"Circumstances?"
"My only sister’s graduation!" he smiled. Then his smile fell. Ella knew him, she knew there was more. "Ella, they’re sending us all to the front, even those who haven’t finished their training, like me. I’m to finish my training in the field."
"The front? What do you mean?"
"The Ring Forts. The Emperor is going to strike at any moment, and when he does it’s going to be with all his strength. The Halrana High Lord has finally convinced High Lord Tessolar to send every man we have to the Ring Forts."
"No…"
"Listen to me. You be careful, do you hear me? The Skylord only knows what’s going to come of all this. It could get bad. War does strange things to people’s minds, and it’s not only in the battlefield. With most of the soldiers gone, bad people will test the High Lord’s strength, here in Altura, in Sarostar."
"What do you mean?"
"I don’t know. Looting stores, theft, hunting for food. A pretty young girl like you, alone on the edge of town." He grimaced. "I don’t like thinking about it."
Ella smiled. "Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself."
He looked at her, angry. "You think this is a game? How? How can you take care of yourself?" He tensed, the muscles in his arms rippling. "Just try to stop me. Go on, show me."
Miro lunged at her and grabbed at her arm. Ella murmured a short syllable as his hand touched her long-sleeved dress.
Bright sparks sprayed out where Miro’s hand made contact. "Ahh!" Miro cried, pulling back and wringing his hand. "Lord of the Sky, that hurts!"
Ella smiled again. "I told you."
"A real silk enchantress’s dress. I should have known." He shook his head. "Just be careful."
"You’re the one who needs to be careful. How can I stay here, safe in Sarostar, while you fight for your life?"
"You stay, because you’re what we’re fighting to protect."
"Just come back alive."
"I’ll do my best. I assure you of that."
Some time later, he left her.
19
Our final gift to you is your soul. While your flesh is corporal, your soul is eternal. It was here before your body came into being, and you will live when your bones are dust. The soul is for you alone. It is not for the creatures of the forest. It is not for the fishes of the sea. It is not for the people of the duns.
— The Evermen Cycles, 15-43
IT was as if he was waiting for her, standing by the side of the river, skipping stones across its smooth surface.
Ella was taking one of her regular walks by the waterfront. It grew dark early now. Few other people were about, most seeking the warmth of their homes, trying to keep the winter chill at bay.
This was an especially quiet place, where spindle trees lined the riverbank and an entire section of the land had been devoted to parks and gardens. Across the Sarsen Ella could see the lights of the Woltenplats, the lively arts district, and occasionally she could hear the sounds of tinkling Alturan music wafting over the water.
It had been a season of occasions and celebrations. Ella had been surprised to receive several invitations to dances and parties. Some of the young men had been very forward. It seemed each thought she had spurned the offers of his fellows because she was waiting for him.
Ella recognised him immediately by his red hair. She thought to surprise him but he knew she was there, turning as she approached, a broad, welcoming smile on his face.
She was still angry with him for leaving her so suddenly that day. One moment he had been there — they had shared something, she wasn’t sure what, but she was sure there was a connection — the next moment he was gone.
"It’s good to see you in something other than green," Killian said with a grin.
Ella looked self-consciously down at herself. With the tiniest amount of her essence, she’d made and sold several simple enchanted pieces, earning enough so she could finally buy some new clothes.
It was only when she had new dresses that she realised how poorly her old Academy gown fit her. It had been so tight around her breasts and hips that she couldn’t believe Miro had allowed her to be seen in public wearing such a thing.
Tonight she wore blue with a hem of yellow, a simple but elegant dress that fit her figure, almost too revealingly, she’d thought. The seamstress had assured her it was the latest fashion and that men would be falling over themselves to pay court to her. Ella wasn’t sure about that, but it did set off her eyes nicely.
"You look lovely," Killian said.
"Umm… Thanks."
"I hear you graduated from the Academy. Congratulations. What are your plans now?"
He was so direct, so confident — so different from the young men she knew. Ella wanted to ask him where he had disappeared to, but she didn’t want to break the mood.
The pair stood side by side, looking over the river at the Woltenplats.