Touched by the Shadows

Amaranthae choked as she fought to breathe, her breaths quaked in her chest. In that moment a figure of light appeared above her. At first she believed it to be an angel, come to lift her soul from her body. To remove her from this painfully cruel world. Her golden hues made out the figure then, “Em….vira….” She choked, blood ran down the sides of her face. She was lucky though, the blade had just missed her heart. It should have been an instantly fatal blow but the man had been just an inch too far to the left. That still didn’t change the fatal place that he had stabbed her...there was no getting her across town to the temple. But here Emvira was, a woman that she’d only known the name of and never crossed the path of. Now she seemed to be at every turn of events. Her eyes slipped shut as she felt the pain in her chest melt away with the light. It was a moment...yet it felt like hours that she’d stared into Emvira’s eyes. Then, she was gone.

The clamor of the crowd filled her ears once again. She reached up and grasped the dagger just as a shadow stood over her. “Lady Reysalor.” He spoke, “Quite the show.” He offered his hand down to her. “I honestly didn’t think you would make it out of that alive.” He glanced to the large elf. “You were against great odds, for certain.”

Amaranthae took his hand and was hoisted to her feet. She felt strong. Unstoppable. She grinned as she heard the crowd cheering. It had been quite some time since she was allowed to fight in the tournament. She smiled as she threw up a hand with the dagger held within it. The crowd loved it, they seemed to cheer even louder. She looked to the man that had helped her to her feet. “Tyvar.” She spoke and a smile curved up her lips. He was one of the soldiers that was beneath her father in the city guard. She brushed the fresh blood from her cheeks and then grinned as she stepped forward to the judges. She bowed her head to them as they nodded to her and adjusted the board. Now she was lined up with her hit.

Arbane stepped up to his daughter, “You’re lucky.” He spoke. “If he wouldn’t have had such an unfortunate demise you would no longer breathe within this realm girl.” He scoffed. “You were careless. I know I taught you better than that. You should not be so reckless girl.”

The smile was wiped from Amaranthae’s face as his words berated her. “Of course father.” She replied in a small voice. “The gods have shown pity upon me today.” She bowed her head to him, to which he shook his head before he walked off without another word. She watched after him as sadness crept over her expression.

“Don’t listen to him Amara.” There was a pat to her back. “He’s your father, he’ll always push you for more. He’s being nice. You should see how he treats the guard.” Tyvar chuckled. “It’s been awhile since I’ve seen you...like...a good while.” He looked at her carefully. “You’ve grown into a fine woman.” He smiled.

“Oh, thank you. My father is correct...I did show carelessness. I should not have allowed such events to transpire.” She turned and stepped away from Tyvar whom was left staring after her, a sigh came over his lips. She was showered with congratulations from those in the stands as she took a seat. Soon enough her name appeared upon the board once again. She stood and walked out onto the field, the crowd went wild to the sight of her. Her fight had been the most gruesome and crazy of the entire tournament. She turned as the man that was her mark walked out upon the dirt of the arena.

The man was tall, but not as hulking as her last opponent. He grinned to her as he stepped forward. “I’m not so sure I want to face you.” He chuckled. “But I need the money. My wife is ill and we have a young son. I couldn’t bribe you into letting me win could I?” He spoke as he waved to the cheering crowd.

Amaranthae turned her golden hues to him, she bit her lip slightly. “Allowing you to win would not be fair.” She spoke and shook her head.

“Very well. I had a feeling you would say something like that. I had to know your alignment. Don’t worry, I’ve been offered money to kill you by your father.” He smirked to her.

Amaranthae drew her brows together as she watched him. “Lies.” She spoke and shook her head as she took a step back from him and drew his sword. “So be it.” She spoke, irritation in her tone. Her father was playing plenty of games today with her life. She did not like this new game that Arbane was playing with her life. He’d never played such games before. She wondered if her mother was aware of it.

“To the death!” The elf called out and raised his sword. The crowd when wild. The judges nodded to the announcement and sat forward in their seats.

Amarantha moved about swiftly, as if she had not been in the other fit. Her body was completely rejuvenated. She slipped from his blows and grinned as she placed her own attacks against him. He was sluggish from his earlier fight. Soon enough she had him on his back on the ground. “Submit.” She spoke as she held the sword to his neck.

“Please.” He dropped his own sword and gazed up into her eyes. “I submit.” He spoke with fear in his eyes.

“Very well.” She spoke and stepped back. She sheathed her blade and offered a hand down to him. She pulled him up and held him there a moment. “You’ll come with me to the healing halls, you’ve sustained quite a few injuries.” She gave a soft smile as she wrapped her arm around his waist. Some from the crowd yelled for her to kill him. That was the agreement after all. “Come with me.” She spoke as she led him along. She could feel the eyes of her father baring into her. She glanced over her shoulder as she walked him from the arena. Several in the crowd cheered for her saving his life.

