Authors: Paulette Miller
Tianna loved and trusted Zarin. She had never known one of his hunches to be wrong. After a long discussion, she reluctantly agreed to leave the home she had always known.
After their meal, Tianna went to inform her parents that she was leaving Trille. It was a tearful goodbye, however, Tianna knew in her heart that she would see them again. Unknown to Tianna, her parents had always known that she was meant for larger things, although their time with her seemed so short. While they talked, Tianna found out that her mother was expecting a child, so the sorrow of leaving was mixed with joy. Tianna thought it appropriate that her absence would be filled by a new life.
After leaving her parent’s home, Tianna went to say goodbye to Sara. She watched her playing from a distance for a few minutes before joining her. Tianna called, “Hello Sara.”
Sara turned and ran to Tianna, hugging her around her waist.
Tianna kneeled in front of her. “I’m leaving on a trip and wanted to say goodbye.”
Sara’s face fell. She didn’t like it when Tianna left Trille. She asked, “Where are you going?”
“I’m going to visit the home of some new friends.” Tianna point to the north and said, “Their home is on the other side of Lagrangia so I’ll be gone for a while. Can you do me a favor while I’m gone?”
Sara gave her a questioning stare, “What do you want me to do?”
“Once in a while, stop in and visit Zarin. Sometimes he forgets to eat so you’ll need to remind him. Maybe you could bring him some cookies.”
Sara nodded. Tianna knew that Sara liked Zarin and would be more than happy to get under his feet as often as she could.
Tianna continued, “Also, my mother is expecting a child and the baby will be born before I get back. Can you step in as the baby’s big sister until I return?”
She agreed and flung her arms around Tianna’s neck. “I don’t want you to go. I’ll miss you.”
Tianna closed her eyes and enjoyed the feel of Sara’s touch. “I’ll miss you too, but I promise I’ll come back.” As Sara started to release Tianna’ neck, Tianna said, “I’ll definitely miss those hugs of yours. Can I have an extra-large one before I leave?”
Sara enthusiastically complied and gave Tianna a hug so tight it took her breath away.
When Tianna returned home, Zarin could sense her somber mood, so he presented her with his spell book as a gift. She had always envied it, often daydreaming about the day when she would be considered a full wizard with a book like Zarin’s as her own. Now, staring down at the book in her hands, she realized that future was upon her. She gazed at her master, her emotions making it difficult for her to speak.
Zarin nodded his understanding and had her open the book, showing her spells that she had rarely seen. Many of them were beyond her current skills but, over time, she knew she would need to learn them. He also pointed out a section of the book that covered many magical creatures and their villages. She noticed some villages had an extensive amount of information while others were blank. The gaps made her nervous.
Zarin said, “While you travel, fill in any information you learn along the way.” His request caught her off guard. From a young age, she always believed that her master had all the answers. She was surprised to find that he was human after all. She nodded and smiled with pride that he considered her worthy of continuing his work.
Zarin worked with Seth on maps and navigation. Although young, Zarin agreed that Seth held incredible tracking abilities. He gave Seth a special map and said, “So far, your quest has visited Draak and human villages, as well as, the magical villages that haven’t hidden themselves behind a shroud. You’ve looked in the obvious locations, but there are others hidden in the shadows. With the help of your Seer, I’ve helped reinforce the protection that several of the magical villages use to shroud themselves.” He handed Seth a map saying, “I created this map to help guide you to the secret locations of some of those that have hidden themselves. These villages are strong in magic and could be wonderful allies. But for the safety of these communities, you must protect this map with your life. It can’t be allowed to fall into enemy hands.”
To help protect the map, Tianna performed a spell that would hide its contents from anyone other than the Draaks. She thought she was being especially clever when she made an addition to the spell that when anyone else touched it, it caused the map to disappear and then reappear tucked in Seth’s belt. Also, since the villages they’ll visit will be shrouded, Zarin taught her the spell required to request entry.
Zarin instructed Seth, “Lead your companions on a path that takes them to as many of these villages as possible but still keeps you headed to Haven. It’ll take more than just the Draaks to win this war. We need to enlist allies to join our cause.”
To Marcus, Zarin added, “While visiting these villages, make contact with the local leaders. Stay for a while and try to blend in, gain their trust. Negotiate whatever relationship you think is wise. Use the book to gain as much knowledge as you can so you don’t go into a village unprepared.”
In private, Zarin gave Marcus two letters. One letter was from himself and the other from Tianna’s human mother. He was to give them to Tianna only after she found out the truth about herself.
Since Gabriel’s primary focus was to keep the travelers safe at all costs, Zarin emphasized that Gabriel was to be on his guard at all times. He warned that not all the villages would welcome them with open arms. Tianna’s presence would make them a target. He added, “In times of strife, anything unusual attracts unfriendly, covetous eyes.”
Zarin shared with Nathaniel some special potions and herbs that can be used to enhance healing abilities. He told him that his primary goal, above all others, was to help protect Tianna. He said, “Unlike Gabriel, your strength isn’t of the body, but of the mind. As Tianna learns of her heritage, her powers will grow quickly, and I need you to monitor her mental stability. Help her be mentally strong and well-adjusted so she can withstand the inner turmoil in her future.” He put his hand on Nathaniel’s shoulder. “Can you do this for me?”
Nathaniel smiled and bowed, saying, “It would be my pleasure to watch over her, mind and body.”
