TBC: Chapter Twenty-Five

"You will split into four teams," Syam stated early the next morning, ignoring the yawns of the masters before him.

The warriors, cloaked in their appropriate robes, stood once again in silence around the table in the Temple of Kya's Thesarei.

"The first group will be Master Tarak, Master Aderes, Master Shamira, and Master Danika. There is a rumor that Vaznaun raiders have just begun sweeping through the northern and eastern regions of Feyla Forest in Uthar and attacking the smaller villages. After you have secured the areas, we wish you to journey to Velian and speak to Lord Mohan about his position concerning Mordán. He has not taken action to prepare his kingdom for war. He feels that remaining neutral will spare the kingdom from harm. As it is that he has the largest forces in Uthar under his command, if you do not convince him of his naivety, Uthar will be in danger of being overthrown."

Shamira and the three masters nodded.

"Master Jalena and Master Lorcan, I wish you to travel with these four into Solara. There, you will take on another assignment. You are to investigate rumors of a woman in black roaming the forests surrounding Solara. This was reported from the village, Santhia, as well as other small villages near the Sprite River."

Jalena and Lorcan moved to join the other five.

"A pilot is waiting with a Tritum-X near the chinálei to take you into Solara. After reaching Solara, take the lumrays stored on the ship to your destinations. Mordán may be keeping a close watch on any ships entering Uthar territory, so using the lumrays whenever possible is necessary so that you remain discreet."

As the six warriors bowed and exited the room, Gyan met Jalena's eye and felt the familiar ache in his stomach that occurred inside of him when he watched her walk away, as if she was fading further beyond his reach than she was supposed to.

He exhaled slowly and turned his focus back to the elder master as Syam addressed the rest of the group.

"Master Brogan, Master Valora, and Master Hoshi…You are to go to the northeastern part of the Lundar Mountains to see the spear warriors of the Sethian Tribe and speak to their leader, Saldon-Fa. As of now, he has also remained neutral in response to Mordán's dealings, but I can assure you that he has been watching Mordán himself. You have studied their customs in class, yes?"

The three nodded.

"The tribe may prove difficult to find, so open your senses, and seek them with means other than sight. They are a cold civilization and do not trust outsiders. They will not hesitate to kill if they feel they must. However, their leader is fair and will be interested to hear any facts that we have gathered about Mordán's actions.

"Since the Xita-8is most useful for flying low and undetected, the pilot assigned to you will guide you along the Sprite River and land near the borders of Sethian Territory."

Brogan and the others bowed to the remaining team members. He put a hand on Gyan's shoulder as the three passed by.

Gyan shifted as a feeling of unease moved through him. Splitting up the team felt unnatural to him, even though he logically understood that all teams within the Order had to take on separate assignments at one time or another. He turned to catch Jarek's eye, the only other person in the room besides Gyan and Syam.

I know, Jarek said privately as he returned his gaze. I feel it too.

"And we are left with you two," Syam continued. "You are both to join Malik in a separate ship to travel into Eltia. You will fly to the outskirts of Lumania—the largest city of the Inala people. Here, Malik will speak to the priestess of the culture, Ayuvana, and discuss what is occurring across the lands. Follow Malik's lead. He will answer any questions you may have on the way."

Gyan and Jarek bowed to Syam and left the room. The two walked out of the temple where Malik waited next to the Xita-8, looking like the last glowing star of the morning—his hair and robes whipping in the breeze.

He always looks so dramatic, Jarek said. Old or not—it's scary.

Gyan smiled. Someone we definitely want on our side.

"Come on, you two," Malik said. "We have a longer journey than the others."

"Who is our pilot?" Jarek asked as the three entered the ship.

"I am," Malik replied. His eyes carried a look of mischief as the three entered and he sat in the pilot's seat. "Did you just think me useful for magic and potions, Master Jarek?"

Gyan dropped into the front seat beside Malik, leaving the one directly behind him for Jarek.

Jarek cast Malik a bewildered look. "No…I mean, I didn't think—"

Malik burst out laughing and touched the front panel with his hand. The ship purred to life.

"Relax, Master Jarek. This old wizard knows what he's doing. Now, hand me that manual in the top compartment behind you—I forget how to steer this thing."

Jarek hurriedly opened a small compartment above his head and frantically began searching it.

Malik chuckled louder. Gyan's laughter joined Malik's as he saw the look of worry on Jarek's face.

Jarek froze as he looked at the two. "Very funny, Sir Malik," he grumbled.

"Hang on, Master Jarek," Malik said as a silver glow filled his eyes. "Even though I do remember how to fly this ship, this flight may indeed be the most memorable one of your life."

Jarek let out a high-pitched scream and grabbed the back of Gyan's chair with all his might as the Xita-8 lifted at bullet speed and bolted across the sky.

***