Uncovered Project: False Prophets: Part Two

Each section of the story was told by one of the siblings. Jules usually talked about the past, Roz deals with internal turmoil, while Gerard talked about action. Originally these characters were as they were, but as I grew I wanted to make Gerard gay, Jules nonbinary, and Roz pansexual.

Even in the world of magic there are laws everyone must abide. The laws of Alchera are by far the strongest and harshest. Since all other practices of magic stem from Alchera so have the laws. Certain ones are the same all around. Things that involve life and death are perhaps the most forbidden. There are other smaller ones that deal with quick money that are also outlawed. But in Alchera there are laws that if broken could mean the breaking of much more than just bones and bodies. Breaking the laws of forbidden Alchera meant hell and damnation. 

Jules

May 8th, 1897

Before the military and before we had decided to become alcherists Roz, Gerard and I lived in the small town of Kalton Grove. It was mainly a village of farmers and our father was the village doctor. I don’t know what our mother was, no one really ever talks about her except Gerard and its only to spite her.

I was only four when Roz came to live with us and I never really understood why until Father died. Roz had been the catalyst for a lot of things. I suppose she always knew and sensed that but I don’t blame her for a thing.

In the past week or so things around us have really been falling a part. This whole event with Patrick Albert has had me thinking. Especially since we just found out he was a deamonhart summoned by Kirk Greenway and his wife Lilith. We had always put it upon ourselves to find Greenway, even if General Leopold had given it to us as our overall mission two years ago. 

Now, Leopold was sending us all the way to the South Base in Jezreel where they specialized in magic and magical studies. It was where they had sent the chimeras that we had found in Rune City.

The train arrived and the first batch were getting off while the new batch was getting on. I always loved to watch people after they got off the train and meet their loved ones. Since I normally always traveled with my only family I never got that kind of welcome. I didn’t mind, it always warmed me to see it anyways. This was what I was looking forward to when we reached Jezreel.

Roz was pretty much silent, she barely seemed to hear us at all as we waited in our compartment for the train to depart. It wasn’t like her to be so quiet and it was beginning to irk Gerard. I could see him fidget and  begin many times to turn and say something to her, but he never did, and the aggravation was building in him. Roz would either look dead ahead or at her hands folded prettily on her skirt. Normally, she would look to Gerard and smile reassuringly, comforting them both. But she wasn’t reassuring us at all.

All three of us had our jobs to do, Gerard protected us and Roz loved us even when we didn’t want to be near each other. And, I suppose, since I was the youngest it was my job to keep the peace and bring the calm to all of us. 

“You’d think after all these years it’d hurt less.” Roz suddenly whispered.

I looked at her sitting beside me and waited for her to continue before I spoke. “I don’t think anything stops hurting. We can cover it up and cope with it but the hurt is still there.”

“At least you can’t remember,” Gerard sighed, relieved she had finally spoken to us. “Who knows what they did to you back then.” 

I glared at Gerard, offended by his abrupt bluntness. 

Roz had her hand over her left forearm. “Would this have happened at all if Father were still alive?” She asked.

Dad had never wanted us to go into the military, but when he died we decided to join so we could have the chance to teach alchera at the school. Also in the military we had a chance of surviving on our own. We luckily took the favor of General Leopold and were taken in and adopted by Arthur Logan and his wife Sara. I was fourteen then. Five extremely long years ago.

“Yeah. It still would happen,” Gerard answered, slipping from his seat and slipping his arm around Roz’s shoulder, pulling her comfortingly close.

I wonder how proud of us Dad would be. Would he be glad we joined the military for noble reasons? He’d probably be glad to know we were now legitimate royalty. Somehow, somewhere amongst our bloodline, Queen Haydee was our distant cousin and we were technically the higher bloodline than her. Gerard is first in line to take the throne should anything happen to Queen Haydee, and despite ages and such I’d be next and Roz after me. Gerard already said he’d rather spend the rest of his life as a military dog than be king. Roz hasn’t said anything but I know she doesn’t like the idea. Does that make me the black sheep? I think being king wouldn’t be so bad. I wouldn’t want it for the perks but just so I knew I could do something and help people. I mean really help people.

Roz put her hand on my shoulder. “You look lost in there.”

“You know Jules,” Gerard smiled. “Always quiet, always thinking.”

“There’s a lot to think about nowadays,” Roz replied, leaning back against Gerard, head on his shoulder, fingers rubbing his knuckles.

I shook my head. “I was just thinking about what Leopold said about us going to see Queen Haydee. Then it got me thinking on the stipend.”

“That’s right, our monthly allotment must of come in.” Roz murmured, going back into her head to count the sum.

Queen Haydee had insisted on giving us a royal stipend, the same sum every month for as long as we were alive. Each of us sent more than half of that home to our Aunt Imogene so that she could do as she pleased and to build our house back in our hometown of Kalton Grove.

We hadn’t been back home in years, not since the day after my fourteenth birthday. We had made a promise to not return home until we had Greenway and saw him properly dealt with. The dream felt impossible then but now, as we sit on this train, it feels a little more real.

August 13th, 1892

The sun was scorching hot and there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky. I was still jittery and excited, working off the sugar high from my birthday the day before. Aunt Imogene had fixed a cake heavy with icing and whip cream. It was actually part birthday party and part goodbye party.

It was hard to think back then that the day before we were all at home and now we were in Quinto the capital of Albion. We had never traveled so far before and it was our first time on a train. Or at least the first train ride Roz could remember. 

I had never seen so many people before and I clung onto Roz’s hand in fear of them all even though I was fourteen. I was much smaller back then, everyone had been afraid that, along with my stutter, I might be stunted. Gerard was much taller than me already filling out and appearing much older than he actually was. I figured he always would be, considering he was the big brother, but now I stood several inches above his head. He says he doesn’t mind but I know it bothers him a little.

Roz was looking around with wide eyes and she stood close behind Gerard. Even back then she exuded a sort of mature beauty that led people to believe she’s this elegant refined lady. But she wasn’t, she was a tomboy who liked dressing nice.

“Wasn’t there supposed to be someone to pick us up?” Roz asked and grabbed onto Gerard’s elbow.

“Maybe they’re inside the station.” Gerard turned and smiled at us. “We’ll find our way. Don’t worry.”

We got into the station and out of the sun. Roz and I sat down while Gerard went to go look for whoever was picking us up.

“You feel any older yet?” Roz asked looking at me.

