Nesha threw another fistful of crystals into the bucket. It barely made a difference. She sighed and searched for more. She arrived with Sparos just before dawn and they immediately sent her to this pit along with the other prisoners. With no time to check the security, she was left with only rocks. Nothing to think about, when there's no information. She dug a larger white crystal from the rubble, it felt... not exactly warm to the touch, not smoother either, more like something in between. It made no sense to her, the bigger the stones were, the weirder they felt.
Someone shouted somewhere nearby. The words were muffled by the mist, she could only tell there were more than one person. It was none of her business, but if she wanted to escape, and she did, she had to get help. And the first step towards it was figuring out who was in charge here. She grabbed her bucket and walked towards the noise. Two men and one woman dressed in dirty clothes with ordinary stones in their hands stood around a woman in a lepharist uniform. Her back was towards the slope and she held a small dagger and looked afraid...
"Aielyn?" Nesha called in surprise. All four looked at her.
"Nesha?"
"You know this one?" the prisoner woman stepped towards her. "You're with them too?"
"They captured me on the way to save her. Didn't know she joined them."
"I didn't!" Aielyn protested. "I'm still me! And I'm not with them!"
"Then how do you have a weapon?" one of the men asked.
"I stole it."
"And they didn't search you? No, I don't believe that. If you think we're that stupid, you're in for a surprise. You shouldn't have come alone."
"Alright, calm down, everyone," Nesha walked between them. "Can I talk with her before you beat her up?"
"Well," the man looked at the others. "We want to hear everything, right?" The other two nodded.
"Sure," Nesha turned to Aielyn and reached out to her. "Give me that dagger and start talking. Why do you look like a Lepharist?"
"I..." the blonde held the dagger closer. "Wait, you're injured, what happened?"
"An accident with an aether-cannon. I can still handle that dagger better than you."
"But then I'll have nothing," Aielyn frowned. "Look, I'm not with them. They captured me and they tortured Mira and I wanted to get her out, but I couldn't do that from the cell, so when un... when they offered me to join them, I played along. But then that guy called Cerullon came and we moved to Tiamranta and he sent me and Mira here. So I didn't join them, I tried to infiltrate them and I failed."
"I don't believe that," the woman said and the men grunted in agreement.
"I do," Nesha replied. "She is reckless like that. Now, the dagger, Aielyn. Don't make me take it from you."
"So what?" one man snarled. "We don't want any Lepharists among us here."
"But I'm not a Lepharist!"
"Yeah, she's just stupid," Nesha said. "And even if she was one, what would that mean? You beat her up and she goes complaining to her superiors?"
"No, we'll kill her. She dies here and no obelisk helps her. They should know better than sending their minions here."
"I'm not their minion! I'm here like the rest of you, to collect these fucking crystals and I don't even know what's going on!"
"Alright, let's assume you kill her," Nesha mused. "What then? If she's one of them, they'll punish you. If she's not, you'll kill an innocent person, who could have helped you."
The three looked at each other, clearly unsure what to do.
"Look, is there someone in charge here? Take us to them and let them decide."
"Fine," the woman said after several seconds of silence. "But not now, I'll tell him first. And she'll have no weapons on her."
Aielyn stared at them for a moment, but relented and gave the dagger to Nesha. It was thin, well balanced, very sharp and at the blade's base it had a tiny carving of six petals and a halo holding a berry.
"Where did you get this?"
"I told you, I stole it."
"This dagger is exclusive to members of Lightshade. It's their pride and proof of membership. It's impossible to take it from someone without them turning everything around to find it."
"Wait, so she's a Lightshade?"
"No!" both Nesha and Aielyn said simultaneously. Nesha added: "She's nowhere near the skills required for that. So, who did you take it from and how?"
"Well, that guy Cerullon killed Darillia, so I took it from her, before I went to the obelisk to check on her."
"That's somehow even worse," Nesha sighed. "Alright, I'll figure out how to get rid of it. You... just avoid them. And you three are still here? Didn't you want to go to your boss?"
