Warm sunlight crawled across Marina's face, stirring her from her deep and dreamless sleep. The glow was bright, and comforting on her face, like a gentle caress. As her eyes slowly opened, she smelled the sweet, damp air around her. She felt rested, and re-energized. Much more so than she had expected after the horrific events of the previous night.
She sat up, looking around their little camp. Deep breathing, and Cal's guttural snores greeted her, telling her her friends still slumbered.
Shaila sat not far away though, bent over a small fire with her back turned to Marina. Brushing sleep from her eyes, Marina rose, stretching her arms far above her head. She soundlessly dressed, strapped on her dagger and throwing knives, and approached Shaila and the fire.
“Breakfast?” Shaila called over her shoulder, smiling warmly at Marina. “I caught some game this morning, and there is also a fish stew simmering over there.” She pointed toward a second fire built a little ways from the camp. “I used the pans I found in one of the packs, I hope you don't mind.”
“Not at all.” Marina said, inhaling the smells of the cooking food. It smelled of spices and seasonings she had never encountered. “It smells delicious.”
Shaila placed some of the meat onto a plate, and handed it to Marina. She graciously tore into a piece as Shaila rose, and moved toward the pot of fish stew. She came back with a large bowl full, and a hunk of bread. Marina took them, and sat down next to Shaila. She voraciously ate the food in front of her, surprised at her own appetite. Shaila tended the food silently, allowing Marina to eat her fill. When she was finished, Marina put her dishes on the ground in front of her.
“Thank you. Your cooking is quite amazing. I don't think I've had a meal that good for quite some time.” Marina said.
“You are welcome.” Shaila said. “When I began my apprenticeship back home, one of my duties was to cook for the elders. We were taught to cook dishes that would please them, though I must confess the seasonings from my village do most of the work.” Marina opened her mouth to ask about Shaila's village, but Shaila forestalled her with an upraised hand. “We should wait until the others rise. It will be easier that way.”
Marina nodded, and watched the fire dance as she waited. It briefly reminded her of the night's events, but it was also warm and comforting.
It seemed like forever before her companions began to rise. Eventually though, even Cal's deep rumbling snores subsided, and the group was finally gathered around, steaming bowls of stew and meat in their hands.
Shaila looked around the group, then nodded once. “I am Shaila Goverra. I am a Tictinil who hails from the village of Inthule, located in the eastern reaches of the continent of Helran. At the request of Urian, I have been asked to accompany you on your journey. Particularly, I am to escort you on your journey to Elharlia, help to build your mental defenses as you talked about with Urian, and finally to assist in the development of abilities within this group, should that be possible.”
“You can help us develop abilities?” Galen asked, surprise clear in his voice. “Urian gave us a different impression, that one must learn on their own.”
“That is usually the case... But allow me to explain more about myself. Then your questions may be answered.” Shaila said after a moment. “Inthule is not like most of the world. Abilities are an integral to our culture. All members of our village have a developed ability, usually from the time they are children.”
“Why would that be? Urian said he believes all people have the potential to develop an ability, but a village that is all ability users? That sounds like it would be hard to hide from normal people.” Nihlen said.
“It can be, but our home is built far away from others. We have a long standing tradition of isolationism, and we rarely work with outsiders. We have perfected a few ways to keep our village hidden...”
That sounds pleasant... Marina thought.
“So how can you help others develop their abilities?” Galen asked.
“Another difference of Inthule is there are many among my people who are dual ability users. However, the second ability these villagers have is a blood line ability our village has always possessed. We can touch the minds of people with developed abilities, sense them. Also, in people with undeveloped abilities, we can sometimes sense the ability inside them, and help them pull it to the surface. Possessing this ability is how we choose the elders, or leaders, of our village. Having this ability allows our village leaders to assist in the development of the next generation's abilities. Though one cannot usually sense all undeveloped abilities in all people, usually the spectrum of what each elder can sense is large enough that everyone's abilities will be sensed by at least one of the elders. Should we be lucky enough, I will be able to sense at least one of your abilities.”