“Papa!” A young elf girl rushed up and hugged herself to his leg. He had a weak smile as he looked down to her.

“I thought you were going to die, Reygar.” A woman in a cloak walked up using a cane. She coughed and wiped blood from her lips.

Amaranthae looked to the woman and sadness crept over her expression. “Come, we are going to the healing halls for him.” She gave a warm smile.

“We cannot afford to owe the temple for such things...” The woman spoke and coughed again.

“Then consider it one me.” Amaranthae spoke quickly. She led them to the temple and into the healing halls. She walked him to a cot and set him down before the Acolyte. “Come to me for coin for the temple, yes?” She spoke and her eyes looked around. She bit her lip slightly as she walked over to Emvira as she’d finished patching someone’s wounds. “Emvira...” She spoke and searched the woman’s eyes. She couldn’t forget the sight of her, how she glowed. She bit at her lip once again and glanced back over to the man, her hit. “I need your help...” She whispered. She pulled the slip from her pocket and handed it forward to Emvira, revealing the assassination hit to someone for the first time. She looked incredibly nervous. “His wife is ill...he has a child...I...” She lowered her eyes. “I can’t do it anymore, Emvira...” She fumbled with her hands nervously. “We have to get them from the city….I’ll say I have completed the task...” She nodded. “But...she’s so sick….” She glanced to the young elf that wore the cloak that hobbled forward and coughed more blood. The young girl ran around the cot of her father, giggling and playing. “Please...” She breathed, “I don’t know what to do...”

Amaranthae was a ball of nervous emotions, her golden hues looked to Emvira in a pleading manner. She followed the woman to the cot with a soft expression as she looked over the family. When she was tossed the necklace she rubbed her thumb over the family seal, her brows pulled together slightly before she slipped from the healing halls without another word. She made her way quickly down the stairs of the temple.

“Where’s your hit Amara?” A voice came from behind her, as she entered the market district, her brother Jassen of course.

Amaranthae turned her eyes to him, her expression blank. “He’s dead.” She narrowed her eyes slightly. She held her hand up and allowed the necklace to lower from her palm, revealing the family seal of the man.

Jassen stepped forward and snatched the necklace from her, a smirk upon his lips. “Well, here I thought I would have to do it for you.” He clicked his tongue. “How’d you do it?” He asked and stared into her eyes.

She gazed up to him and gave a wicked smile, “I took him to the healing halls and as the acolyte was wrapping his wounds I used my gift to snuff the life from him. He choked on his own blood.”

Jassen scoffed, “Boring.” He rolled his eyes and then chuckled. “I would have slit his throat, and his family too.” He grinned wildly. “But you’ve still got a few more years to learn to be more….ruthless.” He chuckled as he dangled the necklace before her. “You know what I think?” He asked, a smirk upon his lips. He waited for his sister to respond for a moment and then chuckled as she shook her head. “I think you didn’t kill him.” He grinned and watched his sister for a reaction.

Amaranthae swiped the necklace from his hand and narrowed her eyes. “I’ve got the proof of his death right here brother. What more do you want from me?” She snapped angrily.

He cackled as he watched her, a brow raised slightly. “I just wanted to see how angry you would get.” He gripped her shoulder and gazed into her eyes. “I’d know if you were lying sister. Don’t you think?”

Amaranthae rolled her eyes to him, “You are my brother after all.” She spoke as she pulled her shoulder from his grasp. “I have to get this to father, Jassen.” She spoke as she turned to walk away.

Jassen caught up to her side with a chuckle, “In a hurry then?” He questioned as he walked along. His hands were in his pockets now. “You know. Soon I’ll be commander of the guard. Father said so himself.” He grinned to her. “You will be under my command one day.” He spoke with a chuckle.

“I’m not to become a part of the guard, brother.” Amaranthae spoke with a tight jaw.

Jassen glanced to her and shrugged slightly. “You’re one of the most skilled fighters in this city dear sister. Against the odds you prevailed.” He smirked, “Mother won’t be around forever, you know? Neither with father.” He spoke before he slipped away into the crowd.

Amaranthae glanced to the direction he had gone, but the busy bustle of the city had lost him in the crowd. Her brows furrowed as she drew in a breath. Why would her brother say such things? It was unlike him to compliment her. It was unlike him to speak of much of anything to her. She heard the cheers of the arena as she approached. Her eyes moved about the crowd and soon enough she found her father whom cheered to the most recent victor. She climbed the stone stairs and stopped next to him. “Father.” She spoke and held her hand forward, palm up with the necklace within her palm.

