The Glass Weaver | A Novel #Wattys2018 #Wattys2019

Chapter 1

I unveiled yet another work of art to the masses, with their reactions as expected. They looked at the shimmering piece of the glass work that I had created and donated to my hometown, Aquaton. I came from the middle of nowhere, and soon it is to become somewhere. People, especially those extremely devoted to seeing all of my works in person, would flood to this region and the village would prosper. When I heard from my own parents that the town has been going through rough times, I knew that I needed to help, even with just a little bit of magic.

All of my glass works had some sort of magic holding it together. Strong winds, dust storms, and tsunamis couldn't damage it. The thing was that magic is a part of me, gravitational magic. I was incredibly good at manipulating gravitational patterns, even just enough that no one would notice and just be amazed at the work of art.

"I dedicate this work to my hometown, my people!" I spoke into the microphone, a smile appearing on my face. I saw my parents and my younger siblings.

Once off the stage, I made way to my parents and hugged them. It felt good to help those who raised me. Jacob, the youngest child and only son in my family, was only 9 years old and had the ego of a rich snob. He thought that being the brother of someone famous granted him anything. It did, but not in the way that he thinks. In the end, I believe, this could be a fault to be exploited.

"Nevada! What another beautiful piece!" My mom cried, holding me in her embrace.

"It is really nothing, I swear to it by the Gods," I replied, looking into her eyes.

"How is it nothing, Nevada?" My father spoke, starting as a loud voice before turning into a whisper, "Have you not reached your limit yet?"

"I haven't," I whispered back to Dad, whose stare would normally scare anyone away, "This magic, it hasn't taken a toll on me. This is only my hundredth work, Dad. I would be worried if it was my thousandth, but it is not."

"Very well. Are you staying here tonight?"

"I planned on it, although I leave early tomorrow morning for a flight to the Templar d'Forvre."

"What would the Gods grant you? The Templar d'Forvre is only open to those close to the Gods and accessible during the split times of dawn and dusk."

"Why do you think I am leaving early. Gravitan owes me a favor, anyway."

"The Duke of Farton? How does he owe you a favor?" My mom replied, almost a hiss, and jumped back a little.

"Let's just say that as payment for one of my works, he will help me whenever I needed it, up to three times. I took it because it would be less costly to do something on my own if I could pull in a favor."

"After the reception, we will go home immediately. You will need lots of rest when you get on the plane."

"I will be fine. I know that I will be fine. Unless you have something to mention, mother dearest." I teased, sticking out my tongue towards my mother.

"Don't use that tone with me," My mom spoke, trying to hide her laugh, "But yes, I do have something to mention. Who is your plane captain?"

"Obviously one of us, Mom. It would be confusing for a human to understand what is happening inside of the Templar d'Forvre. The people I work closely are one of us, I am sorry for not mentioning it sooner, but I felt that the less anyone knows, including family, the better to hide all of our existence."

"When is this reception over, anyway?" Jacob groaned, glancing between me and Mom.

"Jacob, I swear to the Gods, I am going to kill you. Maybe when you get your imperio you will see why such things are not boring and you might sit in your throne room with a pile of wealth surrounding you. You take me as your sister as something you can profit off of." I growled, turning in frustration. I was going to kill him.