Aeris

Book Description:

Nikka, Zyander, and Luka are back, having learned some hard lessons about themselves and the world they live in.

For Nikka, the true test is only beginning. Secrets and lies that have the capacity to destroy her await in the tribe of her birth.

Zyander awakens to new consequences of his rash decision to change the lives of his people.

Luka has discovered his Lumenta and realizes his true path of self-discovery has just begun.

Copyright

Text Copyright © 2012 by Kate Copeseeley

Cover Image Copyright © 2011 Bethel Stoddard

World Map Image Copyright © 2011 Lindsey Anderson

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of the publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior permission of the author.

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book would not exist without Round of Words in 80 days. Pure genius! A shout out to all my ROW ladies: Vicki, Nadja, Lauralynn, Claudia, Deniz, Alberta, and many more. You guys are the best and I enjoy our weekly chat sessions via blog.

I would also like to dedicate this book to all the fans who wrote me such amazing words of encouragement! I took every helpful suggestion to heart, and the praise was a balm that I went back to when I felt that the task was too hard to complete. Thank you, all. I hope the book does not disappoint.

Pronunciation Guide

Characters:

Nikka (Ni like Knee -Kah)

Zyander (Zi like High -and -er)

Alea (Ah -lay- ah)

Luka (Luk like Luke -ah)

Adjudah (Ah -Judah ) The D is silent

Jilli (Jill like the name -i is a long eee sound)

Alys (Like Alice, but with a long aaa sound)

Keran (Kee-ran)

Hama (Hae like day-mah)

Koen (Koe like Roe -en like hen)

Joah (like Noah)

Etho (long e -th -long o)

Kanae (Kan like can -ae like day)

Salia (Sal like Paul -ia)

Roder (Rod like Road-er)

Surgal (Sur like Sir-gal like doll)

Keev (K-eev like sleeve)

Citen (C-iten like frighten)

Khara (Khar like car-ah)

Tribes and Titles:

Aquis (Aqu like aqua -is like hiss)

Aeris (Aer like air -is like hiss)

Terris (Terr like air -is like hiss)

Ignis (Ig like big -nis like hiss)

Sanguis (Sang like sang –gu like the gu in iguana -is like hiss)

Divinaris (div like divide -in like in -aris like Aeris)

Compis (com like comma -pis like hiss)

Duor (sounds like drawer without the r)

Roaneu (roan like loan -eu like ewww)

Lumenta (lum like loom -en with a short e -tah)

Places:

Praete Lines (like plate with an r)

Praetra (praet like plate with an r -trah)

Abira (Ah -bir like beer -ah)

Awatha (Ah -wa like wall with an l -thah)

Akme (Ahk -me like may)

Napalin (Nap like nap -al like all -in with a long ee sound like between)

Summary of Compis:

There is a nation of tribes; a place where common magic is used alongside elemental magic. In this world of tribes, there are five elements and five tribes that harness them.

Aquis to harness water, fishing, and weather magics

Aeris to harness air, engineering, and inventing magics

Terris to harness earth, growing, and animal husbandry magics

Ignis to harness fire, crafting, and creative magics

Sanguis to harness blood, healing, and potion magics

Here we meet three characters:

Zyander, son of High Council member and son of Adjudah, member of the Ignis

Nikka, daughter of Duor Culten, born into the Aeris

Luka born into the Aeris

Nikka and Zyander meet during the first year’s gathering, when each 17 year old is chosen for the tribe they will be Inducted into at the end of the year. They have a gathering romance, a common ritual for the many young attendees. Nikka comes from a prosperous tribe and a normal life. Zyander is a bitter member of a tribe that was decimated by the sickness, which left them at a fraction of their number, with practically no magic. His tribe is the poorest in their nation, and as a result, he has a hard time moving past the envy he feels for the other tribes.

When Nikka is chosen to be Compis, a magical being with the ability to harness any element she chooses, their bond is shattered. As Compis, Nikka will also choose her own tribe, something the two of them didn’t take into account when they said goodbye. Now there is a chance they will see each other again, that they might be able to explore deeper feelings for each other, maybe even fall in love.

However, when Zyander is packing to leave for home, he is treated to a lecture by his father on the ethics of being involved with the Compis and they argue and part. Zyander decides to travel down to the forgotten city—Abira—with his friend Alys and search for a way to bring back the power of Ignis magic.

