The Wielder Diaries: Revisioned: The Wielder Diaries, #3

By Ashley Scheller

"The Dragons...why weren't they there 
when we fought Zar last time?"
                         *
"Hold up. Captain Volt, what are you saying?"
"This is what I want to do," he replied, holding 
out his book. "Who knows what past Trees 
like these could bring to light?"
                         *
"Will you teach me magic?"
"As long as this is your choice, Lute Gibe, 
I will be happy to."
                         *
I smiled.  "Shall we get to work then, and bring 
your people home, Xenos?"
My friend grinned. "Let's get to packing."

 

As our adventure continues, heroes question their destinies, paths diverge, and new magic is brought to light. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ashley Scheller
• Release date: May 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223454496

Ashley Scheller

An educator by day and artist by night, Ashley Scheller loves to write stories if she isn’t sketching new creations in her notebook. Residing with her family in Iowa, she enjoys connecting with her community about art, books, and games. Scheller invites you to an exciting adventure and cannot wait to deliver the next installment of The Wielder Diaries series.

Book preview

PART ONE

THE TRIALS OF

REFLECTION

A black and white image of a skull Description automatically generated with low confidence

KAYLA – 12 YEARS

SLAM!

Why? Where were Gia and the Elemental Dragons?

Oi, oi, aren’t you happy to be done? asked a startled voice.

Sitting across from me in the castle library, I quickly glanced between my friend, Lute’s, worried look and my fist resting on the cover of my Folk-kin diary we saved.

My companion reached across the table but didn’t touch me, leaving his pale palm face down on the smooth wood. You’re crying, Kayla. Talk to me. He pointed to the Folk-kin. That book only records our world, but I can listen. And help.

Unable to look at him, I shook my head and bit my lip. I dragged the side of my fist down the length of the diary’s deep blue cover. My vision blurred at the newly etched golden symbols placed in a circle―surrounding the same lion head as before―glistening under the hanging light of the room.

My friends...

Representing those who helped save it were the symbols of my Guardians: Apprentice Lute’s oak leaf symbol for healing was at the top, followed by Captain Jacques’ sword on the left, and Coniphur Xenos’ crescent moon cradling a diamond star closest to me.

From the corner of my eye, Lute took back his hand. Please, talk to me.

I sniffed and looked at him. The Dragons...why weren’t they there when we fought Zar last time?

My friend’s green-blue eyes squinted and glanced to the side before he bowed his head. Shoot...good point.

I sighed and touched one more symbol on the front cover. I’m angry. Somehow, I think they could’ve helped.

The symbolic twinkle representing Jared’s magic was closest to the right side of the cover. It was a dull silver, and the image stuck out like a wound.

A squeak and groan from chair legs echoed when Lute rose from his seat in front of me. You got a fair question. As always. But today will be long. The delicate chime of a nearby clock tolled three times while he adjusted the black sleeves of his tunic. Let’s tackle the ‘why’ tomorrow along with the rest of the kingdom’s mysteries, okay? We better get going.

I wiped a stray tear away in haste and stood while picking up the Folk-kin. I bustled my way out of the library alongside him.

What’s more, Lute, I noticed Vaerin has a chapter now.

R-Really? Is it because we weren’t available?

Ha. You mean knocked out? I asked.

Yeah.

Hm~ maybe.

Lute scratched an itch on his cheek. So, anyone the Folk-kin deems important can include them?

Isn’t that with any story? I asked. "Same thing happened with my parents. This Imogen-Kythe added them."

True, that’s fair.

The guards shut the doors behind us and followed as we made our way through the white marble halls and corridors. New red carpets muffled our steps, and the small glass chandeliers glittered along the way toward the remodeled throne room.

Well, remodeled isn’t quite true...

Are you alright, your majesty? a guardsman asked.

I kept walking, having hiked the folds of my black skirts to move faster. Yes, just hurrying.

At the doorway, we stopped where my tutor, Miss Amelia Wanda, had taught me. One of the guards, as if on cue, moved to the right side of the entrance.

