Silence

[Mystic]

I stayed at the Isle far longer then I should've. I learned many things about the magic. Later I went to the Dojo and learned from the people there. I was wandering the RhyDin streets when I felt a sickening feeling in my stomach. Something was happening, something was terribly wrong. Looking at the arena doors I knew it was within there that evil events were occurring.

Using a simple portal spell I had learned I appeared in a shadowed corner. With a simple glance I saw Hantei Daigotsu and the nice woman, Cadence, dueling. That was it, that was where I sensed the pure evil. Moving to Daigotsu's ring I wondered what I would do. I had learned a lot of magic and strengthened my powers, but nothing as great as this man. Cadence was winning, and that eased me somewhat, but what would Hantei do to her?

She waved to me, but I still worried. I curtsied politely to Cadence, but never removed my sight from that man. His aura was pure black with strings of crimson red. Cadence on the other hand was a white, and very white blue aura. The first man I had seen after casting that forbidden spell arrived. He seemed to command respect just by his presence, and so I curtsied low to him.

"Glad to see you did not flee this time," he chuckled.

There were drops of blooding raining in the ring. I knew this should not touch anyone so pure as Cadence, and so I worked the aether into a shield around her. It would not affect the duel, but it would protect her from any magical attempt to harm her. That's what I hoped any way. She was weak, and so I worked a second stream of magic to heal her. The wards did not seem to help any, and I was very worried.

I poured all my energy into the barrier save for the reserve I kept in case of emergency. While healing and protecting her I watched Hantei for any movement. Seeing his tendrils leap out at her I immediately set up a third barrier in front of them. I began to tremble; this was taking too much concentration. Cadence won the duel, but I knew Hantei wouldn't stop there.

To my surprise he let lose a tendril towards me. I deflected the tendril at the same time as the man beside me. He looked at me, instructing me to heal Cadence further. I refocused on her and let Hantei dwindle from sight. When Daigotsu was surrounded by a dozen men, all dressed in robes of his style my focus wavered.

Another man came right behind me and I felt the blade slice through my chest. I winced and I knew the pain would remain for the blade seethed with evil. Letting the reserve take place the wound closed slowly. I realized then what a true asset being magical was. Cadence ran to hide behind something and I concentrated on her.

"You all have no idea what you are toying with. None of you know what it is to have true unity...and that is why you will never succeed against me" Hantei's words put fear into my heart. "My Blood speakers are loyal beyond your comprehension...they serve me to the very end." Hantei's spirit flared again as the Rain of Blood grew to cover the entire Arena. "The very end..." With that, the Blood speakers remaining in the ring finished their ritual, all ten bodies simply exploding in a bloody mist, sending organs and bone shrapnel in all directions.

I trembled slightly hearing his words and being very scared. It was time to leave, but I had to take care of Cadence. I created a simple evacuation portal for Cadence to go through. Cadence tried to take me with her but I could not support us both and so the portal collapse. My eyes grew wide with fear as I saw Hantei's spirit leap from his body, move towards Cadence, circle around and then he vanished with two followers. It was black all around as another being placed the arena in a pure darkness.

Shaking violently I could not do anything as the Drow who had stabbed me put an iron grip on Cadence. With a flash of light they were both gone, the pure energy I had aimed at him passing through an empty space. Moving quickly I tried to trace where they went.

"Can you follow them?"

I didn't now if I could or couldn't but I was going to try. I felt the trace and nodded to the man called Artemus. Opening a portal I went through trying to find them. I sensed him behind me as I followed a path of aether. I could feel myself weakening and I was becoming lost and confused. The man was no longer with me and I didn't know where to go.

Returning to the arena I was exhausted. This had been a chaotic night and it wasn't over yet. Seeing Hantei's faint outline I stiffened. He was still here. He matched my gaze but I didn't move a muscle. I wasn't going to run, not yet.

Crouching down slowly he offered a hand to me. I looked at it but did not accept. He was not one to be trusted. Backing away slowly I awaited for him to release his spirit.

He raised the hand and slowly removed his porcelain mask. "Fear shows weakness, and there is no place for that in this world." He spoke sternly, and his features clearly spoke of royalty.

The man who had placed the arena in darkness originally offered me his hand; I looked from on to the other. Standing firmly I looked at Hantei and then moved forward bravely till I was just out of his grasp. I would not show fear!