Luka is heartbroken at being parted, through Initiation, from his beloved May. She was chosen for Aeris, he for Terris—the most conservative and introverted tribe in the Five Tribes. He briefly considers joining the tribeless and his friend Ryd—a new acquaintance, but he decides to stay with his new tribe, in the hopes that he can use the extra time to convince May to join him when he runs away.

Nikka travels with Jilli to her home of the season, in Mokar of the Aquis territory. She is introduced to Jerem, Jilli’s handsome nephew and his friend Luba. She is also introduced to Agga, Jilli’s house servant, who is one of the Sea Mothers and Fathers. It’s clear from the start that Agga holds little respect for her employer, when she tips Nikka off to her spying ways. Nikka quickly learns that her talents set her apart from the other Initiates, who she has nothing in common with and who make her something of an outcast because of her talent.

She seeks out Jerem and Luba and spends time with them instead of on her spellwork. Agga is there to tutor her in what she needs to know of common magic, in any case. The little creature has an aptitude for common magic that exceeds many others and she takes up the task of molding Nikka’s great power. Everything is progressing fine until Nikka sees another, darker side of Jerem. The new side of him is abusive, and angry toward his own small servant, Joaga. When Nikka sees that, her world turns upside down. For the first time, she realizes how little she knows everyone in the Aquis tribe. This is when she dreams for the first time.

Nikka has two dreams. The first dream is about a seal who is taken by net from its watery world and when it emerges from net on the deck of a boat, it turns into a being very much like Agga. These creatures are the Roaneu. Her second dream features Jilli, who is holding the pelt of a transformed Agga. She cuts the pelt and forces Agga to bend to her will. Nikka awakens, determined to save her friend, even if there is no way to save all of the Roaneu.

With the help of her powers and some of her new knowledge of Aquis spells, she breaks into Jilli’s workshop to find the pelt and use it to set Agga free. In the process, she finds a folder labeled Ignis and sends it to Zyander. She then retrieves the pelt, takes it and Agga to the beach and after making her promise to come at Nikka’s call, watches her leave.

Unfortunately, Jilli felt the loss of power from the pelt and is there to greet Nikka after her release of Agga. Jilli is clear with Nikka that Agga’s loss is nothing and she will have another servant by the end of the day. Nikka vows to save all the Roaneu from their slavery, and she packs up her things and uses the principles she learned from Agga to transport herself back to the Citadel.

Zyander, meanwhile, has gone to New Settlement and joined up with his friend Alys to start their long journey down to the forgotten city. Alys may not believe that they can save the Ignis, but he is always eager to try a new adventure.

During their wet journey southward, Zyander is plagued by a series of dreams:

In the first dream he is introduced to a vixen. She tells him she was sent by Iam, that she will usher him through Napalin, and that she can see his magic, which is strong. He has a golden palm printed on his chest.

In the second dream, she takes him to a secret waterfall—the sacred birth place of Aeris magic. The vixen tells him that water runs through the earth and the bodies of the creatures in it. She has him swim in the falls and the pond at the foot of it. She tells him that the Five Elements were given to the Five Tribes and the common magics were given to the animals. Humans share common magic in order to stay connected with Iam’s creations.

In the third dream, the vixen makes him climb the Cliffs of Iverside, and tells him that there is no cure for the effects of the sickness. Better that he should consider his tribe forever changed, she says. She also alludes to an important truth that the Five Tribes leaders may not have grasped. All of the elements must remain in balance together. If one element dies, they all do. Iam is invested in saving the tribes. Then she pushes him off the cliff and he flies.

In the fourth dream, they walk into a sacred Oak grove, where the vixen made him climb a giant oak and pluck a large acorn from one of the branches. When he lands back on the ground, she has him plant it in the soil. Earth is where we’re born, she says. It grows our food and gives us a grave when we die.

In the Fifth and final dream, she takes him into a cave, where there is a bowl and sharp spike waiting. She tells him that blood is the trickiest of the elements. Blood is not an element of the earth; it was given solely to the beings that live on it. Blood came from Iam directly, and is one of the reasons why the Sanguis are so powerful. Zyan cuts his hand and the blood drips into the bowl. When he wakes up, the cut is still on his hand.

When Zyander and Alys have almost reached the forgotten city of Abira, they are greeted by the fox herself, who until now, Zyander has supposed to be imaginary. She takes them down into the city and leads Zyander to a building that houses the Shining Stones. They represent the magic of his tribe.

