In a world damaged by magic, the Inquisition is eradicating all who can command the arcane power.
Iris has been hiding her gift all her life. Until one day, she must reveal her talent to save her loved ones.
She would have to choose between forfei...
Iris sighed. It seemed like it was in another life, another world, far away from here.
'Iris?'
She looked up, seeing Kara waving at her.
'We are ready,' she said. 'Come.'
***
They stood around the freshly dug hole, Marcus' body already lying there, his grey face oddly peaceful. If not for the sickening tone of his skin, one might think the old man was sleeping. Bile rose in Iris' throat, and she looked down at her feet, fighting the tears. It was not the time for letting the grief take over.
Finally, Myrica started talking. 'Marcus was one of the best men I have ever known. He was the first one that I trusted. He was wise, gentle, and kind - always thought about others before himself. He inspired others to do better and to fight for what they believed. Marcus took the responsibility even when he did not ask for it, and he sacrificed himself so that we could fight for another day. You can finally rest, my friend. May the Spirits of the Forest keep you company. Requisante an tranqalite. Vale ama mico.'
'It was a mighty fight you put up there,' Arlo said, his voice unusually quiet. 'We'll finish this for you.'
'You old fool! You just have to go and die on me, didn't you?' Kara sobbed, tears freely flowing from her eyes. Sam wrapped his arms around her holding her tight. 'I... I'll never forget what you did for me. For us.'
'We won't let your sacrifice be in vain. That I can promise,' Sam murmured, stroking Kara's hair.
They turned to Jayden next, but his mouth formed a thin line, his jaw tight. He only shook his head, tears glistening in his dark eyes, and he looked away. Iris couldn't blame him. She also wasn't sure if her voice would obey her.
But she took a deep breath and spoke anyway. 'I... I never properly thanked you for all you did for me. I never said how grateful I was or how much it meant for me. I...' her voice broke with a sob. She felt Myrica's arm around her shoulder. 'There were so many things I should have said, and now I never will.'
'He knows it, child,' Myr said gently. 'He always knew.'
Iris just gave up and let all the grief flood her. Her body trembled with sobs, but Myr was holding her tight, stroking her back gentle in circles.
There was nothing more to say. Nothing more for anyone to do. When Iris managed to calm herself again, Myrica asked them if they had finished their farewells. When everyone nodded solemnly, she kneeled on the ground and put her hands on the grass. She started singing in her language. Iris didn't recognise any of the words, but the song was beautiful. It was overflowing with sadness and longing, grief, and regret. But at the same time, it was also bringing hope. The tears ran down her cheeks again.
While the huntress sang, the ground itself began to move. The thick vines appeared in the hole they dug, and they winded around Marcus' body, forming a dense green cocoon. Next, the soil moved to cover the spot, and then, with even more tremors, the thick roots of the great tree shot out from the ground and formed a small dome over the grave. The dark branches sprouted green leaves and small white flowers, covering the whole surface.
Myrica slowly stood up when it was done, shaking her hands gently.
'Oh, Lord Sun! Myr, it's so beautiful!' Kara gasped, looking at the newly formed grave with wide eyes.
'He deserved so much more,' the huntress replied. Her big golden eyes were dim and sad. 'It is the least I could do. We should get back and rest. It has been a long day. I will wait for you all nearby, come when you are ready,' she said and left the clearing. Arlo soon followed her.
They stood there in silence for a while, and then Kara and Sam left too, leaving two young Mages alone. Iris looked at Jayden. His hands were clenched in fists, his knuckles white. His body was trembling from the sobs he was trying to conceal.
'Jayden,' Iris said and gently put a hand on his arm, but he shoved it away instantly.
'Leave me alone!' he growled. 'I don't want you here!'
'I'm sorry,' she whispered and slowly backed away, leaving him with his grief, even if seeing him like this was breaking her heart. She looked over her shoulder one last time. Jayden was on his knees, one hand resting on the grave, his head bowed, and his shoulders shaking. Iris swallowed her tears and left the clearing to join the others.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