It wasn't long before I realized my stupidity, a blood tendril lashed out and wrapped tightly around my arm. I used the last of my reserve to attack the tendril with a magical fire. "I spared you once, child and expected you to not interfere." The tendril was released and he looked at me for the last time that night. "As I told the other...your life is in your own hands."

---

I returned to the Dojo frightened, weak, and hungry. I looked at where I had been stabbed and saw the wound had opened. My last magical reserves were gone and I could no longer continue to heal myself. Grabbing a cloth I pressed tightly on the wound, trying to stop the bleeding. I’m not sure what happened afterwards, but I made a final resolve to not leave the Dojo alone.

((Cross-Posted in No One Must Know))

[Xenograg]

Upon seeing Mystic's wound, the servants immediately summon Xenograg to the Dojo. The house physician is already attending the girl when Xenograg arrives.

Knowing that Mystic has healing power far beyond anyone else present, Xenograg sits beside her bed and takes her hands in his.

"I am going to transfer energy to you like Rhaine did. Ready?" Mystic nods and he begins. Such a transfer is new and unskilled for him, and goes slowly. The physician keeps pressure upon the wound until Mystic can again heal herself.

Mystic passes out from exhaustion soon after. Xenograg and the physician look at each other for a moment, each man's relief a mirror of the other's. Xenograg lightly kisses Mystic's forehead and stands. It is unsaid that the physician himself will watch her tonight.

Xenograg returns to Barsi. He is drained but makes a point of hugging his wife, two sons, and daughter.

[Rhaine]

Twilight Isle, and the sand parts to release an Oni right near Mystic...

It is a choice... Mystic or the enemy I wish could be a friend... and I stand still, in full combat spellup of an asmodean Knight...

The Oni grasps Sylus, and my word to assist members of the Guild compels me to get him out of clawed paws...

And the words of Blood Mage... "Now I know where you stand... vampiress"

Can I stop being bound by my word? Can I abandon those I have sworn to assist? Or would it not be better to just... leave?

My hand reached to the bindrune, and in a soft flare of pale blue a gem that resembled those in the rune, appeared in my hand. "For you," I smiled, giving the gem to Mystic. The accumulator gem would help her when she needs energy...

I did babble a few insignificant phrases, pretending to feel fine... As Sylus invited me to hunt, I left. Easily and smoothly, I warped into my hideout... Soft silence engulfed me, and in a shimmer of blackness and pale cyan I drifted off into nothing...

[Xenograg]

Xenograg and Mystic go to the Dueling Annex on Sunday night. Xenograg feels it is important for Mystic to visit the public areas again -- "get back on the horse" -- but also to learn whom it was that had attacked her.

Mystic points out Artemus as someone to talk to. Artemus claims not to know everything that occured but provides Xenograg with sufficient information. Vanion had attacked Mystic at the urging of Diagotsu.

This is the third time the Bloodspeakers has struck at people Xenograg cared about, excluding Rhaine's troubles with their master. Another dark ritual has been performed in the Arena, and Diagotsu continues to use sport duels as a precursor to magical assault.

Diagotsu is beginning to seriously annoy Xenograg.

[Artemus Kurgen]

He felt that he had failed young Mystic. Her wound was a result of his inability to be two places at once. Though he did his best to protect her from Daigotsu, the vampire Vanion had attacked from behind and he was not fast enough. To make matters worse, Cadence was kidknapped in the process.

He spent most of the next days, looking over maps, a quartz crystal seeking her out, scrying for her location....and Vanion's. It was all a wasted effort in the end. He could not find them, not in this world or the next, they were simply gone....

Dragging his feet, bone weary and lacking sleep, he headed for the Annex to drink away his troubles and contemplate what to do next. Sliding into a bottle of scotch he was just starting to forget his problems when Mystic appeared..accompanied by Xenograg.

"Aww hell..." He muttered to himself. He knew Xeno would come to investigate Mystic's being wounded..and he knew that Mystic would point him out above the others.....because he had tried to protect her. Steeling himslef, Artemus sat a little straighter and urged a smile to his face as they approached.

