Syra Bella Vitalis watched as a pair of Wyverns flew overhead, The young girl leaned on the conical roof of Helidura Castle. Syra was wearing an obsidian hand-carved mask with a silver lining that covered her entire face. over her head was a black cowl that shimmered with a hint of dark purple. Syra's clothing underneath was her dirty black sparring gear from sword lessons earlier that morning. This very capable Princess had been up here since completing her morning exercises. However, that doesn't mean she hasn't been busy.

While pondering her future she looked down over the cliff-top city beyond the walls of the fortress that lined the cliffside. Smiling faintly,  she took notice as birds flew from various places in the lower metropolis. A tiny Sparrow Named Strider landed on Syra's shoulder, chirping away. She gave her new guest a treat before it took to flight once again.

Syra felt utterly overwhelmed today. Everyone was busy preparing for her sixteenth Birthday. This was her royal coronation ceremony and her public debut. This weekend she takes power and the world will know who she is. However, she felt like the Kingdom of Helidura pushed this responsibility onto her. She thought her best friend Gretchen was a much better fit. After all, she is the former king's daughter, the one that righteous old-man Gerald usurped. Thinking about the people counting on her and the responsibilities she would need to take on after this weekend made her head hurt. Being a symbol of power and unity for mages sure created a lot of enemies. Gretchin wouldn't have had half of the problems Syra had. Gretchen's political connections and the fact she's just a typical healing mage would make it much easier to deal with the pressures placed upon Helidura by the two superpowers of Kia. After all, Gretchen's power set was easily hidden. Between the Astari Empire And the Ambient Church, Syra Had her work cut out for her.

Syra looks to the west, Noticing flocks of birds cross the great canyon towards helidura. as the birds flutter into the city images of lands she's never visited flood her head and the problems she must face become more clear.

Across the Nelio Sea sits The Divided continent of Kari,  The Astari Empire was the biggest government on Kia and Kari Is their Homeland. the Empire itself was on a warpath with kingdoms all over the continent of Afus blaming them for cultivating mages in Kari, This witch hunt crusade against the open casting of magic was founded on nonsense. There is a long history of empirical ideology stating: The Use of Magical power to augment items or heal others was acceptable. on the other hand, to use any prohibited powers outwardly and openly makes you a witch or heretic. Within the imperial borders, the open use of magic has become a death sentence. The emperor has Slowly fallen ill. Blinded by a quest for glory the crown prince has twisted the laws set by his father to justify a crusade at home and overseas in the "unclaimed continent of Afus". Helidura is a kingdom that controls almost a third of Afus.

Syra glanced to the east towards seagulls crossing the mountains on a journey back from the Ambient sea.

 on the continent of Kezia sat the other major superpower of Planet Kia, The Astari Church. The Church cared nothing for Politics or the execution of mages, unlike the rampaging Empire. No, they sacked Mages and exploited them along with the planet's resources. it didn't matter who you were the church would just take you for possessing magic. Settlements could govern themselves and nations could be born in these lands but all mages were taken by the church. no one really knows the church's true goals on Kia. What we know is when they steal someone you go to one of two places,  If you are Powerful or just lucky they will force mages to join the Arcanium.  there you can study what it is to be a mage and you can leave when they want to use you for your powers. the other option is to live on the penial colonies of Crucible and mine ores while fighting off wyverns, drakes and, other dragon subspecies. let's not forget a few random creatures of volcanic nature lurk there as well. You don't really want to end up in either place, but the church is better than death at the hands of the empire.

Birds flying in from the north and south bring images of fallen kingdoms and people in chains.

Syra sighs before talking to herself "Two Big Enemies that will never accept the kind of queen I'm about to become. People will die because I exist that can not be avoided. I need to figure out how to save as many of my people as I can in the days to come. I can't draw any attention to myself as a sorceress! not yet anyway. there really is nobody else that can do this. I've gotta unite these people."

Syra tried to stop thinking of the work ahead of her when her mind drifted. It was not like she was putting anything off, It's that her heart told her she needed to focus on her brother. 