~ o ~
In the evening they reached the ruins of Marayas city. Quietly, to not disturb the sleeping statues, they sneaked into the remnants of the defense base to get a much needed rest. They were lucky and only crossed one Balaur patrol during their travel, which mostly Darrand and Ylrian took care of. After they settled between the walls, Darrand sent Lonewolf to scout the southern path and if possible to get back to the fortress and inform Lady Triniel. After the ranger left, Ylrian volunteered for the watch, although Darrand looked like he wouldn't sleep either.
Cathy found herself an almost comfortable corner, not completely out of sight, but also not in anyone's way. She was tired. Even though her training improved her stamina, she still didn't know how to use her powers as the Lady to keep on going. That was wrong, Darrand has also gained this power recently, even later than she did, but he could use it almost flawlessly. Did this power choose her by mistake? Lord Marchutan was dead, after all, it could have been confused.
"Hi," the assassin, Miss Sigwyn, sat next to her. "We didn't have the opportunity to talk properly yet, Lady Cathy," she smiled. "How are you doing?"
"I'm... I'm alright, thank you, Miss Sigwyn," Cathy replied hesitantly. "What do... what can I do for you?"
"Just Sigwyn, please. Plus, I'm married."
"Yes, of course, I'm sorry."
"I'm curious, Lady Cathy, this was quite an intense series of events, how are you handling this mess?"
"I... I don't know. I'm happy Lord Kaisinel... that he wants to talk with Lady Triniel, but... I don't want to ruin the negotiations. He seemed... disappointed with me. And... I don't know what to do."
"It's alright to be afraid," Miss... no, Madam Sigwyn said. "But don't let the fear paralyze you."
"Yes, you're right. I'm sorry," Cathy replied automatically. Of course, she was the Lady of Fate, she couldn't afford to show her fear. She had people to care about.
"Mi... uhm, Sigwyn, are you... are you alright?"
"I'm still weak from not doing anything for so long, I'll have to train a lot to regain my strength. Other than that, I'm doing well."
"That metal... it doesn't hurt?"
"No, not really," she flexed her left hand, the metal glinting in the low light which scattered when it reached the pale crystal embedded at the back of her wrist. "It feels strange and sometimes disorienting, but there's no pain from it. I'll figure it out and I'll get used to it."
Cathy nodded. She wanted to say something, she knew she should have said something, but she couldn't find the right words. So she just stared ahead and hoped Sigwyn would ask something. But she didn't. She just sat next to her, smiling, probably lost in thoughts. There must have been a lot of things to think about, she's been in the lab for so long...
She only noticed she fell asleep, when the dream of the two light and shadow people came to her again. They reached for the world, but this time they held hands. The time started flowing again, but something was different. Off. It wasn't right...
"Darrand! Where the fuck are you?" Shairun's voice woke Cathy up. Sigwyn was no longer next to her and the pale, red-haired warrior in deep blue armor was marching through the ruined building. "Stop hiding, you coward!"
Another woman followed her. She had olive skin, short black hair and compared to Shairun, her armor was very plain and instead of a spear she had a sword at her belt. And she had no claws. But she was with Shairun, so she was alright? When Darrand came out of the ruins she froze at the spot, staring at the shield he held. Shairun strode up to him.
"What the fuck does this mean?" she pointed her spear at the shield. "Are you Elyos now or what?"
"I'm still Asmodian and I'll always be," Darrand said. "I got the power of Justice, I don't care where it came from and I'll use it to defend Asmodae and its people."
"It doesn't matter how much power you have. You're a coward, you'll run away the moment you're in danger. Again!" she yelled the last word. Darrand tensed, raised his fist and stopped in the middle of movement.
"I'm not running anywhere, Shairun," he grunted. "I will do my duty as an Empyrean lord, whether you like it or not."
"Well, not my Empyrean lord," she spat. "Idora, say something!"
"How did it happen?" the other woman said. Her deep voice was calm and steady, although Cathy couldn't say whether she was really calm or just had near perfect self control. Her name didn't sound familiar, but from the way she carried herself, it probably should. "And how did you convince Lord Kaisinel to let you go?"
