Chapter 1 – Karthan for Hire
In the shade of a large oak tree, wrapped in a cocoon of shadow, Blake Gardner shielded himself from both the oppressive heat and prying eyes. The sun crept above Galvan’s Peak, pushing back the darkness once more. The tops of the buildings seemed to sigh as the light slowly hugged them. It was late summer, and the wind blew hot and dry across the plains toward Arava from the fire elegion to the northeast of the city.
Phoenix Square, mostly white sand surrounded by waist high gray marbled granite blocks cut from Galvan’s Peak, sat empty in the early hours of the day. On the other side of the manicured sidewalks, a crowd waited. Blake leaned against the rough bark and checked the sun’s position. The United Karthan Association opened soon.
The UKA building on the opposite side of Phoenix Square was one of the oldest buildings in the city next to the Knowledge Keep. Each of the eight major cities had a UKA building, but Arava’s was the largest as the guild had been founded here. It was remarkably strange how a single-story, crumbling office space was critical to the city’s survival.
Karthans, a name derived from the founder, Karthas, mulled around outside the double doors, waiting for the requests to post. Karthas—the original Firebringer—had been a mercenary in the forgotten age, a time before the star had fallen on Galvan’s Peak and blessed the survivors of the ensuing collapse with magic. Post-star fall, Karthas had formed a guild for various magic users to retrieve items from the dangerous elemental regions for a reward with a fee for the guild. Through the years, the guild had become the UKA and funded the enormous monetary upkeep of the boundary walls around each city. Karthans had four ranks: novus, apprentus, adeptus, and experus. Each rank could accept higher, more dangerous requests with greater rewards.
You are not the only experus here, said the breathy voice like a whisper on the wind inside his mind. The shadow of a person up in the tree leaned forward, trying to look around the branches.
“And here I thought I was special. Who else was summoned?” Blake yawned.
Riptide, Gale, and Terra that I recognize. A few I don’t.
They weren’t their real names, of course, but karthan nicknames. It had gotten cumbersome referring to people by their full name or Parker One, Parker Two. Nicknames were unique to each karthan and element. “Hmm. This will be fun.”
I’m glad to hear you say that. Ka’rin dropped from the branches of the tree and hovered next to him. She resembled a woman’s shadow except for the two glowing white triangular shaped eyes staring at him. Her diaphanous form continually coiling and shifting like ribbons of ink dripping and spreading. You’ve always gotten along with those three.
“What does that have to do with anything?”
You’ll have fun with them like you said?
“That wasn’t the fun I was referring to. A message to me means a high level request. A message to a bunch of experus means desperation and a greater reward.”
Ah. Maybe you’ll need to go on the request together?
“That would be a first and a major pain. I’d spent the entire time pretending you can’t understand anything. Plus, I’d have to split the reward.”
But your back would be protected even during the day.
Blake stared at her through narrow eyes. “This is the third time this month you’ve said something similar.”
You’re exaggerating. But also, it’s true, darkweaver. I am but a creature of shadow, unlike you, with your body of flesh and bone. She reached out and stuck her smoky hand in his chest.
“We’ve been fine for over eighteen years. Nothing to worry about. I have you, my favorite elemental. No need for friends or girlfriends.”
Favorite? How sweet. You’re just saying that because I’ve never disappeared like your other elementals.
“More or less. Speaking of…” Blake pulled shadows into his hands and pressed them into Ka’rin’s body. Her body solidified and lost its transparent look. “We’ll need to stop by the dark elegion soon to recharge you. You’ve been fading lately.”
She said nothing as the noise from the crowd surged. Blake got to his feet and dusted off his cloak. The Grand Experus exited the building with a large woven basket filled with shiny squares. The requests.
Blake crossed through Phoenix Square. The scales on his well-worn, slate snake boots clacked as he walked over the tiled ground and onto the large colored glass circle embedded in the ground, one color for each of the six elements. Six matching statues depicting the six founders of the city stood on the outer edge of the colored glass. They were the most well-known wielders of magic the star blessed the island with hundreds of years ago.
Legend claimed the Hopebringers had slain a monstress phoenix and the heat from its rebirth, combined with each of their unique attacks, had melted the sand into the six elemental slices.
From the ashes, the city was rebuilt, and hope was restored. Whispers and rumors resurfaced every dozen years that the phoenix egg still lay somewhere in the city, biding its time. Hah! Nothing more than tales children spun to scare younger siblings.
As he walked over the glass, Blake could see every magic type represented in the karthan crowd: firedancers, earthwalkers, waveriders, windsingers, sunshapers, and a single darkweaver like himself.
The founder statue’s smooth eyes seemed to follow him as he passed. Lightbringer, Darkbringer, Earthbringer, Firebringer, Waterbringer, and Airbringer, collectively known as the Hopebringers, had probably just commissioned a few experus firedancers to melt the glass, but that wasn’t a story people could rally around.
Blake passed the statue of Darkbringer and tapped the smooth onyx sphere it held six times. Those blessed with magic had been doing the same thing with their respective founder for generations. It was supposed to be accompanied by a silent plea for help in earning the bringer name, but Blake left that part out. He had no desire to earn the title, especially when it meant facing a wraith as a darkweaver. Tapping the sphere was habit, nothing more.
