Black Steel: A Tale of Fire and Mind

Seraphina straightened up and without wasting a single moment more, she started her descent to the gates, not waiting for the others. Had she been in Bandville, she would’ve already ordered the gates opened, but being only a guest of Embersummit still, she anxiously waited for any councilman.

The instant Hines and the rest came in sight, she approached them. "There’s nothing to fear. I can attest they’re of Bandville. If my eyes aren’t failing me, I believe there are councilmen among them." She announced, a certain amount of euphoria evident in her every move.

Despite his initial hostility, once he put a face to the names he already knew due to some of the splendid work they'd done in the south, Hines had come to accept, even trust, the twins and their partners by association. Because of that, he believed her instantly and came forward with outstretched arms. "Open the gates then and let’s all welcome our brothers and sisters."

The gears started turning and the doors cracked open slowly. Zera came to Seraphina’s side, who was eager to get out there. "Your hopes are high, young one, but don’t forget the chances aren’t in your favor. Your loved ones might not be in the survivors."

Seraphina nodded, but didn’t falter. "I know. But any news of survivors is good news." She felt someone’s fingers interlock with her right-hand ones. It was Maxwell, with Vivienne by his side. Reggie came to her left, hand on her lower back.

"Think he's with them?" Maxwell asked sheepishly.

In that moment, he reminded her of when they had been first taken to Bandville, after their mother’s capture. He had been scared, as had she been, looking for some safety and solidity. Seraphina had provided that, for their father’s sorrow and their aunt and uncle could not yet. It was then that a deep bond was created between the already close twins. Despite their differences, nothing could tear them apart afterwards.

"I’m sure. That scoundrel’s resourceful." Seraphina answered and continued in her thoughts. "I must have someone to take it from and mom’s the purest of souls…"

"Barkley and Mirabelle too?" In that moment, despite his age and size, Maxwell reminded her of a child. Worried, yet eager. Hopeful, yet unsure. His voice deep, yet his tone innocent, youthful.

"Yes. You’ll see." Seraphina simply replied.

Once the door had opened enough so one could slip through, she walked outside, with everyone else on tow. Even if it was late evening, it was the first time she’d been outside, under the sun’s flaring gaze, in the thirty days they’d spent in Embersummit, so her eyes needed time to adjust. Light came through the top of the dome, but it couldn’t possibly compare to being outside, and she hadn’t been in the Meadow during the day.

Once she could perceive everything, her focus turned to the crowd approaching. Over fifty people were steadily walking towards the gates. She scanned over every face, whether man, woman, child or elder. She was unable to see only the wounded, in the back of the line on some tarps. She recognized everyone. All ten of retired Elementals were among them, her and Maxwell’s former teachers. Some Elemental roamers and residents too. Some families, refugees as well. Of the council remained only seven.

Barkley was among them and she hopped the last few yards to him. "You have no idea how glad I am to see you, uncle."

His surprise gave way to tears as he hugged her and Maxwell. "I think I do, Sera." He pulled back and looked over their shoulder to the gates where people were slowly coming out. "Dear elements, you found the base. How?"

"Heavenly chance, uncle. We set out to inform hives of Bandville's destruction and came upon former roamer of the north who relocated gave us his journals." Maxwell said searching in the crowd. "Aunt Mirabelle?"

"And our father…?" Seraphina added quietly.

He gave a small, pitiful smile. "Both are in the back, with the wounded. We were attacked by bandits a few days ago."

Before he finished his sentence, Seraphina was already pushing through the crowd. Her aunt seemed unharmed as she tended over the others and when they saw each other, they rushed into a crushing embrace. "My sweet, sweet girl." Mirabelle breathed into her ear. When she realized the existence of the crutch, she pushed her back and looked down. "What happened to you?"

"Nothing important. You’re okay, though, right?" Seraphina asked worried then, seeing the stains on her aunt.

Glancing at where Seraphina eyes were trained on, Mirabelle was quick to reassure her. "Yes, none of it is mine." Seraphina felt Maxwell come up behind them. "Maxi!" She went to hug him as well, while Seraphina moved on to the wounded.

Some were asleep, despite the blazing sun overhead, but most were alert, giving Seraphina their hand to shake as she passed them. There were about ten and one of them was her father, sleeping deeply. His torso was bandaged, making it impossible to distinguish his injuries.

"Careful there. He got hurt during the bandit ambush. Arrow and some superficial slashes." A man to her right said. She knew him, they’d trained together. "Didn’t puncture any vital organs. He should be fine with time, food, water and rest."

Seraphina nodded, but despite the warning, she went on one knee, her left leg stretched out behind her, and hugged her father tight. He groaned beneath her as he woke. His fingers brushed her cheek, wiping away the sudden tears rolling down her face. "Lyn…"

A strike below the belt. More tears came running down. "No, dad. It’s Seraphina."

"Sera…?" he glanced behind her. "Max…?"

"We’re here, dad." Max said kneeling next to Seraphina and gripping his free hand. "We’re all going to be fine."

"Yeah, dad, we’ll be fine." Seraphina whispered kissing the inside of her father’s palm.

Brenton shook his head lightly, coughing. "Vivienne. Where’s she? I don’t feel her. Did you protect her? She needs to be safe."

The twins stared at each in confusion, until Maxwell replied. "She’s safe, dad. Viv, come here."

Vivienne knelt on the other side of him and gave him a smile. "Here I am Brenton. Safe, sound and much more capable than when we met."

A coughing fit started and the trio panicked, but it went away as suddenly as it’d come. "I need some rest."

"You’ll have it, old man. Once we get you inside." Seraphina promised, before he drifted off into sleep.

Seeing the wounded, the Embersummiters came out to help carry them inside. Reggie was there to lift up Seraphina and supported most of her weight so she could keep her hand in her father’s as Maxwell and others carried him inside.

Calvin asked for information on each injured and once he got it, he started ordering around his apprentices. "Seraphina, we have him, you can go."

"I’m not leaving his side." She declared sternly.

Calvin didn’t shy away from her. "You’re in the way. If he’s to have the best possible treatment, I need you out of my way."

