The woman squinted and stared at Lorayla for a moment, pondering her connection with the crystal. For the brief moment it flashed with power, the woman felt Lorayla’s deepest heart’s desire for companionship. She recalled the details of Lorayla’s life and, in particular, the severe abuse she had suffered. She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, her demeanor growing somber. “I, too,” said the woman, “have been where you are now. I know what it is to have been someone’s plaything, and to have lost a loved one. I, like you, looked for something to hold on to, to give me…meaning.”

“And that is?” Lorayla prodded. She watched her captor intently as she sat down before the fire and slide the crystal into her satchel.

The woman looked away, her expression stoic. “My people and I have suffered much as slaves under Thoron, the wyrm king, and his subjects.”

“Slaves?” Lorayla said with an air of disbelief. “Thoron never mentioned anything about slaves.”

“He and the darkwyrms deceived my people many centuries ago, not long after the guardians sealed Death within the confines of what is now known as The Broken Sea.”

“Thoron’s homeland…”

“They lured us with crafty words and enslaved us. They compel us to have offspring to continue the supply of slave labor. Those who don’t meet the darkwyrms’ standards of productivity are—” the woman’s breath hitched. “I…I don’t have the will nor strength to adequately put into words the things they do to us. Unspeakable…horrific.” She swallowed, willing herself to remain calm. “Perhaps,” the woman continued, casting a cold stare at Lorayla, “there is a chance now for the atrocities to be stopped. Your son is half human after all.”

Lorayla grunted at the woman’s comment. “And when my son ascends to Thoron’s throne, why should we help you?”

“Because just as you would do anything, it seems, for your son, I, too, would do anything to help my people. You and I are very much alike. We both desire strongly to retain that which gives us meaning. For me, it’s my people. For you, your son. So, if you agree to help me, then I will help you.”

“How so?” Lorayla replied skeptically.

“Well, if one has ever ventured to the Broken Sea, they would know it’s surrounded by a wall of razor-sharp rocks through which none may pass.”

“Let me guess—you know of a passage?”

“I’m the only one who knows of a way through.”

“That’s not very convincing. How do I know you won’t betray us once we are there?”

The woman breathed in deeply. “I will teach you how to hone your new powers. Would that be acceptable and reassuring to you?”

She must be desperate, Lorayla thought. But, right now, I need to get myself out of this situation…

“Well?”

“To live or not to live? What choice do I have,” Lorayla spat. “But if we go through with this, I think it’s appropriate that you disclose your name.”

The woman stared at Lorayla, almost hesitant to answer. “My name is...that is, I go by the name of Fear, but my people know me as Ethany.”

“Your people? You mean your parents.”

Ethany stared blankly at Lorayla. “I never knew them. Another form of oppression my people suffer. So, I have said rightly, it is what my people have called me since I can remember.”

“Well,” Lorayla huffed through her nose, “I guess we now have an understanding, Ethany. I suppose it is time you release me, that I may return and prepare for the arrival of my son.”

Ethany’s eyes narrowed. “Where?”

“To Darune, although there may not be much left of my father’s place. I can still use his land plot to raise my son.”

“And what of those who hurt you? Don’t you think they would go after you once they are aware of your return?”

Lorayla nodded at Ethany’s satchel. “I have a newfound power…I do not fear them. They should fear me.” Her expression became solemn. “If they should again attack me, they will forever regret the result.”

Ethany got up and paced around the fire. She soon stopped behind Lorayla, though she remained silent. The prisoner held her breath as she heard a blade cut the air. Lorayla exhaled as she found her hands set free.

“I’ve decided,” said Ethany, “I will not kill you…Rather, I will accompany you to make sure your son arrives safely. There will be no redeeming of my people without him.”

Lorayla nodded, yet her body trembled. If I even suspect she is going to betray me... She clenched a fist. However, the extra protection would be welcome…for now.

_______________________________________________________________

As the dawn’s early light traced its fingers across the treetops, Lorayla and Ethany began their journey, first passing through the field of dolligarnias. Lorayla picked a handful and carried them close to her chest. The flowers camouflaged the crystal she kept in her hand, while the other crystals that had been returned to her from Ethany were safely stored away within her cloak pockets.

