A large beheaded Iarlan Zhui(Zoo-ee), a giant double beaked bird with spikes over its body, lies at the base of a mountain peak where Loc, Rivna, Bolt, and Lightning reside.

Everyone is sitting down with their legs crossed in deep meditation; completely unaffected by the intense blizzard that currently surrounds them.

Loc: (I still can’t believe you fell that bird with one swing of your sword. How have you grown so much stronger in such a brief amount of time, Rivna?)

Rivna: (I have been growing more accustomed to the Soul Pact. The vast and clouded well of power that I pull my strength from is just a bit more clear to me. What’s strange is that this well is not just shear power, but an endless stream of knowledge. It’s as if the well is leaking more and more hints pertaining to the deeper inner workings of creation itself. But it’s mostly thanks to Lady Agatha’s teachings that I’m even able to ascertain the “leaks” as hints.)

Loc: (That’s, a bit much for one to swallow, Rivna.)

Rivna: (But it’s the best way I can describe it. Just know that I am growing more and more comfortable with this vessel. However, I am still not quite prepared for the elder’s trial.)

Loc: (Trial?)

Lady Agatha: (That is right, Young King. She is growing more and more worthy of aiding your cause. Vyrkra is the physical manifestation of spiritual power. The more understanding you have of the spiritual fabric of the natural, the more command you will have of the supernatural. Do you know just how potent vyrkra truly is Young King?)

Loc: (I’m aware that it’s quite powerful in the right hands and with good mastery.)

Lady Agatha: (In the right hands, a mere ounce of vyrkra can level a mountain. And with good mastery a cup of it can blot out a star.)

Loc and Rivna looks surprised but their eyes remain closed.

Lady Agatha: (One does not need much vyrkra to accomplish great wonders, just much understanding. With my training I’m going to teach the both of you exactly how to pick out the elements and to read the spiritual plain. This should allow you to begin your training of Vyrkrial breathing. And when I am done, even Rivna should be able to utilize more than just the element of water with her vyrkra.)

Rivna looks shocked.

Rivna: (You mean it’s possible for one that is not Arcane to command multiple elements?)

Lady Agatha: (Can not the Queen of Queens command all the elements? And she is but an Avalian woman. The only divide between you and her is knowledge and the understanding of creation. However…)

Lady Agatha suddenly stops and the blizzard slowly subsides. Loc and Rivna look concerned.

Loc: (Lady Agatha?)

Rivna: (Great Elder, are you there?)

The blizzard slowly subsides.

Tamar(Transceiver): Tamar for Captain Loc.

Loc doesn’t respond.

Tamar(Transceiver): Tamar for Captain Loc.

He sighs in frustration and puts his M.O.D. to his mouth to respond.

Loc: Go for Loc.

Tamar(Transceiver): We have a situation here at the mines, over.

Loc: Copy that. What kind of situation, over?

There is a long pause.

Loc: What kind of situation is it, over?

A struggle can be heard over the M.O.D. Rivna opens an eye to peer at Loc in concern.

Loc: Tamar, are you there?

Heldine(Transceiver): Oh she’s right here, darling.

Loc jolts in response.

Loc: H-Heldine?! What the hell is going on over there?!

Bolt and Lightning jump to their feet, ready for action.

Hannah(Transceiver): Big Brother! Heldine is being a pain again!

Loc: What?! Hannah?!

Heldine(Transceiver): Oh shut up Hannah! If anyone is being a pain here it’s you!

Hannah(Transceiver): I have permission from Mother to be a member of Big Brother’s crew! I don’t recall Mother saying you could join him!

A loud thump is heard over the M.O.D.

Hannah(Transceiver): Ow!

Heldine(Transceiver): Didn’t Mother tell you to be quiet when grown folks are talking? Anyway darling, I’ll be waiting for your swift return as I have some very important information to share with you.

Loc: What kind of information, Heldine?

Heldine(Transceiver): The kind that needs to be relayed to you quickly or else I can’t promise you the safety of your little freaks for friends.

Loc pauses to take a deep breath.

Loc: Fine Heldine. I’m on my way.

Heldine(Transceiver): See? Now that’s a good fiance. By the way, before you go I want you to tell me how much you love me.

Loc: Huh?

Heldine(Transceiver): I said I want you to tell me how much you love me, right now. I mean it. Tell me.

Loc ends the transmission and rises.

Loc: Unfortunately we’re going to have to cut this little training session of ours short for today.

Bolt: It’s the Princesses again, isn’t it?

Lightning: Is Princess Heldine always, this way, with you?

Loc: King’s matters.

Rivna: I’ll be full glad when we possess the might to deal with her properly.

Loc: All things will fall into place in due time, Rivna. But right now we should make haste for the settlement. There’s no telling what mayhem will rise in the wake of Heldine’s impatience.

Lightning: Yes, let us move with all haste. We cannot leave the elder within the same vicinity as that monster.

Chapter End