CHAPTER 17 #3
I remembered reading about the fae in a textbook, seated across from Anama, as I researched the history of Lortan. It seemed like a lifetime ago. But nowhere had that book mentioned Cosanus.
“I know the story of the fae,” I told Augustine, determined to prove that I was not as silly as he thought. “I know that Winipyr, goddess of life, created them first, but their rebellion ensured their swift destruction.”
“Certainly,” Augustine agreed. “That is the version of history we have been taught.”
“Is there another?”
Augustine templed his fingers beneath his chin, looking contemplative.
“Well, Cosanus was the land of the fae. Once the fae were exterminated, the land was still ripe with magic and so, Winipyr, seeking to rectify her error, molded the elven and gave them a home on what was once Cosanus. A name change later, Lortan was born.”
Maybe I truly was silly, but I was not following. “If Cosanus no longer exists – if it is now Lortan – and Cosanus has been all but forgotten by the history books, why was I told that I would meet a sticky end on Cosanus specifically? Why not leave it at Lortan?”
A spark of curiosity gleamed in Augustine’s eyes. “That is, indeed, a good question.”
“You know something,” Lana said, her eyes narrowing on Augustine.
The elven held out his palms in a supplicating gesture. “I promise, I don’t know anything for sure. It’s all just unfounded theories. Scholar’s brain. It’s a bad habit I can’t seem to kick. I’m always considering the why.”
“What unfounded theories?” Rayna’s tone brooked no nonsense.
Augustine pursed his lips. “Well, more like a wandering thought. One I’ve had before, but seems more… rooted now.”
He was taking so long to spit it out, I wanted to reach across the table and shake the words out of him. But controlling myself, I left my hands loose at my sides, waiting for Augustine to continue.
Finally, he said, “You see, I’ve been pondering for some time what might have happened to the fae that were exterminated.
It is said that Azrael bore swift winds and tidal surges down on them, clipping their wings and drinking their power.
And when he was done, nothing remained of the creatures who once ruled at the helm of the gods themselves.
But I don’t know if I quite believe that version of history. ”
I shook my head slowly. “You think the fae still exist somewhere? Somewhere on Lortan?”
Augustine shrugged. “Like I said, it’s all unfounded. But if you were told your challenge takes place on Cosanus, I’d be hard pressed believing that was a mistake.”
My head was reeling, my thoughts spinning in directionless waves. It simply couldn’t be.
“Surely we would know if the fae still existed,” Rayna scoffed. “One would think they wouldn’t be sitting around, content with the elven presiding over what was once their land.”
“Of course,” Augustine murmured thoughtfully.
“Unfortunately, I do not have any further light to shed on the topic. As I’ve mentioned, this is just wild speculation and completely up for debate.
A historian must, first and foremost, gather accurate data before making definitive conclusions.
If history intrigues you, I’d be remiss not to refer you to my latest book, Tarlor Through–”
“How did you pass the Rite?” Lana blurted out, interrupting him.
A flicker of annoyance flashed through his blue eyes, and he clicked his tongue. “That’s a highly personal question.”
“You’ll forgive my friend,” I said smoothly, trying to keep the peace.
From hearing Augustine speak for the past hour and go on to schmooze his guests, I had gathered a picture of the male before me.
He was eloquent, professional and clearly very passionate – borderline vain, in fact – about his line of work.
“I’m sure you understand what it’s like.
We’ve all got family we’d like to go back to.
And we understand that a scholar of your caliber would have the appropriate respect and deference for our pursuit of knowledge. ”
His eyes softened. “I do understand. However, I do not think the answer will be very beneficial to any of you. It is not something you can easily control.”
“Tell us and we will decide whether it’s beneficial or not,” Rayna snapped.
Augustine sighed. “I’m afraid it will help no one. The Rite is not a challenge. It is a mechanism designed to test a mortal’s genetics. It changes one on a molecular basis. If your body isn’t equipped, the surge of power will kill you.”
“Well, can we try to equip our bodies?” Rayna pressed.
“There are methods that can be learned, but I’m afraid they take years of practice.” He grimaced, the implication in his words plain. We would not have years. We barely had days left.
I waited for him to elaborate, but he didn’t. After a spell of silence, it seemed our time with him was up.
Rayna sneered, annoyance curling her lips. “Let’s go. This is pointless.”
“You’re nice kids.” Augustine looked sadly at us as we turned to leave. “But there’s nothing you can do to prepare for it. Enjoy the rest of your days in Lortan while you can. The Rite rarely leaves survivors.”