The Rhodi Saga: Books 1-3

By Megan Linski

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Megan Linski weaves a heartbreaking young adult dark fantasy of action, adventure, found family, and healing.

 

In a realm where warriors are bestowed with supernatural powers, one girl has the destiny to save the realm, or go down defending it.

 

After being on the run since they were small children, Dylan and her twin brother Devin have lost everything. They seek revenge by joining the Rhodi; a group of elite magic casters who are the world's last line of defense against evil. Darkness is gathering under a tyrant who desires to crush freedom forever, and only the Rhodi can stop her.

 

To survive, Dylan and her brother must face mystical creatures, explore dangerous castles, solve mysteries, consort with spies, and outsmart the tyrant before she destroys the world. On her journey, Dylan will discover the bonds of found family, romance... and a strength inside of her she never knew existed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gryfyn Publishing
• Release date: May 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201893354

Megan Linski

Megan Linski is the owner of Gryfyn Publishing and has had a passion for writing ever since she completed her first (short) novel at the age of 6. Her specializations are romance, fantasy, and contemporary fiction for people aged 14-24. When not writing she enjoys ice skating, horse riding, theatre, archery, fishing, and being outdoors. She is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, and is an active fighter against common variable immune deficiency disorder. She lives in Michigan. Megan Linski also writes under the pen name of Natalie Erin for the Creatures of the Lands Series, co-authored with Krisen Lison.

Book preview

The Rhodi Saga

The Rhodi Saga

BOOKS 1-3

MEGAN LINSKI

Copyright © 2016 Gryfyn Publishing, Megan Linski

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the publisher, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

The reproduction or utilization of this work in part of in whole including xerography, recording and photocopying is strictly forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Category: Young Adult/Fantasy

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

For information about custom editions, special sales, ARCs, and premium and corporate purchases, please contact the publisher.

Contents

Rhodi’s Light

On Disability

1. Escaping

2. The Unexpected Visitors

3. Hidden Mysteries

4. First Lessons

5. Two Girls, One Body

6. The Capture

7. Past Enemies

8. Trust or Secrecy

9. Wild Gift

10. Dylan’s Choice

11. Unveiled Revelations

12. Mind Before Mouth

13. One Was Once Another

14. Deals of Heart and Hate

15. Unknown Future

16. Afterward

Rhodi Rising

1. Forgotten Danger

2. Lonely Silence

3. Panic Attacks

4. The Hills of Dunedinne

5. Overtaken

6. Old Friends and New Rivals

7. Chasing the Enemy

8. Not Such a Powerful Rhodi

9. Purple Sky

10. Feathers and Fang

11. The Student and the Master

12. Blood Oath

13. The Crystal Cave

14. Betrayer

15. Tigress Rising

16. Arms

17. Afterward

Rhodi’s Lullaby

1. A Broken World On Her Shoulders

2. Dancing Lessons

3. Faithful

4. The Rhodian Heir

5. Too Late

6. Wild Being

7. Mercy

8. Taming the Enemy

9. Lost Completely

10. Brother Against Sister

11. Deadly Hunter

12. Demons

13. The End of What Could Be

14. The Bethebaara Desert

15. Prisoner of Fate

16. The Lost City

17. A Rhodi, Yet Not a Rhodi

18. You Already Know

19. Seeking Refuge

20. The Battle of Two Masters

21. Dylan’s Choice

22. Changed Forever

23. Unexpected Feelings

24. Miracles Before Sunrise

25. The Song Enfys Wrote

26. Faithfully Forever

27. Resurrection

28. Desmidondre Incarnate

29. Dawn of a New Crescentia

30. Afterward

Rhodi Forever

About the Author

Contents

Rhodi’s Light

On Disability

1. Escaping

2. The Unexpected Visitors

3. Hidden Mysteries

4. First Lessons

5. Two Girls, One Body

6. The Capture

7. Past Enemies

8. Trust or Secrecy

9. Wild Gift

10. Dylan’s Choice

11. Unveiled Revelations

12. Mind Before Mouth

13. One Was Once Another

14. Deals of Heart and Hate

15. Unknown Future

16. Afterward

Rhodi Rising

1. Forgotten Danger

2. Lonely Silence

3. Panic Attacks

4. The Hills of Dunedinne

5. Overtaken

6. Old Friends and New Rivals

7. Chasing the Enemy

8. Not Such a Powerful Rhodi

9. Purple Sky

10. Feathers and Fang

11. The Student and the Master

12. Blood Oath

13. The Crystal Cave

14. Betrayer

15. Tigress Rising

16. Arms

17. Afterward

Rhodi’s Lullaby

1. A Broken World On Her Shoulders

2. Dancing Lessons

3. Faithful

4. The Rhodian Heir

5. Too Late

6. Wild Being

7. Mercy

8. Taming the Enemy

9. Lost Completely

10. Brother Against Sister

11. Deadly Hunter

12. Demons

13. The End of What Could Be

14. The Bethebaara Desert

15. Prisoner of Fate

16. The Lost City

17. A Rhodi, Yet Not a Rhodi

18. You Already Know

19. Seeking Refuge

20. The Battle of Two Masters

21. Dylan’s Choice

22. Changed Forever

23. Unexpected Feelings

24. Miracles Before Sunrise

25. The Song Enfys Wrote

26. Faithfully Forever

27. Resurrection

28. Desmidondre Incarnate

29. Dawn of a New Crescentia

30. Afterward

Rhodi Forever

About the Author

Rhodi’s Light

On Disability

This series contains characters with the following medical conditions.

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness, as well as loss of interest. It leads to a variety of behavioral and psychological symptoms, which include impacted sleep, lack of energy, poor concentration, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts.

SELF-HARM

Self-harm is intentional injury to one’s self for a psychologically motivated reason, such as to avoid experiencing emotional pain. There are a variety of forms of self-harm, not just physical. Trauma, mental illness, and intense life stressors are known causes of self-harm.

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

PTSD is a disorder in which an individual experiences difficulty recovering from a traumatic event. The condition causes intense emotional and physical reactions when triggered by reminders of the event, as well as nightmares and invasive thoughts.

BLINDNESS

Blindness is known as the inability to see, or lack of vision. It is a loss of sight where vision is impacted on a scale from poor vision to complete blindness. Total blindness is referred to as someone having the complete inability to see anything with either eye.

