Exile Chapter 1

There was no plea. There was no trial. Just a sentence.

“Anastrus Elcarian. You have been found guilty of consortion and treason against the Grand Magistrix.”

No announcement was made of her arrest, or her exile. All she knew was that her family would be absolved of the crime of associating with her.

A clean slate for reporting a traitor in their midst.

Fury billowing inside her, a low growl building in her throat, she jerked in the guards’ grip as they walked away from the guard captain. They moved toward the shimmering, shifting film that covered the city. It allowed light in, but not much else.

One of the guards refused to meet her eyes, and the other just stared at her with what may have been apologetic resolve.

The cruelty of the city astounded her once again, though she wasn’t sure why. She cooled her temper, for she knew why these two guards had been chosen to carry out this duty.

“Nayseth. Almiere.” She said sharply. Her voice rung with authority, though she was quiet enough for the guard captain overseeing the exile not to hear.

She watched with a flicker of self-satisfied amusement as both guards straightened their spines and their ears perked to attention.

They both then shared a small glance then Nayseth, the one to her right, frowned with disapproval.

“You’re a traitor to the Magistrix, Master.”

Ana tilted her head, eyebrow quirked. Nayseth snapped his mouth closed, and Almiere chuckled softly, then looked to their former teacher with a less judgemental expression.

“I do not wish this for you, Spellblade Elcarian.”

Anastrus felt tears prick her eyes at that. Though Almiere had used her demoted title, she knew it was the only way for him to safely express his feelings. It was risky even so.

“You two remain loyal then. You were my students not too long ago, but you graduated from my tutelage. Don’t let bad influences overtake you.” Her voice didn’t falter due to sheer power of will. She glanced at Nayseth, who looked troubled and angry. Then she saw Almiere and found him smiling gently.

“You’re chipper for having just said what you did.” She murmured, smirking.

Almiere shook his head, then, as if she’d reminded him, he carefully controlled his expression to one of resolute determination. She nodded in approval.

“I’m glad you two have shown such promise. I can’t tell whether I’m impressed at their belief that I won’t turn you into rebels, or if I’m disappointed that they think I’m not capable of doing so.”

Both guards remained silent, though she saw Almiere’s lips twitch in a ghost of a grin.

She took the warmth that the little micro-expression gave her and held it in her soul. She held onto it like a spark of flame as she stared ahead at the arcane barrier.

For so many years, the barrier had remained darkly glimmering, a perpetual night sky. It had been their protection, their gilded cage.

Ana vividly remembered the day it opened.

When she saw the stars unfiltered for the first time. The sun. The open ocean.

The mage held onto that memory also. She clutched both little feelings close as the three of them neared the barrier.

They said nothing more.

Almiere opened his mouth, but Nayseth gave him a sharp look as the guard captain joined them.

“Stop dallying. Check the traitor over for any materials she should no longer possess and dispose of her.”

Ana turned to the captain. She’d already forcibly forgotten his name.

“You cast me out wearing this and you expect to find wine on me?”

Indeed, she was wearing only a pair of leggings, simple slippers, and a bandeau. Not much of a place to hide anything. Her various arcane tattoos glimmered across her silvery lavender skin.

The captain sneered. “If you do have any, we’ll find it.”

He jerked his head at the guards, and Nayseth began patting her down vigorously.

“Well Nayseth, I will say you have quite the firm hand.” Ana commented. She could feel the glares from both Nayseth and the captain, but Almiere’s amusement was palpable, if only to her.

“Nothing, sir.” Nayseth confirmed. Ana looked around with raised eyebrows in sarcastic surprise.

“Very well then.” The captain tossed a wooden sword down at Ana’s feet with a cruel grin. “There you are, Spellblade.”

Ana bent to pick it up between her manacled hands. She twirled it expertly even with her hands bound.

The captain glowered and raised a hand, channeling a spell to open the barrier at the location where she was to exit.

“Farewell, then. Thanks for the food and wi-” Nayseth shoved her through the opening.

She lost her balance and fell to one knee, white hair falling over her shoulders.

It was very, very white. A kind of white she’d never really seen.

She glanced up and shielded her eyes as the sun hung above. It was not too warm, nor too cold, but she was still not very used to the sun. She needed to find cover and figure out what she was going to do next.

A barely audible click sounded, and the manacles clunked off her onto the ground. She felt the dull, cottony feeling dissipate from her head as access to her magic returned. Stupid. As if they thought she would fight against the Legion and the loyalists right then and there.

No, not yet. 

Not quite yet.

To be continued in Exile 2.