Scout's Honour: Forest Guardians, #4

By Ali Ings

Dark Magic is coming back…

Finally, a chance to go home and relax. Or not. On their way back, they pass through the capital city. Someone, or something, is attacking people in the streets. Magical artifacts are going missing from some of the most secure buildings in the country. Whispers on the street have the Scouts involved somehow, but why?

When the Civic Defence Forces detain her mentor, Aili barely escapes without being seen. There's no way a Scout was involved, and she'll prove it. While they waste time investigating innocent Scouts, Aili will find the real criminals. All she has to do is evade the law, investigate public buildings without being seen, and find out who's behind the attacks and theft.

But when magic at a crime scene looks familiar, Aili has to question things she thought were certain. The trail leads her across the country, alone, and still pursued by the law. All she has are her courage, abilities, determination, and some new friends she meets along the way…

Will it be enough?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ali Ings
• Release date: May 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9781778239229

Book preview

Chapter 1

Taken

G o on in. I know you want to see Ilia. Andvari opened his pack behind his saddle and removed the magic mailbag, as Aili called it.

Charger yawned and shifted, the massive horse looking half asleep already. He dropped his head into the water bucket and downed half the bucket. Aili smiled as the bucket refilled. She watched some water drip from his chin, back into the metal bucket as he licked his lips.

I’ll swing by headquarters and be back soon. Kyson? Andvari patted Charger’s rump.

I want to make one stop and I’ll be back. Kyson tied Trickster next to Charger in the small shelter.

Aili checked the hay feeder again. It was still reasonably full, even though her pony was nose deep in the feeder. Her water bucket was full, the magic working to keep it fresh and plentiful. Aili patted Leya’s golden rump.

Thanks. I really appreciate a few moments with her first. Aili smiled up at Andvari.

Leya snatched another mouthful of hay, loud crunching noises echoing in the little shelter. Aili grinned at the greedy pony as she stepped from the shelter, a simple three-sided wooden shed with a roof to keep any rain off. Andvari and Kyson headed down the wide alley and back towards the street.

Aili opened the little white picket gate into the back herb garden. It didn’t matter how many times she came, Aili always stopped for a moment and admired the garden, full of flowers in every colour. Even at this time of year, while other plants in the area were going dormant before winter, Ilia’s garden thrived. Aili felt the magic keeping the plants happy and vital, old and strong magic unlike anything else she’d seen.

She latched the gate behind her, making sure it was secure. Leya had a habit of getting loose and trying to break in. Those succulent herbs were just too tempting for a greedy pony to resist. Aili glanced back at the shed. She hid Leya behind the bigger horses, but Aili could hear her scarfing down the hay.

Certain the horses were safe and looked after, Aili walked up the wooden steps to the back porch. Her Scout boots made no noise on the thick and strong wood. The inner door was open, the screen door letting the fresh air in.

Aili could smell the potions brewing, even with all the fragrant flowers around her. A couple she knew by smell. One was tangy and bitter, and the other one sweeter than most potions. She heard the light clatter of a metal ladle in a heavy cauldron and the grinding noise of a mortar and pestle.

The screen door was silent when Aili opened it and slipped inside. Ilia stood at a workstation near the oven, where fresh buns were baking. Her colourful clothing helped her stand out in the already colourful room, full of potion bottles and drying herbs hanging from the ceiling.

Welcome, Sister. Ilia turned to Aili and opened her arms. Her voice shook with age, but she stood straight and steady.

Aili dashed forward, slowing at the last step between them. She hugged Ilia carefully, but with love and affection. When she was little, she’d charge over and hug as tight as she could, but Aili was strong enough to hurt Ilia now, and she didn’t want to do that. Ilia was like a mother to her when she grew up, and she only recently learned they were actually sisters.

It’s so good to see you again. How are you doing? Ilia let her hug relax and gestured to the bench nearby.

Aili sank to the bench and sighed. I have so many questions. I don’t even know what to ask first. Her fingers brushed over the wood, smooth after all these years. The protective spells were still strong in the wood.

Ilia lowered herself to the workbench beside Aili. She wrapped her thin and bony fingers around Aili’s hand. What’s most pressing on your heart right now? Her curly white hair floated in the breeze from the open windows, the bright headscarf she wore barely keeping her hair contained.

Why didn’t you tell me? Aili’s pleading eyes stared into Ilia’s.

Would it have hurt less? Ilia squeezed Aili’s hand with surprising strength.

Yes. No. Maybe? Aili buried her face in her hands. Is this a big secret? What do I say to Andvari? What can’t I tell him? Her stomach felt like it was doing backflips. I know he was worried about me the entire ride back.

