Raven sighed in relief as the pain of her headache began to subside. Oh, theyre safe, theyre safe. Thank the gods. She bowed her head and pressed together her hands over her heart. She smiled a bit as she heard Tenens wistful thought of thanks. It was really nothingE didnt save them or anythingElt;/i>
Raven?Elt;/span>
Startled out of her brief reverie, she jerked her head up. Huh?Elt;/span>
Skye had cocked her head and was looking at Raven. What was that about?Elt;/span>
Oh, nothing, nothing,ERaven answered. She smiled a little to herself again.
No, what is it?EDanica asked.
Im relieved.Elt;/span>
Why?Elt;/span>
Theyre safe.Elt;/span>
Who?Elt;/span>
The Caso family.Elt;/span>
Oh, oh, them! Right. Theyre safe now?Elt;/span>
Yeah.Elt;/span>
All right,EKiren said. So, we were sayingEElt;/span>
What are we going to do about all this?EYash prompted.
Nice to know theres a brain there under all the long, pretty, blonde hair.Elt;/span>
Now, was that necessary?Elt;/span>
Kiren ignored him. I guess we should all go there and see what the place is like, and whats happening?Ehe suggested.
Sounds good, sounds good,E Rakesh agreed. ErE
ErEwhat?Elt;/span>
How do we get there?Elt;/span>
Jon looked at Raven. I believe she knows how to do that.Elt;/span>
All I did was wish to be there.Elt;/span>
Thats all?EKiren asked skeptically? You wished to be there and then poof, you were there?Elt;/span>
Pretty much.Elt;/span>
Lets try it!ESkye said enthusiastically.
Jon cautioned quietly, Wait a moment.Elt;/span>
What is it?Elt;/span>
People will make a big deal out of it if all of us are suddenly missing. Like our families, and other friends from school, and the media.Elt;/span>
Oh. Right.Elt;/span>
Kiren folded his arms. So what are we going to do about that?Elt;/span>
Good question,ERakesh said, frowning in thought.
Raven proposed, We could all go away on a trip somewhere, and then go to Falshad.Elt;/span>
Thats a pretty good idea,E Yash said.
Kiren held up his hand in warning. It is, and I hate to be the guy with a stick up his ass, but there are some things we have to think about before we try to do that. Like when will we go? What if our parents say no? Where will we go? What if something happens while were in Falshad and we cant come back at the time we planned?Elt;/span>
The first questions easy,E Danica said. Winter break will be here pretty soon, in three or four weeks.Elt;/span>
All right, fine. What about our parents? I mean, I guess at least some of us would be allowed to go, but what about those who couldnt?Elt;/span>
Those who are allowed to would just have to go, without the others,ERakesh said, shrugging. Lets just hope Raven can go, because shes the only one of us whos gone there before.Elt;/span>
Right. As to where, thats easy. My parents own a private ski lodge up in the Catskills,EYash offered.
Fine, thats good,EKiren said. I guess if something happens while were in Falshad and keeps us there well have to hope its not too long and think of a halfway-decent excuse when we get back. Hopefully it wont be something like two more weeks we get stuck there.Elt;/span>
Any other problems?ESkye asked.
No, nothing that I can think of, but if anyone else thinks of anything, they should say so.Elt;/span>
Hey, blue boy,EDanica called.
Still standing by the window, Enmed turned toward her and tilted his head slightly in a mute question.
What do you think of all this? This ski trip idea?Elt;/span>
He said only, Its good.Elt;/span>
Thats all?Elt;/span>
Enmed nodded.
All right then,EDanica said, raising an eyebrow.
He needs to talk more,ESkye observed. Even Jon talks more than he does, and Jon barely talks at all!Elt;/span>
Jon gently rapped her on the skull with a knuckle. And you need to be quiet more.Elt;/span>
Skye stuck her tongue out at him. Whatever.Eamp;nbsp; Jon chuckled.
You two are too cute,EDanica said, laughing as both Jon and Skye went red in the face.