Arbane looked to her and then to her palm. He grasped the necklace and grinned. “I doubted you. I even sent your brother after you to ensure it was done.” He raised a brow as he looked to her. “You’ll fight in the final round of the tournament.” He spoke as he focused in on her. “It looks as though it will be you against Jassen.” He paused for a moment. “You are to lose.” His eyes bore into her. “Understand?”

Amaranthae drew in a breath as her father spoke that she was to lose. He’d done this to her before. If enough bets were placed upon her due to her performance and he were to bet on the other fighter he would receive a large sum of gold. She gave a nod, “Yes of course father. I understand.”

Arbane reached forward and lifted to her chin to gaze into her eyes. “Make it a memorable fight.” He grinned. “I don’t want talk going around that this fight was rigged.” He chuckled. “I’d lose all my gold to it.” He glanced to his right as Jassen walked up and grinned to her. Of course. That was why her brother was being so kind. She should have known better.

Amaranthae looked to her brother, “You say the word.” She spoke and then turned to look to the fight that was currently in progress. She felt a pit form in her stomach. The last time she had fought against her brother was years ago, she’d learned a great deal since then…but she could still remember the pain that he had inflicted upon her.

**

Within the healing halls the High Arcanist walked along the cots looking over those injured from the tournament. She walked up behind Emvira and watched her work for a moment. “Emvira.” She spoke with a smile upon her lips. “You seem to be feeling well today.” She spoke as she sat upon a clean cot. “I brought you a drink, to help keep that pain at bay. You may not need it this moment.” She spoke as she held a vial of dark liquid forward. “But you looked to be terribly uncomfortable when I spoke with you just earlier.” She gave a warm smile.

The High Arcanist tilted her head slightly. “I also would appreciate if you would accompany me to the tournament. Soon enough the final fight will begin.” She stood and flattened her black dress. “Would it interest you to accompany me? We will have the greatest view. It will also give you a break.” She grasped her hand and held it in her own. “We both know that you of all the acolytes deserve a break.” She smiled to her.

Cersei tilted her head slightly as she watched Emvira work, she spent time standing at the window of her office watching the girl work much of the time. She reached and grabbed the roll and held it toward Emvira with a smile, “Of course.” She clasped her hands before her as she waited patiently. When the High Priestess Melorn approached she turned her eyes to her and forced a smile. Though her eyes showed that she was a bit frustrated. “Of course, yes, yes very busy indeed.” She watched with a raised brow as Emvira was sent away from her.

The High Arcanist looked to the man that Emvira had just tended to. “She has been blessed by the goddess, hm?” She smiled as she looked to the work that Melorn and Emvira were performing. She watched curiously, it wasn’t often that she came into the healing halls to watch with a front row seat. Her jaw loosened slightly as she saw the miracle that was performed, a smile curved up her lips. She gazed to Melorn as the woman approached her. “I understand. Perhaps another time then.” Cersei spoke as she watched the woman hurry back to more wounded. A bit of a sneer came over her face for a moment before she turned and stepped to Emvira’s side. “You’re potion.” She spoke as she set it upon the tray next to the bed. “I’ll see you soon, dear.” She then stepped from the healing halls, her heels clicked against the stone floor loudly.

**

Amaranthae awaited her turn in the tournament. She watched each fight, each injury. Her mind began to churn. This event, it was not a celebration. It was a means for the houses of high class to remain the houses that snuffed out the lesser. She imagined that many of the fights were rigged. She’d seen a few that she did not trust the outcome of. It seemed nearly impossible. But then again, her fight with the hulking elf…that seemed impossible as well. But she’d survived.

“Ah my sweet Amaranthae.” The High Arcanist spoke as she walked up the stairs to the position that they were watching the tournament from. She pulled her daughter into a hug and kissed her cheek. “You’ve a bit of blood.” She noted as she looked her daughter over for injuries. “Why do you have blood on you?” Her brows narrowed slightly.

“She has performed well in the tournament.” Arbane spoke as he looked to his wife.

“She will not compete in the tournament. There are far too many risks involved.” The High Arcanist let out a growl. “She’s far too important to possibly lose to one of these low life city rats.”

Arbane chuckled as he looked to her, “Don’t worry she’ll be fighting Jassen.” He smirked.

Cersei took in a breath, “For what reason?” She asked.

“The gold, Cersei. What else?” Arbane replied simply.

Amaranthae lowered her eyes as she felt her mother’s hues upon her. The High Arcanist grasped her daughter’s jaw and forced her to look into her eyes. “So what, you’re making her lose?” She questioned and then looked to Arbane whom nodded. A wicked grin came over her lips. “Jassen do make sure it’s an entertaining fight.” She looked to her son as she released her daughter.

