Warlock (3rd month of Autumn, 6th day, 6th hour, morning)

  Aya woke before dawn. After two days of rest and regular meals, she was tired of sleep and restless from inaction. Ixi was awake too, so Aya spent time teaching her words. Then she stood up, stretched, and lay back down on the bed.

  Two hours passed in idle waiting until Xia knocked on the door. By then, morning light had begun to filter through the window.

  "Come. The Master will see you now. Take your friend."

  Xia led Aya back to the familiar room with the long table. This time, a guard stood outside. Inside, more people had gathered. Kedi and Kemi were seated as before, but to Kedi's right sat a stranger in travel-worn garb. His fine black coat, trimmed in red and gold, had the air of a uniform. His unusual golden eyes regarded Aya with calm interest. A flat wooden box rested on the table in front of him.

  Flanking the room stood two household officers, a man and a woman. Xia guided Aya to the center, curtsied, and stepped aside.

  "You already know us, Aya. This is Lord Negli, a warlock," Kedi said, gesturing to the golden-eyed elf. "He needs to draw blood from both you and your familiar."

  "May I ask why, my lord?"

  "To ensure you are not an enemy. I cannot say more. It's a simple test — just a few drops from a finger."

  "Can I do it myself? I don't want others touching Ixi."

  Kedi looked to Negli, who nodded and said, "Yes. Let me show you first. Then you'll do the same for your familiar."

  Negli stood, retrieved a glass vial and a small knife from the box, wiped the blade with a cloth, and stepped toward her. Ixi hissed in warning.

  "Your hand, Aya."

  Aya extended her hand.

  "Squeeze the fingertip like this. Then a light stab with the knife. Now bring the vial close and keep pressing."

  A bead of blood welled up and dripped into the vial, deep ruby red. Ixi stared, transfixed.

  "I need about this much."

  Negli sealed the vial, then produced a strip of cloth and bandaged her finger. He moved with practiced efficiency, slowing slightly to demonstrate the knot. Once finished, he put away the sample and retrieved another vial.

  "Will you manage?" he asked, handing her the tools.

  Aya took them, balancing Ixi in one arm and the vial and knife in the other.

  "Allow me to help, my lords," Xia interjected. "Let's seat her first."

  They settled Ixi in a chair. Aya performed the procedure. Ixi flinched but quickly became mesmerized by the sight of her own blood. It looked completely normal — the same color as Aya's. With Xia's help, Aya bandaged the tiny wound.

  "Now wait outside, Aya," Xia said with a smile.

  Escorted into the corridor, Aya held Ixi in her arms. Several minutes passed in silence, broken only by muffled voices behind the door. She strained to listen but couldn't catch the words. Eventually, Xia emerged and beckoned her back inside. Negli and his box were gone.

  Kedi spoke as soon as the door shut behind her.

  "You passed the test, Aya. Also, I have received a message from the Tower. The death of your master has been confirmed, and your story verified. Since you are officially masterless, I can accept you into House Vemer as a servant. Would you like that?"

  The question hung in the air. Five elves watched her, their expressions unreadable. She realized that some decision had already been made in her absence. Now she was being judged.

  "What if I refuse?"

  "Your belongings will be returned, and you will be free to go," Kedi replied evenly.

  "I'd like that."

  Silence fell. Then Kemi spoke, irritation clear in his voice.

  "Are you still aiming for Torkei? That's a foolish fantasy, girl. Even if you reach it, they don't welcome refugees. You'll be treated worse than trash. Low-lifes will rob and kill you on day one. That's what'll happen."

  Xia stepped in:

  "Lord Kemi may exaggerate, but he's not wrong. Guilds hate outsiders. Getting work will be nearly impossible. And the warlocks may even kidnap your friend. Why not stay with us? Haven't we treated you well?"

  "I... I don't want to be a servant."

  "Weren't you a servant in House Mink?"

  "I was. And I no longer want that."

  "Then what do you want?"

  Aya hesitated only a moment.

  "I want to be a battlemage. I want to join your warband."

  The woman officer, silent until now, spoke. "What makes you think you're qualified?"

  Aya met her gaze. Lean and athletic, she had dark purplish hair and violet eyes — similar to Aya's. In a way she looked like an older, tougher, and taller version of herself. A full-length sword hung at her hip.

  "I survived for three days on the plains, fought battles, and never ran out of magic."

  "Endurance alone won't make you a battlemage," the woman said.

  "I will learn everything else."

  Kemi scoffed.

