Faylinn laughed, something I’d seen her do more often the farther we got from Isrun. It seemed like she was shedding a skin, a previous version of herself, the closer we got to her new life, her new home.
It was absolutely captivating.
“Well, I figured that much from the books I’ve read about the history of the area, but what’s itreallylike? What does it look like? Smell like? Sound like?”
Sasori paused for a minute before answering in an awed voice. “It’s unlike anything I’d ever seen before, when I first came here. It was loud, yes, and busy. But full of life, of all types and colors of people, a melting pot of culture. There are street vendors in most sections of the city, and you can sample a variety of foods from across Elyria. The shopping is superb, if you’re into that sort of thing, and there are people from all walks of life. It’s simultaneously overwhelming and comforting to know that all types of people really can get along, given the right environment.”
“You love it.” It wasn’t a question, more of a statement from Faylinn.
“I do,” Sasori answered, simply. “I came here fifteen years ago, and the city was big then, but it’s grown even more since. The whole territory is practically the city. There are a few manor homes and farms on the very outskirts, but you reach the outer city walls within a few hours of crossing the border.”
“You were so young.” Faylinn had turned in her seat to look at Sasori. There was a small, sad smile on Sasori’s face, and I snuck a glance at Lex. His face was unreadable, for once, but I swore there was a flash of pain and despair, but I blinked and it was gone.
“I was. But that’s a story for a different time.” Sasori’s words carried a note of finality and Faylinn dropped the subject. Not much later, however, she was back to asking her questions.
“If Vespera is so small, and practically all of it is a city, why would other territories align with the Warlord? What does he truly have to offer other rulers?”
“This, I think, is more the General’s territory than mine,” Sasori said, pulling her horse alongside Balios. We relaxed our line as we moved into the Allied Territories. The likelihood of attack was much smaller at this point, and I’d even seen a few patrols of Mages. Out of sight, for the most part, but keeping an eye on the major entry points for our allies.
“A variety of reasons, Faylinn. But it all comes back to one thing . . . power.”
She nodded her head thoughtfully. “Sure, that’s the thread of commonality throughout history and alliances. An individual territory’s power and influence grows once they partner with another powerful territory, that part makes sense. What doesn’t make sense is why the vast Northern Territories would pick such a small territory as the glue that holds the alliance together. Why follow the Warlord?”
I was silent for a moment, trying to gather the why behind everything that brings the Allied Territories together.
“I’m sorry if it’s a stupid question, we just don’t get much new information down in the Borderlands, especially in the smaller villages. Many of the books I learned from are decades old at this point, the information sorely outdated.”
“It’s not a stupid question, just one with a nuanced answer is all.” She nodded at that, her hazel eyes bright and trained on my own, as if I held all the secrets of the world. Her rapt attention was an aphrodisiac, and I found my mind wandering away from the answers I was supposed to be seeking and toward more dangerous territory.
I tore my gaze away from hers before forcing those thoughts back down in favor of answering her question. “The most obvious answer is the war against the Keepers. Roughly two decades ago, Vespera held the most formidable army. Our Mages were impeccably trained as ruthless and vicious warriors. When you place a bunch of bloodthirsty and fiercely loyal men under the command of a Truthsayer—someone who truly hasallthe answers—you go and do exactly what he says, because you know he can only tell the truth. So originally, our alliances started as a way to weed out the last of the Keepers. It still is partly that.” Faylinn wrinkled her nose at the mention of the war against the Keepers.
“But it’s become more—different—as the Keepers went into hiding or were . . . removed. Yes, our Mages are still formidable”—there was aresounding cheer from a few of them close enough to hear me—“because of the Academy that we have, but, even more so, Vespera is a cultural hub, like Sasori said. When you have that many people from so many different parts of Elyria, you inevitably bring together people with different ideas, customs, and teachings. Vespera holds the largest library in all of Elyria, full of books and scrolls from every territory on the continent. The Academy prides itself on selecting the most powerful Mages to train and educate, no matter where they’re from, further expanding the cultural and intellectual reach of Vespera. We also have a full department that’s dedicated to melding magic with devices that make life easier.”
Faylinn perked up at the mention of that. “What kind of devices?”
“Light orbs that illuminate a space with a press of a button. Magical signature detection for added security. A way to heat floors and rooms by channeling just a hint of Fire Magic into a box. Rooms designed to recharge a Mage’s specific magic. Gene and Art, the two men who comprise the Magical Experiments Department, are also working on a device that would increase the reach and lethality of a Mage’s magic.”
Her eyes widened with each development I listed, and I suddenly wished I spent more time with Gene and Art talking about their bizarre creations, if only to see Faylinn’s face continue to light up in interest.
“Do . . . do you think I can meet them? Gene and Art? I’d love to see what they come up with and how it all works.” There was a hint of reverence in her tone, and I was wholly disappointed that it wasn’t aimed at me.
“Of course. They stop by my office often, multiple times a day. And that is where you’ll spend the majority of your time, I’d imagine. My office will become your office while you work for Lord d’Refan and I.”
She smiled softly. “Thank you. I feel like there’s just so much to learn and absorb.”
“You’re welcome, Faylinn. Wait until you see not just the public library, but also Lord d’Refan’s personal collection.” If possible, her eyes widened even further, a genuine smile spreading across her face.
“If the Warlord possesses all of this information and the city is a cultural hub, as you said, why am I even needed? Surely he can find some other scholar or at least someone who was raised to be in this position . . .” she trailed off and chewed her lip in uncertainty.
Well, that won’t do.
“You’re needed because you bring something that Lord d’Refan doesn’t have yet.” She looked at me hesitantly. “You can read and use runes, something neither of us haveeverseen. Plus, your mind works differently, I’ve seen your sketches and theories, Faylinn. You might be the greatest asset Lord d’Refan has ever acquired.”
Her cheeks pinked in response. “You can call me Fay, General. Everyone else does.”
I grunted. “Faylinn is your name, and that is what I will call you.” She gave me another of her shy smiles.
“Are you excited to see your Earth Mage again?” The question came from somewhere up ahead, and the smile faded rapidly from Faylinn’s face, stoniness suddenly replacing what was an open expression. It was like all the progress from our trip home was washed away with one question.
