Mid Spring

  Jade

  1911 SC (Skyfall Calamity)

  The line of carts standing before the eastern gates of the city seemed to stretch into forever. Theresia knew that there weren't that many, only that the pace at which the merchants were cleared to enter seemed to be staggeringly slow. Each one had to declare their goods and intentions and undergo an inspection by the city guardsmen for undeclared wares before being permitted into the city.

  Leaning back in her seat, Theresia took in the sight, amazed at the great walls that reared up from the earth. They were smooth grey stone flecked with Iron and reinforced with ambient magic that she could sense even at this distance. Taller towers were spaced along the walls, narrow windows allowing scouts and archers to view any arrival from quite a distance. South Greywater looked as though it stretched out in either direction for countless kilometres. The road they were waiting on sat atop a small hill that descended towards the banks of Greywater Lake. The lake itself was so vast that Theresia knew there was no way she could see its northern banks. Eli had informed her it was at least a few day’s travel via boat to reach the northern beaches. He'd explained that some still debated if the lake should be referred to as an inland sea, but the traditionalists held out and the name had remained.

  Looking down from atop the cart, Theresia could see into the city within. Buildings of all shapes and sizes, many larger than Oakdell's town hall, filled the interior. Almost all were built from stone and stood at least two, if not three, stories tall. Taller towers dotted the city, rising like proud fingers trying to touch the sky. It had taken most of the morning for the mist from the lake to be burnt off. Mist still enshrouded parts of the harbour in a filmy white haze, covering the far ends of the city.

  “The great palatial structure at the centre of the city, with the crystal dome, that is the Governor's Offices,” Eli explained in a steady voice. “Currently overseen by Nathaniel Xavier. It is the administrative heart of the city and the entire province. And that large curved structure on the wall, that's the East Gate. Not once has it been breached, though both Troll and Man have tried.”

  “When will we reach the gate?” Theresia asked.

  Looking over the long line of carts leading out from the East Gate and up the road to where they sat waiting, the man's eyes narrowed.

  “At the glacial rate we are currently moving, some time before the harvest.”

  “We will reach the city soon enough,” Captain Ilthell called from beside the wagon.

  “That is true. I would rather have your young patient in the Alchemy Hall receiving treatment than idly waiting in this impossible queue. Bah, by the Matriarch's cold shears, what is taking so long? We should have passed through by now, even in the heaviest of traffic.”

  “Perhaps he knows,” Theresia offered, pointing towards an approaching rider.

  Eli frowned at the man on the horse who wound his way between wagons, pausing to speak to the occupants before moving on to the next. Finally, he reached four weary travellers, pulling his horse to heel. The man was dressed in in what Theresia assumed was a uniform. Dark brown trousers, brown shirt, heavy looking boots, and a steel cuirass with a green and grey surcoat. Strapped to his hip was a solid looking longsword paired with a wooden truncheon at the other hip.

  Captain Ilthell looked to his fellow travellers and nodded, pulling the hood of his cloak down low over his face. They’d discussed earlier what they would say in the event of meeting or having to interact with the local guards.

  “I won't lie to you,” Romas had explained prior. “My squad and I left on clandestine orders. The sort that are known only to the governor and certain officers of the army. And returning as I do, it is imperative that I go unnoticed. There are always eyes and ears about. Those that listen even when not immediately apparent. It might seem strange to you, but having my identity revealed may be more dangerous than attacking one of the guards.”

  Nodding gravely, Eli had agreed to a cover story. The two were brothers, both merchants with Theresia their niece and apprentice. Maria was a Null they had agreed to take with them to South Greywater.

  “We apologise for the inconvenience, traveller,” the guardsman began. “We have had to institute mandatory inspections of all goods entering the city. This has slowed down things down considerably. On behalf of the City Watch, we thank you for your patience.”

  “What, pray tell, has sparked such a necessity?” Eli asked.

  “I am sorry, traveller, but I am unable to divulge such information.”

  Eli began to banter with the guardsman, asking about the recent local weather, changes in trade prices for goods, and other local news. Theresia wanted to listen in but felt it necessary to ask something of the captain. Leaning over the lip of the front seat, she whispered to Captain Ilthell.

  “Is it going to be safe for Maria if we're kept waiting for too long?” she asked.

  “The wait won't be too long. We're so close that a little patience will do us some good. Besides, it doesn't take much time to search a caravan for Lead,” Captain Ilthell muttered under his breath.

  “Lead?” was Theresia's confused whisper.

  “A question for another time.”

  “Perhaps you should answer the young lady,” the guard spoke over the two.

  Looking up, Theresia realised she had asked the question a touch too loudly.

  “Idle speculation, guardsman,” the captain said.

  “I'm intrigued as to why you think we would be looking for Lead?” the man pressed.

  “An honest guess.”

  The guardsman nudged his horse forward until he was nearly upon the captain, looking down with narrowed eyes.

  “I won't ask the question again. Answer me or there will be consequences,” he said in a measured tone.

  “Please, sir, we don't want to cause trouble,” Theresia pleaded. “We want to get into the city and to the Alchemy Hall.”

  The guardsman shifted his gaze from the captain to Theresia. Doing as Seselt had shown her, Theresia relaxed her shoulders and breathed in slowly, very carefully drawing in the Aether around her. It was like reaching out with her far hand. But rather than directing the magic, it was more like tasting the air, all the minute details of the guardsman were now clearly picked up. The set of his shoulders, the flattening of his lips, the slight creaking of leather-gloved hands on reins, the tightening of the outer corners his eyes. A thousand subtle details that could read to make a greater picture, to gain an understanding of the subject’s emotions and general mood.

  Theresia had to suppress a giggle, knowing she was using the ambience technique as Seselt had shown her. Lightning quick, she knew that the guardsman was suspicious of the captain, but not in a negative light. He was genuinely concerned about doing his job to investigate the query. He viewed Theresia in a positive light, saw her as likely innocent. Possibly, he had a little sister of his own.

  “And why is that, young lady?”

  “My friend is hurt.”

  Theresia saw as much as she felt the ambience shift. The guardsman was immediately sympathetic, his thoughts of the captain fading away. Theresia was not cocky enough to try using a suggestion. She had learned from that mistake. Instead, she chose her words, aiming to play off what she could see and feel.

  “We were travelling from the Dells to see the city, and were set upon by an angry bear. My uncle fought it off, but my friend was hurt in the attack.”

  Theresia knew she should feel guilty for manipulating the emotions of the man. But her need to help Maria overrode any reservations. Digging a fingernail into palm enough to tear up, Theresia felt her eyes go red.

  “A bear?”

  The captain let his shoulders sag, voice choking up with emotion. Theresia thought the act masterful. She was glad he had caught on.

  “I took my eyes off her for a second while setting up camp and she had gone wandering. Before I could call her back, the bear was there, tearing at her. It's my fault, it's all my fault.”

  “Please, she needs help. She might die,” Theresia whimpered.

  The guardsman rode around to the back of the wagon and peered in. Lying on the pallet, skin pale and breathing shallow, was Maria, the severity of her injury plain. Shaking his head slowly, the guardsman cursed under his breath.

  “I don't care if the rest of us have to wait out here for a week or more,” the captain continued, “but merciful Fates, let the girl in. She needs to get to the Alchemy Hall.”

  Theresia felt the flow of Aether shiver around the guardsman but could not recognise the technique. It seemed to flicker out from the man and try to touch Maria before falling away. She guessed it was an Iron unique technique, something she couldn't read.

  “She's a Null,” he muttered.

  “Null or not, a child is still a child,” Captain Ilthell pleaded.

  The guardsman sat up in his saddle and seemed to think things over. Theresia watched with masked fascination, hoping the ploy would work. And when she saw the barely disguised determination and resolve, it took a great deal not to let out a whoop of joy.

  “Follow me,” the guardsman ordered.

  Turning to flash a grin at the captain, Eli cracked the reins twice and set his wagon moving. The guardsman wheeled his horse on the spot and began making his way back down the main road, shouting orders all the while.

  “Make way, make way! Clear the road!”

  Most seemed surprised before shifting their carts, wagons and caravans. One hard-eyed woman was unwilling to shift, calling back at the guardsman.

  “And why should I risk my wares moving? Should I wait longer than these bumpkins? What reason for their preferential treatment?” she growled with contempt.

  “If it were your sick or dying daughter, would you speak differently?” the guardsman admonished her.

  As they passed the five-vehicle merchant caravan, Theresia couldn't help but stare. Her ambience technique was still working. It came as a shock when she read the merchant and realised the women truly would have spoken no different if it had been her own daughter. The merchant looked the same as any other merchants Theresia was passing, though a glinting amulet caught her eye. A matte white disk with a coin of gold, silver and copper spaced around the centre.

  Meeting the woman's eyes, Theresia innately recognised the fellow Silver, reading the girl using her own ambience technique much as Theresia was. Instinctively, Theresia tried to mask her emotions, cloud her mind. The woman with the amulet gave a cold, victorious smile and turned away, satisfied with whatever she had seen.

  Swallowing, Theresia tore her gaze away and saw that they were nearly upon the East Gate. Two large wagons drawn by horses three times as big as Theresia were being inspected, guardsmen checking every crate and sack, running hands over hidden crooks and crannies. One had a Copper rod capped with pitted Lead and inscribed with strange symbols, holding it before him and waving it over the wagon. Theresia could sense the ribbons of Aether flowing out from the rod, raking over and even penetrating the vehicle. She guessed it was magic specific to Copper.

  The guardsman escorting their wagon pulled up a gatehouse set into the wall and began conversing with a large, imposing looking older man. He wore a similar uniform, though his surcoat was green slashed with white. Head shaven, with a thick moustache and dark eyes, he looked all the part of someone who would not be crossed lightly. Ambling over to the wagon, the senior guardsman snorted, moustache flickering.

  “I don't care what you say, Constable, you're too much a softy. These people wait in line like the rest to be inspected. We've a protocol to follow, and I won't answer to the High Captain if your breach leads to an incident.”

  “No, Captain Baker, I understand, Captain Baker, sorry, Captain Baker,” the guardsman spluttered.

  Captain Baker eyed the wagon, chewing on one lip while fingertips tapped the truncheon on his belt.

  “And what am I to do with you lot, eh?”

  Theresia felt the man's hard gaze fall upon her. Her ambience read him as someone who could not be swayed with kind words. He would need facts or solid assurances to shift opinion. The sort of man who excelled well in a job like the City Watch.

  ‘Oh, dear Matron, this isn't good.’

  Captain Baker's gaze shifted as he made his way towards Romas, looking over the wagon.

  “Theresia!”

  Eyes going wide at the familiar voice, Theresia looked up to see a young boy emerging from the gatehouse. Dressed in similar browns and greens, though lacking the cuirass, he looked like a younger version of the guardsman now standing deferentially behind Captain Baker. It took a moment for Theresia to process and realise who it was.

  “Heph?”

  Letting out a whoop of laughter the stocky boy dashed forward at a sprint, skidding to a halt before the wagon. Clambering down the side in a most undignified manner, Theresia rushed to meet him, sweeping him into a heartfelt embrace. Not even realising she was, Theresia started laughing and crying, arms clinging tightly about Heph. The stocky boy reciprocated, voice bubbling with a million and one questions. Theresia didn't have time to answer any of them, one question of where she had been or what she had seen replaced by another.

  “Recruit Hephaestus!”

  Theresia felt Heph's body stiffen, arms quite tense. Carefully unwrapping herself, Theresia took a step back and gave a sheepish look up to Captain Baker. Heph, meanwhile, had turned on the spot and stood straight, face a little pale.

  “I assume there is a reason for this outburst, Recruit?” Captain Baker asked in a gravelly voice.

  “Yes, Captain, sorry, Captain. I know Theresia; we grew up together. I thought she was... Well, Captain, I thought she had died and seeing her just now... I'm sorry, Captain. It won't happen again.”

  Captain Baker looked back to Theresia, who did her best impression of an embarrassed girl.

  ‘This could work in our favour.’

  Knowing that Heph was far too honest about such things, Theresia felt the plan forming even as she took a step forward and gripped his hand in an affectionate manner.

  ‘I'm sorry to use you like this, Heph, but it needs to be done.’

  “I got better after the illness, Heph. I didn't die like you thought,” she suggested at him. “And now I've joined my Uncle Eli, and his brother. But Maria, you remember her, right? She was wounded in a bear attack.”