I shrugged. “I da-da-dunno. What does age fa-feel like?” I was still having some issues with my stutter.

Roz giggled and patted the top of my head. “Nothing yet.”

A man walked up and sat down beside us. He had hair the same color as Gerard’s, but his didn‘t look like wild straw. He smelled like cigarette smoke and cologne and he was wearing a dark blue military uniform.

He looked at us and we all exchanged polite smiles. He leaned forward, reaching for his cigarette tin and tapping one out.

Roz tucked a hair behind her ear, watching him. “You’re a solider?” Her voice coming out sweet and pretty.

He looked over at us and I realized this man couldn’t of been much older than us. Maybe he was twenty or so but still fairly young. He leaned forward and sighed, “Yup. I just got promoted the other day too.” She said, tapping the badges on his sleeve.

“What’s your rank?” Roz asked with a sort of feminine voice I would of realized now would be flirting but back then I thought she sounded silly.

“I’m a sergeant now.” He bristled proudly. “I’m trying to catch up to a friend of mine.” A look of defeat then washed over his face despite his smile. “But he’s way too far ahead of me.”

Roz cocked her head slightly. “How far?”

“He’s colonel.” The man laughed in a defeated way.

Roz nodded and continued to make small talk. “Are you waiting for someone?”

“Yeah. I’m here with my commanding officer to pick up some new recruits.” The soldier said then held his hand out. “Sergeant Benjamin Bradley.” 

“I’m Rozlyn Baptiste.”

“She ga-goes by Roz tha-tha-though,” I interjected as the man’s face suddenly went from smiling to confused. “I’m Ja-Jules Baptiste, sa-sa-sir.”

“Wait? Did I hear that right?” Sergeant Benjamin Bradley asked leaning towards us. I bristled, thinking he was poking fun at my stutter. 

“I think you’re our recruits.” He looks around as if missing something. “My colonel is looking for you,” he said standing. “Where’s the other one?”

“Gerard?” Roz shook her head and pointed in the direction Gerard went off. “He went looking for you.”

The sergeant sighed then rubbed at his rough chin. He got an inspired look on his face and smiled at us. “You guys like ice cream?”

“We’re teenagers, you don’t need to talk to us like we’re five.” Gerard suddenly appeared out of no where with a giant walking behind him.

The sergeant jumped to attention, “Colonel Logan I-”

“Ah!” Colonel Logan beamed and clapped his hands. “So you found Roz and Jules?” We all knew Colonel Arthur Logan ever since he had brought Roz to us all those countless years ago and many more times when we were labeled prodigies in using alchera.

Roz‘s eyes lit up, genuine smile blossoming on her face“Mr. Arthur,” she jumped up and embraced him.

“That’s my girl.” Arthur then smiled over at me, “It was your birthday yesterday right?” He then produced a small wrapped gift. Inside was a harmonica.

“Thanks!” I gasped excitedly. Back home I had one and I was missing it. Gerard told us to pack light because we didn’t know what would happen when we got to Quinto. The only instruments I brought with me was my guitar and my flute.

“Well lets all pile up and go visit Colonel Leopold,” Arthur said with his big voice. His arms envelope the three of us as we walked, but we didn’t mind, all of us liked Colonel Arthur.

We got into a chaperoned cab to the base. It was a huge building made of red brick and white marble with huge columns carved to look like lions and angels. I liked lions. I suppose that’s why my Dream was one. It was our first time seeing such an amazing building that wasn’t in a book. The whole city amazed us in fact. We’d never been out of our small country town.

Inside, the hallways were busy and filled with people in the military’s dark blue uniforms. I saw a few people in regular clothes, but not many, and they weren‘t so much regular as they were fancy and expensive. I supposed we’d have to wear blue all the time too. To bad, my favorite color was red.

We were going to see Colonel Jean-Claude Leopold. Hard to believe someone as young as Leopold was a General, such things almost never happened. But I guess that’s because he built up his contacts well. He befriended General Claude Hood who retired and named him his replacement. He was also a close friend a Queen Haydee’s who was trying to start up an alcherist revival so I guess that helped him a lot too. It was a long standing rumor that the Queen and Leopold were having an affair.

We were shuffled into Leopold’s office and lined up in front of his desk. He was sitting at his desk stamping papers Julia Wordsworth handed him. Behind him Alisa Honeycutt was answering his phone with her steely, professional voice.

“They can’t take the exam until they’re sixteen,” Leopold grunted as soon as Arthur shut the door.

Gerard already had a great distaste for Leopold even back then. And back then we were all settling into our hormones and mood swings and trying out best to survive the horrible years of puberty. Gerard had the worst mood swings of all of us, and they all swung towards rage. So Leopold’s little comment really stuck in his craw and got him swinging.

“Then why the hell did you send for us?” Gerard barked, face blotchy and red.

Roz hissed at him, “Gerard, hush!” I could see she was squeezing hard on Gerard’s elbow for her knuckles were white.

Leopold raised his head, replying to us with a lethargic look and sighed, “You three are orphans right?” He held up a stack of papers that Wordsworth stapled and filed in the same instance. “I don’t mean to rub salt into the wound, but your father is passed correct?”

We all remained silent.

“I called you up here to be placed in a foster home.” Leopold looked back down at his desk and continued scribbling on papers.

“But we have Aunt Imogene,” Roz answered in place of Gerard.

“I want the three of you up here,” Leopold said looking softly upon Roz. “You can’t become proper soldiers yet but you can learn the ropes as interns. And you’ll have a more than suitable home to live in.” Leopold eyes glided up to Arthur who was fit to burst. “You will be living with Colonel Logan and his wife.”

“Really?” Gerard tried to suppress his satisfaction. 

“I wanted it to be a surprise!” Arthur grinned from ear to ear. “Sara and I have everything set up for you. You each have your own room and I had Imogene ship all your things in.”

We were all still in shock but we were extremely happy about our unexpected situation. Leopold gave us our orders as interns. We were to be as errand runners for some of Leopold’s right-hand-men who had agreed to play mentor for us. Gerard was to work with Captain Julia Wordsworth, Roz was with Major Tallulah Valentine, and I was placed with Arthur.

We went with Arthur back to his home, one of the few houses in Quinto. Most of the buildings had been converted to boarding houses for soldiers and dorm buildings for the college while the rest were torn down for condominiums and apartment complexes. There were rows of buildings that all looked the same and housed three to four. Mostly they were filled with military too. But Arthur lived in a two story house that was painted mint green and had a small lawn in the back that was fenced in and then shaded by the shopping district. There was a front porch painted white with a rocking chair and swing on it and several potted plants.

