All Souls Day

Work In Progress

The streets of Imardin breathed silently as night sung silently through the alleys of the Northern Quarter. Divided by geographical location, the city presented itself in two halves. The Inner Circle boasted the homes of those within the closest circle of the Kings social gatherings. Here, they formed the Houses: ancestry at its most noble and spoiled in titles and land throughout the Kingdom of Kyralia. Dynasties spawned from the very centre of Imardin, secluding them to only conduct business between themselves and rarely stepping out into the Outer Circle. But with every city, come the impoverished, the filth, and scum that litter the streets. Slums formed predominantly in the Outer Circle, something described as a mutation as it infested the cobbled streets, but those who were smart sought to find work by the quayside or at the docks, in order to survive. With every passing summer, the city grew. And as with every tradition, the King went ahead with the annual Purge. Some had besieged the books within the Library to defile and record the triumphant history of Kyralia with the number of dead that were found the next day. It was said, the poor, the impoverished and the filth needed to be thrown out of the city, but not with force- with magic. As the darkness creeped amongst the streets in the Outer Circle, the taverns played host to the hungry and artisans, late home with few pennies to spend on the cheap mead. The warm buzz and the faint glow of the hearth place filled the late evening air. Inside the tavern, aptly named The Flaming Pig, the fire licked the roasting spit as it spun, oozing, and crackling as the juices dripped and sizzled out onto the logs below. Two figures sat in the darkest corner of the tavern, seemingly discreet and unperturbed through the noise of the happy chimes of beer glasses clicking together; the rowdy customers enjoying their fill from the other side of the room, the beer sloshing happily and onto the discoloured shirts of the craftsmen enjoying their night out along with the lustrous women of the street. Out of the two figures, one was taller and broad-shouldered, wearing a rough cap and long, dark coat. His presence emanated one of friendless, since his long, slender hands sipped the warm mead; his eyes shone a bright green contrasting to the locks of copper-brown hair. Though, much older than his companion, he retained some features of his youth; a couple of scars dotted the borders of his neck, where he had occasionally run into fights and his nails were cut and well-kept, possibly from the hours of lock-picking, but the night was cold, so his hands rubbed furiously inside his gloved hands. The smaller of two sat closest to the wall, seeking comfort in the dark. She held an aura of mysteriousness shrouded in a rebellious force. She wore a plain tunic, and dark breeches, seemingly drawing from the lowest classes; however, she had retained her deep velvet waistcoat and sat sipping quietly from the glass of warm mead. Her chestnut locks fell across her face as her face remained in the shadows, only to be disturbed once in a while, as she stretched and bathed in the low light. Were leaving tonight, Ezra whispered, sipping quietly from his glass. His eyes drew to the entrance of the inn, where two lone stragglers entered, distant and out of place from the usual crowd of the tavern. The men sat, taking their distance from the happy revellers, ignoring the fun with an upturned nose.

Alex sat silently for a moment, tearing her gaze from the happy revellers, Is that why you were talking to Boro, in the market? So, you could find an underhand way to sneak us out? Ezra looked up; he could sense her anger as she gripped her glass a little tighter. I did say I was going to get you out, that was a promise. He reached into his top pocket, using his gloved hands and pulled out a folded piece of heavy paper. He then slid it across the table, This came this morning while you were asleep. If we dont leave, were just going to run into more trouble. The two mystery men motioned towards Ezra as he pulled the paper out, seeming ready to pounce, but pulled back into their chairs, as they noticed no harm. Alex set her glass down, confused. Why should Ezra have kept the letter? What was it that needed to be held for so long? Ezra watched as she unfolded the paper, and began to read. Her eyes darted across the page, faster as she neared the bottom. This wasnt going to be good. She scrunched the letter in her hands, How could they? she growled, Im not even of age yet! Your parents are more than connected, its only a wonder that they didnt do this sooner, Ezra finished his beer and paused. Alex had buried herself into her scarf, possibly thinking, the lights blinkered as Alex growled, displeased. Ezra looked up, hoping that no one had noticed, though he had known for a while that the glow, the uneasy feeling of another presence around Alex was not natural. It was more than clear, she had magical capabilities. And now, her family was enrolling her into the Guild. The Magicians Guild of Kyralia was its official name, but it was a building of scorn and resentment amongst the people. Those who lived in the upper echelons, found in the Houses of Imardin, paraded in the shadows of the Magicians, but they welcomed the opportunity to thrust their children into the Guild once it was discovered they could use magic. The contempt that rose from the vagrants, vagabonds, and thieves was more than enough to incite the hatred for the use of magic. Since from the beginning of Kyralia, the capital city of Imardin had always faced the Purge- the annual event where the Magicians would drive the scum off the streets and into the harsh wilderness outside of the city walls. Where is Boro taking us? Alex voice seemed quiet and distant. Her obvious pause for thought had struck some unease in Ezra. Her mood seemed unpredictable, and Ezra felt that it was best if they left quickly. The men in dark coats had now moved to question the bartender, who was uneasily shifting his gaze towards them, hinting that these men were bad news. Possibly the Vin Islands, he has contacts there. We could head to Elyne, but that would be far too obvious, Ezra said off-handedly. Alex nodded, We should get to the Docks by dawn, otherwise the patrol will find us. Ezra nodded, taking the opportunity to leave before something bad happened, I know, come on. He stood, dropped a few coins onto the table, walking past the bartender and nodding as he exchanged a glare to the two men. The bulky man placed the beer glasses he was wiping and slipped a key into Ezras outstretched hand as they walked past. The men revealed long,