Yes, he was. He called me.

Aili’s head snapped up, her eyes seeking Ilia’s. Really?

Ilia nodded. You were with your little hairy friend. I assured him you were okay and that you needed time to think. He knows we’ll talk once you’re all here. You’ll be here a few days, so the three of us will also spend time with your father. I’ll explain what I can.

This seems so surreal. If you were the first Nature Mage, you’ve got to be… Aili started counting in her head.

Ilia chuckled. It’s rude to ask a lady her age.

Aili grinned. Who came up with that rule?

It was from the Golden Age, when Knight Mages roamed the land, and the court was in control. Ilia stared into the distance, her eyes seeming unfocused.

It finally hit Aili. Her sister really was over a thousand years old, possibly much more. No wonder she had arthritis, which healers could cure with magic if they caught it early. At least, it was curable nowadays. Aili learned how when she became a healer. Back then? Maybe they hadn’t invented the spell yet.

Where are my other sisters? You’re still here. Are they? Aili got up and took the boiling kettle from the old wood stove and poured the hot water into the teapot. She smiled at the smell of the berry tea; the aroma released by the hot water.

Ilia shook her head. We all have different times. Many things affect how long we live. I gave up romantic love and the possibility of children to help mother and look after my sisters. No others needed to make that sacrifice.

Father doesn’t know. He sent me a letter. Aili stared at the shelf of powdered herbs near her, each bottle labeled with a scrawling script and neatly organized. Aili loved how the herbs inside never lost their colour, not even as they dried. Do you know how my magic works? Why it’s different?

Aili poured the tea into a couple of tiny cups and carried them to the workbench. She brought the pot as well, setting it on a hot cloth. Aili lowered herself to the bench beside Ilia again.

All Nature Mages have unique magic. Mine is closest to a regular mage, with spells and charms and such. The more sisters I have, the wilder their magic gets. Embrace it. You can do things most people cannot. Yours is the wildest magic I’ve seen yet.

It makes it harder to learn. Aili ran her fingers over the wooden bench, smooth with centuries of use. How many people had sat on it over the ages?

Ilia wrapped an arm around Aili’s shoulders and pulled her close. Your wilder magic brings you closer to nature than anyone I know, besides Mother. You can become part of the forest in a way even I cannot. I’ve seen nearly every type of magic around in my time here.

Yeah, but… Aili’s mind spun around, trying to make sense of everything. What am I supposed to do?

Ilia’s grey eyes pinned Aili with her stare, holding the girl’s attention. What do you want to do?

I want to protect the forests. I want to be a Scout. Aili stood and slowly paced around the huge worktable in the middle of the room.

Then study hard and you be the best Scout you can be. Dark Magics are awakening and we often find them in wild places first. Your bright light can counter them and hold them back. It’s why you are here.

Aili slowly pivoted. She began pacing again. Does he know? Her fingers traced the hem of her sleeves, feeling the tiny stitches.

Andvari?

Aili nodded.

We’ll talk with him and your father and see. He knows something is up, and who knows what he suspects.

Aili moved back to her seat and sank down again. She let her head rest on Ilia’s shoulder. Why didn’t my abilities appear before I met him? Everyone else got magic as a child.

Things will happen around you in your own time. Besides, you didn’t waste a moment of your childhood reading and studying and learning bushcraft. Ilia laughed, her shoulders shaking. I forget the impatience of the young, but you always remind me at every turn.

Aili blushed, her cheeks burning. She had just been wondering where Andvari was, and how long it was taking him. She sipped her tea, emptying the little cup.

See where he is. You know how long paperwork can take, and you never could sit still for long. Besides, I still need to examine him, make sure he’s completely healthy after his illness.

Aili smiled and leapt to her feet. She enjoyed moving better than sitting. I’ll be right back. You’re sure he’s okay?

Ilia nodded. I’ll just check for any lingering issues Gavi may not have felt, though I know you helped. Did he feel okay to you?

Yeah. Aili had helped Gavi heal him. As a healer, she monitored him through his recovery. She rolled her shoulders and let the tightness loosen. She nearly lost him in the rainforest, only saving him with Kyson and Gavi’s help, and her own unique abilities. He wasn’t just her teacher; he was her friend and almost a second father. I’ll be back soon.

I don’t doubt it. Go. Ilia waved a hand at the door.

Aili’s thoughts still churned as she slipped back through the door. The colours seemed blurred together, her surroundings unimportant now. Her sister was old, and she didn’t just mean a little old. Half-sister, really, just like her other sister, who shared her father with her.

