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Restore the balance so they may return.
How?
Listen and you shall learn. Seek the truth.
How do I find it?
You already know.
Except I didn’t know. And restore the balance? Of what? The realm? How the fuck was I supposed to do that? I had assumed she was referring to the Glaev, but Kleio said that it was not what it seemed. And they could return… The people of Atara.
I needed to get back to Morah and start furthering my research and talk to the Scholars who specialized in studying it. I waited for him long into the night before falling asleep.
I woke the next morning to find that Odarum still hadn’t returned. Quilla stood nearby, sleeping, and I was slightly relieved that I was alone, yet disappointed since he had said he would be with me until the bond was complete.
“We need to get moving. Where are you?”I asked through our bond.
“I apologize, but I cannot return right now. Continue your journey and I will find you when I can.” His voice was like a soft whisper and I thought that he must be far away for how distant it sounded, possibly not even in this realm. I gathered my things and continued on to Ilrek.
I guess it was a good thing I didn’t let Quilla go like I originally wanted.
Three days had passed and Odarum still hadn’t come back. I tried to reach out to him several times, but he only told me that he was busy. To keep myself occupied, I attempted to discover my new magic when I rested at night—but nothing came of it. How was I supposed to try to make something happen when I didn’t even know whatcouldhappen?
The fourth morning, Quilla and I crested over a hill and I could just make out the towering spires of Morah in the distance. I smiled widely, elated to be so close. As if she could sense that the end of our journey was near, the old mare finally picked up the pace into a smooth canter until we reached the outer ring of Ilrek. I deposited her at the stables and briskly made my way to the great library.
I immediately noticed the wary looks of the people in the peaceful streets. My brows furrowed. They knew who I was. Yes, I usually kept my mask up to hide my face, but it wasn’t completely unusual for me to walk around without it. But I quickly realized it wasn’t my face they were staring at—it was my arm.
Other than those closest to me, no one knew I was Marked. The design, now extending from my wrist to my shoulder, was unique and unmistakable. And with it now up to my shoulder and embedded with the symbol of my God, everyone would understand that I was now Worthy. The only way the citizens even knew that the Trial had begun was from the Sages or from announcements of a new Lord or Lady. Now that I was Worthy, I didn’t have to worry about covering my mark anymore.
I held my head high and kept my eyes forward as I made my way to Morah. I would not cower in fear of the Lords and Ladies. I would not hide what I had accomplished.
Let them see that I am Worthy.
I had never heard so much noise within the walls of Morah. Scholars surrounded me the moment I entered, congratulating me and asking question after question. I tried to walk further into the library but they wouldn’t let me pass, the excitement at one of their Roav having returned Worthy consuming them and causing them to forget their usual calm disposition. I smiled and returned their loving gestures of greeting, appeasing their questions as best I could.
I was leaning forward, trying to listen to one of the young Scholars asking about the geographical details of the Woltawa Forest, when the crowd began to part down the middle. Eamon emerged from between the Scholars, grinning from ear to ear, and he swept me into an embrace, lifting me to the tips of my toes. He set me down and released me, his eyes glistening with unshed tears of joy.
He looked at the crowd around us. “Please, everyone. I know we are all eager to speak with Kya and learn from her. I can assure you that each of the field chiefs will get the information and will relay it to you for your work through our proper protocol. But for now, let this Roav have a moment to catch her breath.”
They all bowed their heads in respect before dispersing back to their sections throughout the library. Eamon turned to meand grabbed my hands, squeezing them firmly between us, his smile so wide that his eyes squinted.
“Kya…you did it. I knew you would. I am so proud of you, child.”
I was smiling just as wide. “Thank you, Eamon. I’m glad to be back.”
“Come, come! I will gather the field chiefs. I know you must be exhausted, but we need to debrief you while it’s still fresh in your memory.” He threw out his arm, gesturing toward the stairs leading to his study.
Not that I could forget so soon.
I nodded and followed but quickly stopped as my eyes caught sight of a dark-skinned male at the base of the staircase rushing toward me. My breath caught in my throat as he approached and I let out a squeal of delight as Nikan lifted me into his broad arms and spun, his face buried in the crook of my neck.
“I’ll meet you in my office soon.” Eamon called over his shoulder as he ascended the stairs, leaving Nikan and I to reunite.
Nikan set me down and brought his calloused hands to my face. I tilted my head to look up at his striking blue eyes. His curly black hair was shorter than the last time I saw him, now close-cropped to his head. His tall form held me close as he smiled down at me.
“I’m sorry, Kya. We left things on such bad terms, and I hated myself for it. I had to go to Bhara before you returned from your last mission then it was straight to Oryn from there. I didn’t get the chance to make things right before you went into the Trial.”
My brother moved his hands to my shoulders and held me at arms length. “And look at you!” He looked at my arm and beamed. “You’re a Worthy! And all in one piece, thank the Gods.”