  "Do you realize war is coming? Patrols are stretched thin. As a battlemage, you'll be riding through snow for days on end. Why choose that over comfort and safety?"

  "I want to be in control of my life."

  Kemi raised an eyebrow.

  "What does that mean?"

  "I want the freedom to make my own choices."

  "What choices? A servant or a soldier — both take orders. Even I follow my brother's command, and he follows the Conference. No one is free — not here, not in Torkei, not anywhere. If you want freedom, take your things and go freeze to death on the plains."

  "A warrior can change houses if they're unhappy. Even you, my lord, could leave this House if you wished. That's the kind of freedom I want."

  Kemi and Xia both opened their mouths to speak, but Kedi raised a hand, silencing them.

  "Listen carefully, Aya. This is Rasa, my mage captain," he said, gesturing to the woman. "You will train under her. In six months, if she finds you qualified, I will instate you as a battlemage. If not, you leave. That is my final decision. Accept it, or leave today."

  "What about Ixi?"

  "Oh, she can live with you, sweetie," Xia said. "We'll give you two a room. Just make sure she doesn't attack anyone."

  Aya glanced around the room — Kemi looked irritated, Xia concerned, Kedi unreadable, Rasa skeptical. Only the male officer seemed faintly amused.

  "I agree," Aya said. Xia smiled.

  "Good," Kedi said, "Rasa, she is yours."

  "We start tomorrow," Rasa said, "be at the training range by eight. Understood?"

  "Yes, Captain Rasa."

  Kemi chuckled.

  "A few more things," Kedi added. "Rasa is your direct superior. Kemi is my second-in-command, and Rasa answers to him. Obey him in all military matters. This," he gestured to the man, "is Rogri, my warrior captain. He doesn't usually command mages, but in a pinch, he may stand in for Rasa. Xia is my wife and the mistress of the house. Obey her in all domestic matters. She and Kemi are my family. You can tell them anything you want to pass to me. Lastly, do not speak of your past too much, not to outsiders, not to people of the household. If pressed, always tell the same story you've already told. No explanations, no elaborations. Is that clear?"

  The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  "Yes, Master Vemer."

  "Good. Xia, see Aya out."

  Rasa and Rogri left. Xia led Aya out and dismissed the guards.

  "Go wait in your room, Aya. I'll come soon and show you around."

  Aya returned to her room. The door was open, with no guard in sight. She found her old clothes neatly stacked on the bed, clean and mended. Her boots, also cleaned, stood in the corner. Even the bed linens had been changed.

  Her new life had begun.

  Vemers Discuss Aya's Attitude

  Kedi watched as Xia escorted Aya out and promptly returned. Soon, the sound of Aya's footsteps faded.

  "What impudence. Aren't we indulging her too much?" Kemi asked.

  "We don't lose much by training her. And if everything goes well, we stand to gain. You heard what Negli said," Xia replied, her tone calm and measured.

  "I've heard the usual magician talk. It's too vague for my taste, I'd take results over potential any day."

  "There's no point in arguing now," Kedi said. "We've made the decision, as long as the girl plays her part, the plan stands."

  "You've made the right choice. The girl will prove useful," Xia added.

  Kedi studied his wife. She had put in considerable effort to steer the situation. In the end Kedi trusted her instincts, despite all the reservations he had.

  "I hope so. Now, could you please change into something befitting your station?"

  Xia smiled, curtsied, and exited the room.

  "Are the patrols bad?" Kedi asked after a moment.

  "The patrols are holding, but we need more soldiers. Something is brewing. We see scouts daily. Soon, caravans will be targeted."

  "If trade stops, we'll starve," Kedi said.

  Kemi didn't answer. They both knew it was true.

  Refi's Comrades

  Refi liked morning shifts. It was always warmer during the day, especially now, as the early snow melted. He sat at the northern guard post, playing cards. From across the yard, Isha approached with a basket — hot food for the guards, no doubt. Refi put his cards down, signaling a pause. His comrades wasted no time bombarding Isha with questions.

  "Hey, Isha, what's new?"

  "Did you see the Mistress in a peasant dress? Has the Master divorced her?"

  "She was dressed as a maid, and only for a day. She's still the Mistress."

  "But why did she do it?"

  Isha set her basket on a bench and began taking out steaming bowls.

  "She was with the new girl — the one with the fairy. I think she wanted her to feel comfortable."

  "The girl's a witch!"

  "A warlock!"

  "No, she isn't," Isha said. "Lord Negli is a warlock. Can't you see the difference?"