“Sara has a green thumb,” Arthur explained to us about his wife. “She keeps an herb garden out back too.”

“That good,” Roz said. “I sometimes need fresh herbs for my paints.”

The door opened before we could walk up on the porch and Sara beamed at us. Then suddenly she looked up at Arthur and her hands started moving fluidly and elegantly. 

Arthur smiled gently down at his tiny wife. “I haven’t told them yet-”

She interrupted him with her hands, moving swiftly.

It then hit us that Sara was mute.

He chuckled softly. “But honey they know-”

Gerard stepped forward and started signing to Sara who’s eyes got wide and teary and she put her hand over her mouth. Because of our studies in alchera we all knew sign language, Gerard was especially good at it.

I suppose it was love at first sight for Gerard and Sara because ever since then Gerard considered Sara his only mother and she doted on us as if she actually were our mother. Gerard even started teaching Sara sign language alchera.

We all had rooms upstairs. Roz’s was right across the hall from me and Gerard was on down a ways with a bathroom between us. I had never had a room on my own I had always shared with Gerard. The hallway that separated all of us became a sort of town hall for us. Instead of using our rooms or the kitchen we’d all come out of our rooms at the same time and stand there talking. Even with puberty and mood swings it was civil there. We only fought amongst ourselves in our rooms. Whoever left the room first was the winner. 

November 12th, 1892

Sara and Arthur had gotten us enlisted in the local school for the children of all the ranking officers. We had to wear these awful dark green uniforms and Gerard would always get into fights. Roz was constantly accosted with love notes and bleary admirers, and it got her on the shit-list of almost the entire female body. But the two of them didn’t care. By the end of the year they would be taking the exam to become soldiers and Licensed Alcherists. We never let it on to anyone at the school what we were, let alone that we had already become Masters in our craft. Arthur and Leopold had each separately given us explicit instructions never to use alchera at school. Performing any form of magic wasn’t allowed at school anyways. 

This was also a time when I was noticing how quickly I was growing. I seemed to be having Sara adding length to my uniform’s pants all the time until she went out an bought me three new pairs. I was also able to look over the top of Gerard’s head and the kids at school thought I was some great athlete. I hated sports though, I just wanted to study music and play it for anyone willing to listen.

During breaks Roz would come sit with me and listen as I played music while she read. Depending on what she read she’d sometimes read aloud to me putting poetry into song and to my music. Gerard never came to join us during break. He strutted around attracting girls, starting fights and hanging with other boys who were planning on joining the military. Normally these were a pretty rough crowd.

A week before Gerard’s birthday, he and Roz had gotten into a huge argument in his room. Gerard was yelling and screaming like a tyrant and every so often I heard Roz shout. I listened in through the bathroom wall but I only caught garbled pieces of the argument. It ended when Roz walked huffishly from his room and Gerard slammed the door behind her. A day before Gerard birthday and the two of them hadn’t spoke since then.

It was break period and Roz was sitting quietly beside me looking at the ground instead of a book. There was a shout and both of us lifted our heads to see Gerard starting a fight with another boy in his gang. Suddenly Roz stood up, swooped down gathering some mud on her fingertips and rushed towards Gerard. Before Gerard had time to raise his fist and hit the other boy Roz had him on the ground.

I felt sorry for Gerard then. Roz was the best fighter of the three of us. Aunt Imogene had seen to it that Roz could always win against us in a fight. But the thing was, Roz had never actually fought one of us before, so Gerard had no idea what he was up against. Sure we would practice against one another and such but she had never truly shown us what she could do.

Their fight would be school legend for years to come. At first Gerard was knocked off guard and it took him a moment to come to terms with what was happening. He laid flat on his back on the ground, eyes wide open and staring at the graying sky. Upon seeing it was Roz accosting him he resisted, eventually he got mad and started fighting back. Suddenly Roz swiped her mud covered fingers across her face and the look on Gerard’s face changed. I raced forward in hopes to stop them.  Unfortunately, I had no affect on them whatsoever and Roz was throwing darts made of mud at him.

Gerard’s hands started moving and the sidewalk contorted up and came at Roz like a snake. “What the hell is wrong with you?” He shouted angrily.

“Me?” Roz spat bitterly. She rushed forward, slammed her fist through the sidewalk, turning it into water. She struck Gerard upside the face and then kicked him in the gut. “You’re the one who is acting like hell!”

The fight lasted for a long time. The teachers were too afraid to intervene so they called Base who sent someone out to try and pry them apart. Of course it was Leopold.

“You’re not a part of this are you, Jules?” He asked looking over at me.

I shook my head, standing stiffly beside him. “Nuh-no sir.”

Leopold strutted ahead and watched for a few moments while Roz and Gerard continued fighting it out with the use of the school’s sidewalk and part of the library’s brick wall.

Leopold clapped his hands. “Alright! That’s enough you two.” The sky became dark and thunder rumbled in the distance.

“Sa-sir?” I gasped breathlessly as I watched the sky.

Lightening flashed before us. In spite of myself I screamed and watched as the sidewalk slammed to the ground, the brick wall crumbled and Gerard and Roz were blown apart from one another. It started raining then.

“I said stop.” Leopold sighed as he went and gathered Gerard and Roz up. 

I ran after him, “Sa-sir! Sir, what was that?”

He looked over at me. “Naturalist Alchera. Here,” he hefted Gerard towards me then took Roz up in his arms. “Lets go watch them get yelled at by Ma and Pa.” He said with a smug smile. Despite what had just happened and the fact Roz and Gerard had broken his rules, he wasn’t mad. But Arthur and Sara were, terribly so.

Roz and Gerard got a stern talking to by Sara and Arthur, which was a horrible painful experience just to watch. It wasn’t that they got punished or yelled at but I could tell how disappointed Arthur and Sara were. They sent Gerard and Roz on a guilt trip that was worse then any punishment. They of course had to rebuild the school and write formal apologies to the school and Leopold. But then Sara and Arthur had Gerard and Roz sit alone for a long time and talk.

“You’re sixteen today,” Roz said with a sad voice. “And you’re going to drop out of school, take that test and then leave us.”

“I’m not going to leave you,” Gerard huffed. “I’m sixteen and I’m doing what I came here to do.”