Leya whickered, pulling Aili from her hazy and jumbled mess of thoughts. Aili looked over and smiled, her heart melting immediately. Leya was her best friend, family, really. They’d been together since Aili was three years old. She was there for Leya’s birth.

The latch clicked securely behind her, but Aili checked it anyway. Leya was constantly trying to break in and steal a snack, though she was still in the shelter this time. Aili rejoined Leya in the shelter and scratched her in her favourite place, right up along her withers near her neck. Leya stretched her head out and bobbed it up and down, her lip stuck out in pleasure.

I don’t know what to think, girl.

Leya turned her head as far as her tie would let her, and she sniffed Aili’s pockets for treats.

You’re such a greedy little thing. Aili pulled the carrot from her pocket and gave it to Leya in pieces, snapping bits off to make them easier to chew.

Charger looked over, his soft brown eyes staring at the carrot Leya was crunching on.

Of course, I have some for you, too. Aili left Leya and stepped between the larger horses. She held her hands out, one to each horse, a large piece of carrot on each hand. Aili grinned at the feel of their lips brushing over her palm, tickling her skin. He’s not back yet. I’m going to check on him. You three can wait here. We’ll be back soon.

She piled some more hay into the feeders before stepping from the shelter. Aili glanced down the alley. No sign of them yet. He was at Scout Headquarters, only a couple of blocks away, dealing with that endless paperwork he always seemed to have. Who knew where Kyson went? They were supposed to meet her back here.

The alley was empty of people, only wooden boxes and crates holding goods for merchants and garbage bins lined the space. Despite the buildings around Ilia’s being a few stories high, sunlight beamed down on the alley and the herb garden, brightening the space.

Aili strolled down the alley towards the street. It was quieter than it should have been. A few merchant wagons rolled along the street, following the merchants to stores and markets, and students jogged to the University, late for classes. Where were the people going for a stroll in the beautiful weather? What about morning shoppers?

Aili pulled her warm cloak around her tightly and strode to the end of the alley. She could see more people now, darting about and huddled up, their gaze flitting around in fear. A crowd gathered at the end of the street, near the University gates. People milled about, shifting and fidgeting.

She tucked back into the alley and partially retraced her steps, choosing a side alley to get her closer. This one ran parallel to the main road and was empty, so she could pass quickly unseen. Most of her life until months ago, she snuck around to avoid the stares. People were fascinated at a girl her age with the bronze band around her neck signaling her magic was inactive.

That all changed months ago when she met her teacher, but old habits were hard to break. As a small girl, she’d try to practice her silent movement skills and sneaking that Darik showed her for the forest. This stone forest wasn’t the same, but she made a game of it in her mind back then. Aili smiled at the memory, even as she pressed on. She recognized the skills he taught her as Scout skills now.

The noise of the crowd overwhelmed the noise of cartwheels in the streets, a group of people murmuring and mumbling about whatever got their attention. Aili peeked around the corner towards the commotion. The crowd was thick. People milling about blocked her from seeing far.

It’s another attack. A man’s voice sounded nearby, hushed and urgent.

Why can’t they find who’s doing this? It’s the second one now. A shaky woman’s voice pleaded.

There’s a rumor it’s a Scout.

I don’t believe that. They’ve always defended us.

Yeah, but they also deal with this Dark Magic stuff, containing and investigating it. What if one got contaminated and turned? An unfamiliar male voice.

First the University mages, and now the Scouts? It seems the country is going crazy, a woman hissed. Who can we trust now? Is magic a lot more dangerous than we’ve been told, and they’re hiding it from us?

Aili balled her fists. Her shoulders shook, and she leaned against the stone building for support. No, they had to be wrong. Rumors weren’t proof.

Everyone, return to your homes or businesses, a man instructed, his voice amplified by magic.

Aili tucked herself behind some crates and watched what she could. She could just make out a portion of the street corner now if she pressed herself in tightly. Civic Defence Force Mages stepped into view, their red, gold, and black robes unmistakable. The crowd scattered.

She could see something on the ground, a heap of dark cloth in a pile. No, it was a person, she realized. Soot or oil or something covered them. They twitched and writhed. Were they in great pain? She’d seen that in the Healing Centre up North.

Aili pressed her hand over her mouth. What was going on? People being attacked, apparently, but she’d seen nothing like this before. She closed her eyes and let her senses out, feeling for the person on the ground.

Her skin crawled, and Aili shivered again. Dark Magic covered the person. She knew that feeling and even helped dislodge Dark Magic from a boy’s heart when she was in the rainforest. What was it doing here, in the big city?

Full containment. Search everything. They can’t have gone far. A mage stormed around the person, barking orders.