  Theresia watched the slight dilation of pupils and knew her technique had worked. She couldn't plant false memories in him. But she could guide his emotional state. He didn't believe anything about her illness. The suggestion made him pliable enough to follow her encouragements, her lead.

  “What happened to Maria?” Heph asked, voice tight.

  “A bear attacked us as we were travelling.”

  Eli looked down to Captain Baker.

  “As my brother mentioned to your Constable, we don't care if our wagon is delayed a week. However, the young girl in the back is gravely ill and we all fear for her health. She is a Null. Only the alchemists can treat her.”

  Dark eyes looking over the four travellers and his recruit, Captain Baker seemed to mull over the decision.

  “Protocol states that during an enforced mandatory inspection set down by the Governor's office, all carts must be processed in the order in which they arrive. Regardless of personal circumstances.”

  Theresia could sense the energy of her friends deflating, certain that they would be pushed back when they were so close to their goal. But her ambience said differently. Letting her eyes rest on Captain Baker, she could see something in the eyes, the faintest shift of the moustache.

  “However, if a member of the City Watch can personally vouch for, and is willing to escort, the traveller to their destination, special circumstances do allow for preferential treatment in such situations.”

  Hephaestus stood a little straighter, looking up to Captain Baker and saluting.

  “Captain Baker, I can vouch for these four travellers and request to escort them to the Alchemy Hall. If they breach any laws while under my watch, I take full responsibility for the consequences.”

  Captain Baker nodded.

  “You have my leave, Recruit. Be sure to return to your post immediately after completing your duties.”

  “Yes, Captain, understood Captain, thank you, Captain!”

  Heph looked the four travellers over and motioned with one hand before turning and walking through the heavy stone arch of the South Gate. Theresia clambered back onto the wagon and sat down by Eli, winking and grinning. The merchant kept a straight face as he clapped the reigns, the horse shifting forward. Captain Ilthell made certain to keep his head low as they passed by several guards watching over travellers as they left the city.

  Once past the guards, Theresia felt the tension leave her body, breathing out and taking in the sights and sounds. She let go of her ambience technique, the Aether rippling out and blending into the background. Within the walls, the city felt even larger. Wide, cobbled streets and narrow alleys stretched out in all directions, buildings of various shapes and sizes loomed over them. Theresia soaked in the melange of smells and sounds of people going about their business. Some hawked wares on the corners of streets, selling food, small utensils, and more to anyone interested. Others were craftsmen or merchants travelling to and fro, moving in and out of the larger buildings and structures. All were dressed in clothing both familiar and not so. Coats and waistcoats of various cuts and designs. Shoes that barely covered the ankle to boots that reached the top of the thigh. Women in dresses of designs she knew from home, and some almost alien, hair arranged in so many dizzying ways that Theresia had to stop herself gaping.

  And dancing through it was the sing of Aether. The air felt alive, energetic, and almost intoxicating. People used it to help carry especially heavy crates, sense friends and greet them at a distance, move faster when travelling about. Some inspired while speaking, to give them an edge while talking business or pleasure. Theresia could barely recognise a single Technique in use, they all seemed so foreign and strange. But it filled her with a sense of hope and joy. Surely, in a city this busy and active, there would be Silvers looking to train and employ one of their own.

  “I'm not quite sure what happened back there,” Eli noted as they passed by a great tower built from stone flecked with glowing silver-blue metal, “but I can assume you had a hand in it, young lady.”

  “I saw an opportunity--”

  “--And went with it,” Eli finished.

  The merchant's eyes went vague as he looked up towards the Governor's Offices, towering ahead of them.

  “If there were one word to describe any Silver, it would be cocky.”

  Theresia wasn't sure if it was a compliment or something else.

  Heph stopped at a large intersection and directed them down a narrower road. Moving parallel to the Governor's Offices, Theresia saw a large section of parkland looming before them. It was only on second-glance that she realised the walled off area of greenery had smaller buildings dotting it, built carefully into the landscape.

  “The Hall is just up ahead,” Heph announced exuberantly.

  Theresia found herself smiling, looking into the back of the wagon to reassure herself. Maria lay still on the pallet, blankets piled atop her tiny frame. She looked so pale and fragile, breathing in shallow gasps.

  “Not much longer, Maria,” Theresia whispered.

  Heph had slowed down to place himself by the side of the wagon. Theresia hadn't wanted to bother him while he guided the cart through the city.

  "What was with that bull about you being ill? And you don't have any uncles."

  "Sorry Heph. The captain needs me to lie about some stuff, so I kind of..."

  "Messed with my head again."

  "Sorry."

  "I'm going to have to learn to keep you out of my head. You have no idea how happy I am to say that."

  Theresia changed topics.

  “What happened to you, Heph?”

  “It all went so fast. One minute we were travelling with those soldiers, and the next everyone was panicking, screaming. Ms Perenelle and I were split from the rest of you. We weren't sure if anyone else survived, and we couldn't go back. Those things, those basilisks, they would have torn us to shreds. So we moved forward, kept travelling.”

  Heph looked down at the cobbled ground.

  “I didn't want to think about it, didn't want to think about what happened to you, or Puzzle, or Maria. I kept walking forward, kept going, because that's all I could do. Ms Perenelle and I hitched a ride with two sisters that live as traders and made our way here. They gave me some good advice and convinced me to join the City Guard. I just kept focussing on my next goal, on what came next, rather than...”

  Without thinking, Theresia sent a whisper of Aether in Heph's, direction, her Silver affinity conveying what she felt in turn. Heph smiled, nodding at the glimmer of heartfelt emotions that bubbled through him.

  “Yeah, something like that,” Heph said in a low voice. “Ms Perenelle and I arrived at the city. They took Ms Perenelle in straight away, weren't going to argue with a grouchy-looking, road-worn alchemist. She took me to the Alchemy Hall, got me fed and clothed. Wrote up a recommendation for me.” Heph gave a goofy grin and pulled at his uniform. “I didn't want to wait. Next day, I'm at the City Guard offices. Showed them my writ of recommendation, explained my situation and how keen I am. They did some tests. The soldiers...”

  Heph went silent. Theresia didn't interrupt.

  ‘I don't think any of us want to think about that.’

  “I'd learned a great deal. They were impressed with my affinity. Captain Baker himself said I had the talent of someone twice my age. They don't take on recruits until 16. But I'm kinda orphaned, what with Oakdell weeks away by road. He made a special exception. I'm going to be a recruit for far longer. But they lodged me in the local barracks. Pay me a proper wage.”

  “That's amazing, Heph!” Theresia gushed. “You did this all yourself, and after everything that's happened. You should be resting, and instead you're... You're amazing!”

  Heph blushed a little.

  ‘I'm not joking, and I'm not using my affinity. Who would have thought that, out of everyone, Heph ended up the strongest and most capable of us? I'm so proud of him. He was right. This is where he belongs.’

  The road terminated at a vine woven wood gate, tall walls of brambles marking the edge of the parkland. A figure stood in attendance at the gate and not in the uniform of the City Guard. Instead, he was dressed in a muted brown trouser and coat, unarmoured and carrying only a heavy-looking staff. Leather bandoleers crossed his chests, loaded with clay flasks and vials. Theresia guessed he was an alchemist. Picking up the pace, Heph strode over to the guard and spoke with him, nodding and pointing back to the cart. Once the cart stopped at the gate, Theresia realised the alchemist was a middle-aged man with a forked beard. Heph motioned towards the street and jogged off, anxious to be back at his post.

  “The member of the City Watch informs me that you have a gravely-ill alchemist in the back of your wagon,” the alchemist said.

  Captain Ilthell walked around from the other side of the wagon and pulled the hood of his cloak back

  “That is correct, Journeyman. I have instructions from Journeyman Rayleigh on how to treat her.”

  Reaching into his coat pocket, Captain Ilthell retrieved the note, wax seal still intact. He offered it to the alchemist, and Theresia was surprised to see the man take it and then warmly shake the captain's hand.

  “It's good to see you, Captain Ilthell,” the alchemist replied.

  “It's good to be back. I must apologise, but I have my superiors to report to. Could you do me a courtesy and inform Journeyman Perenelle that I have returned and I will inquire as to her health at a later date?”

  The man made a half-bow, right hand tucked behind his back, right leg shifting back as he lowered his body.

  “Of course, Captain. May the Fates watch over and guide you.”

  “May the Matron weave you fair tidings.”

  Captain Ilthell turned and walked away from the cart, nodding to Eli who inclined his head back. Theresia scrambled down the side of the cart, rushing over to the Captain Ilthell. Grabbing his wrist, she stopped the tall man in his tracks.

  “Just like that?” Theresia blurted. “You turn and leave without saying goodbye? What about Maria? Aren't you going to make sure she's looked after? What about Heph, don't you want to speak to him? What about me?”

  Theresia knew it was foolish, even childish, but she could feel her heart breaking a little. She hadn't expected the captain to walk off without so much as a hug or word. She felt betrayed, unimportant. This final little betrayal, it was the final small chink that caused her emotional dam to start leaking. Captain Ilthell looked down upon Theresia and patted her head, a faint smile breaking his usually unreadable expression.

  “Sometimes, young lady, success is twinned with little disappointments. Be proud of what you did and know that your actions have saved your friend. It's not going to be an easy road ahead for you. But Eli is right. You have a talent.”

  Theresia frowned, feeling quite cross.

  “You didn't answer my question,” she grumbled.

  Captain Ilthell raised one eyebrow before nodding.

  “No, I didn't. Like I warned you before, I'm someone who doesn't exist much of the time. I must keep it that way. Which includes leaving you and Maria behind.”

  Theresia felt her shoulders droop as she stared at the cobblestones on the ground intently. She did her best, but tears still welled up. The dam of emotions finally broke. Everything since leaving Oakdell rushed to the front of her mind. Every feeling, fear, and doubt finally crashed through the broken wall she had built up to survive. She knew Silvers felt more keenly, and she had kept her composure. Until now.

  “You and me,” she stuttered. “You and me and Maria, we- we didn't die. We made it here. We've done everything together and now I just... just... just forget you? I don't want to!”

  ‘I don't want to forget him! He saved me. He sacrificed everything. He's wonderful and he shouldn't disappear. He shouldn't cease to exist!’

  Theresia looked up defiantly at the captain, face red as tears ran twin courses over her cheeks. She both loved and hated him at that moment. Romas took off his gloves and stretched out a hand, gently touching the tears. Theresia didn't need her ambience to see he, too, was sad, even if he hid it well.

  “I'm sorry, Theresia; I really am... I never tell anyone when I use my own techniques, but for you I will make an exception. Because I respect you enough.”

  Theresia could not feel the Aether swell about the Romas. She saw golden lines spread out from his face, conduction lines running outwards to mirror the nerves that lay beneath. Unlike everyone else Theresia knew, the lines went much further than the eyes. In seconds, the captain's whole face was lined with faint Gold, and it continued to spread. The conduction lines rushed down his neck and beneath his clothing. Looking to Romas' hands, she saw the lines spread about. She could only stare in awe at the display of power both raw and subtle.

  ‘I never knew. I never knew how powerful he is. The captain didn't mention it once. He could be the strongest wielder of an Elemental Affinity in the entire city.’

  Romas gave a sad smile and cupped the side of Theresia's head. Looking up at the man, Theresia felt her storm of emotions began to ease, a reassuring calm replacing it. In a few seconds, she felt brighter, more positive about the experience.

  ‘I know it's a parting, but the memories will remain. Besides, I may see him in the future.’

  Romas took his hand away, the conduction lines fading beneath the skin.

  “I won't lie. I used a very strong inspire technique upon you,” he admitted. “You shouldn't have to feel that sort of pain so young.”

  Theresia nodded.

  “Thank you.”

  Romas inclined his head before pulling on his gloves. He turned, brought up his hood, and marched down the street, looking like any other traveller.

  Theresia looked back to the Alchemy Hall. She had finally made it with Maria. The alchemists would look after her, mend her, and make her whole. Theresia had finally made it to South Greywater, as she had always planned.

  “Oi.”

  Turning, Theresia had barely enough time to catch the tumbling coin. Looking up, she saw Captain Ilthell had snuck up behind her. An Electrum mark sat in her hand, the phoenix with its wings spread overhead glinting brightly.

  “I had a thought. You've done a service to the Empire, and the Emperor always rewards those who do his work.”

  “I'm worth a mark?” Theresia wondered.

  “That coin is worth more than what most merchant houses carry in their vaults. Use it only when you are in the direst of need. Something so horrific that you see no way out but death. You are a Silver, so that makes this easy. The enchantment within the coin is masked to feel like any other Electrum coin. But for you, in that moment of need, weave your affinity through that coin and put every drop of Aether you can into it.”

