Page 40 of Shadows in Bloom

The cloak was waiting for me on the chair as he’d mentioned, but my attention was on the black leather journal on the desk. I traced a finger over the silver lines on the front. Some sort of tree. Nothing I recognized, but I knew it had to be Alanadris’ journal. He’d briefly mentioned it when I’d asked him how he would contact his mentor, Lyandril. It supposedly had magical enchantments that enabled the two of them to communicateas if they were writing on the same exact pages. Lyandril had a near identical journal that acted as its twin. It was similar to the magic stone Kallistra used to contact our village. Enchanted items were more reliable than ravens.

Alandris had been keeping me updated about whether he’d heard from Lyandril, but so far, there’d been no response. My hand gripped the edge of the cover. I shouldn’t look. It was wrong, a complete invasion of his privacy, and yet, something in me urged me forward. I pulled the front cover back and read the first entry.

Dear Lyandril,

You requested I keep things brief in order to preserve this wonderful magical item which you’ve possessed over your many, many years of life. However, you’ve also demanded that I address you with respect on several occasions, so I have chosen to heed those words instead. I do hope you are well, and that the Consortium is keeping you busy.

I am writing to ask if you have encountered or have any knowledge of a peculiar type of magic. It seems to manifest as darkness or shadows and takes quite a toll on the user. If the power cannot be kept in balance, it leaves behind black ‘tendrils’ on the skin of the user, or anyone who comes into contact with the power. These eventually fade with time, though they are incredibly painful.

Not to worry, all is well, and I will continue my travels as expected. My thanks in advance for any insight you can provide on this matter.

Alandris

I chuckled at Alandris’ playful message. It was nice to see he behaved the same even with those from the Consortium. We used to have equally spirited exchanges before I started avoiding him. I pushed the thought to the side and continued reading. If I didn’t head back downstairs soon, Alandris would likely come looking for me.

Alandris,

Thank you for considering my request so earnestly. We will discuss your admirable dedication upon your return.

On a more serious note, please describe where or with whom you have discovered this magic. I need more details before I can provide you with an answer.

Lyandril

The remainder of the entries did not follow the letter-like style of the first two. Even without their signatures, I could discern the writer based on their handwriting. Lyandril’s was neat and careful, while Alandris’ was fluid and elegant, though a bit messy.

One woman I am traveling with possesses the power. I have been attempting to teach her to manage it. She says it is a gift from her God, so it must be an innate form of magic rather than a learned one.

What does she look like?

Lyandril, isn’t that a bit forward?

Alandris, answer the question. With haste.

She is human, but her eyes are bright red. I’ve never seenanything like it.

Her hair?

That is peculiar as well. Though she is young, it is pure white.

Does she travel alone?

What is with all of these questions?

Answer the question.

No, she travels with another woman. She calls her Keeper.

Nairu?

How do you know that name?

Alandris, you must dispose of it.

My heart began to race. I was acutely aware I’d spent too much time up here and that Alandris could come running upstairs at any moment, but after reading those words, I had to continue on.

Lyandril, with all due respect, have you lost your mind? What do you mean dispose of her? She’s an innocent young woman.

Read this very carefully, and then burn this page of the journal. That creature is no innocent young woman. It is a monster approaching four hundred years old. Its magic is not that of a woman’s. I can explain more when you return home, but I need you to trust me. If not as your Grand Arch Magus, then as someone you consider your mentor. Kill it.

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