CANCER

Cancer is a disease in which in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and destroy body tissue. Multiple bodily systems and organs can be affected.

For my little sister, who is my light.

1

Escaping

D ylan! Dyliana, wake up! Get out of bed!

The girl sleepily raised her head off the pillow and looked around, her sharp eyes piercing the darkness. Her father stood beside the bed, fully dressed and standing as straight as a board.

He was pretending to be calm, yet she knew better. The face her father wore was one that she knew all too well— the one she hated and was frightened of. It was an expression of urgency… of fear.

It’s time. Your mother is getting Devin up. We have to leave now.

Dylan shook her long hair out of her face. But I don’t…

Now’s not the time. Come.

The small fifteen-year-old pushed back the covers and jumped out of bed, her day clothes on. She knew better than to go to sleep in pajamas anymore. What was the point? They always seemed to flee in the night.

She was a very pretty girl, with golden skin and particular orange eyes that glittered fiercely even in the darkness, but you’d never know it by the sour expression on her face. She wore baggy, tomboyish clothes, and her black hair was tangled. She swept it sloppily beneath a backwards baseball cap as she clambered drowsily to her feet.

That’s my girl. Grab your bags. Her father handed her a suitcase, a large bag of his own at his side. Her father was muscular, rugged from years of hard work, with stubble crowding his face. His black hair was trimmed short, his golden skin beaming and radiant. The feature his daughter could see most in the shadows were his two green eyes, vibrant and unrelenting in hope.

She didn’t understand how that hope could still be there after they’d been uprooted so many times.

Dylan bent down and took hold of her suitcase, knowing if she dawdled, they’d all be in danger. She slipped on her shoes and followed her father out into the hallway, down the stairs and to the front door.

Is everyone ready, Yeshua? a woman asked, her voice a low whisper. The full moon outside trickled through the window and lit up her face. She was a tall woman with long, wavy hair that nearly fell to her hips and orange eyes just like Dylan’s.

Dylan often thought her mother’s face was the look of a desert heiress… the face of a woman who should be living in royal luxury, not desperately trying to survive. Her mother’s thin eyebrows narrowed in worry.

As ready as we can be, Kilim. How’s Devin? Yeshua asked.

Sleepy, a voice at Kilim’s side said. A boy Dylan’s age yawned and blinked at his sister. Although nearly identical in features, it was obvious from the beginning that the twins couldn’t be any different. There wasn’t a hint of a wrinkle in the boy’s neat clothes, and his glasses were polished to perfection, though too large for his small green eyes.

You’ll get over it, Yeshua promised. We’re leaving now.

The family picked up their bags and headed out of the house. As they passed through the front door, Dylan noticed a window had been broken during the night. She wanted to ask what had happened, but thought better of it.

After everything had been loaded into the car, the four of them set down the road, only taking their bags. They left the rest of their possessions behind. Dylan hardly cared. It wasn’t like they had much to call their own in the first place. The two teenagers looked back as they abandoned their home, but the adults seemed to sag in relief.

Where are we going this time? Dylan asked with a sigh. It seemed like they were always running... always scared of something.

Out of Marceleno, Yeshua said, and into a state called Areos. It’s very far away, but it’s closer to your aunt and uncle. We’ll have to cross several borders.

Out of Marceleno? Devin repeated, and Dylan’s heart sank. They moved constantly, but never out of their own country. Marceleno was their home. How could they leave that behind as well?

We’ve switched countries before, Kilim reminded them.

That was when we were babies. It doesn’t count. Dylan crossed her arms.

Marceleno is too close to the Far East. It’s not safe to stay here anymore, Yeshua said.

Nowhere is safe for us, Dylan thought dully, watching the willow trees rush by her window unhappily. Marceleno was beautiful with its gondolas and small stone streets, buildings that sat by long rivers crowded with artists and musicians. Areos was probably very different.

Does Uncle Keaton know we’re coming? Devin asked.

No. It’s better if only we know, for now.

Dylan made an irritated sound and shook her head. She wished her parents would let her know who was after them or why. Whenever she asked, she was told not to speak of it. It hurt that her parents didn’t trust them enough to let them know what was going on, even though thier fleeing consistently interrupted their lives.

After a while, bitterness had begun to sink in. She gave up asking, and supposed that if whoever was after them caught them, she would die or be kidnapped without ever knowing why, and that would be the end of it.

Not her brother, though. He always had to ask questions every time they ran away, and tonight was no exception. He’d guessed multiple times, but never quite got it right. That didn’t stop him from trying now.

Mom, are we running away from the government? Devin asked.

There was an icy tremor in the car, one that froze the very air and vibrated into their stomachs.

Yes, lamb, that’s exactly what we are doing, Kilim said reassuringly, though her voice wobbled.

The twins looked at each other. This was the first time their mother had ever given a hint of any kind, although there was something in her voice that didn’t exactly ring true.

After about an hour, Kilim said, We should have sent a letter to Keaton and Raziya.

"Keaton and Rhonda, Yeshua corrected her. And no. It was too risky. You know they watch the post and the phone lines."

Not all of them, Kilim protested. "And I don’t care what she calls herself now… she’ll always be Raziya to me."

She had to change her name to stay hidden, you know that, Yeshua said, before adding, In fact, it would be a good thing if we were to change⁠—

They’ve taken everything else from me, save my children. I’m not going to give them my name! Kilim shouted.

Are you going to give them our lives instead? Yeshua said softly.

What kind of freedom is this? What kind of freedom did my sister receive? Kilim asked. She was so grateful that Keaton bought her freedom that she married him without question!

The twins listened closer. Their parents rarely, if ever, talked about their past. Their ancestors had come from the Far East, a land of deserts and dancers, thieves and sultans. Both of their parents had grown up in slavery. Their mother’s sister had been bought by their Uncle Keaton, and had been saved from a life of hardship. But they never knew how their parents escaped slavery themselves. That was another secret they kept behind closed lips. Dylan often wondered if the people they were running from had been their parents former slave masters. But could they still be looking after all this time? Her parents had escaped slavery before she and Devin were born.