Seraphina wouldn’t listen to him though. "I said I’m not…"

Maxwell cut her off with a hand on her shoulder. "Let him do his job, sis. We just got him back…"

She gritted her teeth in frustration. Without averting her eyes from Calvin, she spoke. "My father can’t hide from you. Vivienne, how is he? Really." She needed to know, even if they’d have to explain later how Vivienne knew.

"He’ll live. Some professional tending and he’ll heal. He inhaled too much smoke, that’s why he coughs, but he’s stable." Vivienne replied instantly.

Despite the reassurance, Seraphina still wouldn’t budge. Reggie, who was still holding onto her, her crutch long forgotten in Vivienne’s hands, touched his lips to her ear. "Just this morning you were telling me the people of the south would need a familiar face in here. You and Maxwell need to be with your council."

Seraphina huffed and whispered. "You’re learning too fast for my liking." She turned her head to Calvin. "You have until the talks with the councils are through. After that, no one’s taking me away from him."

Calvin nodded and Vivienne rushed to her side to give her the crutch, but Seraphina shook her head and signaled Maxwell pointing to the ground in front of her feet. He understood and knelt in front of her, facing away from her. She slid her arm off Reggie’s shoulders, who lightened his grip on her, and she got on her brother’s back, with him supporting her weight by keeping his hands under her as best as he could. She didn’t notice the others’ reaction for Maxwell took off immediately. He was in as much a haste as she.

It was something they’d done the couple of times Seraphina had hurt her legs. It had never been anything as serious as her shattered knee, only an ankle sprain or a misstep and slight pain, but since it prevented her from walking, he’d offered to carry her. The first time had been a terrible hit to her ego and he had to force her, but once it was done, she realized its usefulness.

The only problem was when it happened the other way around. She couldn’t possibly bear Maxwell’s weight, so in the many cases he somehow got hurt, they’d had no other choice, but rest up somewhere till he was fit for travel. Since he was a show off, it happened frequently, though the incidents had been his own fault. Falls, strikes he didn’t parry so his counterattack could be instant and more often than not, a taunt gone badly.

Maxwell carried her inside, first to the dome and then he followed the crowd. They’d all gathered close to the main hall, Embersummit’s council and what was left of Bandville’s atop the steps addressing the people. Whatever they were saying before Maxwell appeared, the talks seized once they spotted the twins. Maxwell let Seraphina down, Vivienne gave her the crutch and together with Reggie, they all walked towards the steps as Hines pointed at them.

"You have probably already seen them, but two of your own have been staying here with us. If you have any doubts, feel free to ask anything." Many of the Bandvillers nodded and patted either twin on the back. "But after we’ve talked to them." His gaze lingered on Vivienne.

She gave an inaudible gasp next to Seraphina. "What happened?"

"They know." She whispered. "Brenton told them about me."

On the other side of Vivienne, Maxwell looked confused. "We expected that, didn’t we?"

"Yeah, but not that they know about the gift." Vivienne answered before she looked up, straight at Hines. "They need us inside. You two and me."

Maxwell nodded at Hines respectfully. "They get all, or none of us." His statement surprised Reggie and Vivienne, but not Seraphina.

She knew her brother, knew he’d hold to their unspoken pact. No matter what he thought of Reggie, because of her stunt at breakfast, Maxwell would consider him a part of their team. He’d never tell him to stay behind. She was the only one who would prevent Reggie from attending a meeting.

"And they do seem to want us. Some of us anyway." She said grabbing one of Reggie’s arms and made him wrap it around her waist. "Let’s go. I need to go back to dad."

She let Reggie support most of her weight again, though she still held the crutch that time, and the quartet entered the main hall after the two councils. Seraphina felt Raine lick her hand, before the wolfess moved away and started sniffing every newcomer. The looks of terror on some of their faces would’ve been quite funny if Seraphina didn’t have other business to tend to.

Inside the main hall, no one challenged Reggie’s presence and the councils sat, each taking one side of the small amphitheatre. No one wasted any time with pleasantries. Barkley was the first to speak. "Maxwell, Seraphina, your father came back to Bandville to look for clues in our journals about an individual with peculiar abilities. Did you know that?"

"You already know the answer to that question, uncle." Maxwell replied as Seraphina felt Reggie try to put some distance between them.

But she wouldn’t have that. She turned her head to him and whispered. "Remember what I said about the little things we get trained to catch? Keep close to me and just follow my lead."

"Don’t I always?" He whispered back returning to his position and kissed the top of her head. Good call.

"Can we cut straight to the point? Yes, we know that’s why he went back and yes, Vivienne can read minds as well. Now your turn. What do you know?" Seraphina asked annoyed.

There was silence for a while. Councilmen were looking at each other nervously, until Barkley spoke. "How old are you, Vivienne?"

"Twenty-three." She answered. Whatever the councilmen were thinking to protect their minds was causing her a headache. Seraphina could see it in the twitches of her right eye, even before she felt Vivienne pull back from her mind and probably everyone else’s too.

"How old are you really? Not how old you let yourself look." One of Bandville pressed. Seraphina never liked him. Though that was a usual occurrence, that particular man she also had no respect for. He’d never gone out on the field, yet he considered the roamers’ lives insignificant. After Emmery died, his only comment had been about how his carelessness could’ve cost them the mission.

“I’m not sure what you mean. I am twenty-three. Have been since fall.”

Bafflement overwhelmed both Seraphina and Vivienne, while Reggie and Maxwell kept a straight face. "Are you accusing her of something, master Gappy?" Every time she’d talked to him, it took every ounce of her being to call him "master".

Knowing that, Barkley intervened immediately. "Seraphina, you don’t know what we know. It’s a fair question to an Aetheral…"

"A what?" Vivienne stepped away from Maxwell and closer to the councilmen, who, apart from Hines and Barkley, cringed back in fear.

Maxwell went to her side again and like the quick learner he was, Reggie pulled himself and Seraphina up to their level. "What are you afraid of?" Maxwell asked perplexed.

"You really don’t know, do you?" Hines asked looking solely at Vivienne, who shook her head. "Apart from the mind reading, can you do anything else?"