Zarin repeatedly told all the Draak, “Along your journey, help her discover her powers. She’ll need to learn to control them if she’s to survive.”
When the day to leave arrived, everyone mounted their horses and Zarin began his farewell speech. “Continue your hunt for your missing warrior, but keep an open mind. You’ve been searching for a mighty Draak warrior and have a very specific picture of what this creature should look like. Warriors can come in all shapes and sizes, so don’t close your mind to other possibilities. Things aren’t always what they seem.”
Tianna’s expression turned sad, and Zarin walked over and said, “The purpose for all things will be revealed in time. Learn all you can from these Draak. Trust that they will help protect you.”
The travelers all bowed from their saddles.
Tianna wanted to hug her old master. Before she had the chance to lean down to him, he swatted her horse causing it to leap forward. He yelled after them, “Trust in each other. I’ll see you all again.”
They rode off together and disappeared into the trees.
They traveled hard for several days. Tianna was an excellent rider and easily kept up with the group. She remained quiet most of the time, however, lost in thought of the adventures that lay ahead of her. Although those traveling with her watched her closely, they gave her the personal time she needed to adjust to her new circumstances.
Marcus did have to pull Tianna to the side several times when she kept trying to do all the cooking, cleaning, and washing. Her response was always the same, “But for 16 years, that’s been my job as an apprentice to Zarin. It was my responsibility to keep everything in order. I’ve interrupted your quest and feel like I should be doing more.”
Marcus countered with, “As I’ve said before, you’re not an apprentice within our group. You travel with us as our wizard, an equal member. On this team, we all share in the day-to-day responsibilities. It’s not just to share the work, it also keeps us working as a team at all times.”
Tianna replied, “I promise I’ll try. It’s just that I’ve never had to work as a team before. It’ll take some time for me to adjust to my new role.”
“Don’t worry, you’re still in the rotation and will have your turn to take care of us, but you must let the others continue to do their part. Try to enjoy the time while others take their turn to care for you.” He gave her a playful smile.
In the evenings, when time permitted, Tianna wrote in her book. There was no way for her to hide her journaling. When they asked her about it, she told them that she just liked to keep personal thoughts. She said they were private and didn’t want to share them. Everyone accepted her answer without question except Nathaniel. He was so curious about this bewitching creature that he longed to read what thoughts she wrote about in her journal. He wanted to find a way to influence her and hoped some of the secrets within her book would give him some insight.
The morning of her rotation for making the morning meal, Tianna woke early. Much to Marcus’ dismay, she again went off on her own to find some items she wanted to use in their morning meal. Marcus sent Seth immediately after her. Marcus planned yet another discussion with her about not wandering off on her own. As a general rule, none of them were allowed to venture off alone given the evil that lurked around every corner.
Once the food hunters were out of sight, Nathaniel snuck into Tianna’s bedroll and found her journal. He studied the book carefully. Although he could see no locking mechanism, he couldn’t find a way to open it. When he tried to force it open, what initially appeared as a bookmark snaked out and bit him hard on the back of his right hand.
“Ouch!” he yelled as he dropped the journal. He growled as the snake-like vine returned to its original form. He cursed as he rubbed his wound and gently placed the book back where he found it. He had to chuckle when he saw a perfect “X” shape on the back of his hand. The book had marked him. Although he tried to heal it, he knew it was going to take several days for the mark to completely disappear, assuming it would ever vanish.
After the two hunters returned and Marcus finished his lecture, Gabriel walked up and asked, “So, what did you two find for us for morning meal?”
Tianna smiled and said, “Seth found some great mushrooms and I found a large nest.” She showed off a clutch of enormous blue spotted eggs.” She beamed. “I thought I would cook you up some eggs. I have special recipe I use for these blue ones that I think you’ll like.”
Nathaniel gently picked up an egg and stroked it tenderly saying, “But Tianna, this one looks like my cousin.”
Tianna instantly panicked. “You don’t hatch from eggs, do you?” She suddenly cradled the remaining eggs like she was swaddling newborn babies. She almost became ill thinking that she may have previously eaten a Draak before he hatched.
They all laughed, Nathaniel the loudest. Marcus tried to hold back his amusement as he said, “Nathaniel is teasing. Don’t worry, these aren’t shifters. We’re born in human form. I think I need to provide you some lessons on the Draak.”
Gabriel snickered while taking the egg from Nathaniel and said, “I would love some eggs. I’ll help cook.”
During the meal, Tianna asked Nathaniel to pass her some bread. He had forgotten about his mark and handed her a roll. Tianna’s giggle made him realize his mistake. He tried to pull his hand back quickly, but it was too late. Tianna had seen the mark. She knew exactly what it was since she had seen similar marks on both Zarin’s and her father’s hands.
She glared at Nathaniel and smirked. “Nathaniel, is there something you need to tell me?”
He shook his head and had a rather sheepish look on his face. For once he was speechless. Everyone else watching the exchange was confused.
Seth asked, “What’s going on?”
Tianna stared at Nathaniel. “I think you need to ask Nathaniel that question.”
They all shifted their eyes to Nathaniel, and when he didn’t respond, Tianna did. “Someone tried to read my journal.”
Nathaniel shrugged. “Sorry, I was curious. I wanted to know what secrets you’ve hidden in those pages.” He rubbed his hand as if it ached. “That journal of yours really has quite a bite.”
“That’s what you deserve for sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong.”
Gabriel threw some bread at Nathaniel. “Serves you right, Lover Boy.”