"Israphel kept the relics of Lord Zikel and Lord Nezekan and tried to unlock their powers. I got hold of Izith when Lady Cathy was in danger and the shield gave me the power to protect her. I failed to get Lord Zikel's sword, the real coward ran away with it."
"So you had the power of an Empyrean lord and you let a random guy run away with the most important thing that there was?" Shairun rolled her eyes.
"My priority was getting Lady Cathy to safety. She was the one Israphel was after."
"And? Where is she?"
"I-I'm here," Cathy got up and, still stiff from sleeping on rough stone, stumbled to them. She tripped over the rubble and barely kept her balance. "I'm here. I'm... alright."
"Aren't you a bit too young to be the Lady of Fate?" the Elyos woman, Idora, set her eyes on Cathy. They were beautiful and green, like leaves in Inggison, when the sun shines through them.
"I'm sorry."
"Her age isn't the problem," Shairun walked over to Cathy. "So? You're supposed to be the Lady of Fate, but you let yourself get captured by a human?"
"I'm sorry."
"It wasn't a human, Shairun," Darrand pointed out. "That spy was a daeva and clearly well trained."
"That doesn't matter. Do you have any idea what it caused in the fortress? How fucked up it is to have an Empyrean lady, who lets herself be kidnapped?"
"I'm sorry, I know I'm not fit to be a Lady," Cathy sobbed and wiped tears from her eyes. "I don't want to be a burden for anyone, I... I know I'm messing up, but I'm not doing it on purpose. If... if I can make it better by giving this power to someone else, I'll do it."
Shairun's black eyes turned red and she slapped Cathy with her full strength, leaving claw marks on her cheek.
"Hey!" Darrand stepped in.
"Don't you fucking say anything like that again! Do you know what's fucking worse than an incompetent leader? One who can't be bothered to take responsibility!"
"Shairun, that's enough!" Darrand pushed her away. "That's way over the line."
"So you approve of this whining?"
"No. And neither of your pointless yelling."
Cathy watched them argue, unable to do anything. Unable to think of anything to do. She thought that giving her power to someone competent would make things better, but even the suggestion made everything worse. Shairun and Darrand were allies, they weren't supposed to fight! But she didn't dare to say anything. So she just stood there, unmoving, as small and unobtrusive as possible.
"Fine," Shairun said and the glow in her eyes dimmed. "If my yelling is pointless, I won't waste my time with either of you. Lady Triniel wants to see you as soon as possible, so get your ass to Rhonnam, the flight transporter is set up there."
"I'm staying here," Darrand shook his head. "We need this base running again, send me a crew and supplies and I'll start building this line of defense."
"You're fucking impossible," Shairun rolled her eyes.
"You still haven't answered my question," Idora said before they could start another argument. "How did you convince Lord Kaisinel to let you go?"
"I think it was a show of good will on his part," Ylrian walked in. "Lord Kaisinel seems to be interested in negotiation."
"What would he want to negotiate?"
"He didn't share that with me, but I'd guess he wants to get rid of Israphel without tearing Elysea apart."
"I don't give a shit about Elysea, but if killing Israphel is on the table, I'm in," Shairun said. "And the sooner we start, the better."
~ o ~
After the incident with the three fellow prisoners Aielyn took off her lepharist vest and turned her shirt inside out. It looked silly, but silly was better than one of them. She dug up a few fistfuls of the crystals and found Mira, who was staring at nothing, sitting next to her bucket, which was toppled over and its content spilled out.
"Mira? Are you..." Obviously not alright. "Are you hurt? Do you need help?"
"I... I told them everything," the sorceress whispered.
Aielyn nodded and began gathering up the scattered crystals.
"When they captured me and... I knew it wouldn't make things any better for me, but I still told them everything I knew about you and the others."
"I figured," Aielyn said. "When I saw you there, barely conscious, I... it makes sense. I'm sorry."
"You're apologising for me talking?" Mira sneered slightly.