  "But she has a fairy!"

  "So what? The fairy seemed nice, just a bit scared."

  "If she isn't a warlock, how did she tame it?"

  "I don't know. Fed it, maybe?"

  "Fed?!"

  "Yes, fed. Works with men, you know."

  "I know she's a witch! She bewitched Refi!"

  "Yeah, you should have seen him drooling."

  Isha pursed her lips.

  "I wasn't drooling!" Refi protested.

  Without another word, Isha picked up the basket and walked away.

  "Why, why do you always do this?" Refi asked, dispirited.

  "She'll only love you more after this."

  "Yes, you should thank us."

  Refi shook his head.

  Xia Shows Aya Around (3rd month of Autumn, 6th day, 9th hour, morning)

  Aya waited patiently in her room until Xia came. This time, Xia wore a fine dress — the charade was over. The whole affair left a bitter feeling in Aya's heart. Yesterday, she had realized that Xia was no ordinary servant, but for some reason, she had clung to the idea that Xia was merely a cheerful head maid. The truth — that she was the mistress of the house — had landed like a betrayal.

  But was it, really? Xia owed her nothing. This was her home, her domain. She had every right to act as she pleased.

  No, the betrayal wasn't Xia's. It was Aya's own foolishness that stung. The curtsying girls, the puzzled guards, the awkward glances — it had all been there, plain to see. But she'd ignored it. Because she'd liked Xia. Because part of her had wanted to believe someone could care about her without agenda or caution. Had she really been so desperate for affection?

  When Xia appeared in the doorway, Aya stood up stiffly from the bed.

  "Mistress," she said with a slight bow, her voice neutral.

  Xia paused for a moment, studying her, then stepped forward and took Aya's hands.

  "Aya," she said gently, "I'm so sorry for the deception. My husband suspected you might be a spy. He asked me to help. I did what I had to — for the family. But please, don't take it personally. And don't call me Mistress. Just Xia."

  Before Aya could respond, Xia pulled her into a hug — gentle, but firm. Aya blinked, caught off guard. Trapped in the unexpected embrace, she didn't know what to do. The warmth of Xia's body, the soft fabric of her dress, the faint perfume — her thoughts spun. Then the hug ended, and Xia pulled back, meeting her eyes.

  "Can you forgive me?" she asked.

  "Y-Yes... It's nothing, Mistress. You did your duty."

  "Xia."

  "Sorry. Xia."

  "Thank you, love. I'm glad we cleared the air. Now come — it's time the people got to know you. And your little friend, too."

  They made their way to the lounge, where Aya was introduced before a gathering of servants and warriors. Xia called her a young, talented battlemage whose house had been destroyed by the evil House Raku.

  "Please be kind to Aya and her familiar, little Ixi."

  Throughout the day, Xia instructed Aya on what to say to strangers. Ixi was her familiar, who protected her from other fairies. House Raku was led by an evil madman who sought to destroy all. Aya herself was a servant whose talent for magic had only recently emerged. The Necropolis should be omitted or referred to simply as a ruin. She hadn't fought House Vemer's patrol — she had gone willingly.

  "You see, Aya, we need to construct a story, to protect you. The warlocks may take an interest in you and Ixi, and we don't want that. Negli is our ally, he will keep his silence. But you understand how the servants are — rumors will spread. That's why we need to keep your story simple, like a tale. Because, you see, folk tales are easily dismissed by the educated. Sometimes, we need to dress the truth like that — to hide it, you know?"

  "I'm not good at it."

  "Oh, don't sell yourself short. You know how to lie. For instance, a lie by omission — like the one where you never told me who healed your wound."

  "I... I woke up healed, that's it. I was afraid to tell because it sounds so strange."

  "And I don't blame you. A girl has to keep her secrets. But you should learn to trust your allies."

  They were walking toward the armory.

  "What did the blood test show?" Aya asked.

  "That you aren't a shapeshifter."

  "A shapeshifter? They're real?"

  "Oh, definitely. The world is full of terrible people. They are rare, though. We didn't really expect you to be one."

  "I see. Then what else were you testing for?"

  Xia hesitated.

  "A familiar bond. The test showed that Ixi isn't your familiar."

  She shot Aya a sharp look. Aya's stomach tightened, her mind racing for an answer. The familiar explanation was, of course, a lie she had invented in the heat of the moment. But it had served her so well that she herself ended up believing it.