She deeply missed both of her brothers. As much as she wished she could find Joryn. The one that was on her mind now was Nym. As her thoughts passed to Nym, She suddenly sensed a powerful presence she hadn't felt since she was three years old. Filled with excitement and something else, Syra sensed a slight tingle on her scalp.

Syra's beautiful dark red hair started to rise like she was gaining a static charge. Next, it was almost as if two water buckets, both cold and hot, were being dumped simultaneously on her body. Quickly, an overload of sensation encompassed Syra's entire existence. Down to the molecular level, Syra was teeming with power. The surge tore through Syra intensely and vigorously following both her nervous system and her Chakras. The ever-growing force was too much and the changes were too intense. She knew she couldn't handle this strength, so she decided to force a portion of it out of herself.

Her hands were trembling as she extended and locked her fingers firmly as if holding a ball. Slowly she pushed her energy into a central point in the air between her hands.

an Omni-colored mist sparked as it seeped out of her hands. The sparks drew the mist closer as if forming lightning-like threads of silk composed of individual types of energies by affinity and color

Sections of this Omni-thread swirled and intertwined like yarn. As the dense magical energy from Syra focused on a central point, it collided violently and repeatedly until it began to tangle and become one. Now the process sped up. Strands of the mysterious powers started to spin into the orb as it grew in size. I Appreciate the gift nym, I can't thank you enough, but I don't need more power I need a way to Control the power I already have, I need a way to unite all mages, really I wish I had a friend who truly understands me and is there when I need them most. Syra continued to pour this Shared power into the sphere Distracted by thoughts The Orb reached the size of a basketball. As the Energies Collided during Syria's distraction the humming and buzzing of power started to sound like a sad song. Noticing the tiles of the roof lifting off into the air, along with the darkening of the skies Syra began to tense up.in the next moments, it was as if she was targeted from across the heavens, purple and neon blue lightning began striking her orb! Green and yellow lightning came forth from the earth itself to join the bombardment.

Syra knows her barriers will not hold much longer someone might get hurt and the ball is getting too big! the orb had reached the size of a basketball. The poor girl starts to panic when she hears a young boy's voice in her head, it's her brother  "It'll be ok Syra, compress it! I Will share some of my knowledge with you!" Images of geometry and physics fill Syra's mind. Knowledge of Science and random cartoons followed by comic books also entered her thoughts."Sorry bout that sister, i was trying to think of the best solution, push that orb into a smaller size that'll use up a lot of the power i gave you if there's anything left make yourself something cool. i cant keep the bond up, I love you" And with that Nym's Massive Presence diminished to a faint nothing.

Syra returns focus to the task at hand. She cuts the flow of power to the orb and uses her mind to allow the rest to form items that cross her mind, The Young Sorceress placed the ball between her knees and forced the beachball into the size of a baseball. The Orb began to spin but it stayed in place so Syra focused on the other items she had begun creating.

The young monarch quickly decided to make herself a ring and a dagger with the excess energy. With nothing else coming to mind and a little power left, Syra forms a softball-sized orb and puts a little of her own clear energy over the ball to make it look prettier. she decided to give the smaller spinning Orb the same overcoat however it came out with a much more intricate pattern to the glossy shell.

Having suppressed the gift she just received and learned a new trick, Syra was delighted. she looked to the skies and smiled as she spoke. "Thank you, Nym. Happy Birthday to you too; I'll have the best present for you when I see you."  

A shadow passed over Syra's face, and quickly her smile turned to a heavy sigh. The incoming guest reminded her of her life's current dilemmas. did anyone see that?

"Speaking of Messes," Syra avoided eye contact with her approaching guest as she muttered under her breath. The tiles around Syra started to fall back into place and the skies cleared up.

Not now Martha, Not Now!!

Syra sighed as her friend Martha landed on the rooftop below her.

Purlllrrruuu purllru!!! 

"Hey, I had nothing to do with that. You know I can't control the kitchen yet. I'm truly sorry about Jimmy. Can we get back to the bigger picture? Besides, I know a handsome dove you'd really like to meet. Help me with the issue at hand first," Syra bargained with a very distraught pigeon that was shrouded with charcoal and looked like a complete mess.

