The Sentinel of Cassendar: Resquarian
Chapter 6

Galen stood outside the Aurorial palace front door on the stone pathway before it. He had received a message to meet the High Captain there at the second bell of the afternoon. He was a little early, as he wanted to make sure she did not have to wait for him. He had been surprised by the message. He knew she was doing much better since they had arrived almost fourteen days ago, but he didn’t expect her to have time or energy for him at this point.

He had seen her at meals, and at a couple of meetings with his fellow Elites. She had introduced him as the newest Elite of the Sentinel at lunch a little over five days ago. She also informed the group that Galen would be her new second. Galen wasn’t sure what sort of reception he would receive from the more experience Elites, but the announcement was met with smiles and many saying they weren’t surprised, especially after seeing his skill as they escaped Navalia.

Roderick had been helpful letting Galen know his duties as the second of the High Captain. When in her presence he was expected to remain close to her unless she sent him away. In any situation when she was in attendance, she would be Galen’s first priority. His eyes must stay on her to watch out for her safety and any subtle commands she may have for him.

The High Captain was always easy to spot in any room, no matter how crowded. She was always a striking figure. Not only did her beauty set her apart, but she possessed a sense of command like few Galen had ever seen. His eyes naturally went to her when she was around him, though he could easily get distracted by another who filled his heart more and more each day. Lexine often teased him, telling him she would watch his High Captain for him, since he seemed to be unable to keep his eyes off of her instead.

“Good afternoon, Elite,” said the High Captain as she came out of the palace. Galen was surprised to see her wearing her High Captain uniform, wrapped in her fur lined black and silver cloak. She smiled as she must have seen the small look of shock on Galen’s face.

“Malven was able to have my uniform mended by someone in the palace. There is a small mark on it from the stitching, but I think it was a rather well done job.”

The High Captain moved her cloak and touched the area her dress had been torn by Darron’s sword, and later Galen so he could heal her.

“I hope to have at least one more made while we are here. I do feel more like myself at times when I am dressed so,” said the High Captain as she tucked back one piece of hair that had fallen out of the braids on top of her head.

“I am pleased to see you looking so well, High Captain,” said Galen as he stood in front of her. “I hope you are almost recovered.”

“Yes, I am feeling very well. I have been careful to not push my use of Mystics too far, but I think today I would like to do a little work with you, if you are willing,” said the High Captain.

“I am always ready to learn from you,” said Galen.

“Today we will just go over something I have already taught you. You did very well with the snow in Navalia, but if I remember, correctly, you still had problems binding wind back in Winsdell. Perhaps we can work on that today.”

“I will do whatever you wish,” said Galen meaning every word.

He was happy to be able to spend time with her one on one. He always learned something from her, even if it was just a rehashing of a lesson. He also enjoyed their conversations.

“Good, let us walk to the gates of the palace were the Siccarian noble flags are flying. There is not much wind today, so it should be perfect to see if you can manage to bind some wind to one of the flags,” said the High Captain as she started walking forward.

Galen followed her, pulling his cloak tight around him against the cold air that seemed to have settled upon Siccaria for the time being. There was a few inches of snow on the ground, enough where he could see the footprints the High Captain left in her wake.

They walked down the stone path, passing two sets of towers along the way. The Aurorial guards looking down at them both as they walked by. After passing over a stone bridge that spanned a half frozen spring, they arrived at the outer wall of the palace. Galen looked up at the two towers there to see the red and gold Siccarian noble flags hanging limp on their poles, as the wind was still.

“I know it is a little far away from us, but you should still be able to manage it,” said the High Captain as she removed her gloves and raised her hand.

Galen watched as she closed her eyes for one moment before opening them while pointing her hand at one of the flags. The flag spread out and started waving as though a strong breeze blew on it at all times even though the air around them remained still. The High Captain took a deep breath and smiled as she flexed her fingers.

“That felt rather good,” she said still moving her fingers around. “I don’t know if I have ever gone so long without using Mystics in some form. I am rather relieved to see I can still do it.”