angular faces, peppered with scars and bruises. But their eyes held the colours of the street cats, bright and alert. One opened to decorate his face with a smile, revealing rows of pointy, sharp teeth. They were wyrcats. As they entered the street, a lazy lamplight infused its glow onto the pavement below. The door slammed shut, drowning the songs of the late night inn. Ezra checked both sides of the street before heading south. Alex fell into walking with him, but sticking close to the shadows. Every once so often, either of them would turn and see if they were being followed. Is there something wrong? Those men in the inn, they were wyrcats? Yes. I thought it was better that we left, before they noticed who we were. The pair stopped in their tracks as a noise behind them echoed loudly down the street. Alex swung her head round, pausing as Ezra continued before forcing to a stop. Alex growled, raising her palm and summoning a ball of glowing fire. It pulsed with raw energy and hovered silently for a few moments, before occasionally sizzling as it drew the constant source of power from its creator. She snarled into the darkness. But there was no response, so she extinguished the ball and rejoined Ezra, still gazing back into the darkness. He grabbed her shoulder and pulled her into an alley. What is it? he snapped. Were being followed- What? I can sense them, but theyve shifted. They moved, changed even, their very being, Ezra, I cant fight them like this. Who said anything about fighting? Weve got to get to the Docks, remember? Were trying to escape this hellhole. Alex peered around the corner. She could feel the earth under her feet, pulsing each time the wyrcats pawed their way closer. Ezra grabbed both of her shoulders, We need to move- fast. We cant fight and stay here. His anger seethed thorough his teeth, I said, come on! Fine, she said, sighing reluctantly. She turned to move and follow Ezra out of the alley back into the street, but something didnt feel right. As they fell under the glow of the lamplight, Alex tensed; she could feel her palms growing hot. You should really not try and escape, you wont get anywhere far. They froze, snapping round quickly as the wyrcats voice echoed in their minds. Out of the shadows, they crawled forward, large as panthers and dark as the night around them. Their eyes glowed, raw and bright, slitted with a dark pupil.

What do you want, half-breeds? Alex sneered, her stance changed as if she were to attack, attacking the cats minds with her magic. She pounded their brains, but blocked by mental walls, she remained hovering and disturbing the calm inside their bodies. Their hearts quickened, alive with adrenaline. That, they hissed, is no way to talk to a fellow magic-bearer. The other cat had begun to circle them, pouncing and hissing at Ezras heels. Alex summoned her strength and grabbed a hold onto the leylines within the Earth below. Something is bound to go wrong here, we need to go, she thought. Were not family, half-breed. Go back to wherever it is you spawn from. We have no business with you or your mate. The cat laughed, loud and throaty. You think we do not know who you are? Ha! Traitors, fugitives and outcasts. What mindless fool one so young with magic holds. Suddenly, there were so many things happening at once. She felt the leylines shake, as the two cats sprung out from the shadows and attacked; black blurs with snarling teeth, dripping in saliva as the one closest jumped onto Ezra. Alex reacted, pushing the earth upwards and slamming the cat against the walls of the buildings around them. The cat hit the wall with a thunk and whimpered into silence. She turned swiftly, summoned a ball of blue fire and pushed it towards the remaining cat. His face snarled as he widened his mouth, aiming at Ezras side. Ezra screamed as the cat clawed at his face and sunk his teeth into his side, ripping into through the layers of his coat and shirt. The cat dodged the balls of fire with ease, agile and nimble as it continued drawing blood with each bite, each claw into Ezras flesh. He rolled, trying to escape, but his legs failed to stand. With each shot, Alex missed the cat; it seemed to be a step or a jump ahead of her. This fight was not going to be won, if she did not do something and quickly. The cat now grew bored, Ezra lay, groaning and too weak to move or resist; his eyes darted over to her. Perhaps, youll put up a better fight, little one? He was mocking her, testing to see if her abilities could prove themselves. The cat leaped. Shifting her position, she pulled her feet back and summoned the energy inside her. With a few strokes, a ball of air flew from her palms. Suddenly, the cat slammed into the wall, cracking as its spine dissolved into pieces. Alex exhaled heavily before rushing to Ezra and pulling him to his feet. The street fell into silence. Ezras piercing scream flooded Alexs thoughts. He was clutching his sides as they dripped in blood. The street was stained, streams of it had flown onto the wall and began running into the gutter. He had large gashes in his sides, tears through his clothes and his coat, bloodsoaked and dirty. Alex glanced at the body of the dead cat, and sensed around to see if the