"Like what?" Vivienne asked sternly, her defense against the uncomfortable attention she was receiving.

Barkley scratched his full, grey beard in thought. "Anything… extraordinary."

"Extraordinary?" She repeated, scrunching her face.

"Yes. Read people, manipulate them, draw strength from the living, somehow stay young, even heal yourself or others…" he would’ve kept on, but Barkley had been a roamer too, not to mention he was their uncle, and noticed the momentary glance the twins exchanged at his last suggestion. "Healing. You saw her heal."

Everyone, Reggie included, grew interested in that. Everyone but Vivienne and the twins. She turned to look at them. "You don’t know I did that. You could’ve simply been wrong, Sera, and it was nothing after all."

Seraphina rolled her eyes. "I’m hardly ever wrong with poison, but let’s say I was. Maybe about the poison. But arrow wounds don’t heal over a couple of hours. Nor can a normal person assess another’s health through a simple touch."

"Not to mention seconds after I got healed, your heart gave out." Maxwell supported his sister.

Vivienne ignored the siblings and turned to the council. "What’s an Aetheral?"

Hines seemed embarrassed. "At its core, that answer has been lost through the ages. We’ve only managed to deduct some abilities and written them down so we can distinguish you."

Before more questions arose, a door slam and a howl were heard behind them, where Zera stood with Raine at her side. "I had my suspicions, but being an old woman, I couldn’t be sure." She walked slowly towards Vivienne and touched her cheeks. "I started thinking I wouldn’t live long enough to meet another Aetheral."

"Another?" Hines questioned, obviously irritated he hadn’t been aware of the fact.

Much like every other time anyone raised their voice at her, Zera remained unaffected. "Yes, another. He’s of before any of our times, so it’s only natural you don’t know." She glances at the twins and a couple of others. "No pun intended, for some, of course."

There came laughter in the room, since Zera knew perfectly well how to eradicate tension in crowds. Being a council member for decades provided vast experience in dealing with agitated people. "Lady Zera, ever the pleasure."

"Indeed, though it should be under different circumstances, master Barkley." He came over to her and they greeted each other with a warm embrace, as old friends would. Barely loud enough for the quartet and him to hear, she also added. "I always thought you were exaggerating because they’re family, but fine roamers you’ve made out of the twins."

"I can’t take any credit, it’s all on them. But they are rush sometimes..." Barkley said, yet smiled at Seraphina, who was losing her patience with the social interactions. She needed to get back to her father.

"Yet, they’ve singlehandedly managed so much. But let’s get down to business. I can feel Seraphina’s eyes digging into my back." Zera said and together with Barkley went to sit. "Everyone, Briohall was deemed uninhabitable long before your time in these seats came, as you know."

"Here come more secrets…" Seraphina thought rolling her eyes.

Zera didn’t stop though. "But in truth, we’ve seized operations in the area because the empire came too close. We evacuated everyone leaving behind only a few families. The founding father of our network and his own."

"Elementals formed the League eons ago, Zera. He can’t be our founding father." Bryce mocked her.

Zera only smiled. "My dear Bryce, didn’t you hear me say there’s another Aetheral? Lucian is one. When Briohall was still active, there were reports exchanges as with Bandville. I’ve taken missives to Briohall myself. Plenty of times. Lucian is a good friend. Who do you think gave us the "

"So there’s someone like me, a master of the League and he’s in Briohall? West in the Wastes?" Vivienne summarized and Seraphina knew well that it for her and Maxwell’s benefit. For not giving the madman, Rollie, any notice nor credit.

Hines spoke up then. "If lady Zera speaks the truth and I don’t dare counter her, then yes, Vivienne. In our instructions by previous council members, it’s stated any Aetherals found should head to Briohall as soon as possible. It’s somehow tied to our future."

"She should leave immediately. We’ve lost too much time already with Seraphina and Maxwell keeping her from us." Gappy outright accused.

Seraphina felt Reggie’s hand on her waist curl into a fist, saw Vivienne grit her teeth and heard the low growl Maxwell gave. For once, all three matched Seraphina’s usual, hostile reaction and didn’t try to calm her.

But it was also the first time she didn’t care what came out of Gappy’s mouth, nor did she get furious. "Master Gappy, if it pleases you, next time we’ll opt for haste rather than safety. We’ll announce to everyone claiming to be high ranked that Vivienne can read their minds, so there’s no reason to lie. Would that be to your liking, your Worship?"

Hines glared at Gappy before addressing her. "Don’t be absurd, Seraphina. You’ve done well to keep this under wraps. It’s our failure in disclosing the information that’s cost us all this time." He looked over to Zera apologetically. "But what’s done is done. Vivienne, it’s up to you. We can’t force you to undertake such a burden, no matter how important it is to us."

The room was quiet, waiting for her answer. It was as if everyone held their breaths, everyone but Seraphina, who’d seen Vivienne desperately reading through the journals in the main hall one time the scorcher met with Zera after her session with Calvin.

"I’ll go." She said and everyone's sighs echoed in the hall. "But only after Brenton recovers."

Some would’ve tried to protest, but Hines’s words and mostly Zera’s glare stopped them. "Very well. We thank you in advance and we’ll provide you with anything you’ll need."

"We’re going with her." Seraphina announced.

Hines nodded. "I didn’t expect anything less. We’ll give you maps to traverse the land."

Reggie stepped up then, for the first time he got acknowledged. "I can be their guide. I’ve travelled all around the north. I can get us anywhere, both safely and swiftly."

"If they agree, we have no problem." An Embersummitter concurred and all others followed.

"Can we be excused now that’s settled? I need to see my father." Seraphina asked, but she was already moving towards the door with Reggie, Maxwell, Vivienne and Raine.

"Of course…" Someone called after them, but none cared.

Once they stepped out the doors, Mirabelle came to their side and again hugged the twins, while Reggie and Vivienne stayed a couple of feet behind. "I just checked on the injured. Calvin’s good at what he does."

"That he is. Was dad awake when you saw him?" Seraphina asked anxious.

Mirabelle shook her head. "No. He just needs rest. I’m sure he’ll wake up in a few hours, so you can see him then."

