According to Piers' explanation, the energy from the crystal table must resonate with the user and actual ability wasnt the main criteria. If they are compatible, the user can use the table. If not, at most they can sense its energy. In addition, the resonating energy shifts. At one point, Piers could resonate with the crystal. Then he couldnt.
Tori didnt ask why, as Piers didnt seem to want to explain. There was a chance he didnt know how to.
However, their conversation did leave her thinking that the crystal table itself was very magical. She always thought of crystals as an energy source, like a battery, or sothing that created a reaction, but the more she learned about it, the more magic and science seed to intertwine. It was interesting, and thinking about it both ways had their respective advantages.
She planned to discuss this with her masters when she returned to the delta.
Is it necessary to redo it? her brothers voice asked from where he sat across from her. She lifted her head and looked across the carriage. Kasen was sitting back with his legs crossed and a folder on his lap. Tori lowered her arm and the jingling bells attached to her wrist sounded.
I didnt finish the blessing dance. I should finish it.
Ilyana pouted beside her. Tori knew she wanted to complain, but at the sa ti held back because she knew it was for the sake of the children. I hope Hart isnt there today.
Even if she is, were not there for her. Were there for the orphanage, Tori said.
Her carriage turned into the dirt road leading to the abbey. Tori watched the fields and patches of trees pass before they reached the old stone abbey. It turned into the small drive leading to it and stopped before the main doors. The footman opened the door for them, and Kasen stepped out first before standing to the side and offering his hand to Tori and Ilyana as they climbed down.
Thats where the school is, Tori said, pointing down the path to the incomplete wall around the courtyard surrounding a building. The last wall wasnt complete.
Why were they in such a hurry? Ilyana frowned as she stepped down beside her. The students didnt need to start for another few weeks after the opening.
They set a target date and realized they werent going to make it, so they cut corners to try to finish faster, Tori said, still looking towards the school yard. Of course, that was only one of the reasons.
Kasen walked up the steps ahead of them and knocked on the heavy wooden door. It didnt take long for the smaller door built into it to open and a nun appeared.
Good morning, Sister, Kasen said with a smile. I am here with my sister and her friend to speak to the Abbess.
The nun opened her mouth to ask for more information, but her eyes were imdiately attracted to the blue clothing peeking beneath Toris puffy coat. Her eyes widened and she gasped.
Countess Guevera!
Tori turned towards her and smiled. Good morning, Sister. Im sorry for coming unannounced. I wanted to finish the blessing dance. She said the last sentence so as not to alarm the nun.
No, you are always welcod here, my lady! One mont! The nun huffed and closed the door. They heard a series of iron locks being unlocked and then a heavy creak as one of the large doors opened. Welco, all of you! Please co in! I will take you to the Abbess!
A few nuns rushed to greet them, and Tori, her brother, and Ilyana were led through the old halls. The abbey itself predated the most recent outer walls of the city. The main decorations were tapestries depicting the acts of the goddess along with paintings of the abbey itself.
The Abbess office wasnt far from the main entrance, and she smiled from ear to ear when they reached her.
My lady. The Abbess bowed her head.
Abbess, I apologize for the unexpected visit, Tori said as she bent down to accept a blessing.
You are always welcod to this abbey, my lady, the Abbess said in a gentle voice before moving on to bless Ilyana and Kasen. Please, have a seat. She motioned for them to take the two seats in front of her.
Tori stepped forward and took one of the seats. Kasen motioned for Ilyana to take the other and she sat down.
Abbess, I ca this morning in hopes of easing any worry the children may have after they saw collapse from crystal fatigue, Tori explained. It was very chaotic that day and they saw suddenly fall and pass out. I am worried that there is so lingering trauma.
The Abbess nodded her head and lowered her eyes. Yes, many children asked about you, my lady. A few cried, thinking it was sothing serious. The young ones dont know what crystal fatigue is, so we told them you were simply tired.
That is essentially what crystal fatigue is a response to, Tori said. Is it all right to pay the children a visit?
Of course, my lady. As it is early, breakfast is still being served in the great hall.
Then, can I also finish the blessing dance there? Tori asked as she leaned forward. Her head piece jingled, and the Abbess face lit up.
It would be our honor for you to complete the blessing dance, my lady!
