Page 18

Chapter

Seventeen

Hey Dad,

Wanted to let you know that I made it through the last round!

Much to my dismay, and everyone here, I think, I managed to secure the fastest time in a height challenge of all things.

I only came out of it with a few cuts and bruises.

We still haven’t been informed what the next trial will be, I am hoping it will be something less physical!

I’ve been able to spend a bit of time with Addie.

It has been so nice to see her again; she looks the same as the last time we saw her but more formal, if you can believe it.

I’m growing used to the weather here, even though the heat was initially stifling.

It shocks me each morning that there is a part of the world that becomes this warm.

I wish you were here to see it, to feel it.

I think you would love it here.

I can’t wait to show Azmeer to you.

I’ve attached some herbs and flowers in this letter; please be sure to give them to Flora to make you some teas.

I’ll write as soon as I know more.

Love you, Dad,

Bri

???

The following days felt like a blur.

I found myself missing Em’s quiet presence.

With her, it felt like I was okay to blend into the shadows more, we were a united front.

I still didn’t understand her message and had thought about it endlessly over the past few days.

“Have you written to her?” Kadian whispered to me as the others found themselves embroiled in a conversation about the courts.

“Now that you have withstood the first two trials,” Magister Illerium said, “it is time we begin our studying of the Primals.” He led us into the library towards a lecture hall, “If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll be aware that the festival for Giaxia is approaching next week.”

The smell of old books, leather covers, and worn pages warmed my heart.

I took deep breaths every time we entered the library, unable to get enough of it.

We met in the same hall every afternoon.

However, today, Illerium opted for something much grander.

I stepped into an ancient and beautiful past. Its towering stone columns and intricately carved wooden benches, weathered by time, were enough to give anyone pause.

Dust danced in the faint shafts of light filtering through stained glass windows, casting a muted glow over the ancient tapestries adorning the walls.

In the center of the room stood a podium.

Illerium made his way towards it, beckoning us all to sit.

“Giaxia, thought by some to be the first Primal, was responsible for the foundation of the Eternal Court,” he grumbled, taking his final step before letting out a sigh of relief.

“That man is falling apart,” Lil whispered.

“Indeed, theories persist regarding the identity of the first Primal," he continued, adopting a more formal tone. “Unfortunately, without their presence, verifying such claims becomes challenging.” He continued, "Our understanding of our world's origin remains limited. Speculation suggests that a war erupted among the Primals, though the exact cause remains uncertain. However, given Giaxia's deep connection to the Earth, she bore the weight of every battle, every war that scarred her soil.”

I knew bits and pieces about each of the Primals and their festivals; everyone did.

However, this was the most information I’d ever received.

“Giaxia is believed to have ventured into the depths of Hadash, to the very core where life originated, the Pool of Vitality. Throughout our recorded history, countless have sought its blessings, yet the pool demands a sacrifice in return for its gifts. The nature of Giaxia's offering has long been debated, but with her petition, the Eternal Court and the courts themselves came into existence.”

Looking around the room, I knew I wasn’t the only one captivated by his tale.

“There must always be balance in the world. Giaxia understood that to establish the courts, she must sacrifice a part of herself. It’s speculated that she offered her consciousness, which led her to descend into a profound slumber. Yet, the truth remains shrouded in mystery, leaving us to ponder her fate. With the establishment of the Eternal Court, Giaxia beckoned the other Primals to Hadash.” He cleared his throat, “Ollo, Vasenia, and Hild made their way to the Pool of Vitality, each offering a part of themselves. The establishment of the courts marked a significant shift towards stability, offering people clear guidelines and territories to call their own. Each court was governed by its unique regulations and magical practices, ending the era of territorial strife and fostering an era of peace. However, as history shows, peace is often fleeting. But that remains a lesson for another time.” He looked to his left, “Marsh, if you would,'' he gestured him over.

“I wish we knew more about the Primals,” I whispered to Lil, who nodded in agreement.

Marsh stood at the podium now; a smile broached his lips when he saw me. “Each year in Azmeer, during Giaxia's festival, it’s customary of those living here, regardless of their court to make an offering. A symbolic gesture in recognition of the Eternal Court's creation. Your task is to find something that Giaxia and the Eternal Court deem worthy of offering and for your gift to be accepted. Magister Illerium and I would advise you to do research into what may be a suitable tithe.” He looked to Illerium, who nodded in confirmation. “Your gift is expected by the day of the festival, just before the evening feast.”

“One more thing,” Illerium spoke up, “this shall be your third test in Azmeer. If your gift is not accepted, you will be asked to leave.” His eyes grazed the crowd as a murmur rumbled through it. “You’re dismissed,” Illerium said in his customary goodbye.

“I’ll no doubt be fine. It’s the Eternal Court.” Oz grinned as we exited the lecture hall.

“Didn’t you say your mother ended up in a different court from her family?” Lil asked as she arched an eyebrow at him.

“Well…”

“This is not a good look for you, Brother.” Tamra added as she walked off.

“It would seem that you may not be as guaranteed of a spot as you might hope,” Lil laughed.

Lil and Kadian continued to tease Oz as we wove our way through groups of people towards the dining hall. I didn’t partake; I was too wrapped up in my thoughts.

Marsh mentioned research , there must be records .

“Any idea what you’re going to offer?” Lil asked as she elbowed my side. I shook my head, but I knew where I would start looking.

The inductees began to fracture and splinter into their groups, my friends insisting it was time to eat.

All of us could be asked to leave. There is no set number for this test that get to move on.

“You okay?” Oz placed a hand on my shoulder. I hadn’t realized it, but I’d stopped to admire the setting sun.

In the distance, the sun dipped towards the horizon; its golden rays shone through the ancient stained glass, casting vibrant hues of red, orange, and purple onto the floor and walls. The intricate patterns of the window glass danced with the shifting light, painting the corridor with a kaleidoscope of colors while shadows played across the floor, adding depth to its majesty.

“I don’t think I’ll ever grow accustomed to the beauty here,” I said.

“Me either. I don’t want to be forced to leave. Seems like we’ll have to find some decent offerings.” Oz sighed. We stood next to each other and gazed out towards the fading sun. A silence fell between us as our smiling eyes met. A quiet understanding between friends. Oz wrapped his arm around me, pulling me close. I rested my head on his shoulder as we watched the last vestige of day transform into dusk.