Rakesh asked, Lets start planning this trip, shall we?Elt;/span>
* * *
Yash tugged gently on Rakeshs ponytail, grinning, and sat at the table. Well, we can use the lodge.Elt;/span>
Thats good,Eanswered Rakesh, obviously relieved. We would have had to think of something else entirely if theyd said no.Elt;/span>
I think they said yes so I wouldnt have an excuse to ask for a trip to, oh, Hawaii or something like that.Elt;/span>
Well, who cares why, they said yes,EKiren said. I already asked, and I can go.Elt;/span>
I can go,EDanica put in.
Well, I havent asked yet,E Rakesh admitted, but my parents will probably say yes.Elt;/span>
My parents arent sure,EJon said quietly. They dont know any of you, except Skye.Elt;/span>
All you gotta do is invite us over sometime in the next couple of days so they can see what good kids we are,E Yash declared confidently.
Then we better make sure you dont go to his house,EKiren said.
The blonde boy looked highly affronted. Why is that?Elt;/span>
Because we want to make a good impression on them. Sluts dont make good first impressions; nor do complete idiots, flamboyant playboys, shameless flirtsE
Yash pouted. Youre so cruel to me.Elt;/span>
Danica reached across the table and patted his hand, saying, Its all right, Yash; its not as if Kiren really hates you. Thats just how he shows his affection. I should know, shouldnt I?Elt;/span>
My Emy what Kiren sputtered.
Is that so?EYash queried. In that case, I dont mind at all. Thank you for caring for me so much, Kiren.Elt;/span>
The brown-haired boy mumbled something incoherent in reply.
My parents arent sure, either,ESkye confided. I mean, Rakesh will be there, they know Danica and Jon, and they kind of know who Kiren and Raven are, but the thing is my age. Im Elt;i>only a freshmanEElt;/span>
Hm, the age issue could be a real problem for you,ERakesh commented thoughtfully. I dont know what you could do about that. Does anyone know if Enmed can go?Elt;/span>
No,EYash and Kiren replied in unison.
Yes,ERaven answered at the same time.
Huh?EYash said.
He told me last night online.Elt;/span>
Oh. Right.Elt;/span>
Thats good; it looks like most of us can go, anyway,EKiren noted.
Yeah.Elt;/span>
Skye made a face. Looks like Ill be here by myself. I dont see much hope for my parents saying yes.Elt;/span>
Jon stroked her hair, saying, Ill tell my sister to make sure to spend time with you.Elt;/span>
Aw, thanks.Elt;/span>
Gods, I had such a problem with asking my parents,ERaven complained, resting her head on her arms. They were all freaked out because of the time I disappeared, even though I came back completely safe and sound and I hadnt been hurt the entire time in any way. But I said that my friends are going, Danica and Kiren are going, and I need relaxation because of my headaches and stuff, so even though theyre still thinking about it, I think theyll say yes. I hope they will.Elt;/span>
You better be able to go,E Rakesh said in mock threat. Then his tone became serious. Otherwise, this thing will really be just a ski trip, and thats not the point. Although Im hoping well be able to get some skiing in.Elt;/span>
* * *
Buy our wares! Buy our wares! Casos wares! Were only here for three more days! After that itll be a year of waiting!Elt;/span>
Solan frowned as he glanced around the towns marketplace. Usually, the little city of Irala, Falshad was quite busy, humming with a pleasant and almost frenetic activity. This year, although there was still the usual commotion, there seemed to be a different mood inside it, a feeling of fear and desperation.
It was almost as if people were desperate to enjoy themselves.
I wonder what could cause this mood in the people? Solan thought. During his off-hours, hed been hearing stories that the surrounding countryside seemed to have suddenly filled with terrifying creatures. That was most likely the cause of this undercurrent of desperation in the life of the city.
Hed heard that some of the beasts had even entered the city walls Eonly ones that could fly, for they had only to swoop in over the walls. Luckily, people had been warned of their coming and nobody had been hurt or taken. However, some people were starting to fear that before long they would be attacked by creatures that would be able to break through Iralas strong, stone walls with relative ease.