"We’ll go now actually. Do you think you can handle staying by yourselves here?" Maxwell questioned worried.

"We’ll be fine, we knew where we were going, my sweet. We just didn’t know you were going to be here as well." Mirabelle reassured them, yet put on her usual mask of scolding. Hands on the waist, foot tapping the ground. "But before you go, won’t you introduce us? I think I raised you better than that."

"Auntie, do we really need to do this now?" Seraphina whined and received a smack on her arm. "Ugh, fine. Reggie, Viv, this is our aunt Mirabelle. Auntie, Reggie and Vivienne. Can we go now?"

"No, you can’t." Mirabelle said pushing past the twins. "So tell me kids, are you really with my little ones, or…” She leaned in to whisper. “…is this all for the show?"

Vivienne smiled at her. "Real all the way from my side."

Mirabelle turned expectantly to Reggie, who kept his eyes trained on Seraphina as he answered, mostly to her. "Real." He went to her side and took her hand in his.

"Aunt Mirabelle, we have time for all that. Can we go, please?" Maxwell pleaded with her.

She nodded. "Go, but behave."

They didn’t take a single moment longer to leave the main hall behind. They rushed into the infirmary, where Calvin was still tending to the injured, changing their bandages. Brenton was sound asleep on the last bed of the array, away from the rest, probably so that the twins could stay with him without being in the way.

Passing by Calvin, he lifted his eyes off his patient to address them. "He’s only suffers of dehydration and malnutrition. It’s been a rough time for all of them. It’s taken a toll on him."

"When will he be awake?" Maxwell asked after a sigh of relief.

Calving returned to his task, but his reply came immediately. "You could wake him up if you’d like. I suggest you let him sleep as long as his body needs."

"Thank you." The quartet said simultaneously and moved to Brenton’s bed sitting around it, the twins close to the top, Reggie and Vivienne by their respective partners.

Seraphina and Maxwell sat by their father’s side for hours, upon hours. Reggie and Vivienne left a couple of times to get them something to eat, but other than that, stayed in the infirmary as well. They were mostly quiet, not wanting to bother any of the other injured, but also because each was lost in their own thoughts.

Seraphina watched her father breathe evenly and thought of all their arguments, their serious altercations and the setbacks he placed in her way. She’d never have become as good at her job as she was without his constant attempts to push her out of the life of a roamer.

He’d never managed it though. Much like him, Seraphina was way too stubborn and had a goal to achieve. Figuring out what happened to her mother had been her life’s main drive since her youth and every day she trained brought her one step closer. She still had a long way to go, her recent injury adding another setback to her already difficult journey, but she’d get it done.

At first, every time Brenton moved or coughed, all four didn’t miss a heartbeat before checking up on him. Soon they realized, with Vivienne’s confirmation, that he only needed to stay hydrated, like most Bandvillers in the infirmary.

When Brenton’s eye flickered open momentarily, Seraphina stood over him. "Dad…Are you awake?"

"Keep it down." Maxwell warned sternly. “He’s still asleep.”

"He blinked, I saw it." She insisted. "Dad...?"

She shook him lightly and he groaned, before he opened his eyes fully. He seemed disorientated, alternating between the four of them, his stare lingering on his children. "It seems too good to be true. It’s a dream, isn’t it?"

Seraphina shook her head. "We’re here, dad. A little banged up, but we’re here.”"

"Safe. Good." He coughed then. "Can I have some water?"

Reggie sprung up and brought him a glass. "There you go, sir. Be careful, it’s ice cold."

"Who are you?” Years of being a roamer, willfully staying in the capital around enemies, had made Brenton suspicious. “I appreciate your care, but leave us, if you please."

Reggie didn’t make a move to sit back down and seemed ready to leave indeed, but Seraphina put her hand in his. "He’s not a doctor, dad. He’s with us. His name is Reggie."

"A pleasure, sir." Reggie said as Seraphina pulled him back down.

"He’s her boyfriend." Maxwell added, receiving a smack to the back of his head from Vivienne.

To everyone’s surprise, Seraphina nodded. "You can trust him. I vouch for him."

Brenton lied skeptical, but like his daughter, nodded along. "Did they tell you? About Vivienne?" He asked and shifted his attention to her when he spoke her name.

"They did, Brenton. We’ll leave when you get better." Vivienne answered for them. "We’ll see if there’s something to gain out of this long journey."

Throughout Vivienne’s reply, he checked over everyone. He wasn’t pleased. "How long have you been here?"

"Some time." Seraphina said vaguely.

Brenton raised an eyebrow. "Your eyes are red, all of you, Vivienne keeps yawning and you’re too hyperactive. It’s not just some time.” He scolded them. “Get out of here and get some sleep. Don’t make me call for someone, it’s an order."

"I’m not leaving." Seraphina tried to defy him.

"You are. You need to sleep." Her father insisted and her body betrayed her as she yawned. An adrenaline rush, brought on by her anxiety, was the only reason she was still standing. "See? Go. Vivienne needs to rest as well. We can speak afterwards."

"Are you sure you’re okay?" Maxwell asked, still on the edge.

"I’m sore and hungry. Other than that, everything’s good." He reassured them, but coughed again. "Don’t make me say this another time." He said and cleared his throat.

"Fine, old man. As you wish." Seraphina said and got up. After a soft squeeze of his hand, she gathered herself and walked out of the infirmary, followed by the rest.

Seraphina whined along the way about Brenton’s stubbornness. She wouldn’t stop huffing and cursing. She didn’t even realize how soon they reached the trio’s home, until Reggie stopped her.

"Why’re we stopping?" She asked pivoting around.

"Our place. Are you coming in?" Vivienne asked, while Maxwell remained silent, keeping a straight face. Even Seraphina couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

"Um, no. You two go ahead." She answered yawning. "Right. I’ll go straight to him when I wake up. Meet you there?"

"Yep. Sleep well, guys." Vivienne wished them.

"You too." Reggie reciprocated, before following Seraphina back to his room.

His door was open, so Raine could come and go as she pleased whenever he wasn’t in there. That night she’d decided it’d be best to sprawl herself out on the bench.

