Arigale: Spite in the Spirit

By Denise O Eaton

Judith and Chit are called to the lonely tower outside their city with little explanation. The one who summoned them is an old Elven wizard named Maleth, who will send them on a quest to lower their floating city of Arigale to where it once resided. Maleth is intrigued by Judith's strange form of necromantic magic, yet he is also certain of the

• Language: English
• Publisher: Denise Eaton
• Release date: Aug 19, 2021
• ISBN: 9781737701422

Book preview

My friends and I all once banded together in the old world to try and stop the catastrophe that befell it, and though we all failed and fled, I believe you two can bring about the change we have needed for so long. ~Maleth

Arigale

Book one

Spite in the Spirit

By

Denise O. Eaton

Illustrations By

Fable Briste

aka Lindsay Krebs

Copyright

CAVEAT

Following the instructions of a mysterious tower-bound elven archmage on a quest to jump off a floating city may be hazardous, please do not attempt at home.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents herein are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Copyright © 2021 by Denise O. Eaton

All Rights Reserved.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

The Typefaces in this book are Sabon by Jan Tschichold and Tangerine by Toshi Omagari. Tangerine has been artistically altered for usage in the title.

ISBN 978-1-7377014-2-2

First Edition August 2021

Cover Illustration, Design, and Interior Graphics by Fable Briste. Visit: https://www.deviantart.com/fracturedfable Follow: @fracturedfable

Illustrations © 2021 Fable Productions LLC

Visit: https://www.arigalefantasy.com/

Follow: @DeniseOEaton

Dedication and Thanks

I have two people to thank with my whole heart for this book Release. First, I couldn’t have finished this project without the help of my friend and cover artist, Fable. She has been with me since beta reading and continues to be a wonderful source of support and inspiration. Her drawings for Arigale are featured on my website: ArigaleFantasy.com. Each time I receive a new piece it reminds me of how much I love these characters, and then I find a fire alight within me to keep pushing onward.

Second, my partner has also had a large impact on the creation of this book. He’s been with me every step of the way, and we even formed the ideas for the main duo together. Judith and Chit began as a concept for a game we were playing, but they have blossomed into so much more now. These characters are the reason we talked so much for a time, and helped with us getting together in the first place. They will always hold a special place in my heart for that.

I wish to dedicate this book to my late father, Charles Eaton. He died of a heart attack in 2013, and I have never really recovered. My father and I were inseparable. He started my love of reading from a young age by reading me classics as a toddler. When I was able to move up to reading on my own, I excelled and was always many grade levels above the grade I was in at the time. I devoured books, and we would take trips to the library together whenever possible. I began writing in second grade and he loved every world. He even framed my first short story. He always dreamed of walking me down the aisle and reading my first published book, but he died suddenly before either happened, so I hope this dedication reaches him somehow. Thank you for inspiring me for so many years, and so many to come. I miss you.

Trigger Warnings

Abuse

Alcohol

Amnesia

Anger Issues

Anxiety

Blood and Gore

Bullying

Cult

Death/Murder/Suicide

Depression

Guilt

Loss of a Loved One

Manipulation

Misogynistic Language

Racism/Genocide

Terminal Illness

PTSD

Violence

A tumultuous wave of long, blonde hair flew down the tight, shadow-encased alleyway as a kitchen knife stabbed the ground, fallen just short of the mark as it ripped at the hem of her dress. If she hadn’t been wearing such thick boots under the deep purple fabric she might have been cut, but her feet continued to move swiftly past the bends in the alleys and each modest home until she reached her own. Her petite frame pressed against the wood with her back to shut the door seconds before a blast of air hit and rattled the shoddy windows. A single dusty pane fell out of place, but she caught it before it could shatter on the floor and popped it back in place with nary a step out of beat.

You really need to learn to slow down before you barge in here. You’ll blow the place down if you- A young boy’s voice came from the bed in the corner of the room, but it gave way to a cough that racked his body as he tried to reach for the water basin on the bedside table with arms that looked far too thin to hold it.

Jacob! I’ve got it, I’ve got it! Just stay still. She reached the table before he could manage and poured him a glass before holding it up to his lips to help him drink. Should have just told Sis if you needed me back here sooner to help. I told you-

That if I need anything at all, just ask. I know, but unlike you, Judith, I have trouble speaking when nothing is standing there to talk to.

The girl’s face pulled down into a playful pout on her fine, pink lips. I’ve shown you enough you should believe me by now, but if you don’t, then there’s no help for it. I’ll just have to make sure to come back and check on you more often when I decide to head to market. She smiled sweetly, and his body relaxed at once as he raised a shaky hand to wipe the sweat-covered tawny hairs off his forehead.

