Stormlands ( Book 2 of the Torrent Skies Saga)

Chapter Thirty-Five: Concerns, Pt 2

Katerin kept her head bowed and tried to formulate what she might say, ignoring the prickling of her spine and the knots in her stomach.

As soon as the doors closed another voice rang out and it came from the armored figure standing behind the throne. "You speak to Kul Galysa, the Cyclones Fist. Speak swift and honestly, and do not brave her wrath." Every word was enunciated with clarity, and the deep tone was only enhanced by the rumbling sound it made beneath the helmet.

"Rise," Kul Galysa said, tilting her head. "Why have you come to my city? What is it that you seek?"

Katerin straightened her shirt. "Knowledge."

"And what might you do with this knowledge?" There was an inquisitive look in Kul Galysa's eyes, as though she was listening for any hint of a lie.

"Use it to better ourselves." Katerin kept her voice steady, and did her best not to flinch when Kul Galysa's lightning eyes narrowed, focused solely on her.

"Of course it would better you. What would you do with it?"

"We would use it to fight when we must defend our home. And to teach when others need to know," Fykes said, showing no hint of any unease.

A small line was all that could be seen of Kul Galysa's mouth. "Would you use such knowledge and ability to strip your world of it's virtue? Spread corruption and evil?"

"No," Katerin answered. "Of course not."

Kul Galysa nodded as if pleased, but she regarded them all until the statement was echoed through every mouth. "How did you find this place?"

"My mother told me I should seek you out, to strengthen my ability," Katerin said. And scour your histories for the mention of a god, she thought.

"And who is your mother?"

"Sulea Moonshadow."

"And is she well?"

"Last I knew," Katerin said, working to keep her hands from knotting into her cloak.

"Good. And she sent us her daughter to train." Kul Galysa glanced to the armored figure behind her, but it gave no indication of hearing her. "And what is it you wish to train in? Hmm." She looked across them, eyeing each one for but a moment. "You are an evoker, that's as plain as a storm in the night." She looked to Brazen and Fykes. "And you two fancy yourselves capable arms-men." Finally her gaze fell on Roahn, and halted. "But you, you have ability in either space. What is it you want?"

Roahn grinned, and stepped forward. "I'm just here for a hammer."

Kul Galysa regarded her with an insightful gaze. "You'll need to earn that, devotee of the storm."

"I figured. When can I start?"

Kul Galysa chuckled, a sound that vibrated the marble under their feet. "That all depends. We will welcome and train all of you in whatever field should take your interest. But you must take an oath. Only those that are a part of the city, are able to stay within. And this place has certain effects that you will need to adjust to, before we can begin."

"An oath?" Fykes asked.

"To the city and it's people. To me and my kind who reside here. The oath to fight with us, and stand beside us. If you take the oath and we call upon you, you must answer. Fighting it, or fighting us has... dire consequences. It is a magical bond."

"And what happens if that bond is broken?" Brazen asked, looking rather comfortable.

Kul Galysa sighed. "At the very least, breaking the oath will cast you out of the city, and leave you unable to return. You will lose the ability to apply some measure of anything we taught you. At worst, you may die as the bond breaks, or you may be hunted. Depending on the severity of the betrayal." She shrugged. "I would advise you not to take the oath, if you do not plan on abiding by it. For once you take it, you are our eyes to the outside world should you choose to return. It is a way for us to watch over the world. For if you accept, you will be considered residents of this city, once the oath is made. You can always find refuge and welcome with in our walls, and we will aid you in whatever ways we can while you are here or traveling. You may train, study and live among us as you wish."