The Pillar of Enera

[Book II Chapter 116] KATE: Rousing Reagan Bard

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“This swelon tea is divine.” Agatha said. She passed Kate a teacup and joined her at the table on the terrace.

Though not in the mood, Kate forced herself to take a sip. The soothing taste was lost on her. “How much longer will it take?” She asked.

Their mission was at a standstill. In the distance, a golden dome covered the abode of Reagan Bard who they’d come to collect. Formed from his aura, the magic was deployed when he wished privacy and was nigh indestructible.

“In the past, banging on the outside would eventually get his attention.” Agatha observed. “Doesn’t seem to be working this time though…”

“The forced downtime is making me restless.” Kate said. When not testing the barrier, she was teaching Silver the techniques she’d mastered from Kara, and he was absorbing everything at a tremendous pace. Realizing that, in a couple of days, she’d have nothing left to impart, she’d demanded to see all of Silver’s summons. While this attempt to draw things out had succeeded, taking considerably more time than she expected, the degree his skills had improved in this area further rattled her confidence.

Agatha frowned. “Sorry to hear that, but I’m happy to have you as guests. Mane is too.”

Silver was sparing with Mane in the savanna below, practicing what he’d learned. He can’t sit still. Although he was always reigning himself in, the Flux Planescapes had reinforced this aspect of his personality. There the endless war machine demanded constant devotion, and slacking off was a sin which cost lives. This mindset had carried over upon his return, with preventing the world’s destruction serving as his new greater cause. She wished she could slow him down, but knew it was useless. No matter how much anxiety it causes me.

Some of her old fears had receded. This was a dark age. If she survived, immortality was inevitable. She’d never grow old watching him stay young.

What now ate away at her now was a question of worthiness. As his fame grew and attracted more eyes, their relation would come under greater scrutiny. She’d could almost hear the whispers. Her origins were common, and his were legendary. Was being the first teenage girl he met since leaving the arctic enough to claim such a prize? Didn’t he settle too soon? The gap between their abilities would fuel the speculation.

Kate leaned back, reflecting on her life if she hadn’t met Silver and his siblings. I wouldn’t be a saint or have gone on all these amazing adventures. I would’ve been just another name on Lily’s wall back on the Isle, accomplishing nothing of note. She didn’t want to lose this chance.

<> Agatha asked.

Kate was so shocked at the question it took her a second to realize the immortal hadn’t spoken. She’s a mind reader…? Suppressing panic, she recalled Kara’s lesson on warding off mental interference and she shifted her aura to isolate her soul.

Agatha raised an eyebrow. “Those are some impressive defense you’ve raised. Relax, I have no talent beyond basic telepathy.”

As adventurers grew stronger, a small percentage developed a certain enhanced sensitively, occasionally catching straight thoughts from those around them. Most either hid or ignored these occurrences, not wanting stigma they might bring. Some nurtured this new ability to leverage the advantages of wordless communication. Others indulged far deeper. Psychics could warp a persons senses and directly assault their mind. Worst were beguilers, who could tamper with their very thoughts. No beguiler would ever reveal themselves. This logic calmed her.

“I don’t usually intrude on the ruminating of my guests.” Agatha said softly. “However, this topic is one I’m intimately familiar with me.”

“I can’t believe Debra didn’t warn us.” Kate said bitterly.

“Since all of immortals adopt safeguards against telepathy, they often forget its an issue.” Agatha explained.

“How much did you hear?” Kate asked.

“Most of it, I imagine.” Agatha chuckled. “Frankly, you’re being silly. You should have more confidence as Lily’s daughter, the pupil of Kara, and a saint in your own right.”

Of course, with backlash you faced marrying your summon, my concerns must seem insignificant. “I can’t help it.” Kate winced. “The same thing happened on the Isle when Lily adopted me. I was an ordinary girl thrust into extraordinary position. It was a struggle to adapt, and people around me noticed. The gossip reached my ears.”

“So, at some level, you feel you don’t belong in his world?” Agatha interpreted.

“Yes, but I want to be there.” Kate replied. That’s why I forced myself to train with Kara, although she’s terrifying.

“If it’s your desire, I wish you all the best luck.” Agatha smiled.

Kate was taken aback. “That’s all? You have no advice to give?”

The immortal shook her head sadly. “Reading minds doesn’t help fix them. That reality has been drilled into me again and again. You’re self-conscious because your self-perception doesn’t match your circumstances. This is problem only you can solve.”

“What are you talking about?” Silver walked onto the terrace, Mane behind him. Kate jerked up in her seat at his sudden appearance.

“Kate was just sharing some of her concerns with me.” Agatha answered with a mischievous grin.

Oh, no… Kate watched dejection blanket her boyfriend’s face. Of course he’d be hurt to find her opening up to someone else. He was simple that way. “These bracers, the one’s we inherited from Arther…” Kate deflected desperately. “What are we going to do about them?”

Silvered frown, confused, which was good. “What I mean is we split them because neither of us was strong enough to make use of both.” She continued. “However, we’re saints rapidly approaching the point where one will be insufficient…”

“That has an easy solution.” Agatha laughed. “Reagan was the one who made them. Just ask him for another pair.”

“Really? That’s perfect!” Silver exclaimed, his mood recovered. “I’d been worrying about that too.”

“Let’s go bash Reagan barrier again.” He added. “I want to meet him even more badly now.”

Sighing with relief, Kate got up to follow.

“Mane, why don’t you go with them too.” Agatha called out as they left.

“You sure?” He asked.

“Yes, it’s time.” Agatha nodded.

Is he going to help us? Kate wondered as they approached the golden dome. This question was soon answered as Mane began glowing, bright runes flowing over him. This is aura magecraft! When the immortal prepared to strike, their instincts sent off warning signals, and they braced themselves. There was a flash, and a shockwave knocked them back.

Mane beckonged them as they came to their senses. “Hurry! I can only get his attention. It’s your presence which will draw him out.”

Kate’s heart was pounding as she placed her hand besides Silver’s on the golden surface. She’d met Reagan many times on the Isle when he came to visit Arther, but she’d never gotten to know him. At the very least, he should recognize me if he senses me.

Abruptly, the barrier drew away from them, shrinking to reveal a gorgeous villa. A tall, blond-bearded man with flowing hair appeared at its center. He jumped over, and his eyes fixed themselves on Silver. For a moment, there was silence.

“What are you?” Reagan finally asked.