The Six

The Castor

Aurora lay quietly on her soft bed, staring at the fist-sized rock that was floating steadily at her eye-level, controlled solely by determination, and the wand of oak she held in her right hand. Her mind was clear, focusing completely on the rock with a fierce consentration that so many of her friends admired. Almost easily, Aurora ordered the rock to fly around the room, flipping and twirling in complex patterns that no other wizard her age could ever dream of doing. She allowed a small smile to dance on her ivory face, in pride.

The smile grew as thoughts of what she could be able to do with this now perfected skill. Idea upon idea invaded her intelligent mind. Her thoughts were interrupted by a gentle knock on her door. She knew who it was before she even opened the door. Smoothing out her violet dress she got off of her small bed and walked to the door. She pulled it open and bowed as her master stood before her.

"Welcome back, Master Aldrick." she said, raising her head again and smiling up at the man who raised her. Aldrik mirrored her smile, grateful to be with his own people that respected him, and longed for his approval and advice. But his smile quickly dissappeared as he remembered the gathering he just came from.

Aurora noticed immediately and asked carefully, "Master, how was your... meeting?" He hadn't told her what it was about or even who it was with and Aurora was incredibly concerned. She had known Aldrik all her life and never had he looked so...tired. Aldrik noticed her worried expression and staightened up, faking the dread that was creeping through his mind.

"Actually, that is what I wish to speak with you about, Aurora. Come." He ordered, turning on his heal and heading down a silver hallway. An apprehensive knot formed in Aurora's stomach as she followed. Did I do something wrong? She thought, nervously fingering the long, brown braid that hung over her left shoulder.

Her violet eyes peered into a passing room. She saw two younger wizards, both around 7 years old. Alain struggled to light a small candle that sat upon the floor, as Merla went red in the face, trying to do the same. Alain groaned in frustration and pouted, refusig to finish the task that Aurora herself had completed flawlessly her first time.

Perhaps he just wishes for me to help one of the others. Some are struggling and there could be an attack by one of the other races any day now. She figured, relaxing slightly, knowing that she hadn't disappointed Aldrik in any way. What was I so worried about? She asked herself, following her master into one of their castle's many secluded rooms. Everything will be just fine. She confidently assured herself.

Aldrik gazed silently as Aurora smiled to herself. A pang of emotions hit him like an avalanche. He sighed in despair. Is this what there world had come to? Had he no other choice but to send this girl to fight anunstoppable enemy?

Of all people it had to be her. Aurora was skilled, intelligent, careful, the perfectchoicce to represent their race. He tried to look at her calm face but could not, for fear of crying. Crying until he had no more tears left.

Crying until he could never cry again.

Of all the wizards in all of Valdren, why her? Why did it have to be Aurora? It would not matter if she was killed by a soldier, one of the other five, or Kishon himself.

By sending Aurora on this journey.....Aldrik had single-handedly killed his own grandaughter.

And for that, he would never be able to forgive himself.