I dont understand, Solan thought, brow creasing in confusion. Falshad was always such a peaceful land whenever we traveled through. Lately, though, its being haunted by evil beings out of nightmaresElt;/i>
Whats troubling you, young one?Elt;/span>
Solan blinked and shook his head. Before him stood a figure cloaked in dusty grey. A woman, he thought, seeing the way the cloaks folds fell. Im sorry,Ehe said, can I help you?Elt;/span>
Well, I would like to take a look at your wares.Elt;/span>
Go right ahead, maam.Elt;/span>
The woman threw back her hood so she could see better; her gleaming brown hair was pulled back tightly in a ponytail. Her oval face, pale and high-cheekboned and lovely, was a blank mask, revealing nothing. Her wise and sad coffee-colored eyes, however, told a completely different tale, and they made her seem far older then she must have been. Solan guessed her to be somewhere in her late thirties.
Not your usual stranger, the oldest Caso son thought.
As she inspected pottery, the woman began to speak. What were you thinking of?Elt;/span>
Caught off-guard by the question, Solan stammered, N-nothing.Elt;/span>
Softly, the woman assured him, Theres no need to tell an untruth.Elt;/span>
Well, maybe you could answer my question for me, maam.Eamp;nbsp; Solan lowered his voice. Falshad used to be such a calm place. I was wondering what caused the sudden plague of monsters and such.Elt;/span>
That is a question I can answer for you,Ethe woman answered. Its the demon.Elt;/span>
What demon?Elt;/span>
The demon that has possessed the body of the king of Falshad.Elt;/span>
A demon?ESolan whispered. So those rumors I heard are true.Elt;/span>
So youve heard of it already. Not surprising. Well, all these terrifying creatures are drawn to the power of this demon, and thats why they come to this land now.Elt;/span>
Ill have to tell Mother and Father about this, Solan mused. Well, thank you very much for telling me this, maam. Your name isEElt;/span>
There was a brief pause as the woman deliberated. Then she answered, My name is Luralyn.Elt;/span>
Thank you, Miss Luralyn. Now, what were you wanting to buy?Elt;/span>
* * *
Jackie sighed. I just dont know.Elt;/span>
Its all too true that she could use some relaxation, as she says.Elt;/span>
I know that as well as you do, Nick, but these headaches of hers and the fatigue worry me.Elt;/span>
Theyre caused by stress, remember? If she relaxes, then she wont be stressed, and then she wont have those problems.Elt;/span>
I know, I know, but theyre so severe. I cant help but worry.Eamp;nbsp; Jackie covered her face with her hands. It doesnt seem right that she should be so exhausted at her age.Elt;/span>
Her husband kissed the crown of her hand. I understand that, and Im worried too. But she needs rest, Jackie. Rest and relaxation. Going on a trip with her friends is the perfect way to get those things.Elt;/span>
When she didnt answer, Nick added, his tone a little teasing, Itll be one less to worry about during the break. One less kid in here to fight with the others.Elt;/span>
Jackie smiled a little at that. I suppose its all right. Im tired of running this argument in circles, and I guess Im just worrying too much. Besides, Ravens a smart girl. And Danica and Kiren are just like an older sister and brother to her.Elt;/span>
Exactly.Elt;/span>
Jackie sat up and raised her voice. Raven!Elt;/span>
What?Elt;/span>
Come downstairs!Elt;/span>
After several moments, Raven came padding down the carpeted stairs, almost soundless in her slippers. Yeah, Mom?Elt;/span>
Jackie smiled at her eldest daughter. You can go.Elt;/span>
What Eoh.Eamp;nbsp; Raven was rather surprised. Her parents had been debating the subject round and round for at least a week, and shed been afraid that she wouldnt be able to go; shed actually almost expected it. I can go?Eshe echoed in disbelief.
Yes.Elt;/span>
Oh, thank you!Eamp;nbsp; Raven embraced both of her parents, then ran back up the stairs.
She grabbed the black cordless phone in the hallway and went into her room. Flopping down on her bed, she dialed Danicas number.
Raven could hear the sounds of a slight scuffle as the phone was picked up. After a moment, Danica said breathlessly into the receiver, Hello, hello? Who is this?Elt;/span>
Im sorry. I seem to have called at a bad time,ERaven said dryly.