  "You see, Aya, you have the wrong idea about familiars. They are bound through complex rituals. Even then, the success rate is low. A raven or a cat familiar is common. Owls, foxes, and eagles are increasingly rare. But a grave fairy familiar? That's unheard of. What you did was not a binding magic as warlocks know it. So when you call Ixi your familiar, every noble in earshot assumes you're lying."

  "But I'm not lying. I didn't perform any rituals, but the bond is real."

  "And I believe you. But the nature of this bond is different. It only resembles a master-familiar bond."

  Aya walked in silence.

  "Negli will study your blood in detail. If he discovers anything new, he'll inform us. For now, he suggests we tread carefully and assume you possess an unknown type of magic."

  In other words, assume I'm dangerous, Aya thought.

  "Who else knows?"

  "The family, the captains, and Negli. That's why you must keep the truth to yourself and have a prepared story ready. If the Tower catches wind of new magic, they'll get you — one way or another. And you don't want that, believe me."

  "What is the Tower?"

  "Ah, right. I keep forgetting how little you know. It's a guild of sorts — a warlock order. They train new warlocks and handle all things magical. They hold serious power in the North."

  "What was that the Master said about a message from them?"

  "He sent your handkerchief for testing. They keep blood records for northern houses. The blood on it matched Mink's. Don't worry, we didn't tell them about you."

  "But House Mink was a southern house. Why was the record there?"

  Xia shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe the Towers exchange records."

  "There are other Towers?"

  "But of course. In the South too. Ours is the Tower of Bizenki, but we all call it just the Tower."

  They entered the armory — a large room lined with weapons and armor, connected to a smithy in the back. To Aya's surprise, it was run by a dwarf. A little shorter than Aya but twice as wide, with white hair and beard, Foreman Wigri regarded Ixi with suspicion.

  "Are you a necromancer, girl?" he asked gruffly.

  "No."

  "Then how'd you manage to bind that?"

  "I fed her magic, and she became bound. Her name is Ixi."

  "Uh-huh. Good story."

  "Respected Foreman, Aya is entering training," Xia said. "She needs her weapon and armor checked."

  "Support mage?"

  "Battlemage trainee."

  "A child soldier, huh? Let's see your blade."

  "I am of age," Aya muttered, handing it over.

  Fifteen minutes later, Aya was outfitted. Her sword had been criticized and sharpened. Her shoulder guards had been criticized and adjusted. Her boots earned a skeptical grunt. She received a chainmail shirt and a helmet. The helmet fit well enough, but the chainmail hung loose.

  "This is the smallest I've got," Wigri said, eyeing her skeptically. "Gain some weight, girl."

  And with that, they left the armory.

  Ketirik

  Niena opened the soft covers and took Ketirik out of her backpack. The raven jumped onto her glove, ruffling his feathers, eager to take flight. She focused, attuning her magic to his mind. The connection formed. The raven's excitement flooded her senses, and she saw herself through his eyes.

  She recited the task three times, both vocally and mentally, ensuring he understood. It was a standard task: fly up, make a round, return to the handler. She raised her hand, and the raven launched into the air.

  Ketirik flew up vigorously, rightened himself and began his round. Suddenly he made a sharp turn and dove down. She could sense his distress in the movement. A few heartbeats later, he spread his wings and dropped like a stone onto her glove, his claws digging into the leather.

  "Danger! Danger!" His thoughts shot through her mind, frantic and disordered.

  "Patrol?"

  "Riders! Riders! Many! Many!"

  "How many?"

  "Dozen! Dozen!"

  Was it a dozen or two dozen?

  "Calm down. Where? How far?"

  "Southwest! Dozen-Dozen!"

  This time, a vision accompanied his words — two dozen riders.

  "What is it?" Tregi asked.

  "A raiding party, heading for the village."

  "Can we intercept?"

  "There are too many of them. We need to notify Rasa."

  She pulled a colored band from her pocket — red and blue — and tied it around the raven's leg. She focused on the bird.

  "Ketirik, fly. Rasa, tell. Help, bring!"

  Ketirik cocked his head.

  "Ketirik, stay. Ketirik, fight!"

  "No! Rasa, fly. Rasa, tell. Help, bring!"

  The bird hesitated.

  "Ketirik, fast, now, go!"

  This time, he obeyed. With a loud caw, the raven launched into the air and flew away.

  "Can we reach the village before them?" Tregi asked.

  They could, but to what end? Still -

  "Yes. Let's go. We'll warn the villagers and distract the raiders. Do not engage — fall back to the mansion."

  She looked at her squad. Everyone seemed calm and ready.

  "After me!"