Galen smiled at her. “It would take more than a slash of a sword and some weariness to ever take away the amount of skill you possess, High Captain.”

“I have told your brother this, and I will tell you as well. I do not require excessive flattery from my seconds, Galen,” said the High Captain.

“I only speak the truth. I will always speak the truth to you, Captain. I believe you might be the most talented user of Mystics in this whole land,” said Galen earnestly.

“Perhaps,” said the High Captain as she looked at Galen. “But I hope to be overtaken in skill very soon by you, if I prove to be a good teacher. Now, go on and try to bind some wind to that flag.”

Galen concentrated on the still flag above him, trying to replace a way to bind wind Mystic to the piece of cloth. He worked for almost an hour before he managed any success, getting the flag to wave successfully for almost a minute before it went still.

“That was much better there at the end,” said the High Captain as she put her hand on his shoulder. “But I think we should stop before you do yourself in.”

Galen nodded as he closed his eyes and took deep breaths.

“Here, lean against the wall and rest a moment before we head back,” said the High Captain, gently taking Galen’s arm and leading him closer to the wall. “I should have stopped you ages ago, but I could tell you almost had it. I am sorry, Galen.”

“No, it’s fine, it really is,” said Galen as he leaned against the wall. “I just need a moment. Talk to me of something while I rest if you please. It will help me relax.”

The High Captain nodded. “What have you been up to since we arrived in Siccaria?”

“Lexine and I have been working on figuring out what was in the drink that was given to the king, and what was done to Prince Leal,” said Galen.

“You are still trying to figure it out? Does it matter at this point?” asked the High Captain as she put her gloves back on.

“I think it does. It could help us better understand what Lady Belleth used to control our king and prince. It could help us know what she might be capable of,” said Galen.

“And how have you gotten on with the book?”

“Not well at all. It takes us forever to even replace what one word means in the strange language of the book, and I think it might change depending on meaning and year it was written. I am beginning to think the book has been a work over many years,” said Galen.

“The book was handwritten?” asked the High Captain

“I believe so. It seems to be and done in at least five different hands. Some of the ink is fading and smudged,” said Galen.

“I wonder if the ink is too old to infer anything from it using water Mystics,” said the High Captain as moved to stand against the wall next to Galen.

“What do you mean?” asked Galen.

“You can use water Mystic with ink to infer some intent on the original writer of a message. I have often used it on messages to understand if the writer was lying or telling the truth. It also helps me understand if it is done in a certain person’s hand, if I am familiar with the persons previous handwriting.”

“What kind of intent can you get out of the ink?” asked Galen, having never heard of this before. He wondered if this was something else she had come up with on her own.

“I can usually tell if something is malicious or frivolous. I can tell if someone really wants me to write back, and sometimes I can make out words if they have been crossed out,” said the High Captain.

“What about something in a language you couldn’t read, what could you make out of it?” asked Galen feeling excitement in the idea she could help him.

“I imagine it would work the same as a letter I could read. I usually just get impressions and intent, and I don’t think that would change depending on the language,” said the High Captain.

“Do you think you could help me with this book, and teach me how to do this?” asked Galen.

“I could try to look over it for you, but being so old I am not sure how it would work. I would be happy to teach you, but I imagine you could do most of it by yourself. You have an excellent grasp of water Mystics; just tell it what you want it to do,” said the High Captain.

“Do you have any plans at the moment? I am supposed to join Lexine in the palace library after our lesson. Could you come just for a bit and look over the book with me?” asked Galen.

“I have no plans until supper. I would be happy to try to help you, Galen, but you shouldn’t get your hopes up. I have never tried to do this on anything as old as your book.”

Galen stood up straight and put his gloves on. “I am ready to head back,” he said suddenly feeling energized. “I would be very thankful if you would just try to see if you can get anything from the book.”

They walked back quickly; Galen anxious to get the High Captain in front of the book.

“How did you learn how to use water Mystics on writing? I have never heard of it before,” said Galen as they walked.