Roz‘s fists were clinching tight atop her knees. “You promised me you’d take the test with me so we could support each other. You told me you were afraid to go alone,” she ignored Gerard rolling his eyes. “I don’t want to go alone and I don’t want to have to wait another year for Jules to take the test. Gerard-” she had to stop because she was starting to cry. 

Gerard was trying to hide how this hurt him. He jutted out his chin and tightened his arms across his chest. “Is that why you attacked me?” He snipped.

“I attacked you because you’ve been treating Jules and me like shit!” She cried out, great big tears dribbling down her face. “Ever since we started going to school, you’ve changed! You’re a bully and a brat.“ She hiccupped, wiping at her face with her sleeves. “Your attitude is horrible and you needed to get some sense beat into you.”

Gerard smirked. “So you stooped to my level is what you’re saying?”

“I-” Roz was knocked breathless, looking up at him, bottom lip trembling.

Then something remarkable happened. They both laughed. Gerard reached out and wiped the tears Roz cried. “I’m sorry,” he answered her. “I’ll keep myself in check.”

Roz wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m sorry too. I love you.”

“I love you too.” Gerard said, putting his arms around her. “That’s why I’ll wait till June.”

Roz sniffled. “Thank you.”

June 1st, 1893

The tests for the licensing of military magicians happened only twice a year. Once in the summer and once in the winter. Arthur told us the summer tests were the most popular but because so many people showed up they were exceptionally tough. Especially the licensing exam for alcherists.

First they had to go in and register and prove their form of magic was legit. Roz had her carrying case full of War Paints ready and Gerard had been warming up by teaching Sara more about sign language alchera.

After they registered they were placed inside the arena at the college where a small audience of family members, high ranking military personnel, and Queen Haydee herself were gathered. Sitting with Queen Haydee were Colonel Leopold and General Hood and several other high ranking military magicians, one from each magic category.

Each registrant stood before them and preformed what they considered to be their greatest feat of magic. Queen Haydee and the others would then take notes and the registrant’s number and at the end of the day Queen Haydee would announce who would stay to continue their tryouts the next day.

Meanwhile Gerard and Roz were standing to themselves mainly looking at each other and talking than watching the other contestants. After watching them for a while, a group of three men approached Roz and Gerard. They looked down their noses at them and began laughing.

“Since when did they let babies in?” One laughed, rubbing his chin.

A big man from Firez motioned to Gerard. “What are you kids doing here?” He sneered, grinning.

“We’re here to become licensed alcherists,” Roz replied while Gerard seethed.

The men laughed again. “Alchera? Listen kids, alchera isn’t some fun little play act like witchcraft or wizardry it’s what all magic came from. So you better run along before you have a chance to embarrass yourselves.” The man from Firez taunted.

Gerard glared up at the man and gnashed his teeth. “We’re from a bloodline pal. A direct bloodline from the very issue of the Creation. Who the hell are you to tell us what’s what.” Roz didn’t move to stop Gerard.

“Bloodlines don’t mean shit anymore,” A man with dark hair scoffed. He then motioned to the Firezian. “Look at him, the bastard of a Firezian refugee and a Northern soldier and he’s the best Alcherist I know.” The men continued to laugh haughtily.

There was a loud gong and General Hood announced the next registrant number to come forward and test.

Roz look at her number card, ignoring the men. “Its my turn.” She smiled at Gerard and kissed him on the cheek. “Wish me luck.” Gerard turned off his anger for a moment to smile at her. She picked up her carrying case and moved to the front of the crowd. She lifted her head and studied the familiar faces before she landed on Queen Haydee’s. 

Queen Haydee was perhaps the youngest ruler in Albion’s history. She was also a sweet beauty. She had a gentle round face with alabaster skin. Her eyes were big round bulbs of the earth. Her hair was dark red not exactly black and not exactly brown, but it was slick and shiny and she had it styled up in a bun with curls around the ears and a long tail sprouting from the middle of the bun. Her long elegant neck crooked forward as Roz took the stage. She smiled serenely and nodded.

“Register number 7-5-2-6,” Roz announced loudly. She sat her case down and kneeled before it, picking through her handmade War Paints until she came upon the one she wanted. She pulled the stopper and then started smearing the paint across her face in an elaborate design. She had gotten so good at painting her face she didn’t need a mirror anymore. She then dotted each fingertip and painted the back of her hands and put a dot in the center of each palm. For good measure she tasted the paint and then took a deep breath. Then she kicked off her shoes.

She moved her hands like a swan goes through the water then slapped her palms against the ground. A hush fell over the crowd as Roz poised silently. There was a crack and as Roz stood, her hands remained flat on the earth as it rose to remain attached with her finger tips. A roar of gasps and awestruck voices went around the coliseum. Roz then flipped her hands up, throwing them above her head so that floating before her was a perfect cube of earth.

Roz then extended her arms out on her sides and fell backwards and did a black flip. As she stood on her hands she pushed back some, flipping herself up and unearthing another perfect cube, slightly smaller than the last. On her feet again she waved her hands, making the smaller cube slide under the larger one. She began walking around the cubes, making then spin in opposing directions. Once they were a blur to the eye she began to dance. She ducked and spun, her hands moving in the air. She whisked close to the ground kicking  up dirt and spinning with her hands. She was doing a dance that made her look as if she were underwater. I had never seen Roz look so elegant and refined while also looking so free and so wild. 

Roz then stopped and stood erect in her original standing space. She stood stiff with her hands clasped before her. She thrust her hands into the fast moving blur, in the crowd a woman screamed. The cubes stopped spinning and a fine powder exploded forth. Then there was a deafening crack. People screamed and ducked but I stayed in my seat staring. Roz had never done anything like this before.

The dust cleared and standing where the cubes had been was a beautiful statue of a woman in flowing robe, a hovering halo of roses and laurel and holding a book over her breast with one hand while the other reached out. It was no longer earth either, instead it looked like glass or crystal, clear and glowing with the sun’s light. It’s shine almost mirror.

Queen Haydee stood up and started applauding. “Wonderful!” She cheered, a huge grin spread across her face. “In all my years I have never seen such a perfect performance. Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!” A low roar came to the crowd once again as Roz’s dream began circling her. The large bear stood at her back, raising on it’s hind legs. 

Roz bowed and murmured demurely, “thank you, Your Majesty. I am humbled by your praise.” She stood and waved the statue to perch on the arch over the entrance to the arena. She picked up her case and walked back towards Gerard. She looked towards the three men who had been taunting them, all of them dumbstruck and pale.