Amaranthae closed her eyes for a long moment. Gathering her courage. She glanced to her brother who chuckled in response. It was nearly two more hours of fighting before their names were announced. The crowd at first grew quiet. Then they erupted into applause as the brother and sister walked out upon the field. The judges announced that the odds were against Jassen and that Amaranthae had showed great promise. She turned to her brother and drew her sword as she awaited the trumpet to sound. He didn’t draw his weapon at all. Her heart began to pound within her chest. As the trumpet sounded Amaranthae stood her ground. She watched as her brother lunged forward. She swiftly stepped to the side and sliced into his back.

Jassen chuckled as he drew his sword. “You’d attack an unarmed man? Despicable.” He snickered as he rushed forward. The two engaged in a flourish of blows. He matched every move the Amaranthae made. After several counters their blades were locked and he grinned to her, “Don’t trip.” He whispered. Just as the words came from his lips his leg moved behind hers and kicked back. Amaranthae’s balance was thrown off and suddenly the plate armored elbow of her bother slammed into the side of her face. Amaranthae fell back harshly to the ground, the air was forced from her lungs. Pain coursed through the side of her face.

Jassen let out a cheer as the crowd cheered. He stood before her. “Get up.” He ordered, his voice full of rage. “Get up sister.” He snickered.

Amaranthae could taste blood in her mouth as she staggered to her feet. She then rushed forward and locked blades with him once more. Though this time she pushed more into it, she put more force behind her blows which surprised her brother. He took several steps back as he struggled to counter her moves now. Amaranthae swept her leg beneath him and knocked him to his back. The crowd went wild. She chuckled as she took several paces back from her brother. “Did I surprise you?” She questioned and spit blood from her mouth. “Come on brother.” She smirked to him then. It oddly felt good to have knocked him to his back and to have surprised Jassen. He’d been overpowering her for years and for her to finally have an edge on him felt incredible.

Jassen growled as he stood, “I’m not holding back anymore little sister.” He spoke through grit teeth as he rushed forward. He acted as though he was going to attack and in the last minute he dodged to the side and slammed his knee into her chest. The crowd went wild. They enjoyed watching Jassen fight, he didn’t play by any of the rules. He turned around swiftly and gripped onto the back of her collar before he spun her around and brought his fist into the side of her head. Amaranthae collapsed against him her eyes fluttered from the blow. “Get up.” He growled into her ear.

Her breaths shook as she staggered back from him. She gripped onto her sword as her vision blurred. He came at her again. She failed to block several blows and cuts began to riddle her arms and her thighs as she barely blocked him. She winced as he reached forward and gripped the collar of her tunic. “If mother wouldn’t mind, I’d kill you.” He smirked to her. “The crowd would love it.” He dropped his sword then and landed several hits upon her. Her sword fell from her grasp as she gripped onto his arm. She cried out as he shoved her back. “Come on.” He held up his hand and grinned to her.

“They’ve seen enough…” Amaranthae spoke quietly. “We can end this now…” She staggered. Her eyes looked to her sword that lay upon the ground near her brother’s feet.

“That’d be too easy.” Jassen giggled as he reached down and grasped her blade. He swirled it about before him. “Oh this is light. Very quick.” He grinned to her.

“Please…” Amaranthae looked to him, tears welled in her eyes. She held her side and grit her teeth as she took a step back from him to distance herself. She reached and pulled her dagger from her thigh. He lunged forward for her once again as she pulled her second dagger. She blocked a blow that would have been fatal. And another, and another. She let out cries as she fought against him. It felt like he dueled with her for hours. Her muscles began to feel heavy and burn. But he didn’t slow down. He seemed to want to show the world that he was better than her. Almost as if it made him angry that he was considered the losing bet.

Jassen slammed his foot into her chest and knocked her to her back then. A grin upon his face. He placed his foot upon her sternum and he pointed the blade to her neck. The crowd roared in excitement. “I should kill you.” He spoke as he pressed his foot into her, the tip of the blade pressed into her skin which caused a bit of blood to pool at the blade. “But I won’t.” He grinned. “You’ll submit.” He smirked. Amaranthae dropped her daggers and held her hands up. Her body shuddered. “That’s it.” He snickered as the judges named him the victor. He dropped her sword at her side and turned then to walk away from her.

Amaranthae grit her teeth as she lay there. She could feel the injuries. “Amara.” Tyvar spoke as he offered her his hand. He helped her to her feet and she fell against him. Blood dripped from her mouth from the blows she’d taken to her face. “You’re alright.” He glanced to Jassen whom was off gloating his victory. “You’re alright.” He repeated as he wrapped an arm around her. “Get her sword and her daggers.” He spoke to another soldier whom quickly grabbed Amaranthae’s things and placed them back into the holsters about the woman. “Good.” He scooped her up into his arms. Her head leaned into his shoulder. “Come on, your mother can help.” He spoke as he walked her along.

“No…” Amaranthae spoke, though her eyes were heavy. “No…”

“You’re alright. I’m taking you to the temple for help.” He spoke as he walked through the city.