She tells Zyander that Ignis magic is not just representative of fire, but also of life’s spark. It is the soul of the five elements and the reason the Ignis were once powerful. She also tells him there is a reason the phoenix is a sacred creature to the Ignis: their magic can die and yet be reborn. All that is required of him is to smash the stones with the hammer on the wall. He smashed the stones and a great magic overwhelms him. He collapses to the ground, unconscious.

Luka is heartbroken and feels out of place among the Terris. He is not allowed to write to May. He can’t figure out what his Lumenta—beast of the soul, which every Terris transforms into—is and he gets stuck with Kanae, his new mentor, because she is a carpenter, like his parents were. He’s made some friends: Joah, Brelle, and Grem, though overall, he feels compelled to stay alone.

He is surprisingly talented at common magic and dreams of flashing feathers and bloody prey, but still, his Lumenta eludes him. Finally, near the close of the season, he goes with the other Initiates to make a call for his Lumenta, and all are surprised at the shrill shrieking cry that escapes him. His Lumenta doesn’t appear, however, so he goes about his business.

It’s only when he runs off to the woods alone, after a distressing conversation with one of the Duor, that he finally meets his Lumenta. It’s a griffin and it seems very irritated with him for calling it.

Part 1: Magna Venta

Winter storming, Winter snowing,

Magna Venta winds are blowing

Ever certain, Ever knowing

Magna Venta winds are blowing

Never stopping, Never slowing

Magna Venta winds are blowing

Seasons coming, Seasons going

Magna Venta winds are blowing

Chapter 1:

Nikka

When the waves of light from traveling the Praete Line cleared, Nikka was standing on the platform that she had first traveled from months ago with Jilli. Her bags and heart were heavy, filled with mementos and memories of things she wanted to forget rather than remember. Nikka wasn’t sure what to do or where to go.

Maybe I should go to the inn where Father and I stayed during Initiation, she thought.

She didn’t have any money or barter, however, though there must be some cachet in having the newest Compis staying at your inn.

Debating for a minute, Nikka decided to see what Jilli had arranged for her at the Citadel. There must be a place she was to go each time the season ended. Perhaps it was someplace she would stay with the other Initiates. It was strange, but she still felt separated from them. Being Compis was foreign to the experience the others were having.

She trudged down the damp path between the trees and ended up near the empty marketplace. What had been filled with tents, carts, and booths when last she saw it was now a barren field, wet and open before the tall spires of the Citadel. The path she was on ended at the large dirt road that meandered down the marketplace. The changing season had made it muddy, so Nikka stepped carefully, thankful she’d had the sense to wear her wet-weather shoes.

When she reached the end of the path, she turned in the direction opposite of the market. Nikka walked down to where the stage stood in front of the large plaza she had looked down on a few short months ago. Facing the stage she could see the large amphitheater to her left. To her right and down another cobblestone path was where the Great Library resided, along with the residence of the Divinaris who lived and trained in the Citadel. Someone in the library must have information to help her, so that was where she went.

Nikka was near the giant wooden doors that led into the building, when someone came around the curving corner. It was a Divinaris woman, tall and willowy, red hair forming tiny curls along her face and neck. The woman’s face opened, mouth parted, eyebrows up.

Nikka? she asked, drawing close.

Yes, Nikka said, uncertain what to say next.

My dear Compis, what in Iam’s name are you doing here? You shouldn’t be arriving at gathering for other five days. Is something wrong? Where is the High Council member?

I- I can’t speak of it. Let’s say that Jilli and I had a rather sudden difference of opinion. I needed to leave and it was close to the gathering time, so I thought I’d come and stay wherever my assigned location will be during gathering. Do you know where they were going to put me?

Yes, of course. We all do. Here, come with me, the woman said. My name is Dimi. I didn’t prepare your room, but it will be easy to find out who did. We don’t get many visitors beyond the High Council and a few Duor who don’t wish to reside with the Initiates. There is separation between those in the tribes and the Divinaris, as you will find out in time. Many don’t feel comfortable enough around us to share quarters.

