The Towers of Adrala - Book One, Part One: Saranoda

  ***

  “Great,” said Pird as Magist closed the door behind him, “Just what I wanted, a bowl of pissed-off to finish my day.”

  And Zook’s not even here yet, Sye thought. “You know Zook's only irritable-” began Sye.

  “-because I choose to irritate him,” finished Pird, “I know, I know, but why pass up the opportunity?” Pird's face lit up with sudden excitement, “Hey, let's go wake up Eris!”

  “I don't know...” Sye began uncertainly but Pird had already disappeared down the hall.  Sye followed and waited expectantly just outside the generous library.  Magist had a large collection of books neatly ordered on mahogany shelves, a stark contrast to his messy study upstairs.  The water theme continued here, running silently under the glass on the walls, giving the illusion of a permanently rainy day.

  There was a scream that made Sye wince, followed by the thudding of hurried feet.  Pird tore out of the doorway and hid behind Sye.  Book still clutched in one hand, Eris just missed Pird's shirt as she lunged after him.

  Eris was the same age as Sye and only a few centimeters shorter.  Her red-auburn hair fell to the small of her back, somehow elegant even with the bed-head she sported.  Her eyes were a calming shade of sea green that reflected a calm mind waiting to listen.  She was slender and her skin was lighter than the average Eretian, showing just a dusting of freckles on her unassuming nose.  Sye, however, knew quite well that her delicate looks were more than just deceiving.

  “Protect me Sye!” Pird yelled in mock horror.

  Sye merely crossed his arms as he stood between the two, “What's his crime?”

  “He stuck his wet finger in my ear!” Eris said indignantly, trying to get around Sye.

  “Defense?”

  “I couldn't help myself!” Pird goaded, “I claim insanity!”

  Sye paused dramatically, then announced, “Guilty as charged, I suggest death by drowning,” He stepped out of the way.

  “Traitor!” Pird shouted, trying to make a run for it.  He was fast, but Eris’ proximity gave her all the advantages she needed.  She grabbed the back of his shirt and lifted him bodily off the ground.  To anyone not familiar with Eris it would appear that Pird was smuggling helium.

  “She's got me!” said Pird, pretending to be terrified.

  Sye followed Eris as she carried Pird outside.  Pird tried to squirm away, but Eris held him in a grip that only could be hers.