The Unearthing (Book I of the Tebel Chronicles)

Chapter 31

After Trey left, Cyan dropped the idea of practicing and went and stood outside. He was right, there was a storm brewing. The wind whipped furiously around Cyan's shoulder length hair. If only she knew why she was here and when she would be going back. She knew she had never felt like this about anyone, but was it enough to make the decision to stay in Noring? Besides, Kael had said they would be leaving Noring soon – he thought Cyan would be leaving with them after graduation. Up until now, so had she, but what about Trey? Could she leave him?

The waterfalls were crashing down around Noring and the fierce wind was blowing spray off them so that the valley seemed covered in a haze of mist. The sun had passed overhead a couple of hours earlier and a shadow stretched across the valley. The weather was rough and cold. Cyan wanted to avoid running into Trey in the gym if for some reason he had come back to look for her so she left the balcony via the second door that led her into Noring's library. She just got inside as it started raining. The world had turned dark and ominous in a matter of minutes. Trey was right about the strangeness of the storm. The lights were still dim, as the first-year fire students hadn't come past to light them for the evening.

Cyan walked towards the door. It started opening a few meters before she got there and for some reason that later she couldn't explain, Cyan dived behind one of the library couches to hide. She peered over the couch to see who had entered. Even though it was dark in the library, she would know that hefty form anywhere. What was Greyton doing in the library? People wouldn't be coming to the library for a good while. It wouldn't do to let him know she was alone with him. They didn't have swords now – he would pulverize her. Cyan retreated as far behind the couch as she could. Now all she could see were his boots from under the couch. It wasn't long before the door opened again. She froze as she heard the whisper of the man from the stable.

'Greyton, I'm glad that you are on time this time,' he wheezed.

Cyan was too terrified to look over the chair. She could see by the shoes that the newcomer was facing her direction. She wasn't sure what they'd do if they discovered her and she didn't plan to find out. She tried not to breathe.

'Master, did you do this?' asked Greyton eagerly. 'Does it mean it's time?'

'Yes, I caused this. Stupid academics can't see the clouds from their books. But it's a trial run. I still have one thing to take care of. My biggest problem seems to have resolved itself. Now I just need to get rid of the fire-maker. It will be time soon.'

'And I can have my way?'

'You can start with her,' the man sounded amused, 'I need information – I'm tired of being lied to. These months of pretending everyday – but no matter – soon I will be able to interrogate her and then I will have my answers.'

'And after?' asked Greyton.

'Yes, Noring will be destroyed. It's to protect myself and my liege – no matter what he thinks. Then I must return to my home. My brother must not know what happened. He is, in all likelihood, planning on coming here. But given recent events back home, I expect him only in several months. By then it will be too late and I will be gone and there won't be a Noring for him to come to.'

'What must I do, Master? What if anyone gets in the way? Or if I am discovered?'

'Kill them. You think you can do that?'

'Yes,' said Greyton with vigor. 'I look forward to it. But how long before I get the signal?'

'I plan to do my initial stage in the next week – after that it is weather dependent. I could do it anyway, but I will need sufficient energy to turn. Don't worry, you will know.'