Dimi took Nikka’s arm and one of her bags and led her down the path she had recently walked. It was a part of the Citadel that wasn’t visible from the market, a long low building behind the great library, where the Divinaris lived. Nikka discovered, from casual conversation with Dimi, that there were several buildings where the Divinaris attended classes—they surrounded the Divinaris residence. They went through training and the ritual of becoming—their most sacred rite as Divinaris. It was after this rite that they were given their naming tattoos, which had nothing to do with their actual names, but were more dependent on their personal calling.

When they arrived at the building and entered the foyer, Dimi glanced around, looking for someone. Her lips went wide with a smile.

Somae, she called, waving over another woman, this one short and curvy, with dark brown skin and pursed pink lips. She exuded natural charisma which was common among the Divinaris, but her boisterous step was nothing like the calm manner Nikka thought of for her teachers.

Nikka! Somae exclaimed, in almost the exact manner that Dimi had. What are you doing here so early? I don’t think anyone has begun preparations on your room yet. Is something wrong?

Dimi shook her head and Nikka felt her face flush pink.

Never mind then, said Somae. Ready or not, we’ll take you to your room and get you settled. After that will be plenty of time for talk and perhaps a meal. Are you hungry?

Nikka was about to answer in the negative, when her stomach growled for the room at large to hear. She realized it had been hours since she’d had anything to eat.

Dimi and Somae laughed.