He approached the group of karthans, all wearing their bracers on their right arm, standing in a semicircle around the soon-to-be filled Requests Wanted board. Vibrant and eye-catching colors from each cities’ traditional garb from each of the elegion cities blended together like wild flowers. Glorious chaos. And a welcome change from the dark monotone grays, browns, and blacks that had plagued him the last few weeks in the swamp.
Novus karthans chatted and moved about like hummingbirds, unable to keep still and fawning over more experienced karthans, eagerly awaiting the chance to prove themselves. Even apprentus karthans hadn’t lost that zeal and thrill of a request. Adeptus and experus karthans yawned and shared tales of exaggerated near-death experiences and even some not so exaggerated tales.
The nearest karthans finally noticed him approach. They viewed him with a mixture of reverence and awe, whispering his karthan nickname, and parted, granting him straight access to the board. Blake never broke stride. A pair of dark brown eyes set in a face with a freshly healed scar on her cheek watched him with great focus. She had a shiny black bracer. The only other darkweaver here.
She certainly seems interested in you. Ka’rin said.
Blake agreed, but could not say it aloud. Sometimes he regretted his decision to hide Ka’rin’s sentience from the rest of Belmara. But he’d never heard of a sentient elemental and had no desire to subject her to scrutiny, or worse. She was his not so little secret. And he didn’t want to share her.
“Nightshade, over here!” A voice wove through the crowd like a leaf fluttering in the wind.
A man with a short blond beard wearing pale blue robes stood near the board, waving him over. His hair was buzzed short on both sides but kept long and straight in the middle, like the plume of a golden bird. He’d only done that recently and already several other windriders had mimicked the hairstyle. Blake seamlessly course-corrected and stood next to the windrider.
They reached across each other with their right arm and tapped each others karthan bracer in greeting. Gale’s intricate, swirling tattoos framing his eyes and curving down to his collarbone mimicked the light blue swirls embroidered on his simple, formfitting tunic and plain, light gray pants. “It’s been a while. Good to see you are back from your yearly trip around the elegions. Grand Experus is almost finished filling out the board. Quite the summon, eh? My bet is on level eight at least. When did you return to Arava?”
“At gate rise.”
Gale frowned. “Should you be returning to requests so soon? Don’t you need to sleep?”
“Absolutely. I’m exhausted.”
A slow smile spread across Gale’s brown face, pinching the tattoos around his eyes. “Ah, yes. Restless. Isn’t that how you described it?”
Blake cocked his head? “How did you know that?”
“Don’t you read Karthan Weekly?”
Blake exhaled through his nose. “Don’t tell me my article published already? I only sent it in two weeks ago.”
“I’m afraid so. They pushed back my interview, so thanks for that. I’m returning home next week and mother will be insufferable as is.”
“That’s your own fault for pledging to Sage Aeria and Sage Celestia.”
“Oh, but the perks are so appealing.” He grinned, white teeth sparkling between his beard. “Darkweavers aren’t featured often since there are so few of you left. Perhaps if you would take a few novus karthans under your wing, eh? Mentor them?”
Blake snorted. “I’m not a teacher. Patience and caution are not in my vocabulary. I’d probably push them out of the nest too young and kill them.”
“Hah! By the way, have you gotten stronger since I last saw you? Your bracer is looking a little snug.”
Blake shrugged, but he puffed his chest out a teeny bit. He ignored Ka’rin’s snicker. “Oh, you noticed? I’ve been lifting a bit in my free time.”
“You’re a karthan. All your time is free time.” Gale appraised him again, noting his broader shoulders. “And that’s not growth from ‘a bit’ of lifting.”
“Not much else to do when you’re sitting in Blackvane waiting for a swamp hag or for biovin mushrooms to sprout.”
“You brought weights and dumbbells into that vile swamp?”
“And lose them to that black mud? Absolutely not.”
Gale raised an eyebrow at him.
Oh great, here we go. “I used logs and bulbous toads.”
Gale closed his eyes.
“What are you doing?”
“Give me a moment. I’m imagining you hefting bloated toads and rotting logs over your head, squatting on mossy rocks while maggots and mosquitoes eat you alive.” He finally broke and chortled.
“Hilarious. It wasn’t like I had a choice. Riptide and I are the only experus willing to venture into Blackvane. And that puddle tamer claimed he wasn’t ‘up for it.’”
“Sounds like him. He’s been in a mood lately.”
“If your flying were as sharp as your tongue, you’d be able to dive as fast as your sister.” A deep, velvety voice interrupted them. Riptide parted the crowd with his words and he joined the two men. His short curly brown hair bounced with the movement, and his shell necklace with a few razor thin teeth clicked together. He stood straight-backed with no hint of a slouch, his tan, broad chest bare, but hardened from the salt of the sea. Irritatingly, Blake noted his arms and chest were still bigger than Blake’s despite all the hours spent lifting those odious toads. Blake wanted to scream at the man to tell him the secret, but settled for a slight scowl. They tapped bracers in greeting.
“Nice pants.” Blake raised an eyebrow at the tidetamer’s shimmery sea green legs. Blake’s eyes watered looking at them. Worse still, they matched the man’s brooding eyes perfectly. They were loose around his waist and thighs, then tightened at his calves and ankles like coils of a snake. He wore no shoes beyond thin sandals.