Lorayla remembered the few times she had walked through the dolligarnia field with her mother. The flowers also brought vivid memories of her father. She kept the pain of his loss at bay with the power of the purple crystal tightly clasped in her hands. Ethany followed a short distance behind Lorayla, and Lorayla glanced back from time to time to ensure her new acquaintance was still there and not getting too close. She was unsettled by how quietly Ethany moved. It’s almost as if she weren’t there at all. Even more unnerving was the fact that Ethany had covered her face with a mask just before they’d set out, which added to the tickle of fear playing upon Lorayla’s emotions. The face covering was made of white stone and was flat in color. It had been finely shaped to resemble the soft face of a young woman. Lorayla noted the mask radiated a peculiar purple sheen, giving it a beautiful, yet menacing, appearance.

“Why the mask?” Lorayla finally inquired as the dolligarnias faded into the distance behind them.

“Protection.”

Lorayla understood by Ethany’s short response not to probe any further, at least not at the moment. The two walked in silence for a while as they made their way through the woods to Darune, leaving Lorayla entirely to her frightful thoughts. She continued to avoid thinking of her parents and began to focus on the matter at hand—getting through the gates and to her father’s land. I’m sure we’ll pass through the gates with almost no trouble. But what of my father’s inn? I wonder what may be left.

Lorayla glanced up at the sharp pinnacles of stone oddly protruding from the plateau above. The sight reminded her of Fai’s kindness and Thoron’s brashness, then of the battle with the blue dragon. Perhaps magic, either the dragon’s or the earthwyrm’s, had caused the pinnacles to appear.

“Ethany,” Lorayla finally broke the silence. “Do you know anything about those pinnacles?” She nodded up at the plateau.

“Only that they caused a great clamor shortly before we encountered each other,” she replied.

Lorayla pinched her lips. “They are strange, don’t you think?”

“Not particularly. From where I come from, they are everywhere. It’s not called the Broken Sea for nothing. What is strange is that they show up whenever dragons or wyrms channel their magic through a purple crystal.”

“Huh,” Lorayla puffed. “It just happens?”

“If it were known why or how it happens, I guess it wouldn’t be considered strange. Am I right?”

Lorayla cast an annoyed glance at Ethany, then refocused on the direction she was walking. The two remained silent until they stepped into a wide clearing covered with a tall blanket of green grass swaying to a breeze as Darune’s main wall came into sight. The massive, rock-chiseled wall bore flags depicting a sphere-shaped crystal embraced by a leafy vine. The flags waved in the breeze above large, decorative arches. Below the arches were a myriad of residential windows of all shapes and sizes. Guards patrolled along the top of the wall, appearing like thin, armored ants walking atop a piece of art.

“Impressive,” commented Ethany. “Looks as though it were made from magic.”

“You’re quite perceptive,” said Lorayla. “My father said it was built rather quickly with the use of crystals. He, however, wanted nothing to do with it. He found other jobs, desiring to work with his hands.”

“Much faster and easier with crystals though, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” sighed Lorayla. “He insisted on not wasting crystals on projects that could be accomplished without them.”

“Frugal man…the darkwyrms would have loved his talent. No disrespect, of course.” Ethany saw Lorayla’s face tense up and changed the subject. “What is that peculiar symbol on the flags? I can’t make anything of it.”

“It’s the symbol of Eden,” Lorayla replied unenthusiastically. “It represents the idea that the people of Darune balance the natural and the power of crystals. The crystal is in the shape of a sphere. It’s popular among the synthesizers to reshape crystals into that shape.”

“Huh, and synthesizers only reshape crystals?”

“Among other things, like making magical objects. You don’t have people like that where you come from?”

“Yes, in fact, we do. We just don’t call them that. Anyway, thank you for answering my inquiry.”

Lorayla sighed with annoyance. “Any other inquiries?”

“As a matter of fact, yes,” Ethany replied. “What can we expect at the gates? Will we run into trouble?”

The question caught Lorayla off-guard, for she hadn’t yet thought that far in advance. She released a long exhale. “I can handle it for us. Just let me do the talking,” she said, looking over her shoulder. She narrowed her eyes at Ethany’s bow. “And no sudden moves unless you’re asked. The guards at the gates are known to be quite aggressive, so don’t do anything foolish.”

 “Are you ill?” Ethany interrupted. “You let out an abnormally long sigh.”