Oh, thats right, laugh it up, laugh it up, biotch,EDanica shot back facetiously. He just tickled me as I got the phone, thats all. So what is it?Elt;/span>
I can go.Elt;/span>
What what? Thats great!Elt;/span>
Raven could hear Kiren ask in the background, What is it?Elt;/span>
Danica turned to him. Raven can go.Elt;/span>
She can? God, I was afraid she wouldnt be allowed to go. Her parents were taking so long to decide. I was going to go over there and beg to her parents or something. Or threaten.Elt;/span>
Yeah, I know.Eamp;nbsp; Danica spoke into the phone again. All right, thats good. Do you want to tell everyone else now?Elt;/span>
Ill just tell them in school tomorrow.Elt;/span>
Right, thats easier.Elt;/span>
With the hint of a smirk in her voice, Raven commented, So now I think Ill leave you two lovebirds to your own devices. See you tomorrow.Elt;/span>
Hey Danica exclaimed, offended, as the phone clicked.
* * *
Im so tiredEnd its so hot in here. Think Ill just put my head down for a moment.
Miss Calmark! Dozing off?Elt;/span>
Skyes head jerked up and she blinked. No, just resting my head on my arms.Elt;/span>
In a voice full to the brim and overflowing with sugary sweetness, her history teacher said, Lets agree on a new rule, shall we? I wont teach in your bedroom, and you wont sleep in my classroom. Agreed?Elt;/span>
This made Skye quite angry, but she was too tired to muster a spirited argument against the teachers killing sarcasm. Gritting her teeth, she said in as obedient a tone as she could muster, Yes, Ms. Dalt.Elt;/span>
Ms. Dalt turned back to the board and continued her lecture on Africa, drawing a flawless diagram of the continent as she talked. She began filling in the borders of countries as she spoke of the many different cultures and languages existing in that land. She was beginning to label countries and their capitals when it happened.
Skyes brows creased more and more sharply in a frown as Ms. Dalt droned on and on. Her teachers nasty comment, the pain in her head, and the almost hellish heat of the classroom were all beginning to irritate her in earnest. God, shes such a bitch! Just because shes never had a single boyfriend or husband in her life, she takes out on us and it feels like me especially. I wish she would just leave me alone! And its really not helping the pain. Why is it so hot in here? Argh, shes such a bitch!
That was when the chalk in Ms. Dalts gnarled old fingers exploded. The diminutive blast threw chalk dust, fine and powdery, all over Ms. Dalts hand and face and clothes and her beautifully detailed map of Africa.
Every student in the classroom, all thirty of them, cringed as one as the old woman literally screeched.
Elt;i>What is the meaning of this? What is the meaning of this?Eshe sputtered, spitting chalk dust from her mouth. Oh, my map, my beautiful map! And my clothes! How did this happen? How?Eamp;nbsp; Her ranting quickly died away into enraged muttering and mumbling about her map as she regained a shaky control over herself.
Maybe you squeezed the chalk too hard?Ea student suggested tentatively.
Ms. Dalt wheeled around toward the hapless speaker, eager to vent her wrath. I squeezed the chalk too hard? Dont be foolish! Im not so stupid as to do such a thing. Even if that were so, the chalk would at most break in half, silly boy. Use your brain and think for once. It doesnt hurt.Elt;/span>
She faced the class, obviously exasperated and furious. Stay in your seats and do not move. Ill be coming back shortly.Elt;/span>
As soon as the staccato clicking of her high-heeled shoes down the hallway had faded to nothing, everyone in the class began whispering excitedly. Did you see that?Eamp;nbsp; That was amazing!Eamp;nbsp; What the hell was that?Eamp;nbsp; The look on her face was priceless!Eamp;nbsp; That was hysterical!Elt;/span>
Wasnt that strange!EJana said to Skye.
Skye nodded. Then she laughed softly. But, you know, it was funny.Elt;/span>
Yeah,EJana agreed, giggling.