“Tyvar…no…” She shifted in his arms, almost causing him to drop her. “Let me go.” S

Tyvar looked down to her, “I’m taking you for help. It’s alright. You took quite the blow to your head….” He spoke as he climbed the stairs to the temple. He looked toward the healing halls and then drew in a breath as he began to climb the stairs that would lead to the High Arcanist’s office.

“Sir?” A young acolyte asked from the hallway that led to the healing halls. “The healing halls are this way.” She smiled.

Tyvar hesitated a moment as he looked to the young Acolyte. “The High Arcanists has requested that I take her directly to her…” He spoke, his voice confused. He paused on the stairs as he looked to the acolyte. Amaranathae shifted in his arms once again which caused her legs to slip from his grasp. She leaned heavily against him now. “Amara…” He furrowed his brows as he looked to her.

Cersei rushed about within her office. She cleared her table of supplies and rolled out a first aid kit that she’d gotten from one of the acolytes. She looked frustrated, angry even. She stepped from her chamber and stood at the top of the stairs as the Acolyte stopped Tyvar. She tilted her head slightly as she watched the interaction and she watched Amaranthae squirm from his grasp. Her hues lifted then as she caught a glimpse of someone else walking back into the temple.

**

Amaranthae gripped onto Tyvar as she took in quick breaths. “Let me go.” She breathed as her forehead pressed against the cool steel of his chest plate. “Please…” She whispered. Though Tyvar only shook his head as he lifted her up once again. Her eyes caught a glimpse of two figures as they stepped back into the Healing Halls. She closed her eyes as she was carried up the rest of the stairs to her mother whom cupped her cheek before she was led into the room. “Mother…” She spoke as she was set down in the chair.

“I’ve got it from here Tyvar, thank you for your assistance.” Cersei spoke as she looked to him. “Don’t worry dear, I’ll get you all patched up.” She stepped to her daughter’s side and held her hand. “If you wait outside, you could help me carry her to our home.”

Tyvar hesitated a moment as he looked to Amaranthae. “Of course High Priestess.” He bowed deeply. “Anything to serve you.” He turned and stepped from the room then.

The High Priestess turned and drew in a breath, “Your father is an idiot.” She spoke through grit teeth. “As is your brother.” Her voice was full of anger. She began removing the armored pieces from her daughter. “Why he would put you in harms way for such an event is beyond me.” She snapped harshly. “Do you know what I would lose if I lost you?” She stared to Amaranthae a long moment. “I’d lose so much without you.” She gave a weak smile. “One day you will allow me to use your magic, I know it.” She lifted the tunic and frowned. There was a deep gash in Amaranthae’s side. A hard hit that her brother had made. Blood leaked out of it without the pressure of her armor pieces. Cersei took in a swift breath as she moved to the supplies. She quickly pressed pressure against the wound. Though swiftly the blood soaked into the cloth that she pressed against it.

“Mother…” Amaranthae’s eyes fluttered. “It’s…cold…” Her head lulled to the side as she fell unconscious.

Cersei’s eyes widened then. “No…” She panicked slightly as she moved about. She mixed together a concoction and poured it over the wound. It sizzled and Amaranthae’s expression contorted. She moved about and slathered a thick paste over the wound before she began sewing it closed. She moved about as she wrapped the wound tightly. Soon enough she moved to the other cuts. It took quite a bit of time for Cersei to mend the wounds, she was not an acolyte, she wasn’t well versed in healing at all. She brushed Amaranthae’s hair from her eyes and sighed softly as she looked to her breathing, it was jagged, but it was there.

The door to her office pushed open and Arbane walked in. “Still tending to her?” Arbane scoffed. “She deserves it.” He raised a brow. “She lied about killing her hit, Jasser told me. So I let him teach her a lesson, while also making us money. She’s become even more of a failure these past few days than we’ve dealt with her entire life.”

Cersei looked up from her daughter and marched straight across the room. She gripped Arbane by his throat. “I’ll not have you put her on the brink of death for some silly games!” She snapped as she slammed him against the wall. “I’ll not have you endanger her ever again.” She released him and walked over to her desk.

Arbane followed after her, “Our house is better because of it. She will recover.” He spoke as he stepped behind her. “Cersei…this is no different than the experiments that you perform on her.”

“Experiments are controlled. I control it.” She snapped as she spun around, a needle in her hand. She stabbed it into his neck and pushed a dark liquid into Arbane. “Our son will become the Commander of the guard. He will listen to me.” She spoke as she set the needle on her desk. “Get out.”

Arbane gripped where she had injected. “What have you done?” He asked his eyes wide. He lunged forward and gripped onto her neck as he pushed her toward the balcony that overlooked the healing halls. He pressed her back against the stone railing. “I should push you to your death.” He spoke through grit teeth.

