The Quest for Normania #1: The Door of Andrios

39. Bonding with You Again

The library at the Palace of Silone suddenly grew dark and Norin whipped his head around to see how the sunlight was blocked; it was still daylight hour.

But to horror, pitch black clouds suddenly closed together, therefore cutting off the sunlight! An involuntary gasp escaped from his mouth.

Before he could say anything, his teacher's voice broke through in clear tones: "He's here!"

Norin gulped and turned to face Yela Rumin. She had a grim expression on her face, the likes of which he rarely witnessed—it was very clear that the 'he' she spoke of was a force to reckon with...

With a jolt he realised, 'He must be equal or even stronger than her!'

It explained her clenched fists at her side, the rigid stiffness of her body, and overall, the very drastic change in her appearance.

"She's worried," Mithra's thought floated into his mind. "I've never seen her like that before."

'Neither have I,' he added; by the startled look she cast him, he realised she wasn't intending to project her thoughts to him. He felt mildly guilty, vowing to learn to practice ignorance – or at least, not respond back without thinking. Then again, the way her voice filled his head, it was just like she had been speaking to him aloud!

"Sorry, didn't know the bond was open again," she thought to him with mild displeasure, standing a few feet from him near ta bookshelf beside the others. "Nonetheless..." She frowned. "Did you notice how she said 'He is here'? – I mean, she mentioned someone. Someone in particular."

'Yes, I did. Someone she had known for a long time.'

"Do you think she knew he was the one behind this all along?"

He shook his head ever so slightly. 'I don't think so. But he might be.'

"Agreed. Can't take any chances. We must accompany her when she goes out!"

"What are you two talking?"

They both started and whirled around to see Rumin glaring at them. They cringed involuntarily and she caught it. Her eyes narrowed.

"You're plotting something, I know it. Quit while you're beginning."

Norin exchanged a glance with his Sanguine. "It was nothing, yela. Nevertheless, as you wish." He bowed, before walking to stand beside Ayesha and Teresa. "We shall remain here and protect the palace – lend a hand to the –"

He was broken off by the thud of the huge library doors opening inward. A guard stood panting slightly, his eyes searching the library, until they rested on Eura Ansari.

He approached the royal monarch and bowed. "Your majesty, there are four men and a woman who have come to pledge allegiance to you in this time of hardship. They have come to answer your call."

"Ah, mages!" Eura Ansari's brow furrowed grimly. "You may bring them in."

The soldier went to the door and beckoned to somebody outside.

Sure enough, five mortals entered the door and bowed to everybody present.

"You may go now, Yusuf," commanded the eura, "and go back to your duty of guarding the palace gates and doors"; whereupon, the soldier bowed again and left the library.

Rumin went to stand beside the eura, eyeing the newcomers.

The oldest of them bowed to her. "Ah, Rumin Nyagal. It's a great pleasure to see you once again!" He grinned familiarly. "It's been three decades, yes?"