Ms. Dalt ended up spending the rest of that class and the second lunch period of the day in the teachers lounge, endeavoring to rid her clothing of chalk dust, which had inexplicably embedded itself into the fabric.
Skye entered the cafeteria in a considerably better mood than the one with which shed started this school day. Hey, Jon,Eshe cheerfully greeted the black-haired boy, who was the only one there at the moment.
Hey, Skye,Ehe returned, a gentle smile lighting up his face. Are you feeling better?Elt;/span>
Well, not really. But a funny thing happened just now in my history class.Elt;/span>
What would that be?Elt;/span>
Skye detailed to Jon the chalk explosion incident. You should have seen her face Ethe expression that she had was priceless! And she was mumbling about her precious map of Africa.Eamp;nbsp; She laughed. Oh, it was all too funny. You just had to see it.Elt;/span>
Jon chuckled, amused. I can only imagine. I wish Id seen it. I had her last year. How we all hated her! And right now shes trying to get chalk dust of her clothes! Im surprised she didnt try getting it off her map first.Elt;/span>
Skye giggled. So, so funny.Elt;/span>
Whats so hysterical?EDanica queried as she sat down. I mean, Jons laughing.Elt;/span>
Skye detailed the story to her.
Danica burst out laughing when the other girl was done. Oh, that is too funny for words.Elt;/span>
Skye couldnt help laughing again. Jon stared at the two of them, then shook his head and began to eat.
Finally Danica shook her head, now just smiling to herself; Skye was still laughing. Suddenly tears were pouring down the redheaded girls face.
Alarmed, Jon put a hand to her forehead. Shes burning up! He caught Skye rather awkwardly in his arms as she fell sideways. He could feel tremors running through her small, slim frame, and he could hear her breathing coming in gasps. Heat emanated as freely from her as if she were a furnace.
She clutched at Jons sleeve. Jon,Eshe whispered. Why is itEo hot in hereEElt;/span>
He only murmured, Skye, Skye,E trying to soothe her.
Skye! Whats wrong with her, Jon?ERakesh demanded, slamming his lunch tray down on the table. I just saw her fall over.Elt;/span>
Severe fever,EJon answered quietly. He managed to stand, and then he lifted Skyes body in his arms, cradling her closely. Im taking her to the nurse now.Elt;/span>
Rakesh pulled Skyes bookbag out from under the table bench and slung it over his shoulder. Im coming with you then.Elt;/span>
Danica watched them leave the cafeteria, forehead creased with worry.
* * *
Hold out your hands like this,EJavari instructed her pupil. The blonde girl stretched out her arms, hands bent downward at the wrist. The palms of her hands were facing down and her fingers were spread.
Awkwardly, Veyome imitated the action. Hows this?Elt;/span>
Javari looked at her posture closely. Thats right. Now say this: arele yantok.Eamp;nbsp; Air blade.
Veyome closed her eyes and solemnly repeated, Elt;i>Arele yantok.Eamp;nbsp;
Pale violet light swirled in front of her, briefly forming a v-shape. Then it swiftly refashioned itself into a circular blade. Veyomes eyes fluttered open slowly, almost as if she were afraid that opening them too quickly would ruin the spell. Her eyes lit up as she saw the blade floating in front of her, in between and just below her poised hands. She whispered, I did it.Elt;/span>
Javari smiled at the wonder in Veyomes face. Yes, you did. Now try controlling it. Make itEo in a circle about two feet big. Move it slowly.Eamp;nbsp; Brows drawn down in concentration, the princess endeavored to follow her teachers commands, and succeeded.
All right. Keep it in front of you, right there.Eamp;nbsp; Javari strode forward to a tall log pole several yards away, one of many that shed set up for practice. Now try and hit this,Eshe said, rapping her knuckle on the post.
Veyomes yantok flew slowly in a rather wobbly line to the post, then cut through it with difficulty, several inches from the top. As she called it back to herself, she saw that the blade seemed to fade sometimes. Elt;/span>Javari,Eshe called anxiously, its fading in and out. What should I do?Elt;/span>
Its a small spell, so it doesnt last very long. Release the energy and do the spell again.Eamp;nbsp; Javari hid an approving smile as Veyome performed the spell with much more ease than she had the first time. Good. Now do the same thing as before, but try making the blade go a little faster this time. It makes cutting through easier.Elt;/span>
Veyome did as she was told.