“I do hope you were paying close attention.” She said with a gentle bow of her head.

Gerard grinned triumphantly and her put an arm around Roz’s shoulder and kissed her cheek. “That was amazing! Where did you learn that?”

“It was just a small something Gustav taught me a long time ago,” she said of our Master.

“That bear,” The Firezian gasped. “What was that?”

Roz looked at him, not smiling or frowning. “You’re an Alcherist yes? Surely, if you are here, then that means you have had your Dream as well?”

“Dream?” The dark haired man whispered. “You mean you are?”

Roz smiled then. “Since I was thirteen, mister.”

General Hood then announced the next number as I sat in the stands with Sara .Arthur came up behind us, he had my guitar in his hands and he was grinning. “I hope you’re ready son.”

I stared at him, wide eyed. “Buh-beg pardon?”

“You’re up next.” My eyes got even wide as Sara pulled me into an embrace. “Her Majesty’s orders.” When Arthur was able to pull Sara off me he placed my guitar into my hands and then led me out into the arena. I stood there, ill-prepared and horrified. I looked behind me, Roz and Gerard staring at me just as dumbstruck as I had been. I looked up at Queen Haydee who was smiling so warmly down at me.

I swallowed hard. “Your Majesty,” I said. “You will have to excuse me, you see, I am not as prepared as muh-my siblings.” It was the least I had stuttered since father died. I slowly crouched to the ground, sitting and crossing my legs. I began playing my guitar. I connected my magic to Queen Haydee and was able to play the song in her heart. I played with my eyes closed, but I could feel the air changing around me. 

Queen Haydee was absolutely giddy, it was obvious she had been told about us and especially Gerard who was already being referred to as a prodigy, a genius, and unlike anything that had ever been seen before. 

Gerard smiled up at Queen Haydee and bowed, “Your Majesty, upon my command would you mind throwing your glass of water at me?”

Queen Haydee giggled excitedly, “why, of course.” She hurriedly reached out and grabbed the glass, holding it with both hands.

The air around me was chill now and I could feel the frost licking at my cheeks and the tips of my eyelashes. “Now, Your Majesty.”

Queen Haydee picked up her cup and with a flash of her elbow sloshed the water out like a blade. The water froze in midair just as Queen Haydee sat her cup down. Suddenly it spun like a flying disc and flew up into the air. The dust around me began to float and spin in a ring around me. I picked up the tempo of my playing and the dust and water met suddenly and it came straight down to form a dark colored pole. Everyone stood still for a moment, only Queen Haydee leaned forward in anticipation.

I changed the key and the pole pressed down and squashed  into a flat bowl. I began to pick up the tempo, feeling my fingers grow hot, spinning the bowl faster and faster and faster so it was a massive blur. There was a snap as one of the strings on my guitar broke and the blur stopped to reveal a large rose that looked as though it were made of onyx. 

I stood, making sure my  fingers weren’t bleeding before I took the giant rose into my hands. “Another gift,” I said, pushing the rose into the air and floating it towards the queen.

As she held out her arms the gemstone rose into her hands it began glowing bright red. Queen Haydee’s face lit up in excitement. “What a wonderful invention!” She ran her hands around the rose which was about the size of a large school desk. “It’s perfect!” She gasped breathlessly. “I have never seen anything like it. Made from water and dust and yet somehow you transformed it into gemstone! What Colonel Leopold has told me is true.” She beamed down at Jules. “Thank you young man, it was an honor allowing you this moment.” 

I bowed, breathless and wordless and retreated to Roz’s arms. “Jules you were wonderful!” Roz crowed. “You’re shaking!”

“I had no idea they were going to pull me out of the crowd!” I hadn’t done anything but I was gasping for breath. 

“You did fantastic though.” Gerard said. “I don’t know how I’m possibly going to top you two.”

“You always do.” I said.

Gerard grinned from ear to ear. He stretched, popped his knuckles then turned towards the exit. “It’s my turn now.”

Roz took a hold of Gerard’s hand. “All my luck, Gerard.” She then kissed him quickly on the lips. “All of it.”

“Not so much.” Gerard said with a smug grin. I nodded to him and he hesitantly released Roz’s hand and walked out center stage. Roz and I stood as close as we could without crossing the boundary. We could make out each blurry sign Gerard made with his hands. He was moving was quick I was sure he’d snap his wrist. But all of a sudden, Roz’s statue came down from the arch and began to dance before us. I had seen him do such things before with some of our toys, but never something so big before. She moved just as fluidly as Roz had, almost ghosting the dance that had made her. Next, the rose  I had made began to loose it petals. Queen Haydee was near tears as each of the petals floated down and began to circle the dancing statue.

“It’s a miracle.” Roz whispered, her hand clasped over her mouth.

Gerard’s hands stopped and the statue began to immobilize, frozen mid-dance. The petals stopped spinning and were kept where they were in the air. Gerard moved the statue back above the arch and he looked up at Queen Haydee who was crying. “You’re Majesty?”

“Never have I seen anything so beautiful.” The queen sniffed. “Thank you. I doubt I shall ever see such a sight in my life again.”

Gerard bowed then turned and came back towards us. He collapsed into a chair and took a deep breath. “I am exhausted.”

Roz was handing him a  cup of water. “How on earth did you do such a thing!”

“I was only planning on moving your statue.” Gerard gulped down the water then smiled. “I never expected to use Jules’ as well.”

“You actually made the queen cry.” I said, patting him on the back. “How on earth did you control two objects?”

“It’s easy.” Gerard’s smile was proud. “At least when I’m connected to the magic that created those objects.”

“Easy my ass,” Roz hissed, kneeling down beside him. “Even if you worked on the same level as Gustav it’d still be difficult to move two objects, let alone one.”

Gerard looked at Roz and nodded. “I haven’t been able to stand up since I sat down. I may need Arthur to carry me home!” He laughed.

After everyone had tried out and the Queen and her council went to sequester themselves to decide who would return Arthur and another soldier came to retrieve us. “C’mon kids, someone has invited you to dinner.”

“Who?” I asked, helping Gerard to get on his feet.

“Not yet, not yet,” Gerard grunted as he tried to force me away, but he was still too weak to put up a fight. “I want to hear our numbers called.”

The soldier behind Arthur sniffed. “After what you three did you don’t think it was immediate?”