“I am not sure. I just remember running my fingers over messages I received when I was younger, and I would get feeling from them. It took me a bit to realize I was feeling the water in the ink, but when I did, I could decipher different meanings from how things were written. It drove my mother mad, the way my fingers would be covered in smudged ink after every message I read,” said the High Captain with a small laugh.

“So, another thing you taught yourself how to do,” said Galen grinning at her.

The High Captain shrugged. “It wasn’t like I was looking to do it, it just sort of happened. I don’t think I am as clever as you give me credit for, Galen.”

“I think you might be much cleverer than I could even imagine,” said Galen. “And much more than you will admit.”

“I’m not trying to be modest. I am just speaking as I believe,” said the High Captain as they entered the palace.

“I know. I think it shows just how high of a standard you set for yourself. I am not criticizing you. I do the same thing for myself. Others tell me I should be proud of my accomplishments, and it isn’t like I am not,” said Galen.

“It is just that you want to make sure you are never satisfied so you keep pushing yourself,” said the High Captain nodding. “I understand you, Galen, and I think you might understand me in a way no one else ever has.”

Galen nodded, liking the idea that they were kindred spirits in a way. “Perhaps, we should make it a point to let each other know when we should go easier on ourselves. I am sure we both push too hard at times.”

“Your brother and my husband, and even Princess Lexine are good at letting me know when I need to let up, but when it comes down to it, I might listen to you on the matter before any of them,” said the High Captain.

“I will promise to continue to listen to you when you tell me I am going too far with something. I hope you will take any advice I have for you in the spirit it is intended,” said Galen. “I do care about what happens to you, and not just because you are so important to my brother and Lexine.”

“I do care about you as well, Galen, and not just because you are my most brilliant Elite, and the younger brother of the dearest friend I have ever had.”

They walked to the palace library together. It was a large room, two stories tall with large windows on one end, letting in natural light. The walls were covered in shelves of books of all different subjects and lengths. At the far end of the room was a large fireplace with a sofa and several high backed chairs with ottomans in front of them. In the middle of the room were two large tables, one had a large map of their land laid out on it, covered in glass. The other table was long and made of dark wood with several chairs around it. In the chair at the end of the table, sat Lexine with three books open in front of her. She looked up and smiled as Galen and the High Captain came into the room.

“Dracia, I didn’t expect you to join us,” said Lexine as she stretched in her chair.

“I hope I am not an unwelcomed addition,” said the High Captain with a raised eyebrow. “I promise not to invade too long on your time with Galen.”

“Don’t be silly, Dracia,” said Lexine as a slight blush came across her cheeks. “Have you come to help us with these books?”

“I believe she can, Lexine,” said Galen as he and the High Captain walked over and sat on either side of Lexine. “Pass her the book with the different potion and elixir instructions.”

Lexine moved the book over to the High Captain who took the book carefully, and opened to a page with some sort of long list of what looked like instructions and ingredients. She put her fingers over the written words and closed her eyes, her hands moving slowly down the page. Lexine looked at Galen who motioned for her to be quiet as he watched the High Captain. He could see from her facial express that she was working extremely hard to decipher any meaning out of the old written words. After a few minutes she opened her eyes.

“I think this one is just some sort of remedy for a headache and maybe the sniffles,” said the High Captain with a smile. The writing is very old, and I had hard time making sense of it, but that is the impression I got from this. I would say the person writing it was suffering from the symptoms themselves.”

“Do you think you could try another?” asked Galen.

The High Captain nodded, and flipped to another page. She again put her fingers over the words, closing her eyes. She was silent for much longer this time and her breathing became fast and labored. Tiny beads of sweat broke out on her forehead, and her hands started trembling. Galen was about to stop her by reaching over and taking her hand when she suddenly opened her eyes and took her hands away quickly as though she was bit by something.

“What is it?” asked Lexine looking at the High Captain with concern.

“Whatever that one is used for, it is not good. It started out simple enough but at the end, something is added that I can only describe as pure evil. It almost felt like I was being attacked by Navalian magic again,” said the High Captain as she messaged one of her hands with the other.

“Do you think it was Navalian magic?” asked Galen.

