“Ulreah is very gifted when it comes to influencing the weather. He can create lightning storms so intense that they could flatten a mountain.”
“So, you all have powers?”
“Many of us do, each are different. Ulreah controls the storms, the electrical currents in the air, and can be quite the weapon. He is also as stubborn as a mule, although that is not really a power, just an observation. Thallax has an affinity for persuading people to do certain things. He is incredibly charismatic. It makes him a fantastic leader for our armies. He is able to rally the weariest of soldiers, embolden the terrified. My power, as a Lord, is of Xanthia. It is of life and of our world.”
“So what can you do?” Alianna asked.
Rionan levelled a look at her. “I can do what I want.”
“Somebody likes getting their way, I see,” she retorted, no malice behind the statement.
“Of course I like getting my way. It makes my life a lot easier,” Rionan smiled broadly, squeezing her hand. “I speak truthfully, though – my powers are much less specific than Ulreah’s or Thallax’s, and can be adapted to suit most needs. I can affect the elements, the ground beneath our feet, the minds of others, whether it feels hot, or feels cold - ”
“You can affect people’s minds?” Alianna asked nervously.
“Should I choose to, then yes,” Rionan looked at her earnestly, his brow furrowing. “I have told you, Ali, that I have never used my powers against you. You need not be worried by me or my actions towards you. In fact, thus far, I believe I have mostly used these powers to obtain lodgings,clothing, and food. Oh – and the mobile phone.”
Alianna cringed inwardly. He must have sensed her brief concern about the way he could have potentially used his powers, their bond giving her away in whichever form that manifested for him.
“I’m sorry. I’m still processing all of this.”
“I know,” he nodded, stroking a thumb over the back of her hand. “Come – we can discuss more later. Where on this floor is this exhibit?”
***************
Alianna led them down a series of corridors as they explored the Origins exhibit. They passed many old sets of clothing, deeds and title papers, old tools and statues. There was a small, dull round circle, with a sign next to it saying that this was the ‘First Ironmark Given To The Porthan Locals’. Rionan looked on hopefully at this, but sensed nothing out of the ordinary about it.
Alianna found a piece of parchment, which appeared to contain details of travellers arriving in Porthan some 1500 years ago. The faded letters were hard to make out, but a sign near the display read the following:
On this day in Porthan, during the year 525.
The Strangers have come to Porthan, but they do not mean us any harm. They bring with them artwork, textiles, and music unlike which we have ever heard. They have gifted us with spices for our cooking, seeds for our farms, and are comprised of some of the most beautiful folk I have ever laid eyes on.
Though their arrival had been a worry for the community, I feel that their presence brings nothing but prosperity and opportunity for our people.
Let word travel far and wide of our new alliance. In forging new allies, we sow the seeds of a strong future, and in years to come, we shall reap the benefits of our faith.
A.D.
“Look at this,” she called, beckoning to Rionan, who was otherwise bent down, examining a small wooden carving of what appeared to be a horse.
“What is it?” he asked, standing up and moving towards her. He peered over Alianna’s shoulder at the letter, which was cased in glass.
“I don’t know. A letter that talks of strangers arriving in 525. Any ideas on the year, or who A.D. is?”
Rionan read the letter three times before cocking his head and scowling. “No. Although it does sound like it could be relevant. ‘The most beautiful folk I have ever laid eyes upon’ – can you attest to that feeling, given that you were the one who found me on the shore?”
“Enough of that,” Alianna giggled, playfully hitting him in the arm. She turned to hide her blush, recalling that that was actually her train of thought when she saw his face for the first time. “Let’s keep looking.”
The pair of them combed the exhibit for the next two hours, reading every single sign, piece of exhibit information, and looking at every artefact they could find. Rionan grew more and more frustrated as time went on. The hope that had been shining in his eyes when they began their search had now faded into a weariness that made Alianna want to wrap her arms around him and tell him everything would be alright. They’d find what they needed, one way or another.
But would they do it in time?
Offering him such false promises would be pointless. They sat on a bench, staring ahead at some artwork which showed Porthan before the cafes, the nightclubs, and the roads were built. Horses pulled carts along wide open roads. The beach was set back in the distance. Alianna could picture where thehotels now stood. Where The Rinniel sat in all its splendour, and where Rionan stood on his balcony, looking out to the sea in the evenings.
“I am sorry that we haven’t found anything. I really thought we would,” Alianna offered, turning to face Rionan. “Are you alright?”
“No,” he responded mutely, “I am not sure that I am. I do not know how long I have left before I must return to Xanthia. Should I not return at all, I alone will be responsible for the destruction of the realm. But if I return empty-handed…it would be very difficult to turn the tides of the war, which may still be raging on in my absence.”