So as not to miss breakfast, when most of the abbey and the children were in one place, they left the office imdiately and the Abbess led them to the great hall. On the way there, Tori shrugged off her coat and gave it to Kasen to hold. Her bright blue robes and jingling silver bells on her wrists and ankles drew attention from everyone as she passed.
Tori kept a bright smile on her face and waved as a few children saw her and looked at her with wide, starstruck eyes. When they reached the great hall, there was a small train of children and a few nuns following them. Kasen and Ilyana followed the front of the hall, but stood to the side as the Abbess called for everyones attention.
Tori stood beside her, and her eyes scanned the crowd. Most of the children she could see appeared fine, though the mood was mixed. She didnt bla them. She saw so of the children Piers reported to her had injuries. The little boy who had his leg amputated was still at a Central Imperial Hospital.
Tori planned to pay him a visit later.
Countess Guevera has co today to finish the blessing dance as it was an unfortunate event last week that was nearly a tragedy, the Abbess said as the children quieted down. Afterwards, Countess Guevera will walk around to visit and answer any questions.
Tori nodded and smiled. She thought that chatting with them could distract them. It would also give her further insight into what she could do for the children. The Abbess stepped to the side and Tori stepped forward.
Rather than picking up where she left off, she started from the very beginning.
There was a flurry of blue cloth, the echo of her foot against the floor, and the jingle of the bells as she danced in the small space at the front of the hall. Tori didnt pay attention to how long it took, only let her body move. It wasnt until sweat trickled down the side of her head that she drew her arms in and completed the dance.
She heard the applause, but remained in the final position to steady her breathing before shifting into a stand and giving a small bow to the Abbess.
It was longer than you said it would be, Ilyana said as she raised a small piece of cloth to pat the sweat off of Toris head.
The longer and more complex the dance, the stronger the blessing, Tori said with a lopsided smile. She took the cloth from Ilyana to finish patting her sweat off. This was the longest and most complex version of Saphiras blessing dance she, or rather Victorias body, knew.
My lady. The sa nun who had helped Tori before waited beside them with a hopeful smile. The children are eager to greet you.
Tori smiled wide. And I am eager to greet them. Ilyana took the cloth back and Tori followed the nun to greet the children.
She spent a good two hours going from table to table, sitting with children and answering their questions, giving them reassurances, and telling them about herself. She often pointed back to Ilyana and Kasen. Eventually, children began to approach them curiously.
My lady, the Abbess approached Tori as she finished putting her headdress on a boys head to see how heavy it was. The imperial engineers are at the schoolhouse. They wanted to know if youd like to see the columns you created.
Tori furrowed her brows. The dirt columns I used to hold up the roof and walls? They havent co down yet? She was sure theyd only hold for a few minutes. An hour at most.
The Abbess shook her head. They are still standing.
Curious, Tori nodded. She took the headdress back and bid the children good-bye, promising to visit again, and followed the Abbess out to the schoolhouse with Kasen and Ilyana. Ilyana sucked in a sharp breath when she saw the caved-in roof and Kasen frowned.
Tori stopped a safe distance away from the schoolhouse and furrowed her brows. They havent fallen further since last week?
No, my lady, a voice said behind her. She turned her head and saw an elderly man rushing forward with a younger man behind him. Tori recognized them as imperial engineers. The earth you pushed up was with terracrystal is still in place.
Is it safe to go inside? Kasen asked. The old man nodded. Her brother glanced at her to see if she wanted to go inside, and Tori nodded. He looked back at the old man. Take us in.
The old engineer nodded and brought them into the room that had the bulk of the damage. Tori hadnt seen the inside of the rooms after she used the terracrystal. She had relied on what she could sense through the crystal to place the controlled earth. She walked to the nearest pillar, which was awkwardly shaped, but arched across the ceiling to carry the weight of the fallen roof.
Tori put her hand on the dirt and frowned. Why is it so hard?
Its incredibly compacted, my lady, the man beside the old engineer told her. Was this part of your plan?
There was no plan. I just wanted to keep the roof from falling on the children, Tori said as she ran her hand against the rough, but dense dirt. She lifted her head and followed the thick column that then stretched over and t with another on the other side of the room to form an arch. She knew she needed sothing strong to keep the roof up, so she thought of encasing the existing beams to make them support the walls and ceiling and hardening the dirt.