"You were captured because of me. If I didn't convince you in Eltnen, or if I were faster or more capable in Beluslan... I-I want to help you get out."
"Too late for that."
"No, Mira, it's not too late! We're at the border with Sarpan, if we get through the guards, we can..."
"Are you always like this?"
"Like what?"
"This naive, to the point of annoying. We won't get through the guards. And this mist..." Mira sighed and picked up the remaining crystals. Her bucket was only two thirds full. "If you want to get out, I won't tell anyone. But find someone else to help you. My father is in prison, better I die here than to endanger him even more."
"But..."
"No, just... just leave me. I don't want any company."
"I... alright. But if you change your mind, please tell me," Aielyn stood up, grabbed her bucket and poured down a bunch of crystals from it, making the sorceress's bucket full. "And please get some rest."
She walked away into the mist before Mira could react. After she was sure she was far enough, she knelt and dug her fingers into the rocky ground. She tried to understand why Mira would give up so quickly. Could torture do that? Or maybe Mira just didn't want to have anything to do with her? It's not like they were friends, they just met. No, stop thinking about this! She took a deep breath. If Mira didn't want to run, she couldn't force her. Maybe she could ally herself with Nesha? The assassin even said she came here for her. But where did she go? Probably gathering the crystals somewhere else. Right, the crystals...
Aielyn cleared her mind and tried to focus on her work. Giving up part of her crystals meant staying here for longer. On one hand, she didn't want to go up and face either the other prisoners or Herlen anyway, on the other... she would need food at some point. Already she was feeling thirsty. Under an ordinary rock she found a larger black crystal. It felt... soothing. Not exactly what she would expect from a shiny gemstone, but if the Lepharists bothered with keeping prisoners alive enough to gather them, clearly, these crystals had an effect that made it worth it. But what was it? Did it have some special aether inside? Remnants of the explosives that created this crater? For a brief moment she considered pocketing one of each colour, but quickly gave up that idea. If it was this special, they would find it.
After some time she didn't bother to count, her bucket was finally full. She got up, stretched her aching muscles and set out to find her way out of the crater. She couldn't see more than a few meters, but her best guess was going upwards and it paid out eventually. A bit disoriented, when she stepped out from the mist, but finding her way outside of the crater was easy. Especially with all the wooden fences and bored guards. Upon handing the bucket full of crystals, they searched her and then directed her to a shack meant for prisoners. Next to the door was a barrel with water. She darted towards it and drank a few ladlefuls before she realised what she was doing.
"You missed the dinner," Nesha said softly as she reached for another ladle. "They're just clearing it up, if you go quickly, there may be some leftovers."
"Go where?"
Nesha took a gulp of water. "Come with me," she gestured. Aielyn followed. The few prisoners who were still outside gave her angry looks, the guards ignored them, as long as they stayed within the fences. Behind the shack was a large, wobbly wooden table and a group of people in plain civilian clothing with only an armband indicating they belonged to Lepharists. Nesha led her to the closest one, a young black-hired man carrying a huge pot.
"Is there anything left?" the assassin asked almost humbly. "My friend Lyn here just returned from the pit."
"The dinner's over, sorry," the man shrugged nervously. He looked at both of them, his gaze was strangely intent, although his hazel eyes surrounded by freckles seemed ordinary. "Go back to the hut. Our outhouse. Here you'll get into trouble. And I don't want trouble with you. So, get lost."
He pushed past them before either could respond and joined a group of civilians leaving the area.
"Yeah, we'd better go out of their way," Nesha sighed. "Sorry, didn't know you'd be late, I would have saved you at least a bit."
"That's alright, I'll manage," Aielyn said. "Which way now?"
"Lyn!" at the corner of the shack they almost bumped into Herlen. "Thanks Aion you survived. Come with me."
"What? Where?" her muscles tensed. Whatever he had in mind, his presence could only make her situation with the other prisoners worse.
"Herlen? What are you doing here?" Nesha asked, clearly surprised. "You two know each other?"
