Seven Lost Lords: The Anomaly

Ch. 17: The Return

After the Assessment Ceremony ended, Illesior decided for us to set off again as soon as possible, in hopes that we would reach The Capital in time for the banquet of the Summer Solstice.

About twenty or so aetyrim had been chosen to return, and while Sophi and Kirune were talking to them, I saw that Arius was interested in speaking with Zerhea.

While the rest of us traveled on foot across the plains, passing Undergrove, Zerhea had befriended the Hycross she had summoned, and was perched upon its back, riding it as she talked to my brother.

The sun began to dip below the horizon, but for once Illesior didn't seem worried. I guess he was confident that no monsters would try to attack us, with the Summer Solstice so near. He claimed that a special magic wreathed the plains as the seasons changed, protecting us from harm.

I sighed as I padded through the tall grass, envying the warm rooms that shone in the windows of the city as we traveled past. I then strained my neck, looking for my friends to see what they were up to.

Illesior was at the front, striding confidently and not slowing down. He held his head high, his snout pointed in the warm evening air.

I glanced around and saw Kirune and Sophi talking to a few other aetyrim. I dimly remembered their names: Nosim, a heavy set tan male aetyr with a large snout; Imal, a bright brown female aetyr, and Phofynn, a speckled teal and brown female. All of them seemed sociable and friendly, and I saw Imal teasingly poke Nosim's aptly named nose.

And behind me, I glanced up to see that Arius had joined Zerhea on the Hycross' back. Their heads were bent together, talking earnestly. For once in my life I saw with a jolt that Arius actually held admiration in his violet eyes, gazing at the elegant golden aetyr beside him.

I snorted. Now that he's got a girlfriend, maybe he'll finally leave me alone.

Suddenly I felt a hand prod my back, and I turned to find Strubin beside me. "Hey, Av," He purred, nuzzling my mane for a moment before pulling away. His eyes softened when he saw my expression. "What's wrong?"

I shrugged and nodded to the Hycross behind us. "Nothing. I'm just glad that Arius is leaving me alone for once."

Strubin strained to see Zerhea and Arius, then laughed. "Looks like he's smitten," He chuckled. "Birds of a feather stick together, right?"

"At least Zerhea isn't a jerk," I mumbled. "Sure, she's cold, but I think she's just stand-offish. Some people are just like that. And she hasn't said anything rude to us." Then I snickered a little. "I just don't see how she can tolerate that gray furball."

Strubin shrugged. "True. She seems pretty okay. Likable, in fact. She might not be the most sociable, but that just makes her seem more powerful."

Before I could reply, Nosim came up to us, his belly jiggling with the run. "Hello!" His amber eyes shined as he looked at us. "You did the Assessments, right?" He pointed a chubby finger at me, and I nodded.

Strubin laughed. "'Course she did. Her name's Aven." He then placed a green hand to his chest. "And I'm Strubin."

Nosim dipped his head respectfully. "Good to meet you. I'm Nosim! Nosim Satrix! You've probably seen my sister Imal over there." He nodded to them, then turned back to us.

"What's your magic?" Strubin asked. "I think I've forgotten. Would you mind refreshing my memory?"

Nosim's huge nose twitched excitedly. "Of course! I can sniff out whatever magic another aetyr was born with, as well as being able to breathe in any situation. My nose can extract auras and oxygen from the air." He flipped his hair back. "It's like having another pair of eyes."