“I’d still like to hear them.” Gerard huffed.

“Captain Lady, help Gerard gain his ground will you?”

I looked up as the Captain came to our aid, hefted his shoulder under Gerard’s arm to help him stand and gain balance. “Excuse muh-me, did you say Lady?” I looked up to Arthur.

“Yes,” Arthur said with a chuckle. “May I introduce Captain Carter Lady. He works under Jon and me as well as being one of the finest wizards in Her Majesty’s service.”

“It’s an honor to meet you three.” Carter said with a nod. I can remember thinking that Carter looked exactly what I had always pictured soldier to look like, broad shoulders, square jaw, and a chest you could deflect grenades with. Back then he kept his hair shaved, and face smooth to the military fashion. Of course, this was before Leopold had become General and made Carter one of his official staff and one of his twelve Chosen Ones.

“Are we going to Leopold’s house?” Roz asked, walking behind with Arthur.

Arthur grinned. “Oh no. Not tonight. Tonight we are going somewhere much nicer.” I looked over my shoulder at Roz who shrugged at me.

Gerard shrugged both Carter and I away and began to hobble on his own. Roz came up beside him and looped her arm with his, to keep him from falling. Carter walked on the other side of her and I could see him making eyes at her. This angered me a little and I cleared my throat loudly causing everyone to look my way.

“You getting a cold, Jules?” Roz asked.

I shook my head, leering at Carter. “No. Just a tickle.”

We then all got into Arthur’s automobile, Carter and Roz sat beside one another while Gerard and I sat in the back facing them. Roz and Carter made small talk while Gerard and Arthur exchanged knowledge on today’s passing event from over the driver seat. I just watched. I watched the houses go by, turning from the Quinto’s famous luxury brick complexes into small brick houses, then into spacious mansions made of white marble, and then into the very heart of Quinto. I was awed, did no one else see us driving through the palace walls and up to the Royal Palace of Albion?

I turned to look at Roz for an answer but she had become deeply engaged in a conversation with Carter. They were talking about his wizardry, her war paints. I then noticed her hand was on his knee. I opened my mouth to say something to them and the automobile stopped and the Royal Guard opened our doors. One took Roz’s hand, easing her out. We all stood before the high gates, nervous, excited, and completely unprepared.

The guards walked us in, guiding us through the tapestry covered walls, passed famous paintings, and gilded armors. We then stood at the top of stairs looking down upon the royal dining hall where a huge feast had been laid out just for us.

“Presenting their honored guest, Gerard Baptiste, Jules Baptiste, and Rozlyn Baptiste.” A guard exclaimed loudly then pounded his staff on the marble floor. As we walked down the stairs the Queen herself stood from the table and came towards us with open arms.

“I am so glad to finally have you here!” She gasped and then to our surprise, hugged each of us. “I have been waiting so long to meet the three of you. Come, come! Let’s chat over supper.” She led us to the table where General Hood, Leopold, and the other judges from the preliminaries were also waiting. “I have the absolute most wonderful news.” Queen Haydee said as she sat down beside Leopold. I sat on her other side, Gerard sat across from her and Roz on his left. 

Gerard cleared his throat, looking up as a maid poured him a large glass of red wine. “This is an honor, your majesty but-”

She laughed. “Please! Ya’ll don’t have to be so formal. I want us to be friends.” I was surprised, the few times we have heard her speak over the radio or in public she had such a strong, regal voice, but here, she sounded like Aunt Imogene with her heavy Western accent. 

“Uhm…Haydee,” Gerard continued, unsure of his words now. “It’s an honor to have us here but I don’t understand why.”

“You three are the most talented magicians I have ever come across.” Queen Haydee replied. “And Jean-Paul tells me your bloodlines extend all the way to the Creation. So, that got me to doing some research.” She held up her empty wine glass and it was filled by a server. “My bloodline goes back as well, but as I found out not as far as yours. I also found out our bloodlines are connected. We share the same blood, us four.” She said with a broad smile. “You three are my family.”

“What?” Gerard blurted.

“Your Majesty-I mean- Haydee, that is impossible!” Roz exclaimed. “What you’re telling us is that-”

“You three are royalty, same as me.” She giggled, taking a drink. “Well, I shouldn’t say the same. You actually have more royal blood than I do. If anything, one of you should be on the throne.”

“Royalty!” Roz whispered, pushing her hair away from her brow. 

“Are you sure?” Gerard asked. “The histories of our family are old. Things can be made up and switched around.”

Queen Haydee nodded. “I had an old friend who is something of an expert on it look into my research to double check it. He said that my findings were solid.” 

“This is remarkable.” Roz was still whispering.

“I have no family left.” Queen Haydee said solemnly. “My mother died giving birth to me, and my father died a few years ago. Both had no siblings. So you can imagine how happy I was to learn I had cousins!” She reached out, taking my hand. “I would so love to be able to call you my family, if I may.”

“It wuh-would be cruel of us to say no, Haydee.” I replied.

She squeezed my hand tight. “I’m so glad to hear you say that. Its good to know that if anything should happen to me I’d have three able heirs.” Her smile was so sincere and comforting I felt myself blush. “Especially alcherists.” She says as she pulls her hand away. “I used to study alchera myself, but as queen I was told not to practice any one form of magic or it might cause a rift. But,” she motioned to Leopold, “with Colonel Leopold’s help I am bringing about the revitalization of alchera. I need talented alcherists to help me.”

“Teaching alchera?” Gerard gasped. “That’s the main reason we’re here! Colonel Logan told us all about your plans for the school.”

“I’m glad.” She replied with a gentle nod.  “Because today you proved to me you are much more than alcherists. You three are true magicians. Sentry to your dying art.”

“Then for my part,” General Hood laughed as he came forward. “You three are officially licensed alcherists of the country of Albion. And with my power I bestow upon you the rank of Sergeant in this army.”

“Rank?” Roz gasped. “You’re giving us rank?”

Leopold laughed. “In order to teach you need it. Besides, if you are as good as you were on the floor today then we are going to need those powers at our disposal.”

October 3rd, 1894

I remember the day starting off light-heartedly enough. We were all sitting in the kitchen grilling Roz on her first date with Captain Bradley, who by this point had only been Captain for a week. Arthur would normally never allow such a date to have occurred considering Captain Bradley was twenty-five, somewhat older than Roz. But whatever his reason was, he allowed it. Apparently the date had gone well because Captain Bradley had called early that morning to thank both Arthur and Roz for the wonderful evening.