"Oh, Nesha, you're here too? That's a pleasant surprise. And you're even friends with my..."
"He's a liar, who pretended to be my parents' friend," Aielyn blurted out before he said anything that could be interpreted as proof of her being one of them. "And then he betrayed them."
"Such harsh words, Lyn, you're hurting me," he sighed theatrically. "I can only hope you'll forgive me as you forgave her."
"What should I forgive her for?" Aielyn was puzzled. She glanced at Nesha, who suddenly frowned. Even her posture slightly changed.
"Ah, Nesha, you didn't tell her?"
"It's almost curfew and we shouldn't be outside," the assassin grunted, glaring at Herlen. "Let's go, Aielyn, we don't want any trouble with guards."
She looked at Nesha, who avoided her gaze. Then at Herlen, who had that smug smirk again. She wanted to punch him. But Nesha looked awfully expressionless, like a mask. The assassin was hiding something and it had to be something bad. Something Herlen thought would create conflict between them. And she didn't want to give him that satisfaction. Not trusting herself to keep her voice calm, she just nodded and followed Nesha into the shack.
There were around thirty people inside, huddled on thin mattresses, simple cots, or just on the ground. There were no lamps inside, the only light came through the gaps between the planks. It was not enough to see if Mira was there, but Aielyn held hope. They carefully waded through the people trying to sleep and found a place near a wall where they could at least sit next to each other.
"What were you supposed to tell me?" she whispered.
"Nothing, he was just braxshitting," Nesha replied in a hushed tone. Aielyn wished she could see her face clearly.
"Please, tell me."
Silence. Could Herlen be lying? Yes, of course he could. But then Nesha's reaction wouldn't make sense and he didn't even say anything specific. No, there had to be something. It couldn't be about the scorpion, sure, Nesha gave her poison, but it was to save her and, more importantly, Herlen didn't know about it. Being rude about half-breeds? She was used to that and Nesha never said anything that would stand out. There was no conflict between them in Heiron... No, it had to be something where both of them were and it had to somehow relate to her. Relate...
"You're right, I have to tell you," Nesha whispered. "If I don't, he will do it at the worst moment possible. Just... Cathy asked me to rescue you, so if you decide you hate me, please try to wait until we get out."
"Alright?"
"Do you remember our discussion on the airship?"
"Which one?"
"When we arrived to Gelkmaros. You saw Marayas and told me about your parents. I told you I was there and I told you I'm sorry..."
"It was you, wasn't it?" a sudden realisation dawned on Aielyn. Of course, Nesha was an assassin. The Asmodians were her enemies. She was there... "You... you killed..."
"It was a battle. And there was chaos. So when I saw Kyoren just standing there, staring at an asmodian songweaver, I thought she enchanted him. So I..."
"Stop," Aielyn quietly sobbed. "Don't say that. I get it."
"I'm sorry, I didn't know they were married."
"Would it make a difference?"
"I... don't know. I wish I could say it would, but..."
"Then stop talking. I hate you," Aielyn turned away. She wanted to run outside, or at least somewhere else in the shack, but she was all but frozen to the spot. She already cried for her mom, she went through the grieving, she had to keep a cool head and go on. She had to get out of here. But being confronted with her mom's murderer, someone she wanted to be friends with... it was like when Carmir turned against her. It hurt. With tears flowing from her eyes she cried herself to sleep.
~ o ~
Standing at the far edge of the training area, Lonewolf winced as Seritha hurled a tangled coil of lightning at his wife, who didn't try to evade, but instead reached for it with her left hand. The metal attracted the bolt and absorbed it, but for a moment, a way too long moment, in his mind, Sigwyn looked stunned, wasn't even breathing. He clenched his fists and resisted the urge to run to her. She wanted this test and made him promise her he wouldn't interfere under any circumstances. He only managed to get an exception in case she fell unconscious. Which she didn't and he had to only watch.
"Wow," she finally said and watched the crystal at the back of her wrist. Was something moving inside?
"How do you feel?" Seritha asked.