I know you’ll do it too. You should focus on saving up for yourself. She shook her head at his worries as the loose waves of golden hair shifted around her face and multiple strands fell out of place to cover her wide, azure eyes.

I need to focus on you getting better. That’s what I need to do. The cheer in her tone faded, but in an instant, she bounced into the kitchen. It was all of ten feet from where she’d been in the tiny house. There were no doors to go through, just the one room with the bed and a scratched up wooden table and two chairs hardly able to seat comfortably. The kitchen was through a large archway, so it was practically the same room. All the area held was a few beaten-up cabinets, a stone pit for fires, and a blackened metal hook above to hang pots from to cook. She held out a cracked clay bowl and heaped soup into it.

A long wooden staff was held to her back by a tattered blue scarf knotted over her chest. The object hung on a large knob in the wood the scarf looped beneath. A clear crystal, rough and jagged, and about the size of a ripe orange sat at the top. When the sunlight from the kitchen window shone on the crystal, it seemed to vanish as if swallowed whole. The boy’s eyes wandered over it, and she smiled at him again when she caught him staring." Not for you to touch. Remember. One rule as my guest, no touch.

Wouldn’t dream of it, he chuckled weakly as it led to another cough.

Judith made her way across the room to him, though she spilled a spoonful or two of the soup along the uneven panels in the floor in her hurry. The tip of her staff glowed blue a moment while she rushed about so quickly Jacob’s eyes could hardly keep track. He’d grown used to this show and didn’t waste time bothering her about her habits anymore. There had to be a whole field of cotton in those ears when it came to scrutiny. 

I found a good catch today. Her pale hand fished around in one of the pouches on her belt and pulled out a glistening chain made of silver. I should be able to barter old Gorbin for some more medicine with this.

Judith…

She pressed her hand flush against his mouth before he could continue. Her eyes became quite sober for a moment before it faded again like a passing summer storm. Judith started to feed him after he quieted and was insistent that he finish the entire bowl. His shoulders shook as he tried to keep his weight propped up to eat with some dignity.

It’s alright. Just take things slow, Judith whispered and held another spoonful out for him.

When did you get to be so collected? My first night here you nearly drowned me. His expression was full of warmth and his voice deepened.

I didn’t drown you though, so we’re fine. She pouted and shoved the bite at him. You were even more of a rail than you are now. If I didn’t feed you fast you would have just faded away right on the spot! Can’t have some kid dying in my neighborhood.

I’m only a few years younger than you, so for the last time, I’m no kid.

Younger is younger. Besides, it’s nice feeling like an older sibling for a change.

Jacob grinned up at her before he swallowed the spoonful with some difficulty. His eyes were puffy and red in deep contrast to the lovely, gentle purple of his irises. It wasn’t long before his eyes began to flutter shut, so she set the half-emptied bowl next to the water basin. Judith sat upon a stool close to the bed and stared at how his chest barely rose with his breathing. Sometimes she would raise her hand an inch from his mouth to feel the slight breeze and make sure he was alright. The stunted boy continued to sleep deeply as Judith sat up more attentive, though she looked off to her side as she listened.

 You’re right. If he is resting longer, then I should go out and be done with what I can. Watch over him for me, sis. She stood and waited a second before she reached for the door and stepped back on the dusty old path.

The inner city was much more vibrant than her humble abode on the outskirts cloistered in a maze of other ground-level dwellings, all looking alike. Here, all the homes mixed together and over top of one another like keepsakes on shelves. They each had some color of their own, a unique engraving around their doors or windows, or something else that set them apart. Some homes stood tall enough to tower over the stacked ones on their own and cast their shadows over the pointed metal gates that surrounded them. Where the roads around her home were all bare dirt, the farther she walked into the crowded central marketplace the more she could feel the clack of her boots on the cobblestone streets and see the bright light of the oil lamps. They hung on either side of the doorways on every house and shop she passed, and all were lit up now that the sun was setting, joining the diminishing glow in casting the whole area into orange light.

She took a deep breath and savored the air around her as she passed a row of food merchants with their evening wares on display. Her mouth watered and she had to cover her face with her dark blue hood from her capelet to curb the delicious smells of fresh-fired loaves of bread and steaming soups. Even she didn’t dare steal from the center of town, yet she sighed at the glorious roasted meat skewered on display with a hand pressed against her stomach. The guard positions were all in plain sight as a show of force, and everyone knew many vendors would pay the Order’s mages to have enchantments cast that struck thieves with sudden sickness or pain to make them easy to spot and punish. Judith swallowed hard and turned her nose up at the portly and thick, gray bearded man holding an apple out to her and yelling out the day’s best prices with a wide grin.