Riptide spun in a lazy circle. Several karthans clapped and laughed. “Made them myself with ground sea serpent scale thread and sea serpent gut while you were growing mold in that swamp.”
“I knew you were making up an excuse,” Blake growled.
“You should thank me after what I heard. It gave you a chance to catch up to me.” Riptide flexed slightly and his bracer strained. “Perhaps I should make you your own pair of pants.” His eyes twinkled like sunlight on water, but his face was deadpan. “I’m thinking turquoise blue. To match your eyes, of course.”
Even he had read the article. But…those pants would be infinitely easier to clean the black, sticky mud found in Blackvane than regular cloth. “I’ll take two in black.”
Don’t dismiss it so quick, Blake. Ka’rin mused. He’s got a point. It certainly works for him. A pop of color to highlight your best feature would be nice. I heard fish use them to attract a mate.
There she went again. Three years ago, his elemental companion had fixated on finding him a girlfriend.
Riptide remained unmoved. “Black sea serpents are rare.”
Blake’s eyebrow rose. “Are you saying you can’t find one for me?”
Flat stare from the shirtless tidetamer. “No, just that it will take some time. And then I have to grind the scale, dry the leather skin, sew them…hours and hours of exhausting—”
“Yeah, yeah, I will take any swamp requests until you finish.”
Riptide inclined his head, his eyes flashing. “If you insist.”
Blake quirked his head. “Killing sea serpents and sewing pants. Is that your muscle secret?”
“No, and it’s no secret. I eat my body weight in protein daily—preferably fish and lean red meat—and refuse all bread and sweets.”
Blake’s nose scrunched. “Fish? No bread? No desert? I’ve changed my mind. You can keep your bench record.”
Gale nodded. “That was my reaction, as well.”
“You both lack discipline.”
“My extra muscles didn’t help me run faster,” Blake said, “and I almost died because my broader shoulders wouldn’t fit through a space I’d been able to before.”
Gale tutted. “What were you running from?”
“Mire eel.”
Riptide perked up. “Nice. How big.”
“Bigger than a pleply.”
Both men whistled.
Riptide said, “Did you eat it? Mire eels are delicious when prepared over an open flame. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I know dozens of merchants who gladly pay double for even a sliver of mire eel flesh.”
“No. I bribed a mosim lizard to give me a ride out of the swamp as quickly as possible.”
Riptide huffed and gave Blake an offended, disapproving look, muttering under his breath. “Wasted a perfect mire eel and doesn’t look the least bit sorry. Maybe I’ll sew his pants with pink thread.”
Before Blake could respond, the Grand Experus lifted a cane that pulsed with heat. He wore a somewhat loose charcoal gray jerkin over a clean white shirt and the special heat resistant boots of a firedancer. Everyone quieted instantly and the insufferable heat faded back to normal, suffocating heat.
The rising sun crested the nearby buildings and hit the crowd. Blake pulled his cape hood over his head to avoid burning. He was extra vulnerable to the sun’s rays and didn’t fancy spending a few days applying sticky gel to burned skin.
“Welcome all to another glorious day in our lovely city. I know we’re all dying to get to the main event,” Grandus Experus said with a beaming glance at the trio. “But we have protocol to follow. First, all holo chips on the boards are ready for the taking. One request per karthan unless the chips are connected. If you cannot complete the request, please bring it back so another may take it. Their expiration dates are in the case of unforeseen death only.”
“Next, we would like to welcome our new recruits this month…” He rattled off their karthan names and everyone politely banged their bracers with hands, rings, or weapons in welcome.
“Yes, yes, we are glad to have you. As always, stick around and impart your wisdom upon their eager minds. Once you have chosen a request, please make way for those without. Also, a reminder to all not to accept any requests outside of the guild. Savant Brimsley and his protectors extend no mercy to offenders.”
Savant Brimsley sat on the board that controlled Arava along with the Starblessed Sage. Just as the UKA had morphed from Firebringer’s guild, the Sages had roots in the Hopebringers.
“Without another moment’s delay, the requests can begin at the high end.” He pulled off the single holo chip underneath a large metal eight. He held it up and bellowed, “All experus who wish to fulfill this request, step forward.”
Blake, Gale, and Riptide took several steps forward. Shuffling from the crowd revealed several more experus karthans. Blake saw Terra’s pink hair sway as she glided into view barefoot and adjusted her obscenely large goggles perched on her head. The earthwalker nodded at the three men who nodded back. Riptide, Terra, Gale and Blake had all joined the UKA at the same time. The four of them were on the younger end of the high-ranking karthans. The other experus—several more earthwalkers, windriders, tidetamers, and a single firedancer—Blake only knew by reputation.
“Vallin wished to address you in person, but had to settle for a holo-recording.” Grandus Experus flicked the square metal chip open and a disembodied head and chest flickered to life. A man with long, wavy hair and a wrinkled, but kind face inclined his head. His voice shook with age.
“Greetings, karthans. My name is Aryn Vallin. Thank you for answering my summons. I know your time is valuable, so I’ll get right to the point.