Presenting, her majesty, Queen Kayla Roybishki and Guardian Lute Gibe.

Arriving in the throne room felt like stepping into a bright light. The white marble floors and the gold-trimmed columns were all polished to a glow under the castle’s largest chandelier.

I squeezed the Folk-kin in my arms and continued forward with Lute beside me. The whispers of the noble Lords and Ladies of the Overland Territory ceased, standing around the room in pairs and donning black garb with hats or face-covering veils.

Remember...be strong. Give your speech. You can do this.

That throne. Bigger and made of maple with golden inlays. To the right of it stood a stoic Jacques Volt dressed in his captain’s uniform, complete with a full black cape about his shoulders and his sword at his hip.

Lute and I stopped at the bottom of the three steps where he took the late Jared’s staff from Lord Tyford Blackfrost. We went up the stairs, Lute stood on the left side of the throne, and I handed the Folk-kin to Jacques.

Standing between them, I turned around and brought my hands together. Noble members of the Court, it has been a week since the Folk-kin, the Crystal of Elaiobus, was restored. Today, I finished reading our story. I now understand what you did to protect this kingdom while I was cursed, and I’m very thankful.

Small cries of relief to exchanges of thank goodness among the couples murmured within the room. From the corner of my right eye, along the wall of the ballroom entrance stood Miss Wanda and Sir Emil Haley of the castle staff. In black, her graying hair was tight in a bun and braids. With a somber Emil beside her―patting her back―she brought a white handkerchief to her nose.

I pulled my shoulders back and took a seat on my throne. I-I’m sorry to f-formally announce― I cleared my throat ―our good friend, wizard, and advisor...Jared has passed. I placed my hands on my lap. Lute stepped forward, setting the golden staff before him. Today, we honor him so his spirit may rest.

He will be remembered in this story, said Jacques, holding the diary out for all to see. Though the Overland and the very Folk-kin in my hands reflect the start of a new era, let us remember Jared as we knew him, how wise he was, and carry his lessons in our daily lives.

In the moment of silence, my heart was heavy in my chest. Though surrounded by beauty, rewarded from the restoration, all felt dreary in the absence of a good friend.

Jacques pivoted toward me and presented the folded gray silk. I rose from my throne, unfolded the smooth fabric, and draped it over the diary. Though my friend kept a stiff upper lip, his far-off gaze was dead ahead over me.

I turned toward the nobles, placing my hands back together. You’re dismissed, Captain Volt. Send it to rest.

Jacques bowed out of the ceremony and walked away in silence.

Lady Almea Quild rested her head on her husband’s shoulder.

Lord Blackfrost removed his hat as Jacques marched by with the covered diary.

The two guards joined their captain halfway across the floor, following ahead of him toward the back where the Courtroom awaited behind a pair of oak doors exiting the throne room. The guards let Jacques through before closing the doors behind the three of them with an echoing thud.

I walked down the steps with Lute by my side once again. In a procession, we remained in the front, followed by the Blackfrosts, the Ladies of Shellfore twin sisters, Ada and Akilah, and the Quilds as we made our way outside.

The sky was clear. The fall wind blew through the colorful leaves scattered across the courtyard, but none said a word.

My friends and I each held a white paper lantern. Guards carried tall poles bearing black banners as our solemn march led into town, passing homes alongside the paved road with silver knockers holding large evergreen wreaths and black bows.

Hushed crowds dressed in simple gowns or suits in shades of black stood in lines along the sidewalks. Each held either candles or flowers. The occasional baby cry or sniffle tugged at my heart. My bottom lip quivered, but I kept going onward.

People filled the town square and surrounded a platform. My brother, King Basi, stood with his wife and my friend, Queen Moli, at his side. Their Lion selves had transformed to a Furless state, donning red and black robes rippling in the breeze. Faces grim, their cat ears drooped as the procession and I marched until I sat between my brother with Jacques on my left while Lute sat beside Moli on my right.