Her steps hurried faster until she barged into the runt of all the shops on the market’s east corner with a weather-worn sign that read ‘Aggregate Apothecary.’ Her shoulder jammed against the door to shove it open, well acquainted with the way the bent floorboards made it near impossible to open. The screech of the splintered wood alerted the shop owner, and his oversized, apple-shaped head protruded over the counter that was much too high for his height. He reached his lithe arms up and over to interlace his fingers as his head tilted at her and revealed the bald spot in the center of his snowy wisps of hair.

Judith. Her name never sounded as grim as when he said it in his phlegm thickened and husky voice. What are you botherin’ me for today, girlie?

She set the trinket in front of him, and his glasses almost fell off his hooked nose. Long nails pinched it off the counter and brought it down to his level, where he let it dangle through his hands. Pure, this is well refined. He looked up at her with a squint. Still need that then? The boy still sick, is he?

Judith nodded at him and held out her hand. He’s been getting worse. He can hardly keep his eyes open anymore, so if you could hurry, please, Gorbin.

He tucked the chain into his vest pocket and grabbed a stained cane that had been hanging by its crook off the counter. It took a while for his short gait to reach the shelf littered with bottles of assorted sizes and colors, and he dusted off one vial from the far back before he grunted and changed direction toward her. This is near the last of it, I’m afraid. It’ll help relieve him for a time, but it’s not going to cure-

I remember. Judith cut him off with a soft smile as she took the tiny bottle in both hands. Thank you.

You’re a paying customer—no need to thank me, girlie. Just come back with twice as much if you want the last o’ my stock. I venture I won’t be able to get any more for some time, and it’s a great comfort knowing I have it in case this old body decides to quit. Else you pry the leftovers from my cold hands. He waved the cane at her dismissively and she rolled her eyes as she shoved it in a pocket on her belt.

A glint from a nearby bookshelf caught her eyes just as she was turning to leave the shop. She reached out towards the sparkle of light and grasped a worn, dust-covered spine before she yanked it out of its tight space and caused a few neighboring books to fall to the floor.

Careful! The old shopkeeper yelled at her as he suddenly moved twice the speed he had before to check on the books. These are prized merchandise. Books from before Arigale was even thought of, much less before it rose into the sky.

Judith staggered back and held the damaged book with a lot more care, leaning her staff to the side so she could use both hands. What? I had no idea anything like that still existed. It’s been ages.

Over four hundred years now… He scratched what was left of his beard but mainly went for the burnt patches missing all over his chin. I’ve been witness to the feats Arigale has accomplished for longer than most still here, but even I came around a while after we’d risen above the catastrophe. The Order destroyed many of the old records after the first hundred years. As public knowledge faded, they thought it was best to forget and begin anew in this land. He set the books back in their places carefully.

So then, how do you still have these?

He turned his head back to her with a sly grin. What the church can’t see they won’t touch. I have ways and means. Now give me that and head out. You don’t want him left alone long, do you?

Judith shook her head and patted the gnome’s head, which produced a high-pitched growl and a tint in his face as she grabbed her staff and ran back into the streets with a giggle. It was always fun to tease him. She rubbed the dirt left on her fingers into her dress and continued to run far, far up the streets, weaving through crowds of people heading home from the markets as the moon shone clear above them.

Her head leaned back as she stared upward at the silver beauty, full and bright. Amid the crowd, she heard a familiar voice whisper. It’s alright. It’s not like that night. You’ll be fine, Sis. She wiped her ruffled sleeve under her eyes and blinked it all away with a smile.

You’re right! I managed to get something good enough to trade, we had a decent meal, and Jacob hasn’t been in near as much pain. It’s been a good day.

Be careful here, dear. It’s even more crowded than usual this evening. A different voice called to her, older and more masculine in nature by far. Judith rolled her eyes and stopped in her tracks underneath a gas lamp post.

It’s fine. Everyone’s too busy doing their own thing to give a hoot about what I’m doing.

Not everyone is like that. You should be more self-aware by now. That’s most of the reason I died trying to save you. If you could learn to pay closer attention and think before you leap, maybe we wouldn’t worry so much. The first voice chided her. Judith’s hands met her hips as she shook her head toward the post.

I’ve made it this far, haven’t I? She turned and stormed the path toward home, but immediately bumped into a boy in modest clothing that was staring aghast up at her from under his broad hat.