Good, thats very good. Much better starting out than most other people Ive seen.Eamp;nbsp; Actually, Veyomes first attempt at the arele yantok spell had been surprisingly strong. It seemed she had a knack for wind magic.
Veyome colored at this praise. Its from my mother.Elt;/span>
Its true your mother has quite a gift of magic, and its true that you inherited it. Natural talent is important. But you also need to know how to work with it and be able to do so. And be willing.Eamp;nbsp; Javari sighed. Ah, Im not good at this teacher-talk.Elt;/span>
Youre doing fine.Elt;/span>
Are you tired?Elt;/span>
Veyome shook her head. No.Elt;/span>
If you say so,EJavari said, but she knew her student had answered truthfully. Ready for another spell?Elt;/span>
Yes.Elt;/span>
All right. Watch me, now.Eamp;nbsp; Javari held out her hands as before, but her palms were turned inward, facing each other. As Veyome mimicked the motion, Javari told her, Now say farel koto.Eamp;nbsp; Earth arrow.
Elt;i>Farel koto.Eamp;nbsp;
As Veyome spoke the words, a small sphere of green energy appeared between her outstretched hands. The green glow formed itself into a small arrow.
Not too bad, Javari thought. It could be better, but its not bad at all.
Hows that?EVeyome asked, eyes wide as she stared at the hovering dart.
Pretty good.Eamp;nbsp; Javari stretched out a hand and pointed. Now hit that target. You dont want to move your arrow too quickly, because then youll lose control, but if you let it go too slowly, it will just bounce off.Elt;/span>
Right.Eamp;nbsp; Veyome looked at the target for a moment in calculation, then released her arrow.
Javari was pleased to see that the princess had pulled it off quite nicely. Thats good, very good. Lets try shooting a couple more arrows.Elt;/span>
* * *
I think that was JavariErom the way Raven described herEnd the other girl looked like me, so I guess that was Princess Veyome. I wonder why I had that dream?
Skye sat up quickly, too quickly, and immediately fell back down, feeling dizzy. She looked around to see a pale blue curtain around the low, narrow white bed she lay on. I guess Im in the nurses office. How did I get here? I remember kind of passing out at the lunch tableElt;/i>
Rubbing her eyes sleepily, she pulled the curtain to one side and walked out.
The nurse, a housewifely brunette, smiled at her. Its so good to see that youre awake, dear. You had quite a fever when Jon brought you in. Are you feeling better?Elt;/span>
Skye was pleasantly surprised to realize that her headache had gone down quite a bit. Yes, thank you.Elt;/span>
Enough to get to your next class?Elt;/span>
Yes.Elt;/span>
Ill write you a pass. If you start feeling bad again, come right back here.Elt;/span>
* * *
I wonder what that dream was for? Skye mused as she sat in her bedroom doing homework. She smiled wistfully to herself. It would be cool to be able to use magic, though. She held out her hands as Veyome had done in the dream and whispered, Elt;i>Arele yantok.Eamp;nbsp;
She laughed at herself. It would be nice to be a kid again so I could pretend.
Skyes wide blue eyes practically popped out of her head as she saw the circular blade, suspended in the air in front of her. A blade just like the one shed seen in her dream. It wobbled, writhing from her quaking control, and she panicked and forced it still. She kept it still so vehemently that the blade began to vibrate, waiting to be released so it could fly.
Thinking of what Veyome had done, Skye tentatively loosened her control the slightest bit and guided the blade in slow, lazy circles round her room. As it began to die, she allowed to harmlessly dissipate into glittering bits of light, which faded. Lets try the other one,Eshe said out loud to herself.
Skye closed her eyes, held out her arms, and whispered, Elt;i>Farel koto.Eamp;nbsp; The pale emerald arrow soon appeared, seeming to resolve itself from nothing. Skye stared at it in fascination for a moment. Then she led that around her room also, picking up speed as she went.