  Theresia frowned, unsure of what to make of the token.

  “But... what does it do?”

  “It will let me know you have called. You can try to guess the rest.”

  Captain Ilthell had taken his glove off again, reaching out and placing two fingers on Theresia's temple. Her vision was tinted in gold, before blurring and melting for a moment. Shaking her head, Theresia glanced around and saw the captain replacing his glove.

  “It's bonded to you and you alone. Always keep the token on you. If it goes too far from you for too long, the magic will fade. A precaution against theft.”

  Theresia nodded in understanding. For a second time, she watched Captain Ilthell leave, this time disappearing into the crowd.

  ‘Well, I guess this is goodbye.’

  Looking back, Theresia saw that the alchemists had brought out a stretcher and were carefully transferring Maria from her pallet in the back of the wagon. Once off the wagon, they carried her inside, gates shutting behind them.

  ‘And there goes another friend. I wonder what is in store for me?’

  Theresia walked over to Eli's wagon. The man was staring at the gate, as usual chewing on his pipe. He looked down to Theresia and smiled around the pipestem.

  “So, where to now, young lady? You've a great deal of choices and not many ways to actually get there.”

  “That... doesn't make any sense,” Theresia responded with confusion.

  “Well, the problem with the merchant houses is that they're big for nepotism. I can put in a word here or there, but you're going to have to prove yourself. No relatives or praise from another prominent Silver. That will hamper you. Heph was lucky; the higher ups in City Guard usually respect the Alchemy Hall. What with the medical supplies they provide at discount. So what Perenelle wrote assisted him. On the other hand, the merchant houses couldn't care less.”

  ‘I guess I have to start at the bottom and work my way up. Like Eli said, it won't be easy. Not like anything has ever stopped me, anyway.’

  Theresia thought over things rationally.

  ‘Maria is here; I made it, too. Heph has been here a little while, I guess. But he never mentioned Puzzle. Guess we didn't all make it.’

  “What help you can give, Eli, I would appreciate. Where should I go and who should I talk to?”

  Eli seemed to think over it, puffing his pipe as he idly pulled at one of the buttons on his waistcoat.

  “You want to find work straight away, otherwise you're beggared on the street. I know a small trader family, Belant Trade Guild. Best chance you have. Deal in textiles, nothing major. They're hard folk, not great for kindness. But it's a start. You can make your own choices once you've built up a reputation. Being unaligned can work in your favour.”

  Theresia hopped up on the front of the wagon and beamed her best smile at Eli.

  “Then let's find this small trader family.”

  ‘We'll make it, one way or another, Captain Ilthell. I promise we'll make it.’

  “I see that the city has enacted an inspection policy yet again,” Dace observed.

  “Are they all travellers?” Puzzle asked in an awed voice.

  Puzzle, Dace, and Flidais were standing atop a mild rise to the west of South Greywater. The land around the city had been cleared for defensive purposes, a sea of green grass rippling in waves as the breeze caressed it. Atop the hill, Puzzle could see the western road stretching off into the horizon, small satellite villages striking out in the far mists to either side of the road. Horses, carts, and travellers on foot all gathered along the eastern road, which stretched what had to be two kilometres from the eastern gate.

  “Perhaps we should have chosen the southern gate?” Puzzle ventured.

  “No, we need to come from the west,” Flidais disagreed.

  “Why?”

  Flidais looked over her shoulder before gesturing over her shoulder towards the Dells, the great forest so close and yet so far.

  “Right now, the governor is likely concerned about what is stirring in your former home. Think about it. The captain sends a telegraphy that the Black Lion is dead. He explains that four youths and an alchemist will travel with us back to South Greywater.”

  “Then we disappear.”

  “Now you understand. We have taken far longer than was expected. The governor would have tried to contact us again. What will he think when he receives no response?”

  Puzzle folded his arms and looked out into Greywater Lake, the steel blue waters glittering back at him. He voiced the likely scenario.

  “Perhaps the captain was wrong. Perhaps the Black Lion had survived. And now he may be back, ready to seek his revenge.”

  “We'll make a tactician of you, little scholar.”

  “Every caravan is inspected. Maybe someone is carrying someone or something that should not be taken into the city?”

  “Necromancers are devious. A twisted poison thrown into one of the major wells and anybody who drinks dies a horrible death before reanimating as one of the hungry dead. Some grave dirt from a Wight to bestir the recently interred. Or something as bold as--”

  Puzzle waved off Flidais.

  “I understand, Flidais. They want to be sure that…”

  Stopping mid-sentence, Puzzle looked over a patch of wild grass to his left.

  “The grass is not shifting in the wind because you're standing on it, Dace,” the boy observed.

  Hood thrown back as he shimmered into existence, the Empire scout nodded his head.

  “We should not have trained him,” Dace mused aloud.

  “Better he knows what to look for than we put our back to lurking assassins,” Flidais pointed out.

  Dace walked up to the pair, turning to look at the city in the afternoon suns. Eyes shielded, the scout looked over the trail of caravans.

  “You were right,” Dace explained as he gazed. “I'm guessing that the high captain herself delivered the orders. We're not talking our way out of this one.”

  Puzzle looked up at the hesitant scout.

  “Why do we want to avoid going in through the gate?”

  “No travel papers, no proof of identification. You're a Null, so they'll be suspicious.”

  “They are worried because I can't use magic to fool them?”

  Puzzle took a couple of steps forward and squatted down, tiring of the way the scouts were so cagey.

  “You two are not meant to be out here, are you? You could show your rank, explain that you are Empire military. They would flag you through, but then someone you do not wish to would be aware you have been abroad. I do not know why you want to keep yourself hidden; I do not want to. But it is going to be a bother sneaking in.”

  Turning around, Puzzle could see the pair exchanging a look. Flidais shrugged.

  “I call him the little scholar for a reason. Boy has a good eye for things.”

  Dace nodded.

  “You've pretty much summed it up. We can't use our cloaks, either.”

  Puzzle frowned, looking unsure.

  “Why not? You could move along on quiet feet and nobody would notice.”

  “They would know straight away. Green Transition Mages put Geomantic wards on the three gates. Any illusion magic, or irokane, in use is immediately detected. You're outlined in glowing green and alarms ring around that gate.”

  Dace gestured to the snaking line of waiting people.

  “No doubt there are some mercenaries lurking. Probably getting grouchy having to wait.”

  “Think we should lighten their load a little?” Flidais asked.

  “Our cloaks work fine out here. I say we pinch some documents; all we need are writs. Store the cloaks out here for now. Find an old hollow log, pack them in and take them back when we leave later.”

  The two scouts looked down to Puzzle.

  “Only problem is you. Stolen documents are useful for us. But two mercenaries travelling with a Null boy, that's a bit hard to swallow.”

  Puzzle crouched for a while, gaze distant as he looked up and down the line of people. Finally, he stood up and walked back over to where the two scouts stood. He had a conflicted look, staring at the ground rather than looking up.

  “I know that look,” Flidais sighed. “We're not going to like the answer.”

  “Good odds are there is a Journeyman in that line,” Puzzle ventured. “Bringing supplies or passing through.”

  “Your point being?”

  “I need you both to rough me up.”

  “How much longer will this take?” a grumbling man in a covered caravan asked the guard.

  Wheeling the horse about, the guardsman in grey and green answered.

  “I apologise for the delay, sir. We have reliable reports of certain individuals bringing in dangerous goods. We take any threat to the citizens of our fair city seriously.”

  “Some fool smuggling in an alchemist's overpriced potions isn't reason to hold the rest of us up.”

  “I assure you, sir, this is for the safety of one and all.”

  Boyd let conversation fall into the background. It wasn't the first time the useless lump of meat in the caravan beside him had complained to the guardsman as they rode up and down to keep the peace. It wouldn't be the last. Man felt the need to air his prejudices against alchemists in any conversation.

  ‘Fool would likely come crawling to us looking for a cure to any illness, if pushed. Same two-faced weasels I seem to run into. The Fates have a thing for tormenting me these last two years. Still haven't found a cure for my brother, but I can heal this bleating fool.’

  Boyd reached under his grey shirt and touched the three-ring loop on its chain.

  ‘If you happen to be listening, Matron, I could do with a little help. Or, at least that moron in the caravan could. Save him from being beaten witless by my quarterstaff.’

  The frustrated alchemist set his pack down on the road, deciding it wasn't worth carrying if he would be waiting for some time yet. Rolling his shoulders, the man looked about, taking note of the sheer number of people waiting to be processed. It was surprising a mob hadn't formed and started rioting.

  ‘Probably a couple of Silver or Gold in the City Watch. Nonstop riding up and down the road, keep those flaring emotions in check.’

  A rumble started building up. Boyd was certain he didn't want to look back along the road he had taken so long to journey down. Another scuffle between travellers was the last thing he wanted to get involved in.

  “Stop, thief!” a female voice shouted.

  Boyd kept his eyes forward. It had been a long few weeks and he wasn't going to get involved with angry victims and the eventual arrival of guardsmen to enforce the law.

  “Get back here!” the female voice continued.

  “Bloody Null rat,” a male growled.

  Boyd’s back went straight, all other thoughts set aside. Squaring his shoulders, he snatched up the quarterstaff from where it lay next to his pack. He quickly checked the supplies he had currently on his leather bandoleer. Taking purposeful strides, the serious man pushed his way to the edges of the road. Once free of the press, Boyd broke into a modest clip, not wanting to waste time. To his fortune, he saw that the trouble was on the edge of the road, too.

  ‘Two against one could be interesting. Look like the mean sort, too. I'll have to watch myself.’

  Boyd came to a halt as a bruised and battered boy collapsed in front of him. The child was dressed in obvious hand-me-downs, not quite fitting his lean looking frame. An odd curved stick was wrapped in cloth and strapped to his back. He had uneven black hair well past a cut, grey eyes, and a face mottled with bruises. One eye was black and starting to swell shut, lip split with possibly a tooth knocked loose. Boyd guessed the rest of the child's body had been punished much the same. His hands looked like they had been stomped on multiple sides.

  The pursuers arrived moments later. Possibly siblings, they both wore green and brown beneath studded leather amour, bows stowed over their backs. They covered the lower half of their faces with brown scarves.

  ‘Eridu, long way from home.’

  “Little thief,” the man in leather armour cursed.

  Boyd placed himself in front of the child. Planting the butt of his quarterstaff on the ground, the alchemist gave the two a cool look.

  “Nobody deserves this,” Boyd said, matter-of-fact.

  “He's a thief, stole from us,” the man growled.

  “A child barely past his rite should not be whipped to within a sliver of his life. Let him work the debt off. Don't take it in blood.”

  Boyd caught motion from the corner of his eye. Inquiring types had wheeled their horses over to gawk and watch the stand-off. Those in wagons or caravans were standing up to get a better view.

  ‘Bloody fools want a show. Well, time to give them one.’

  “This ain’t your business... Alchemist,” the man muttered.

  “Well, unless your lady friend has anything to add other than glaring, I'm going to declare that it is my business. The child no doubt has come to the city seeking Amnesty. That means he is protected by the Alchemy Hall, and he is therefore my charge.”

  Boyd watched the two exchange a look, the woman smiling beneath her scarf.

  “We don't want your coin, Null,” the woman sneered. “We don't want you getting in the way. The thief is ours. Talk with the guardsman if you want. They will say the same. Out on the road, we get to take our own justice.”

  ‘You had to use that word, didn't you?’

  Flicking his left wrist, Boyd let the hidden potion fall from its strap beneath the sleeve of his shirt. The clay vial fell into hand, Boyd popping the lid and swallowing the contents in one smooth motion. Staring impassively at the two thugs, he felt the familiar ripple across his skin, a loss of sensation even as he saw the changes sweeping along his hands. In seconds, Boyd's skin had changed colour from the tan of a seasoned traveller to a steel-grey tone.

  The child managed to pick himself up and stumble behind the unwavering alchemist.

  “You two look the sort to have seen a fight or three,” Boyd noted. “I'll help you out in case you weren't paying attention. This is a steelskin potion. Right now, my flesh is tough as a knight’s full plate. Unless you have a cannon hidden away in those quivers of yours, there isn't much you can do to harm me. On the other hand, I have spent the last four years on the road. My skill with a quarterstaff is very good.”

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  Boyd took a step forwards and hefted the weapon, one end pointing towards the woman. He could see the crowd gather, whispering to one another, fingers jabbing in his direction even as others muttered behind hands. The pair muttered something to each other. Finally, the man backed off, the woman holding out her hand.