You got a problem up there? He tapped his head and an older woman rushed up from behind him and ushered him away. Judith didn’t even take note of it. Instead, she was ready to break back into a run home with her staff clenched in hand. Just as the crystal began to change from clear to a faded blue, she heard the boy curse as an owl flew past at breakneck speed and blew off his hat with its wing. It kept flapping until it perched on the end of her staff and stared straight in her eyes as the color drained from the crystal slowly.

Um? She tilted her head sideways at the creature and it mimicked her. She gently shook her staff to get the owl to fly away, but its talons were latched deep into the wood. Hey, careful! This is a gift from my dad! Her other arm reared back for a punch, but the bird flew onto her shoulder and perched there instead before it could hit.

Judith gawked at the creature. A larger crowd was forming around her from the commotion. What’s your problem? she spoke, looking at the bird, but she could hear the hushed whispers forming in groups around her. The owl gripped her hood and flew down the road, dragging her as the cloth pulled at her neck.

By the time they were close to her place, the talons finally let go in one of the more remote areas of the city outskirts. Judith rubbed her throat and coughed as she leaned her weight against her staff. What the-

I am sorry for the damage to your neck. I did not intend to have to pull you out of such an obviously dangerous situation. What if someone back there had called the Order about you? We cannot have that. With powers like yours, you would end up jailed or killed by the likes of them.

W-What? she sputtered as her coughs ended and she squinted at the owl. The beak wasn’t opening with the words she was hearing, but they weren’t coming from anything else.

Oh, Apologies again. My name is Maleth. This owl is a familiar of mine, and I can project my voice through him, as well as see what he sees. The eyes did have an unnatural silver glow around the pupil. I know a lot about you, Judith. I would like to invite you to the tower west of here. Do you know it?

Yes. She grimaced with a harsh tone. Everyone knows about it. It’s the only thing left west of this place before the woods. It’s also huge. I can see the top of it from here. Judith stood up straight, yet kept that tight grip on her staff, so much the blue cloth she wrapped under the crystal when not on her back wrinkled.

Exactly the one. I have a serious request to make of you, and I can promise the rewards will be handsome.

Really? She looked around the corner of the alley and into the window of her home in the distance. There was a low glow from a candle casting its own shadow outside. Jacob’s waiting up for me, so I should really be going. Her voice cut off, but before she got far, she stopped. Rewards could mean more medicine, or maybe she could even pay old Gorbin to make something better or research what was going on.

I am inviting another as well. If you would both do me the honor of appearing, I can explain things much better there, but as it stands, I must be going now. I cannot be caught lingering any more than you can. Will you come?

Of course. She smiled in a more amicable manner and nodded so hard her hair swept about when she looked back at the owl. When?

She could swear the owl smiled back as well as it could, but it wasn’t something she could process. Not long after noon. Thank you, Judith, really I offer my sincerest gratitude. The moment the voice faded out the gleam in the bird’s eyes vanished. It blinked, confused for a moment, and then flew back high into the sky.

Judith was still pondering what had happened when she walked indoors. Jacob frowned and set a journal down on his knees in the bed with the quill holding his place. He waited until she sat on the stool by his bed and reached for her knee with a squeeze.

Did you not manage to get it? his voice was softer, less gravely from the waning cough, and Judith’s bright smile spread back over her face the instant her hand fell over his.

I got it! She grinned wider as she picked the vial up out of her pocket and waved it in front of his eyes. He looked relieved as he stared more at her than the bottle. Her nail slid under the cap and popped it off in one go, yet when she handed him the drink, he didn’t take it right away.

Judith. I want to ask you for something. Something… probably too much.

Everyone seems to want something from me today. She chuckled and kicked up her boots on the nightstand.

I… He hesitated. His lips trembled, and it was only then she saw they were turning a shade of purple. I want you to change me.

To do what? Her usual confused tick caused her to tilt her head at him. He took a steadying breath that was anything but steady as the air quaked in his lungs before he forced it out to explain.

When I die… He added. He looked up at her with a sense of knowing. His expression was resolute. The lines in his face that revealed themselves were not those of a young man.

Judith stood up and took a step back as she reached for her staff and twisted her hands around it in a chokehold. Jacob. You sure? It’s kind of a big commitment. I can’t just undo it.

I’m certain. I’ve thought about this for the last month constantly. If I can’t be here in body, at least I can remain with you in spirit and possibly do some good. I can repay you some for how much you’ve cared for me. I’d already be gone if you hadn’t…

She took a long look at him, and he stared back at her. They both froze in that way, her still grinning and Jacob dead serious as his gaze burrowed into her. The silence only broke when she heard a deeper voice speak to her again. Dear, let him. He seems to be telling the truth. He’s thought about this. We don’t mind it. Judith nodded and her hand tousled her tumbling hair.