“No, it was something much stronger, and much older. It felt almost like it was speaking to me even though I was just reading an echo of it,” said the High Captain as she closed her eyes and rubbed her head.

“Dracia, are you well?” asked Lexine putting her hand over the High Captain’s.

“I am. I just have a small headache,” said the High Captain as she looked up and put her hands back over the book.

“I am not sure that is a good idea, High Captain,” said Galen.

“I can try one more,” said the High Captain as she turned the page and placed her fingers over the words.

Galen watched as she again slowly moved her fingers down the page. He saw her lips start moving silently as though she was reading the words in her head. The minutes passed, and she continued to keep her fingers over the words. She started mumbling, but Galen couldn’t understand what she was saying.

“Dracia?” asked Lexine quietly as she put her hand on Dracia’s upper arm. “Dracia, I think that is enough.” Lexine turned to Galen as there was no response from the High Captain. “Galen, something is wrong. Why won’t she respond to me?”

Galen hesitated for a moment before grabbing the High Captain’s hand. He gasped as something pulsed through his fingers and palm and up his arm. Whatever it was, was sinister and wanted to do harm. Galen tightened his hold on the High Captain’s hand and threw it to the side, causing both of her hands to leave the page. She sat back, as Galen flexed his hand, still feeling the powerful energy that had invaded his hand and arm.

“Dracia?” asked Lexine quietly as she reached out to the High Captain. “What is it?”

“I don’t know,” she whispered. “Whatever was used to bind the spell put on that elixir was something very powerful and very wrong. It would destroy everything if it could, yet it could also create something completely new if desired to.”

Galen felt the power in his hand and arm start to fade, but he could understand what she meant. He could feel the immense strength the energy held.

“What did Sarin say about this book?” asked the High Captain. “Didn’t he say he believed it contained ways to use very old magic. Magic that existed before even royal magic?”

“Yes,” said Galen. “He said that whatever was used as bonding in the king’s drink seemed like it could be old magic, magic he thought was long gone.”

“We need to go through more of this book, but we will need to be careful,” said the High Captain. “I don’t think either of us should try to do anything with it alone.”

“I think that is a good idea,” said Lexine as she grabbed the book quickly from the High Captain. “Which is why I will keep it with me and away from both of you, unless we all agree to look at it together.”

“Lexine, I am not sure that is necessary,” said the High Captain as she reached for the book.

“No, Dracia, I know what will happen if you take this book. You will open it up by yourself sometime late at night and hurt yourself somehow. Same goes for you, Galen.”

The High Captain looked at Galen as he looked at her. “She is right, you know,” said Galen with a small grin. “Either of us shouldn’t be trusted to keep this book, as you know we would both be too tempted to look further into it. I may not have your skills in deciphering it yet, but you know I would try.”

The High Captain nodded. “We did just say we would stop each other from going too far,” said the High Captain with a sigh before turning to Lexine. “You should keep the book Lexine, and lets all agree to meet in two days at this same time. No one touches the book until then. Are we all agreed?”

Galen and Lexine both nodded as Lexine tucked the book away with the other two. “I think we all need to get ready for supper soon, and you look like you could use some rest, Dracia,” said Lexine as she stood.

“Before we meet you might see if either of you can replace anything in this vast library on old kingdom history,” said the High Captain as she stood as well. “I am sure there is someone we could replace who would know where to begin to look. I will ask Lord Quain or Lady Elise tonight at supper.”

“Will you tell the others of what we have found out?” asked Galen as he too stood and started walking out with both Lexine and the High Captain.

“I will as we replace out more,” said the High Captain. “Right now, we all have enough to worry about with Navalia invading Lanoxan at any time. As we know more about this, I will bring it up to the others.”

“You both have to promise me, you will stop trying to figure this out if it hurts or effects either of you negatively in anyway. Dracia, I will go straight to my brother if I think it is necessary. Galen, I will lock you in your room if I have to and talk to Roderick about it,” said Lexine.

“It won’t come to that,” said Galen. “It is only words on a page.”