My brother pushed back his right sleeve, placed his paw on my shoulder, and whispered into my ear, My condolences, Sister. Thank you.

I stepped forward as the crowd drew closer.

Ones of Reflection of the Overland... Lord Blackfrost began.

I bit my lip and blinked back tears.

...it’s today we say goodbye to someone dear.

Jacques and Lute grimaced, shaking their hands at their sides.

I’m sorry.

...Sir Jared is lost to us, having served this kingdom well.

I took another step and raised the lantern above my head, signaling Jacques and Lute to do the same.

...with this, we send our friend free to rest.

Silent and side by side, the lanterns rose into the clouded sky. Tears rolled down my cheeks as thunder sounded in the distance east.

LUTE – 14 YEARS

FROM WHERE I STOOD beside Kayla, the town square was packed the following day, too, with the sun bearing overhead in the clear sky. A small, somber party, including Sephur Vaerin D’Lana, three guards, and Xenos came before our panel gathered and seated on the platform.

Lord Calistor Quild rose from his seat and unraveled a scroll. Good people of the Overland, their majesties of the Allied Kingdoms, Guardians, Lords and Ladies, and respected Ambassadors of Neo-Gen, we return here to decide the consequence for ze responsible for our recent tragedies.

Hear, hear!

Justice!

The defendant remained silent. With dull eyes and frazzled white hair, ze stood on the wooden platform with zir back to the stone fountain and most of the frustrated, listless crowd.

Xenos...buddy, you haven’t slept.

Lord Quild continued, When it was made known to this Court pages were removed from the very source of our Saqui’s power, a call for justice was invoked.

Hear, hear!

I hate this, Kayla grumbled.

Sitting by her side, her brother, King Basi, patted her hand. Understandable, Sister, but you were overruled. The majority is angry at your Genecian friends, so it’s best to hear it out―

Let all know Coniphur Xenos Yalene, though a Guardian reinstated, is accused of treason. The noble lowered his arms. How does the defendant plead?

His majesty settled his paw over her hand. ―then defend.

With a calm, straight face, Vaerin stepped forward. For the Court, I, Sephur Vaerin D’Lana of Neo-Gen speak for the defendant. We plead not guilty. All faults are reconciled, paid for by our collaborative efforts, or Coniphur Yalene would not stand before you. Nor able to serve Neo-Gen or your queen.

With Jared’s staff in my left hand, I raised my right and stood. I agree. If getting help is the problem, shouldn’t we all be on trial?

Jacques raised his hand and stood as I retook my seat. I agree, too. When asked to locate the defendant, most here said this matter wouldn’t become a debate.

He returned to his seat and Lady Quild raised her hand next. "But the pages were taken. Sephur D’Lana, you, with most of those on this panel today, know full well the defendant took such a treasure―"

Forgive my tardiness.

The crowd hushed when Lady Annika appeared beside the fountain, somber, dressed in a sapphire gown with a black mourning veil over her head.

Lord Blackfrost cleared his throat. Lady Annika Eider, please come before the panel.

Kayla’s mentor walked over and stood by Xenos. I have nothing to say other than I am here to apologize for recent events and pay my respects to my apprentice and good friend, Lukene, and Wizard Jared, who has fallen. Her eyes traveled down the line of us before her. But. I certainly do not blame anyone here. I believe our opposition, Renjor of the Kizins, to be the one who is at fault.

You come, Lady Eider, at the most peculiar of times, said Lord Blackfrost.

For the record, about my absence, I would like it known the smokey quartz puts me at a great disadvantage as a magic user, and I was still recovering from our battle with Zar weeks ago.

Lady Carmen Blackfrost raised her hand. Lady Eider, can you confirm you have not personally interacted with our enemy, Renjor? Reports say she knows much about our Saqui and the Guardians.

The sorceress-medium tilted her head to the side. And most of such knowledge does not go unnoticed to most. Even the baker here understands―to an extent―the importance of these individuals. Regardless, I do not know this ‘Renjor’s’ intentions, but we know the Kizin allied with Zar and his Leaf Turners. I believe that creature is strong enough to provide her with a loophole against the inherent disadvantage of the quartz.