"Prrrurluuuu," the pigeon cooed in an extremely inquisitive tone.

"You know I didn't eat him. I don't eat the animals who pledge loyalty to me. At this rate, I'll be a vegetarian."

Purrrlou purrrluu 

"Once I'm queen, we can address your request to 'chop the cook's head off, stick bread crumbs inside his back end, and place him over a fire.' Though personally, I think that's a bit much."

Purrrrrrlru 

Syra's face changed to a firm expression as she gazed at the unsightly pigeon. "Your orders now are to rally the flock leaders to my garden I'm going to need you all for something when I take power."

Prluuu prrrrrlu

Ruffled feathers and all Martha took a military stance and saluted Syra before relaxing back into a messy state of being.

The unquestionably emotional pigeon flew away as a young blackbird swooped up from below the edge of the roof, landing on Syra's knee. The cute little bird took a deep breath.

Chirp-chirp chirpittychirpchirp chirp!!!

"Slow down, Little Guy. It's easier if you just show me. May I borrow your eyes?" 

Chirp CHIRP

Syra held her hand out, touching the forehead of the little bird. "Best to do it this way since your so tiny, don't want to overdo it. Alright, let's go see what Gerald wants." probably mad about the thing I did with the skies. Syra Sighs

Zzt

A small static shock jumps across to the bird. In the back of Syra's mind, a new link is formed. She now shared all of the bird's senses and could choose how much to pay attention to his thoughts. 

Syra leaped down to the lower section of the roof with a bit of finesse, heading towards the sounds of soldiers running drills. The bird took off in the opposite direction and barrel-rolled down the outside of the tower. Syra smirked, having felt the adrenaline rush of the little bird trying to show off for her. I shall name you comet. Syra minimized her connection to the little Blackbird.

Gretchen noticed an inconspicuous blackbird that fluttered just outside of a window of the palace. She thought it was odd but paid it no mind. The twenty-year-old Lady-in-Waiting was wearing an emerald royal style gown dulled down and suited for her appointment. 

Footsteps could be heard pacing back and forth in the throne room. In fact, it seemed everywhere in the palace was in a hectic state. Servants and even guards frantically prepared for the three nights of festivities that would begin shortly. From the throne room, Lord Gerald became impatient.

"Syra!!! Syra!! Where did that girl get off to? Gretchen, go find Syra. The banquet will begin at sunset. Make sure she's ready!" 

Gretchen stopped her chores and replied, "Yes, my lord," and quickly scurried out as Gerald went back to stroking his beard deep in thought. 

Gretchen pushes past a few Diplomats on her way to the service corridor. hearing the sounds of mock combat Gretchen figures Syra would be near so she rushes to the training yard.

Outside in the palace grounds, soldiers were doing drills as more servants were setting up for the guests' arrival. Gretchen rushed out of a service door into the yard where the soldiers were training. She ran up to a young Officer, Captain Charlie Miles. She whispered in his ear. "have you seen her? have you seen the terror of helidura castle?"

"That's easy enough." Charlie laughs "Our Queen is on the roof of the tower watching people gather into the city. Unless she decides to come down, not much anyone can d-" Captain Miles replied before being interrupted by Gretchen.

"Captain Miles, how are you so calm? She needs to be rea-." Just then, a flash of light and a brief gust of wind stopped Gretchen in her tracks. She smiled and turned slowly at first, then rapidly. Quickly she snatched Syra floating behind her by the ear and dragged her inside. "Sorry to bother you, Captain Miles," Gretchen smiled at him as the door closed. 

Syra was screaming at her the whole time, "I'm not a kid anymore Gretchen. I will turn you into… into, into..." the whole time pouting like a ten-year-old 

"Into what? Anything you turn me into is better than this. Besides, who will help you get ready for your big coronation weekend, your highness? I can’t braid your hair if I am a goat, now can I?". 

Syra smiled, "Monkeys can braid hair. I'll turn you into a monkey, hehehe." She began sticking out her tongue toward her friend like a child.