"Tingly. I can move fine," Sigwyn demonstrated a set of quick exercises. "But the arm feels weird."
"You just absorbed a medium lightning," the sorceress pointed out. "It would be weird if you didn't feel... weird. Can you release it?"
"Any hints for how?"
"How do you normally use aether? Try hiding in the shadows but instead of using the aether from your surroundings, try to use the aether inside your arm."
There weren't any significant shadows near Sigwyn, the closest one, created by a wall, was a few meters away. She reached down, pulled the tiny shadow from between the floor tiles and disappeared from Lonewolf's view. He immediately pushed aether into his eyes to enhance his sight. At that moment, the place where Sigwyn stood exploded and she appeared again in a thin cloud of dust. She fell on her knees and breathed heavily. Her tunic was singed and the skin on her arm just above the metallic part was way more red than it should be. Lonewolf clenched his fists.
"That didn't work, but I know where it went wrong," she said. "Give me a moment and let's try again."
"No," Seritha shook her head. "You got injured, let's end it here for today. Please, go to see Engor to make sure you're alright. We'll continue tomorrow."
"I want to figure this out," Sigwyn frowned. "But you're right. No need to break myself before I get the chance to use this against some Lepharists."
She stepped down from the training-ground, Lonewolf met her half the way.
"Care to accompany me to the infirmary?"
"Always," despite being worried he smiled. "Are you alright?"
"Of course," she leaned closer. "I think Seritha is way too cautious, I feel fine. But it won't hurt getting checked in case this thing does something weird."
"And we don't want anything weird to happen, right?"
"Unless it happens to be fun."
The walk to the infirmary took them only a couple of minutes during which Lonewolf both enjoyed being close to his beloved in relative safety and worried about the possible side effects of her... upgrades. As they got close to the infirmary, they heard arguing voices from the inside.
"...until you deal with the farms? Or wait for Gathre to get back from Rhonnam? Why did you send a child into the enemy territory?" Tatran ranted. Again.
"Someone had to stay here," Engor replied patiently. "We couldn't leave the fortress defenseless."
"Then why take her at all? She barely made a difference."
"I heard otherwise. Even from you yesterday."
"You could have sent Veille instead. If you trust her so much, to, ouch, let her do the defense seals..."
"Sorry, I can't see very well under that band. You need to get rid of the spirit, or it will just keep burning you."
"I know. Give me three or four another spiritmasters and I'll send it back to the aether. Until then, I can't."
Lonewolf shifted uncomfortably and turned at Sigwyn.
"Why do I get the impression we're listening to something we shouldn't?" he whispered.
"Because they didn't close the door properly," she smiled and knocked on the door to save them from further unintentional eavesdropping.
Tatran sat on a simple chair, while Engor weaved healing aether into his right arm, treating the red skin around and under the spirit armband he got in Silentera. At the first glance it didn't look serious, but if it was burning all the time, he didn't envy the spiritmaster at all.
~ o ~
Lady Triniel was angry. Or wasn't? It was hard to tell with the Lady of Death, but Cathy was sure she had to be angry. Why wouldn't she? After Cathy let herself and Darrand be captured, things couldn't have been good here. And when they returned, Darrand was Lord of Justice. Elyos, but not Elyos. And it was her fault, she gave him the shield. She should have tried to get him the sword, that would help not only him, but also the Asmodian people. They would have hope, instead of...
"Cathy, pay attention," Lady Triniel admonished her. Maybe she wasn't angry, but definitely irritated. And disappointed. And Cathy was disappointing.
"Yes, of course, I'm sorry."
They were discussing the important things that a fortress needed to function. Cathy tried to pay attention, at the beginning, but the topics went quickly into details she couldn't follow. And her armchair was so comfortable she almost forgot where she was. The current topic was the letter from Lord Kaisinel. Another thing that didn't improve anyone's mood. He proposed a truce negotiation, somewhere on a neutral ground. It wouldn't mean the Elyos would stop attacking them, though, only those in Inggison.
"I don't think it's a trap," Veille said. "In addition to Lord Kaisinel, three of Lord Vaizel's Wings support this negotiation."
