A much older woman with long, silver hair flowing down her back walks towards me. She gives me a quizzical look, another expression I’m starting to become familiar with, and then eyes Aten, before coming back to me. She wears a large pendant at the base of her neck, gleaming purple.
“This is Aurelia, the Custodian of the Guard,” Rowan makes the introductions.
A tall, slender man, who is much younger than the others, by the name of Perrin, is the Custodian for the Natural Order, and a woman of a similar age to Rowan, tall and bold, with grey flashes through her hair, introduces herself as Nova from the Elemental Order.
“We, with others from The Chamber, will oversee all your training. You will be limited to lessons and study for now. There will be no physical training for now.”
“That’s a good thing,” Micah chips in. “No morning runs or drills.”
“Those, she will be able to join. There will be no combat or experimental physical training sessions until after the Transference.”
“When will that be?” The words are out of my mouth before I’ve engaged my brain. But I chance a glance down towards Aten. He’s clearly listening to everything. We’re too close for him notto hear, but despite my wanting to catch his eye, he keeps his head forward and away from me.
“The Maker will decide. She will let you know in time. When Aslendrix is ready to bestow her gift.”
That was a rubbish answer. Days, weeks, months? Will the Transference mean I stop seeing things? Stop the episodes I keep slipping into?
“You will stay in your rooms in The Chamber until that time. There will be much for you to learn, Ever. But we’re looking forward to working with you.” Rowan smiles, and I get the impression he’s a kind man. “As Micah has done such a great job in showing you the training area, I’m sure he’ll be able to provide the timetable for you, and Kyra will escort you when you’re needed.”
“I’m sure I’ll be able to cope without a chaperone.” I was already the odd one out. I didn’t need more attention focused on that fact. “Although that’s a kind offer,” I add the last line, not wanting to offend.
This was going to be tiresome. Caught between wanting to learn and not knowing what to do or say. I was exhausted already.
“Kyra will accompany you until you’re… settled.”
I nod. Fine.
“Very well. Feel free to join the rest of your trainees for dinner from now on. Although I think we all have a prior engagement tonight.” With that, Rowan and the others leave.
And so does Aten. Without a word or a look back in my direction.
The disappointment in my chest is uncomfortably real.
“Are you going to eat that?” Micah reminds me of the pastry in my hand.
I put it back on the untouched plate Aten left. “I’d like to go back to my room now.”
nine
. . .
Ever
The door closes to my room, and I inwardly groan as I make my way across the elegant space to the bed and dive headfirst into it. It’s a much more comfortable action with the heaped pillows and thick mattress.
Walking back from the training residence gave me time to realise I was wary of staying in The Chamber quarters, away from everyone else. And I couldn’t shake the feeling of wanting to go back—go back there and find Aten and ask what happened, and what he saw when I brushed his hand in the dining hall.
It would be nice, for once, to be given an explanation rather than kept in the dark. It feels like the truth is still far away, and with so many questions remaining, every time I take a step forward, another two emerge to block my path.
The best thing Micah mentioned was lessons, and that meant knowledge, so I might be able to pull myself out of this perpetual pit of the unknown. I’ll be able to learn firsthand.
Kyra met me at the door to The Tower after Micah walked me back from the training centre and exclaimed, with greatexcitement, that I was to attend a dinner with all members of The Chamber.
No matter how excited she looked, all I felt was dread, like a stone had taken up lodgings in the pit of my stomach. It didn’t end well the last time I met with those people. Stars, if I had my way, I’d never have to speak with them again, and I’d move right on into the training. But that was out of my hands.
I eye the bag I’ve brought with me. The desire to hold something of mine, something within my control, pushes me to open it and pull out the few possessions I have. The gold ring is still on my finger and hasn’t fallen off despite my fear, so I turn it once around my forefinger for luck. I unwrap the teacup and place it on the ornate table beside the bed, and do the same with the brooch, holding it for a moment and running my thumb over the flat of the leaf design before setting it next to the teacup. The small piece of quartz has always been my prize, and I take it and hold it for a moment, my fingers warming the rock and finding comfort from the small stone.
I’ve never been bold, never dreamt of exploring more than what my life afforded me, other than that one day when I ventured further than I was allowed. This was my reward, this small piece of smooth quartz. And now I stare at it and wonder if I’d have found other treasures, other people, if I’d tried, and pushed past my boundaries for a second time. If I hadn’t swallowed everything that Lyle told me, and instead, asked more questions.