Motioning them to take a seat he waved his left hand in a flurish making a lolipop appear between two fingers. He held it out to Mystic and then looked at Xeno. " I can't tell you much about last night...but I will tell you what I can..." From there he told him of the events that had transpired. He told them of Daigotsu's attack on Mystic and then Vanion's. He told Xeno of Cadence's abduction and of how he felt that he had failed Mystic. Surprising the tainted druid, Mystic moved over to him and gave him a warm hug. Smiling for himself and for her he returned the embrace. Ruffling the child's hair, he bade them goodnight and headed for the bar. Ordering more scotch, he saught to absolve his personal regrets with numbing alcohol.

[Mystic]

I wandered around the Dojo wanting to visit the Isle and absorb some magic, but I also didn't want to leave without someone else. I watched as Rhaine was let into the Dojo and I hoped she would take me out.

Rhaine looked around, her eyes still covered with pale mist; I skipped over to hug her. We greeted each other and she took me to the Island by the way of the shadows. We materialized gradually together. I looked around the Isle and saw Dimitri, I also saw the woman Alia enter. Being somewhat bored I wandered around until the same dog I saw at the arena ran over to me. I believe it is Dimitri's dog so I began to play fetch with it. We ended up in the water and I got really wet. Soon enough I got tired and dragged my feet over to Dimitri plopping down beside him. Dimitri asked how I was, just like Rhaine. It’s beyond me why they keep asking when I can’t answer them. Shrugging slightly I looked at Alia who was studying me.

“You know child, we have a wonderful home for children just like you, where you could play with others your own age, and go to school,” she said.

“And you are sure your school would be any good to her?” Rhaine had a good point, but I looked at Alia anyway, thinking about that choice.

“It would be good for her, and so would having children her own age around her be good for her.”

“ How do you know what would be good for her, Alia Anor?”

I considered the prospect. It would be very difficult, being mute, and I’m not sure I could interact with the other children. Besides, could anyone really understand me better than the people I had found?

“We care for many orphans, there is a history of helping homeless children I would point to.”

Rhaine walked over to me but midway turned to look at the portal. Curious I followed her gaze and kept my features in check as I watched Hantei walk onto the Isle. I did not forget what he could do. Rhaine turned to me and gave me some advice. “ I know it sounds tempting, Mystic, and I am not the one to recommend you anything, choice is yours... but will you be happy with those who can not understand you?”

Ignoring Daigotsu I thought about the pros and cons of making such a choice. I’d be taken away from Xenograg, I wouldn’t feel the protection I felt at the Dojo, I’d have to make new friends all over again and I’d be even closer to all those people in white robes. Then again I might make friends…friends my age was a weird idea. I’d never had people my age, it was always just me and my Uncle. That was it then, I shook my head slightly at Alia. I heard her speak to Dimitri as I wandered about the arenas.

”She would be happy with children her own age.”

I felt Hantei watching me and it took all of my will power to show no reaction. “What?” said Dimitri; I guess he wasn’t really awake.

"She should be in the orphanage, not living in a dojo with no others her own age.”

“And eagles should be raised by hens,” said Rhaine nodding to Alia.

“She seems find there,” said Dimitri.

“But she has no children to play with, no one her own age to relate to.”

I crouched down to look at an interesting coin that had been dropped while still listening to everyone speak. A man that looked a lot like Artemus came in and entered the conversation.

“You would see her taken from people that care for her...just so that she can play with children her own age?”

“ She would be cared for.”

“But not by people she WANTS to care for her…”

“She doesn't know because she hasn't met them”

I listened quietly to Sylus and Alia continue, I also and heard Rhaine speaking to Daigotsu about me. I may not be able to speak but that doesn’t mean I can’t hear. I wish I could tell them my opinion once in a while. Still somewhat apprehensive of Daigotsu I started to write a simple spell against bad luck in my own language.

Inhai Inhai simo lay. Inhai Inhai anti shay.
(Darkness, darkness thou art wrong. Darkness Darkness be thou gone)

The symbols were simple and exquisite. Yet as soon as I had wrote them some outer force blew them away. Frowning I retraced them. Rhaine walked over and looked at the symbols. They must’ve looked so strange. I turned back to see Daigotsu. He was the epitome of darkness. Rhaine smiled at me and the sand before me started shifting forming a set of symbols that looked quite different from my own. Sylus, the man who looked like Artemus, came over and looked at the symbols as well. With a wave of his hand he added his own symbols. It was kind of funny actually.