She has grown to love him, Yeshua reminded her gently. Their children are very happy and she has a nice, safe home. It’s all she ever wanted. We cannot judge her for her choices.

"Married at sixteen, leaving me to be a slave.

She didn’t abandon you, Kilim. She had no choice.

Her mother’s voice wavered as she said, "He didn’t rescue us, you know."

He couldn’t afford the price for all of us, Yeshua said.

A lie, and you know it, Kilim whispered softly. Don’t give me falsehoods to comfort me. He left us behind, despite my sister pleading with him to save us.

He bought a wife. She knew what she was giving up, and she never believed in true love, anyway. She was happy with what she received.

If the Rhodi didn’t save us, we’d still be under the lash, Kilim said quietly.

When the twins heard this word their ears perked up. Rhodi? They had never heard of such a thing.

Yes, and look how we’ve repaid them, Yeshua said, his voice dropping to a shameful tone.

Kilim looked out the window. And what a mess it’s thrown us in. We didn’t know at the time. Like you said, a woman does what she has to do.

They said nothing more on the subject, and the twins weren’t stupid enough to ask any questions. But as time went on, they began to wonder. Who were these Rhodi that had freed their parents from slavery?

They supposed it didn’t matter. Areos would be the next state in Crescentia they would go to, until they needed to run again, and again. Who’s to say it wouldn’t be Adamaris, or Dunedinne, or the Far West next? Nowhere was safe for them. They couldn’t even return to their ancestral roots in the Far East, for fear that slavers would find them, or the bordering country of Alastan due to the civil uprisings that always seemed to be going on there.

Crescentia, though a breathtaking and large continent with a variety of forests, deserts and mountains, always seemed to have a boatload of problems to go with its beauty.

They came to a border which was swamped with guards. This time of night, there were no other cars. The twins tried to make themselves as inconspicuous as possible in the backseat.

Yeshua pulled up to the station and rolled down his window. A tall guard strode up to the door, a sword glinting in his belt. His partner walked up beside him, a small, crouching man whose eyes twitched from one place to another.

Your passports? the first guard said. Yeshua handed four small books to the man as if this was a tedious, and not a dangerous, job.

Their passports were fraudulent... it was too risky, being registered with the government. None of them had birth certificates. As far as the continent of Crescentia was concerned, none of them even existed, and they needed it to stay that way.

The guard scrolled through the pages. Yeshua, Kilim, Dyliana and Devin Fairsson? he asked.

Yeshua nodded, and Dylan blinked. Fairsson. Was that their name now? Their mother could protest giving up their first names, but their last one was no objection. Dylan knew she couldn’t live like this forever, glancing behind her everywhere she went, and having her last name changed so many times that she had forgotten her real one.

As the first guard looked through the books, the second peered into the windows. He held a spear in his hands, and smiled at them all as if they were something to eat.

The crooked guard leaned over and said, This vehicle looks suspicious. Think we should check it?

That won’t be necessary, Yeshua said, panic rising in his voice.

Times are tough. We can’t take any chances, the first guard said, handing him back his passports. The family got out of the car and watched as the first guard ruffled through their belongings while the second guard kept watch.

Dylan saw her brother grimace as the guard went through their few possessions, throwing them around as if they had no value. Her eyes glanced over at the second guard. She didn’t like the way he kept looking her over, his eyes greedily scanning her body. He licked his lips and adjusted his pants, giving her a smile that made her feel disgusting.

You have a beautiful daughter, he said to Yeshua, giving a little chuckle as he reached out to touch a strand of her hair.

Yes. I do. Yeshua wrapped his arms around Dylan and glared at the crooked little man, so threatening in his stance that the guard turned away with a disgruntled face.

Everything seems to be in order. Sorry for the trouble, the first guard said after his search was over, tipping his hat.

The family clambered back into the car, and a shiver raced across Dylan’s skin. The first guard raised a hand in farewell and said, Have a nice trip.

Yeshua didn’t wave back. The border had long vanished from sight before they all began to relax. Dylan glanced over at her brother. She could tell by the angry expression on his face that he was remembering the way the crooked guard had gazed at her.

Dylan shivered. There were at least three more borders to cross— maybe more on the way to freedom. She stared into the car window, her reflection bouncing off of it until it was the only thing she could see. All she could fathom was her reflection, but she wasn’t really seeing it. She imagined the crippled man looming behind her, an army of unknown enemies at his back, eager to tear her parents and her brother to pieces.

A shiver of fear rippled between her lungs and she choked, trying to breathe. Before she escaped the vision, she gazed into her reflection and thought she saw a missing piece of herself, and the fact that it was missing caused her to nearly scream. She tried to cry out, but nothing came from her mouth as she began sinking deeper and deeper into panic.

Her head was spinning. She began to gasp for air, her breaths shallow and vacant. She was either going to die or pass out, and so great was her fear that she wished either one would happen, just so the fear would go away.

The car was slowing, she knew that much, but she didn’t care. All she wanted was to calm her racing heart and beat back the feeling of bleeding, of suffocating and of drowning all at once.

She couldn’t keep doing this. She couldn’t keep running, couldn’t keep giving up her life and feeling like someone was after them. Her family was in danger, but she didn’t know from who, or what.

And that was the most terrifying thing of all.

From very far away she heard the words, Is she all right? and, Panic attack. Her mother put a cool hand to her face, and Dylan tried to feel it, wanting to find a way to cease her trembling.

Nothing was working… nothing she tried could help.

Her father glanced backward at her and took his eyes off the road. Before she knew it, all Dylan could hear was metal twisting, the sound of the car snapping and crunching as the vehicle flipped over and over, rolling down a hill before finally sliding on its side.

The last thing she saw were her parents flying through the windshield, their bodies twisting amongst the brightness of the headlights.

2

The Unexpected Visitors

Waves washed upon the columns of the dock that was built on strength but seemed to be created out of sorrow. The dock was made out of weathered, beaten planks of wood that seemed to speak of too many past arrivals walking on top of their sagging backs, harkening back to times when refugees sought out Aeros borders. Soon, it would welcome those refugees yet again. The old dock was barely big enough to hold a little boat, but had held larger in its time. The seagulls flocked along the port, gazing out at an ocean that seemed vast, wide, and free, so unlike the dingy little rafts that floated on top of it, tied to the ankles of the shoreline.

