Twin Eyes

Chapter 7: Ignious, 1886

Normally it would only take a few weeks to get from Ila to Ignious but safety measures called for a longer journey. It took our group several months to take a ship from the western most part of Ila all the way down the western coast to the south. Then we travelled along the southern border until we could sail around the island of Ceria to reach the capital of Ignious. Ignious itself was scattered villages along the rugged terrain of the Cerian Mountain. Our destination was the Spencer Residence in the Ichimura village, which I had been told was the founding village of the capital. One would even call it Ignious itself. Kai corrected me stating that Ignious referred to the Mountain. While we are staying in Ichimura we would be trained in the Cerian arts to be more proficient at fighting.

            "Here we are," Nalia said after what felt like a march up the entire mountain.

            We stared at the black wood house that stood tall, strong, and proud in the midst of the foggy, morning mountain air. It was clear from the scale of the house that the Spencer's were in power.

            "You live here?" Anderson stuttered.

            Nalia nodded. "Let's go in before you all make any more comments or assumptions." She proceeded to push open the large doors to a grand foyer. Spread out amongst the large room was a group of suited maids and butlers of the Spencer family.

            "Welcome home Lady Nalia, Lord Kai," the servants said in unison, bowing before the black-haired siblings.

            Nalia's cheeks grew red in her embarrassment. "Is my father home?"

            "Yes ma'am," the head butler replied.

            Before anyone could say more, Nalia dragged her friends through the house. She pounded her fist on the door she had come to a stop in front of. The large wooden door opened to reveal a tall man with a few wrinkles and lightly salted black hair. His dark brown eyes looked over the group of friends.

            "Nalia and Kai, welcome back. Oh, and Miss Rinehart, what a pleasant surprise."

            I smiled. "Calin Spencer, sir, it has been a while."

            The older man smiled and hugged me. "It is good to see you safe."

            "Thank you, sir."

            "Now what can I do for you?" he asked when I stepped away.

            "Father, we came for training. We need all the help we can get.

            Calin nodded. "I have been waiting for this day to come. Why don't you relax while I go talk to the Elders?"

            Nalia bowed her head. "Yes sir."

            Calin walked away and Nalia turned to us, taking charge of the situation. "Well then, I suppose I should assign rooms. Fortunately, it won't have to be two to a room like at the training facility. Less people stay here. Obviously Kai and Alyssa already have their rooms. Kai, Anderson and Garrett have the two across from you. Will, your room is across from Alyssa's and mine. Any questions?"

            Garrett raised his hand. "Yeah. When's dinner?"

            I rolled my eyes and walked away. I always had the same room each time I came here, which wasn't very often. Most of my trips to Ignious were to collect new information for the Resistance or for hiding purposes. August wouldn't dare set foot on this island. There were far too many magic users for him to take on alone. My only hope was that any training we undergo here would be beneficial in winning this war.