“Why should I tell you anything?” Roz scoffed as she helped Sara serve breakfast.

“C’mon, we’re just curious. What did you two do last night?” Gerard kept drilling and drilling this same question.

“We wined we dined,” Roz shot Gerard a warning look. “It was a normal date.”

I couldn’t help myself, “With an older man.” This sent Gerard shrieking with laughter.

Roz lashed out, trailing sink water with her hand and had it bullet us in the face. She turned back to the sink where Sara arched her eyebrow at her. “Well what would you have me do?” Roz sighed and wiped her hands on her apron.

Sara lifted her hands and started signing. Roz blushed and sighed, “just once. At the door.”

Sara continued signing.

“Of course I do,” Roz replied hastily. “I really, really do.” She beamed.

Gerard huffed, “of course you two had to make it sound all mushy.” He turned and started lacing up his boots.

All I knew was that a lot of the enlisted were going to be extremely jealous that Captain Bradley got his dibs on her first. Then again, Roz had always had her eyes on him from the first time we met him at the train station.

Roz rushed off from the kitchen to go change into her uniform and Gerard and I got on our boots and got our raincoats from the hall closet. The day was supposed to turn into a hellacious thunderstorm.

I looked over at Gerard. “What do you think?” 

“Hmm?” He didn‘t look up from shining the toe of his boot. 

“Of Roz and Benjamin,” I replied. “What do you think of it?”

Gerard hummed then shrugged. “I want Roz to be happy and this guy obviously makes her happy. But because we’re in the military and we’re General Leopold’s hunting dogs we aren’t here a lot. I have a feeling that their relationship won’t go much farther.”

I nodded solemnly. I hated it for Roz. I had dated some during school and there were a couple of college students who had taken me out to drinks and such. But I had never truly had a girlfriend for very long. Gerard was about as bad a playboy as Major Lady. The two of them hit the town a lot. It helped Gerard that he looked like he was twenty-five and was built with a statuesque physique. Gerard had several at home girlfriends, but none serious.

“Ready,” Roz huffed as she dashed down the stairs. She grabbed her raincoat from me and dashed out the door. 

The sky was gray and it was misting. Roz already had her hood up and she was picking out places where there would be puddles after it rained.

“You think you can handle a serious relationship?” Gerard asked suddenly and Roz stopped skipping.

“Excuse me?” Roz scoffed. “Are you giving me relationship advice?”

“You know what I’m saying Roz.” 

Roz shrugged. “I like the fantasy of it. But I know its impossible with our situation and all. Don’t you worry about me, Gerard.”

Gerard slipped his arm around Roz‘s shoulder. “Can’t help it. You’re my sister and I have to worry.”

Ever since their massive fight at school Roz and Gerard had been even more close than before. I sometimes felt as if I were being left out.

By the time we reached base it started raining. Normally when it rained the atmosphere at base would change, but we noticed something strange. Something wasn’t right.

“I wonder what’s going on?” Roz inquired as we made our way towards Leopold’s office. When we got there we knew something was definitely wrong. His door was wide open which was sign enough. We heard Leopold talking low and then we saw Queen Haydee pace across the floor. She turned and caught our eyes. She had her hair down and was wearing her military uniform.

“Get in here!” Leopold boomed.

We gathered into his office and saw his pinched brow and his fingers rapping against the folder laying open in front of him.

“Sir?” I asked first.

“Kirk Greenway,” Leopold snarled under his breath.

Roz’s face changed suddenly and she got so pale I thought she would pass out. But she stiffened and slammed her palms flat on Leopold’s desk. “What did you just say?” Roz spat. “That man is dead. You said so yourself!”

Leopold’s voice was low and grave, “Roz.”

“Please tell me it isn’t true,” Roz’s eyes must have been a sign of the heavy rain to come.

“Roz, it’s going to be alright,” Queen Haydee gently laid her hands on Roz‘s shoulders and pulled her back. “He won’t get to you again.”

The man they were speaking of, this Kirk Greenway, was Roz’s biological father. By far he was the worst monster in all our lives. Most kids had the fictional boogieman to plague their nights. But the three of us, unfortunately, had a real living breathing one.  From stories we heard he had used Roz as a sort of experiment for his beloved Forbidden Alchera. He had also supposedly killed Roz’s mother and many others who were unfortunate enough to come upon his home of Ludlow Castle. It was horrible enough that it was listed in history books as the Ludlow Incident. Over fifty bodies were identified while there were at least dozens more found in bit’s a pieces that had yet to be identified laid in unmarked graves. Greenway was also supposedly killed but that, apparently, was a cover-up.

“Where is he now?” Gerard asked, sounding as if he had been socked in the gut.

Leopold looked down at the folder and Gerard lashed out like a snake and snatched it from under Leopold’s elbows. He held it up and his eyes darted back and forth in his feverish reading.

It all came back to our conversation this morning and Gerard saying, “can’t help it. You’re my sister and I have to worry.” There was something special about Roz, something worth protecting and dying over. But back when we were kids we didn’t know what it was and that it was all three of us who possessed this something. 

Gerard lowered the folder, “my God…” he whispered and he reached out and grabbed Roz’s hand. She looked up at him confused, was he holding her hand to comfort her, or, was he holding it to comfort himself? In any case she squeezed his hand back. Gerard’s face was bleached white and a few beads of perspiration were forming along his hairline. 

Roz shook her head. “Gerard?”

He lifted his head and I saw his jaw quiver. “He’s here,” he spoke as if he were about to vomit, “isn’t he?”

Leopold’s eyes raised sullenly and from behind his hands bracing his chin he spoke darkly, “we….we have reasons to believe he’ll be here.”

“But where is he now?” Gerard barked, gripping even tighter onto Roz’s hand.

“Outside,” Queen Haydee replied and she put her hand on my shoulder and squeezed. “Somewhere outside Quinto for sure. Possibly to the south near Arcana.” 

“Is there anyone there?” Gerard asked fervidly. “Have you stationed anyone at the border there?”

“No,” Leopold answered bluntly.

Gerard nearly screamed, “but why?”

“It’d be useless. I’m not sending young men to their deaths. They wouldn’t stand a chance against Greenway. Understand Gerard? Go there if you must but I want you to stay here so I know you are all alive.” Leopold sounded angry but he didn’t shout nor raise his voice. It was a dark voice he used, a voice that scared me more than Gerard’s barking.