“I grew up in Crystal Crags. On a date, my wife and I snuck into a dryad restoration ceremony. Out of shame, we hid the truth and for a while, everything was fine. But we can no longer deny what is happening.”
The earthwalkers sighed and one older gentleman threw up his hands and scoffed. Blake leaned into Gale. “Explain?”
Gale rubbed his jaw. “I haven’t messed with the dryads much. Windriders and the tight groves where they live don’t mix well. I remember seeing signs posted when we visited on a knowledge trip as a lad, but the details are fuzzy.”
“For those unaware of the consequences of the dryad restoration ceremony, know that it is not pleasant. We are slowly transforming into a tree. Already my legs past my thighs are more bark than flesh and my wife is worse. It is too late for us, nor would we bother you with a request for ourselves. But our children should not have to pay for my mistake. They have complained of stiff joints and sore hands and feet. We recognized the signs.”
“There is a cure, a tonic made from the crushed leaves of the bellabud flower, but the healers used their last supply years ago. This flower only grows in the deep oases of the Desolate Dunes. Retrieve even a single petal and the reward shall be yours. Good luck and thank you.”
The Grandus Experus paused the recording and held it up. As one, all the earthwalkers tapped their bracer and stepped back. A universal decline. That wasn’t a good sign. The Desolate Dunes were on the border between the earth and air elegion. If they didn’t want a request in their own elegion, that didn’t bode well.
Blake scratched his jaw. He hadn’t shaved in weeks, and the hair was extra itchy in the dry heat.
Gale stroked his silky beard. “That cursed place? This request couldn’t have come at a worse time.”
The Grandus Experus waved the request in front of them. “Come, come! A member of our community is in dire need. Will no one help him?” People shuffled but didn’t step forward. The man sighed. “He’s offering one egg-sized gem from each elegion, one hundred thousand credits, and a weekend trip to his spa resort at the hot springs.”
Gale whistled. He bit his lip, his gaze on the chip.
Riptide and the other tidetamers tapped out as well. That made sense. They needed to drink more water than a regular person. Not something found in a desert.
It was down to Blake, the windriders, and the single firedancer.
What do you think, Blake? We’ve never been to the Desolate Dunes. Could be fun, right? Plus, we have an ace up our sleeve.
Blake stepped forward. If no one else matched him in eight minutes, the request was his.
“What are you doing, Nightshade?” Riptide eyed him doubtfully. “The dunes? You’re light on your feet, but not that light. Gonna have your elemental carry you? Can it do that?”
Gale glared at Blake, whose eyes lit up in smug delight.
“Yes, but it would be uncomfortable and a bit of a time risk. I prefer to travel comfortably. A few years ago I rescued Gale’s sister—”
“The one who was kidnapped by a howler.”
Blake frowned. How had he known that?
Riptide looked at Gale. “Remind me how she described him in the interview?”
“I’m not saying it out loud,” Gale said through gritted teeth.
The novus darkweaver cleared her throat. “‘Brooding eyes like a stormy sky, muscles like taut rubber bands, hair like star spider silk.’”
Blake refused to make eye contact with Riptide.
Gale shuddered. “Thanks for that. I’ve been trying to purge that from my mind for years. Maisha framed that week of Karthan Weekly and stuck in on her bedroom door. I see his smoldering eyes every time I visit home.”
Blake’s eye twitched. “I was…unaware I was in that issue.”
“You’ve been in thirty-two issues.” The darkweaver said softly.
Eight more than Blake knew.
“But your recent interview is my favorite.” Terra gave him a broad smile. “I especially love how you credited my father with giving you your earring.”
Blake’s lips twitched. “Of course. It’s my favorite reward.”
Riptide pretended to think. “Got a pretty sweet payout for that Maisha job, if I remember. A flying car. Hold on. That’s cheating.” He looked at Gale, then back to Blake.
“It’s not cheating, and it doesn’t fly. It glides.”
Gale nodded and crossed his arms. “Best storming car Dad’s ever made. Should have been mine.”
“I slayed the howler, not you. Don’t worry, I’ll wish on a star tonight for you, windrider, that you will figure out how to dive properly.”
Riptide flashed a rare smile. Blake had only seen it a handful of times. It felt oddly good knowing he’d broken the sober man. Grandus Experus cut off Gale’s outraged sputtering.
“5. 4. 3. 2. 1. That’s the cutoff. Nightshade remains unchallenged. No surprise there. The request is yours.” The Grandus experus tossed the chip to Blake, who caught it with a single swipe as the karthans beat their bracers and cheered. No one wished him good luck. He didn’t need it.
Terra nodded her head and patted his arms. For a tiny thing, she was strong. Blake assumed it had to do with how much time she spent deep in the mines of the Crystal Crags alone. The woman knew how to survive. And how to find the best crystals and gems.
Blake left behind the remaining karthans. Riptide and Gale flanked him. Blake’s eyebrow perked up. “Well, as much as I’d love to stand here and chat with you boys all day, I have a request that requires my attention.”
Gale, however, saw an opportunity to pounce. “A moment of your time, Nightshade. You’ve yawned at least a dozen times since you arrived—”
“—no, I haven’t—”
“—and you only arrived at gate rise. You must be starving. Have breakfast with Tide and me. Then you can find a hotel and catch a few hours. I can recommend my favorite that just opened next to a field on the outskirts of the city. Nice and quiet.”
