The Mark of Aether

The Capital

Next morning came by too fast. And as I woke underneath the rays of an already burning sun, memories played. Running the woods with my heavy eyes, I spotted the bunch of trainees dispersed here and there. The tents were torn and some were remaining soot. With no shelter, most of the training mages ended up collapsing between the roots or the dangling branches. A flash of a blonde crossed by and I spotted Mayra lying halfway between a hole and a bumpy root.

All around, a protective barrier was summoned. With too much energy drained, we could not, in any case, afford another attack. Dusting my dirtied clothes, I made my way to the small stream of running water. And as I stared one last time at the damage left by our combat, I doubted I would ever sleep underneath the stars once again.

Resting my feet in the cold water, I opted to refresh. Chewing on some mints, I tied my hair in its usual ponytail and washed my face. After scrubbing, my skin was clear of dirt and mud. And with nothing but a tense body, I dragged myself to meet the others, deeming myself decent enough to show them my face.

From behind one tree, I spotted Ramos talking with both Carter and Leon. When the old man noticed me, he ushered with his hand. A sign for me to come close.

"I see the urge to raise more protections. Whatever is happening, it needs to stop. And now better than later,'' said Carter, resuming whatever they were discussing.

"Indeed,'' replied the shadow, leaning against the trunk. ''Twice have the demons attacked in the span of a week. Never had Cantelot witnessed such weakness. I had made it my business to check on any fences that might had allowed darkness to seep in. But none was found. What do you say, Ramos?''

"Alas, no answer do I hold for you. Once we reach Vemor, this matter will be my first priority.''

"Then, we shall wake the other. For we so wish to reach the capital today, leaving must be the soonest time possible.''

"Then do what you see to be fit,'' said Ramos, ordering the boys to ready everything. I aimed to give a hand if it was not for the commending look the high lord gave me.

"Tell me, child. I see questions in your eyes. What are they?''

"I was thinking. Aren't attacks usual events that occur in Ardoria? Why is it that everybody is being so reckless about setting guards?''

"Since the war between light and darkness started and a magical protection was dressed around Cantelot. A protection that none knows who is its beholder. Not since decades have we witnessed threats in Cantelot.''

"Oh!'' I said, running this information in my head. The thought of our protection retrograding was not of any comfort.

"One more thing.''

"What is it?"

''I've realized that my shield opt to change its color each time I use it. Why?''

''This is not much of a serious matter. But you must hold the basis of magic inheritance before as it would be easier to understand. But now, I shall ask. What happened last night?"

"I am not entirely sure myself, Ramos.''

"Tell me everything.''

And I did. I spilled every detail and every moment, those dark eyes flashing back in my memories.

"A talking voice, you said?''

"Yes, do you hold any idea?"

"I do. But none that sounds pleasant. This voice is a dark mystery, Celestia. Do tell me if it ever whispers anything again. Anything at all.''

''I will. If there is no more to this discussion, I think I will give the boys a hand waking the others.''

I turned to leave, but his voice made me stop.

''One more thing, young one.''

I stopped in my place,staring past my shoulder as his words reached my hearings. ''Good job with the lightning last night,'' he said, grooming his beard with his fingers.

I smiled and turned once again, aiming at the blonde still fast asleep.

Nap time was over, unfortunately.

*****

Metal against stone echoed in my head, the busy path in front of us bustling with people. The vendors' yells rung in the air as they waved from behind their stalls, the cries of youths resonating from everywhere.

For hours, we travelled nonstop. Although the ride was smooth and enjoyable, the aftermath of our fight still left us drained from energy. And underneath the settling sun, I feasted on the sight of Cantelot.

In front of us, a cobblestone bridge ran, hovering over The Leviathan River that tore the city in two. Black poles lined both sides, light starting to form in their lamps. A public market was resting not so far, attracting merchants and shoppers like magnet. Arrays and arrays of good were displayed, running from food to metal and oils. And where the market was too far, shops didn't run short. Everything lining from a butchery, a library, a couture shop, taverns and jewel shops and so much more existed.

And when the markets ceased, constructions began to grow. And as the city was divided in two, so did the civilization. On the upper right part, every detail breathed wealth and beauty. Yet, on the left hand, the lands seemed more down to earth. Still, the beauty remained in the glowing water. Rippling like golden fire, the water danced. Slightly wavering by the flows of the dhows on its top, the surface seemed to sway with the beats of the wind.

And as we emerged from the poorer side of the country, my eyes were graced. All quarters lining the streets and boulevards were beautiful in their own way. Each different in design, yet, they seemed to drip beauty. All of them carried, carved between the stones of the walls, the touches of the past. Either from the wisteria or the vines lining the columns or the arched windows and opened terraces. It was charming.

Still, in the haziness of all this beauty, one structure rose above all. Standing with pride on the top of the highest hill, the royal palace glowed. Like a crown on the head of a king, it glimmered with power and might. And from afar, I stared with marveled eyes at the castle.

Creamy white walls glowed beneath sunlight, the golden patterns adorning the windows, gates, and towers shone like burning flames. Dressed in swirling patterns across some sections, those designs seemed to scream royalty. Curved bridges connected one haze to the other, uniting the entire palace.

Towers lined it like guards, so high they were that I believed they reached the skies. All carried a triangular dome of red brick tails that pierced through the clouds. And on the top of the tallest ones, pennants flew, showing the Ardorian symbol. The sun braced by the moon.

Such beauty from the exterior made me wonder how the inside looked. How it would have felt like to grow up between those walls. The walls of my supposed home.

And it was then that I understood in a way why my parents spent their lives protecting those poor citizens. The same citizens that were to become my responsibility. My duty to this kingdom and to my parents.

And as I felt Ramos' eyes straight from behind, I made my mare turn to look at him. To look at all of them. And something in the way the court leader stared at me made warmth seep in my core. A first promise fulfilled to my mother. The promise to bring me back home.

"Welcome to Vemor, Celestia.''

*****Personal Message*****

Welcome to the prestigious city of Vemor, heart of all Ardoria. What are your thoughts? Did you enjoy it? What do you believe will happen now, as Celestia will soon to be a new student in the first norm?

If you enjoyed this installment, please click the 'vote' button. It is such a simple act that shines as bright as thousand stars in an author's sky. If you so ever wish to get notified about every news and update, feel free to add this story to your library/reading list or follow, even.

Next chapter will be up on Saturday, 22. Until then, have a great day.