Book One – Chapter 15

Yu listened closely. Amidst the layers of ambient noise, he heard the subtle clicking sounds that underlined all of Estingar’s words. Yu listened not just to them but to everything. And then he found it; the faint resonance thrumming within his head, the ghost of a reply coming from above, as the other ulbatan, somewhere on the first floor, responded. Even as Estingar spoke to Yu, he was communicating with his brother.

“How do they look?” asked Yu. “I mean, her colours.”

“With this one? It’s dark blue hues that spread from her fingers and toes. Faint traces around her eyes.”

Yu knew of witch markings.

The Shaira had come to the settlements before. People spoke of their markings, the way they grow with time, like tendrils creeping further inward the more magic they use. Every time witchcraft is used, it is inscribed in the flesh.

Their craft shows their raw bond with nature, and so do their bodies. Witches move barefoot through wilds that would tear others apart, with hands unflinching against thorns, ice, and jagged stone. If injured, their bodies heal fast. Minor wounds close in hours, deep wounds in days. Cold does not bite them. Heat does not scorch them. Hardships that would cripple others only hardens them further. And that is, before their use any spells upon themselves.

“What do we do now?” Yu asked. “Are the crystals in the common room —”

“Brave guardsmen of the guild, yesss, what do you need?” Harrow jumped between them, a blur of steel and eagerness, clad in full armour and grand sickle ready in hand.

Fallem and Imbiad followed right behind her. They were not even fully out the door when —

“No,” Tirran said.

One word.

Harrow’s expression collapsed.

“Please go back inside,” Tirran continued. “Otherwise, it gets too crowded. For now, only guards will remain on the platforms and lookouts.”

“Aw, come on,” Harrow groaned, letting the sickle’s blade drop to the ground with a loud thud. She was obviously dissatisfied but retreated nonetheless. Fallem turned back too.

Yu moved to follow them.

“Yu, stay,” Tirran said.

“All right — wait, what? No, I mean — But Bubs called me when I came down —”

“Stay.”

“Nice try, and so subtle” Estingar grinned, sharp and knowing, flashing every needle-tooth he had, “But if you wanted to sneak a food break, you need to be way more creative.”