Chaos and Magic

The Conjurer

Ere nodded toward the calendar, and Rue realized it was time. She led Ere to their private chamber. "My people are dying. I can't leave them like this." "Your people are in good hands," Ere promised. "Go do what needs to be done."

Rue thought about it and sighed. "Okay. Tell Fran to always keep her locket near her." "Will do." Rue gave Ere a kiss then went to pack her getaway carriage. She was laser-focused on her journey and didn't notice she was being followed.

Nez made sure to keep a good distance between himself and Rue. He followed her through the outskirts of Serenity, around the apiaries and down to the white rainforest. What is she doing there? He wondered. He tried to get closer, but his horse got a bad vibe off the forest.

"Fine. I'll go on foot," he decided.

Nez tied his horse to a nearby tree as Rue entered the forest. Immediately, she felt like she couldn't breathe. Before she knew it, a hand reached out to grab her and she was in a loft. When she made eye contact with the Conjurer, she recognized her.

"Madame Rue. It's a pleasure to finally meet," The Conjurer said.

She pulled all her blinds down and started concocting a potion. "If you're here, that must mean you're having an extraction."

Rue sighed and said, "Yes."

"Very well. Before I extract, I ask my patients to reflect for a moment. Is this what you want?"

Rue could still see images of lofts burning under King Jon's orders. "Yes." From outside the window, Nez raised his eyebrow. An extraction? That's a capital offense. He wanted to hear more, but his mask fell off. His breathing started shortening, so he ran back to his horse.

The Conjurer watched him go. "Our common enemy now knows your secret," she told Rue.

"Let him know it. He'll mistake it for weakness, which will convince him that he has the upper hand."

The Conjurer finished the extraction potion. "So, you still want to move forward?" "Yes." Rue took the vial from The Conjurer's hand and swallowed its contents. When the potion hit Rue's tongue, it had a bitter taste. Rue made a face, so The Conjurer said, "Extraction is not a painless process. Just hang in there, Madame."

Once the potion solidified itself in Rue's stomach, she sat on the table and allowed The Conjurer to perform the extraction. "To the future of Oculus," she said.

"To Oculus," Rue replied as she passed out.