CDF mages scattered, marching off in all directions. Aili huddled down among the crates, grateful for her dark green Scout clothing and how it helped her blend into shadows. She could even feel the magic woven into the cloth to enhance her hiding abilities.

Aili settled against the wall and slowed her breathing, forming a bubble of air around herself to hide from their sight and spells. She knew from experience her bubble would shield her, even from a Master Mage, but there was always someone with more powerful magic. She had no idea how skilled these mages were.

CDF mages marched past the alley, their brightly trimmed uniforms making them easy to spot and identify. She smiled, noting their clothing looked a lot like hers, simply different colours. She couldn’t see perfectly clearly through the distortion her bubble caused, but she saw well enough for that.

She turned her attention back to the street. They wrapped the person in blankets and set them on a wagon. Where would they take him or her? Few people could heal Dark Magic injuries that serious, though all public defenders were taught to protect themselves from it, whether they were Scouts, Border Guards, or CDF.

Ilia was one of the few people around here who could help that person. She was only about two alleys away. Aili curled up small and let her bubble waver as she scanned the alleys with her abilities. Pairs of CDF mages patrolled the streets and alleys, but she had a clear path if she went now.

Aili redoubled her focus and pulled her bubble firmly about her again. She crept from behind the crates, glancing around for anyone to avoid. Her bubble should hide her, since she was bending the surrounding air, but Aili had never tried it with so many people around.

She froze against the wall, hearing the footsteps plainly. Aili hadn’t bent sound, so she could hear and be heard. She held completely still and waited as two CDF mages ran along the street, past the alley. They took no notice of her, not even looking her way.

With no one in sight, Aili dashed down the alley, darting around a corner towards Ilia’s shop. Leya looked towards her, ears pricked in her direction, greeting her with a whicker as Aili snuck into the shelter beside her.

Aili let her magic disperse. She stroked Leya’s soft nose and gave her a scratch on the neck. Leya nosed her, checking her pockets.

Something’s happening, Girl. I don’t know what’s going on yet. Stay here. Ilia’s protective spells will keep you safe.

Aili snuck from the shelter and through the gate, into the herb garden. She slowed, going up the back steps, moving as quietly as she could. Her hand hovered over the door handle, ready to grasp it. Heavy boots moved around inside Ilia’s shop. Aili froze. The inner door was closed, hiding her from view, but they could hear her through the open window if she wasn’t careful. The footsteps came closer. Aili shifted down and back, crouched against the wall beside the door.

Why are you barging into my workroom uninvited? Ilia’s voice was cold and unwelcoming, most unlike all Aili’s experiences with her.

Sorry, Ma’am. There’s been another attack. Your healing services are needed. Aili didn’t know this woman, but she had an edge to her voice. She was used to being in command and not used to being challenged.

Aili smiled. Not much bothered Ilia. She could handle herself. Her age didn’t mean she was weak or helpless. No, magic usually got stronger and easier as mages got older, and Ilia was incredibly old.

Go back and wait in the front shop. I’ll gather my things and be right there.

The footsteps grew distant. Apparently, the heavy boots the CDF used were not spelled for silence. Aili stayed pressed against the wall, the wood warm against her side. She listened intently, trying to hear past the thudding of her heart. Quill scratched on parchment. The parchment crinkled. Aili felt a small magic being used.

Ilia moved to the window. There’s a note. Wait until we’re gone. Her quiet words reached Aili in the still air.

Ilia’s quiet footsteps faded. Aili heard the curtain between her workroom and the front store being pulled closed. She strained her ears, creeping closer to the window. The bell sounded on the front door, and the shop sat in silence.

Aili remained crouched behind the wicker chair and waited, barely daring to breathe. She let her senses out, feeling the shop, and it was empty of people. All manner of magic touched her, but nobody was left inside. Aili snuck inside, the doors swinging smoothly and silently.

A sealed envelope sat perched on the workbench facing the door, propped up against an empty cauldron. Ilia addressed it to Aili Minis. Her hand trembled as she reached for it. Her official last name was Aldoni, but she and Ilia were half-sisters, and Minis was that family name. She tapped the seal, and it opened for her, the parchment unfolding on the workbench for her.

Aili,

Something is happening in the city. Dark Magic has been appearing again, after decades of peace and quiet. The city isn’t safe. Get Andvari and Kyson and leave the city. Go back to the Eastern Camp and work from there for now. I’m trying to trace it from here, with the local Scout’s help.

You’re not safe here. You haven’t come into your full powers, and you don’t know how to shield yourself against the Darkness yet. That’s what we Nature Mages do; we fight the Darkness and allow the Light to thrive. It will look for you while you’re still young. I can shield myself, so don’t worry about me.