Before Reggie had shut the door tight, Seraphina was already heading to his bed. "Damn, I should’ve gone in to get something to wear."

"I can give you something. You’ve already worn some of mine, when we met." Reggie said and walked to his wardrobe. He grabbed a grey shirt and threw it on his bed, where she was already sitting.

"Thanks." She changed into his shirt and got under the covers.

She lied down on her left side, while sleep was already making serious attempts to take her, when she felt Reggie’s weight shift the mattress's balance. His arms sneaked around her and he planted featherlight kisses on her neck and right shoulder. "Did I tell you I like the haircut?"

She had her eyes closed, she was half asleep, yet without moving she murmured back. "I’ve cut my hair before around you."

"I know. I've always liked it." He answered and kept up with his kisses.

She turned her head sleepily to him and touched his cheek. "Nice show in the main hall, by the way."

He pulled back and looked down at her. "What show?"

She yawned wide. "You know, the kiss to my head, holding me close and everything. No matter how we all are behind closed doors, we need to appear like a tight group with the Bandvillers around. They're not as open as the people here."

"You’ll have to explain all that later, but…" he paused and grabbed her chin. "…I didn’t do it for show."

Seraphina looked him in the eye and slid the hand along his cheek behind his neck pulling him in. Their lips touched passionately, before another of Seraphina’s yawns interrupted them followed by one of Reggie’s. "We need sleep, desperately." She stated and settled down in his arms.

He nodded against her back. "Mmhmm. Sweet…"

She drifted off to sleep and never heard the rest.

He was through tall grass. He couldn’t see anything else. The sound of horses stomping on hard land came from behind him. Fear paralyzed him, consumed him. Where was his sister? His father? His mother? He could find none, so he did all he could. He kept running, away from his pursuers.

He could hear them gaining on him. If only he could just make it to the forest ahead. The horses couldn’t follow. He pushed on, burning through whatever energy reserves he had left. He dared not look back.

He was out of breath by the time he reached the thick forest, but he didn’t stop. Maneuvering around the pine trees, he changed directions often to make it hard on his hunters. He would be no easy prey.

They soon lost sight of him. But it’d be only temporary if he found nowhere to hide, creep into. With a new goal in mind, he looked further than where he’d step. There were large trees ahead. They might hide vital hollows he could slide into, fallen trunks might prove sufficient too. But he found nothing.

Out of breath, he ended up creeping under the roots of a large tree. His small frame making it easy to do so, but it didn’t conceal him well. He pushed his back against the mossy trunk and tried to calm himself down. He could barely hear anything other than his own heartbeat ringing in his ears. He thought he had hid well.

But he was wrong. He was only a child, barely five. He had never been hunted down before and had had no reason to fear for his life. Something that brought mistakes. One led to his demise. He had left tracks leading his hunters straight to his hiding place.

With a morbid laugh, they pulled him out by the hair, tied him up and threw him over a horse. No amount of resistance helped him escape his fate. They rode back and tossed him on the ground like a sack of meat. Next to him sat his family, in similar stances. Defeated and tied up.

"Here’s the coward!" A thug boomed over him. "Thought you could outrun us, boy?" He asked and backhanded him.

His family stared him down, disappointment and disgust painted on their faces. His head hung down in shame. He had run to save himself, leaving them all behind. There was no reason to expect anything more from them.

The bull grabbed his hair and made him look up. "Cowards go last. Watch." He pointed at the boy’s family. “You brought this on them when you abandoned them.”

The bull and his goons laughed as they killed off his family. First his mother, followed by his father and last was his sister. They all kept their eyes locked on his, blaming him, before the life of each was viciously taken away.

Out of every glare, the one that affected him the most was his sister’s. Its effect reached deep within him, because her death was his fault. She mouthed to him "Why did you let me go?”. He couldn’t answer. When they slit her throat, everything started shaking.

"Max…" A woman’s voice called to him. He couldn’t find her though. His whole world shook as he tried to find where the voice came from. More quakes came as his eyes searched. "Max, wake up, it’s only a dream."

The words made no sense, until he stopped moving, took a deep breath closing his eyes and reopened them, only to find Vivienne staring down at him concerned. For the twelfth time since they’d reunited with Seraphina.

"It’s getting ridiculous." Maxwell uttered with a groan and rubbed his eyes. Sweat had gathered on his eyebrows and he wiped it off.

"It’s just a nightmare, goof." Vivienne said back and stroked his cheek. "Same dream?"

He nodded into her palm. "Didn’t you see it?"

"I stopped looking after the first couple of nights." She replied and lied down, her head on his chest atop her hands. "When will you forgive yourself? It was a joint decision."

"I know…" Maxwell whispered looking up the ceiling. "I thought I lost her, Viv. All of them really."

He felt her slide her body higher and then her face came into the view. "You had no trouble sleeping before we reached Norfolk, even if it was restless. Why are you beating yourself up now that you know they’re alive and well?"

He knew not the answer to that question. "Neither is well." He breathed.

Vivienne pushed his hair back and planted a kiss on his nose. "Your father should be among the charred corpses of Bandville and Sera should be in the Emperor’s clutches, getting tortured by his minions. They’re fine, considering."

He didn’t agree and she knew it very well, so he didn’t bother replying, opting to change the subject instead. "We should get going. Sera’s probably already by his side."

She shook her head. "Actually, I doubt it. Reggie was planning to let her sleep in."

"Brave man…" Maxwell thought, actually impressed. "Don’t know how long he’ll last if he does such things."

"We’ll see. She seems to like him." Something lit up in her eyes as she lifted herself up on her elbows. "I don’t simply buy Sera’s explanation. Why do you accept him all of a sudden?"

"I don’t, but I have to behave." Maxwell answered and smiled at her confused stare. "And I’m going to grill him… the minute my wonderful girl takes away my sister...?"

Vivienne glared and got off him. "Nuh uh, mister, I’m not getting between you two. I know better than that."

"I need to make sure he’ll treat her well, even if I doubt it." He declared and got up as well. "Don’t you think so?"