Gretchen replied while she got the young lady dressed and cleaned up, "Well, hurry up and do it. I might be able to get a date tonight at the very least." The girls continued to joke as they prepared for the night. 

"Gretchen I don't think Charlie likes monkey girls" Syra puts in one more joke before Gretchen dunks her head underwater.

"a smart Queen knows not to make enemies that bath her regularly" Gretchen grins as Syra's bubbles surface. I really hope Syra is taking this seriously! Gretchen can't help but to wonder if Syra is ready.

…Meanwhile in Furka Village Located in Helidura Pass...

Chief Drekle gathers his gifts for Syra and climbs into his carriage. Soldiers Wearing The two leaf sprout sigil of helidura form a convoy around the village elder. just as the group starts to move another diplomat runs out and climbs into the carriage with the chief.

Young men are always so careless we should've been at the castle hours ago! Francis Drekle glares at Richard Miles as he climbs in and sits across from him.

Richard Miles "I cant wait to see my brother and my dad. Returning from the Arcanium was no small feat." the young man was as carefree as he could possibly be.

"You didn't do anything special. Gerald pulled strings to secure your spot as the Arcanium's liaison to Helidura. as a ploy to keep the church off our backs and get his son home." Drekle really wanted to knock this kid down a peg.

"have you ever met the queen?" Richard leans forward as he asks

"I know you were taken when you were young, however, you should already know. only the palace staff know her true identity until tomorrow night. if I met her she was likely one of the servant girls and was quickly dismissed from my attention." Drekle was tired of this ride already.

the carriages stop and a guard pokes his head in."My lord, it there is an imperial roadblock ahead."

Drekle stands up with haste and exits the carriage as fast as he can, despite his speed the young diplomat made it out first and said "this is not good" Richard was beside himself with disbelief.

Drekle looks west towards Daifa woods and sees a large military camp being constructed along Helidura's northern pass." you three take this man back to the village and take the southern pass to helidura tell any of our soldiers you see along the way to inform the troops to be alert and return to the castle."  Drekle proceeds by shoving Richard Miles into the carriage before watching it turn around and take off.

Drekle Gets on his horse and signals the rest of his soldiers to follow him up the mountain pass. this commotion alerted Imperial Drake riders who began to chase

the small group of armed horsemen galloped through the woods and over hills, rushing towards a narrow pass that led to the top of a small mountain. 

"We must get to the Beacon and signal the army." Drekle cries out. The dust behind them got thicker and nearer as a significant force approached on their trail. Three of the five men stopped their horses and signaled the others to move ahead towards the mouth of the pass, hoping to use the narrow incline to slow the pursuers. 

"We're gonna fuck’n die," one rider cried out to the other. 

"Of course, we are, but not before that beacon is lit." Drekle tried to keep his spirits raised

Just then, a volley of crossbow bolts sunk into them both from ahead. As the first rider fell off his horse, he looked back to find that the others were already dead.

The soldiers chasing them circled around their commander, who let a hawk into the air with a letter attached to its foot. 

Drekle looked up at the Enemy Commander and recognized him "Dante?" several more bolts sank into Drekle. as he turned his head and exhaled his final breath. he saw one of his soldiers making his way up the pass unnoticed. Drekle Died with a smirk.

"We still have not heard back from our scouts. It has been three days since we heard a word of anything from the northern villages. However, I am sure everything is fine. No beacons have been lit." Captain Miles worriedly explained as Lord Regent Gerald Miles stroked his beard and made his reply. 

"Son, that's what concerns me. No beacons, no alarms, no last-minute travelers. I don’t want to alarm the citizens. It would be best for them to be inside the palace walls if the city came under siege. I want you to start preparing for the worst while putting on a good face for our guests." Gerald dismisses his son and turns towards the doors." Guards, summon the assembly." Gerald turns towards the Blackbird in the rafters. "yes it's time for you to come here too, Syra."

Before Syra Enters The rest of the assembly piles in, lords and ladies of different titles come into the room. this makes up the acting government of Heldiura.

The doors to the royal corridor opened, and Syra rushed into the throne room hastily with Gretchen trailing behind trying to catch her breath, Gerald looks at Syra judgingly.

