Chapter 18 #3
“Gold eyes are typically associated with air elements. They can control the air itself. The most useful aspect is winnowing objects, but it can also literally create wind. Green eyes have spirit magic. For most, seeing souls is the simplest manifestation. For stronger users, they can influence your actions too, through a type of connection they can foster with your soul. Blue eyes are water bearers. They can control water, and they also have a healing energy. Brown eyes are associated with the earth. They can impact agriculture and the soil itself. The strongest of these could carve the temple into the side of the mountain with their gifts. And the old texts have mentioned red eyes, though we have never seen them. These people could control fire. The texts mention that this also allows them to control emotions of people, and to amplify what others are feeling.”
“Mother was always commenting that my eyes almost seemed red when I get excited. Is that possibly related?” The ability to control emotions seemed like a heavy burden, but I was curious about what I might do, all the same.
Juniper stared at me for what felt like an uncomfortable eternity, contemplating it. “I haven’t read about anyone mixing gifts. Your eyes strike me as a true brown for now. I guess only time will tell.”
“What about this lightning?” Amyra asked.
She had been sitting quietly, taking it all in. She appeared pensive, but the way she kept twirling a strand of her hair gave away her trepidation about the situation we found ourselves in.
Juniper took a deep breath. “That’s what I need the Priestesses for.
I only heard of that type of gift once, in what I thought was a fairy tale, where the wielder was portrayed as evil incarnate.
It was very destructive in the tale and was a force that was harnessed and used to fight with the Gods.
I thought it was simply an old tale used to explain to children why magic left the realm. ”
I stood up and walked to the window. “If you had to guess, what do you think it could be?”
Juniper sighed. “I couldn’t say. The way you describe Egan tells me he’s certainly not a leader of any type.
I don’t think he even knew he could use lightning like that prior to that scuffle.
He’s probably here, acting under the orders of another.
I don’t think we should trust Lord Denenbaum until we determine he isn’t that person. ”
It was my turn to breathe deeply as I take in the gravity of the situation. “There’s one more piece of information to share. Father had instructed Ethan and I to not share it with the Council, because he has suspicions.”
Ethan stood and moved to the window to join me, knowing what was coming would bring up difficult emotions. My hands shook, almost imperceptibly, thinking about Mother. When he reached me, he touched my shoulder, providing a reassuring pat as I tried to compose myself.
I exhaled a deep breath before continuing.
“The physician pointed out that Mother had a strange mark on her collarbone at the time of her death. He calls it a char mark. It looked suspiciously like Frederick’s.
I’m worried that the two might be connected, and learning about magic being…
real, I guess, makes that seem more likely. ”
I turned around, nervous to see how the others react. So much fear and uncertainty showed on my friends’ faces. Juniper hid the fears I’m sure she had, and after a beat, she nodded her head once resolutely.
“When the Priestesses get here, we can have them consult with the physician if they agree that it’s related.” Juniper stated quietly.
I nodded, “What about Father? You said he wouldn’t listen before. Do you think he will now? ”
Juniper paused for a moment to consider. “I think the best chance we have of getting him to listen would be if you talk to him about it. Your experiences here may be what he needs to change his mind.”
Ethan and I exchanged a look.
“What if he doesn’t? What if he tries to ignore this?” He asked me.
I sharply inhaled. “We can’t follow suit. So, I suppose we would need to face this without his support.”
“Without the King’s support? Is that even possible?” Amyra asked. I didn’t know the answer to the question, and it seemed no one else really does either.
Before we get lost down that train of thought, Juniper added. “I know you’ll make the right choice.”
“I think we make it so he can’t ignore it.” Ethan offered. “I think he’s worked with the Council for decades, and likely can add context that we need.”
I nodded. After waiting to see if anyone else wanted to weigh in, I turned back to Juniper. “Would you come with me to help me tell him about this magic? I don’t know that I could explain it properly.”
She nodded. “Of course. I’m here to support you as the future queen of this country.”
“OK, I already have an appointment with him in the morning. Could you come then?”
Spencer’s jaw dropped. “You need to schedule an appointment to talk to your dad?”
“Not for family stuff, but we agreed to keep official business during appointment hours unless there’s an emergency, just to be sure that we are respecting the difference between family and business.” I assured him.
“On a related note, since we are all here, there doesn’t have to be a meeting in my quarters this evening, but you’re all welcome to come by anyway, Juniper included. It’ll just be for this family, for fun.”
I smiled as the rest start talking, trying to convince Juniper to join us.
Once she relented, we ended the meeting.
We were cautious about leaving, with Ethan and Spencer leaving together, and then Amyra, Ivy, and I left several minutes later.
It might be paranoid, but this ensured that no one saw Spencer with me and reported back to Frederick, Egan, or the Denenbaums.