Skye sighed as she released the energy for that spell. Well, that was fun. Magic. And I learned it from a dream. Whats next?
* * *
ArghE really, really hate school right before winter vacation,EDanica groaned. She wrathfully dropped her trig textbook on her desk and slammed it open.
You mean because of all the fucking projects and tests teachers throw at us right at that time. I agree with you. Damn it all to hell.Elt;/span>
Im not looking forward to the next test in this class.Elt;/span>
Yeah, I know what you mean. Im going to shoot myself afterward.Eamp;nbsp; Raven paused, a thoughtful look on her face. Well, no, I wont. Ill just forget about it and enjoy myself over break, panic when we get back and she hands back the tests, and then shoot myself.Elt;/span>
Surely you wont do as badly as that,EMrs. Woods said cheerfully. Its not that hard. I think. I need to look over it again. But it cant be that bad.Elt;/span>
Yes, it is,Esomeone else mumbled.
Well, at least after all the tests and stuff, well have break,ERaven said.
Yeah,EDanica agreed. She sighed. Poor Skye. Looks like shes not coming with us, especially with her strange headaches and fevers. Are you rubbing off on her?Elt;/span>
Raven snorted. Yeah right. I only see the kid at lunch. I have no idea what all that is.Elt;/span>
Me too. How do you do this problem?Elt;/span>
Lets see.Eamp;nbsp; As Raven bent over her book, she bit her lip in thought. Hey,Eshe said tentatively, her voice quiet. I guess its just me, but lately, whenever I see Skye, I get this funny feeling. I dont know why or how. It feels likeEike winds, strong winds, rushing through me. And it feels like theyll lift me out of myself somehow, free me. Like theyll just carry me away. And sometimes it feels like the winds carry flames on them.Elt;/span>
Danica eyed her dark-haired friend, one eyebrow curved high on her forehead. Its definitely just you. I have no idea what the hell youre talking about. Sure youre not on drugs or something?Elt;/span>
Ha, ha, ha. Yes, Im sure Im not high, thank you. I know it sounds pretty fucked up, but Im just telling you thats what it feels like.Eamp;nbsp; Raven thought a moment, then added, It feels like the feeling I had the first time I met her. Remember? I told you about it. That feeling was how I knew we were looking for her. Then I didnt feel it for a while, and Ive started it getting it again a few days ago.Elt;/span>
Danica cocked her head, puzzled. I wonder what it could mean. Thats pretty damned weird.Elt;/span>
Tell me about it,ERaven grumbled. Im the one with funny dreams and killing headaches and all that.Elt;/span>
Yeah, yeah. Now, did you figure out that problem yet?Elt;/span>
* * *
Skye rolled over onto her stomach, lying comfortably on her high bed. All I can say is wow. This is all really, really strange.Eamp;nbsp; She smiled. But its fun.Elt;/span>
Sitting in her desk chair, Jon smiled at her cheer. He looked down at the open notebook shed given him.
Spells
Arele Yantok (Air Blade)
Farel Koto (Earth Arrow)
Rogesen-te Koto (Feathered Arrow)
Skasem Tayo-en (Wind Needles)
Shel (Quake)
Reldem Shurek (Rock Crush)
Skasem Naker (Wind Lance)
Arele Busuret (Air Shot)
Vaosem (Hurricane)
Jon queried, And this is a list of all of the spells youve learned so far?E
Skye nodded. Yep.Elt;/span>
Who have you told about it? Besides me?Elt;/span>
Raven. I wanted her to translate the names for me. But Im starting to pick up the language, I think.Elt;/span>
I see.Eamp;nbsp; Jon perused the list again. You have twice as many wind attacks as earth attacks here. Is there a reason for that?Elt;/span>
I think its because Veyome E me, whoever Eis better with wind than with earth.Elt;/span>
Oh, all right. Would youEind showing me one or two of these?Elt;/span>
Sure.Eamp;nbsp; Skye stood, glanced at the list, and tilted her head, thinking. I guess showing you the first two would be best. Theyre the easiest.Elt;/span>
Whatever you want.Elt;/span>
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