“Commander!” Tyvar had rushed into the room. He rushed over and pulled Arbane from the High Arcanist. Arbane yelled as he was pulled back.

Cersei rubbed her neck slightly as she looked to Tyvar. “Thank you.” She nodded. She then walked from her office. She walked down the stairs and to the Healing Halls. Her eyes moved about until she found Emvira. She rubbed her neck again, bruising had already formed upon it. “Emvira.” She spoke as she came up behind the girl. “Do you think you have enough time now? For a chat? I could use your advice with my daughter.” The High Arcanist glanced around, looking for Malorn. “She seems to have gotten herself in a great deal of trouble. I am not much of the…healing type…” She raised a brow as she looked to Emvira. “Not like you, at least.”

Cersei glanced to the High Priestess Malorn. She gave a nod of understanding and a soft smile. As they walked from the room when Emvira questioned her she gave a nod. “Yes, she is…” Her voice grew soft. “Her father thought that it was wise for her to participate in the tournaments. He placed her in three different fights.” She clenched her fist as she spoke this. As they returned to the room Amaranthae was pale as a ghost. The High Arcanist took in a shaken breath as she watched Emvria look over her. “Yes, of course I will dear…anything that you need.” She stood on the opposite side of the chair.

Cersei gave a gentle smile to her, “Yes, please…we must save her…” She looked to her daughter and then offered her hand forward. Cersei drew in a breath as the warmth overtook her, a smile curved up her lips as she felt it. Though her smile soon turned to a contorted grimace of pain. She tried to pull her hand away from Emvira. “No…” She whimpered as she tugged again. “Stop!” By the end of the healing ritual Cersei had been on her knees whimpering in pain. She gripped onto her daughter’s hand as she let out a cry of pain. As Emvira helped her stand she leaned heavily against her, her breaths were heavy, she could barely walk. As Emvira spoke the High Arcanist stared to her with tears streaming down her cheeks. Before she could react…Emvira had sent her into a world of unconsciousness.

Amaranthae was beginning to wake just as she felt the quick cup of her cheek. Her eyes had caught a glimpse of Emvira. She drew in a breath as she slowly sat up. “Emvira?” She asked as she looked to the closed door. She then turned her hues to find her mother slouched in the chair. She looked down to her arms and lifted her shirt to look to where the wrap remained. She slowly unraveled it from her body to find that nothing remained. As she stood and stepped forward she felt a strange swell within her chest. Amaranthae staggered slightly, shadows swirled around her feet.

A shadowy figure appeared before her cloaked in dark rags. It reached forward with a hand that resembled that of a skeleton. “Child.” It cupped her cheek. “You will bring great change to this city with the help of your counter part. I chose you as my warrior.” The voice was deep, it reverberated through her very soul. Her feet lifted from the ground slightly her eyes turned black as the night. “Do not fear the night child, for you are the very bringer of the nightmares that they wish to hide from.” She finally saw the face of the figure now, he looked older than anyone she’d ever seen. His skin was sucked tight against his skull, his eyes were a bright golden color, much like her own. “Breathe deep child.” Shadows snaked around her then as she drew in a breath the shadows raced within her body.

In the next moment she felt a strange surge of power, wings of shadows emerged from her back as she stay suspended within the air before him. Her eyes never left the figure as his palm stayed upon her cheek. “Very good.” He then smiled to her a long moment. “Bring their nightmares to life, end the eternal darkness that this city lives within.” Shadows swirled around kicking books from the book shelves and tossing papers about the room. Tyvar could be heard pounding upon the door, trying to open it. “I’ll see you soon child.” With that he vanished.

Amaranthae was let out gently onto her feet, she drew in a breath as the wings disappeared from behind her and she shadows all seemed to scurry to the far corners of the room. Before she knew it Tyvar stood before her. He cupped her cheeks with both hands. “Are you alright?” He asked. “Easy there.” He steadied her and gazed into her eyes. Flecks of shadows swirled within her golden hues now. She gave a shaken nod as she looked to him. “Look…I…I know what has happened to you…I just…I couldn’t tell anyone…I didn’t know how to help you…I mean…I have…I’m sure you don’t remember…” He glanced over his shoulder to the High Arcanist. “Come with me, hm? Trust me. There is help now.” He wrapped his arm gently around her waist and then led her from the room. The High Arcanist was beginning to stir by then. “Come on, hurry.” He spoke as he rushed her down the stairs.

“Where are you taking me?” Amaranthae questioned quickly. She pulled away from him and stumbled back as they came to the base of the stairs.

“To the High Priestess Malorn.” He nodded, “Come on.” He glanced up the stairway. “Please before she wakes, Amara.” He took her hand and toted her along. He glanced behind to her and gave a gentle smile, he could see the fear in her eyes. “It’s going to be okay.” He spoke as he led her into the temple and up the stairs toward the High Priestess’ office. He paused a moment, he could hear talking on the other side of the door.

