An Inheritance of Fire

“They’re late.”

Gwyn watched her mother pace back and forth, wringing her hands with each step. Normally she would try to comfort her. Try to ease her fear; but her own anxiety was beginning to grow as well.

“Haaaah.”

Gwyn half-sighed, half-groaned as she leaned over the railing. They stood atop a section of the city wall, looking down on a plaza of sorts. The wall was thicker, larger, and taller than the one that circled Cress. Like Cress’, however, it encapsulated the entire city. The stone wall stretched as far as the eye could see, its white surface glistening in the sunlight.

“Mom.”

Turning back to her mother, Gwyn clasped both hands in her own. They were cold and clammy. “Relax.”

“But the convoy… it’s late.”

Gwyn grimaced. It was the reason for her own fear. Over the past week, they’d seen dozens of convoys from other villages stream into the plaza below. Not one bore a single familiar face.

“We were late too. Remember?” Gwyn asked, burying her own trepidation under the words. “Just give them–” A loud, gruff voice split the otherwise quiet air, interrupting her.

“OPEN THE GATE!”

Both Gwyn and her mother whirled around at the same time, fixing their eyes on the gate across from them. Set into the city wall, it was one of the few parts not cut from the same marbled stone.

The heavy wood doors swung open without a sound– controlled by magic, no doubt. Gwyn’s heart pounded as she craned her neck, trying to get a good look. Selerim? She would never admit it, but it had been too long since she’d seen her brother. Gwyn held her breath– and then sighed as she failed to recognize the first figure who stepped through. Her mother had an identical reaction.

“Where are they…?” Gwyn groaned, resting the side of her head on the railing. Villagers streamed in from below, followed by a small group of wagons. She felt a faint sense of camaraderie, but no more than that. They were strangers.

“Wait here.”

Gwyn’s mother stepped over to the nearest guard. They stood only a few paces away; close enough for her to make out every word.

“Did any other groups arrive this morning?”

The guard glanced down at something in his hands. “Nope. The last three are all that we’ve seen.” He looked back up. “You two have been here every day. Are you waiting for someone?”

Gwyn’s mother nodded. “A group from our village. They should have been here a few days ago. My… My son is with them.”

The guard’s expression seemed to soften, and he reached out to place one hand on her shoulder. “There’s always a few convoys that never make it. I can check in with the guards watching the other gates, but that’s all I can do.”

“Mom.” Gwyn said as her mother returned. “I’m sure they’re fine. Our convoys have always returned.” Just not always with everyone. She kept that second part to herself. Selerim would make it even if he was the only one left. He wouldn’t leave them alone.

Linua pulled her into a hug. “I know. I just hope everything is alright… What are we going to do if something really happened?”

They returned to the gate for another week.

Cress’ convoy never arrived.

Eros carried a letter, only to return empty-handed.

“You’re leaving me behind, aren’t you?”

Linua sighed. “How did you know?”

“It’s not hard to figure out. Something’s wrong. We need to find out. You have Eros. I’ll slow you down– and even if I didn’t, I can’t go back into Umbra yet.”

“Does that mean you’re okay with it?”

“No. I want to go with you.”

Linua glared at her daughter. “You know you can’t.”

Gwyn’s forehead smacked down onto the table. “I know.”

“So why all the sass?”

“I want to make sure you know I’m upset.”

Linua walked around the table and hugged Gwyn from behind. “You know I hate letting you out of my sight. If I could take you with me, I would.”

Gwyn groaned. “What am I supposed to do? Just stay inside? Please don’t tell me that’s your plan.” She turned her head to glare up as she spoke. “ If that’s your plan, I’m going to follow after you.”

Linua laughed and tightened her embrace. She knew exactly where this adolescent rebellion was coming from. “I know you’re worried about your brother.” She whispered into her daughter’s ear. “But don’t be. Sel will find us, even if he has to crawl.”

Gwyn’s shoulders shook. “I know. I know… but what about you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t play dumb, mom. I’m not a kid.”

Linua bit her tongue to keep the words yes, you are from spilling out. “I’ll be fine,” she said soothingly. “Eros will be with me. I’ll move faster alone than with the convoy, so I won’t need as much food, either.”

“Fine,” Gwyn whispered after a long silence. She pulled free from Linua’s hold and held up one hand, pinky extended. “But you have to promise me you’ll come back.”

Linua smiled and raised her own hand. “Promise.” They locked their pinkies and then released the gesture.

Gwyn slumped back down on the table. "What am I supposed to do? Just wait in here until you return?”

Linua shook her head. The inn they were staying at could bring food to their room, but it wasn’t ideal. They weren’t short on money– Corvus had practically insisted on giving them a portion of the convoy’s spoils– but the idea of leaving Gwyn alone in a place with so much traffic made Linua’s skin crawl.

She ran a hand through her daughter’s hair. “No. I’ll figure something out…” It wasn’t a matter of trust. Gwyn would stay put if asked sincerely– even if it was unfair to her. It was a matter of safety. What am I supposed to do?