If one moved away from the sandy shores of the beach they would see a dirt trail leading into trees, tall, whispering beings that seemed to breathe tales of the unknown. Continuing along the vast lines of trees were bushes and creatures of all sorts, masking themselves inside the leaves as they poked their eyes out to wonder, friend or foe?

Near these woods was the smallest town one had ever laid eyes on. Aging buildings raggedly stood out from crooked streets as donkeys wandered by on cobblestone roads. Looking to the right, the road led to a highway and eventually a city, spiraling upward in a swirling pillar. Going down, one would come to the end of the cobblestone street and to the start of a gravel road. The eerily serene trees would continue. As one reentered the trees, it would seem there were too many memories stored up in them… as if the trees themselves knew something the rest of the world didn’t.

This would appear impossible to most, but not to those who lived in Areos. They of all people were used to witnessing impossible things.

At the end of the gravel road was a strange sight. An old man sat waiting on a bench placed inside of his pagoda. The old man himself was very proud of the structure. It was one of only two that were inside the small town, and he had built both with his bare hands, although that was in far younger years. Behind the old man were his dwellings, a yellow two-story house with white shutters. The backyard was filled with training equipment such as balance beams, punching bags, weights and targets. They looked as if they hadn’t been used in years, contained in a dirt arena the size of the house itself. In the front of the house was a pasture where two lazy horses bathed in the midday sun. The backyard and the forest itself were rolling hills, massive mountains of great strength and wonder.

The old man, with his short gray beard and wildly cropped hair, waited. It wasn’t long before there was a wooden staff stabbing into his back.

Miss me, Master? a girlish voice asked. The old man smiled, and from the roof dropped a young woman in her early thirties, her shoulder-length violet hair swooshing around her blue eyes as she dropped to the ground, her lavender dress clinging to her hips. She wore no makeup, and didn’t wish to, for she was incredibly beautiful.

Tavana. The old man rose to his feet and embraced the woman, and she hugged him back. I missed you.

She giggled and said, It hasn’t been the same since we left. I really missed this place.

As soon as she stopped speaking, a cloud of dust rose to their faces. They broke apart, coughing as several shingles fell to the ground. A young man swung himself gracefully off the roof and onto the ground, shaking the pagoda as he did so. Hey, old man. It’s been forever.

Talidin, the old man growled. Tavana’s twin brother stepped forward. Like her, he was muscular, and he was as handsome as she was beautiful. The only difference between them was that his eyes were amethyst instead of aqua, and his hair was black. He wore a red shirt with jeans, a black belt with several knives dangling from his hips.

Tal! Tavana screamed. She threw herself against him, burying her head in his chest.

He laughed and murmured, I’ve faced a lot of bad guys lately, but you’re the scariest thing I’ve seen in ages, little sister.

Oh, stop, Tavana laughed as she hit his arm playfully. It’s been too long.

I know. He shook his head. It’s been what, a year? I… really missed you.

The old man put his hand on his shoulder. It’s good to see you, Talidin. It’s been far too long.

I was starting to think you’d forgotten about me, Tavana said.

We could never forget about you, o Chosen One, Talidin said dramatically, performing a mock bow.

Cut it out, Tavana said, rolling her eyes. I’m not some Chosen One. That’s such a stupid name.

"Okay fine... miracle child," Talidin said, smiling even broader.

Would you shut up? Tavana said with a laugh. She brought up her staff so it smacked Talidin across the chest, causing him to tumble backwards over the fence of the gazebo. Tavana jumped over the fencing and the brother and sister began to battle, Talidin pulling out two small knives from the belt he wore.

You might be surprised. I’ve learned a few new tricks while I’ve been gone, Talidin said. He slashed his knives at Tavana’s face so quickly that any normal person would’ve never seen them coming.

But Tavana was far from normal, and she easily backflipped out of the way. The two began dueling fiercely, Tavana’s staff connecting with every one of Talidin’s offenses.

Talidin swung his knife downward but Tavana caught his arm with her leg, balancing on one foot. She easily kicked his arm away, knocked his head sideways with her staff, and then swept his legs out from underneath him, catapulting over him in a twist and landing so her staff was at his throat, tossing her hair out of her eyes carelessly. She had made the fight look effortless.

You forget, brother. I’m the only one you could never defeat in combat, she said, jamming her staff into the ground. It folded upon itself instantly and she slipped it inside her dress with a satisfied smirk.

Are you two done playing around? the old man asked irritably. I didn’t summon you just so you could squabble like always.

Talidin put his knives away and dusted off his clothes. I wouldn’t have come if you did, because quite frankly, I’m tired of getting my ass kicked.

It’s about damn time you admitted it, Tavana laughed.

Talidin smiled, but the old man’s eyes didn’t seem to have the same cheer, and he noticed.

Master Odon, what’s wrong? Talidin asked.

The old man got up from his seat and began heading inside. They followed him into the house, helping him up the steps of the porch. He sat down carefully in an armchair as Tavana brought him some tea, while Talidin flopped lazily on the couch.

What’s up, Master? Talidin asked casually, propping his legs up on the coffee table.

Odon put his hands on his teacup. First things first. Did you find anything on your travels?

Talidin shook his head. Nothing. No sign of the weapons.

And talking to the other nations has been pretty much useless. Nobody wants to take a chance of making Rachel their enemy, Tavana said with a huff.

Not even Dunedinne? Odon raised his eyebrows. That’s hard to believe.

The Searchers aren’t in on this, Talidin said. Being a Rhodi has never given us any popularity, not even with the spies.

True. But if what you say is accurate, I suppose my worst fears have come true. We are the last line of defense between Crescentia and the Hunter’s Guild, Odon said.

A tremor seemed to pass through the air. Talidin’s face turned to stone and Tavana bit her lip, adding, "There has to be some sort of way we can stop her. We can’t keep hiding out here forever."

"I told you, Tavana. The only things that are going to stop the Hunter’s Guild are finding the weapons, and translating this." Odon pulled from his pocket a thin piece of paper, handing it to the woman.

Tavana took it warily, staring at it blankly. Strange runes covered the paper. It was clear from her expression they were indecipherable. But Master, we’ve been over this. This is ancient Rhodian. I can’t read it. No one can.