 Lorayla blinked. She turned to see Ethany solemnly staring at her. Lorayla coughed a couple times without opening her mouth, attempting to keep her composure as she was quickly losing her patience with Ethany’s questions. “Are you always this way?” She shook her head.

 “Always what way?”

 “Never mind.” Lorayla rolled her eyes. “Did you hear a word I said?”

 “Clear as a crystal,” replied Ethany. Her eyes flickered with a menacing glint. “I’m sure you’ll handle it, but I’ll still be cautiously attentive…very attentive.”

 “Don’t do anything stupid.”

 “You have nothing to fear. It’s the others that don’t wish to nuisance us. But don’t worry, I’m confident the guards won’t see me.”

Lorayla squinted at Ethany. She bit down on her tongue, but not enough to draw blood. “Whatever,” she replied after releasing her tongue. She turned toward the gates in the distance. This better not have been a mistake.

 The women reached the gates without incident. Several people had passed them just before they got there. Most looked tired or agitated and paid no attention to the women as they passed by. Lorayla couldn’t shake the tense feeling that gripped her. What’s going on…?

The gates stood like flat, tall towers of rugged wood framed by metal, fastened by square metal studs with rounded pyramid heads. At their base stood a dozen guards, some at their posts and others controlling a crowd of people organized in a line in the general direction of the gateway.

“What’s going on?” Lorayla muttered under her breath. As soon as the words left her mouth, one of the guards near the line began to shout at the crowd.

“Keep yourselves in orderly fashion! Have your grant ready to be reviewed, and if you don’t have one, you must acquire one from the official office of the Judges in the Judge’s Prefecture!”

At the guard’s words, groanings were heard from the crowd, and some of those in line left.

One of the guards posted at the gate motioned with a gauntlet-covered hand for Lorayla and Ethany to come near. “Papers, please,” he said nonchalantly.

“You must be joking,” said Lorayla. “Do we need a grant just to enter?”

“Orders from above, miss. If you don’t have a grant, the guard captain can submit a letter of approval for you. You’ll have to provide your prefecture and lot number of residence.”

Lorayla’s hand began to tremble. She glanced down at the crystal she had clasped between the flowers in her hand, then quickly looked at Ethany, who immediately reached into her satchel.

“Look, I don’t make the rules here. People have been in a panic since the earthquake. You can see for yourself what it did to the plateau. The Judges are doing what they can to settle the people down and restore a sense of peace and safety. Many have left Darune already seeking to resettle down south at Leyon. But, if you indeed live in Darune and are trying to stay, you have nothing to worry about. We should be able to get you an approval in about—”

“How dare you! You have no right to be doing this!” Lorayla blurted.

Alarmed by her sudden outburst, the guard grabbed the hilt of his sheathed sword on his belt. Another guard stepped over, wearing armor that looked much shinier and intricate.

“Corporal,” said the newcomer. “What is going on here? Why are you giving this woman and that poor old lady a hard time?”

Lorayla raised an eyebrow and glanced at Ethany.

“Captain…they don’t have papers.”

The captain clicked his tongue, inspecting the women more closely. “Hey, aren’t you… Yes, I’m sure of it,” he said confidently as he came into close proximity to Lorayla. “Yes, yes, you worked at the inn that burned down just recently…you’re the innkeeper’s daughter, are you not?”

“Uh...yes,” Lorayla replied hesitantly.

The captain shook his head. “It’s a shame what happened to your father. May his soul rest in the ethereal.”

Lorayla remained silent, lowering her eyes.

“You best get moving, young lady. When the tasks were given out this morning, one was to monitor the auctioning of your father’s property. It seems a grant has been prematurely written to allow this…I chose to monitor the gate. I want nothing to do with such dishonest matters.”

Lorayla’s eyes widened. Astonishment turned into impatience. Dollignaria petals broke free and twirled to the ground as she tightened her grip on her small bouquet. “We can go then?” she said hastily.

The guard took a deep breath and exhaled sympathetically. “I’ll take care of the necessary paperwork. Hurry on!” commanded the captain.

Lorayla was already on her way before the captain finished. He shook his head, disgusted by the auctioning of the land rightfully belonging to Lorayla. His disbelief quickly turned into curiosity as observed the women in the distance. He was dumbfounded by how the old lady kept up with the young woman’s pace. The sound of his men directing the crowd diverted his thoughts, however, returning his focus back to the gateway.