It was ironic. They were more isolated here, in the city, than in Cress. Everyone in the village looked out for one another, but here, they didn’t spare one another so much as a glance. It was scary. And in this instance, it left them with no real options. The only people they’d truly interacted with since arriving were doctors.

Ah.

“What about the doctor?” Linua asked.

“Which one?” Gwyn’s voice was muffled. “I stopped counting after seven.”

“The one that gave you this.”

Linua tapped the vial around Gwyn’s neck. “He seemed the most trustworthy, didn’t he?”

“Oh. The one with gold eyes?”

“Yeah.”

Gwyn raised her head. “I felt the most comfortable with him.” Linua felt a shiver run through her daughter. The other ones looked at me funny.” Linua nodded her agreement.

“I thought my appointment was next week. Do you know where to find him?”

“No.”

“... So, what? Are we just going to wait until then?”

“No. I need to prepare. I need rations and other supplies.”

Gwyn sighed. “And what am I supposed to do? Wait inside while you do all the shopping?” Her exasperation was clear.

“No. You’re coming with me.”

Gwyn immediately shot straight up. "Really?!”

Linua laughed at the look in her daughter’s eyes. “Yes, really.” She reached out and pulled Gwyn into another hug. “I know I haven’t really been fair to you. I’m sorry. This is your first time in the city– we should do more than just go from doctor to doctor. There’s plenty of money left. Let’s do something fun.”

“Okay!” Gwyn was practically bouncing off of her heels now.

“But!” Linua squeezed her tightly. “You have to stay close to me. Alright?”

Gwyn struggled to free her head. “How close?”

“How–” Linua sighed. “Seriously?”

Gwyn nodded.

“... Just stay where I can see you. Alright? I don’t want you to get lost.”

Gwyn nodded again. “What are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

Linua smiled as Gwyn ran from stall to stall, staring at the goods each one had on display. Some sold simple trinkets, like necklaces and other jewelry. Some sold precious gems and metals. A choice few had a variety of weapons on display; their steel blades glinted in the bright sunlight.

“Don’t run into anyone!” She called out. Her daughter nodded without looking back. To Linua’s relief, most of the crowd parted as Gwyn darted between stands, seemingly content to let the young child have her fun.

It’s good to see her like this. Linua’s smile broadened at her daughter’s carefree expression. Gwyn was still a child– it was reassuring to see her act like one. Linua sighed. Sometimes she felt like a failure. Both her children had grown up too quickly. Wasn’t it her job to protect them from that?

“Mom!”

Linua glanced down as Gwyn came running back. She held a small wooden box in her hand. “What is that?”

Gwyn shook her head. “Kneel down. You’re too tall.”

“What’s the magic word?”

“Please.”

Linua did as requested.

Gwyn turned around and fiddled with the container for a moment. When she turned back, she kept her hands hidden. “Close your eyes.” She sighed as Linua raised an eyebrow. “Please.”

Linua felt Gwyn’s small arms circle her neck. A sliver of something cold was draped against the back of her neck.

“Okay. Open your eyes and look down.”

She looked down. A small chain had been placed around her neck. A small, intricate pendant hung from it. It was formed by a thin metal wire shaped into a perfect circle. Three smaller metal bits hung from it, and their surfaces shimmered under the sunlight.

“What is this for?” Linua asked, bewildered.

Gwyn stepped away; hands held behind her back. She looked somewhat sheepish. “I know you always try your best. Sometimes… Sometimes I think it’s annoying. Sometimes really annoying. And I know Sel does, too, but…” She paused and took a deep breath. “We both know you’re always looking out for us. That even if we get annoyed, you’re still trying your best.”

Gwyn reached out and tapped the necklace. “I know that you always worry about us. Sometimes, though, you forget that we worry about you, too. I love you, mom. I know Sel doesn’t say it much, but he loves you, too. You know that, right?”

Linua’s vision blurred, but Gwyn kept talking.

“We worry about losing you, too. Especially after dad…” Gwyn trailed off, then threw her arms over Linua’s shoulders. “Promise me you’ll come back. No matter what. Don’t leave us alone.”

Linua gently pushed her daughter away. “I won’t,” she whispered through tears. “I’ll come back.” She held up one hand with its pinky outstretched. “I promised, remember?”

Gwyn nodded. They both stood there for a time as the crowd streamed around them.

Finally, Linua wiped her tears away and stood. “You should get something for yourself. There’s plenty of money left over. Wait!”

She grabbed hold of Gwyn before her daughter could scurry off. “I’m going to see about buying rations over there. Don’t wander too far. I’ll be back soon, alright?”

Gwyn’s face lit up as she nodded. Linua passed her a few more metal circles– coins, they were called– and watched as she raced off. Her heart beat quicker at even this brief separation, but she didn’t want to be too stifling.

