The Lost Sigil; Dawn of Light

Chapter 22: Rejection

Eda had spent nearly an entirety of a day marking out routes as she waited for the rest to recover. Michael had accompanied her on her mission to map out the forest and find routes they can use.

"I am still willing to help you navigate," Michael said. He hardly talked during their walk.

"The trees will help us and I want to know what's where."

Eda marked some trees with an 'x' which she crossed using a knife. In truth, she was not entirely sure why she was doing it. Perhaps the feeling of hopelessness that was brewing in her had finally caused her restlessness.

"How did you learn such fine control? The full moon is still weeks away," Eda asked. Curious of how Michael was able to change during the day and maintain an almost calmness in taking down the hunters. Eda also wanted to wrestle the awkward silence that plagued their journey.

"Years of practice and regret," Michael said coolly.

Eda stopped and leaned on one of the bony like trees as she looked forward to a familiar sight. Ahead of them was the cave that started it all. The cave that left her without a choice of going back. The cave that showed her how much survival can be tested.

"Well done. You found an exit," Michael said smiling. He stood next to Eda looking straight ahead, hands in his pockets.

"Why did you risk everything to save those two?" Michael asked after a brief silence.

Eda was not entirely sure. She wanted to believe that she rescued them in preparation for a greater war but it was more.

"There are great threats coming our way and those two might just be the key to keeping this kingdom safe,"

"Hm... What makes you think they belong to this kingdom?" Michael looked at Eda, a disgruntled look in his face.

Eda then looked away and went silent. She still did not know where Rhys was from. Could that be why Dora used her dying breath to mention Rhys' father?

"We... I just want to make sure that you are safe. Not being a vessel can be quite terrifying in this world. Yet, so blissful, oblivious of the politics running rampant in vessel society." Michael turned around ready to go back.

"I actually can use magic. Just not like everyone else,"

Michael stopped and turned back to Eda who was still focused on the cave.

"Are you, a?" Michael started.

"A conduit. Ordinary people that can use magical artefacts."

"I thought your kind was extinct."

"The ban on magic was primarily aimed at people like us and drove many into hiding."

"Because most conduits were criminals." Michael said. "Does my mother know?"

"Does she need to?" Eda then turned to walk back. She had finished mapping out the route on a piece of parchment.

"You remind me of your father," Michael said. "He never shyed away from danger when it came to the people he loved." Michael had a smile as they walked back that gradually faded.

Eda was able to use the marked trees to get back to the house after asking Michael to refrain from telling her where to go.

"How was your expedition?" Lester greeted them as they entered.

"You're awake." Eda said in wonder as she saw Lester prancing around the living-room. Yri was at the dining table with two dragons sleeping in her arms while a white light hovered over her head. Lenin was healing Yri as it seemed and next to them was Rhys who was slicing apples with the ice sword.