Kayla closed her eyes for a moment and rose from her seat. In reading the Folk-kin, I discovered Guardian Xenos had this pendant around zir neck, a twisted gift from Renjor. In the hospital, you were there with zem. How could you not detect the pendant was around zir neck?

A reasonable question, both Ada and Akilah Shellfore chorused.

Lady Annika’s blue eyes grew sad, if not hurt. She glanced at Xenos and came back to me. Our attention was on you. The curse over you was a greater power, thus diverted my attention. A simple pendant with minor magic would have been quite overshadowed.

And a reasonable answer, Vaerin replied.

Kayla shook her head. Last I saw you that day, you appeared crushed under the stones of my old room. Later, I was told you had escaped and were healing in your castle. When did you start getting better? Tears formed in the corners of her eyes. Why couldn’t you visit and tell us you were alright between then and now? It’s been a couple of weeks―between the last battle with Zar and this recent one with Renjor.

King Basi touched her arm. Breathe...

Kayla let out a shaky breath. W-We struggled. She cast her eyes to the ground for a moment. We could have used your help.

If I may, said Lady Blackfrost, raising her hand. "Lady Eider, we understand you’re in a position that helped our Saqui learn who she is. We thank you. However, Renjor has now passed herself off to look like you. She succeeded in carrying out many grave misdeeds disguised as you, hence our suspicion.

And I am here, partly to ask how I can clear my name, said Lady Eider. What happened did not involve me. She and I are not collaborators against the Crown.

But how can we tell it’s you? King Basi asked, rising from his seat. Jared’s life wasn’t the only one forfeited. Why, earlier today, my kingdom put the noble Baobi de Brazza and Tula Lilac de Roller alongside many Flock members to rest. The scandal was avoidable once; it should be clear we cannot avoid it now.

All consequences fall back to the missing pages, Moli added, joining her husband’s side. Which is why we are here.

Lady Annika nodded. True. Though not on trial, unlike Coniphur Yalene, I ask for a chance to prove myself.

This should be talked about later then? Jacques replied. "Because, right now, someone else is."

I hoped I would not have to, but Lute holds the amethyst staff. She looked at me and held out her hand. Such needs to be returned to me.

I scowled and shook my head. Over my dead body. I cut the air with a swipe of my hand. Jared’s staff isn’t the problem―

The room warped into a fishbowl view as my knees weakened.

Lute...listen...

I slapped a hand onto the side of my head. What?

Listen...and come here.

Jacques steadied my shoulder. Are ya okay?

We are off track with this trial, said Lord Quild.

Uh-huh, hm~ I stumbled to the side.

"Forgive me, but it should be one of the pressing matters," Lady Eider insisted.

My knees struck the platform, and my hands blurred into darkness.

Awaking lost inside a dark space with fog all around, I was neither cold nor warm in the complete silence.

Oh, you made it.

I turned right, and there Jared stood in his standard purple and silver stole. However, he appeared younger―mid-thirties―his wild hair tamed straight and hanging about his shoulders.

J-Jared? Is that you? What’s going on?

He tilted his head to the side. What is there to understand?

I wagged my finger. Not today, sir. I pointed down. For once, give me a straight answer.

He grinned as his blue-lit eyes glowed. There is not much to say other than thank you.

W-What? I swallowed hard.

You brought our friends to safety.

We still need you....

The corners of his eyes crinkled, pleased. You will need each other. And now, wielding magic is your choice.

Whoa now, what? This whole wizard shtick was your bag, not mine. If you’re here, er, wherever ‘here’ is, you’re the one who made the staff work. Not me.

Lute, if there is any constant with you, you overreact, then act.

I don’t―

I am gone, Lute.

My jaw snapped shut. I bowed my head.

Jared rested his hand on my shoulder. The pages of my story are finished. I did what I could do, and now it is your turn. If you choose to, the Lukene mantle is yours. He let me go and stepped back. It is time.

