Children of Shadow

The Thought Weaving: The Realization

Zyar is thoroughly displeased that the Kairon didn't help me learn the Weaving of Thoughts right away during our first meeting. Since I've spent my life far from the Losniw, he is convinced that my powers lie dormant deep within me, waiting to be awakened. In his opinion, every Elindine possesses the powers of their village by the age of five. That I have yet to access mine, he believes, is due to my indecisiveness.

But what he doesn't realize is that my encounter with Noctalis and Solaria has already left its mark. I was uncertain, hesitant to oppose the Losniw — but now I feel clarity, I have made a decision: to make a choice, I must see this world with my own eyes, understand the Solniw, the Losniw, and all the places in between.

"I will stand by both of you," I finally confess, feeling the determination in my voice. "If necessary, I will become the new vessel for the Sonatius Mortaeda, to protect its power from the Losniws. I will face this task."

The idea of sharing my soul and body with this powerful being fills me with deep fear. But if this is the only way to avert the impending evil, I will no longer avoid my fate. I look at Zyar, and in his gaze, I see satisfaction — but also a trace of worry reflected in the furrows of his brow.

"That's a good start," he says authoritatively. "But we still don't know where the Sonatius Mortaeda is."

I am shocked, my eyes widening. He could have told me this earlier! Seventeen years, since my mother's decision, and no one has seen this ancient being?

"How are we supposed to find him if he's been hiding for so long?" I ask, confused and a little desperate.

Zyar thinks for a moment, his expression serious. "That's the tricky part," he admits. "Since the murder of Keldor Entium, the Losniws have completely withdrawn. No one knows what's going on in the village."

"Doesn't the king know what his subjects are doing?" I can hardly believe what I hear.

"The king is only interested in what could harm him," Zyar sighs. "He's obsessed with his power. He's made an agreement with Velris and her people: as long as the power struggles remain within the village, he lets them be."

A king who places his people second and makes agreements that only benefit himself — disgusting! A king should protect his realm, not make secret deals.

"And what is the plan if no one knows where the Sonatius Mortaeda is?" I want to know. "I don't know the size of Elindros, but combing the entire world would be impossible."

Zyar raises his hand. "You focus on the Weaving of Thoughts. Leave the planning to me. Sylas will help me." He turns to his son. "We have much to do, and it must be done before Ves awakens her powers."

Sylas nods, sets his book aside, and comes toward me. His gaze briefly lingers on my bandaged abdominal wound. "Before you sleep, I need to treat it once more," he says with a gentle smile — the only warmth in this cold world.

Both of them head inside, leaving me alone with the Kairon. The two fish watch me ceaselessly, and since our last encounter, I feel uneasy in their presence. But I have no choice. If I want to master the Weaving of Thoughts, I must pass their test. I know it will demand everything of me, but a first failure cannot stop me.

I step resolutely toward the mighty beings who, although insignificant compared to the Sonatius Mortaeda, still instill fear in me. This time, they do not rise from the depths of the ocean; instead, they swim in a circle, just like in Zyar's garden, and I stand in their midst.

"The vessel has made a decision," Noctalis announces, his voice dangerous and cold. "Speak, what is your answer?"

Solaria steps forward. "What do you fight for, Vespera Entium?"