If you’re that intense about it, then I can’t say no. It’s your call. Just know I’d be happy to still have you around. Her smile spread unobstructed as a weight was lifted from her shoulders. She sat back down and tipped the bottle back into his mouth now that he had spoken.

Judith. Thank you.

You should rest up. You’ll be bouncing off the walls tomorrow with this stuff. Last time you even made it to market and back with me.

Yeah. He was reluctant to lie down. Judith pulled the covers back onto him with a glance that let him know this wasn’t a discussion. 

A big day tomorrow. She could tell him about just how big it would be in the morning. He’d probably get a kick out of the owl, animal lover that he was. Judith ruffled his hair and blew out the candlelight so he would finally close his eyes.

Ugh! He grunted and coughed as he lay in the dry earth he was knocked against. His spear lay within reach, but though he grasped it, he couldn’t find the strength to raise it again as his arm shook. His forehead felt warm, and his free hand dabbed at it and came back red at the fingertips. Vision was blurry at best, but he could make out the glinting sword his opponent was wielding and hear his quiet chuckle. The gray, weathered brick walls that surrounded them were so high that it only seemed to focus the rays of the sun down on him.

Up! Now, Chit! A whip cracked the stones that their teacher stood upon at the edges of the training area.

Chit struggled to raise himself as he watched a few drops of blood spoil the sand. He managed to get back on his feet, but his knees were buckling as his head swam. His loose, deep blue curls stuck to his forehead where he’d been injured. A foot slid back in the sand and raised a cloud of dust as he settled back into a low stance and rushed toward his opponent. The other boy was shorter but stockier. Chit’s spear strike was deflected as his sparring partner held up a shield, then bashed him in the head with it again on a downward swing that rang his ears and left him in the sand again with his eyes squinted at the row of weapons along the wall of the church.

"You’re never going to get anywhere that way. You’re fast, but you don’t try to dig into someone, you know? Use that beast-like strength you got there." The other student looked at their teacher, who just groaned and wound up his weapon to place at his side. They both gave up on waiting and walked off together into the shady archway while Chit found his way back up again. When he could finally stumble into it, the wall of the entryway was a blessing, as the cool stone soothed his bruises and bumps while he turned his body against them wherever it hurt worst. He touched his head again and sucked the air in through his teeth in a sharp hiss.

I’m not going to be able to deal with this on my own this time, am I? He sighed as he walked back inside, one hand pressed against the wall the whole way just in case. The halls were dimly lit with torches, and not a single window cast any light from the sunny day most were enjoying just over their walls in the city square. He took slow and careful steps in his state on the uneven stone floor. These floors were also likely laid out in darkness. The thought made his mouth twitch to a near smile. He passed many men and a few older women in the halls, but not a soul saw him, not really.

Not until he crossed the threshold of the other side of the Order did the sun finally find the interior of the church. Bright yellow rays intermingled with the silks of the same shade strung around the grand circular room. The windows stretched from the floor to halfway up the walls and were tinted with cheerful and warm shades of color. The room was large enough to house an army and held a kaleidoscopic array of couches, cushions, daybeds, and glittering tables of gold dispersed between them. It was like being inside a noble’s goblet, the way the glass windows shone all around flaked with gold reflections in this high rising and circular room. This space was crafted to hold such lavish and, dare he think upon it, perverse events on a daily basis.

Chit thanked Yani that today seemed to be a slow one, as only the priestesses of the Order’s Light side were present. They flitted about in their bright yellow and orange robes of various fashions, each suited to their body in ways that made heat rise to his cheeks as he walked by them. They chittered at him with fleeting looks ranging from passive to concerned. One of the older women waved him down and tsked at his wounds.

You know you aren’t to bring blood here. She took off her sheer scarf and wrapped it quickly over his head after cleaning off his fingers. Come on. Chinea is in the back.

I’m s-sorry F-Freena, he mumbled and bowed his head forward until he stared at the ground as she led him by his hand through the pillows and hanging veils.

What in the world… He felt a tender touch at his temple. The blood must have stained through the wrapping. There was no way he could afford to replace that cloth, and the realization made him wince as much as the sting from the air as his makeshift bandage was removed. He heard the veils ripple again as Freena went back to work.