I placed my hand just above my own drawings and moved it over them, feeling almost comforted seeing them. With another gesture from Daigotsu the symbols washed over with more sand. I traced the symbols once more with ease and care.

“Daigotsu stop picking on the child.”

“Do these have a meaning to you?” Rhaine asked.
I nodded slightly and watched Sylus trace his symbols into the air. They glowed with a pale green light as they shifted and turned into animals that seemed to dance around me. Grinning happily I watched them dance around me, turning around to follow one in particular. However, seeing Hantei I paused…something was wrong. The Isle rumbled. The sand behind my small group opened to reveal a ten-foot Oni, violently clawing it's way to the surface. Jumping slightly I turned around to see the creature just behind me. I recognized it and decided it best not to move. So I watched. Many of my friends such as Sylus and Dimitri armed themselves. The being was hulking. Four arms each with tainted claws. The head was nothing more but a gaping maw, lined with razor teeth. I wanted to run, I was within arms reach of the creature but I just stood there, though I thought it best to put up a magical shield.

“A beautiful specimen you have summoned,” commented Rhaine.

The Oni remained, awaiting its master's will. “Who do you think will win?” answered Hantei.

“Depends on who would fight and what you would consider victory.”

“I think you should fight it.”

“I have seen them, Blood Mage. During... my first visit. And why would I fight it?”

I remained in a staring contest with the beast, I was only slightly aware of Rhaine and Sylus coming beside me. The demon has my full focus.

”I would be careful if you are going to do something. They do no hunt their own kind...so it must be very very hungry.”

Those eyes entranced me, unware of everything going on around me. I waited, and then I came back to reality. I released a breath I didn’t know was being held. My eyes darted over to Hantei and then to the swirling flowers left at a table. It was Asako. I let my concentration waver too much, the Oni moved, right two arms pulling back for a powerful motion. Thank goodness for Rhaine, she protected me with a second spell. I was shocked though when Daigotsu’s spirit jumped, burying itself in Sylus. I watched apprehensively, remembering Xenograg's comment about having to pick and choose your fights. After staying so still I made my first actual movement and stepped back away from the Oni and the fray. Everything was blur, Sylus being lifted from the ground, Daigotsu jumping to his own body, Asako and Dimitri… My first focus was Sylus; I placed my hands on him checking him over with magic. The Oni grabbed him with a second hand, so I shot raw magic into the Oni’s chest. Rhaine helped Sylus escape in her own way but the realization of what I’d just done hit me. I had fought Hantei. Again. The Oni exploded forcefully hitting my barrier with a wall of tainted blood.
Rhaine was also unaffected, my barrier began to fail but Rhaine kept us both protected.

”At least it is known where you stand...Vampiress,” commented Daigotsu.

”Always on my own... “ she responded, looking at me for a moment... at Sylus... at Dimitri... black metal covering her hands, and her black silken shirt turning into something resembling a chain mail. I knew I had just lost something with Rhaine; her face was deadly pale as she spoke to me. “So you’re against him, aren’t you?” I trembled slightly, closing my eyes and bringing my emotions into control, shrugging very slightly. I reached slowly for her hand, wishing to leave. She shook her head slowly, Sylus told me to leave. I felt like I had betrayed Rhaine and gotten them upset at me. Slowly I weaved a portal back to the Dojo. Before I left Rhaine gave me a cyan gem. I curtsied out of politeness and then left through the portal. At this point I wish to be back in that castle of Uncles.

[Quaide]

It is dawn in Eszt-Zaar, an old man studies a once closed book.

"WHERE IS SHE!"

The man flinches as young Mystic's mother approaches. "Absent my dear sister."

The mother looks at her precious book, opened and tainted with the child’s touch. "She has been summoned! The council requests her presence immediately!"

"And why, Darsia, does the council request of her?"

"Brother, the Imilas are growing impatient. They want to return home. Now. I told the council of Mystic's abilities and that she could help them return."

This was not good news. The Imilas were spirit beings that had come to the aid of the Zaarians during the great plague. This plague had dire affects on the Imilas abilities and they became weak. Zaarians do not go into debt, and it is punishable by death. Now that they are in this debt to the Imilas it is up to them to provide a way home. The Imilas were quickly dying out and the council was becoming frustrated. If the council thought Mystic could help, they would stop at nothing to use her.