I think your stomach just spoke for you, said Dimi. Come let’s get you unpacked and feed that beast.

~~~~~

They were seated around a seemingly endless table—which stretched the full length of the long room—some minutes later. High windows gave the room light, which helped illuminate the dark stone walls and the narrow space. The room was filled with the flash of silver robes, as the Divinaris moved from one place to another. Several of them placed bread, meat, and platters of vegetables along the center where everyone could reach them. There were also carafes of wine and water, which Dimi helped herself to, before offering some to Nikka.

We all take turns at various jobs. Each job, like kitchen duties or room cleaning, is given to a Divinaris and is theirs for a season. It is the responsibility of the residents here to take care of their own personal duties as well as those of the community at large, said Somae. She ate with delicacy, her silver robes immaculate.

What personal duties do the Divinaris have to fulfill? Nikka wondered. The Divinaris were a secretive group. Even Adra, one of the Divinaris for the Aeris, had never revealed personal information about herself. She knew they were teachers, that they facilitated communication with Iam. They spoke with Iam. What else they did she had no idea.

"Aside from what you know of us, we lead quiet lives. We commune with the Praetra in order to know what Iam has in store for us. We meet together daily to discuss what we learn from the texts. We keep copious records of the history of the tribes—which are stored in the record room of the Great Library. We are the caretakers of the library, and finally, we also represent Iam and the people at all High Council meetings.

These are the things we do here, at the Citadel. You have seen what those of us who live in the tribes do, said Somae.

Have you ever worked in the Great Library? asked Nikka. I’ve wanted to ask someone about the first Compis.

Dimi and Somae looked at each other, brown eyes meeting green.

It’s funny you should ask, said Dimi, leaning forward to grab some more bread for her plate.

Nikka enjoyed the soup that had been placed on the table, a vegetable broth with crisp beans and a spicy aftertaste. The zesty flavor satisfied her.

You’ve been quite the research topic of the past season, said Somae.

Nikka sipped her drink.

I’m interested in the topic myself, she said, Have you found a reason why a woman was chosen after so many years?

It’s the question on everyone’s mind, I think, including the High Council, said Somae.

Nikka schooled her features. She didn’t want to seem too eager. Caution was still her best practice, in light of the differences she’d seen in herself compared to the others. No one had her talent for seeing the Praete Lines. According to Agga, Jilli’s house slave, her talents with common magic were unparalleled. The small creature had also told her that it would be her responsibility to heal the tribes. She wondered if the Divinaris knew that bit of information. Was that why they wanted to know more about her? Was it why they were making friends with her now?

"I could take a guess at why they are interested, said Nikka. I’m a commodity to them. They aren’t sure whether to barter me or keep me in a box somewhere. Since I’m only the second of my kind, they want to see if my abilities differ from Samain’s—to judge if I’m as valuable, I suppose."

Somae shook her head. How quickly you’ve had to face reality, as compared to some of your fellows.

Dimi placed a hand on her arm and squeezed gently.

We take our responsibilities to the tribes with all seriousness, Nikka. Have no fear that any of us seek to expose you or the first Compis to the clamoring and clawing of the Five Tribes.

Meaning? Nikka asked. She set her cup aside and gave the woman a long look.

None of us plans to alert the High Council to your unique talents. In fact, our plan is to hold back anything that could be used to exert power over you, said Dimi, before she pushed her mop of hair away from her face.

Why would you do that? Nikka asked.

Iam did not create you to be a commodity. You have a purpose and need time to find out what it is. This will be an important one, Nikka. You are going to have to observe the Five Tribes, draw your own conclusions, and make a decision that will affect us all.

Do you think there is a reason there has only been one other woman chosen Compis in the thousands of years the Five Tribes have existed? asked Nikka.

I think there is no other conclusion to draw, said Somae. The question remains what that reason is.

Someone suggested my purpose is to heal the Five Tribes, said Nikka. She pushed her food away, more tired than hungry now.

Once again Dimi and Somae exchanged a glance.

No one can deny there is trouble brewing among the tribes, said Dimi. The High Council has striven to keep it from us, but there are things that disquiet us. Her voice lowered.

We should not speak of it here, said Somae, nodding to the group of tribe members seated near them at the table. Nikka glanced over and noticed that most of them were staring at her. She hadn’t seen them watching her until now.

Nikka, why don’t you retire to your room and Somae and I will join you after an acceptable interval, said Dimi.

Nikka nodded and left her place at the table, troubled by what she’d learned at dinner.

Zyander

He wasn’t sure of the time of day when he awoke, coughing, in the sand. The dome was lit with dim light, so it could be dawn or dusk. Sitting up, Zyander brushed the sand off his face, neck, and clothing, and with some effort, stood to his feet. He was now standing in the center of a ring of stones, tall and twisting as they had been before. The Shining Stones were shining once again and with no little sense of awe he placed his palms on them, feeling the energy that pulsed inside.

He stood there for many minutes, reveling in the feeling, and then he picked up the hammer and walked from the sand. Zyander hung it on its hook, and pushed his way out of the building, blinking in what he could see was early morning light. It clung to the damp grass and shining bronze roofs of the buildings around him. The marble and stone looked warm in the orange of it.

Ho now, Fire Man, said the vixen looking up at him. Her voice startled him. He hadn’t expected to see her. From her voice, he didn’t think she had expected to see him either.

Fire Man? he asked and squatted down to speak with her.

After your destruction of the stones, I would be a fool to call you Fire Child. Such an amazing magical force you set forth, I’m surprised to see you have recovered so soon.

How long was I in there? he asked.

The sun has cycled one day since you broke the stones, she said. Your friend is still lying where he fell, sleeping like the dead.

Alys passed out, too? he asked, alarmed. He stood up and walked with her over to his friend, who was collapsed in a bed of magically preserved flowers. Zyander reached down to heft his friend’s weight and slung him across Alys’ horse. Then he led his friend’s mount and the packhorse over to his own horse.