“Why are you involving me?” Riptide grumbled.
“Why should I?”
“Riptide. This is the work of a pledged.”
Blake’s eyes widened at the tidetamer. “Oh no! Not you too, Tide.”
Riptide shrugged stiff shoulders. “It comes with a steady paycheck.”
“You can tell the sages, my answer is still no.” Blake half-turned. Riptide and Gale took a synchronized step forward and flanked him on each side.
Gale held up a hand. “That’s not what this is about.”
Riptide must have seen him shoot the shadows a calculating glance because he pinned him with a serious stare. “If you shadow walk your way out of here, we’ll only hunt you down. Zip has your scent.” His foot tapped the ground.
Zip was Riptide’s pet pleply. She must be nearby in the canal. Their noses were legendary. Zip could follow him anywhere in the city. Those canals snaked along all the major streets and were used to transport goods and people.
“Ugh, fine. But you’re paying. And no fish.”
They turned but the novus darkweaver karthan stood in their path. Her light gray eyes looked at him like a starved, dire wolf. “Nightshade. A moment of your time?”
Chapter 2 – The New Keeper
Gale and Riptide said they’d wait for him at the underground canal entrance where citizens could ride in small boats around the city for a fee. Another subtle reminder of Zip’s presence.
Blake turned to the woman and waited. She was an unusual contradiction. Well-fed and soft like prey, but her behavior hinted at a starved, desperate predator just under the surface. She launched into her spiel when the two pledged moved out of hearing range.
“My name is Evaline, but you would know me as Blackbeauty. I’ve been waiting for you to return.”
“I only return to Arava every few months. Experus darkweaver karthans are in high demand.”
“Of course. That’s what I wanted to discuss with you—”
“No.”
She frowned. “No?”
“No, I will not be your mentor.”
“But…why not?” She seethed, fury roiling in her eyes like a barely contained flood. “I’m strong. I can show you. I’m almost an apprentus and I’ve only been a karthan for six months.”
He ticked off the first reasons that came to him in his head. You seem unstable. I have no time for babysitting. I won’t be responsible for your safety. Out loud, he said, “Many reasons, none of which I have to explain to you. My advice is to slow down and stick to what you can handle. Don’t weave what you can’t control. Be careful that your arrogance does not cause you to stumble. The elegions are not forgiving.”
Blake walked away from her.
She shouted after him. “I’ll show you! I’ve seen things you could only dream about. I’ll become stronger than you ever will be!”
Blake said nothing.
That was harsh. She’s obviously hurting.
Blake mumbled under his breath. “Everyone’s hurting. She’s not special. The sooner she realizes that, the better.”
Still, I’ve got a bad feeling about her.
The entrance to the underground canals was a gated fence around a stone archway. Mosaic glass and metal pictures depicting various elegions or fantastical creatures decorated the walls and floor. Cool, humid air enveloped him as he descended. A welcome relief from the heat above.
Riptide and Gale stood by a small watercraft. It had a sign that said it seated four, but between the three men, it would be a tight fit. Gale sat on the edge of the canal, feet dangling in the water, but still a straight, rigid posture. He made a sign and a gray, whiskered nose lifted out of the water and booped his hand. He threw a smelly fish into the water.
Blake noted Gale’s shirt and pants were wet. Gale noted the lack of female karthan and raised an eyebrow. “You turned her down?”
“You figured out she wanted me to be her mentor?”
“It couldn’t have been more obvious that a hurricane.”
“I don’t have time to deal with her issues.”
“She needs your help.”
“She needs a therapist.”
“Enough.” Riptide swung sideways and stood in a fluid motion. “We are all hungry and irritable. We should remain silent until our bellies are full.”
“How is Zip liking the city?”
Riptide raised his hand in a V shape and the furry, gray pleply launched out of the water and onto the canal edge. Blake had always liked pleplys. They were wet water dogs. He’d heard someone describe them as the body of a lindworm and the appearance of an otter. Short but slick gray fur lined its slim body that ended in a skinny tail. Two arms ended in enormous paws like a bear. It had two big forward-facing, black eyes and a squat snout with long whiskers. Zip held out a paw, pads down and bobbed his head up and down.
“He wants scratches,” Riptide said.
“Does he really, or do you just want him to lock onto my scent?”
Gale thumped Blake on the back. “He already has your scent. Let’s go.” He sat in the middle and put his feet on the pedals that were attached to a propeller under the water.
Blake paused before getting on the watercraft to scratch Zip under his chin. The beast made a chuffing noise and closed his eyes.
“He likes you.”
“I bet you say that to all the karthans.”
“No. He hates everyone but me and my mother. And now you.”
Blake looked at Gale’s wet clothes. “Did you try to pet Zip?”
Gale sniffed. “I don’t want to talk about it. Get on the boat.”
Blake pursed his lips to keep from smiling and looked at Riptide. “Why can’t Zip pull us?”
“He’s not trained on these watercraft. Trust me. It would not end well.”
