Saylah's Diary: A Journey Toward Enlightenment - Part II

Mayoi, Omishan
Thistledown 9, 517 P.Y.

Harvest season is approaching. I'm awed by the colorful changes taking place around me. What was abundantly green, is slowly giving way to shades of orange, deep red and yellow. The oppressive heat and humidity have subsided. The new allegiance initiates are spending a good bit of their time gathering provisions for the cold that is rapidly approaching. Mari and I have completed Initiate Mage training. Yesterday, I received my first appointment as Mage for an expedition. I'm excited about new assignment and hope to be of good service to my companions.

Saylah of Thistledown

A Journey Toward Enlightenment - Part II

Saylah waited anxiously among the gathering group of fighters. Her rucksack was packed lightly and slung across her back. The rolled up map, which marked their route to the Vesayan Sanctuary, was in her left hand, while she nervously twirled the staff in her right. For most of those gathered, this was at least their second or third assignment along the way toward earning the rank of Knight, in whatever fighting class they'd chosen. That was not the case for Saylah. Although a seasoned fighter, this was her first assignment as Mage, having spent the first half of her time in the Mayoi Allegiance as a Ranger.

Saylah sighed inwardly, wishing that Makenya had been here to see her off. Unfortunately, for the two friends, Makenya's presence was required back in Linvak where she was being assigned to an outpost in Gurokora - near the South East Malthabor Ringway. Distracted by her silent reverie, Saylah didn't see Mariposa approaching.

"Ready to be off?" Mariposa asked with a smile.

The corners of Saylah's mouth edged up nervously. "Yes," she hesitated before continuing. "But I'm still very nervous."

"Oh, you'll do fine!" Mariposa exclaimed while patting Saylah on the shoulder. "You've studied hard and practiced long into the night." Saylah nodded but said nothing. "You're much better prepared than I was my first time out."

Saylah exhaled and allowed herself a genuine smile. "I've waited a long time for this chance. And you're right, I'm very ready." Thoughts of her life growing up in the Shelter and of her family awaiting her return floated through her head. She knew that her father would be proud of her had he lived to see this day. By receiving her first assignment as Mage, another piece of the plan to free her family from the Shelter fell into place.

Watching the myriad of emotions passing across Saylah's face Mariposa said, "I'll wait here with you until you leave." Saylah thanked her and the two women fell into silence.

A dozen would-be Knights gathered for the journey to the Sanctuary. Their task - obtain sixty White Pyreals for shipment to the Knights warring on the fronts of Omishan. The magical nuggets were needed to forge the powerful Soulbound weapons used by Omishan Knights. The fellowship had three days to complete the mission, including the harrowing journey there and back.

Saylah looked up to see that the sun was almost at its zenith, signaling that their departure time was at hand. A small crowd of well-wishers encircled the contingent and chatted excitedly. Turning to Mariposa Saylah said, "Just about time now. Thanks for coming to see me off."

Brushing her bangs out of her eyes, Mariposa replied. "You're welcome. You'll do fine - just be careful."

"I'll be careful - trust me!" Saylah thought back to Makenya's news of the increased danger posed by the Buruns under the leadership of a new Browerk Burun Patrolman. Raids and ambushes along the Vesayan beaches were commonplace, now that the Burun were aware that the mortals had discovered how to harness the power of White Pyreals. The Burun patrolled the beaches carefully to prevent the mortals from digging up the hidden stores of pyreals, and they guarded their own carriers with more vigilance.

More proud now than nervous, Saylah stood tall as she saw Master Brunim approaching with Fellowship Leader Beldanar. Everyone fell silent and the air crackled with excitement. It was rare for the Mayoi Allegiance to be called upon by the Omishan Knighthood. The successful completion of this campaign was of the utmost importance.

Master Brunim spoke. "I bid you good day brave fighters of Dereth." His low-pitched voice carried across the clearing. The weathered hands of the Master Mage Scholar and Teacher rested on his tall white scepter. "Your quest is now at hand. Think on all that you've learned here, be on your guard and ever at the ready." Turning to Beldanar he said, "Your Fellowship Leader has some final instructions - and you'll be departing quickly. As for the rest of you, back to your studies!" Brunim stepped back with a smile and waved the on-lookers away. Goodbyes and wishes for a safe journey were exchanged. The crowd thinned out, leaving only the fellowship members.