The protective spell on this place is broken now, isn’t it? he asked, grabbing Twitchfoot’s reigns. The morning air was fresh and filled with the early morning songs of the birds. They flew about through the neatly trimmed hedges and nestled in the tidy trees that lined the cobbled streets.

Indeed, Fire Man, she agreed.

I thought something felt different. The stillness is gone. There are birds and noises about, he said. I wonder what we should do now. Should I just pick a house and occupy it?

She shook her head.

You should follow me, she said, and trotted down the cobblestones.

He followed her down the flat stone street, listening to the sound of the horses’ hooves against the rocks. There were lamps that lined the way, but in the burgeoning daylight, there was no need for them and they remained unlit. He hoped they were not bound up in an Ignis spell to give light, else he feared the city would be a dark place come evening. The houses and their yards were neat, each with small details like an accent color or carefully shaped topiary to give it uniqueness of character. Several times the houses were broken up by larger sections of buildings that might have been shops or schools. It was hard to tell without going inside, but he wanted to get his friend in a safe place before exploring.

How long do you think he’ll be asleep? Zyan asked.

Now how would I know that, fool? she replied with some of her former zest. I was a mere animal, commissioned by Iam to bring you here to destroy the stones. There was no way of knowing what would happen afterward.

Then why did you run after I shattered the stones? he asked.

A side effect of my animal nature, she said. I felt the power you released, and I was afraid, so I ran back to Napalin. After some time, maybe as long as till dusk, it felt safe again, so I came back to see how you fared. I saw your friend lying there and judged him to be alive and waited till he might wake and check on you or until you left the building yourself.

It sounded logical. In the near distance, he saw a tall round dome and spire, more ornate than the building in which the Shining Stones were housed. As they approached, he could see that the building took up several blocks, was formed from marble and bronze, with long glass windows and a huge stairway leading to commanding set of giant double doors. The buildings surrounding it were less opulent, but just as expensive looking.

I suppose that is the Founder’s Building, said Zyan, remembering the elders’ nostalgic description of it. That means the Ignis library should be right near it.

You will not have time to loll about reading, Fire Man. Iam has plans for you, scolded the Vixen.

What plans?

Wait until we arrive at our destination, and you will see.

When they had gone another block, he saw a large square building, again marble and it was close enough to the Founder’s Building as to almost connect to it. There was a sign that said Founder’s Library across the top of the doors, which were large, but not as grandiose as that of its neighbor.

The houses here were closer together here, but also taller, reaching two or three stories each and all had intricate decorative facades, which must have been the work of the most skilled Aeris craftsman. Soon they passed through this neighborhood into one where the houses were less well kept, and not as large, but still felt stately.

After following the little fox down a shady side street, they ended up in front of a two story house with a wild and overgrown hedge surrounding it. Through the door in the hedge was an equally overgrown lawn, filled with wildflowers. Zyander walked over it and to the side of the house, hoping for a place to shelter Twitchfoot and the other horses. Behind the house and to the right, he found the small stable and put each horse in a stall with food and drink.

Zyander promised the beasts he would return to remove their soft saddles and give them each a thorough brushing down and then he lifted Alys from the saddle and walked into the house. The vixen scampered in after him.

Why this house, Vixen? he asked, finally. The inside was dusty and filled with strange knickknacks. There were measuring implements scattered about with battered books. Clothing was strewn here and there, lending the overall air of neglect. As they walked through the kitchen, he noted the dirty pots and dishes that filled the small sink, and the stove top that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned several years before it was abandoned with the rest of the city.

It was difficult maneuvering with Alys through the narrow hallways with the dim indoor light, and the closed shutters at the windows didn’t help either.

I will show you when we lay your friend abed, the little fox replied, nosing one of the doors open.

Zyander laid Alys on the bed, careful to be gentle, and slipped off the man’s boots. The room was as dusty as the rest of the house, but neat, with a washstand in the corner and a large dresser lining one wall. He assumed it hadn’t been much in use by the owner. Then he turned to the little fox and said, Now what?

This way, she said and led him to the basement door.

After lighting a lamp that hung next to the door, he went through it and walked down into a well-stocked cellar. Hung at the ceiling were herbs and vegetables of all sorts and his hungry stomach lurched at the sight of them. Against the wall was a long shelf lined with bottles of wine, small jars of preserves, and wheels of wrapped cheeses. To his right, nearer the stair case, were large barrels and clay pots filled with several varieties of grains, some that he’d never seen before. He and Alys would be able to feast for many months on the provisions here, assuming his friend ever awoke.

Thinking of the many houses he’d seen along the way, he wondered which cellars had looked like this one. With the preservation spells in place, the elders must have expected they would eventually return. Why had they never used the Praete line to come back for the food? The city was said to have housed hundreds of thousands of people at one point in time. There must be barrels of it. Maybe they had been saving it for an emergency. Because of him, it would all go to waste.

He turned the corner and came upon an unassuming white door in the center of the cellar wall.

What is this? he wondered and reached to open the door. The vixen scampered ahead of him into the room, which was filled with a large work table and lined on the far side with shelves of books. It had the same grubby air of neglect as the rest of the house; scattered implements and pieces of paper greeted him.

He walked forward and looked down at the different beakers and tools in front of him. On one wall was a chart with many of the basic spells of his tribe, on another was a circle with four of the sacred elements surrounding it, blood in its center. As he moved around the table, he noticed one side of it was devoted to a pile of notebooks.

He grabbed one at random, and curiosity led him to peer down at them and read.