Some time later, Gale whacked a sleeping Blake awake and told him it was his turn to pedal. Blake couldn’t help falling asleep. The dark, chilly tunnel, the rocking of the boat, the soothing sound of water, trekking through the swamp for weeks, and driving all night to make it to Arava in the morning were a deadly combination. Ka’rin informed him it had been about thirty minutes.
Ka’rin floated alongside the boat, struggling not to interact with the playful pleply. I’ve never seen anyone so grumpy when they’re hungry. Glad I’m not you.
“This better be the best breakfast I’ve ever eaten.” Blake pedaled and rubbed his face. He was used to the motion from all the running he did.
“They are. And they know it.” Gale stretched his legs and winced.
“I swear on the nightmares that haunt you, if this ends with you pitching me about pledging…”
“The Sages are well aware of how you view them. They gave up recruiting you years ago.”
“Ah, explains why I’ve had a peaceful few years.”
With Blake at the helm, they arrived at the closest exit in record time. Riptide and Blake said nothing, though if Gale’s deepening scowl was any indication, he’d noticed as well.
Riptide told Zip to wait for him nearby and stay out of the way of boats. Then they hurried through the streets, sweat already forming on their necks and foreheads. The breakfast nook Gale had in mind didn’t even look like a restaurant, but the mouth-watering smell coming from the place couldn’t be an illusion.
Every table was full but one. Gale had made a reservation. Stars bless the man. They sat and Gale ordered for them all while Riptide and Blake drained their water glasses.
The server returned with food and refilled their water, laughing about how thirsty they were.
Blake shoveled fluffy pancakes and boar sausage into his mouth. Glorious food! “Ugh, so good.”
“Better than dry beef while sitting in an insect-infested mud puddle?” Riptide said around a mouthful of hash browns. He sat stiffly in the chair, bringing food up to his mouth compared to Blake leaning over the plate.
“Is that even a question?”
The tidetamer picked up a rolled up pancake. Blake did the same. The two tapped them together before taking another big bite.
Stomach satiated for the moment, Blake slowed down, eating so he could talk. “All right, spit it out. What’s pinching your shadows? What do the Sages want with me?”
Gale ran a hand down his beard. “In your recent travels, have you seen any darkweavers?”
Interesting. Blake raised an eyebrow. “Besides that earlier karthan, not really. Every city I’ve visited has been desperate for my help. With novus requests. It’s been exhausting. Why?”
Gale rubbed the back of his neck. “They’re disappearing.”
Riptide added, “At an alarming rate.”
“Last I checked, being a karthan is dangerous.”
Gale reached forward and flicked his forehead. “Give us some credit, Nightshade. If there had been a record of them taking requests, I wouldn’t be worried.”
Blake paused. “They weren’t on requests?”
“Not sanctioned ones.” Riptide drained his ga’ava juice. “Have you…received any interesting rootmail lately?”
Blake narrowed his eyes and leaned back in his chair. “You mean an off-the-record request?”
Gale nodded.
Those were strictly forbidden, but that didn’t mean that people weren’t willing to pay for, ahem, discretion. “I get them a lot. I ignore them.”
“Any that stuck out?”
“Several years ago, a company hounded me for weeks until they finally gave up. They reached out again about four months ago. I told them if they didn’t leave me alone, I’d report them.”
The two pledged exchanged glances. Gale muttered, “Sage Celestia was right, as usual. The others will not be happy. And Lady Lightbringer will continue to push back, of course. Hope I get to be in that meeting when Celestia puts that self-righteous sage in her place.”
Blake grinned. He was positive he wasn’t supposed to know that Lady Lightbringer, a light sage, and Sage Celestia, one of the air sages, didn’t get along. He suspected Sage Celestia was jealous that Lady Lightbringer had earned the bringer status, and she hadn’t. Every blessed could perform an incredible feat and earn the title. 99% never would.
Riptide snorted. “Congratulations, Nightshade. That may be why you’re still around. Watch your back. Something’s happening. Keep your ears and eyes open.”
“You’re not going to ask me the company name?”
“Future Predictions?”
“I’d say good guess, but that didn’t sound like one.”
“It wasn’t,” Riptide said. “But while it’s nice to have our theories confirmed, it doesn’t give us actual proof or evidence.”
“The sages will figure it out. Our job is to trust them and do what they ask.”
Blake snorted.
The fourteen sages were supposedly the strongest, oldest, and wisest in the land. The pair per element ruled over their respective elegion city and the pair with no magic who each ruled one of the twin cities, Arava and Avara along with six savants. Each savant was in charge of a major aspect, like Arava’s Brimsley was the Savant of Protection. The Sages kept to their own cities, but occasionally worked together when something big happened.
Blake nodded. “I appreciate the concern, but it’s unnecessary.”
“It might be time to think about a partner. Someone to watch your back.”
Blake nearly demanded to know if they’d been talking to Ka’rin. “I’ll think about it.” Which was code for, ‘I’m just telling you this so you’ll let me leave.’
They relaxed a smidge. Riptide got up to pay. Blake resumed eating the rest of his food. Gale touched his pocket, his expression souring. “I promised my girlfriend…” he muttered before shoving something into Blake’s hand. Blake quirked his head to the side. Gale had a girlfriend?