"You're such a prude when it comes to her." Vivienne seemed to think about it, but he’d come to know her well. So well that he knew she was pretending to consider his words. Her mind was already set, she was only in search of the right words. "I think you shouldn’t interfere. She didn’t corner me, so you shouldn't do it to him. Seraphina’s more than capable of dealing with him either way."

"Come on, Viv. I promise I won’t hurt him or anything." Maxwell pleaded closing the distance between them. "These dreams… I guess I’m a little more paranoid about her safety than usual."

Vivienne craned her head up to look into his eyes. "Two days ago you were calling him names and now you expect me to believe you only want to talk to him? Peacefully?"

She didn’t understand. She couldn’t. "Anything I said before she openly kissed him in front of me doesn’t matter."

"Why, though?" Vivienne insisted, never raising her voice.

"Remember when you asked me to withhold everything on my personal life before you?" In his arms, she went stiff, but nodded. "We were two people that moved around all the time, so brief…um, encounters were common for me. As much as I hate it, for her too, so no I'm not a prude. Not the way you think anyway. Neither Sera nor I let the other meet those people. You and Reggie..."

"…are the first. Yeah, I know. Sera mentioned it." She finished for him.

"Exactly. You’re important to me, he might get important to her. So just like she had to accept you, now it’s my turn. But I also need to know. Make sure myself." Maxwell repeated once more.

Vivienne sighed and buried her head in his chest. "You do remember your girlfriend can read minds, so there’s no need, right? I know what he wants and I know what she wants.”

He touched his lips to her hair, grateful that even though they disagreed, she wouldn’t rat him out to Seraphina. "I know. I just… need to."

"The dreams, I know.” She sighed. “You need to talk about it with your sister. Maybe she’ll knock some sense into you." She gave him a quick peck and proceeded to get dressed. "Come on, goof. We don’t wanna keep Brenton waiting."

Maxwell followed her example. "Shouldn’t start such a conversation if you wanted us to hurry, Viv."

"I haven’t got many chances since we came here. We’re either busy or Sera’s constantly around us." Vivienne whined sticking her tongue out.

"Probably won’t get any more once we leave here." He thought giving her a weak smile. Once they were presentable, they walked over to Reggie’s room. Maxwell noticed Vivienne scrunch her face when they got close. "Something I don’t wanna know?"

"Your sister’s mad." Vivienne answered and got behind him.

"Should we go in and save him?" Maxwell wondered aloud, but he’d already knocked before he got an answer.

The door swung open and out sprung Raine followed by a furious Seraphina. "He didn’t wake me. Let’s go."

With that, she walked as fast as her crutch would allow towards the infirmary. Reggie easily caught up with them, but none of the three came close to Seraphina. "Shouldn’t have let her sleep in."

“I would’ve done it again, given the chance.” Reggie shrugged. "She's angry now, but she needed it."

"Ohh, I agree." Vivienne concurred and squeezed Maxwell’s hand. "Here’s your chance. I’ll go with her." She raised a finger and pointed at him in warning. "Behave."

"Promise." Maxwell nodded and Vivienne went on after his sister, while he and Reggie stood there.

"I expected this sooner, to be honest." Reggie announced taking a step back. "You’re not gonna punch me in the gut again, are you?"

"That depends on you." Maxwell was quick to say, though it wasn’t true. "And it was just a shove."

Reggie groaned absentmindedly touching his ribs. "True. If we had the same size."

"Details." Maxwell uttered and took a moment to gather his thoughts. He hadn’t calculated getting a chance alone with Reggie would come so soon.

Reggie tried to save them the time. "Look, man, you don’t need to…" but Maxwell held up his hand.

"Don't, imperial. I have to tolerate you, but I don’t trust you.” He paused and glared at him. “Sera’s my sister. Hurt her and whatever she does to you, I’ll do worse. Don’t give me your word or empty promises. If you hurt her, I’ll destroy you.”

There was no trace of discomfort in Reggie's posture. "Like I was saying, we don't need this talk. I know what I've gotten myself into."

Maxwell stared him down. "Once upon a time that would be enough, but circumstances have changed. Sera..."

"...is your sister. I get it." It was Reggie's turn to cut the douser off. "But she doesn’t need anyone’s assistance in her personal life. It’s her life, her choices." He cleared his throat. “She can deal with them herself.”

His hair stood up straight and a tingling sensation spread throughout his fingers. Only the twins' pact and Vivienne's warning to behave kept Maxwell's fist at bay. "Similar minds. That’s exactly how Sera would answer. Maybe this is why Viv’s so fine with him."

"Are we cool?" Reggie questioned, a sort of challenge imbued his voice as he extended his hand.

"Hardly." Maxwell thought shaking his hand. "For now."

"Good enough for me." Reggie smiled. "How about we run after them before either thinks you’ve done anything to me?"

Maxwell scowled. "If you don’t get that smug grin off your face, I will."

"Understood." Reggie replied and they hurried to the infirmary.

There, they found many Bandvillers crowding over full beds, talking with the injured. By his father’s bed sat Barkley, Mirabelle, Vivienne and Seraphina. There was a food tray for four in a nearby chair, left there probably by his aunt who knew the twins well enough to figure out they’d come straight to their father, overlooking their needs.

With no available chairs for them, Reggie knelt by Seraphina, while Maxwell went over to Vivienne who got up and sat in his lap. "Did you behave?" She whispered in his ear.

He only nodded and turned to his father as she patted his head. "How’re you feeling, old man?"

"As I was telling the girls here, I’m doing fine. Staying still the past few days has helped. I’ll be as good as new in no time." Brenton declared and Maxwell believed him. The colour had already returned to his cheeks.

"And I was just telling him that he no longer needs to feign harshness, since I’ve told you about the show he put on after we thought he’d passed." Vivienne said and Brenton scowled.

"Lighten up, dad. Deep down we both knew." Seraphina tried to reassure him.

"You mean I did, sis." Maxwell thought as he nodded along nonetheless. "Too bad all your effort was pointless, huh? We still got entangled in this life."

Brenton shook his head. "It’s the first time in my life that I’m happy you did. If you hadn’t, you'd be in Bandville when…" There was no need to finish that sentence.

"Stubbornness runs deep in our family." Barkley offered with a wink to Seraphina.