"I have bad news Darsia. The child has used your forsaken book to leave us. I can not trace her whereabouts."

Anger was written all over the young woman’s face. "Find her then!"

Quaide spent hours trying to trace the child, but she had not left any tracks. He had also attended a council meeting, and they charged him with finding her. To refuse the council was death, to agree was the child’s doom. The plan in mind would require her magic, and it would drain her to the extent that the trip would kill her. It was a sacrifice not worth the risk.

[Rhaine]

I walked into Arena, my thoughts wandering aimlessly on different subjects. Mystic, Mystic... will you ever forgive me my own inner conflict, my inability to make a choice? I sat down, sipping hot strong coffee, trying to get my mind in order, unwilling to see anyone and anything.

When General Xenograg arrived, Mystic was quick to follow, and I could hardly control the joy that flared in me. I got tea and cookies for these two, and sat down. Something was definitely going to happen... my intuition is seldom wrong. And there is was... mist condensed to form Vanion.

I made sure Mystic had the accumulator gem I have given her. It was fully charged, and should be more than enough to evaporate a dozen of Oni's in one flare. I know Mystic is a smart and careful girl, and won't waste it on nothing. Xenograg seemed to be surprised that I gave Mystic that thing, but it was merely a way to thank her... and to make sure she's safe. With Vanion around, anyone I consider a friend is endangered.

Mystic... I looked at her, knowing that from that day at the Twilight Isle she would suspect me in alliance with Daigotsu. By Midnight, I wish I knew where was this "on my own" I mentioned....

[Quaide]

The council set out a search party for the child. The best trackers in the land. The man fears that if they find her she shall be subjected to their plan immediately. If he could find her first then perhaps she would be spared. Quaide arrived at a land called RhyDin and felt her presence there. Knowing the childs curiousity he went to the busiest place, the arenas.

As he travelled the streets he was greeted by the name of 'Xenograg' many times. It seems he had a physical likeness to this General. When he arrived at the arenas Quaide was once again greeted by that name. Perhaps he should seek out this man called Xenograg.

Deciding to get right to the point, Quaide asked the official there about the orphanages in RhyDin. He was positive a child such as Mystiral would be taken to one.

The same man that mistook him for Xenograg replied. “Why? You aren't one of those freaks that go into orphanages killing are you?” Giving Quaide a probing eye he continued. “Well, there's none in here anyway.”

“I am looking for a specific child that has been lost.”

A woman spoke up. “Prithee, wha' child 're ye seekin'?”

“Her name is Mystiral Liahona Suleir.”

“Nope never heard of her.” What was it with different people answering all his questions?

“Commonly goes by the name of Mystic.”

“Why are you looking for this child?”

“That is of my own business. Suffice it to say that she is being searched for by others less kind then myself.”

“Why is she so important that so many people are looking for her?”

“As a solution. A way to pay a debt. A sacrifice.” The last word was spoken said with utter disgust.

“an' prithee why dae ye seek th' lass?”

“Sacrifice? A child?”

“Indeed. I wish to protect her.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“That child means more to me then anything in this here universe. I only wish for her to be safe.”

“I might know where the child is.”

I thought about the options, and nodding slowly I made my request. “I do not wish for her to see me. Not yet. If you could please find out who is watching her I would be most grateful. You can contact me via this parchment.”

“She is under good care.” The man tried to be reassuring, but Quaide needed to know. If others came looking for her, the guardian(s) had to be informed.

Quickly Quaide summoned some magical parchment. “I hope so, but I must speak with her care taker. Just burn the parchment after you have written the name and address or any other message. I will receive it.”

The man shook his head negatively. “Trust me. She is under good care.”

Quaide smiled sadly. “There are far too many wicked men for me to trust you so soon. I truly must speak with her guardian. Even if it is at this arena, even if she is not present. In fact, I wish her not to be present.”

“an' prithee, why shouldst anna o' us trust ye? Yer new 'ere, an' dae seek a wee lass wi'oot cause tha' we mayst see.”

“I'm not asking to be trusted, I do not even wish to see her. If you must know though, I am her Uncle. Any other details I would be glad to tell her guardian.”

“Leave yer parchment, we shall see 't delivered.”

Solemnly he handed the woman another piece of parchment. “Thank you very much.”