  “Little whelp took food and drink from us, worth six pennies. Pay what’s owed us and we walk away. No need for a guardsman or the law.”

  Boyd lowered his weapon and pulled a pouch from his belt. Tossing the coins to the ground rather than her hand, he turned and helped the boy limp away. With careful arms, he guided the child to where his backpack lay untouched.

  ‘Everyone knows never to touch an alchemist’s backpack. No guessing what’s dangerous or explosive within.’

  Sitting the child down, Boyd took off his royal blue coat and placed it about the boy’s shoulders. Taking an assessing look, the alchemist guessed that this child's Rite of the Elements had not gone so well. Even a century later, pockets of ignorance, fear, and prejudice were still to be found. Plucking a minor healing draught from his belt, Boyd offered it to the child. He took it without question and quaffed the contents. Boyd watched as some of the more serious bruises started to fade from angry plum to dusky mustard. The saddened man opened his backpack and drew out a wrapped loaf of bread. With a knife, he made several slices, before fishing out a little cheese and some cured meat. The boy almost snatched the food when offered, wolfing down the meal and licking his fingers clean.

  Boyd could feel the effects of the steelskin potion beginning to wear off. The first wave of exhaustion rippled through him. He cut a slice of bread, cheese, and meat himself, devouring the snack.

  “Thank you,” the boy said in a small voice.

  “I wasn't going to leave you to those thugs.”

  The boy smiled weakly, though it didn't reach his eyes.

  “A quick lesson for you, young apprentice. Potions that help can hinder, too. The steelskin potion I consumed is a two-edged sword. Pulls all the Iron to the surface. But with all that Iron moved around, you haven't much in your blood. Fatigue sets in and you need time to rest. The lesson is be cautious and committed before using certain potions.”

  “You did not have to help.”

  Boyd snorted.

  “Silly thing to say. You and I, we're the same. Alchemists look out for each other.”

  The boy nodded, though he still seemed unsure. He looked up at Boyd, grey eyes assessing, taking in and weighing up the man.

  “Do you have a name?” Boyd asked.

  “Puzzle,” the child offered.

  “Any reason why you were travelling alone, Puzzle? Theft is a dangerous thing. You were lucky I was nearby.”

  Puzzle's gaze shifted away from Boyd, looking away and to the south. He shook his head and turned back to Boyd.

  “It... it did not go well. I... lost friends.”

  ‘He's shook up. Probably not the time to push him.’

  “What about that package of yours? Only thing you're carrying on your back? It must be important.”

  The boy reached over and touched the top of the strange curved stick.

  “My uncle gave this to me, something to make me feel better during my Rite of the Elements. I lost him the same day.”

  “I'm sorry for your loss. Your family must have taken it hard.”

  “He was the only family I had. But then the Journeyman in our village took me in. I had another friend, too; a Null like me.”

  The boy opened up, the floodgates of what had happened rushing wide open.

  “There were five of us. Myself, my three friends, and the alchemist. The two of us Null left to go to the Hall. The other two wanted to leave our village, make a name for themselves in South Greywater. Something went wrong.”

  A distant rumble of thunder interrupted the discussion. Boyd stood up gingerly and turned his attention towards Greywater Lake. He could see clouds gathering on the horizon, jagged crackles of lightning playing across the sky.

  “I give it an hour at most before we are drenched in a spring storm,” Boyd ventured. “It's time I got you a dry place to sit and rest.”

  A cheeky smile broke Boyd's face. He strolled to the covered caravan where the whining man from earlier sat. The man turned to Boyd and sneered at him. Not reacting, Boyd took two electrum marks from his coin pouch and plunked them on the seat of the caravan.

  “You don't utter a word and we shelter in the back until the storm passes. If we have to, we stay the night.”

  The wide-eyed man looked greedily at the great sum of money being offered. With only a moment’s hesitation, he snatched up the coins and gestured with head to the back of the caravan. Boyd inclined his head and turned to the boy.

  “Tonight, we sleep like kings, Puzzle.”

  The storm continued to rage overhead. The winds were gentle, but the rain was fierce, stinging flesh where it struck. The driver had retreated to the covered area, but sat at the front and seemed focussed on reading a leather-bound book.

  Puzzle sat opposite Boyd, wincing as the minor healing potion did its work. Dace and Flidais initially had protested against his plan. However, after Puzzle elaborated, they conceded, though it was brutal in nature. Puzzle didn't enjoy the deception, either. But it seemed the only way to cement his alibi and allow him to deflect any questions or inquiries. Nobody was going to press a homeless orphan beaten near senseless by mercenaries.

  Shifting in position to get more comfortable, the boy looked his saviour up and down. The man seemed to carry himself in the same way Perenelle did, confident but not arrogant. More self-assured and self-reliant. Boyd was of average height with a traveller’s tan, a strong jaw, and sandy-blond hair. Puzzle couldn't help but stare; such light-coloured hair did not exist in Oakdell. The man's blue-grey eyes looked over everything carefully. Puzzle wondered if his gaze was the same. Beneath Boyd's short-sleeved blue coat he wore twin crossed bandoleers, well stocked.

  Wincing as he shifted, Puzzle nibbled on the cured meat offered to him. He, Dace, and Flidais had purchased supplies in Mossdell. But they had travelled light, moving back and forth through the Dells as they ghosted the trade roads. It had been slow going; they were much farther south than originally intended. It meant shifting east and west to remain off the roads. None of them had any inclination to be seen on the road. The thoughts of the Mossdell citizens dogged their thoughts.

  “What training have you had, Puzzle?”

  “My journeyman taught me the basics. How to recognise various herbs in the wild, collect, preserve, and prepare them when necessary.”

  “What have you brewed in particular?”

  Puzzle looked at the curved canvas roof, wondering over everything Ms Perenelle had taught him. It was a tough decision to make.

  ‘Do I be honest and show Journeyman Boyd how much I know? Ms Perenelle didn't need to hide how much she had taught Maria and myself. It was much more than necessary at our age. However, if I feign ignorance, then he might see through. What would you have done, Maria?’

  Without realising and not intending to, Puzzle found his vision going murky. Blinking away the painful thought, Puzzle sniffed and looked Journeyman Boyd in the eye.

  ‘You were an amazing teacher, Ms Perenelle. Lying would be disservice. I stole from you and promised never to again. Holding back would be stealing what you taught me and keeping it for myself.’

  “Minor healing potion, eyes of the predator, somnolence dust, antiseptic, antivenom, and bone-setters draught,” Puzzle summarised.

  There was a snort of derision from the front of the cart. The merchant looked up from his book, face disbelieving.

  “I've bought bone-setters draught in the past. Better to heal a horse’s legs when broken than destroy the animal. I know how expensive that potion is. Not something a whelp like you could make.”

  “I'm certain I paid for your silence,” Boyd said in a voice like cold stone.

  The merchant pressed his nose into his book. Boyd looked back to Puzzle, looking dubious.

  “You don't need to impress me young man. A minor healing potion is all I would have expected. You needn't lie. Once we arrive at the Alchemy Hall, you shouldn't brag.”

  Boyd watched as the child before him melted away. His body posture shifted, shoulders squared, back straight. The pain on his face disappeared, now set with a calm expression. Puzzle clasped his hands together and rested them on his lap. Boyd was speaking no longer with the boy from earlier. In his place was something very different. A person who held themself with the confidence of a Grandmaster, eyes unflinching.

  “Bloodvine, conduitweed, and aether thistle,” he began. “However, it is foolish to begin the preparation without first administering at the very least a minor healing potion. The pain of feeling your bones regrow can lead to convulsions or even unconsciousness. This is dangerous because the bones may fuse incorrectly. They would need to be broken a second time and the potion then re-administered. I would advise you brew a specialised minor healing potion to assist with the procedure. Add the strips of bloodvine to the solution after the bloodvine sap and sun rose have dissolved into the heated water. This will act as a mild sedative. Put one third of the minor healing potion aside for usage in the brewing the bone-setters draught. This removes the need to add bloodvine. The sun rose solution moderates the regrowth rate. Burn the conduitweed in a clay cup until only ashes remain. You will only need a single flower of aether thistle. Be sure to remove the bulb of the flower, you won’t need this part. Slice the flower finely and add it first to the bloodvine and sun rose solution. Grind the burnt conduitweed into a fine powder with mortar and pestle. Add the powder to the rest of the solution. It should shift through several colours before settling into a bone white, opaque liquid with silver rippling through it.”

  Taking a deep breath, Puzzle slumped back down, turning to look out the rear of the caravan and into the rain.

  “Was that enough?” he asked in a small voice.

  Boyd could only sit there in gobsmacked silence. In his mind, he ran through the procedure for preparing a bone-setters draught. The preparation was unusual and the additions unheard of. But no matter how he looked at it, it was also genius.

  “Who was your teacher?” Boyd asked almost reverently.

  “Ms Perenelle.”

  The name was vaguely familiar. Journeyman Perenelle had passed through the South Greywater Alchemy Hall a decade ago. She'd seemed competent. But nothing special. The woman barely made a ripple.

  “Hello, the wagon!” a voice called from outside.

  All three passengers looked towards the open rear. A guardsman in a cloak was standing outside. The occasional crackle of lightning illuminated him, pinched face looking tired. The hood of his cloak was up, rain rushing off it as though the fabric were glass.

  “The storm’s only going to get worse. We've orders from the eastern Gate Captain to hasten moving everyone into the sanctuary of the city. If you can keep your horse from spooking, we'll pass you through the gate shortly.”

  The guard melted back into the stormy gloom.

  “About bloody time. I'd feared the Matriarch would claim me before we get moving,” the merchant cursed.

  Pulling on a cloak and tugging the hood up, he left via the open front. Puzzle could hear busy sounds coming from outside, no doubt the angry man readying to leave.

  “Well, small mercies from the Three are to be appreciated. Once we pass through inspection, we'll have a proper shelter, warm meal, and an even warmer greeting,” Boyd assured Puzzle.

  Puzzle’s thoughts weren't as optimistic.

  ‘The last part is going to be the hardest. Dace and Flidais thought I might be able to fool the Geomantic wards. Any magic falls apart when it is about to touch me. It might be the same for what I hold.’

  The caravan driver hopped onto the front seat and cracked his reigns. The road was stone, so there was no mud to run afoul of. It was still slow going, barely a crawl as they encouraged the horse forwards. Soon enough, Puzzle could see the great walls of South Greywater, a gate wide enough to fit four carts abreast looming high, portcullis of steel locked into the roof of the great stone structure. Ripples of iron thread through the stone. Lining the arch of the inner holding wall were small plates of coppery metal, glowing green in the darkness.

  Puzzle put his back against the lower wooden wall of the caravan, slouching down as though tired, his face slack as he gazed at the floor. With a free hand, he reached around his waist and placed it against the bottom of the scimitar. Worming his fingers under the cloth wrap, Puzzle curled his fingers around the blade.

  The cart approached the Geomantic wards as Puzzle’s heart pounded in his chest. At the last moment, he squeezed the weapon tight. The nervous reflex left blood oozing from the slashed fingers. Gritting his teeth against the pain, Puzzle tried to slow his breathing down. It wasn't until the cart stopped in the gatehouse courtyard that Puzzle began to calm down. Journeyman Boyd was the picture of boredom.

  “I've done this so many times, it's more chore than anything else,” Boyd said to no one in particular.

  Two guardsmen, wearing breastplates with green and grey surcoats, peered into the back of the caravan. One carried a Copper rod capped with Lead.

  “Evening, guardsmen,” Boyd offered. “I don't envy your night.”

  “A job needs to be done, so we do it,” one of the men offered.

  “And we drew the short straws,” the other admitted.

  Boyd chuckled.

  “If you don't mind me asking, have you found any fools yet? If someone was found here, I can be certain the other major cities will redouble their own scrutiny. I'm on the road most of the time, so being aware of this trouble is always useful.”

  The two soldiers looked to one another.

  “Nobody yet....” the guardsman drew out the sentence.

  “Journeyman Boyd,” the alchemist offered. “Thank you for your kindness. I know you don't have to answer.”

  Boyd reached into his backpack and drew out two round clay potions. He shuffled over to the two guardsmen and offered them each one. The two took the gifts and peered curiously at them.

  “Endurance of stone. You two did me a service, now I do one for you. Drink them and they will last the night. Takes the edge off the cold, wipes away the fatigue. You'll be warm until the end of shift.”