I’m sorry. I tried to do better this time. I know I can’t keep showing up each time I get knocked around, but there’s a demonstration tomorrow and I-

Shh. Chinea pressed a cold, wet cloth to his head. It’s alright, child. I was the one who told you to come if you needed help, so don’t you dare start apologizing to me for it now. You take the gifts people give you, alright? Yani knows you’re short on them. She shook her head, and even with his eyes downcast, he saw the long, thin ponytail sway past her knees like the threads that made up those pricey silk curtains above. Her plump arms worked fast as he felt himself pushed back into a large cushion on the floor. The magic always made his muscles go limp in relief, and within minutes all that remained of his wounds was the bloody cloth in her hands. She tucked the fabric into a small bag at her side.

Thank you so much. He smiled earnestly at her from his reclined position as she handed him a glass of water.

It’s the least I can do with how they treat you. It’s barbaric. If I hadn’t sworn an oath and could get my hands on that old moth bitten bag of bones, then I’d-

Chinea, please. No talk of the Dark here. I rarely have a chance to show up at all, but they just left me in the sandpit this time. Frees up my schedule some. His sharp teeth flashed in a grin, belying a hint of vindictiveness.

You’re right. She sat on the edge of a velvet chair that looked like a cloud the way it ruffled and rumpled at its borders; her round form all puffed up like a mother hen as she drew in her arms. I haven’t seen you but in the dining hall for the last month. What have they had you doing?

Looking through a ton of old scrolls. Anyone who isn’t in the top percentage of the fighters in class has been tasked with researching the old archives for information on Yani that may have been lost over the centuries. They refuse to tell us why, but it gets me out of the extra lessons Silas is giving those not reading, so I’m fine with it. He sipped from the glass still in his hand. Even the water carried a sweetness here, though it was probably laced with some sort of sugar or soaked with berries. He couldn’t tell the difference.

That’s a relief at least, yet of course, it doesn’t excuse you from your regular lessons, she said as she looked him over again and wiped a smudge from his cheek. The pleasure of seeing him faded from her face. I am attempting to convince Master Brenner that you deserve a place here. It’s much more suited to your personality. Those caves they live in are suffocating you even more as you get older. I see it. I see it changing you all the time, Chit.

You know that’s never… Men aren’t allowed. He sighed and pulled at the long points of his ears as he set the bejeweled cup aside.

I know that, but I’m the Mistress of the Light side of the Order, and there is a first for everything. Why, up until a short while before I was born, they still had rules against interracial mingling.

A lot of those still hold weight. His mouth formed a hard line, and he looked away from her just as Freena returned. She opened her thin lips, but before she could speak, Master Brenner pushed past her and struck his staff down hard on the floor to mark his point.

Chinea rose and bowed at a slight incline to him, which was overshadowed by the way her hands hit her hips and she glared at him after the formality. He nodded at her without returning the favor, and between the two of them, Chit wished he knew a spell to disappear. The older man was tall and languid. His jowls hung low, and his brow was high above a pointed and short snub nose. Like Chit and all others of the Dark side of the Order wore, black robes enshrouded him but were ordained with edges of silver and gold with a bright red broach clipped to his high and stiff collar. Light reflected off his head from the large windows, and he scoffed in Chit’s direction. We had a meeting. Why did you see the need to bring the riff-raff in question to it? Chit folded in on himself, but Chinea looked two feet taller.

His name is Chit. You had the gall to give him a name sounding so close to a slur, so you can at least use it instead of coming up with new ones. Our meeting was supposed to be at six. You’re early, my Master.

My Mistress, surely the wine here has addled your brain. I suggested four strokes past, not six. I have more important matters to attend to then.

Of course. Please, She gestured for him to sit, but Chit could see from where he was how she clenched her other hand behind her back.

No need. I won’t be here long. Now, exactly what makes you think that this young man deserves to break all our rules and traditions by joining the Light? That he be allowed to do so at his age? He’s spent nearly twenty years training to be a valued member of the Dark half of our Order. How would he possibly be fit for this transference when his whole life to this point has been trained to fit his proper role? Would you allow someone from the street to leap into serving the people who come to you in dire need? The elder’s deep and slow tones rumbled through the room as he spoke. Chit flinched away as the staff the Master held struck the ground again near his ankle. Do you understand my confusion at your request?

I understand that he hasn’t been trained, but if you would give me just two years, I can educate him on all the secrets of the Light. I am sure of it. There is no mistaking the kindness and intelligence he has displayed the more he ages. Chinea looked down at him with a smile, and Chit’s shoulders relaxed, but it didn’t last long as the Master scoffed and grabbed one of Chit’s horns to lift him to his feet. Chit yelled and shut his eyes while Chinea stared with horror. The wrinkled hand wrenched at the ivory ridges of bones that curled around his grip, which sent the cobalt-skinned boy reeling.