If anyone can read it, it’s you, Tavana. There has to be some way to translate that letter, Odon said insistently.

My magic is strong, but I don’t have powers that enable me to do whatever I like. April would be better at deciphering this, Tavana argued.

April has tried, and failed. But I assure you, I have a feeling that the answers we need to defeat the Hunter’s Guild are in those runes, Odon argued. "Our ancestors left us the answers to defeating Rachel and bringing down the Hunter’s Guild in that document. If we’re going to have a chance of defeating her and bringing peace to our world, we must know what it says."

The siblings looked at each other warily. This was a long and tiresome argument that both of them had been over several times with their master. Ever since Odon had inherited the letter from his master long ago, he was convinced that there was some sort of secret code inside the runes that would end the Rhoda’s war with the Hunter’s Guild once and for all. Tavana didn’t see how a short little letter could contain something that important, so she suggested that they put it away, while Talidin simply attempted to burn it behind his master’s back.

There wasn’t a single soul in the world that could read ancient Rhodian, so it was virtually useless to them, but that didn’t stop Odon from trying to make it seem useful.

Master, please, get to the point, Talidin asked, rubbing his eyes tiredly.

Odon cleared his throat. As you know, we aren’t exactly the most numerous group in the world. Besides the three of us, there are only two other Rhodi in the world. Five of us against thousands upon thousands of Hunter’s Guild.

He paused. And to be completely honest, I’m not sure how much longer I have in this life.

No! Talidin lunged upwards from the couch, his fists clenched. You’re just as good a fighter as Tav and I!

I’m honored, Tal, but you know that’s not true. I’m old. I’m not going to live forever… you know it and I know it. That only leaves a few of you to carry on the mission. Without us, the Hunter’s Guild will turn this world into chaos. The only reason Rachel hasn’t killed us all is because she cannot break through Yolanda’s veil around the house. It protects us and hides us, for the time being. But it cannot last forever. If all of us die, there will be no one left to carry on our mission. You both are ready. It is time you had your first students, and became masters yourselves, passing on the ancient art of Rhodi.

Talidin snorted loudly, shaking his head. Oh boy, he said. This should be good.

Tavana hesitated. But… Master Odon, we’re still active soldiers. It’s dangerous to be out in the field. We have no time to train others.

You’ll have to make time, Odon said. Our life is a dangerous one, and it’s rare that a Rhodi makes it to be my age. If you’re gone, who will fight the Guild? Either one of you could die tomorrow⁠—

Thanks, Mister Optimist, Talidin snapped.

Talidin! Tavana said.

What chance do we have against them? Talidin hissed back. None whatsoever! I haven’t got time to be training some little brat when I’m busy trying to save my own neck!

The Hunter’s Guild is growing stronger, and that’s a fact! Odon said, his voice booming loudly over Talidin’s. "It was foretold by our Rhodian ancestors that one among our ranks would rise up to defeat the Hunter’s Guild and bring an end to their tyranny forever. Rachel knows of this prophecy. That’s why she will never rest until all the Rhodi are dead, and that’s why we cannot allow her to destroy our kind. No matter how many numbers she has, thousands, millions, if there is even one Rhodi left to put up a fight against her, the Hunter’s Guild is at risk, and she knows that."

I’ve never put much worth in prophecies, Tavana muttered, crossing her arms.

I understand your reluctance to trust in what was foreseen, but despite wishing to run from your fate, you cannot escape it, Odon said firmly. Rachel is taking this prophecy seriously, which means we must as well. You both need a student, to carry on the traditions. Who will protect Crescentia if we’re gone?

Master, training more Rhodi would be a waste of our time. We should be out there trying to stop Rachel, and do something to stop this war! Talidin argued. We should be out there plotting some sort of assassination attempt on Rachel. If she’s gone, the Guild will dissolve.

We’ve tried, Odon growled. Clearly, that hasn’t worked yet, and even if we eliminate Rachel, other Hunters will rise to take her place.

Master, nobody wants to join the Rhodi, Tavana said softly, looking at the carpet. It’s considered suicide. Nobody’s foolhardy or desperate enough to risk their lives for something they all figure is a lost cause. How are we supposed to get people to join us?

Odon rose from his chair and grabbed his cane, shaking his head. I am unsure. All I know is, we cannot give up. We must pass on our traditions to the next generation, before it is too late.

And where are you going? Talidin asked, throwing his hands into the air.

Odon didn’t look at him. To think.

The sunlight was especially beautiful this day in Areos. It lit up the busy villa in the fresh spring air, filling the town with birdsong and chatter. Odon hobbled down the sidewalk. Some people waved, calling out a greeting cheerfully. He returned the favor and continued on his way.

He cherished these precious times on his daily walk. He could still remember a time when he was the fiercest Rhodi warrior in the land. It might as well have been in another age.

As he passed by an alley, a shadow caught his eye. His Rhodi instinct took over his senses as he shuffled down the walkway, suspicious that something was lurking in the darkness.

Small footsteps pattered behind him with the intent of harm. Instinctively, he whirled around and snatched a teenage girl by the wrist, her hands reaching toward his coat pocket.

Let me go! the girl snarled, trying to pull away.

Footsteps were behind him once more. Odon stuck out his cane so that a boy who had been running at him tripped and fell onto his stomach.

Oof! Leave my sister alone! the boy shouted, holding onto his stomach tightly, and the girl let out a ferocious warning. Odon let her go. She rushed to her companion, helping him up off the filthy ground.

The girl was looking at Odon menacingly, with orange eyes that seemed to pierce his very soul. She clung tightly to her brother, who gazed intelligently back.

These two were definitely not from Areos. He’d never seen them before.

The girl pulled on her brother’s shoulder. Come on, Devin, we have to run!

The boy shook his head sadly. We’re trying to steal from an old man, Dylan. What’s the point? We can’t go lower than this.

The girl dropped her gaze. Both teens were desperately thin, and their clothes hung on their frame.

There were too many like them these days. They looked like they hadn’t seen a meal in days.

Pulling some gold out of his pocket, Odon handed it to the boy. He stood there dumbfounded, unable to believe that the old man was offering him money.

Well, take it. I’m not going to stand here all day, he huffed.