I dragged my hands down the sides of my face and clapped them together. I―! I-I don’t know if I can be a wizard like you.

Jared gave a small, proud smile. Do not be, be better.

What about Kayla? Can you just stay? Train me if I can come here? I gripped my chest as a ringing filled my ears. What is this? Can’t breathe.

You are running out of air.

B-But—

He pulled me into a hug. It will be all right. Tell our friends. It will be all right.

E-Erm, ugh, a-any...last words? I rasped.

Jared let me go. His eyes stared into mine as my heart and head grew lighter. "Renjor is still out there. Beyond the veils. Fractals separate us by a Dragon’s despair. Seek aid from those aligned with other Dragon company."

Cryptic, as always.

Goodbye, Lute.

My vision blurred behind the tears as I gripped the staff tight. Be...free.

JACQUES – 18 YEARS

LORD BLACKFROST POINTED and shouted, For one who claims innocence, your actions toward Sir Gibe were rather brazen!

He’s still not moving, Lord Quild added with urgency.

I brandished my sword and glared at Lady Eider. What did ya do?

She, however, kept still.

Sorceress... said Lady Akilah Shellfore, please, release him.

I did nothing. Behold, our friend is waking up.

Lute? I peered over my shoulder, and sure enough, he stirred. Buddy, hey, c’mon. Ya okay?

He gasped for air like a drowning man, clutching Jared’s staff.

I stepped back and went over to his side, sheathing my sword. Hey man, it’s okay, it’s okay, I offered my hand and pulled him, wobbling to his feet on the stage. It’s okay.

Lute pointed at Lady Eider. I don’t...want to explain. But Jared... I saw him.

Really? Kayla gasped.

Our friend coughed. Yes. He was set free.

That is good to hear, Lady Eider replied and held out her hand. Now, please, I would like the staff returned.

See. Now, that’s where you’re wrong, said Lute, getting back on his feet. How else did Queen Kayla, Captain Jacques, and I get home? I took us. He brought the staff close to his chest, gripping it with both hands. "I will keep it. If you want to leave bent and broken-hearted about it, fine. If you want to teach me how to use it more, well, he gestured to himself, not even sure if I want to, yet―he pointed at Kayla with his thumb―but take it up with her."

Lady Eider placed her hands together before her. That is not my decision...

What do you mean? Lute asked.

There was a quick flash of light, then the staff’s crystal crumbled away.

N-No, Lute stammered, the emptied husk of wood shaking in his hands.

You see now? Lady Eider continued. Jared is gone, and now his manifested potential for spells in his crystal is gone, too.

Lute’s shoulders slumped, then he tensed and spoke between gritted teeth. You did something.

Don’t blame her, said Kayla. She knows more about this than anybody.

Ya can’t blame us for not trustin’ her right now, either, I remarked. We ask for some time if anythin’.

Lady Eider shook her head. No, I do not blame you. However, it would serve no good sending me back home. The last thing I want is to remain absent. What is more, who knows if or when Renjor will spring another attack? I request staying at the castle to train Lute Gibe, if needed and if he wants to learn.

Alright. Kayla stepped forward before anyone had a chance.

O-Oi! Lute stammered.

It’s still up to him to train, but having you at the castle is fine.

So, we know where ya’ll be, I added with a nod.

Kayla looked among us. Good?

Lord Blackfrost’s brow knitted. He hesitated, then placed a hand over his heart and bowed his head. Very well.

As for this trial, Kayla continued, addressing the crowd, I never wanted one.

Xenos and Sephur D’Lana exhaled in relief, but a wave of murmuring and unrest stirred among the crowd.

Kayla raised her hand. In a battle over the Folk-kin, my friends and I saw Xenos Yalene not acting like zemself. What happened to Jared wasn’t zir fault.

People died, your majesty!

Hear, hear!

Justice!

Silence! Lord Quild demanded from the people.