  “Thank you, Journeyman,” one of them said, bobbing his head.

  The other gave Puzzle a cursory glance, before inclining his head to Boyd.

  “Fates smile on you this night.”

  “And you, too.”

  The two guardsmen strode off into the night. A moment later, Puzzle heard the cracking of the driver's whip, the caravan moving past the inner gate. The wind seemed to settle, the rain easing up, too. Puzzle was unsure if it was luck, or if magic was involved, but he was happy for the fierce weather to abate.

  “You got as far as you need be,” the merchant called from the front. “Leave and be about your own business. I'll carry you no further.”

  Rolling his eyes, Boyd shouldered his backpack and leapt out the back. Puzzle followed suit, boots landing on the cobblestone streets. Rain ran in all directions, falling into sewer grates spaced at even intervals. Boyd pulled out a cloak and offered it to Puzzle, who shook his head.

  “Rain does not bother me anymore,” he explained.

  “Doesn't mean you have to get soaked for your troubles.”

  Puzzle gave a curious smile.

  “We've only one cloak and you need it more than I. Besides, it is too big; the bottom would drag along behind me.”

  Boyd shook his head before pulling the cloak on. Into the wet streets they strode, Puzzle following the older alchemist. The man appeared to know which way to go. The streets blended into one another. The light posts scattered around were something to be gawked at- Iron poles capped with small geometric shapes, their soft blue radiance bright enough to illuminate the roads. Unsure of how long they walked in the rainy gloom, Puzzle's legs began to tire. Even in the downpour, there were others on the streets. Travellers much like Boyd. Richer looking merchants in finer dress, sometimes with serious looking guards. Runners on balanced feet. Entertainers giving fine performances. Puzzle slowed down and tried to get a peek at one of the shows. A polite tap from Boyd had Puzzle moving along.

  “Not the sort of thing you want to waste your time on. Besides, you and I see right through the trickery.”

  “You mean they are using magic?”

  “Silvers and Golds with their fingers on your heartstrings. Charlatans and con artists pulling in the unwary. It's funny, they know of magic everywhere, yet they fall for the most basic of tricks.”

  Boyd let out a bark dry of laughter. The two slowed down as they came to the abrupt end of the main road. Great wooden barricades at chest level blocked their passage. The air rippled, odd green symbols flickering in and out of existence.

  “Geomancy barrier,” Boyd explained, “I guess the governor has finally decided to join in the great train experiments.”

  Puzzle gestured towards the odd-looking warehouses and strange pits past the barrier.

  “What is in there?”

  “Governor Xavier likes being at the forefront of progress. The Xavier line always has. About five years ago, I was foolish enough to travel up into the Cradle for a short while. A meeting with old family. I saw what the Alberti College had been working on. First demonstration of what they think will revolutionise transportation. They called it the steam train. It's meant to be faster and more economical than the airship. Oh, and it will be safe for an alchemist to travel on.”

  “Huh?”

  Boyd shook his head.

  “I forget how far out you must live. Airships, or dirigibles, as they are sometimes called, work on powerful Copper, Mercury, and Renderis magic. Now, for we Null, it's not a good idea for us to touch anything magical. Irokane stops functioning on contact. Wards and barriers fall apart. Of course, you can use a far hand on any metal we're carrying, same with detecting via far sense. Or at least, you might be able to. Someone can pull the metal from your hands, but our touch muddles their control. Your blood will act as a catalyst, further negating the accuracy of the far sense or far hand. Effect wears off as the blood dries. Not reliable, but it can be done. For example, that blade you have on your back. You held it tight to hide from the Green Transition Geomantic wards. Probably bled on it too; reinforcing the negation.”

  Puzzle looked at the ground in shame, facing burning. Boyd walked over and knelt. Putting a hand on his soaked shoulder, Boyd looked the boy in the eye.

  “Kept me guessing, initially. It didn't take too long to realise that was a weapon you were carrying. Good chance it's made from Lead, the way you kept looking at the Geomantic wards.”

  Puzzle nodded.

  “I understand it belonged to your uncle, so it means everything to you. But you put me and that arrogant pig of a caravan merchant in danger. Risk your own life, if you must. Not so right to draw us into that trouble.”

  Puzzle sighed.

  “I am sorry, Journeyman Boyd. You are right, and I apologise for my dishonesty.”

  Journeyman Boyd stood up and shrugged.

  “Well, at least I know you're human now. The way you described that bone-setters draught, I was worried you were a near perfect prodigy. Come now, you're starting to look like a drowned rat. Let's make haste.”

  The two quickened their pace. To Puzzle, the streets became one long blur.

  “Around this corner and we're on the home stretch,” Boyd announced.

  Following close behind, Puzzle nearly sprinted when he saw a strange blue-green glow in the distance. A great wooden gate, interwoven with thorny vines, blocked their path. Two guards stood on watch, both in cloaks, alchemists’ uniform beneath.

  “Hail and well met,” Journeyman Boyd called out as he approached.

  “Is that your ugly visage I'm met with, Boyd?” a light voice called back. “I've no certainty which is worse: the weather or you.”

  One of the guards closed the distance and shook Boyd’s hand, laughing warmly.

  “You must have angered the Fates and Grandmaster Eustus to be watching the gates in this storm,” Boyd said with a chuckle.

  “My future was divined and saw your arrival long before,” the woman replied wryly. “Now, who here is this poor thing?”

  The other guard opened the gate as the three strode in through it. A simple cobblestone path wound its way between the boughs of mature trees. Shallow ponds scattered around the place held water, lily pads resting on the surface while fish swam in their depths. Puzzle couldn't help but stare in awe at the water, glowing a faint blue green.

  ‘It is beautiful. Ms Perenelle never talked about this. I thought it would be some dull building, hidden away. This is something... I do not know what to... I am home. I am finally home.’

  The clattering of the gate behind him broke Puzzle's reverie. Beneath the trees, the rain was now a faint mist and occasional patter of drops that slipped between leaves.

  “The little one is called Puzzle, then, hmm?” The female alchemist asked.

  Realising he hadn't been paying attention to the conversation, Puzzle turned and gave a small bow, shifting one leg back and the other forwards.

  “Sorry, ma'am. I am Puzzle.”

  “Oh, he's a dear,” the woman cooed. “I'm Sasha. Don't worry with the bow, we're not like everyone else in the city. Cannot stand those who pull rank.”

  “Uhm,” Puzzle stumbled over his words. “I mean no disrespect, but what is your title?”

  “Not so good with the hearing, are we? Master, if you must know.”

  “Thank you, Master Sasha.”

  Sasha shook her head beneath the hood.

  “He might take a little time to break in,” she teased.

  “Careful here, Sasha, don't let the politeness fool you. I've known the boy half a day and it's an act. He's a cunning little one. Probably brighter than you.”

  Sasha punched Boyd in the arm.

  “Like winding me up, don't you?”

  “Think back on this conversation later. I did warn you.”

  Boyd gave a cheery wave.

  “Well, this is where we part. I'll be heading to another part of the Hall. Have my own obligations to fulfil. Sasha will take you to the Apprentices’ Lodge. Get you cleaned up and ready for tomorrow. Take care, huh?”

  Boyd patted Puzzle on the shoulder before walking off, giving a final wave over the shoulder as he disappeared amongst the trees. Master Sasha gave an appraising look.

  “Well, you're soaked to the bone, so that's the first thing we'll fix. Come now, let's get to the Lodge and out of the rain.”

  Sasha moved at a fast clip, long strides taking her across the verdant gardens of the Alchemy Hall. Jogging to keep up, Puzzle left his questions for later. Finally, they came before a great wooden building, front door unguarded. Master Sasha opened it and stepped to one side, allowing Puzzle to go through first.

  The inside was as fantastic as the gardens outside. Everything was crafted from wood; the floors, walls, framework, and roof tiles all were wood. The building was two stories tall with a great staircase leading up to a wide window before splitting, switching direction and ascending to the next storey. Illumination was provided by glowing bowls, the blue-green light focused through tinted glass lenses built into the sides. It felt warm and inviting, the faint hubbub of conversation carrying from various doors. Puzzle could feel a certain weight lifting off his shoulders. His friends might be gone, but this was somewhere to start anew.

  Closing the door behind herself, Sasha stripped off the wet cloak and left it to hanging on a hook. Puzzle looked over his shoulder and found himself staring, mouth dropping open. Master Sasha was tall, taller than any man Puzzle had met. Her figure was lithe and graceful but hinting at great strength. She was dressed in the alchemists’ uniform: black trousers, long sleeved grey blouse, and twin bandoleers like Journeyman Boyd. Her boots were unusual, knee high and trimmed with fur, and her short-sleeved coat was white, unlike Ms Perenelle's maroon or Boyd's royal blue. Almost translucent white hair, braided on the sides, tumbled down to mid-back. Sasha's eyes were a brilliant white, the sclera pearly and seeming to reflect the light.

  “I'm guessing you've never met the Vahlish before. Not polite to stare, though.”

  Puzzle swallowed and nodded.

  “Apologies, Master Sasha. I am just... sorry. I promise I will not stare, Master Sasha.”

  Sasha rolled her eyes.

  “I did warn you about titles, young Puzzle. Now, let us find you a hot bath, some clothes, and, finally, a meal.”

  Puzzle followed Sasha's long strides, keeping his eyes forward rather than gawking. He could see doors opening at the commotion from the corner of his eyes. Children and young teenagers were sneaking a peek, trying to see why a master was in the Apprentice Lodge.

  Reaching the end of the hall, Sasha turned left just before the stairs and stepped into one of the rooms. Following behind, Puzzle saw they were living quarters. A bed was set against a wall, chest at the foot, multiple bookshelves, and a table against another wall next to a wardrobe. It all looked so grand, so much larger and fancier than anything Puzzle had back in Oakdell. A curtained window faced out into the marvellous gardens. Opposite that, there was a stone-lined fireplace, recessed into the wall. A comfy-looking chair sat on a simple rug facing the hearth.

  Walking around Master Sasha, Puzzle took in how grand the room was, eyes wide.

  “I guess you didn't have too much back home,” Sasha observed. “We tend to you very well here. All of us have been where you are, Puzzle. We all know how those with magic treat us. Here, you will be respected and equal to everyone else. It's why we tend to eschew titles unless absolutely necessary.”

  Puzzle nodded, wandering over to the bed. Sitting down, he was surprised at how soft it was. After weeks of sleeping on the hard ground, it felt soft as a feather. Tugging at the buckles, Puzzle undid the scabbard. Checking that the scimitar was still in place, Puzzle leaned it against the wall beside the bed. Pulling off his boots, he lay back, gazing at the wood ceiling. Sasha began ticking off items on one hand.

  “Well, clothing is always easy to find. You're a little smaller than most boys your age. Still, I'm sure we can contact a seamstress. Until then, we have some spares and donations. Dinner is easy, though at this hour it will be cold. We might have some cold meat and vegetables to put together. Your bath is easy. Heat the water with a quickening solution.”

  Looking back up, Sasha saw that Puzzle was fast asleep. Eyes closed, head lying to one side, his legs still dangling off the end. His chest rose and fell at even intervals.

  “Soaked to the bone and still fast asleep. You have been through the ringer, haven't you?”

  Sasha gently lifted the sleeping boy and took him over to the fire. Stripping off his coat and socks, she set him in the chair. Taking some striking matches from a small leather pouch at her hip, Sasha quickly had a fire burning. It didn't take long for the room to heat up, Puzzle's wet clothes starting to dry.

  “Willard can take care of your clothes and sleeping arrangements,” Sasha muttered to herself.

  “So, who is the new boy?” an energetic voice asked.

  “Dunno,” a feminine voice answered. “I know he only arrived last night. One of the Journeymen brought him in, wet as a lake and without a thing on him other than his clothes.”

  “Well, what about this thing lying down here?”

  Puzzle's eyes flicked open. Sitting straight up, he saw two children seated on the edge of the bed, looking down at the scimitar in its scabbard.

  “Do not touch that!” Puzzle half-shouted.

  The girl jumped, nearly falling off the bed in surprise. The boy whipped his head around to gape at Puzzle, orange-brown eyes looking shocked.

  “Whoa, you're awake!” he exclaimed.

  Puzzle ignored the two guests in his room, taking a few deep breaths to calm himself. He pulled the blanket off and swung over the edge of the bed. Lifting the blade by the scabbard, Puzzle inspected the wrappings.

  ‘I don't think anyone has tampered with it.’

  “You're an odd sort, alright,” the boy spoke.