“So you're going to become one of the elders of your village?” Marina asked.
“Yes. When I turn forty, I will take up my position within Inthule.” Shaila said.
“It sounds like you are important in your village. Why is it you are not there still training to become an elder? Is Urian also a member of Inthule?” Nihlen asked.
“Urian is not a member of Inthule. As he told you, information pertaining to him cannot be shared until your mental defenses are strong enough. As for your first question, it is why I am involved with Urian.” Her tone took a dark shift suddenly as she addressed the first question. “I have been given a task by our elders to take care of in the time I have left before I must return to Inthule. Six years ago, I was still in the middle of training to become an elder. My twin sister Helida trained with me. Every day we had worked hard, for so many years, to lead our village in the future. However, one day Inthule was suddenly bathed in flames. There was panic in the village, for Inthule has not been attacked for a very long time. When the source of the attack was discovered, we could not believe it. My sister, whom I'm sorry to say you met back in Cascadia, had betrayed us to Illian. The suddenness and complete shock left the village vulnerable. Many died in the attack, including several of the current elders, and our mother and father. Helida fled with the most sacred item of power our village possesses. It is known as Calgara's Amulet, and it has the unique ability to allow the creation of items of power at the cost of sacrificing the ability user's life. It is a truly dangerous item that cannot be left in the hands of a group such as Illian.”
“Takes abilities from a person...” Nihlen said, and Marina could see him connecting the dots. “It makes sense they would covet such an item. They wish for the Eye of Kings, and now at least I know how they plan to take it from me.”
“Yes, that is what we have surmised to be their objective.” Shaila said.
“So the fire woman was your sister... Why did she betray you?” Cal asked.
“Greed, desire for power, fear... I cannot say for sure. I have only encountered her two other times since that day six years ago. The reason matters not. I have been tasked by Inthule to bring back Calgara's Amulet, and make Illian and Helida pay for their crimes. I will make her pay for what's she's done...”
Marina recoiled slightly at the darkness which now emanated from Shaila. She seemed so happy and calm, but clearly this subject unnerved her. It's quite understandable though... How horrible. She thought.
“This is not related to the current situation though.” Shaila said, her voice back to normal. “I would like to begin examining each of you. It's a simple task, just a few moments of contact. Prince Nihlen, step up here first if you please.”
Nihlen moved to stand in front of Shaila. She placed her right hand over his forehead, as if she was taking his temperature. She looked into his eyes for several moments, then shook her head. “If you're a dual ability user, I am afraid I am unable to sense it.”
Nihlen nodded, stepping aside. Galen stepped up next. As with Nihlen, Shaila shook her head, and he stepped aside. Cal came next, but she solemnly shook her head once more, and Cal uttered a curse.
Shaila then turned to Marina, and beckoned her to step u
p. Marina tried to smooth her face as her nerves erupted within her stomach. I may suddenly discover my ability here and now... Yet suddenly I'm so nervous...
She took a deep breath, and stepped up in front of Shaila. When Shaila's hand pressed against her forehead, it was rather cold, startling her. It almost felt as if a river thrummed underneath Shaila's skin, coursing through her veins.
“This is...” Shaila suddenly said. She slid her hand down to the side of Marina's face, her other rising up to hold her other cheek. With Marina's head cupped in her hands, Shaila stared into her eyes. “Fascinating.”
“You can sense her ability?” Cal asked. He sounded quite nervous.
“I can. I've also never felt one like it before.” Shaila said, her voice growing serious. “It's evident she has an ability, and it's powerful. It feels like a bloodline ability, but also not. It's quite an enigma really. I will require more time to divine its nature further. First, I will set a task for the rest of you to work on in the mean time.”
Shaila broke eye contact with Marina, turning to the rest of their party. “Urian feels each of you will be instrumental in the future. I'm inclined to believe him. Therefore it is important we bring you all up to speed on abilities, and other important information. Before we can do that though, we must prepare you to defend the secrets of your mind from mental attacks.”
“Abilities are all supposed to be unique. How can we defend against a power we've yet to encounter?” Galen asked.