This demon flesh that was left on our door, this is what you want to train to serve you? Who in their right mind would come to him for comforts and healing? Do you expect he could even learn your arts? With his blood? Just because you have helped raise him, do not fall prey to your womanly instincts. This is clearly not your child. This is someone’s burden we were left to deal with until the proper time he is set on his own. We both know of why, and that fact alone makes this beyond sacrilege for you to even suggest.

You want to talk about sacrilege? How about how you are hurting him in MY domain. Chinea gripped the Master’s wrist, and he dropped Chit to his knees. No harm is to come to any who enter these doors. You forget yourself.

Then I’ll light a stick of incense on my way out. His expression didn’t shift at all. You will no longer make such requests of me. These pointless endeavors only harm your standing the more you retreat to such folly. I would hope for better for you by now. Chit has his home, and it suits him well. Chinea helped Chit to his feet and dusted off his robes.

You will offer up your prayers here in front of all my maidens and mothers present, and you will do it on your knees. Truer repentance than I’m sure you are capable of, so at least it will look honest.

As Chit rubbed his head and found the nerve to look upwards, he caught a glint of anger in the man’s eyes. His heart leaped, but it was hard to hide the mix of joy and fear the recognition gave him as his large, smooth tail began to tap at the floor. Chinea hauled it up into one arm to act like she was looking him over for injuries as she held it still.

As you command, my Mistress. The Master turned away, but just as Chit began to breathe again, he had to stop. You will be back in your room with new research to keep you busy by the time I finish this exaggerated rite. It would be in your best interests to hurry.

Y-Y-Yes. I will m-my Master. Chit stammered and took his tail back from Chinea in both hands before he let it fall limp to the floor along with his gaze.

The Master nodded and pushed his way through the heavy curtain as his staff raked along the floor with each pronounced stride. The two waited until they heard the footfalls cease, and Chinea turned Chit around to face her. Her burgeoning wrinkles seemed a lot more present in the way she stared at him with so much concern watering in her amber eyes. Words fell short as she shook her head low and hard. Chit patted her shoulder and tried to quiet the trembling in his hands.It’s alright. I t-told you it wouldn’t w-work. He winced at hearing his stutter and sighed. I need to g-get b-back to w-work now. The a-archives aren’t f-far, but…

If you don’t make it back, he’s going to make sure you pay for that and more. I know, dear… Please, hurry and be careful. I’ll figure something out. I’m not letting you rot down there for the rest of your days. She touched his cheek and beamed up at him. You’ve gotten so tall I barely reach your collarbone. You’re well old enough to choose on your own.

There’s n-no exit to the D-Dark. He’d never let me l-leave.

The only end to the days of pain and toil is death itself. I’m well aware of the rites.

I do not believe those are the exact w-words. He scoffed with a light smile.

Chit kissed her cheek and parted the curtain to leave her quarters. He dragged his feet as he walked back through the enormous room. Each twinkle of sunlight was as bright as the golden tables to him, and it struck him like always how the velvet and silks his hands caressed as he pushed through the drapery were likely the softest things those damned blue hands of his would ever touch.

The walk across the street to the archives and back allowed him to warm himself by the sun’s gleam more directly, but it came with more hazards. The eyes of the townsfolk were all on him, even with his hood up and his tail tucked as well as he could manage under his robes, he was still clearly different the second they saw the color of his face and the way the thin, ragged cloth fell over his horns and dipped down to his head. Some of the looks were frightened, others were disgusted, but each one cut the same way as he decided to make his way in and out as fast as possible. He broke into a sprint up the spiraling central staircase surrounded by shelves that reached the ceiling. It was all owned and controlled by the church, but the men of his order had access to materials on the highest floors barred from standard entry. He passed through the thin, blackened barrier at the top of the stairs and crammed a bag full of any scroll his eyes met that had something to do with Yani.

Chit reached his room just before the dinner hour, but there was no way he was going to risk heading out to eat and being caught out of his room by the Master, no matter how his stomach grumbled in protest. He dumped the pile of scrolls onto the one desk in his room with no chair or adornment, just flat oak wood stained by repeated use through decades. A couple of scrolls rolled off and onto the damp floor, but he picked them up quickly with his tail and dropped them back onto the desk. The last one he grabbed with his tail was snatched up in his hand as he sat in the corner of the tight space and opened it up. Focusing on the words was difficult, as each time the name and nature of his god were brought up, he couldn’t help but imagine the lines he saw so much more clearly on Chinea’s face and hear her promise that he wouldn’t spend the rest of his days down here. Here, in this tiny room with one flickering candle and no windows. The ceiling that dripped and was never going to be fixed would be hanging over him for decades more to come. The bed in the corner, which was only slightly better than sleeping on the floor, was to be his for life. The age on his only friend’s radiant face made him want to see his own suddenly, but there were no mirrors allowed; of course, it would be too vain to wish to see oneself.