  Setting the weapon back against the wall, Puzzle gave the two children an appraising look. The boy was taller than him, lanky in build. His had a tawny complexion and sharp features. Puzzle thought the boy's hair unusual. A crest of bright red running from the centre of his brow to the nape of neck, the locks seeming to curl like tongues of fire. The rest of his head was shaved bald. He was dressed in the usual black trousers and grey shirt of an alchemist, with minor variations. The shirtsleeves were rolled up, leaving room for the red-brown leather cuffs about his wrists. Both ears were pierced, bone earrings in either lobe.

  The girl was the complete opposite. Average in height for her age, complexion a light tan with eyes so dark green they were almost black. She had her straight black hair arranged in a bob cut, resting about her neck. Her clothing felt plain, though they were the same black trousers and grey blouse. She neatly blended into her surroundings.

  “So, I'm Iggy,” the boy introduced, “and the quiet one is Fae.”

  Puzzle kept his silence, looking the two over. It had been a while since he'd met any other children. His time had been spent travelling with adults. It felt almost foreign to socialise with people his own age.

  “Not much for conversation, huh?” Iggy asked.

  “Be nice, Iggy,” the girl said in a quiet voice. “He's tired after a long journey.”

  “Yeah. So, where are you from? Look like a local, but the clothing is different. You run out or something and had to borrow some stuff?”

  Puzzle looked down and realised he was wearing a light shirt and shorts. His travelling clothes lay draped over the chest at the bed-end. They were care-worn, torn in several places and poorly mended. Some parts were still damp from the previous night’s rain. Someone had changed his clothes and placed him in bed while he slept.

  “Please ignore Iggy. He can be a little--” Fae apologised.

  “Abrupt is the word. Yeah, I speak my mind. Makes it easier. Rather someone honest than speaking behind their hand.”

  Puzzle lay back down, head resting on the amazingly soft pillow.

  “Are you alright?” Fae asked.

  Face breaking out in a smile, Puzzle stared up at the ceiling.

  “It has been a long time since I have... Well, I have been travelling for a while, and it was with adults only. Nobody my own age,” Puzzle explained.

  “I'm sorry to hear that,” Fae replied.

  “Do not be. I learnt more in that brief time than I have in the last eleven years. It was hard. But...”

  ‘Heph, Maria, Theresia, Perenelle. I ran when you said I should and never looked back. I swore I would not be a coward; I would make a difference. But the pain is still there.’

  A warm hand settled on Puzzle's bicep. It took a moment to realise he had squeezed his eyes tight shut, face pinched in shame. Blinking the feelings away, Puzzle sat straighter, noticing Iggy's hand giving his a comforting squeeze.

  “If you want to talk, talk. If you don't want to talk, don't talk.”

  Puzzle smiled and nodded his head.

  “Maybe another time. For now--”

  A loud rumble from his stomach interrupted the sentence. Iggy let out a bark of laughter, Fae hiding a laugh behind her hand.

  “Okay, clothing, then food,” Iggy said.

  “I'll go ahead ask to make sure the tub is hot,” Fae offered.

  The quiet girl glided out of the room.

  “Yeah, she likes you,” Iggy said

  “Wait, what?”

  “Girls get crushes all the time. She sees you all mysterious and pained. Fell for you straight away.”

  Puzzle shook his head.

  “I... uhm, I... am not ready for that just yet.”

  Iggy shrugged his shoulders. Hopping off the end of the bed, he offered a hand to Puzzle, who accepted.

  “Well, when you are ready, let me know. You’re kinda cute.”

  Cheeks burning, Puzzle intently focused on the floor. Another bark of laughter echoed around the room.

  “Wow, you really are from somewhere far off. Sorry. Didn't mean to be rude. In a Vesulian Ghetto, we're a little more casual about that sort of stuff. Not actually interested. Just wanted to wind you up a little is all.”

  Puzzle straightened up and scratched the back of his head nervously.

  “I was not expecting that.”

  “Better brace yourself, then. Alchemy Halls take in people from all across Axiom. Sometimes someone half the continent away. People get shifted around. Helps ready us for when we're travelling. Get used to the weirdness of the world.”

  “An alchemist is always on the road,” Puzzle quoted Maria. “They learn multiple languages and many local customs. They travel light and pass even more lightly. It is a dangerous road where even an alchemist will not travel it.”

  “Whoa, that's from the Carmot, isn't it?”

  “I learnt it from a friend.”

  “Another alchemist?”

  “An apprentice like myself.”

  Mood dropping at the sad memory, Puzzle picked up the cloth-bound scimitar and made his way towards the door. Hustling to keep up, Iggy closed the door behind him. He saw the strange boy looking up and down the ground floor, trying find something.

  "Baths are the doors closest to the entrance. Looking towards the stairwell, boys are on the left and girls on the right. Don't get that mixed up. Ever.”

  Puzzle raised a curious eyebrow.

  “Hey, it was an honest accident. Girls don't interest me anyway.”

  Breaking into a genuine smile, Puzzle made his way on bare feet towards the baths.

  “I will be out shortly,” Puzzle said as he opened the door. “Could you wait for me? I am still learning my way around, and I would like it if a friend helped.”

  Before Iggy could say anything, Puzzle was gone.

  “He's an odd one, alright,” Iggy muttered to himself. “But as far as friends go, he could be fun.”

  True to her word, Fae had found clothes for Puzzle. The universal black trousers, black boots, and grey shirt of an alchemist. Puzzle was glad to be out of his old clothes. Wearing something clean and comfortable was a luxury he would not forget any time soon. After refreshing himself, Puzzle had been led by the enthusiastic Iggy and shy Fae to yet another building built from wood.

  “Dining hall is this way. This is the Administration Lodge. Main building, really. Records, library, lecture rooms, alchemy labs, personal study rooms.”

  Iggy was busy giving Puzzle the tour, voice rambling along as he guided him through the various hallways that connected the rooms. The building was two-storey, like the Apprentice Lodge. The eleven-year-old guessed that it wasn't practical to build a structure taller than two storeys without metal reinforcement. Stone could be used, but it seemed the alchemists favoured wood over any other building material.

  “Everything is made from Jarrah,” Fae added when she spotted Puzzle eyeing the walls again. “The horticulturists helped breed it. They found a tree with the least amount of metal and over generations bred out all but the most trace amounts of Titanium. Now it's only in the tips of the leaves. The Jarrah kept its incredible strength. Almost anything can be made out of it. It's one of the few things we keep to ourselves. Only as a rare gift does anyone magical have something of Jarrah.”

  Puzzle halted in one large hallway, alchemy labs behind secure-looking doors lining either side. He reached up to one of the stone bowls. The round glass lenses set into the underside were dim, only the natural light from skylights and windows filtered through. The water had an odd tint to it; the same blue-green light it threw the previous night.

  “Blue-green algae,” Iggy said, walking over to stand beside Puzzle. “Some think it's a plant, others think it's a really tiny animal. Either way, it glows at night. It needs light, so we grow it outside in those ponds. Then, when the water in the bowl starts to dim, we dump it back into the pond and pour new water in. Metal and magic don't work around us, so this works better.”

  Smiling, Puzzle continued running his fingers over the glass.

  “I never knew about any of this. I had heard tales about the Alchemy Halls and the Amnesty, but I never imagined it was...”

  “So beautiful?” Fae ventured.

  Puzzle turned and smiled.

  “That is the word. It really is. This is amazing. I never thought about this when I was travelling. All I wanted to do was see the next day, to survive and make my way here.”

  Iggy and Fae exchanged a sad look.

  “What do you say we get you some food, huh?”

  The three picked up their pace, cutting through the receiving hall area to get to the dining hall. Fae bit her bottom lip nervously before finally piping up.

  “I know this is a little rude, but can I ask something? Did you come here alone because there wasn't anyone in the village willing to?”

  “A rumour?” Puzzle guessed Fae's mind.

  “One of the older apprentices talked about how you came in with Boyd. But Boyd was on the road coming from the west, and you sound... Well, you sound like a far-easterner. Maybe the Dells, maybe farther.”

  “You know your accents.”

  Fae blushed.

  “I like voices,” she mumbled.

  “It is okay. Earlier today, I said I would talk about myself another time, and I promise I will in full. But no, I did not come alone. I was meant to come here with a Journeyman. But something went wrong, and now I am the one here.”

  Fae didn't read too much between the lines. It sounded like a sad tale, but she would ask about it later.

  “Did your Journeyman have a name?” Iggy asked abruptly.

  Puzzle sighed, vexed that Iggy kept pushing.

  “I always knew her as--”

  Puzzle froze, body going perfectly rigid. Legs still held mid-step, arms slack by his sides. He said not a word, eyes fixed on a single point. Iggy and Fae took a couple of steps further before noticing they had left Puzzle behind. Frowning at each other, the two turned to see what was wrong, before twisting around to see what the boy was staring at.

  “Are you sure there isn't anything I can say to make you stay? I had not foreseen us so short of teachers this year, so many going abroad right now.”

  “I'm sorry, but I will have to decline the offer, generous as it is. I've always loved the road, like my mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother previously.”

  “A long lineage indeed. But it is still a sore loss.”

  “The Hall is in safe hands, Eustus. I remember your predecessor well. Claire was a rare talent indeed. Her choice in you was probably her wisest.”

  “Claire always spoke fondly of you. I would say you had a positive impact on her. Nothing I can say will change your mind, hmm?”

  “Too much time in one place. I've an itch of the wanderlust and I intend to scratch.”

  “Ms Perenelle,” Puzzle whispered.

  The corridor went deathly quiet. Perenelle slowly turned away from her conversation, eyes locking with three children standing at the opposite end. One was a boy with wild red hair, another a demure girl. The third a boy a little shorter than average, already starting to show a widow’s peak, his too-long black hair spiking off in random directions. The eyes, those intense grey eyes, bored into her.

  “Puzzle?”

  It took the blink of an eye and Puzzle was there, arms clamped around Perenelle, face buried in her clothing. Near frozen herself, Perenelle was without words. It took a few seconds to realise Puzzle's shoulders were shaking and a few more to understand that he was crying. Quiet sobs filled the hall, the three witnesses silent as the meeting between mentor and student was resolved.

  With a gentle touch, Perenelle ran her hands through Puzzle's hair, understanding what he had to be going through. Everything had been locked away. Carefully put one side so he could survive. Puzzle had come to accept and take ownership of the fact that his friends were dead. They would not be coming back. He had abandoned them and run away. It was that simple.

  Neither Puzzle nor Perenelle knew how long they stood there, Puzzle weeping quietly while Perenelle gently consoled him. Eventually, the boy regained his composure, taking slow breaths in and out. Taking a step back, he looked up at Perenelle with red-rimmed eyes.

  “Ms Perenelle,” he whispered.

  "We should have a little chat."

  Perenelle looked to the two other children and gestured for them to approach.

  “Could the pair of you do me a great favour? Head to the dining hall and fetch some breakfast for myself and Puzzle. Bring it to the third private study room.”

  The children bobbed their heads and sprinted off.

  “Do you want to continue this conversation later?” Eustus offered.

  “Yes. Thank you, Eustus. I apologise for the interruption.”

  “One should never apologise when reuniting with friends and family.”

  Puzzle followed Perenelle mechanically, guided by her hand on his shoulder. Soon they were seated in one of the study rooms, hearth crackling with a low fire, table beneath a window as the light of the suns streamed in. Sitting down on one of the seats, Puzzle stared out the window, trying to fathom what this meant. Perenelle sat opposite him. She took off her glasses and cleaned them with a handkerchief kept in one pocket.

  “You have no idea how happy I am to see you, Puzzle.”

  Smiling warmly, Puzzle pulled his gaze away. For the briefest of moments, he saw a chink in Perenelle's armour, a glimpse behind the glasses. Her smile was honest and vulnerable, eyes shimmering slightly. But it was gone just as quickly. The calm, stoic, and wise woman back in control.

  “And you, too, Ms Perenelle.”

  A polite knock on the door brought Iggy and Fae in, Perenelle replacing her glasses as they busied themselves. The two placed a plate each of eggs, bacon, roasted mushrooms, and fresh bread and butter. The two bowed politely before leaving.

  “Your eyes will fall out of their sockets,” Perenelle warned Puzzle.

  With that, Puzzle dived into his food, devouring it with a fervour he could not remember having before. It had not been too hard on the road, but to have real food, proper, freshly cooked food, that was something new and novel. Perenelle picked at her meal, watching the boy sate his hunger with mild bemusement. When Puzzle finished his plate, having wiped it clean with some bread, he started eyeing off Perenelle's breakfast.