"Which is pointless, because he doesn't," Shairun objected. "And Ylrian is both a spy and a traitor, so we can't trust whatever he says."
Cathy trusted him, sort of. But it was no use to say anything, they didn't want her opinion.
"I'll go meet him," Lady Triniel said. "Alone. He promised to bring Lumiel, we need to know if she's herself."
"My lady, going alone will be dangerous, if it's a trap..."
"I'm aware, Richelle. Even if they found a way to capture me, you will still have Darrand and Cathy. And if Yustiel comes to her senses, she'll help you too."
"No offence, my lady, but no one's gonna follow that coward Darrand," Shairun scoffed.
And I am worse than useless and Lady Yustiel is an Elyos, Cathy finished the unsaid part in her thoughts. Lady Triniel was the only one holding them together, that was true.
"This is not the time for your personal grievances, Shairun," Lady Triniel frowned. "Darrand proved more than capable during our stay in the Shelter. If you have unfinished business with him, finish it before I leave for the negotiations. You'll be needed here in the fortress, while I'm gone."
"So he's really staying in Marayas?" Cathy blurted out.
"Yes, I sent him a small team to create a provisory settlement, that will be our first line of defense. Shairun will take over his duties in the fortress, including your martial training."
Cathy nodded.
"Yes, my lady," Shairun didn't sound happy.
"This is settled, then. I'll send a messenger to Kaisinel to agree on the time and place. Richelle, what's our next point?"
"Magical defenses and transport," Richelle looked at the next paper on the low table in front of her. "With Seritha, Tatran and Veille."
"Call them."
In a few moments, the two mages joined them and sat next to Veille on the long guest bench. Cathy's attention was immediately drawn to the blue armband on Tatran's right arm. It was pretty and swirly blue and... her heart was beating faster and she gasped for air. She noticed she dug her claws into the armrests only when she wanted to move her hands. When she let go of the armrest, her hand was shaking.
"Lady Cathy!" Richelle was suddenly in front of her. "Lady Cathy, are you alright?"
"I... something's wrong," she managed to say. "Very wrong."
"Can you tell what is wrong? Can you narrow it down?" Seritha was there too, holding her hand.
"We didn't get to divination yet," Richelle said. "Lady Cathy, hold your breath for a moment and focus on the aether inside you."
"I... it's Tatran... he's in danger... no, not him, I mean... him, but not him... I'm sorry, I don't understand."
~ o ~
A loud noise that sounded like someone was beating an old pot too hard woke Nesha up. She was on her feet immediately, the rest of the prisoners were getting up. She glanced at Aielyn, who was still curled near the wall, but after the people started moving out of the shack, the girl got up and followed them, ostensibly not looking at her. Nesha also kept her distance and instead focused her attention on the others. There had to be someone in charge, at least informally, or several someones in charge of smaller groups, that was how people worked. Her gaze followed the three prisoners from yesterday and after several moments she identified a man, with whom they seemed more polite than with the others. He had a jet-black skin and tangled sand-coloured hair and beard and he carried a simple piece of wood as a cane. And he was an Asmodian. At least he stood out, finding him in the pit should not be that difficult.
After breakfast, which consisted of two dry slices of bread and a cup of water with stimulating herbs boiled in it, the whole group of prisoners was herded back to the crater. As she was picking up her bucket for the day, she heard shouting. The guards started rounding up everyone, looking threatening with their spears and guns and spells. Cerullon walked between them, looking for someone among the prisoners. Nesha slouched and looked at the ground. If he was looking for her, it wouldn't help, but if he wasn't, she didn't want to remind him she turned against him in the Shelter.
"Here you are, little bitch," he pulled Aielyn from the crowd. "You thought you could steal from me and get away with it?" He punched her to her face and her belly and she fell. "Get the rest to the crater," he told the nearest guard and grabbed Aielyn behind her neck as if she was an elrocco, lifting her up. "You'll be their evening reminder that stealing is bad. And in the meantime you're gonna entertain me."