“This isn’t a good idea.” Amaranthae pulled her hand from his. “If you know what has happened. You know what will happen to me.” She spoke with fear in her voice. She took a few paces back from him.

“You must trust me.” Tyvar spoke as he knocked on the door.

Amaranthae bit at her lip as she stared to the door. “I don’t trust anyone…” She whispered softly, tears in her eyes. She gazed to the door then as it opened.

Amaranthae took in a breath as her eyes fell upon Emvira. She glanced to Tyvar a moment before she stepped into the office of the High Priestess Malorn. Her golden hues gazed to Malorn, “Yes…um…” She glanced to Emvira, she still remembered the soft touch on the side of her face before she’d left the room. She took a seat without another word. She gazed about the office, she’d never been here. She’d never really spoken to the High Priestess at all. Her mother kept such a tight rope on her that she barely knew anything outside of what her mother wanted her to know.

“She’s safe thanks to you, Emvira.” Tyvar spoke up with a warm smile. “I’ve spent years trying to keep her safe…the only thing that I could do was help patch her up when she was injured…” He bowed his head slightly.

When the High Priestess told Amaranthae to stand she hesitated a moment. She glanced to Emvira with confusion as it crossed her expression. She then slowly stood and looked to Malorn. As the words came from the High Priestess her own jaw loosened. A Priestess of Red. It was a great honor to be chosen for such a position. The Priestesses of Red in the past had protected the temple during times of darkness, which the city seemed to be drifting into. She’d read about the Priestesses in her learnings. “I…accept…it is an honor to be tasked with such a title.” Her eyes never left Malorn. She was in awe that such a title had been offered to her. She glanced to Emvira and a smile curved up her lips.

Soon enough Amranthae was led from the High Priestess’ office and deep into the temple to be prepared for the ritual of Unity of Blood. She sat within the hot spring water that was in the far reaches of the temple, only those of the temple were allowed here. She would be safe from her mother, or anyone whom meant her harm. Amaranthae was tended to by those of the temple, priestesses of white and acolytes alike prepared her for the ritual. She was placed into a gorgeous armor set unlike anything she had ever worn. It was made of an elven steel that was light as a feather, unlike her ceremonial armor that she wore for her family. It had beautiful embellishments of gold upon the deep grey color. The chainmail beneath the armor was lined in a lovely red that made the armor warm for the winter weather, but it would be cool in summer heat. There was a belt of red leather that was a thick band around her hips and a sword was attached to it. It held the insignia of the temple upon the hilt. Amranthae was walked through the halls and to the main chamber of the temple. By this time it was nearing the hour of the evening. The sun had nearly set on the horizon which cast a beautiful orange glow within the temple.

**

The High Arcanist woke fully several hours later, her body ached, her mind seemed to burn with her sins. She wiped tears away as she gazed to the empty chair that her daughter had once been in. Many times over and over her daughter had been tortured in that chair.

I saw nothing but darkness in your heart, I fear for you... the Gods fear for you

The words of Emvira ran circles within her mind. It was painful. The High Arcanist stood and staggered slightly. The most painful thing of all was her rib cage. Just how many broken ribs had Amaranthae suffered over the years from the beatings? A whimper came over her lips as she walked from her office. She lowered herself down the stairs her eyes gazed about. There was a commotion as two soldiers rushed into the temple with Arbane in their arms, his skin had black lines running across it against the cool pale blue.

“High Arcanist!” One of the soldiers exclaimed. “Your husband…”

Jasser walked into the temple after the soldiers. He stepped to his mother whom had tears in her eyes. “Mother.” He placed an arm around her as she collapsed in a sob. Everything around her was crumbling, to her own hands. Soon enough the soldiers returned with news that the commander was dead, no one could save him. “Where is Amara?” Jasser questioned after a long moment of silence.

“I don’t know…” Cersei spoke in a broken voice. “She was there…then she was not…” Bells tolled within the temple, signaling that the ritual of Unity of Blood would begin soon. Her eyes lifted and she watched as those of the temple moved about toward the main chamber. Even those of the city came to see the ritual. “A new Priestess…” Her brows furrowed slightly. She brushed her son’s arm from around her and followed the flow of people. As she arrived in the main hall of the temple she saw Amaranthae as she stood with the High Priestess at a well of spring water before a large statue of an elven woman whom was knelt on her knees with her hands held forward in an offering.

“She…can’t do this.” Jasser spoke as he stared to her sister. “Amara is of noble blood, she does not belong as a priestess…she belongs with us…who is ripping our family apart mother? Father was poisoned.” He balled his hand into a fist.

The High Arcanist raised her head slightly as she stared to High Priestess Malorn. “We will endure this, Jasser.” She spoke as she awaited the ritual to begin. “Perhaps this is what the gods have in mind.”

