The Lone Oracle

Chapter 4

Alex beckoned Emmy over to the window, knowing that if the uniformed men were who she thought they were, Emmy would recognize them. Either way, the two women knew that this was the reason that the locals don't go out at night. 

"The uniform is different, but... This certainly looks like Targent..." murmured Emmy. She moved her hand so that her chin was resting on it, her eyes had a glint of confusion in them, "I was sure they'd disband after Bronev's arrest..."

"So did I, maybe someone else took over? But who?" said Alex, closing her eyes and tilting her head, a sign that she was thinking intently. 

Neither of them could think of who would've taken over, but both of them knew that something had to be done. They stayed at the window for a few more minutes, noticing the obvious movements from Targent, but also a small figure moving around in one of the buildings opposite. The figure appeared to be female, but neither Emmy or Alex could be certain. Whoever this person was, they were urgently writing something down, stopping occasionally to observe Targent's movements. It was obvious that they were keeping notes on Targent, so Alex made sure to find her the next day.  

Somehow, the two women had managed to fall asleep, despite the events occurring outside. They knew that there would be a lot to discuss the next morning.

***

Alex awoke in a body that wasn't hers. She made no sound, as she wasn't aware that she was Alex. 

"Araceli? Are you awake?" a voice called. A woman entered the bedroom, which was decorated with a calming blue colour on the walls and white furniture consisting of a wardrobe, vanity, chair, and bed. There was a silver mirror on the wall and the floor was an elaborate mosaic. 

The woman wore a pale pink dress, holding another one out for Araceli. Araceli's was a pastel lilac hue, bringing out her pale green eyes. The two stood in front of the mirror, Araceli's ginger hair being delicately styled by the other woman.

"Aquila?" Araceli said, her voice soft and calming, "What does today bring?"

"Well, your mother and father are hosting an event for you! I believe they wish for you to find your partner to continue the bloodline!" 

Araceli was less than impressed. She was seventeen, almost eighteen; she didn't want to continue the bloodline yet. Eventually, yes, as it was only her who could, but at her current age? Why would she, when she was perfectly happy as herself with her friends to have fun with.

Nevertheless, the event was inevitable. Her parents were the rulers of the county, and therefore their word was final. Araceli finished her morning routine and made her way towards the kitchen. She preferred to make her own food, leaving the chef golems to make food for the other residents of the villa. 

As she wandered the building, she was greeted with many good mornings, from people and golems alike. She disliked her life of luxury, because she knew what it was for. She was of oracle bloodline, where only females are born and only one can be born. Her mother, Queen Alastrine, embraced the luxury with open arms, marrying a noble man who soon became King Flavian. The family were loved by everyone, despite the danger of having royalty as such an important figure in the Azran civilization. 

Alastrine had been having visions of the future since she was three, and she had hoped that Araceli would be the same. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case. Araceli still hadn't received any visions. She was sure that she would, but it was unheard of for an oracle to go this long without a single vision. Because of this, Araceli was just... Normal.

She left the villa and met her friends, heading down towards the coast. It was warm, yet the breeze was steady thanks to the work of the Great Mechanic, Lleweyn. The Azran were in a Golden Age, beginning with the birth of the Great Philosopher. Many Great People were born, including mechanics, generals, artists, musicians, and medics. The Golden Age had been going on for 60 years so far, and showed no signs of stopping. In fact, Araceli's close friend, Qi, was a Great Artist.

Araceli and her friends approached the cliff looking over the bay. Closing their eyes, they ran to the edge, and jumped. 

***

Alex awoke, bolting upright in her bed. It was daytime, probably mid-morning, and Emmy was already gone. She looked out the window to the building opposite, the pink curtains were open, and sitting by the window was a woman. Alex waved at her, grabbing the woman's attention. She waved back, somewhat shyly, hiding her face with her free hand. Alex got the impression that she could be useful to investigating Targent.

She went downstairs to the main room of the town hall, finding most people there. She grabbed a pain au chocolat from the table near the door, and sat next to Flora. Sycamore entered the room, a mug of tea in his hands and a glazed look in his eyes. He wasn't a morning person.

He sat next to Layton, and began discussing various details of the village that linked it to the Azran. Alex was listening in, but was more focused on what her strange dream was. Araceli wasn't a name she'd ever heard before, she wasn't sure it even existed in the first place. Yet the dream felt so real. She shook her head. She had realistic dreams all the time, with varying degrees of joy in them.

Marcus showed up after about five minutes and politely asked for quiet. He had someone else with him, a woman. The very same woman from across the street from Alex's window.

"Everyone, I'd like to introduce Anthea Allen, she's here as a student for educational science but she's offered to help us with our... um... problem..." He said, his words trailing off into a murmur at the end.

"H-hi everyone, I'm glad to help!" Anthea said, enthusiasm filling her voice.

'Anthea Allen?' Alex thought. The surname sounded familiar, but she couldn't put her finger on it. It was only when Clive mentioned it that she remembered.

"Ah, Anthea... You wouldn't happen to be the daughter of Dimitri Allen, would you?" He said. Then it clicked, not just in Alex, but in Layton, Luke, and Flora too. 

Anthea looked shocked, "You know my father?" she asked, glancing around. Clive wished he could take that back. Did he really have to admit to her that he manipulated her father to do what he did?

Luckily, Alex jumped in, "Yeah, we used to live near him, we had no idea he had a daughter!"

***

The group sat in various places around the room, some eating the various breakfast foods on the tables. Marcus began explaining the reason why they were all there.

"So, as you can see, there's a lot of us here, and one thing that we have in common is a link to the Azran. This is why you're all here. I believe that an organisation known as Targent is acting at night, attempting to find the entrance to the ruins below our village. If they come across it, the consequences may prove to be extraordinarily dangerous." He explained. 

"Do we know who took over Targent since Bronev's arrest?" asked Alex. Clearly, knowing this could prove useful.     

"No idea. We hoped that you might be able to find out." replied Marcus.

Alex was stumped. Who could it be? Bloom was under arrest, so it couldn't be him, so who? Tilting her head again, she went through all her memories of Targent. Nobody in particular stood out, except...

"Swift... Swift! It has to be Swift!" She exclaimed. Emmy agreed, he was the one thought to be the most competent. This knowledge meant that they could attempt to figure out the movements before they begin. The group was prepared to do everything to protect the ruins, hopefully finding them before Targent.

It was obvious who was leading. Alex stood up, turning to face the others.

"Well," she said, "Let's get planning!"