Realizing that Beldanar was about to speak, Saylah moved in closer. Before Beldanar began, Master Brunim approached Saylah. "Yeoman Saylah, may I have a word please?"

Saylah frowned. She was concerned that she would miss something important if she stepped aside as Beldanar was speaking. Yet, she had no choice but to honor the request. "Of course Master Brunim," she replied following him a some distance away.

Master Brunim's face looked troubled. "There's no easy way to tell you this, so I'll just say it." He sighed before continuing. "Beldanar has asked that you be replaced with a more experienced Mage."

Saylah was stunned. Her mouth fell open and her mind went blank. She stammered, "What?"

"You've been replaced," Master Brunim replied quietly.

A burst of fire erupted in the pit of Saylah's stomach. Her head pounded and she felt faint from the shock. She worked her mouth several times but nothing came out. A moment passed before she was able to respond with a croaked, "Why?"

"It was his choice - "

Forgetting decorum, Saylah cut Master Brunim off. "But I can do this. I know I can!" She pleaded.
"It's not my decision Yeoman." A tone of sympathy entered his otherwise gruff voice. "It is his right to choose. And though I don't agree with this decision - it is his to make." Master Brunim raised his hand to stop Saylah from speaking. "There is no point in arguing." With emphasis he added, "The decision is made."

Saylah starred at the ground, ashamed to show the tears that were welling in her eyes. Her breathing came in shallow, uneven spurts. The world receded from view and she was in the bottom of a black pit with no escape from the pain and anguish she was feeling.

Master Brunim repeated her name for the third time. "Yeoman Saylah."

Saylah raised her head slowly. Her voice barely above a whisper she said, "Yes?"

"We need the map." Brunim cleared his throat. He looked loath to continue. "That is - Fellowship Leader Beldanar needs the map you charted showing the best portal route to the Sanctuary."

Still dazed by this sudden change of events, Saylah looked blankly at Brunim then to the map she was clutching in her left hand. She'd plotted the route with such caution and attention to detail to ensure the safest journey. The thought that it would be used without her stung, and a knife twisted in her gut. From the bottom of the tunnel in which her mind had retreated, she heard Master Brunim speaking again. He was asking for the map but with more firmness in his voice.

Taking the map from Saylah's outstretched hand, Brunim replied, "Thank you."

"What?" Saylah replied - confused and her mind befuddled.

"I'll find you another Mage assignment as quickly as I can." Warmth had returned to Brunim's voice. "That's a promise. As for Beldanar - well, he's had the last word this time." Brunim unrolled the map and studied it quickly. "Very nice work." He waited for Saylah to reply but she didn't, so he continued. "He's not among my favorites I don't mind saying. You're better off not being under his command if he's taken a dislike to you."

Brunim's last words made Saylah come back to herself. She looked up at Master Brunim and saw confirmation of something she'd felt the first time she'd met Beldanar. For some reason, he didn't like her but she had no idea why. A familiar voice reached Saylah's ears and she peered over Master Brunim's shoulder to see Master Gilmar whispering to Beldanar. Before entering into Mage training, Master Gilmar had offered Saylah a coveted position in the Rangers Forward Guard, which she'd declined. Master Gilmar had seemed surprised at the time, but not upset. Saylah now wondered if she'd been mistaken about his reaction.

When Master Gilmar stopped speaking, they both turned to look where Saylah and Master Brunim stood. Saylah's face turned red as she realized that her cheeks were wet with tears.

Master Brunim drew her attention again. "You may return to your chamber. You're excused for the remainder of the day." Nothing more to be said between them, Master Brunim turned and walked away.

Saylah watched as the map - her map, was given to Beldanar. She saw a smug smile spread across his Lugian face. Master Gilmar patted him on the back. A burning grew in Saylah's belly. Her heart beat rapidly and thudded in her chest. As her eyes narrowed, an unfamiliar emotion welled inside her. Her body trembled as the feeling intensified. A boiling rage coursed through her veins. Overcome by this new emotion, she tried to name it. "Hate," she screamed inwardly. "I hate him and he will pay!" For the first time in her life, Saylah felt hate for another mortal.