Blake looked at the card in his hand. It was a flowery pink and gold business card that said Love Express, Inc. Turning reality into fantasy. Book cover photographer Ailya. Handwriting on the back said, “If you’ll let that magazine photograph you, does this mean I’ll see you in my studio soon? I have several books that would kill to have you on the cover.”
Blake choked and shoved it into his pocket, his face heating, but it was too late. Ka’rin had seen the card.
Did he just give you something? Ka’rin quivered with excitement. She waited like an ink statue outside by the entrance. Elementals weren’t allowed in most stores. Shadows take him. Why had they sat by a window? She would bug him incessantly now.
Blake fidgeting with his unused silverware. “You can tell her that was a one-time thing and I will not.”
Gale sighed but nodded.
Belly full, Blake’s eyes dragged shut. Sleep now? No, Knowledge Keep first. Sleep soon. He ran an ice cube over his face. No more sitting for him.
The two men met Riptide at the entrance. They stood outside a moment, letting the food settle. A smile returned to Gale’s face. “We are heading to Lydia’s Square to sell signatures…”
“Nope,” Blake called over his shoulder as he power-walked back to the canal to take him back to Phoenix Square, where his car waited.
* * *
What was on the card? Ka’rin asked an hour later. The pleply pulling his single canoe had raced him back to Phoenix Square in ten minutes flat. Unfortunately, he’d still fallen asleep. It took the beast splashing him to wake him up. No one waiting their turn had messed with him once they saw his karthan bracer. Ka’rin once again informed him he’d taken a thirty-minute nap.
Well?
Blake held his tongue. He was honestly impressed she had held off this long, but he couldn’t answer her easily as the streets were filling up despite the heat. Aravans couldn’t understand the concept of not crossing in front of cars. They’d probably only seen a few actually driving through here, but still.
I gave you a chance to come clean. I’m disappointed in you. The logo had a cloud and a camera. It was the Cloudhold photographer, wasn’t it? The one dating Gale.
“I told you never to mention that!” Blake hissed and shot her his fiercest glare. “And how did you know they were dating?”
She smiled at him with her glowing eyes. I pay attention. Don’t change the subject. I don’t understand why you’re so averse to the idea. A little publicity wouldn’t hurt. You might attract a cute moth.
“Ka’rin, I don’t want to play this game anymore. I am not a campfire. And women are not moths. None of them can replace you, anyway, so the point is moot.”
I just don’t want you to be alone.
“I’m not alone. I have you. Please, Ka’rin. I’m so tired and I still need to stop by the Knowledge Keep. Can’t go looking for this bellabud flower until I know what it looks like. Later?”
Fine. Later. Her huff told him she meant it. Something to look forward to.
They made it to the keep without hitting anyone or falling asleep. The Knowledge Keep housed every book preserved from the past, every diary of famous magic wielders, and even many current books. People could research, study, and relax in the quiet, sturdy building. All for free.
The double doors stood open. It was an immense stone building with smooth walls and magnificent murals etched along it telling the story of how the Hopebringers and their children established Twin Cities. Blake knew this because Keeper Carinus told him every time he stopped by for a request. Blake enjoyed history as much as the next karthan, but not when he was practically asleep on his feet.
Blake approached the front desk and said he had an elegion flora question. He flashed his bracer with the engravings of his rank. The day he’d made experus was the last day he’d had to do the research himself. Keeper Carinus had personally written down all relevant information for him.
“Urgent?” she asked.
“Possibly. I might be on a time constraint, but I won’t know until Keeper Carinus tells me.”
“Oh, you must not have visited recently. Keeper Carinus retired several months ago. His replacement, Keeper Drayfield, has left for the day. But don’t worry, I can get you what you need when my shift is over in ten minutes.” The underkeeper opened a conference room door for him. She wore designer hardwood glasses and the black coat used in the Arava Knowledge Keep.
Blake glanced at her nametag. “Thanks, Delia, that should be fine.”
Delighted by the news, Blake circled the familiar conference room. In between history lessons or in-depth lectures on what beetles could be found where, the old man had raved about his grandkids. Hopefully, this meant the retired keeper would get to see them more often and travel with his wife to the elegion cities. Still, he’d miss the smell of carmalis candy and his wheezing laugh.
Nothing else about the keep had changed; the simple leather chairs and hardwood table, the paintings of the elegions that looked original, the short, black carpet, the InteRoot console that Keeper Carinus had never needed to use. Blake avoided the plump chairs but couldn’t help casting them longing looks.
Out in the front area, Blake heard Delia call out.
“Keeper Drayfield, over here! I thought you’d left already?”
“My brother informed me that my sister’s appointment was pushed back. I came down to wait for my ride. Have any of Keeper Shein’s students asked for me?”
“Several. All of them correctly guessed your DNA sequence. Some even drew a pretty accurate picture of what you might look like. A little uncanny, if you ask me.”
“I look forward to Shein telling me all about it.”
“While you wait, would you do me a favor? I have an experus karthan who needs your help.”
“I have a few minutes before my sister has a doctor’s appointment.”
A sigh. “Oh thank you! I wasn’t looking forward to pulling all those books from the top floor. You are an arm saver.”
“Happy to help. Room C?”
“How did you know?”
“It has the most comfy chairs.”
“I didn’t realize I was that predictable.”