She slipped the parchment into her robes. “ye art verra welcome, bu' nae guarantees.”

“I understand.” Quaide folded his hands within the robes. “Good night.”

“g'eventide Quaide”

Leaving quietly, he disappeared into the shadows. It was in a way comforting to know that many people cared enough for the child to protect her so. If only the guardian of Mystic could be informed of the danger she truly was in.

[Alais d Nitesong]

The parchment held traces of sorcery, but no homing spell that she could detect.

She watched as the man who so strongly resembled Xenograg departed the Arena, understanding now why the child was so attached to Xeno for protection and comfort. This must be someone Mystic had trusted. The question now was should the man still be trusted?

She rose and bid everyone good evening before whispering the Annaran spell that would allow her to travel undetected, and she headed for Eldicor. Xeno would either be in Eldicor, or Teleperien would know where she could find him. She would not go to the Dojo. That was too risky.

[Xenograg]

Xenograg and Amaltea continue to reside in Eldicor as guests of Queen Teleperien, and Alais finds her friends there preparing for bed.

Alais tells Xenograg about the lookalike seeking Mystic. Alais then departs due to the lateness of the hour. Xenograg tells Amaltea and Teleperien the next morning.

[QueenTeleperien]

Listening to Xenograg tell the news Alias brought concerned Teleperien a great deal. Though she didn’t know Mystic well, she held a tender spot in her heart for the child. Further if her friend the Darelir chose to take Mystic under his protection.. the child was under her protection as well. But, if this ‘uncle’ resembled Xenograg and Mystic trusted Xenograg so readily perhaps this man was indeed trustworthy.

That waits to be seen. At this moment Tele thinks it’s better to be suspicious and cautious and find out otherwise than to deliver Mystic to harm.

“I would like to accompany you to the arena to meet with this gentleman.” Tele says quietly. “Mystic seems to be hiding from harm of some sort.. and you might need help."

[Xenograg]

"Thank you," replies Xenograg to Teleperien. "And the four of us should be able to more quickly find this man in the city."

Later that night, Xenograg tells Mystic of the man searching for her. Mystic becomes a little frightened when she realizes that Xenograg is not whom she thought he is, but also knows that he truly cares for her. Furthermore, Mystic seems torn between wanted to see this man and not. Xenograg promises to talk to this man and not reveal her yet. Mystic trusts Xenograg will do this and is comforted.

Using the writing system they have worked out together, Mystic is able to convey the man's identity to Xenograg; she writes "Uncle Quaide."

[Mystic]

I had been playing by the gates of the Dojo when I thought I saw Xenograg. On closer inspection, I realized who it had to be. It was Uncle! I ran out of the Dojo trying to follow him. When it started raining I lost track of him, and I couldn't call out his name. It had to be him...where was he? I searched everywhere frusturated that I couldn't find my Uncle. Then I saw myself standing infront of the Inn where the arena was. I hurt in the inside sooo much, so I ran inside.

I looked around frantically trying to find my Uncle but he wasn’t in there. I heard a voice speak distantly but clearly. “Seems like it is rainin’”. Hearing the voice I turned around until I saw the shadow. It wasn’t Uncle, but I soon recognized the voice to be Dimitri. A towel appeared beside me but I didn’t notice. I felt my lips tremble; I couldn’t find my Uncle anywhere! Sitting down I buried my face into my arms and cried inaudibly. I heard Dimitri’s voice again. “Is everything all right?” Looking at him I pulled the towel around me, shivering and crying. He asked me again if everything was all right. Of course it wasn’t! Couldn’t he see my tears? In case he didn’t I shook my head. I felt miserable.

Using his magic he dried me with some warm flames and asked what I was looking for. Why do people ask questions I’m unable to answer? I formed the image of Xenograg but changed it slightly to look like Uncle. I sat on the couch a while and stayed with Azjah as she prepared to call. Though no on appeared to want to duel. She gave me some paper and a pencil so I could help her call. I decided to write my full name in my own language. Sitting back I looked at the symbols. They were too familiar to keep so I crumpled the paper and chucked it. Burying deeper in the towel I wondered if I would ever find Uncle.