Rage bubbled beneath the surface until he realized he wasn’t even reading the scroll any longer, just staring at the ink. He threw the paper onto his bed before laying his head down upon his knees. Chit’s tail constricted around his thigh until he could feel it start to throb and ache, but he just kept tightening the grip more and more until his leg went numb. The room had disappeared from his consciousness, even if for only a moment, but a bright rush of purple light that overwhelmed the dinky flame of his candle caused his head to jerk back up fully alert again.

You are going to need those legs. Try not to lose one. A stranger’s voice called to him.

What? Chit scrambled to his feet as his tail swished in the air behind him. It would hit harder than he could in a pinch.

Good. They still work. The whole room was now bathed in a bright purple, and he had to squint to make out the face of a man, or rather an elf, with long white hair that fell straight as a blade over his shoulders and dark skin. My name is Maleth. I have something I need to ask of you. Please, come to my tower outside town. I know you have never been far from here, but go west and you can’t miss it.

W-What!? Chit said louder and even more confused. I-I can’t leave. T-Tomorrow is a special t-tournament, and I-

I have already spoken with your Master, and he has granted permission, albeit not entirely willingly. The tone in the elf’s voice struck him as somewhat full of himself about it all.

I-I have no idea how y-you… or even who you…

I introduced myself. I am certain of that. I did not want to make the same mistake twice.

S-Same mistake?

Oh. You are not the only one I am calling on, Chit. I may have jumped into things too soon and forgot to tell her my name. You know, my commands used to carry a lot more weight around here…Now I have to stoop to mostly empty threats. The face in the light was sulking if he wasn’t mistaken, but it was so bright it was hard to look at the details.

You even know m-my n-name. It was clear this Maleth was plenty powerful and persuasive if he could convince the Master to let him out at all. Is… Is this a-a matter of importance?

I am not calling you all the way out there to recover and read some dusty old papers I already know about if that is what you are concerned over.

Then what use w-would you h-have for me?

I can’t talk about it in detail, especially not in this place. I can promise you though, that my offer will be of even more significance to you than it is for her. It will change things forever if you choose to take on my request. Chit stared as the confusion subsided at those words.

Nothing ch-changes for me.

Come to my tower, and I think you will see things differently. I cannot linger here any longer. Come, please. It is of the highest importance that you both meet with me immediately. The glow in the room was snuffed out all at once and left Chit rubbing his eyes at the sudden darkness.

Before her eyes could even open, Judith knew she had overslept. The distant sounds of the morning merchant’s cries and the creak of the old barrow wheels as people passed by her home finally dragged her out of her slumber. She kept her eyes closed to shield herself from the sunlight she knew was bright from the warmth upon her cheek. The covers were kicked repeatedly until they shrugged off her bit by bit. It wasn’t until she finally hazarded a peek at the world around her that she saw a pallid hand held out next to hers. His fingers were outstretched so his fingertips brushed her knuckles. Her lips curved upward, and she poked his hand.

Hey, so what do you want me to find for breakfast? Think you can eat a little more today with that medicine in you? Jacob’s hand swung back like a pendulum until the momentum caused it to stop. Judith sat up fully and tucked her hair behind her ear out of her view. You didn’t wake me up for once last night.

As she grasped his shoulder to wake him, the chill of his skin registered. He hadn’t woken her up on accident from his pained tossing and groaning. He hadn’t made sure she was up before the market became too crowded. He wasn’t moving an inch. She held a hand out in front of his mouth and kept it there longer than she needed, but eventually, she had to admit he was dead. Judith’s held breath squeezed back up out of her lungs and blew out slow and even while she looked at him.

You should have tried harder to get me up. If it was that important, I wouldn’t have minded you screaming or any number of things at me. You’re too considerate for your own good, and I hope this finally proves me right on that argument, you dumb boy.

Silence. He must be too ashamed of it to retort for once. Judith bent over and grabbed her staff from where it had rolled under the bed in her sleep; once it was firmly in her hands, she stood while holding on to Jacob’s still outstretched hand. The crystal atop her staff became cloudy from the tip down until it was filled with colorless smoke. Her fingers gripped the wood as she shut her eyes and took a slow and gradual breath while her shoulders and chest rose. The longer she breathed in, the more the color inside her crystal shifted in stages. The hue began a soft lilac, then drops of orchid filled