The boy reached out his hand and took the money carefully. With the gold in his hands, the boy smiled, but his sister tugged impatiently on his shoulders. As soon as they had appeared, they vanished once again.

Odon watched the two slip back into the shadows. He then began to smile as an idea formed all too quickly.

"Get new students! Can you believe it? He acts as if we’re going to die today."

Talidin and Tavana were at the grocery store, picking up supplies. Talidin still hadn’t gotten over the conversation that had happened yesterday, and Tavana desperately wished he would shut up about it.

Come on Tal, don’t be so grumpy. You know you’re going to miss him when he’s gone. Tavana reached up and grabbed a loaf of bread from the shelf.

"Miss him? I won’t miss him. I’ll just… not have as much free time to party, that’s all. Taking on a student just gives me more responsibility, on top of everything I have to do already for the cause," he mumbled lamely.

Tavana rolled her eyes.

Two children reached up from beside them and grabbed some bread. Tavana laid a hand on Talidin’s shoulder and went to say something more, but before she could, she heard the voice of the shopkeeper yell, Thief!

It was seconds before their training kicked in. I’ll take the back, you take the front! Tavana yelled. Talidin nodded and the two sprang into action as they left the store, looking for the anonymous thief.

Talidin spotted the two criminals in an instant. Without dropping his gaze he pulled a curved blade out of his belt, with a blue hilt that shined dangerously in the sunlight. He chucked it, and the sword curved in front of the thieves, causing them to fall against each other in a confused heap. Tavana arrived quickly by his side, pulling a net out of her pocket and throwing it around the two so they were tied back to back, unable to move.

Yes! Score one for the good guys! Talidin cried, catching his blade.

Tal, Tavana said, sighing. Don’t act like you’ve saved the entire continent of Crescentia. They’re just kids.

Talidin saw that his enemies were indeed just children, and his mood soured. Still counts, he said, crossing his arms.

Barely. Tavana’s face sunk into a frown as the fat shopkeeper waddled out of his store as quickly as he could, practically floating with happiness.

Thank you, great warriors, for capturing these vandals, the man said, rubbing his hands together greedily.

It was different! We had money this time! the boy cried, trying to push his glasses up his face by tilting his head back.

Yeah, right, I’ve heard it all before. You can tell that to the judge when you’re spending the next year in prison, you filthy degenerates. Nothing will make me happier than seeing you rot in jail.

The man smiled a nasty grin and Tavana looked at her brother. There’s no need to be an ass, Talidin said, towering over him as he said the words.

"An ass? These children have stolen from me time and time again! I don’t see how you would understand, Rhodi," the shopkeeper snarled. But some of us actually have to work for a living.

Oh, I’m sorry, Talidin said as he walked to the children and cut their bonds. "Since we don’t work, we’re sorry for interfering. I’m sure you can handle it by yourself next time, since you’re such a hardworking guy and all."

Once they were free, the boy dragged his sister behind him, leaving the food behind. The Rhodi made no attempt to stop them.

What have you done? You just let them go! the grocer exclaimed, all joy fading from his face.

And you just pissed off a guy who gives his life up every day to protect you, your business, and everything you value, Talidin said. Not a great decision on your part.

They were thieves! Any personal insult is besides the point when it comes to justice! he babbled.

They had money. I saw it sticking out of the girl’s pocket, Tavana said in a tired voice.

Defending them now, are we? I’ll see to it that the law hears about this! The shopkeeper spat at their feet before lumbering back inside, muttering insults and curses.

Just what we need, Tavana grumbled. First day back and we’re already causing trouble.

"Who cares? We’re Rhodi. We are the law, and this town knows that if they get rid of us, they might as well kiss themselves goodbye." Talidin flipped his blade up in the air and sheathed it carelessly.

A few days passed without event and the town of Areos slept, if not peacefully. It was near midnight one starry night, and Talidin couldn’t sleep. He wandered aimlessly around the large house, smiling as he recalled memories of his childhood. He remembered training to be a Rhodi, learning what it meant to fight with honor, becoming a warrior… it had all happened here, most of it in this old house. Dissolved in his fantasyland, didn’t look where he was going and slammed into a figure in the dark.

Talidin, watch it! an aggravated voice whispered.

He peered through the black and whispered, Tavana?

"No, it’s a ghost! I can just talk to you for no reason. Of course it’s me!" Tavana whispered, and he helped her up.

Ooh, someone’s grouchy. What are you doing up? Talidin teased, not bothering to repress a smile.

None of your business. What are you doing up?

"None of your business," Talidin repeated.

Tavana suppressed a grunt of irritation and leaned against the wall.

Reminds you of old times, doesn’t it? Sneaking around and all? Talidin chuckled.

She nodded, but added heavily, Couldn’t sleep. I suppose you couldn’t, either?

No. He frowned. What’s bothering you?

Just… what Odon said. I don’t really believe in prophecies, but maybe he’s right. If we are the last hope for Crescentia, we need allies. More of our own.

The Rhodi are a dying breed, sis, Taladin said softly. Honestly, I thought once we corked off, the Rhodi would die with us.

You don’t want to pass down what you know? Don’t tell me you’ve never thought about it.

He shrugged. "Not much of a point, honestly. I figured I was going to die alongside you, trying to stop Rachel from taking over Crescentia. But let’s face facts, sis. You and me, we’re just prolonging the inevitable. Eventually, Rachel and the people that work for her are going to have large enough numbers that they’ll be able to take on any army, in any of Crescentia’s states. Then she’ll knock the governing states off one by one, until she owns the entire continent. No prophecy is going to stop that."

She’s still afraid of us.

Not enough. And since we’re being honest… we’re more afraid of her.

Their conversation was interrupted by a crash in the living room and small voices hysterically snapping at each other.

There were intruders in the house. Perhaps more of Rachel’s Hunters, here to bring upon their end?

Tavana’s eyes widened and she put a finger to her lips. She brought out her collapsible staff from the belt that she always wore, which unfolded quickly and ruffled her nightgown.

Talidin, who was fully dressed, unsheathed his blade and held tightly to the curved hilt. Silently as spiders. the Rhodi slunk through the hall and into the living room, until they both jumped and attacked.