"Ohh now I get appreciated." She said. Of course she wouldn’t miss out.

Her words elicited laughs from the company and slowly all tension dissipated. The foursome ate up their meals after an order came from Mirabelle, while Barkley recited the story of how there were survivors in the massacre of Bandville.

More secrets surfaced as he talked. There was a reason the conference hall had been in a position that Maxwell always found weird. Placed directly across from the main gates, away from the river that ran through the town and closest to the mountain.

Like Embersummit, but nowhere near in extent, the bashers of the council had opened up a crevice in the rocky slopes, large enough to fit close to fifty people. When the horns sounded the attack, the council revealed the shelter and the soldiers of Bandville took up arms while the elderly, the women, the children and the non-roamer Elementals hid.

From his report, cold as it was, it was obvious it had been the hardest thing Barkley had ever done. He had joined the League to protect the people, yet he knowingly hid while men and women died to protect him. Maxwell knew tt was something he’d hold himself accountable for years. He was sure the only thing that kept Barkley going was his need to serve. Once he no longer could though, the cumulative pressure of all his time as council man, the loss of his son included, would gnaw at him from the inside.

Afterwards it was twins’ turn to tell of their story. For Barkley’s and Mirabelle’s sake, they started from the beginning, their arrival at Ashbourne. Vivienne had made herself comfortable on Maxwell’s lap and pitched in her side of their first encounter, how the twins crept her out, yet at the same time awed her, long before she and Maxwell grew close.

Brenton expressed his gratitude to Vivienne when they got to the part about Maxwell’s healing, which she shrugged off once again. "It’s not like I know what I did." She whispered to him.

"I’m here because of you. That’s what matters." He whispered back and brushed her cheek with his lips. His very breath on her ear brought goosebumps to her arms.

There were no interruptions in neither their account nor Reggie’s. But when he finished, Brenton shifted all his focus on him. "Former imperial, you say. I’ve never heard of such a thing and I was stationed in the capital.” He paused and coughed. Once he wiped his mouth on his sleeve, he continued. “Every attempt I made to convert imperials stopped at the phrase carved onto your badge. For a life under the empire’s sun. That’s what it says, isn’t it? For life?"

Maxwell expected Seraphina to come to Reggie’s rescue again, but whether due to his mistake in the morning or her own curiosity, she stayed silent and looked at him expectantly,

He didn’t falter under everyone’s gaze. "It does and everyone takes that oath very seriously, but I didn’t join the army to be a part of the empire. I only wanted to help. Protect the people. The army was the only way I thought would get me that."

"That all may be true, but what aren’t you telling us?" Brenton asked and his eyes went to Vivienne.

She took the hint. "Everyone’s entitled to their secrets. Just because I can see those doesn’t mean, I’ll tell everyone. Since I know it's irrelevant to his intentions, you’re not getting his from me." Brenton was about to speak, but she cut him off. "And before you say anything about you, we thought you were dead and I wanted them to know the truth about their father."

Brenton huffed, much like Seraphina did whenever someone other than herself had a point. "I’ll let it slide, but you’re under watch, young man. Don’t be mistaken though. It has nothing to do with whose knees you cling on. That is a whole other matter, for a different time." Barkley nodded agreeing.

"Are you serious? Now you act all father-like?" Seraphina exclaimed annoyed.

Barkley shrugged. "You brought us an imperial. Did you think we'd accept it that easily?"

Before Seraphina could argue further, Reggie spoke up. "I can handle anything you throw at me." Maxwell could see the glint Reggie’s words brought to his father’s and uncle’s eyes.

"Don’t challenge them, you idiot. You don’t know what you’ll get yourself into." Seraphina tried to warn him, but the damage had already been done.

"Oh, on the contrary, sis. He thinks he knows." Maxwell thought chuckling, while Vivienne glanced up at him confused.

Reggie kissed Seraphina's hand and looked back at Brenton. "Anything you shoot my way." Both Barkley and Brenton rubbed their hands together. Mirabelle, Maxwell and Vivienne just laughed.

Seraphina rolled her eyes. "I'd love to know what you think you're doing, because you just asked two scorchers to shoot you."

Reggie’s eyes went wide and he gulped.

"You’re not really gonna hurt him, are you?" Vivienne asked Brenton once she and Maxwell were left alone with him upon his request.

Brenton shook his head. "He’s an imperial. I’m hoping you’ll give me a good reason to overlook that. In fact, I’m surprised Sera let him live in the first place." He admitted.

"If it wasn’t for Sera, I would’ve twisted that neck of his already. We’re taking a chance here…" Maxwell trailed off.

Vivienne sighed and cleared her throat. "I can promise you Reggie has no love for the empire. Never did, nor will he ever." They exchanged quick glances, not really believing her words. "I’m the mind reader, remember? Don’t you think I’ve already dug into him? And that was way before they got close."

Their incredibly similar, and ridiculous, frown brought her close to cracking up, despite the severity of the situation. Brenton tried to sit up, wincing slightly as he did. Maxwell’s hand went to his back immediately. "Watch it, old man."

"I’m fine." The scorcher insisted, removing his son’s arm from behind him. "Maxwell, could go please?"

"Dad, I don’t think I should." Maxwell replied, staying still. Until Vivienne nudged him and nodded towards the door. More reluctantly than ever, he got up. "I’ll… wait out there."

"Thanks, goof." She whispered as he passed by, his fingers trailing her shoulders. She turned to Brenton once Maxwell was far away enough. "Well?"

"Well, you’ve seen into his head. Give it to me straight. Should I have him killed?" Brenton cut straight to the point.

"No. I think he’ll be a valuable asset, both as a guide for us and as a possible mole in certain situations." Vivienne reported. She did a quick check for eavesdroppers and leaned in. "It’s more than his thoughts. He and I have been talking. Even before the councils revealed this Aetheral business, Reggie and I have been plotting to get the twins on board with our plan."

"Which is?" Brenton inquired thoughtful.

"There was this… let’s say, peculiar individual who I read and he recognized the feeling. He told me I needed to go, and I quote “West in the Wastes to the master”. Now I think he was referring to this centuries old founding father the councils mentioned.” Vivienne explained.