  “Well, young boys do need to grow,” she said, surrendering her meal.

  Sliding the plate over, Perenelle couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as Puzzle devoured the food remaining. In the space of five minutes, Puzzle had left not even crumbs on either plate. Sitting back, he sighed for a moment.

  “So, Puzzle, how did you manage to make it to South Greywater?” Perenelle asked.

  Without stopping for breath, Puzzle launched into an explanation, leaving no detail out. Every last facet, every day and experience, he walked through. The hours turned by as Perenelle sat patiently listening to everything Puzzle had seen and done. Finally, as he sat back, the boy reflected on what had happened.

  “You've had something of a journey.”

  “If you say so, Ms Perenelle.”

  “The way you talked and talked, I was worried you might collapse from lack of air.”

  Puzzle felt his cheeks burn.

  “I am glad you haven't lost your childhood due to those experiences. I'm also happy to know Dace and Flidais are alive. I cannot fault the logic in your actions, but I still find it uncomfortable, your plan with the scouts to get into the city.”

  “Having them assault me beforehand and then chase me down the road, occasionally striking, was necessary. They had stolen the travel papers of some mercenaries. But with them chasing me down, a reputation was developed by everyone watching. These two were vicious, hard-nosed people. That rumour would have spread forward. By the time they arrived at the gates, no doubt the City Guard had already heard of them. The same logic applied to me. Imagine my appearing at the gates with nothing. The guards would have scrutinised me, even delayed or rejected my desire for sanctuary. On the other hand, what of the poor thief stealing food to survive? Scrambling away in his travel-worn clothing, beaten near unconsciousness. Another story passed on to the guardsmen by the time I arrive at the gate. I do feel guilty, but it was fortuitous that Journeyman Boyd was there to save me. Appealing to his good nature would cement my backstory as a Null saved from angry mercenaries. The bruises helped reinforce the story.”

  Perenelle made a face.

  “I had wondered where he had gone,” Perenelle gesturing at Puzzles serious expression. “Too good to be true. Your uncle has a great deal to answer for.”

  Puzzle reached over his shoulder, touching the hilt of his scimitar in its scabbard.

  “My uncle is dead, Ms Perenelle. Those that were sent out to find him are near all dead too. So many died to discover nothing.”

  “I'm not talking about that. That is another matter. I'm talking about that switch in personality you sometimes do. In those moments, you sound much as your uncle did. Serious, analytical, logical, and quite articulate. He raised you well, but some habits he should have kept until later. You shouldn't be so grounded at your age. From time to time, do something irrational, please. I may well have to force you to brew up an explosive flask and burn your eyebrows off.”

  Puzzle shrugged.

  “Does manipulating my teachers and smuggling a contraband weapon past powerful magic crafted by Magi count?”

  Perenelle opened her mouth to answer, before hesitating. She gave Puzzle an assessing look, seeing the mirth in his eyes.

  “Oh, Fates preserve me, you learnt another bad habit. No doubt that was Flidais. Woman had a laugh as black as they come.”

  “She was a good influence.”

  “Doubtful.”

  Gauging the young boy’s mood, Perenelle decided to unload certain truths.

  “Puzzle, I need you to listen and not interrupt. I was not the only one that made it to South Greywater. Heph travelled with me. We hitched a ride with some merchants and made very good time. I put in a good word with the City Guard and they took Heph on as a recruit. He's well below age for admission, but as a near orphan, they made an exception. Next to arrive were Captain Ilthell, Theresia, and Maria. The three of them had struck out a little farther than me, so they had more distance to travel. The captain, as usual, has disappeared; that is no shock. Theresia has joined a local family trade guild and is learning what it means to deal in business and politics. She has a good head on her shoulders and the talent to make something of it.”

  “We made it,” Puzzle whispered.

  “Yes. I suppose we did.”

  “If you do not mind, Ms Perenelle, would I be able to start my learning today? I know I only just arrived, but I am going to be behind in my studies. I want to catch up with the other apprentices and Maria. I would love to see what she has learnt so far.”

  Standing up, Perenelle walked over to the door and opened it ominously. She gestured for Puzzle to follow.

  “Maria did not have an easy journey. There were complications and she was gravely injured. That she survived is testament to her nigh-inhuman resolve.”

  “Is she okay now?” Puzzle asked, voice taking on the colder quality from earlier.

  “I'll take you to see her now. She is recovering. However, we are unsure if she will ever wake up again.”

  The medical wing smelt of crushed leaves and warm water. Puzzle followed dutifully behind Perenelle, not taking the time to gawk. Stopping before a door, Perenelle opened it and leant inside. Reaching up, Puzzle groped for the hilt of his scimitar, before remembering he had left it outside the Medical Hall.

  “I don't think anybody ever spoke to you about that weapon on your back, Puzzle,” Perenelle had warned. “Alchemists should not be affected by it. But I'll still ask you to leave it outside if you ever come to visit. There is something dark about it. A will to poison and kill that I would prefer not to test.”

  “Yes, Ms Perenelle. I promise to keep the weapon outside of the Medical Hall at all times.”

  Perenelle stepped into the room, Puzzle following close at heel. Once inside, he walked over to where Maria lay, blind to his surroundings. She lay in a bed like the one he had awoke upon. The sheets were tucked up to her neck, her head resting on a spongy pillow. Puzzle could not help but notice how pale she looked, skin sallow, mustard-yellow rings under her eyes. Worse was her breathing, laboured and rattling. He didn't register Perenelle coming up behind him with a chair, but he sat down anyway. Staring at her intently, the boy took Maria's hands and closed his eyes.

  “I am so sorry, Maria.”

  Perenelle gently squeezed Puzzle's shoulder.

  “Apologise for nothing. This is what happened, and there is nothing else to it. She has fought on with a will that would dwarf the Dragons. It may take time and all Willard's skill in medicine, but I can see a future when Maria awakens.”

  Still clutching Maria's hand, Puzzle clenched his eyes tightly, imploring the Fates and anyone else that would listen to look after Maria, to help her awaken.

  “Ms Perenelle, I know I said before that I wanted to start classes today—”

  “You have been on a very long and tiring journey. Heph dived right in, but his experiences and yours were very different. Theresia was looked after by her mentors for a few days. Built up her strength before she began to learn her trade. Take some time to look after yourself. Just don't forget to go meet and play with the other alchemists. There are never too many of us at any Hall. We tend to be rather mobile.”

  Opening his eyes, Puzzle picked over a final thought.

  “Will you remain here?”

  “Straight to the point, I see. I had intended to go further abroad. After a decade in Oakdell I've lost touch with the greater world. A certain hunger for the knowledge and news burns.”

  “You will be staying anyway.”

  “Rather presumptuous.”

  Puzzle shrugged, tearing his gaze away from Maria.

  “I think I am starting to understand alchemists. All my time spent with you, Ms Perenelle, when I spoke with Journeyman Boyd, and then Master Sasha. Even seeing Master Eustus, briefly.”

  “Actually, he's Grandmaster.”

  “My apologies. Grandmaster Eustus. At first, I thought you all casual, easy with one another. But thinking about it, you are not disrespectful. It is actually the complete opposite. You are familial, warm, and affectionate. The world outside rejects anyone without magic. So, this is our extended family and we only reinforce those bonds.”

  “There is serious Puzzle again.”

  “I am not wrong. Everyone in this hall is extended family.”

  “Not even twelve and you have an eye for this. Amrita would have been proud.”

  “That makes you my mother, and Maria my sister.”

  Taken aback, Perenelle found herself blinking in surprise. She looked over the two children before her, strange unbidden thoughts bubbled through her mind.

  “This is not the right time to--”

  “--It is not logic this time, Ms Perenelle. I am not relying on that. You took us in when I had no family and Maria had been rejected by hers. You stood by us, cared for and educated us.”

  “That is the role of any Journeyman, to be a teacher.”

  “You learnt of my wrong that evening when Captain Ilthell first arrived. Like a parent, you both disciplined me and showed me understanding. You showed the two of us everything that an alchemist can be. I know you stood up to Flidais, you were willing to kill her to protect me. That does not sound like something only a teacher would do. I am not sure how or why you did, but you protected me from the soldiers.”

  Perenelle made a dismissive face, a half-smile that looked unconvincing. But her eyes and her body language spoke differently. Puzzle was no Silver, but he could see what she was thinking.

  “I promise not to call you Mother,” Puzzle added with a deadpan expression. “Or Mum.”

  The alchemist fixed Puzzle with a dark look.

  “I'm holding you to that.”

  “Yes, Ms Perenelle,” Puzzle replied automatically.

  Perenelle moved to the other side of the bed, looking down on Maria.

  “Well, I guess we do have our little family of three.”

  “Will you stay?”

  “You said Boyd warned Sasha. He was right to do so. You are a cunning one.”

  Puzzle smiled before looking back to Maria.

  “I best go tell Eustus I have reconsidered,” Perenelle said with commiseration.

  “I will wait here.”

  The sound of light snoring came into focus, followed by the smell of antiseptic and washed sheets. Then there was the dull pain in her chest, enough to give Maria a reason to crack her eyes. Oily vision slowly came into focus, colours and clarity still smearing as she gently shifted her head from where it lay on the pillow towards the source of the snoring. Maria lay upon a large bed in the centre of a cosy-looking room. Shelving built onto the walls bulged with small glass and clay jars, a half-full bookshelf in one corner. A cracked window let in the scent of baking, fresh water, and other stranger, more pungent smells. Set on either side of the window were wall mounted brackets holding small potted plants, their familiar limbs spilling over the sides. Maria recognised them as the same strange furry plants that Perenelle had cultivated back in her house in Oakdell.

  The bed itself was comfy and soft, several thin blankets piled atop the sheets she lay tucked in beneath. A bedside table held a pitcher of water and what looked to be the remains of a hastily eaten lunch. Puzzle sat in a low-backed chair, snoring softly. Maria couldn't help but smile, happy to see him. Closing her eyes to try push away the rising wave of nausea, Maria struggled to recall how she had gotten wherever she was. Blurred memories wandered through her mind, none of them making real sense. She recalled an endless road and the smell of dirt mixed with bile. The sound of grinding wheels seemed to have a prominence, crunching over hard-packed roads. And then there was the hissing. The blood thirsty growl that cut through everything.

  Eyes going wide, Maria couldn't help bringing one hand to her chest, wincing in pain. Gingerly, she held the edge of the bed sheets and lifted them up, looking at what lay below. For a second she saw two images, superimposed over each other. The first was that of pale skin and wide pink scars, the second of a bloody ruin and exposed ribs.

  Tears forming in her eyes Maria dropped the sheet and drew in a sharp breath. A slash of pain flickered across her chest, making her tense before breaking down into a minor coughing fit. Chest wracking under the pressure, waves of pain rippled through her. Finally managing to catch her breath and calm down, Maria realised someone was holding her hand and affectionately squeezing it. Opening painful eyelids, Maria blinked away the tears and saw Puzzle now standing beside her, an odd, almost rueful smile on his face.

  “Afternoon, sleepy head,” he whispered.

  “Hiya, Puzzle,” she replied, voice so croaky it almost broke.

  Puzzle squeezed the hand tight, smile getting wider.

  “How you feeling?”

  “Tired, sore, kinda croaky. My chest hurts a lot, but I'm... I'm okay.”

  “Would you like a drink?”

  “Please.”

  Puzzle grabbed the pitcher and filled a cup before handing it over. Maria found herself needing both hands and all her strength to keep fingers wrapped around it. Bringing the cup to her lips, the young girl sipped slowly, enjoying the cool feeling running down her throat, the woolly taste in her mouth gently washed away. Her hands started to quake and Puzzle took the cup away before Maria spilt it on herself. The young girl rested her head back on the pillow, strength expended.

  “Uh, Puzzle...” Maria asked in embarrassment, “Did you...” she looked down at her body, conscious she was wearing very little.

  Puzzle shook his head vigorously.

  “I always left when Master Sasha was here alone. She said it was foolish for clothing to be in the way if she had to examine your chest constantly.”

  Maria wanted to breathe out, and instead coughed several more times, each spasm sending a glass shard of pain through her chest. Puzzle took her hand again, the gesture reassuring as Maria gained control yet again.

  “Master Willard is the best physician in the Hall, the province, actually. But Master Sasha sees you personally. Master Willard thought it was the polite thing to do. He spends so much of his time brewing potions, he sometimes forgets about bed-side manner, as Master Sasha calls it.”