Tavana’s target screamed and went silent. Talidin’s victim knew he was coming and tried to dodge, though whoever it was couldn’t avoid him. It was smaller than his usual opponent, and shockingly light. He crashed into his victim, tackling her to the floor. He let out a triumphant cry as he pinned the burglar, but it turned into a groan of pain as the thief bit him.

Tal! You okay? Tavana asked, holding her prisoner down.

The little sneak bit me! he whined. Although his prisoner was putting up a valiant fight there was no technique, and no strength. He held her easily, flipping from hand to hand to hold the thief down as he was bitten and scratched.

The lights turned on. What’s going on here? Odon said. The old man looked exhausted, leaning on his cane and wrapped in a light gray bathrobe.

Talidin looked down at his captive. You! he said. It was the same girl from the store he had seen days ago, tangled in his arms.

Let me go! she shouted, giving him a terrible glare. He didn’t release her but loosened his grip, feeling stupid for attacking a kid. If he had moved too quickly, would he have smashed her? He shuddered at the thought.

Tavana’s thief was the boy. Tavana was simply grasping the teen by the shoulder. He made no attempt to escape, only pushed his broken glasses up over and over.

You two again? Odon mumbled, and he rubbed his eyes.

You know them? Tavana asked.

Of course. They tried to steal some money off of me.

Odon hobbled into the room and eyed Talidin with a tired gaze, Let her go, Tal. I’m sure a skilled warrior like you can handle a pissed-off teenager.

Talidin opened his arms. The girl tore out of them, backing herself against a wall and shaking like a cornered animal.

Dylan, cut it out. They’re not going to hurt us. The boy spoke for the first time in a wary voice.

How do you know? I don’t trust anyone! the girl bared her teeth menacingly, staring at Talidin like she was going to pounce on him at any moment.

"That’s weird, since you’re the one who broke into our house." Talidin stepped forward and pointed his blade at her.

"Will you put that down so we can settle this like sane people?" Odon snapped. Talidin reluctantly put the knife away. Tavana had already stashed her staff in her belt. Odon shuffled to the kitchen, and Tavana and the boy followed him. The girl cast a dark look at Talidin.

You should follow, Talidin said to her. Or else.

I’m not afraid of you, the girl said.

That’s cute. The Rhodi and the girl stared each other down before she finally relented.

They sat down at the kitchen table, and Odon mumbled, Would you two mind making dinner for these young people?

Talidin gasped and said, "But Master, come on! They just tried to break into our house and we’re feeding them?"

If I recall, I got you out of a few tight spots when you were young, Tal. You can do the same. Odon narrowed his eyes, and Talidin reluctantly rose to his feet.

Talidin turned to the stove to prepare some food, complaining the entire time. Tavana, who had a bit more compassion, gave the two glasses and a large pitcher of milk. They drank it down quickly and then watched Talidin make the meal with large, hungry eyes.

The kids waited patiently until dinner was actually on their plates. Then they gobbled everything down. The three adults watched, a little horrified, as an entire pot of noodles, rice, vegetables and beef were devoured within minutes. When they were done, the Rhodi cleaned the table and the two teenagers stared at the three grown-ups fearfully, as if just now realizing what kind of trouble they were in.

Hunger can do some strange things to people, Odon said, chuckling. The children didn’t answer.

Why did you break into our house? Tavana asked politely, leaning forward to look at the boy.

The boy looked down. "We wanted to thank him, for giving us money, he said, glancing at Odon. We asked around, and we were told that this is where he lived. We went to go buy food, but that’s when the shopkeeper said that we were stealing and you caught us."

He glanced down, red-faced. We lost the money and hoped that if we came here, you would feed us.

And so we did, Odon said, nodding.

You could’ve just knocked on the front door, Talidin said, crossing his arms.

"We were really hungry," the boy mumbled.

Yeah, so I’m sorry if we didn’t exactly show good manners, the girl snapped, sneering at Talidin.

Breaking and entering should probably be the first lesson of etiquette school, yes, I agree, Talidin said back.

Tal, would you just shut up for two seconds? We’d break too if we hadn’t eaten in days, Tavana said shortly.

Thank you, by the way, the boy said politely. For doing this.

Odon leaned forward and asked, Where do you two live?

The boy looked down. Where we can.

Why do you steal?

You’d steal too, if you were hungry.

How long have you been living like this?

I have no idea… Dylan, how long have we been alone?

The girl crossed her arms and refused to answer. The boy shook his head angrily and turned away, avoiding his sister’s gaze. I’m not sure how long we’ve been on our own. We’ve tried to get jobs, but nobody will hire us because we’re… different. No one around here looks like us.

Just because you look different doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get treated the same, Tavana said gently.

Yeah, but people are weird here. It’s like they have… more to fear.

Tavana and Talidin glanced at each other. Unknown to the children in front of them, it was years of fighting between the Rhodi and the Hunter’s Guild that had made Areos so wary of strangers in the first place.

The question that nobody else wanted to ask was hovering precariously in the air. But Talidin had little time for tact. Where are your parents? Talidin said. Shouldn’t they be stopping you from running the streets?

We don’t have any! the girl shouted, and her brother closed his eyes, as if he knew this had been coming. They died in a car crash a few months, ago and we were the only ones who made it out, so is that okay with you?

The room went dead silent. Odon broke the awkward silence and said, Do you have any family?

We have an aunt and uncle, but we have no idea where they are. So we’re basically alone. The girl’s voice was harsh and bitter as she said the words, her lower lip trembling despite her anger.

We’re sorry, Tavana said gently. That must’ve been terrible.

It wasn’t easy. The girl dropped her gaze. So if we’re done here, you can shove us back out into the streets, because it’s not like we have anywhere else to go.

A sudden light came into Tavana’s eyes. She grabbed her brother’s sleeve, pulling him into the next room. Tal, these are the ones! she exclaimed in an excited whisper.

The ones? he asked, totally lost.

She hit him on the arm and said, Seriously, do you ever pay attention? They’re it! Our new students!

You can’t be serious! Talidin said, his mouth agape.

Look at them, they’re perfect!

Talidin peered around the corner. Well… I guess the boy’s all right, but I don’t like the girl’s attitude. She’s a brat.