Its like a rock, Ilyana said behind her as she poked at the column. No wonder it hasnt co down yet.
Its very sturdy. How long can this structure last? Kasen asked.
Were unsure, my lord.
The entire structure should still co down and be rebuilt, Tori said.
I agree, my lady, the old engineer nodded. We suspect more parts of the structure were built improperly.
Ilyana sighed. Those poor children.
They mustve been looking forward to this, Kasen said. Schools in the central corridor only take children from registered households in their respective territory. Orphans must rely on the orphanage.
Tori frowned. I wont let that happen in the delta.
Her brother lifted his hand and placed it atop her head. I know.
They walked out of the schoolhouse as the old engineer discussed Tori assisting with demolition. They didnt make it a few steps out when Tori stopped. Ilyana nearly ran into her back. She craned her head forward to look past Tori and Tori heard Ilyana hiss in a low voice.
Hart.
In the courtyard, Alessa stood nervously with Tom as Tori ca out of the schoolhouse. The corner of Toris eye twitched.
Good morning, Baroness. Mr. Fields. She gave them both a curt nod and Tom moved a bit to help shield Alessa. Tori rolled her eyes. No need to be so protective, Mr. Fields. By the way, hows your hand?
His face reddened, and he swallowed hard. Countess Guevera, I have been punished for my cri and I am regretful.
Tori stared at him in cold silence until he dropped his eyes.
Tori, we still have another visit to do, Kasen said as he leaned forward. Tori nodded.
She looked back at the old engineer and smiled. I will be in touch about demolition. If anything is salvageable, let know and I will try to work around it.
Thank you, my lady.
Wait! Alessa called out as Tori passed her. What do you an demolition?
Baroness Hart, the structure is unsafe. It needs to be rebuilt, the old engineer told her. Alessa paled.
But...but its the school for the children!
The Abbess said that for the ti being, they will continue their classes in the great hall. I was told that the Guthrys will pay to rebuild a classroom next year, once the demolition is complete, Tori said without looking back. In the anti, Baroness Hart, getting supplies and instructors ready should be your top priority.
Ilyana glared at Alessa as they passed and walked around the outside of the courtyard to the front of the abbey. A nun was standing there with a little girl.
Ah! Countess! The nun rushed down the steps. I was told that you are planning to visit Robert at the hospital.
Yes, Sister, were going there now, Tori said. Was there anything to send him?
The nun looked hopeful as she turned and looked back up the steps at the little girl. Fiona is his sister. Would it be possible for you to bring her to see her brother? Tori looked over her shoulder and saw the brown-haired little girl with a pale complexion and puffy eyes.
We can. What ti does she have to be back? Tori asked.
By sunset, if possible.
All right, Tori said. Is there anything we need to know about Fiona? Food she cant eat? Does she need help going to the bathroom? Any sensitivities we should be aware of?
No, Fiona is very well-behaved, though can be loud, the nun assured her. It is just that she has been unable to sleep and cries often, asking for her brother.
Big brothers are important to their little sisters, Kasen said behind Tori. Well have Fiona back by sunset, Sister.
The nun bowed her head gratefully and then ran up the stairs to carry the child down. She told her that theyd bring her to see her brother. The little girl looked at Kasen and turned her head away, shy. She then looked at Tori and reached out. Tori smiled and extended her arms to pick her up. She was light in her arms.
They climbed into the carriage and Tori put Fiona on the bench between her and Ilyana.
Introductions are in order, Tori said. Hello, I am Tori, and I am sixteen years old. I like to dance and use crystals. Whats your na?
The little girls pale fist was holding on to Toris robes, as if afraid to let go. She looked around at the three people in the carriage and quietly answered .
My na is Fiona. Im...Im four. She lifted up her hand and pushed down her thumb to show four fingers. I like drawing.
Oh, an artist, Kasen said with a gentle smile. I also like drawing.
Fiona stared at Kasen and then looked at Tori with questioning eyes. He is Kasen, my big brother.
Fiona gasped and nodded, as if she understood sothing aningful. I have a big brother, too. He is seven. She counted seven fingers and held them up.
Oh, Fiona can count! Thats great! Tori bead. Youre smart, like Ilyana. She motioned to Ilyana on Fionas other side. Ilyana is my best friend and is the best student at our school. Shes very smart.
