Dellie and Emmet were sitting in the room they shared. The door opened and a young woman around Dellie’s age entered, her long black hair swinging down far past her shoulders, laying over her white tunic and top of her pants. “Master Salfisklin has requested your presence near the entrance to the main tower.” Dellie nodded. “Thank you for the message, Zoe. We’ll be right there,” Dellie said. Zoe smiled sadly and left the room. “Come, Emrick. Master Salfisklin doesn’t wait for many people, we shouldn’t test his patience. He’s already done a lot for us today.” Dellie and Emrick hurried through the pristine, winding halls of the institute. They passed through a courtyard, where young children experimenting with their newfound magic were playing. These children were still in rigorous classes, quickly learning how to control the powers they were given. Once they reached 13 years of age, they were able to decide what area of magic they wanted to pursue. Then, after they came of age, they were given their robes and their place in the magical society was solidified. Dellie and Emrick ran until they reached the foot of the main tower. Master Salfisklin stood in front of the door, hands folded in front of him. “Hello, Emrick, Adelphia. Your… friend is upstairs. He is currently being healed by some of our most powerful healers. His injuries are grave and run very deep. Once he is conscious, I will have a reader look into his soul. Dellie’s mouth dropped. “I mean no disrespect, sir, but I’m not sure if that is the wisest decision. This person has obviously been through something for him to end up here. Why don’t we just ask him, instead of prying into his mind?” Dellie said. It was absurd to her that someone would be so disrespectful as to look into someone’s soul without their permission. Master Salfisklin placed a hand on his chin, deep in thought. “I thank you for your insight, Adelphia. This stranger we’ve brought into our home could be dangerous, and he may lie. This is the only way to ensure our safety.” A person burst out of the tower, wearing the green robes of a healer. “Master Salfisklin!” She shouted. She whispered a few words into his ear, eyeing the children wearily. Master Salfisklin’s face grew increasingly dark. “Show me,” he said finally. The healer started leading him away. 152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKcYeP4XKe
“Wait!” Emrick called after them. Neither of them turned around. “Come on, Dellie. We need to follow them,” he insisted. “No, Em. I can’t get in trouble now. I have my coming-of-age ceremony, my Cuervear, in two weeks. I can’t. I’m sorry, but I can’t let you go either.” Dellie crossed her arms over her chest. Her white dress was wrinkled from the events of the day, and her cloak was stained from the muddy riverbed. “I’m going back to our room. I have a lesson with Madam Bartleby in an hour or so to prepare for my Cuervear.” Dellie started walking away. Just then, something fell in front of her. She jumped back in shock. A figure crouched on the ground, his head bowed. “My apologies, miss,” he said, his voice low. “I did not mean to frighten you.” He stood, and brushed a loose strand of hair away from his face. His hair reached his shoulders, wavy and damp. He wore white robes, though Dellie could not recall who this person was. “I apologize, but what is your name?” She asked. He smiled, a dimple on his cheek. “Now, you did not think I would give away my identity that easily, do you?” From behind the two of them, there came a shout. “Sir, I must request for you to come with us,” Master Salfisklin said. Dellie turned, looking between Master Salfisklin and the stranger. “It’s you,” she whispered. “You’re the one from the river.” He smiled again. “You’re a smart one.”
“But… how? You’re… awake, you were… you were practically dead when we found you,” Dellie stammered. “Correct again. Now, I thank you all for your hospitality, but I must be on my way. There are people who are looking for me.” Master Salfisklin stepped up behind Dellie, subtly drawing his wand. He knew that this person was bad news. “Unfortunately, we must keep you here for a little longer. Your injuries need time to fully heal. You can’t be in your right mind. If you follow me, we’ll bring you back to your room.” The stranger cast a glance at Dellie and said, “Well, if you insist. But I want her to come as well,” he said pointing at Dellie. She gasped and placed a hand over her heart. He couldn’t be serious. Master Salfisklin would never allow it. “Yes, yes. Come along, both of you.” Dellie’s eyes widened. She was being invited into a stranger's room and might be able to see some master healers' work. As the three people walked back to the tower, Emrick came running up to them. “What about me?” He asked. Dellie looked up at Master Salfisklin. He sighed and said, “The boy may come, too.” Emrick cheered as they walked into the tower.152Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNAWQGwQpe
Two hundred stairs. That’s how many they had to climb to reach the stranger's room at the top of the tower. Dellie had so many questions, but Master Salfisklin assured her they would all be answered in due time. After many minutes of climbing, they reached a wooden door. Entering the room, Dellie and Emrick were greeted by the soft glow of candlelight, and the scent of lavender and sage. Immediately, two green-cloaked healers ushered the stranger away, leading him into another room. Master Salfisklin sat down with Dellie and Emrick, ready to answer their questions. “Who is that person? Is he dangerous?” Dellie asked calmly, keeping her voice quiet. “I have not yet learnt his name, nor his story. I followed your advice, Adelphia. I will not be bringing a reader in,” Master Salfisklin said. Dellie smiled. He had listened to her! A master, listening to a young, aspiring crystal healer. This was amazing! But then, Master Salfisklin said, “Instead, I will be having you get answers for us. Do not disappoint me, Adelphia Faer. We are all counting on you.”
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