Don’t delay. I’ll be in contact with you again soon and will teach you to shield yourself. Your Light Ward will help for now. Mother told me she gave it to you and taught you. Don’t come back here until you can protect yourself fully.

With Love,

Ilia Minis

Aili folded the crisp parchment and tucked it into a secure pocket, buttoning the flap closed. What was taking Andvari so long? He’d be at headquarters, or should be, anyway. Aili could start there. She left the workshop, closing the doors behind her. Her clothing would help her make it through the city. The cloth never rustled, and she could blend so easily into any shadow. She could do this.

She stopped at the horses and gave each animal a scratch. Something’s up. I’ll be back soon for you. Be safe.

If something was going on and everyone was in danger, Aili was safest with the Scouts. Headquarters was only a few blocks away, a brief trip through some alleys. She already knew a few Scouts stationed there, including Darik, who used to be her father’s stable manager.

Aili walked down the alleys, staying close to the walls. She couldn’t help but reflect on how well she knew her way around here. The CDF may not be popular, but they also kept the streets and alleys safe, and Aili could walk around alone as a small child and be perfectly safe. This might be the first time she hasn’t felt safe in the city, ever.

She peeked around the corner, looking both ways down the street from her shadows. The streets were empty, only the CDF mages moving around, scanning for magic and looking for evidence. Whoever did this was likely long gone. Dark Magic sticks to mages, so anyone around them would feel uncomfortable. Still, most people probably wouldn’t know why they felt it.

Aili darted across the street, waiting until all CDF mages were looking another way. None were close, though they patrolled the nearby intersections. She slipped in between some crates and held still, waiting.

What’s up? Voices echoed in the empty alley, audible in the quiet without the noise of people nearby.

I thought I saw something. Hold on.

Hard soled boots thudded against the stone walkways, coming closer. The mage slowed as he approached. Aili held still and formed her bubble, focusing on staying hidden. She could just make out the red robes, her vision reduced to tiny slits between boxes.

Aili felt the tingle of magic, felt the spell pass her by as it swept down the alley. She breathed calmly and steadily, letting her bubble surround herself fully. She had enough air for a while inside her bubble. The magic stopped, and the footsteps moved away. Aili remained quiet for a minute without moving, just to be sure.

One more street and she was there. Safety was so close; she could feel it. Her focus was slipping. Bubbles were tiring to keep up. In the alley, Aili could move without them. There was plenty of cover and she was small. She needed to conserve her energy.

She slunk to the street, keeping back until she could check it out. The street was empty. A block away, some CDF mages stood at a barricade and watched the crowd gathering. She was behind them, and nobody was in the other direction.

Aili dashed into the street, heading for the alley across from her. She stopped, her arms waving for balance with her foot in the air. Someone set a spell trap in the street. She could feel the magic and saw a faint shimmer on the road.

Her foot landed quietly across the spell, her boot just missing the magical trap. If it included a proximity spell, she was still in trouble. Aili danced across it on her toes, avoiding a couple more spells beyond the first one.

Who’s that?

Aili cursed under her breath. Darn crowd, calling attention to her. She pelted into the alley at full speed. Her fingers gripped the stone blocks in a wall, her Earth Magic creating handholds for her as she scampered up the surface. Aili let her handholds disappear once she was up, not wanting to give pursuers an advantage or a track.

She hoisted herself over the edge and onto the roof. Headquarters was just across the road ahead, a sizeable building that took up part of the block. Aili moved closer along the roof, crouched low and moving slow.

A red and gold wagon sat on the street, waiting by the main doors. What were they doing there? Were the CDF and Scouts working together? Did they ever work together? Andvari mentioned nothing like that.

Aili peeked over the edge, staying close to the roof. The main door swung open. Andvari walked out, a CDF mage on either side, his wrists locked in spell-blocking restraints. He glanced up quickly and his gaze met hers. He wasn’t afraid, but he was on guard.

Where am I being taken? His voice carried up to her, easy to hear in the empty street.

You’re coming to CDF Headquarters for questioning. From there, you can call your student in for us. A man with a gaze of steel and a prominent nose looked both ways down the street as he spoke.

Andvari looked down at his hands. Aili followed his gaze. He gave the hand signals for hide and danger, followed by the sign to retreat. Aili nodded, her head barely within his sight. Whatever was going on, he thought it was serious, too.

He shifted onto the wagon. The two mages escorting him climbed up as well, one moving to each side of him. The wagon rolled down the street, the wheels clattering on the stone. Aili needed help. Darik was here, inside. Could he help her?

Two more CDF mages stepped from the building. She couldn’t hear what the hook-nosed man said to them, but they nodded and went back