Hearing a man enter the arena I turned around. It was Xenograg! My eyes still red from crying I ran up to him and hugged him tight. He caught me in comforting way and held me close. “Hey, Sunshine.” His familiar greeting reminded me of Uncle once again and I began to sob silently. “I am here, Mystic.” His voice was soft and comforting. He carried me to the nearest chair and sat down. “Did you go out on your own?” Nodding slightly I looked at him sadly. “You were brave for trying…” he paused “I have some news for you, Sunshine.” Curious I looked at him while he told me that someone had come here looking for me. Someone who looked a lot like him. I looked down at the table and thought about this. So Uncle had come looking for me. I had always known that Xenograg was not Uncle, but this was further proof. He seemed uncertain that I knew this. “Mystic, you realize I am not a member of your family. I look like this man whom you trust.” I nodded slightly. “You know you can trust me, too. I want and need to know: do you want to see this man?”

I thought about this for a while and was a little worried. What would happen to me? Would I go back home with Uncle? Would I ever see Xenograg again? Would I have to leave all my friends? At any rate I needed to see my Uncle again so I nodded slowly. Xenograg told me that before I saw Uncle he’d have to speak to him, he also asked if this man was family. After giving him affirmation he spoke to me like father used to. “I love you, even if I am not who you thought I am.”

Hugging him tightly I created a flame heart. I’d always love Xenograg. He had been my guardian and reminded me a lot like Uncle and Father. The rest of the night we had fun with names. I showed him Uncle Quaide’s name in magic writing. While we were experimenting he showed me his in pictograms. Suddenly though he erased his and asked me to erase mine. He asked me to promise I would never write those pictograms again. Then I learned a very scary lesson. "Names have power, Mystic. Our names have power over us.” I thought about the times I had spelt and used my real name in my native language. Especially the crumpled piece of paper that was in some inobscure corner. We left on Xenogrags horse. I hope Uncle Quaide is safe.

[Quaide]

The man had become familiar with RhyDin, but he still lacked word from Mystic. He hoped against hope that she was alive. Once again, Quaide returned to the arenas, desiring some answers.

The first surprise of the evening was that Quaide met his look-a-like, Xenograg. The second was that the man was an official. If only he had visited the arenas more often. Watching with mild interest the evening proceeded smoothly. Quaide decided to wait things out, and in the process, became entangled in a duel.

Sylus Kurgen was an excellent opponent, very formidable. However, during the duel, Quaide was quite amazed at the attention he was receiving. Particularly from another official, a blue Imp. With all of the background noise it became increasingly difficult to concentrate. Subira (patience), Quaide's long sword, kept in time with the other mans weapons. The white gem Kemen (courage) pulsed rhythmically. However, the duel ended in Sylus favor, and Quaide retired to his table.

Quaide felt eyes upon him every moment. For some reason, he had given these people a cause to watch him. Vigilantly. However, the only one to approach him was his twin, Xenograg. With a polite greeting he offered the man a seat. There were brief, but unnecessary introductions and then the conversation began to flow.

“You have spoken to some friends of mine here recently about a little girl.” Nodding sagely Quaide confirmed his statement. “You have been mistaken for me several times, I expect.”

Smiling slightly Quaide replied, “You must be a very well known, if not a respected member of the community.”

“Longevity. I have been here a long time. You have been mistaken for me, and I was mistaken for you once.”

This suggested someone from his realm was here. Quaide suspected Mystic, and his eyebrows rose slightly. “Continue.”

“I know where Mystic is.”

Though expected, he let out a soft, yet long and relieved breath. “How is she?”

“She is well. Has been through a rough time, as you can expect.”

"What has she told you?” He expected this to be a reasonably question, but he got a strange look for a response.

“Nothing. Mystic and I can barely write sentences to each other.”

With a slight frown Quaide continued. “I didn't expect her to write, but surely she can speak? Even telepathy should be an option.” His brow furrowed as he considered what this might mean. Xenograg continued to look at him strangely.

”Mystic cannot speak, and she has not used any telepathy with me.”

Shaking his head, Quaide thought about the spell book. “I didn't think the effects would spread that far.” He sighed slightly but continue to press forward. “I'm assuming she's in your care?”

“Among others. She has made many friends here.”

“Well, as long as she is in good care. Do you mind if she remains with you?”

Xenograg smiled. “She is not a burden.”

“I do not know when it will be safe for her to return, so she may remain here for an indeterminate amount of time.”