Fiona seed impressed by this. Nice to et you. Youre pretty.
Ilyanas smile grew even larger. Its nice to et you, too, Fiona. I also think youre pretty. Tell us, what do you like to draw?
They successfully distracted the little girl until they got to the hospital, which was nearly an hour-long ride. They learned that she could write her na and her brothers na, liked to draw animals, and her favorite animal was a chicken because chickens were delicious. Kasen took out his notebook and sketched out a life-like rooster.
Highly impressed, Fiona abandoned Tori and Ilyanas bench to sit next to Kasen to be taught how to draw a life-like chicken.
When they reached the hospital, Fiona asked Kasen to carry her and the notebook so she could show her brother her chickens.
Robert was in a private room on the ground floor of the sprawling hospital and was staring out the window when they arrived. Like his sister, he had brown hair and blue eyes, was thin and pale, but looked even more exhausted.
Robi! Fiona cried out and tried to wiggle free of Kasens grasp. He bent down to place her on the ground, and she stumbled out his arms. Robi! Look at my chicken!
She scrambled for his bed, but Kasen stopped her. Hold on, Fiona. Your brother isnt feeling well, and you cant climb on his bed. It could accidentally hurt him.
Oh.... Fiona frowned, but looked determined. I want to show him my chicken.
Fiona, what are you doing here? Robert turned his head. He looked so tired laying there and Tori looked down at his leg. There was a clear drop just below his knee in the sheet, where his leg had been amputated. His other leg was in a brace of sorts.
Robert, right? Tori asked as she walked in through the doorway. Her bells still jingled a bit and his eyes widened.
Youre the Countess, he said in a scratchy voice.
Yes. Im Countess Tori de Guevera and this is my brother, Lord Kasen de Guevera, and my best friend, Ilyana Agafonova. We went to the abbey to finish the blessing dance today and were coming to visit you. Your sister wanted to co, so we brought her, Tori said as she moved to his bed side. Her eyes crinkled up. How much does it hurt?
The painkillers they had in Soleil werent as exact or as concentrated as her original world and there wasnt an injection available to numb an area. From what she was told, Robert had passed out from pain before they amputated his leg and sleep crystals were used to keep him asleep during the procedure.
Robert lowered his head and looked towards his amputated leg. His eyes watered. It hurts.
Isnt there any dicine they can give him to help with the pain managent? Ilyana asked.
Since hes still a child, its common for hospitals to be reluctant to give him too much dicine, Kasen said. He put Fiona on a chair near the bed and took the notebook from her hand. He tore out a piece of paper. I can make a charm. I just need a- He was cut off by a small black crystal Tori held in front of him. She looked up with expectant eyes and he sighed. Velar?
Velar.
Kasen chuckled. Your master spoils you.
Everyone spoils . Im loved. Tori shrugged and her brother took the black crystal from her. He walked to a small table to write. Kasey, include tissue, skin, and bone accelerated healing.
Her brother nodded and took a mont to consider how to write the charm.
What is he doing? Robert asked curiously.
My brother is a charms master. He is making you a charm to help ease the pain and quicken your healing, Tori told him.
Roberts eyes widened. Can my leg grow back?
The three older people in the room all froze. Ilyana lowered her eyes and Tori slowly shook her head. No, it cant grow your leg back. It can only heal the skin and muscle and bone that remains.
The childs eyes dimd at once and he slumped back. I didnt think it could.
When your leg is healed, it can be fitted for a prosthetic - a wooden leg and foot, Ilyana said with so hope. My fathers secretary was a soldier and lost his leg. He now walks with a wooden leg and foot. Its very cleverly done.
Fiona clapped her hands. Robi, youll be able to walk! She had been sad in the carriage a few tis when she told them that the nuns told her that her brother lost his leg and couldnt walk any more. I knew the nuns were lying!
The nuns werent lying, Robert said with a tired sigh. I cant walk. Maybe in the future. He looked at Ilyana. Is a wooden leg expensive?
Yes, Kasen said as he walked back with a finished charm. However, you dont have to worry about that right now. He stood beside the bed and held up the charm. He looked at his sister. The velar is strong.
I know, the charm will last a lot longer.
