Pangaia: Agendas (Year One: Fall)

Chapter Nine - Halyn

Saying goodbye to her parents was one of the hardest things Halyn ever had to do.

She'd never been away from them for longer than a few hours. She traveled everywhere with them, and was learning so much watching their craft.

Why did they have to send her away?

"There are a lot of things we can't teach you," her mother said. "Your magic is different than ours. You're far more gifted. We don't want to see your talents wasted by not seeing how far they can actually go."

Logic she understood, but didn't agree with.

"You should live with more kids your age," her father said. "It'll be hard for us to not have you around, but you're missing out on a chance to have some real friends. Those are important as you get older. We aren't going to be around forever. Having a circle of chosen family is vital."

She sort of agreed with him on that point. Halyn did want to meet other teenagers and actually develop a bond with them. Most of the people she encountered that were her age were also her parents' patients. They didn't stay long.

This is an opportunity. She had to stay positive. Mind over matter. I have one place to calm home for longer than a couple of weeks. I have consistent shelter and amenities. I get to try all kinds of new food, or just eat French fries. I'm going to learn new magic! Yes, those were all great things. And from the looks of things, her roommate needed someone to be a pillar of strength. The girl had a lot more problems than Halyn did—she could tell.

A darkness surrounded Cheyenne. Sure, there was a beautiful light inside of her soul too, but it fought with the shield of evil around Cheyenne as well. The two were at war, and she didn't even know.

Halyn didn't feel afraid, only sad. The dark thing covering Chey was one brought on by pain and years of lies.

I can help her.