“May I know how she came to this city alone?”

“A book. She did not want to grow and so she cast a spell from a very dangerous book.”

Xenograg pondered the concept, and came to the same conclusion as Quaide. “It struck her mute. More than mute.”

“That is what I'm assuming. I do not know what else happened, but I believe she was inadvertently transported here. Her telepathy, though, should not have been affected, perhaps it will slowly return to her.”

“You mentioned home being unsafe.”

Nodding with solemnity Quaide considered Eszt’Zaar. “Indeed.” He paused. “It is a complicated situation...involving a great deal of history. Where I come from honor is valued above everything else.” There was another pause as he tried to explain the gravity of the situation. “Becoming indebted to another is a hindrance upon that honor, punishable by death. Not long ago, while Mystic was only a newborn; we were struck with a plague. This plague was very fatal, and we were aided by a race from another realm. There aid weakened them and left them stranded. We became indebted to them, and it is up to us to help them find a way back. Mystic's mother, Darsia, informed the council of Mystics ... unusual capabilities.” After a nod of understanding from Xenograg, he continued. “They have formulated the idea that in training Mystic they could return these people back to their realm through her. It would take only a few months for her to learn the necessary skills and spells. However, it would drain her so that she would either have to live there or perhaps even be destroyed in the process.”

“That is the informed opinion?”

He nodded. “They have a search party looking for her as we speak.”

“Where do you stand on all this, sir?”

“I do not approve. It is a waste of such wonderful raw talent, she could become so much more. She is also my niece, and I will not let that happen to her.”

“Where is her father?”

“He died in the plague.”

“What of the debt?”

“The debt? In my opinion, the debt could be paid in other ways. Or at least they could wait till she is more capable. The council is blinded by their haste. And her mother is of no help.”

“Haste is not a course to take without cause.”

“In the eyes of many it is cause enough.” Quaide spoke more to himself in the answer then to the man across from him. Sighing he thought about the councils search. “As I said, it is a very complicated situation. I could easily hand her over to the council and the people would revere me as an honorable man.”

“You know she is here. What now for you?”

“I leave. I throw the council off track, and I find a solution in the meantime.” Quaide awaited Xenograg's nod then finished. “I may return for her, I may not.”

“Thank you for being forthcoming with me, sir.”

“It is the least I could do, you have kept her safe.”

“Can you tell me how I would recognize the Council's hunters?”

“They will be dressed similar to myself. Perhaps robes of red with black trim, black with gold trim, or gold with green trim. It denotes certain positions. They will take her by force if they find her. They may try coaxing her, she trusts many of them and doesn't know of the situation.”

“She will be warned. And defended. She has many friends here. Some are listening to us even now.”

Quaide pondered the possibility of him not returning. He would not want Mystic here against her will. With a slight mutter under his breath he removed the white gem Kemen and placed it in a small box. Locking it with a few mental spells he handed it to the man. “If I do not return within a year, give her this.”

Xenograg scried the box for a moment before taking it up. “One year from now.”
Softly he continued the conversation. “She is very naive and believes all are trustworthy. I have sheltered her for many years, and perhaps I haven't been the best guardian. I hope you can do better.”

“She is a child and must learn distrust the hard way.”

“Try to find a way to communicate with her, especially with telepathy. It may take a while, but I'm sure that spell is not strong enough to prevent such a means of communication.”

“I did not know her condition was the result of a spell. I thought it normal. Perhaps it can be lifted entirely.”

Quaide thought about this. “The spell was powerful, and the side affects may remain permanently or not. If you can lift it though, by all means, do.”

“We shall see. Did you want to see her?”

Shaking his head in the negative he answered, “It would make parting hard. In fact, I would prefer if she doesn't know of my presence.”

“She already does. She saw you in the street last week. She followed but lost your trail.” Quaide frowned, having hoped that she would not have found him out.

“Well ... tell her what you believe is necessary. If she asks, I do miss her.”
“I will tell her.”

Rising slightly Quaide thanked Xenograg. “I will return when I can.”

“She has been a true pleasure, but you are welcome.”

It had been merely a half hour since Quaide arrived back in Eszt’Zaar. The sound of a light knock on wood beckoned him. Summons from the council were becoming more and more frequent. Yet he did not expect the armed guards when the door opened.