other cat was alive. She reached into the leylines and felt nothing. Probably dead, she thought. She rushed to Ezras side; her hands shook as she slung an arm around his waist and taking his weight onto her. Together they limped towards the end of the street, tired and out of breath, towards the darkness. * Hearty young travellers- come aboard to the mighty Prospero and set sail for the Vin Islands, today! Shouts echoed from the dockside, the waves lapped against the oak ships, majestic in the prow as they rested by the dockside and the gulls screamed in the morning sun over the latest hauls of fresh fish as Boro looked out of the dock masters cabin. He had woken early this morning, something told him in his sleep that something- something evil- had happened. He woke to find a tired, anxious girl and bleeding Ezra on his doorstep, begging to be let in. It was now late morning, and Ezra lay in bed, bandaged and resting. The girl that accompanied had looked familiar. Shes the one theyre looking for, he thought to himself. She hadnt spoken a word and he hadnt pushed her. Whatever Ezra was doing, it was always something to get him into trouble and he felt it was best if he didnt know. As he climbed the stairs, tray in hand, with a few mugs of tea and slices of Imardin trifle, he felt uneasy. Sailing to the Vin Islands was bad enough, but being a traitor to the country was worse. From ancient pact sealed by the three countries of the world, Kyralia, Elyne and the Vin Islands, any that were found, were killed in the most brutal of fashion. As he edged the door, he could hear low whispers, he knocked on the door and heard silence, before Ezras croaky voice called, Come on in, Boro. Heres some breakfast, its not much- he began. Its fine, thank you Ezra replied, sitting up in the small, single bed, slightly wincing as Boro placed the tray onto his lap. Ezra lay half naked; his pink body wrapped, mummified, even in white bandages, he then slowly began to eat. Boro sensed the girl standing by the window. She looked solemn, a little young perhaps, to be sailing to Vin. She stood, arms folded and watching Ezra as he ate. Ive arranged for you to take a later boat. The Prospero leaves in an hour Ezra nodded, munching the cake with ease. Boros gaze flitted between them; the girl occasionally gazed out of the window, happy with the comfortable silence between them. Im not a fugitive she said, turning to look at him. For the first time, Boro noticed her youth, shining in the morning sun. II didnt

You were thinking it. Its the same even if you had said it. Ezra laughed, between gulps of tea. Boro, you shouldnt worry, she wont find anything of use in your mind. You have magic? I do, is that a problem? Boro looked at Ezra, then back at the girl, No, its not. But, is that why they want you? The Guild, I mean? She closed her eyes, pausing silently, before snapping them open once more. Boro, at once, fell into the abyss of her warm, mahogany eyes, swimming in the calm they provided. He feltreleased. Free of the duties of dock master, free to be able to do anything. Alex, stop it. Ezra growled. She smiled, releasing the hold she had over him. Boro snapped back into reality. Stop what? She was prowling your thoughts, your memories, that sort of thing. Ezra explained, Dont worry; she has that effect on everyone. Boro looked back at her, she smiled. Sorry, but to answer your question, yes. Thats the main reason why theyre looking for me. Boro felt warm, Alex, he thought, noting her name. You said, main reason, what else have you done wrong? They all chuckled, before falling into silence once more. This time, she turned and looked out of the window. Boro looked at Ezra, who rolled his eyes. She disobeyed her father, he began, Her parents had enrolled her into the Guild, without her knowledge, and she refused to go. Its my choice, and they abused that fact, she continued, turning back to the bed, and sitting besides Ezra, You see, its a great dishonour to my family. Especially to my father, with being so close to the King, she spat the last few words with contempt. Ezra began running his fingers through her hair as she continued, a look of longing crossing his face. I ran. I found the Thieves Guild in no time, and took to hiding. I wasnt going to learn magic, I knewactually, I felt I could do better than sitting and listen to old magicians rabble on about spells and potions, she turned towards Ezra and smiled. He smiled back. Boro felt a warmth surge between them, and this made him happy. What House are you from? This time, she laughed. The House of Moray.

