Diffraction

Chapter Six: An Unexpected Gift

Generosity the seed from which new life may grow.

Lyllithe stood frozen as the assembly dispersed. The Arcanist is staring at me, coming my way. What does he want with me? What does he know?

Townsfolk moved in all directions about her like a stream flowing around a stone. Chatter erupted on all sides, but she could not focus on any particular voices. The night swallowed up most of Northridge except for the town square with its blazing bonfire at the center. Even that light seemed to dim while Lyllithe locked eyes with Master Davon Hachi.

Her initial curiosity about magic turned to panic at the Arcanist's approach. I need to go. It's almost time for the Night Watch in the Abbey. I need to light the candles... need to be anywhere but here.

She strained to move, but her body did not respond. What is going on? Her legs felt sluggish and heavy. She stumbled forward, and felt an unseen weight dragging behind her.

The Arcanist strode up to Lyllithe, hands clasped behind his back, lips curved in a slight smile. "Good even, Devoted," he said, reaching up to remove his monocle.

"And to you, Master," Lyllithe replied. Tell him you must go, she told herself. Nyalesee is waiting. The bell will toll soon. Go, now.

Her body still refused her pleas.

Davon glanced around at the villagers making their way home. "There's one in every crowd," he said as if to himself.

"One what, Master?"

His gaze turned back to Lyllithe and he smiled. "A dedicated pupil. A true student of the arcane arts. Not like the struggling sort we get at the Hall, the spoiled brats sent by nobles or men of power, only concerned with titles and accolades."

His eyes twinkled, and he rocked on his feet. "No, I mean someone who cares, who burns for knowledge."

Lyllithe cocked her head. What is he after? He knows I am a Devoted. She dipped her head in respect. "You praise me, thank you. But I am not interested in applying to the Hall, Master."

"Really? Don't lie, dear." Davon wagged a finger in jest. "I saw your wide eyes with each Refocusing I loosed on the crowd. I daresay you were enthralled."

Lyllithe paused, mouth open awaiting a response her mind did not provide.

Master Hachi raised an eyebrow as if to declare victory.

"What I mean is that I cannot apply," Lyllithe said. She lifted her right hand. "I am not merely a Devoted, but also Gracemarked."

The Arcanist whistled softly. His eyes fixated on the Mark. Lyllithe noticed the unseen weight was gone.

"What is this, dear? A double Gracemark?" He extended his fingers and brushed the glowing blue symbol. Lyllithe flinched. "It has been ages since anyone has seen one. I wonder why it wasn't documented."

"Master, you mean this has happened before?" Lyllithe quelled the urgency building in her voice. "Can you tell me what it means?"

Davon's attention remained fully on the soft glow. "Some claim this is what happens when Aspects vie for an individual's devotion. No one can say for certain, for who knows the mind of the Divine? Men study a lifetime to grasp the teachings of just one of the Fourteen."

He looked around at the dispersing crowd and raised an eyebrow. "They didn't tell you? This is of profound interest and import to the Academy, to the Abbey, to the Conclave of Aulivar. Do they not realize the unique treasure they have been granted?"