Diffraction

Chapter Eight: Together

Reveal the Strength of Aulis' call, make those once-blinded know.

Though the setting sun only grazed the horizon, revelers already packed the main room of the Friar's Folly. The boisterous crowd spilled out into the central street of Northridge. Farmers and shepherds out front surrounded a merchant wagon labeled Falsted's Finery. A hawker showed off wares from Aulivar and made bargains, seeking coin but willing to barter. Inside the tavern, music from three instruments filled the air, each playing a different tune in separate parts of the hall. The cacophony of song resounded in Josephine's ears.

She pushed her way through the crowd blocking her exit. When she glanced back, an elderly man with an immaculate goatee and fine robes raised his mug to say farewell. Joram Falsted, whose business stretched between Aulivar and distant Aelwyn in the east, along with all the towns in between.

He winked and smiled before one of his associates demanded his attention.

Josephine blinked in the sunlight once she reached the street. How does Master Falsted stand that racket? He acted like this is tame. What must the Market Square in Aulivar be like?

Imaginations of the City-State filled Josephine with hope. Maybe I'll find out for myself. She pictured gleaming white stonework buildings towering into the sky and merchants in the latest fashions crying out to wealthy nobles dressed in finery. Horses clopped down cobblestone streets in her mind. Most of all, the air would smell fresh and sweet, like baked goods.

Josephine skirted around a steaming pile in the dirt road and turned toward her father's home. I bet there's no dung laying about in Aulivar, that's for certain.

She considered Joram's offer and tingled. Is that excitement, or fear? I'm not sure.

Townsfolk raised their right hands in greeting, palms turned inward, whether they had a Gracemark or not. Josephine Marked to a couple Elders who turned aside as if distracted. More than a few busy folk with cold glares in the last three months.

Josephine brushed off the snub, and her thoughts returned to the last question Joram asked. Am I truly ready for this? Father doesn't think so, or I would have gone to Glacierift with the Arcanist. Camden Delumiere's decision to forbid his daughter's selection did not sit well with the town's Elders. Many sent sons into the Militia, and the sight of a Gracemarked Soulforged like Josephine in the town raised questions.

But for Josephine, the memory stoked fires of rage ever since.

There is nothing left for him to teach me. He said so himself. Her fists clenched and her footfalls turned to stomping. So why can I not do my part? What if they encounter Fractured in the north?

The twisted creatures came in many forms, but regardless which shape they took, a Fractured always looked like an animal made of liquid shadow. The strength of men faltered when facing one. Swords and shields tripled in weight. Armor became an overwhelming burden, making it impossible to move. Even an Arcanist's Refocusing magic acted strange around Fractured.

A verse of Tsadek's oaths echoed in Josephine's mind. Soulforged blessed with Just One's might, called to stand against the Night. Only the holy warriors of Tsadek the Aspect of Justice could stand unencumbered by a Fractured's power. Soulforged were forever sought after, and every settlement housed at least one. Until four years ago, Camden was Northridge's sole protector against the Night.

Josephine frowned as she approached the gates of her father's home. You're not the only one, now, Dad. Deal with it. Give me an opportunity.