**

Amaranthae’s eyes found her mother within the crowd. Fear struck her chest as she looked to the woman as she stood with her brother. She turned her gaze to the High Priestess and gave a simple nod, her breaths trembled now. Her eyes returned to her mother and she bit her lip slightly as the nerves bubbled up within her being.

As High Priestess Malorn began to speak the world seemed to stop for Amaranthae. She turned to the woman as she spoke, she bowed her head in respect. She gazed up to the statue as it morphed into the God of War. She slowly bent down and bowed her head before the statue. The words that the High Priestess spoke stirred an energy within her that she’d never quite felt. A smile pulled at the corners of her lips. She stood and turned to take the chalice into both hands. She gazed into the cup and her golden hues caught a glimpse of a women dressed in the same attire. The previous Priestess of Red. She closed her eyes and drank the blood like liquid. It filled her with a calm that she’d never felt before. A long relieved sigh came over her lips as she bowed her head to Malorn. She then stepped from the High Priestess and found herself confronted by another woman.

The woman was High Priestess Lulabelle the High Priestess of Black. She gave a warm smile as she wrapped Amaranthae in a warm embrace. “Welcome child.” She spoke. “I shall help guide you.” She held Amaranthae’s hands for a moment before the next ritual began.

Amaranthae turned her eyes to Emvira as she approached the High Priestess. A smile curved up her lips.

**

“They can’t do this.” Jasser spoke with furrowed brows. “The Priestess of Red was rid from this place years ago. They’ve no place in the war. The temple has no place in the guard.” He looked to his mother. “Mother, how are you just sitting here? We have to stop them.”

Cersei raised a hand to her son and cupped his cheek, she looked into his eyes a long moment. “My son. Amaranthae accepted this, I cannot rush in and change that. The High Priestess has chosen her. Perhaps it is her fate. The Gods will choose what happens to all of us, Jasser.” Her expression was filled with sadness. “Now is not the time to fight. Perhaps soon, we may, but not now.”

Jassen drew in a breath, his eyes narrowed slightly. “If you won’t say something to her, I will.” He spoke as the crowd began to disburse. He walked through them and around them.

The High Arcanist remained where she was, her eyes stared to High Priestess Malorn. She drew in a long breath as the gears of her mind seemed to turn.

**

“You’ve much to learn child.” Lulabelle spoke with a smile upon her lips. “But we do this all as High Priestess Malorn says, without force, without violence.” She turned her emerald hues to her. She was a truly stunning woman with jet black locks that seemed to glisten in the light of the setting sun. “I see a lot in you…there’s something more to you than…” She raised a brow as she saw Amaranthae looking over her shoulder.

Jasser approached his eyes looked to his sister. “I don’t know what you’re doing little sister.” He spoke, his voice aggressive. “Father has died. The last he was seen was here in this very temple. You think that you’re surrounded by friends? You’ve just placed yourself into a pit of vipers.” His voice was full of aggression. “The guard will not follow you. You do not speak for them.”

Lulabelle raised a hand, she gave a slight laugh as she looked to him. “So the commander has passed and you have come to place blame upon the temple?” She questioned and clicked her tongue. “Dear child. This is not the place, nor the time for blame. Only the gods will guide us. The time for change is now, clearly the gods have spoken. Amara the Priestess of Red will serve the temple and the gods well by being the guiding light for the city guard.”

Jasser had a tight jaw as he looked to the High Priestess of Black. “You’ve nothing to say?” He looked back to Amaranthae.

Amaranthae stepped forward to him and took his hands into her own. “Brother. I…am saddened by the loss of our father.” She spoke her voice soft. “You will make a strong Commander. You will guide the guard well, and who better to guide them with?” She asked and then offered a warm smile to him. She wasn’t afraid. Not like before. No she was protected now. There was nothing he could do to her. Jassen pulled his hands from her and sneered slightly before he turned swiftly and hurried away through the crowds. Her hues fell upon her mother once again as the woman stared to her from across the room. She watched then as Cersei turned away from her and left the hall.

“Amara…” Tyvar spoke as he stepped to her, a grin upon his lips. “You look…stunning…that armor is…” He chuckled and then he pulled her into a tight embrace.

Amaranthae chuckled as she hugged him back. “It’s different, isn’t it?” She smiled to him as she pulled from the embrace. “Thank you.” She spoke and then she turned her gaze. “I should go…I’ll see you soon I’m sure.” She turned and walked with the High Priestess of Black to where Emvira and High Priestess Malorn were with several other priestesses and High priestesses. “Congratulations.” Amaranthae spoke as she came to Emvira’s side. “Vira, Priestess of White…it has a good ring to it.” She had a warm smile upon her lips, a true smile. Unlike the practiced smiles that she’d always given.