“What is that?”

Gwyn pointed down. This stall was different than the others; glass panels covered its surface, and some sort of multi-colored substance could be seen just under them.

The stall owner laughed. “Haven’t seen it before, huh?” He was a tall man, with dark brown eyes and an easygoing expression. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. We don’t see your kind very often.”

He pulled up one of the glass panels as he spoke. “It’s called ice cream. It’s sweet. Here,” he dug some of the colorful treat into a small cup and handed it to Gwyn, along with a spoon. “Careful, though. It’s–”

Gwyn brought a spoonful to her mouth before he finished speaking. It was sweet, slightly fruity– and very cold. She shivered, then squealed as a spike of pain drove itself through her brain. The shopkeeper laughed. “I tried to warn you.” He handed her a steaming mug. “Drink this. It’ll help.”

The tea was bitter, but it warmed Gwyn to the core. “How much is it?” Gwyn asked.

“One silver coin.”

Gwyn dug into her pocket, searching for the right metal circle, but a small hand grabbed her own. “Wait.”

Another girl walked up to the stall. She had shoulder-length platinum-blonde hair and olive-colored skin. “You know that’s not the right price, mister!” Her voice was high-pitched. How old is she? Gwyn wondered.

The shopkeeper groaned. “Come on, little miss, I’m just trying to eke out a living here. Why do you think I’m selling ice cream during wintertime?”

The other girl– little miss?– put her hands on her hips. “By ripping off visitors? You know better than that. I’ll make sure my father hears about this.” She turned to face Gwyn. Her blood-red eyes held a mixture of amusement and mock anger. “Come on. There’s another place around the corner– and the owner won’t try to rip you off.” She grabbed hold of Gwyn’s hand moved to pull her along.

“Wait!”

They both froze. It was the stall owner.

“I’ll give you the normal price. Just don’t tell your father, alright?”

The red-eyed girl winked mischievously at Gwyn before turning back. “Juuust normal price? If you keep trying to rip people off…”

He sighed. “Fine. I’ll give you a discount.” The red-eyed girl grinned at Gwyn and led her back. “Okay!” She said brightly. “I recommend that flavor.” She pointed to a specific spot. The ice cream behind the glass was bright blue. “It matches your eyes.” She winked.

“Um…” Gwyn started, uncertain of how to proceed. The merchant waved his hand resignedly, apparently unwilling to say anything more. “I’ll take two of them, then.”

He nodded and scooped up the cold food into two small cups. “Here.” Gwyn took them both and handed one to the other girl. Her eyes lit up. “Thank you.” Gwyn fished into her pocket again and pulled out a single, dull grey coin. The stall owner’s eyes widened as she placed it on the table. “You sure?” She nodded.

“Thanks, little miss.” The stall owner swept the coin into his hand. “It helps more than you know.”

Gwyn nodded and turned away. The other girl followed suit.

“Why’d you do that?” She asked. “He was trying to rip you off.

Gwyn shrugged. “He didn’t seem like a bad guy.”

The strange girl stared at her for a few seconds before laughing. “You’re weird!”

“Gwyn!”

Before Gwyn could say anything more, she heard someone call her name. Turning, she saw her mother standing in the middle of the market alley. Two large bags were held in her hands.

Gwyn turned back to the other girl. “Sorry, that’s my mother. I need to go.” The words came out jumbled and rushed. “Thank you for your help.” She bowed slightly.

The red-eyed girl laughed again. “You are weird! It’s okay. I need to find my dad anyways.”

Gwyn hesitated, then asked, “what’s your name?” The question seemed to catch the girl off guard. She frowned for a moment, then smiled. Her teeth were perfectly white.

“I’m Saris!” She smiled and held out a hand. “Thanks for the ice cream. Maybe we’ll see each other again.”

“Can you help us?”

Linua’s heart raced as her question hung in the air. This wasn’t their only course of action– Gwyn would be fine on her own for some time– but it wasn’t ideal. And if something did happen to her…

Varus’ golden eyes were thoughtful. “I have no issue with it,” he said slowly. “It’s not the first time I’ve kept a patient in my home for their own good– and I doubt it will be the last.” He set his cup back down on the table with a clink. “But what about you?”

Linua leaned back. “What do you mean?”

“Umbra is dangerous. I know your kind are well adapted to life in the dark, but…”

She waved away his concern. “I’ll be fine.”

The doctor considered her for a moment longer before nodding. “If you’re willing to let me, I can help with preparations. The journey will be long.”

Linua shook her head. “I already gathered all the supplies.”

“What of navigation?”

“... I have a duskwing with me.”

A look of surprise spread over Varus’ face. “How did you bring a Reaver into the city?”

“It was easy enough. I entered the city with our convoy– sneaking him in after that was easy enough. He’s carried a few letters back and forth, but I don’t want to risk it. Especially now that… that something’s happened.” She sighed. “I know it’s a lot to ask. Thank you.”