“My children didn’t want to undertake this task? Sera didn’t jump at the chance?” Brenton asked astonished.

Vivienne shook her head. “They’ve changed, Brenton. Sera’s sort of given up and Max’s becoming overprotective, wanting neither me, nor his sister anywhere near danger. If I wasn’t somehow connected to this, I don’t think they’d mind settling here too much.”

“Yet, here you are, wanting to lift the burden… Things have changed indeed.” He uttered, deep in thought. “Why are you so determined as to plot behind my children’s back?”

“Sera’s capture had a big impact on all of us.” Vivienne started uncomfortably. “The more time I spend around them, the more I realize I don’t want to bring children into this world, damned to be persecuted for no other reason than the breath they take.”

Brenton looked at her closely. “Anything Maxwell should know, Vivienne?”

She shook her head. “I’m talking about the future and the possibilities. These are thoughts I’ve never had the chance to have before. The Shepherds have given me that, or rather your children have. A safe place. Now if I can do something to provide help to people in need, I want to do it.”

“I understand. Improving our circumstances is the reason I joined my brother in this organization.” Brenton said sighing. “I’m guessing you’re still here to make sure I’m alive and well?”

“Yep. As you guessed when you opened your eyes, we wouldn’t even leave your side the first couple of days.” Vivienne affirmed.

Brenton nodded, mostly to himself. “Well, if you’re willing to go through with this, you should get going. The sooner you’re done, the better.”

“I know and we will. Besides your improvement, we’re also waiting for some frequent reports to come in from the nearest hive. The messengers are late apparently.” Vivienne explained.

“They asked you to wait? That’s a first.” Brenton remarked apprehensively and scratched his cheek. “I’m guessing Reggie will join you?”

“Yep. I already told you he’ll serve as our guide.” She reminded him. “We really have nothing to worry about. With him turning on us, I mean.”

Brenton’s reply came immediately. “That’s all I’m anxious for, Vivienne. Unlike Max, I trust Sera with her personal life, it’s only his imperial past that haunts me.”

She grabbed his hand and squeezed. “I understand your doubts, but put your trust in me, if not him.” She paused when one of Calvin’s apprentices came by. “Unless, of course, you don’t trust me either.”

Brenton cocked his head to the side in confusion. “I wouldn’t ask for your input otherwise. You’ve spent a lot of time with them and proved your worth. It’s been a full cycle, hasn’t it?” She nodded. He squeezed her hand back willing to convey his feelings better, but his mind was already showing her his full acceptance. “I only ask you to be wary. Just in case. The twins don’t seem to be objective.”

“I will be, I promise.” Vivienne declared with a smile. “How about we get you up now?”

“I thought you’d never ask!” Brenton exclaimed with booming laughter.

Many eyes turned their way and with them, Vivienne noticed Maxwell approaching his father’s bed. “The messengers came last night. You need to hear this.”

“Why did you come out too? Shouldn’t you have stayed with your dad?” Reggie asked Seraphina while they waited outside the infirmary.

She clenched her fist and the torches in the tunnel flickered. “He’ll probably ask Vivienne about what she’s seen in your head. Whether you’re a threat, whether he should trust you, but most importantly whether he should have you killed. I don’t want to yell at him.”

His hand started trembling, something Seraphina couldn’t help but catch. When he noticed her looking, though, he jounced it. “I’ve found myself fighting people twice my size, but I’ve never been one to fear. Yet, you and your family have quite an effect on me.”

“I think it’s kinda natural. You know what we’re capable of, but have no clue about their intentions.” She commented with a wink.

He stepped closer to her. “Just theirs? Half the time I think you’ll snap my neck.” Bandvillers went by them and saw him take her hands, lifting them up to his shoulders. Her fingers locked on his nape. “Like this morning.”

“I am considering it at times…” She replied as her nails drew patterns on his skin. “…but you have your uses, so I don’t.”

“So I just have to remain useful?” He asked and she nodded. “Let’s stay in the north then, where I can be a guide. Everything else you can do yourself, so that's all I have to offer.”

She stared into his eyes, wondering if she hid her thoughts as well as she tried. “I beg to differ. You don’t realize how you give me an alternative, something I may build on…”

The soft touch of his lips and the firm hold he had on her, only added to her thoughts. She let him pull back, just enough so they could look at each other for there were still people around them. “You seriously have to explain this.”

“That and so much more. I guess you’ll have to stick around.” She commented with a shrug. “Has my brother got you alone yet?”

“This morning…” Reggie trailed off. “I stood my ground. I’d mentally prepared myself to at least get shaken, but you were right. He held himself back.”

“I’m always right, puppy.” Seraphina reminded him. “My little brother may seem to be too protective these days, but some things haven’t changed. I know what to expect from him. It’s my father I have no clue about, so keep close to me at all times. Your time in the Emperor’s army is a big thorn on his side.”

“You don’t need to tell me twice.” He whispered and again leaned down to kiss her, but they were interrupted by Maxwell clearing his throat.

Seraphina didn’t let Reggie pull away, but rather touched her head to his chest. “Already out? I would’ve thought he wanted more information.”

Maxwell scrunched his face annoyed. “He did. But apparently only from Vivienne and with only her present.”

“Hmm… he probably didn’t want your very objective input…” She held up a finger. “…uh, uh, now. Just because you behave doesn’t mean I’m unaware of your opinion, kiddo.”

Maxwell was ready to respond to her, but something behind her stopped him. She turned and saw Mirabelle rushing back towards them. She and Barkley had left for the main hall, for Barkley, as councilman, still had a duty to perform.

“You’re out. Good. You need to hurry to the council, Barkley’s orders.” She declared when she reached them.

“Why, auntie? What happened?” Maxwell asked curiously.

“The messengers you were waiting on have come and their reports… Well you really need to listen to them yourselves.” She vaguely replied.

“Give us a clue till we go back.” Seraphina insisted.

Mirabelle looked straight into her eyes. “You’re at the top of the most wanted list. Apparently, there’s a silent manhunt for you going on and it’s spreading across every part of the empire…”