“Every ability is indeed unique, no matter how similar they may seem. However, regardless of how it gets there, the end result of a power which breaks into the mind is to steal memories, information, or take control of the mind. Taking this into account, one can prepare themselves by having complete control over their own mind. After that, it's just increasing your mental fortitude further and further until you can resist any touch to your mind, no matter the type of power. There is no guarantee, mind you, and there are probably abilities out there that can't be blocked. I doubt I could shut Urian out even if I wanted to. It has proved effective thus far though, so I will believe in what Urian says. I suggest you do the same.” Her last words rang with a stern warning. Not angry, but serious.
“I understand.” Galen said, inclining his head.
“While I work with Marina, I want you three to find somewhere quiet nearby and focus your mind. Quiet it, let go of all thoughts. Then do it over and over, until you can quiet your mind on command. Come to me when you think you can do this, and I will test you. Though I cannot read minds effectively, I can establish enough contact to know this much.”
The three shuffled off in different directions, leaving Marina and Shaila in the quiet of the camp.
“Shaila?” Marina asked hesitantly. “Is my ability powerful?”
“Why do you want a powerful ability?” Shaila asked.
Marina was caught off guard by the question. She recovered in a few moments though. “So that I can help Nihlen, take some of the burden off of him. I have caused him a lot of trouble, and I deeply regret it. Nihlen is a wonderful person, kind and strong. I want to help him take back what is rightfully his.”
“Noble, but good intent brought about by ill feelings such as guilt can do more harm than good sometimes.” Shaila said.
“Guilt...” Marina mulled over the word. “Yes, I feel guilty about my role in the attack on his kingdom. Though I did not know the scope of what was truly occurring, my role in it remains unchanged. How could it be wrong that I wish to help him to make it right?”
“Right and wrong are difficult things to establish. What I mean is that being tied to someone for a negative reason can breed trouble, even if you mean well. Do you believe Prince Nihlen keeps you with him because he feels you owe him? I believe you truly mean to help him, and that you will be indispensable to him. If that's how you feel, shed those feelings of guilt and throw yourself into a new reason to walk beside him. Even more than a powerful ability, doing this will help you help him.” Shaila said, taking Marina's head in her hands once more. “I meddle where I should not though, I apologize. It is a habit, as part of our training to become elders is to counsel members of the village.”
“No, your wisdom is appreciated Shaila.” Marina said, looking into her crystal blue eyes. A new reason to walk with him... “Is Inthule a large village?”
“I would say our people number around twenty thousand. I wouldn't doubt in the least if your group visits some day in the near future. It is a beautiful place.” Shaila said, her tone nostalgic. “Let us focus on the task at hand for now though. You will also need to work on the mental defense exercises in addition to working with your ability. You are going to be quite busy.”
Marina nodded, nervous. I'm already pretty tired from traveling all the time. I sure hope I can do this. She clenched her fist, thinking of Nihlen. I know I can.
“You may begin to feel light headed during the process this time. Ability divination exacts a certain mental toll, and the deeper one must dig, the more stress is put on the mind. If you feel you may lose consciousness you must tell me. Too much stress on the mind may cause adverse effects.” Shaila said, cupping Marina's face.
Instantly she felt Shaila prodding inside her mind. It was almost like an itch deep inside her head that she couldn't scratch. As Shaila dove into her mind, Marina experienced memories, sensations, and feelings at random. For a moment she even felt aware of a strange feeling she knew must be her ability.
“Your ability is definitely in the mind. I can't seem to venture any further in though. Your ability is swirling, changing. I've never encountered or heard of anything like this.”
“Is it bad?” Marina asked, worry crawling over her skin. Or was it her body going numb? I feel strange... She thought to herself, her thoughts muddled.
“No, it is not bad. I need more time to learn more though.” Shaila said, her eyes burning. She looked fascinated by what she was seeing.
Marina's eyes slipped into double vision as she stared back. Her ears were ringing and a cold sweat covered her. “Shai-” She began, before she toppled over. The fog had swallowed her up, confining her within herself.