~~~~~

"The texts tell us, ‘Small moments and insignificant voices lead the edges of our minds to new understanding.’ This is truly what has happened to me today. I lectured, as I tend to early in the class, about the intrinsic nature of the Five Tribes toward clashing and chaos. ‘It is only through the treaty and its guidance that we are able to keep our warring natures at bay. Without the wise ones to remind us of our need to be at peace with all, we might be back to where we were at the start.’

"It was at this point that I saw a hand raised near the back of the class. It was Harvath, which surprised me, as he is not the most studious of my charges. The university is voluntary, and none are required to work for the highest marks, if that is not their wish. Sometimes I wonder why Harvath is even a student, as he seems not to care for any assignment or finishing coursework.

"I now know he was placed in my class by Iam, who has brought to me this question. ‘Why are the elements required to be in balance if the people are not? Shouldn’t there be some way, besides outside interference, to keep the tribes in balance as well?’

"I might have argued that this is why the Divinaris exist. They are meant to bring the elements in balance. Yet that is not what they do at all. The members of the Five Tribes keep the elements in balance. The Divinaris commune with Iam, and impart the texts to us for the sake of meditation.

"And so, his question has remained with me, leading to another. In what way might the Five Tribes achieve peace without the necessity of a treaty?"

Nikka

She felt the fatigue of the day wash over her, as she sat at the edge of her bed waiting for Dimi and Somae to appear. It seemed so long ago that she had saved Agga and had her confrontation with Jilli. The choice had been made for her, rather than the other way around—Aquis was not a tribe she would be joining.

One tribe seen and rejected, four more to judge, she thought.

Was judgment the correct attitude and description? Nikka had been thoughtless about her plans in the Aquis Territory. According to the High Council and the Divinaris, she was supposed to find which tribe she fit into the best. After her experience with the Aquis, however, she couldn’t help wondering what secrets the other tribes were keeping. It was four days until the next gathering, and she had no idea if she even wanted to continue on her journey through each season. There was a part of her that wanted to choose Aeris, because she was familiar with it and her family lived there. She could be near her parents and have the same life she’d had up until Initiation.

Zyander doesn’t live in the Aeris territory, she told herself. Then again, he never replied to my letter, so maybe he isn’t interested in me outside of what happened during Initiation week. I wonder if I’ll see him at the gathering.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door and Somae popped her dark head into the room.

Hello, Nikka, may I come in? she asked, before entering. She came over and sat on the bed. Dimi should be here in a minute; she got caught up talking to one of the others. We’ve been making many preparations for the gathering; there will be several Duor and Initiates housed in our facilities. Until she gets here, let’s talk about your time with the Aquis.

Nikka said nothing.

"Nikka, there must be some reason you showed up here by yourself, days early, instead of being shepherded by the High Council member," Somae pointed out.

What could she say? Nikka knew that she’d probably made a powerful enemy yesterday with her impulsive actions. It was one of the reasons she’d been reluctant to free Agga, but in the end the Roaneu’s freedom was more important to her than her fear of Jilli.

My reasons were personal, she told Somae, I would rather not discuss them before it’s time to choose my tribe. I know how tangled the council meetings get, each tribe pressing for a greater position. I don’t want to give one tribe an advantage over another.

Saying the words gave a way to answer what would be the first of many questions about her impression of the tribes thus far. This way, when she made her plans, no one else would be able to give her input on the matter.

Nikka- Somae started to say, then a quick knock cut her off and Dimi entered the room.

Hello, ladies, she said and took the chair by the fire. Her long legs stretched out in front of it.

Nikka won’t speak of her experiences with the Aquis. She believes it would create favoritism, said Somae to Dimi, who looked up and frowned.

Nikka, you are young to have this burden on you. We don’t ask you to share anything you are uncomfortable with, but our allegiance is with the Five Tribes. No individual tribe receives our favor, said Dimi. Maybe we should start by telling her what we’ve learned about the First. She said this to her friend.

It might be the way for her to see how urgent this is, said Somae, speaking as though Nikka were not in the room.

Dimi turned back to her. The Divinaris are responsible record keepers. We take our duties in the library seriously. When you were chosen, we agreed that our most adept and learned caretakers would forsake all other duties to learn what we could about each of the other Compis and most importantly, the very first, who founded the Five Tribes, Dimi began.

Unfortunately, most of what we know of the beginnings of the Five Tribes is shrouded by the veil of long history. Hundreds of years have progressed, and most of what remains is legend and story. The stories have been easy to discover, almost every history book and text contains something of her. These are things you have been taught in your own school history lessons, I suppose, Somae continued.

The biggest problem has been discovering the details of her life and confirming them as fact, said Dimi.