“You’re not. Keeper Carinus warned me it was the best room for meeting with karthan.”
“I miss that man.”
“He was my favorite teacher. Let me know when my ride is here?”
“Absolutely.”
Blake waited, listening as footsteps crossed to his room.
“Hello, sir. What can I help you with?” Keeper Drayfield walked around the corner and smiled at him.
“I need…” Blake choked on his words as his brain short-circuited. She was beautiful. Pale, sun-kissed freckles spanned her cheeks and nose. Brown eyes like earth after rain and plump lips a soft rose. She had short, cropped hair, a light golden brown slightly longer on top. Her green, gauzy shirt hid a silver chain necklace.
He cleared his throat. “I need you—your help! Your help. I’m going to the Desolate Dunes.”
Her eyes lit up. “You accepted Vallin’s request.”
“You’ve heard of it?”
“His story has been all over the news. We only recently figured out how to combat the Dryad spores or even what was causing his family’s painful transformation.” Keeper Drayfield glided over to an InteRoot console and logged on.
He could listen to her talk for hours. “Oh?”
“A rare plant found in the Desolate Dunes has bacteria that eats other plants. Perfectly harmless for animals.” While she talked, her fingers tapped buttons on the root console faster than he could keep up with. “It should reverse Vallin and his family’s transformation, though it will be a slow process. I doubt Vallin and his wife will live long enough to reverse the effects. Have you been to the dunes before?”
“No, but I like to wave at them on my way to Cloudhold.”
“Not to worry. I created a recent field guide on the Desolate Dunes, which includes the latest political strife and flesh-eating outbreak, zobilius. I can transfer the data onto your lightboard.”
“I don’t have one. Keeper Carinus always printed things out for me.”
“Of course, he loved the smell of hemp paper. We sell them at the front desk. Dalia can help you purchase and set one up. I’ll make the data chip. Just insert it when you’re ready. You can also switch it out for future requests. The bellabud flower is what you’re looking for, but it wouldn’t hurt to familiarize yourself with the major threats.”
Blake rested his hands on his hips. “Maybe we could discuss it tomorrow over lunch?”
Her eyebrows raised, and she pursed her lips. “I’d like that, but I’m afraid you won’t have the time. The bellabud has a monthly blooming cycle. If you don’t get to it by tomorrow night, you’ll have to wait an entire month.”
“Which Vallin and his wife might not survive?”
“Exactly.”
“What if I stop by on my return visit to tell you the good news? If you can step away from your research, that is. Someone as young as you must have spent every waking moment studying in order to become the Aravan Keeper of Flora and Fauna.”
Keeper Drayfield laughed and put her hands in the pockets of her long black coat. “Lucky guess. I…spent a fair of bit studying, but this nametag means I’m the boss now. I could make an exception. For you.”
He smiled again. “Only for me?”
She shifted her weight and opened her arms, flaring the coat and giving him a spectacular view. “If you make it worth my time. I have a particular weakness for heroic tales filled with danger.”
Blake took a step toward her. She tipped her head back to maintain eye contact. “I’m not sure about heroic, but my stories involve a great deal of danger.”
Keeper Drayfield pretended to mull it over. “That’s acceptable. I’m free all next week. And one of my favorite restaurants is walking distance from here.”
“I have a car.”
Her eyes widened. “You do? What does an experus windrider need a car for? Don’t you have a roc you ride on?”
“Oh, I’m not a windrider.” He leaned forward to tap his eyebrow. “No tattoos.”
Her eyes crinkled with her smile. “Forgive me. I haven’t met many windriders.”
“You aren’t missing much, Keeper Drayfield.”
“My name is Elle.”
“Elle.” He whispered her name like he was tasting a frozen mango creampop.
“I have to go.” She took a small step away from him.
“Don’t want to be late for your sister’s appointment.”
“Exactly.” Another small step followed by a slow pivot.
“Elle.”
She turned back instantly. “Yes?”
“The chip?” Blake opened his palm.
“Oh! I’m sorry.” Elle pulled out her hand and held out the chip. He took it, lingering as long as he could. This close, he could smell the most delicious scent. What soap did she use?
She slid her hands into her jacket pockets. “Can I ask you something?”
“Anything.”
“What level was the request? I might have a similar request in the future.”
“Eight.”
She winced. “That high?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Experus can’t accept requests lower than a seven.”
Delia poked her head in the conference room next to her co-worker. “Elle!”
Elle inhaled sharply and flung her arm out, narrowly missing whacking Delia in the face. It was surprising, comical, and slightly alarming. Blake hadn’t heard Delia approach; he’d been so focused on Elle.
Delia gulped. “I forgot you startle easily. Good thing your reach isn’t very long. What am I saying? Go, go, go! Your ride is here. And your driver is—”
“Vateen? Ugh, why couldn’t I have gotten your husband? He’s hilarious. I’ll be right out. Sorry about almost hitting you.”
Blake’s brow furrowed. Keeper Drayfield gave him a sad but polite smile. She inched backward. “Vateen is notorious for not waiting. I’m sorry. I have to go. Good luck in the dunes.”
“Thanks.”
“I’ll keep my lunch hour free.” Then she whisked away, her black coat fluttering. Blake knew it would be hours before he stopped thinking about her.