I am sorry, but it’s true, she continued, looking at her brother.

King Basi joined her side. I stand with my sister. Emotions run high today, but this Kizin Renjor is at fault and should be on trial instead.

Such a declaration didn’t leave the crowd appearing hopeful. Instead, angry fists and pleading eyes of the Ones of Reflection and Neo-Gen alike turned the bitter day all the more sour.

Is this how you feel inside, Kayla?

Lastly, the Elemental Dragons never returned the last time Zar and the Leaf Turners attacked. I promise to look into why.

She hustled off stage, quickly followed by Lute, King Basi, his wife, me, and the rest of our entourage.

When the castle guards pushed the doors open, Kayla made a beeline for the steps leading to the throne. She sat with an exhausted sigh, rubbing the sides of her head.

Do you need water, milady? Lady Quild asked.

Yes, please.

Sephur D’Lana, but folded zir arms. Though relieved, I am still unclear as to why.

Yeesh, don’t be happy for me, Xenos replied.

You know what I mean.

Lord Blackfrost placed his hands behind his back. The masses wanted answers. Most are, or were, listless, not understanding who or what caused so much change which led to the loss of lives. Coniphur Xenos was guilty in the appearance of the accomplice.

And now it’s been cleared up...kind of. Kayla pointed to Lady Eider, keeping one hand on her head. I still need you to explain why so much has changed. The homes are different, clothing, everything has... she held her head with both hands again.

Maybe go lay down, said Lute, offering a hand which she took and stood. It’s been a long day for all of us.

I will, but―

My sister is right to ask, said King Basi. If not her, I would. The Masana Territory has also seen a great impact. He turned to Lady Eider. If there is an explanation I could give the five Tribes back home, I would appreciate it.

All I can offer―Lady Eider came forward, toward the throne steps―is the easiest and only explanation. You restored the Folk-kin pages without me.

Oi, li~sten, said Lute. We were a bit desperate.

I am. And I am not angry. However, the consequences are what you see. Restoring those pages caused ‘hiccups,’ of a sort, in which the blanks had to be refilled by different information.

Are they all aesthetic? Lady Quild asked.

So far in the Overland, I reported. I mean, do any of ya feel different?

The nobles all shook their heads.

King Basi? I asked.

He shook his.

"None of you would know if a Revision rewrote you anyway," said Lady Eider.

XENOS – 23 YEARS

RED. NOTHING BUT RED. Slick walls and floor rose from the red while heavy drips of crimson hung above me but never quite fell.

My feet wouldn’t move. My throat and lips and frantic mind wanted to scream.

Who’s there?

Nothing came.

Right.

Left.

Surrounded.

My eyes shone with bright red flames. Dozens of reflections of myself within myself. A maze of red-tinted mirrors.

Who’s there? My voice trembled in my brain, but my lips wouldn’t move.

A phantom pain seized me. My tattooed hands bent, twisted, and transformed from fists into those of claws covered with white fur. I screamed, yet nothing came out.

I bolted awake. Breathing heavily in a cold sweat.

The mirror across the room reflected my red eyes.

I stared at my small table and wiped my brow with my hand.

By...the stars...one, two, three, I, next, counted the fibers of my rug and breathed through my nose.

After fifty, I squinted at the sunlight pouring in from the window.

There’s a wind today...

I grasped the base of my throat and looked at my round rug, then the spikey leaves of my hanging plant in the corner, continuing to breathe, nice and slow. Before pushing back my blanket, I studied my dresser’s nail heads.

The cursed pendant was no longer there. Letting out a long exhale, I looked in my mirror again. Though I was sweating, my eyes returned to blue. Normal.

It’s been a couple days since the trial...no one hates you...breathe...

Still groggy, I dragged myself out of bed toward the clothes I laid-out on the table last night. The fabric of the black pants seemed rough against my skin today, and my undershirt itchy. I glanced back at my bed and yawned.

There was a knock.

Yo, Yalene? You up?

Dressed in an untucked shirt half-buttoned and pants, I faced the door. Vaerin? Is that you?