What do you mean? asked Nikka.

Thus far, we’ve discovered at least four different names associated with her, said Dimi, There is no mention, that we’ve found, of what tribe she grew up in or if she was mated. If she had children, we are in ignorance of it, and where she went after the Five Tribes were founded, we’re not sure of, either.

"What do you know?" Nikka wondered.

Precious little, said Somae, and snorted. "At some point, she was born into one of the Five Tribes. At the time of her Initiation, there was some indicator to the tribe’s holy woman that she was different from the others. She was not one that should be cast out, as some of the others had been, but she was also not like the others of her Tribe.

"She had powers that were never seen before, and she could manipulate the elements like a master. It got to the point that her power was a threat to the tribe leader and she was cast out, like the other misfits were, to fend for herself.

"At this point in the story, we lose track, again, of how the events progressed. In one story, she came across the other tribes and discovered that each of them also had cast outs. The tribes were living in poverty, because their hatred of each other restricted their trade. She realized that in order for all the tribes to prosper, and for their people to cease being cast out, a new system needed to be put in place. In another story, she called the tribes to her, with a mighty burst of power and dealt with them on her own terms."

Which version it is doesn’t matter. Somewhere along the way the Five Tribes were formed, said Dimi, smiling. "And it stands to reason why this part of the story has the most detail that we’ve been able to find.

"The Compis didn’t try to convince the members of the tribes. They were filled with fear and superstition about the other tribes. Instead, she went to the holy leaders, those whose purpose was divining the will of Iam. She convinced all of them that she’d been sent by Iam to combine the tribes, make them stronger, and unite them under one purpose.

She didn’t propose herself leader, or try to seize power—she is much lauded in the stories for that. The Compis exhorted a new system of government, where the tribes would work together and benefit from combining resources. It took many hundreds of years to accomplish, but the Five Tribes were born from that idea.

She was right, said Somae. The tribes prospered and grew, but after her influence disappeared, so did the peace we’d enjoyed. The tribes have continued to fight for position, whether to be treated equally or to be treated more favorably. The system is breaking down.

It started with the Ignis, said Dimi. "Their tribe lives so much longer in comparison to many of the others that they naturally became the most powerful and influential. Indeed, some here have postulated that their sickness came from Iam’s displeasure at their pride and vice.

"Yet here we are, more than two hundred years after the sickness, and the tribes are still fighting. Alliances form over each tiny issue, and all of the tribes garner favor from the Sanguis, who act like the benevolent leaders of the Five. It’s not their place, though I believe their intentions to be good. It is our job to ascertain the will of Iam; we Divinaris are his mouthpiece.

It’s as though they’ve forgotten why we exist. We’ve been pushed aside, left from secret meetings. Our only remaining powers are voting at the High Council meetings and teaching the tribes.

And no one seems to be listening, anymore, said Somae, rubbing her hands over her face. The leaders depend on themselves for power instead of Iam, and so they seek whatever means they can to gain it.

She jumped from the bed, and stood. Her short frame belied her energy.

We have asked Iam to send us help. We believe it’s only a matter of time until we are stripped of all rights within the tribe, said Dimi. Even now, some are reluctant to give us portion. Food, supplies, coin, all have started to come with questions. How are we benefiting the tribes? they want to know. Not every Divinaris believes this, but Somae and I and a few others can see the truth in front of us.

When you were chosen as Compis, Nikka, we knew that you were our answer. It’s a significant amount of pressure to put on you, but you’re the only one who can show us the right paths again.

Chapter 2:

Luka

Luka stood, mouth open, and stared at the beautiful creature in front of him.

I called you... he breathed, forcing air into his lungs.

"Did I not say that, human? Honestly, is all of your kind as lack-witted as you seem to be?" The griffin shook its head and sat on its haunches, thick tail still twitching.

I’m sorry, said Luka, mind racing to form a cohesive thought. "This is astonishing. I didn’t even know griffins were real until today. In the Tribes, they’re nothing but the stuff of tales and legends."

"I concede that you have a point. It must be surprising to meet a being of such great splendor in person. Feast your eyes, then, Two-legs." The griffin dipped its head in acknowledgment and Luka felt brave enough to take another step forward.

The creature was amazing. Even in the cloudy afternoon light, its gold and scarlet feathers glistened. Its wings were folded now, but remembering the