  Maria wasn't quite sure what Puzzle was talking about. Her eyelids were starting to feel heavy again. Closing them, she felt her mind drifting off.

  “I'll go find Master Willard,” Puzzle said from a faraway place.

  “You're doing quite well, young lady.”

  Willard was looking over some notes he had written. All he had asked Maria was about how it felt breathing, how long could she hold her breath, shallow breaths or deep ones. All of them hurt, but Maria could complete the tasks.

  “I will keep up the current regime of potions. It's going to take some time to build up your strength. First, we'll clear up those lungs of yours. Then it's on to mild exercise; get you walking short distances. I don't believe you will be running from here to Turunask, but we can make some good progress.”

  Maria nodded gently, happy to hear the good news. She settled back into her pillow as the alchemist organised his tools and instruments. It was strange to see a man with so many apparatuses. But without any magic, he had to rely on knowledge and technology instead. His uniform was the same as other alchemists, the coat a pale green colour. Maria had never seen a man with such long hair before. Willard kept his black hair in a loose ponytail, features otherwise plain, eyes dark like his hair.

  “Perenelle and I will work on your potion regime. For a journeyman, she is quite astute.”

  “Thank you, Willard,” Maria said sleepily, already feeling her energy starting to wane.

  “You will be in bed at least another few weeks, so please sleep as much as you need. Your body is still recovering from a great trauma.”

  Maria bobbed her head dreamily.

  “I need you to cough, Maria.”

  The cold wood of the stethoscope pushed against Maria's back. She was lying on her side, the sheet pulled away from her back so Sasha could listen. Bracing herself, the girl coughed twice before cringing. The spasms of glassy pain rippled around as she was wracked by a coughing fit. Sasha put a warm hand on her shoulder, easing Maria down as the coughing subsided.

  ‘What day is it?’

  “This is going to hurt, little dragon. I'll help you ease you onto your back.”

  Maria nodded once before she started turning. Sasha, true to her word, took the girl's weight on her hands, shifting Maria before pulling the sheets a little higher. Eyes shut, Maria tried to ignore the pain radiating from her chest. The lip of a cup pushed against her lips.

  “You need to rest,” Sasha advised.

  Not questioning, Maria sipped the tea. In moments, the world was cool and painless, fading to a dreamless darkness.

  The polite knock on the door awoke Maria. She was starting to lose track of time. Day and night all blurred into one. It felt like weeks had passed. Only after blinking away her daze did Maria realise that Master Sasha was checking her temperature.

  “How's your energy today?” she asked.

  “I'm okay; not so sleepy.”

  “All good signs, little dragon. I think you'll be able to take visitors now. Speaking of which…”

  There was a polite knock on the door, followed by Puzzle peeking in.

  “Good morning, Master Sasha,” he offered.

  “Good morning, little wolf. I will let Perenelle know that Maria can have visitors now.”

  Sasha gave Puzzle a withering look.

  “Not that some people have observed the no visitor rule. At least look after the girl while I am away.”

  “Yes, Master Sasha!”

  Sasha gathered her things and left. Puzzle walked over to the bed and pulled out a chair. Settling himself, he smiled and held up a potion bottle.

  “I hope you aren't offended,” Puzzle said, “but I've been practising my potion brewing and you were my inspiration.”

  Maria felt herself sitting a little higher in her pillows.

  “What do you mean?”

  “While you were asleep, I got to wondering how to help you. You were fighting so hard, I wanted to help. I started researching possible potions. There is one called an endurance of stone. It is supposed to improve your stamina, give you the resilience of, well, stone. I thought it might be the sort of potion to help you get well.”

  Maria gave a pained smile.

  “Thank you, Puzzle. It's a sweet gesture.”

  “I may not not brewed it right just yet. It's a journeyman rank potion, but I'm getting close.”

  “That's a very advanced potion, Puzzle. You may not master it for a few years.”

  “I have already brewed journeyman potions.”

  Before Maria could quiz him further, there was another knock on the door. A red-headed boy with the strangest haircut she had ever seen poked his head in.

  “Look out, Puzzle, Perenelle is on the way and she has that look. You know the one.”

  “What sort of look would that be?” a foreboding voice called from behind the door.

  Letting out a small squeak, the redhead scuttled into the room before the door opened. Perenelle walked into the room, followed hesitantly by a dark-haired girl.

  “I see our patient is finally lucid,” Perenelle said assessing the situation. “Well, it is good to see you with your eyes open and a happy expression on your face after weeks in a daze. Willard and Sasha intended to send everyone away, give you some time to recover.”

  Perenelle gave Maria a playful smile, the same one she’d had when Captain Ilthell had first arrived in Oakdell.

  “Not that Puzzle or I are sticklers for the rules. I'm happy to see you perking up a little, Maria.”

  “Thank you, Perenelle,” Maria whispered.

  The redhead bounded over to the bed and sat on the edge, the unfamiliar girl sitting on the opposite edge.

  “So, I'm Iggy,” the boy introduced himself, “and the quiet one is Fae.”

  “Do you always introduce yourself that way?” Puzzle asked dryly.

  “Only when you're around. Gets you all prickly.”

  Puzzle rolled his eyes. Perenelle walked over to the bed, placing the back of one hand on Maria's forehead. She nodded to herself and then fixed Iggy with a serious look.

  “I want you to go straight to Eustus. Ask him to send two runners out. One to Hephaestus Bulwer of the City Guard. He'll want to address the note directly to Captain Baker. The other runner should seek out Theresia Mesmer. She resides with the Belant Trade Guild. They are located near the north-eastern docks, if the runner doesn't know. I need both to deliver the message that Maria is fit to receive guests, and that they should come with all haste.”

  “Yes, Perenelle!”

  Iggy dashed out of the room before anyone could comment. Sighing, Perenelle walked over to where Puzzle sat, who immediately vacated the seat. Sitting down, Perenelle clasped her hands together on the bed and gave Maria a measured look.

  “He's a good boy, Iggy, but his tongue doesn't know when to stop. I need to talk about what has happened since you were injured. I also need to talk about some harsh truths, the sort that don't need to be spread by Iggy, unintentional as he might be. Willard is a good physician and a good man. But there are some things best dealt with by me.”

  Maria looked toward Fae, who was still sitting on the bed.

  “Fae, on the other hand, is someone who very much understands discretion. She will also be sharing your room for at least the next few years. We need to keep an eye on you, Maria, to be safe. Fae will be there to help whenever possible and tend to you when necessary. Her understanding is important. Puzzle's need to be here goes without saying. Willard will be in later, I expect, to conduct some confirmation tests, but I've a firm idea of what the results will be.”

  Maria shifted her hands to cover her chest, conscious of the scars that lay beneath the sheets.

  “I understand, Ms Perenelle.”

  Listening with morbid curiosity, Maria learnt the truth of the weeks since she had fallen to a basilisk. She learnt what was to come for her.

  “It'll never be fully healed?”

  “I'm not saying that, Maria. Normally, alchemy would be used to heal your injuries promptly. However, by the time you received the right treatment, your body was overtaxed. You are healing. The trouble is that we must stagger it out as you recover. What I meant is that you will never have the same capacity as you had before. You can still put in the same amount of energy, it's just that you will run out of puff before the rest of us. I expect using some alchemical discretion will assist you in day-to-day activities.”

  Maria looked away from Perenelle, not sure what to make of the news. The stories of how everyone had made it to South Greywater had been amazing. Learning about how Heph, Theresia, and Puzzle were now finding their own paths, was wonderful. Sadly, Maria could sense that she was falling behind. While everyone had striven and grown, she had been unconscious, making Captain Ilthell and Theresia sacrifice much for her. Bedridden for weeks after arrival, Maria had only continued to fall behind. Now, with the news that the injuries to her would leave a legacy beyond scars, that hurt; it hurt so much.

  ‘Am I even going to be able to become an alchemist? Perenelle thinks I'll have a cough for the rest of my life. I won't be able to run much, and even walking will take its toll. An alchemist has to travel, to go on long journeys. What does that make me, then?’

  A squeal from outside the door had everyone staring. Fae got up and opened the door, revealing a livid Theresia bolting through the doorway, Heph coming in behind with an evil grin. Fae slunk out the door before anyone noticed her.

  “I swear you are a monster!” Theresia exclaimed. “Keep your hands away from my sides!”

  “If you keep saying those cheeky things--” Heph retorted.

  “Then I'll say them at a distance!”

  Maria couldn't believe how much Heph had changed. The uniform suited him: dark brown trousers, heavy-looking knee-high boots, brown shirt slashed with grey. A shortsword sat in a scabbard that hung from his belt. Judging by the leather strapping, he usually carried a shield on his back. His black hair was neatly cut and combed.

  Theresia looked almost radiant. Her light brown eyes still had that mischievous glint to them. Her shoulder-length hair was now pinned away from her face with a small Silver barrette. Theresia had changed attire, too; her dress now a fashionable cut, tighter around the waist, widening at the blouse with a lower neck. She no longer wore her shawl, but the dress was the same blue as it had been. Neat-looking leather shoes peeped out from the hem of the dress.

  Puzzle wore the uniform of the alchemists, not standing out. But the way he carried himself felt more confident, in control. The dark malaise that had paralysed him since before the Rite was burnt away. Now there was a look of measured control, a cunning glimmer in his distant grey eyes.

  ‘They're adults already, even if they haven't grown into them yet. Theresia is commanding, Heph so strong, Puzzle so intelligent. I really have missed so much.’

  “Makers True Hand,” Theresia whispered.

  “You've got that right,” Heph said in awe.

  “Sorry I had you all worried,” Maria apologised quietly.

  A painful flick had Maria's ear throbbing. Shifting her head, she saw Puzzle had moved from where he had leant against the wall, giving Maria a serious look.

  “No apologies. We worry because we choose to, because we happen to love you. Ms Perenelle helped me realise that. I make no apologies for thinking you are family and worrying. I am certain Theresia and Heph would worry about you every day until the end of this world, because to them, you are the world. Or at least an irreplaceable part of it--”

  “Wait, family?” Theresia interrupted.

  “You can nag Puzzle later,” Heph said, dragging Theresia forward. “There are more important things right now.”

  The two friends split apart and stood either side of Maria. Theresia and Heph knelt, each taking Maria's hand in both of their own. Puzzle shifted to sit at the foot of the bed, squeezing Maria's ankle beneath the covers. The three standing children nodded to each other as though conferring on some silent conversation.

  "I expect Ms Perenelle called us over not just to celebrate our reuniting," Theresia started. "You probably need a good pep-talk, too."

  Perenelle shrugged.

  “I'm frustrated right now because I can't use my magic. I don't for a second pity or loathe you being an alchemist, Maria. It's not fair that I cannot use my affinity to convey what I'm feeling right now. I guess pale words will have to do. I watched you every night and every day. Captain Ilthell, too. Never for a moment did we hesitate, did we regret what we did. Both of us defied the Fates to get you safely here. Now you are here, awake, with us. That's the greatest blessing I can ever think of.”

  “Theresia's good with words,” Heph continued. “I'm not so much. But I know you, Maria. You think we've all moved on. We went and forgot you. You are dead wrong. We had it easy. We just had to keep doing what we do every day. Eat, walk, sleep, and repeat. You did something we never have, Maria. You fought that agony while we kept trudging along. I reckon you're hundreds of kilometres ahead of us.”

  Maria felt a watery smile forming, face slightly flushed as she listened to her best friends.

  “When I was at my lowest,” Puzzle spoke up, "you put my needs before your own. You always think of others before yourself. There is no weakness in now having us support you.”

  ‘I don't deserve my friends. They think I'm something I'm not. I'm just me. Plain old me.’

  “It seems you have something of a positive impact upon those around you,” Perenelle noted. “Think on that hard, Maria, and consider why that might be."

  Perenelle rested a hand on the girl’s bare shoulder.

  “Welcome back, Maria. Welcome to the South Greywater Alchemy Hall. Welcome home.”

  “Looks like you have no choice; you're stuck with us,” Theresia taunted.

  “You cannot help yourself, can you? It is worse since we left,” Puzzle grumbled.

  “Think you can hold her long enough for me to grab her?” Heph asked Puzzle.

  Though it hurt to do so, Maria started laughing, a joyous laugh that echoed around the room. Everyone grinned with the redhead. Eventually, Theresia spoke up, bringing the noise to an end.

  “We look out for each other, we help each other. None of us knows what the next few years will bring. We stay true, right?”