventeen years, and now he was gone. Sonea's hand brought warmth back to him as he snapped out of his reverie, she would be there for him always. Osen stood before the Guild and raised his voice so all could hear "Today the Guild will elect new people as Higher Magicians. As you can see, I have inherited the role of Administrator. As for the position of High Lord, we feel it isn't appropriate for Akkarin to return, and that the role be passed along to someone else. We have chosen Lord Balkan." Murmuring followed Osen's words, mostly agreeing on their choice. "As for Head of Warriors, we have chosen Lord Garrel. And Head of Alchemy, Lord Peakin." The voices now raised and Osen had to intervene to quieten them. "Lady Vinara will stay as Head of Healing. As for the Head of Studies, we have chosen Lord Rothen to be Head of Alchemic Studies. Warrior and Healing will stay the same. And finally Ambassadors and Expatriates are open for choice, come to my office if you wish to take up the role." Rothen looked speechless. He was to be the Head of Alchemic Studies! As people took in the news, they congratulated each other and Rothen soon found himself being congratulated by everyone. Osen then rang the small gong and everyone went back to their seats. "Finally the last issue is of Sonea and Lord Akkarin. Can you two come down here please." They stood, then descended to the floor, once they reached it they faced Osen. "Lord Akkarin, of the family Delvon, House Velan, former High Lord. And Sonea, former High Lord's novice. In light of recent events, the King has changed your punishment for Black Magic. He feels that your exile was enough punishment and has offered a pardon and a place back in the Guild. However due to the knowledge of Black Magic, there will be limitations. Firstly if you leave the Guild grounds you must ave an escort at all times, secondly you cannot hold a position of power, and thirdly you must not use Black Magic at all, unless Kyralia is under attack from Sachaka again. You will both wear black robes, and the High Lord's robes will now be white. Do you agree to these terms?" They both agreed. "Does anyone else have anything to say?" Silence. "Then I call these Meet over." Akkarin looked at her flummoxed, surprised that the King had been so generous. Though half of his city now lay in disrepair and without their help the Ichani may have won the battle. But now he was at a loss what to do, he was so used to being High Lord that having so much free time daunted him. Osen came up to Sonea and said "Sonea, as you have not yet finished your training, and we feel that you cannot return to classes, you will be taught privately. Vinara has generously taken up this as you would like to take up the Healing discipline. Anything that you will miss that we feel is important will be taught to you privately by another teacher, but we need someone to assess that in the future. Vinara will speak to you at some point about a schedule, but right now we are trying to get everything back in order." He smiled at her, glad that she was able to become the Healer which had been her hope since starting.
After the Meet Sonea and Akkarin had returned to their room, which was down the corridor from Rothen's room. However since the Meet Akkarin had been very quiet, so Sonea had left him alone to think over what was on his mind whilst she went to find Vinara. When she returned she decided it was time to talk. Grasping his hand she said "Let's go to the spring, I want to talk to you." So together they walked to the spring holding hands, once they reached there Akkarin sat beside the rock that held the game and sighed. "Lorlen and I used to come here all the time. So many memories..." He turned away from Sonea and spoke carefully. "Most of the time it was to escape Lord Margen to infuriate him. Sometimes it was just to relax, it is very peaceful up here. But now..." Sonea went to kneel beside him, as he had covered his face with his hands. She gently pulled them away and saw that he was crying, he avoided her eyes clearly embarrassed that she was seeing him like this. She pulled him close to her chest and comforted him. "You should make a memorial." She whispered to him. "And then, we can bring happy memories to this place." Akkarin looked up at her tears streaming down his face, but looking slightly hopeful, "A memorial." He breathed. He searched around for a large rock, and fused the stone shaping it into a large plinth. As Sonea looked over she saw what he had written on it In memory of Lorlen, former Administrator of the Guild, who gave his life to the Guild, and to save Kyralia, and my best friend. At the bottom he had placed the date and his name. He stood back and looked at his work, then hugged Sonea. "Thank you." He whispered softly. "I want you to look deep inside me with your mind." She said simply, Akkarin looked at her confused, but did so to see what she wanted. He sensed many emotions, undying love for him, grief, and a small flicker of hope. Wondering what was making her feel like that he concentrated on it, he couldn't find what it was, but continued looking now very curious. Delving deeper he found that she hoped that something would make him happy again, something she was hiding from him. He thought what she had said 'I want you to look deep inside me with your mind', that didn't necessarily mean her mind. So he drew away from her mind and looked at her body, everything was normal... Except her body was busy doing something. He followed it to the source and completely froze when he finally found what she meant. She was pregnant!
He opened his eyes and looked at Sonea in complete disbelief. He now realised what she had meant by bringing happy memories to this place, but couldn't believe that she was carrying his child inside her! He let go of the breath he was holding but still said nothing, he felt Sonea send her emotions to him, letting her love wash over him and reassure him. He chuckled "You continue to surprise me Sonea!" Then he held her close and kissed her letting his feelings, old and new, wash over her.