“Gerard,” Roz mewed softly, “Gerard he’s right, there’s no point in going down there.” She took the folder from his hand and winced as she read. “Besides, we’re what he’s after. If we go we’re just selling our souls.”

“Then what the hell are we supposed to do then?” Gerard’s jaw continued to quiver. “Just sit here and wait for Greenway to slaughter everyone?”

Leopold sighed, “everyone has been informed and is on full alert and heavily armed.”

“Then what about Queen Haydee?” I asked. “She shouldn’t be here, she should be going somewhere like South Base.”

“I’m not leaving,” Queen Haydee shook her head. “I’m head over all the armies in Albion. I’ve been trained for this,” she said with a smile. “And should anything happen, you three can-”

“No!” Gerard snapped. “I don’t want to be king and you shouldn’t be so willing to throw your life away.”

Queen Haydee hummed, “just trust me, Gerard.”

Suddenly the rain made sense. The dense, dark skies and the mist that seemed to hover just at eyelevel. I shuddered, feeling the cold seeping out through the glass of the window. Today was meant to be rainy. It was always supposed to be this way. The rain would make things both easier and harder. We’d notice someone just walking through a massive downpour then again we wouldn’t notice him until a moment before too late. What a day for rain, what a day for a storm.

As we walked down the crowded hallways we noticed that we received more stares than normal. We were used to the new recruits and Privates staring at us. We were legendary. But now even the higher ranks turned to pay us attention. Everyone knew it was our fault they had to carry around their guns and they had a very high chance of not going home today. 

I looked across the hall to see Captain Bradley standing talking seriously with Carter. He wasn’t looking at us but he was looking at Roz. Roz broke from Gerard and I and went over to him. Bradley took Roz aside and gave her a quick hug. Carter had an odd look on his face, he looked distraught, like he wanted to pull Roz into his arms as well.

“Roz,” Bradley breathed. “Are you okay?”

Roz forced herself to nod, “I am. Thank you for being so worried about me.”

Captain Bradley forced himself to smile. “I guess lunch is out of the question then?” His smile then vanished and he took Roz’s hand in his. He bowed  to whisper something to her. Roz kissed his cheek and returned to us. She didn’t say anything and she reclaimed Gerard’s hand in hers as we went to find Arthur in his office.

Carter waved to Bradley. “I’ll see you later.” He walked beside me, just a pace or two behind Roz. “No stutter today?” He asked me.

I shook my head. “Not yet, sir.”

He smiled and nodded at Roz. “Her?”

I shrugged. “Maybe. We’ll need to keep our eyes on her, alright?” 

He nodded again and tapped the gun in his holster. “Never had to use this damn thing yet.” He said, his eyes glowing, a sign of his wizardry. 

“There you kids are,” Arthur jumped up from his desk as we came to his door. He pulled us in, shutting it behind Carter. “Did you see Jon?” He studied our faces and knew the answer before he even asked the question. He inhaled and put his hands on Gerard’s and my shoulders. “It’ll all be okay. I promise you that.” He then put his arm around Roz and kissed the top of her head. “How about a cup of hot coffee?” He nodded to Carter who opened the door. “Lead the way, Major.”

Arthur took us all to the cafeteria where we received lingering stares as people cut their eyes away from us and whispered to the person standing next to them. Arthur’s stoic face gave off a warning to everyone to straighten up. “Don’t you worry about them.” He grumbled to us.

We got coffee and sat down at a long picnic table closest to the kitchen. No one normally sat there because of the heat from the ovens and lights over the warming trays.

“I didn’t realize becoming a social pariah was so instantaneous,” Gerard snarled over his ignored cup of coffee.

“Its me,” Roz replied back with a weak murmur. “They know who I am and they don’t know how to handle it.”

Carter placed a gentle hand on Roz’s shoulder. “That’s not true at all, Roz.” He said with a shake of his head.

“Then why is everyone looking at us like we have the plague or grew a horn from our heads?” Roz snapped at him. “Greenway is my fault!”

Arthur’s eyes went soft. “Roz, you are not your father’s daughter. He isn’t your responsibility. He was ours.”

“Was?” I asked.

Arthur sighed and looked down at the table. “Black ops.” He whispered as he put his coffee to his lips.

Roz looked up with wide eyes. “Black Ops?” She, along with Gerard and I, began combing the room with our eyes. Black Ops was an elite group of assassins and specially trained magicians who were so powerful and so elusive they had all sorts of myths attached to them. The only thing was that no one knew who exactly was in the Black Ops. They were placed about in the regular military like lackadaisical schmos who, when activated, wouldn’t be suspected in the least.

I then looked at Carter who shook his head, but smile smugly. “Dunno what you’re talking about. Black Ops aren’t real. They’re a myth.”

“Giant horses with horns and wings are myths,” Gerard sniffed. “Black Ops are real legends.”

“Arthur?” Roz asked looked back to him. “Are you…?”

It had never struck us before that perhaps anyone we knew was in the Black Ops. We had always played games guessing who was and wasn’t in the elite group of mercenaries, but we had never given it serious thought. Now it became so suddenly real and we had to question it. 

Roz then followed my eyes to Carter. “You are aren’t you?” She whispered.

Carter rolled his eyes. “Maybe.”

Arthur grimaced in an embarrassed way and scoffed. “I used to be. Now I just act as a sort of shadow leader.” He rubbed the bridge of his nose.

“That sounds even cooler.” Gerard, who always dreamed of one day being asked to join the Black Ops, laughed at the thought.

“Sir,” a man we hadn’t seen suddenly rushed up behind Arthur and clamped his hand down upon his shoulder. “There’s been a breech.”

Arthur stood and our eyes followed him waiting for some sort of reply. “Where?”

The man pointed. “Front.”

Carter was on his feet, his eyes glowing bright white and the tips of his finger sparking.

Arthur tensed up and looked down at us. “Take these three.” He said to Carter and the other man. “Get them to area twelve and don’t leave them alone for a second.”

“Arthur-” Roz managed to choke out before the westward facing wall of the cafeteria was sucked into itself as if through a black hole. 

We all turned to stare in awe and horror. A handful of soldiers had been sucked up with the wall and we all knew they’d never be seen again. Blood spewed forth from the vortex, sending guts and ground bones with it. Roz screamed, latching onto her own face. But what was most shocking was that the three of us knew that the black hole was created using a form of alchera that had been banned centuries ago. A forgotten art that should of stayed that way.