Daily Short Story: Eve 12

ACT 963161069-26889.24.(M1.D09)(8697 B.C. Sun’s Dawn (February) Three-Quarter Moon( Third Week) Mirdon(Wednesday) )-Eve-Smith-Silver Prime

Eve slumped back into her comfortable chair after Elira left. “How could I forget there are geniuses in every world?” She had no doubt the salt shaker was merely the first of many. Shaking her head, she said, “Send in Lyessa.”

The shy, raven-haired girl of low birth, who clutched a tattered book of histories as if it were a lifeline, entered shortly after. She didn’t take a seat like the other applicants until Eve gestured for her to do so. Eve pulled a cup of coffee from the bank’s kitchens and sipped while observing the child. Lyessa tried to maintain her composure while clutching her tattered book close. This kid is super high-strung.

“Might I see the book?” Eve asked politely. Lyessa looked frantic before determination crossed her features. The girl held the book out with both hands as if offering it to a higher power.

Eve used space magic to pull the tattered book to her and Telekinesis to read it. It took only moments to skim the book, and the contents were amusing. The tale within the tattered pages was of the rise of Eldon Blackwater. It was told with a flair that eluded most historians and centered rather exceptionally on the exploits of the heroic sorcerer.

The ones that didn’t typically get set down for posterity.

“An interesting choice of reading,” Eve said, repairing the book with a snap of her fingers. Runes flickered across the pages and covered before settling in place. “I’ve made it as good as new, along with placing a minor preservation and repair enchantment on it.”

Lyessa’s entire expression became cheerful and bright. Eve was taken aback, and she hesitated momentarily before shaking her head. Seeing the child’s earnest expression, she decided to proceed. Using space magic, Eve returned the new book to the girl before asking, “Who is Lyessa, and why should I hire such a small child?”

“I’m the best,” Lyess said without arrogance.

“The best? Would you mind explaining?” Eve said, intrigued.

“The others haven’t put it together, but I can see what you are doing,” Lyessa said. “You’re preparing to fight a war with someone.”

Eve took a sip of her coffee and said, “Correct. Can you guess with who?”

Lyessa’s face scrunched up, and she said, “It isn’t anyone in Essos. The Silver Bank already controls almost all financial matters for this continent. A war here wouldn’t serve to do anything but turn profits unsteady. The only exception could be if a new power rose to rock the foundations of the current situation.”

Eve watched the child’s expression even as she was observed. Lyessa continued, “It would most likely be somewhere in Westeros. Somewhere that civilization, and therefore the bank, don’t reach.”

A flash of realization lit the small child before she said, “The North. Somewhere past where the First Men’s hands touch. There is something outside civilization you are preparing for.”

“Correct.” Eve said, “Name your price.”

“I-I want to be like Eldon. Magic. I want the gift of m-magic.” Lyessa said, her eyes faint with hope.

“All magic has a price. Will you pay?” Eve said. “Think before you choose. The man written in those pages had many great feats, but that made the tragedies all the more horrific.”

There was a long pause as Eve sipped her coffee, emptying the mug. When she raised her eyes to view the younger girl, she sighed. The choice was written in the firm set of the girl’s face.

Eve raised her right forefinger gathering a silver seed of potent magic. “This gift I give, while a price I extract. When your end comes, willing or not, all that you are returns to me.”

Lyessa nodded mutely. Her eyes fixated on the shimmering silver seed of magic.

“The deal is struck,” Eve said.

“The deal is witnessed and sealed.” A voice from the corner of the room said.

Eve sighed and said, “That is the Fae. They take a far more active role in such things than in times past.”