Kasen looked at Robert and explained the charm to him in as simple terms as he could. Robert nodded and when Kasen asked if he wanted to try it, Robert agreed. He held his breath as Kasen lifted the sheet and placed the charm just above the knee of his amputated leg.
The room was quiet, and Tori watched Roberts little face carefully. His muscles eased and the tight brow relaxed. She let out a relieved breath.
How does it feel? she asked.
A little itchy. Its annoying, but it doesnt really hurt anymore, Robert said. He looked at Kasen with wondrous eyes. How did you do that?
Kasen chuckled. Its a charm. I can show you if youre interested.
First, show him my chicken! Fiona, who was still holding the notebook with her drawing, was starting to get impatient that no one was paying attention to her drawing. The group laughed and Kasen moved the chair closer so Fiona could show her brother.
She bragged to her brother about how good Kasens chicken drawing was and that he had taught her.
Lord Kasen is very good with children, Ilyana said as she stood to the side and watched the man draw a tiger while telling the children a story of how his brother fought one. A warm smile appeared on her face as her cheeks flushed.
Tori nodded. Both my brothers are great with children. Theyre very patient with them. A lot of it is listening.
Ilyana nodded. Do you think Robert would be interested in tabletop gaming? It may give him sothing to do while hes recovering.
I brought so solo gas in the bag for him. The nuns said he could read. Ill ask once theyve had their fill of Kasey.
The children did not let her brother go and rather than be impatient, Tori was amused. It wasnt until Kasen went to get them lunch that Tori had a chance to introduce Robert to the gas and he was excited to play them.
When youre better, well take you to our ga store, Duel, Tori said.
Its very popular, Ilyana added. There are many gas and snacks.
Snacks? Fiona, who was being watched by Kasen to make sure she was eating her al, looked up. Can I co?
Youre too young, Robert said with a roll of his eyes. You cant read.
I can read! Fionas little face reddened. I can read my na, your na, chicken, cat, dog....
But you cant read full sentences!
I can learn!
Yes, you can learn, Kasen said as he lifted a napkin to wipe her slobbery mouth. Tori, do you have anything at Duel for little children?
Of course. We have coloring books-
Coloring books? Fionas eyes were shining. Ive seen that! I want to go!
All right, Kasen said. Next ti we visit your brother, well stop by for you to get a coloring book.
Robert and Fiona looked surprised, but it quickly faded from Roberts face. My lord, how much will it cost?
No cost. Ill give it to her. Tori wouldnt bring up the gas if she didnt plan on giving you so, Kasen replied as Tori nodded in agreent.
Robert looked uncomfortable. But...you dont have to. This isnt your fault. You dont have to be so nice.
Toris face softened and she looked at Ilyana and her brother. She had a feeling that perhaps Robert was let down by an adult before.
Robert, Kasen said carefully as he t his eyes. If this makes you uncomfortable, we wont force it, but my sister and I do want to help you. At the very least give you sothing to help you have fun. We have the ans of doing sothing, so we want to, but we wont force you.
Robert was quiet and looked down. Many people co to the orphanage and are very nice to us, but they leave, and we dont see them again. Fiona.... He looked at his sister and it was clear he was hesitant to let her get attached only to be disappointed.
Kasen seed to understand and nodded. I do have to leave, as I dont live or work in Horizon. I work all over the empire, so Im not ho often, but that doesnt an I cant co to visit.
My brother visits often, Tori said. He wont disappear.
I am the son of a march and I keep my word. I will visit when I can and even if I cant, I can call the orphanage or write a letter, Kasen told them. Is it all right to be nice to you?
Robert drew his lips inward. He looked at his little sister once more and then slowly nodded. Its fine.
Kasen smiled. Wonderful. Then, tell , what do you want?
Um...can I get a ga play guide? I can read it while Im here and when I go to Duel, Ill be prepared, Robert said, looking at both Tori and Kasen. Tori nodded.
Of course, Tori said. Ill drop it off tomorrow since Ill be in the city.
What about you, Fiona? Kasen asked the little girl who was clinging to him after the ntion of the coloring book. What do you want?
Fiona looked at Kasen with admiration on her face. Her cheeks reddened and she looked away, shy.
Oh? Is she embarrassed? Ilyana giggled.
Its all right, Fiona, Robert assured his sister. Tell Lord Kasen what you want.
Fiona peeked up. I want...a dad.
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