Tavana grabbed her brother’s hands. Trust me, okay? They have nowhere to go, and it’s Rhodian code that we take care of the less fortunate. What kind of Rhodi would we be if we turned them out in the cold?

Don’t you think you’re taking advantage of these poor kids? Talidin asked, crossing his arms. Oh, look, a couple of orphans! They’d be great fodder for Rachel out on the battlefield!

"It wasn’t long ago when two other kids came to Odon’s doorstep, begging for help, Tavana reminded him. Do you regret the choice we made now?"

Talidin’s look was harsh. "You know I don’t. But becoming a Rhodi is a choice that should be made because someone wants to become a warrior, not a choice made out of desperation. I don’t regret becoming a Rhodi, but I do wish I had made the choice under better circumstances— said yes because I wanted to, not because I felt like I had no other options. Now you’re doing the same thing Odon did. You’re taking advantage of these kids."

"We’ll make it be their choice. Offer to house them anyway, but not force them to train, Tavana offered. Then if they wish, they can go on their own way."

But can we trust them? Really? Out there on the battlefield, you’ve got to trust your fellow Rhodi with your life. These kids aren’t exactly trustworthy.

He peered around the corner, and the girl caught his eye. A shiver went down his spine as she returned his gaze. It was clear that she was someone who would never back down from a fight, no matter how foolish.

If she didn’t turn on him, she’d put him through hell trying to train her, and Talidin wasn’t interested in being her teacher.

"But they could be. They just need someone to believe in them," Tavana begged.

Believe in a couple of thieves? These are the kind of people that the Hunter’s Guild recruits. Not us.

I didn’t think you were that judgmental, Tavana said, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow at Talidin.

Talidin sighed reluctantly. "Of course you bring on the guilt trip. All right, fine. I guess you’re right. We really don’t have any other option. I guess I’ll just roll with it."

That’s the spirit! Tavana said, clapping him on the back.

They continued back into the kitchen. Tavana elbowed him in the gut to speak, and sighing, Talidin asked, Would you guys be interested in becoming Rhodi?

Rhodi? the boy asked.

We’re warriors— ones who protect people from evil, Talidin said. We battle injustice and help out those less fortunate. Mostly, we fight the Hunter’s Guild. They’re a group of pretty bad people who are trying to take over the Free States of Crescentia.

We know about the Hunter’s Guild, the girl said harshly. "And fighting them sounds like a terrible idea."

Talidin shrugged and said, It’s what we do. We won’t turn you out into the streets, and you’re welcome to stay here as long as you like, but we would also like to offer you training as warriors. Just think about it.

I’m not going to think about it, the girl said, rising from her chair. I’d rather die out on the streets than stay here with a bunch of weirdos.

Dylan, don’t be silly! We’ll stay, the boy said quickly. Whatever you’ve got in store for us can’t be worse than what we’ve faced out there.

"I am not going to stay here, Devin!" Dylan yelled, facing her brother.

We don’t have anywhere else to go! Devin shouted back. And I am not spending one more night out there.

Dylan crossed her arms. Whatever. It’s not like I really care, anyway.

We want to join you, Devin said, with a sharp look at his sister. We weren’t able to defend ourselves while living on the streets. We want to know how to protect ourselves, and it sounds like you guys know how.

This isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly, Tavana warned. The power you will experience as a Rhodi will be immense, but our lives are dangerous.

Power? The girl seemed interested for the first time, raising an eyebrow.

Yes, Talidin responded. Our training is tough, and it takes years to become a master. But once you do, you become strong, and nearly unbeatable in battle. We use that power to protect others.

Then I’m in, Dylan said instantly. If you can train me to get revenge on the people who hurt us, I don’t care what you put me through or what it takes. I’m tired of being taking advantage of. I’m tired of running. I want to be strong, too. And I want to make people pay for what they’ve done to my family.

She extended her hand, and warily, Talidin shook it. A Rhodi doesn’t believe in revenge.

"This Rhodi does, Dylan replied harshly. So I guess you’d better make some adjustments to whatever code you have, and get used to it."

Oh, swell. She was going to be fun to train.

Take some time to consider before you agree, Talidin said, pulling his grip out of hers.

We don’t need time. You need students, and we need training, if we’re going to get people to stop hurting us, Dylan said shortly. It’s a mutual agreement.

I will join my sister, and become a Rhodi beside her, Devin added. Both of us have been looking for our place in the world for a long time. Perhaps we can find it here.

Odon chuckled. These two remind me of some kids I used to know, he said fondly, glancing at Tavana and Talidin.

Well whoever they remind you of, it sure wasn’t us, Talidin grumbled.

"He was talking about us, you idiot," Tavana said, rolling her eyes.

Do you both see my point? Odon said, breaking the argument.

He looked at both of his students, a calculating look on his face. As Head Rhodi Master, I will decide who shall train who. Tavana, you shall teach young Devin. Talidin will instruct Dylan.

What?! Dylan and Talidin yelled at the same time. Talidin and Dylan stared at each other in revulsion, while Tavana and Devin simply smiled politely at each other.

"I have to learn from this loser?" Dylan asked, pointing at Talidin in disgust.

I have to teach this little snot? Talidin whined, putting a hand in his hair.

Odon grunted. You two are perfect together. You’re both stubborn, quick-tempered and emotional. You’ll keep each other in check.

Talidin looked at his trainee. She narrowed her eyes, appearing like she would enjoy nothing more than to tackle him to the ground and claw out his face. Slowly.

I get to be a babysitter. Oh joy, he thought.

Odon turned out of the room and mumbled, "Now will you two please find somewhere for the children to sleep so I can get to bed? I’m too old to be up this late."

Talidin and Tavana escorted the twins to a small guest room. We’ll go to the furniture store and buy beds for you tomorrow, and set up your rooms, Tavana said. But tonight, you’re going to have to sleep here.

They didn’t seem to mind. On the contrary, Talidin thought they were happy to at least have someplace to sleep.

He could remember that feeling well enough. He wasn’t exactly a stranger to being hungry, either. He opened the door, and a white double bed came into view. The twins sighed in relief and clambered up onto the bed, collapsing into it.

I know it’s not much, but…

Tavana trailed off. They were already asleep. Talidin and his sister crept out of the room silently.

Talidin still had his doubts. "They’re so small. How