The two men glanced at each other as they ate. Thalen spoke first, clearing his throat.
“Something like that. She did us a favor a while back. Just paying our dues.” His eyes landed on Val first then Astraia, as he proceeded to eat more of his meal.
Val hummed, obviously unconvinced but smart enough to not probe further.
“I know a thing or two about owing debts to Delphi. I definitely wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.” Astraia shifted as she sat on her bedroll, finishing her food. She drank heartily from herwater canteen before making eye contact with Thalen first, then Vastor.
Both simply nodded in return. Astraia welcomed the lack of questioning from two strangers. The least they knew about her, the better.
“Well, not that yer stories aren’t riveting, but an old man needs rest before we finish up the job tomorrow. Traia, you be taking the first watch, eh?” Val did not wait for a rebuttal from her. He just took a swig from his own canteen and lay back on his mat, covering himself with his cloak.
“Sure, Val. I live for it,” Astraia replied with as much sarcasm as she could muster.
Thalen smirked toward her, the most emotion he had shown the entire journey, and lay down across the fire from her, Vastor following suit on her right.
Astraia let out a sigh and cast her eyes skyward. The dark expanse glared back, void of any light save the sliver of the crescent moon. She wondered, as she stared, what the expanse looked like before the Shattering. When thousands of bright stars painted the celestial sphere, casting their glow on all of Astradeon. The twelve Constellations, in their glory, provided peace, prosperity, and order to magic across the empyrean and the world below. Now, just a whisper of a memory. The Constellations no longer offered protection. No longer answered prayers. No longer offered their Starborne solace.
Astraia’s sight clouded, tears brimming her eyes. If only the constellations had not deserted Astradeon. If they had not deserted her, he would still be here. She wiped the single tear that managed to escape her eyes and roll down her face.
The Stars be damned.
Chapter 4
For it was decided by Balance, to maintain order and equality, that the Constellations would choose among the realm and the living beings therein, bonded and stewards. Bonded to wield the blessing. Stewards to serve and command the blessing.
The Empyrean Scrolls: Remnants of the Holy Text
HE HAD APPEARED IN MOST of her dreams lately. Likely a result of her more frequent trips to the slums and reviving old memories.
Once again, she and Elion were on the grassy knoll overlooking the Aetherdeep Sea. They both lay in the grass, lungs full of salty air. There were seagulls overhead, riding the sea breeze. The city of Tenebris was visible in the distance, teeming with life. But here, on this little patch of dirt, all was peaceful and quiet.
Astraia took a deep breath in and sighed loudly.
“What’s wrong?” Elion probed. His arms were crossed under his head, and his eyes remained closed. He was wearing a simple tunic and pants, an outfit a mother would loathe, which was precisely why he chose it.
“I don’t want to go back,” Astraia murmured, worry shadowing her face.
“I know,” he replied, regret in his voice. “You know…” A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he rolled onto his side and propped his head on his hand, eyeing Astraia. “We could just leave. No one even knows we’re here. We could get on those horses and head for the Hydraneas River right now. I happen to know a tradesman with a boat who owes me a favor.” His smile widened, eyes dancing with excitement.
“Elion…” Astraia groaned. She sat up, wrapping her arms around her legs, and put her head down on her knees. “You know I can’t.”
“Why? What have they ever done for you except make your life hell?” Elion demanded as he sat up. She could feel his stare like daggers piercing her skin but refused to look at him.
“I can’t just leave. It’s what I was born to do.” Her voice rose defensively.
He had never understood the pressure she faced, not fully. She whipped her head to the side and returned his stare with an icy one of her own until those green eyes met hers. Her anger dissipated, and she lost all resolve.
“Will you go with me?” she asked softly.
Elion paused, sighing in frustration and shaking his head. With a huff, he stood up and extended a hand to Astraia.
“I suppose,” he said with a smirk.
The image blurred.
The dream shifted.
Astraia stood before her father. His cold blue eyes were alight with anger and taking on a life of their own. His hair was disheveled, likely due to lack of sleep again. Whatever project it was that had been occupying his nights was taking a toll on his stamina, that much was clear.