Boro drew a gasp, Moray? So that must meanyoure father is Lord Moray, himself? She laughed again, Correct. Boro fell quiet. This cant be good, he thought, Moray? Moray was one of the most powerful lords, and renowned generals in Kyralia. His closeness to the King had gained him and his family, for centuries, the title of Lord. But was, intriguing, was that each son, born into the family earned the magical capabilities. The current Lord Moray had failed his father, and it was known that, it now fell to his daughter. Youre the one that broke the tradition he said. Ive been reminded of it, many times. But, youre correct twice. But, why set sail for the Vin Islands? Surely, you realise what theyll do to you when they find out who you are? Alex sighed, Yes, but Im prepared to take that chance. If it means I have to wait, then I will. Until your father dies? Boro asked. Hopefully, as wrong as it seems, its the only way I can think of. Once my brother takes the title, hell wipe the bounty on my head and Ill be able to return. Boro nodded, the young Moray was known to be kind-hearted and brave, unlike his father. Has he promised this? Why not surrender to the Guild? Theyll take care of you there. Take care of me? she snarled, The Guild want nothing better than to take advantage of me. They dont want me for my magic she spat, My father has probably arranged for me to be set up as a womb-mage. Dont say that, Ezra interrupted, Its against the Kings law to practise dark magic, and they wont do that to you. Get that out of your head. Boro rubbed his hands together; he could sense he needed to get back to the docks. It was going to get busy, and more people meant more work. Alright, alright, I guess I should get back. Ezra nodded, raising the mug, Thanks, old friend. No problem, just make sure, youre out of here before sunset. Remember, get on the Prospero, I know nothing of your trip. Who is it that we talk to? Alex asked.

Captain Tyngstae. He will take you there safely, and hopefully, not make you work for your journey, he grinned before closing the door behind him. With that last goodbye, he hoped that they should reach there safely. * Aye-ho! Captain Tyngstae will be with you shortly, replied a fat, wrinkled old sailor as he lugged barrels of run onto the ship. You said that three times, Alex whined, running up beside him, I need to talk to the Captain now. The sailor stopped, leaning his rotund body against the top of the barrel, Aye, Miss, Ive told you to wait patiently and you keep hassling an old man like me self. I told you to wait, now be gone with you! Alex sighed, climbing down the boarding ladder and joining Ezra, who sat on a nest of crab cages. Hes busy she said, sighing as she sat down next to him, twiddling a line of fishing reel. Hmph, hes a Captain of a ship. We cant just rush in. They watched the sailors for a while, loading the ship full of goods to be brought and traded to the Vin Islands. Kegs of Kyralian rum, mead and dried meat were loading along with lines of fish nets. I suppose, well have to wait till theyre about to set sail. See, over there? Ezra pointed to the head of the ship, by the wheel, thats where Captain Tyngstae will stand, and thats where well find him. A passing sailor, perhaps no older than Alex, pricked his ears, Captain Tyngstae, you said? He laughed, That man hasnt been seen out of his cabin since the last sail, and he chewed over his words, What dya want him for? Alex looked at Ezra, who nodded in response to the silent question. We setting sail for Vin, we need to get on the ship, but we wont be let on without his permission. Come with me, Ill get your Captain, he grinned. Ezra limped through the throng of sailors, readying the ship to sail from the dock. The young sailor guided them out through the men and up onto the second platform. Alex heaved Ezra up the stairs and stood waiting outside the door. Three knocks should get you in, but this is where I leave you. I got orders not to go past here. Good luck! with that he disappeared down the stairs and back into the bustle of men.

Ezra looked at Alex, I think this is it he said, lifting his fist and knocking three times on the door. It swung open at once, revealing a tall, dark man. His eyes pierced through them, as he asked, What ya want? Ezra stood tall, ignoring the burning pain in his sides, Dock master Boro sends his regards, Captain. Tyngstae blinked then ushered them in. I knew ya be coming for me sooner or later he said, as he retook his seat behind a large oak desk. It was covered in charts and maps, Ezra noticed as he let Alex drop him into the chair opposite the Captain. He looked up and grinned, I know too well, ya be too pale to be sailors he chuckled, besides, ya always welcome to de Prospero!. Ezra replied with a smile, Captain, I dont mean to trouble you, but could you send us to our quarters? Were rather tired from he looked at Alex, last night. Tyngstae grinned, O course! O course! Ya head down to the bottom and talk to de cook, Winters, he be give ya your quarters, as ya say. His eyes fell over Alex as he took in her form, Youre not like the women in Vin, and he grinned.