Yeah, let me in, ca’hala.

Friend...I’m glad I still am one.

It’s unlocked! Come in!

Thank you―ah, jeez, no sleep again?

I shrugged and turned away. At least more this time, Vaerin. The herbal tea has helped, I promise.

Yes, but maybe too well? You have slept through this week’s sermon this morning.

I threw my head back and groaned. T’léyna! I’m sorry.

Xenos, seriously, are you okay? Xyphir worries, but I told zir you will be alright, that you were recovering some sleep you’ve lost.

I finished buttoning my shirt and started tucking it in. I need to see the doctor again. I may need a stronger dose of said tea.

Or...You could go speak to someone?

Not again.... I rolled my eyes.

Vaerin held out zir hands. Listen, it’s alright to feel you’re not okay. Let us help.

I took my uniform jacket off the coat rack. "I understand, but this is my mistake. Besides, we speak enough about it as is."

My friend almost looked at me with concern but conceded with a nod. Okay, know I’ll be here. One day at a time―hold it.

What?

What is ‘AO-17’ doing here? Ze shuffled over to the table by the window where the onyx journal from our old dig site sat open beside its translating device, the magenta Atsain. Why do you have these artifacts? Shouldn’t they still be with Colutia Remka?

The Runemaster allowed me to borrow it.

Vaerin picked up the text. Really? After all the red tape it took to get you back?

Both ze and Fermuru Hyphia believe I have been aimless. To save me from going down in rank, zirs felt I could ground myself with some work studying this.

Hmph, zirs are correct, of course, but still.

I snorted. Ha, thanks for the vote of confidence.

What is it you’re studying? Ze pointed to the page with the wolf and battle axes image the artifact was left on. Xenos?

I shook my head with a snap. Ah, w-well, as I said, I needed something to focus on. That journal has much left to translate with the Atsain device.

Vaerin closed the book with a huff. That’s all dandy, but you left the artifact out in the open overnight. It’s fall, and the air is not great for it.

Outside, maybe, but it’s dry here. I folded my arms.

Ze pursed zir lips. I’m taking this.

But―

"I have a safe spot for it back in a correct environment."

Listen, I need it. I have to work.

You blend your mental state with work, you could make mistakes. Ze held up the text. Like leaving it out?

I promise I’ll take better care of it.

Can you? I think not.

Thank you, ca’hala, for your concern, but please don’t take that.

Vaerin stepped back and returned the closed volume inside the protective case I had left on the floor. If I see this out like this again, I swear....

I cracked a small smile. Thank you.

LUTE – 14 YEARS

MAY I HELP?

I looked up, surrounded by stacks of dusty books. Oh, Lady Quild, how are you, Almea?

She came into the musty suite, glancing around. Well, thank you, Sir Gibe. She looked at Lady Eider behind me, toward the left, near an eastern window, and the two women nodded their greetings.

What brings you here? I asked.

The noblewoman began pulling off her lacey gloves. My husband is busy sorting much of Sir Jared’s collection from what was borrowed from Lady Eider in our library. She tucked her gloves away in her pockets on the sides of her yellow skirt. He intends to have it ready today for transport to her castle, so I thought I’d assist here.

I gestured to bunches of notes and volumes piled high on my right. If you like, you can start with those. Lady Eider and I have been at this for three days―since the end of the trial―and it feels like we hardly made a dent. I coughed. S-Sorry. Dust.

No problem. How can I sort those notes?

There are boxes near that table. Once done, Sephur D’Lana requested looking over them for research purposes and offered to bind related notes into books for the Overland Library.

Almea smiled. How nice.

I think so, too. I cleared my throat. A-Anyway, Lady Eider, this is a stack of books about constellations followed by herbology.

I can take the constellation ones, Lute, the sorceress-medium offered. You may want to keep the advance volumes of herbology for your studies.

Sure... I put the set of volumes inside a box of blue light Lady Eider created. The moment I let go, the texts vanished into thin air.