"So About the weather Syra" Gerald's tone is firm. The old wizard leans forward as he watches the young queen's face.

Slight muttering can be heard amongst the nobles.

"isn't it lovely out so many clouds, one almost wouldn't notice if I blocked out the sun?" Syra Smiled guiltily 

Charlie Miles smirks at Syra's remark. Gretchen elbows Charlie.

"we will discuss the weather later luckily that's the least of our concerns. We may need your power sooner than expected my queen. your coronation couldn't come any sooner. but before we get into that. I want to remind those present the reasons why we chose you to lead us and of what great power you possess." Gerald raises his hand to stop Syra from speaking. As her mentor, he could tell she was getting impatient.

"Many of you know Syra Came to us 16 years ago. many might not know how she came to be in my care. Syra was the baby who fell from the skies, before she could feel our breeze on her skin men wanted her dead. Those were very troubling times with a very troublesome king. Since her arrival, we have fought a long civil war that came to an end 6 years ago, and we have come extremely far establishing a new kingdom without much interference. so let us visually reflect on her arrival. because tomorrow night, The Magus Council will finally reveal our queen."

"Let me ask all of you to stand back as I'm about to show you the world as it was 16 years ago. I have taken my memories along with the memories of everyone present that day, combining them to make this projection."

Gerald cleared his throat and looked into Syra's eyes with an intensely solemn expression. Everyone in the room was paying close attention to what the lord of the castle was about to say.

"Syra, no one in the world would believe that a single mage let alone a newborn child created that devastation sixteen years ago. luckily this is our best-kept secret. Overseas mages have declared us a safe haven which laid the blame on our kingdom as the civil unrest grows in the empire. In a world that executes or enslaves all who show the faintest magic potential if they don't submit to the empire or join the Arcanium, a girl as powerful as you shakes the very foundation of their mission. Our Kingdom has become the last stronghold for free Sorcery in a desperate ploy to keep you hidden. We men and women of Helidura have banded together, killed our current king, and launched a campaign against magical oppression to gain supporters. all to keep you safe until you were old enough to fight your own battle.  The time for that has come, just as our actions have finally caught up to us."

Syra nodded her head and impatiently opened her mouth to speak but was quickly cut off as Gerald smiled at her and continued.

 "To prove your power that particular storm you manifested caused the complete erasure of 7,000 kingdom soldiers, along with fracturing mount helidura into what we now call Syra's Mesa-"

THWAP

Syra slammed her hands down onto the marble floor. She quickly interrupted Gerald with a guilty tone, exhaustively trying to justify her actions as an infant.

"I remember, I remember, the king wanted me dead. The soldiers came looking for the witch responsible for such devastation. I could feel their hate. I could see what they planned if the soldiers found the one responsible. I couldn’t control the ship. I couldn’t save the people that came with me, nor could I chose what I crashed into. I had no intention of killing those men. I also didn't have any plans to lead a world of oppressed magical people to form a coalition aimed at toppling their oppressors. The storm was for my safety. I didn't hurt anyone free of hate. Besides, I put their souls to good use. Someone needed them badly, very badly. Also,I never asked you to rally an army on my behalf or to become your messiah. However, I accept this reality and the duties that have been thrust upon me.I will unite Kia and I will change the way people are treated here. Most importantly as your queen, my first order of business shall be that you find a better name for that poor mountain I broke."

Everyone in the room was shocked save Gerald. All of them had seen this girl being raised. They knew she’s more mature than other sixteen-year-olds when she wanted to be, but none of them expected her to recollect things from that age. How she had spoken everything was obviously more controlled and collected than her usual, carefree, tomboy self.

Syra had complete control of the storm. Gerald’s suspicions were now confirmed. He stroked his beard before taking back the room. "You'll want to come up with a better first command than that. Good thing you have 1 day before you can be crowned as the acting ruler of a land. Plenty of time to pick a good one." Gerald said sarcastically before continuing." I need to know something. What do you mean by you gave their souls to someone who needed them?"

Syra looked around the room with a concerned expression. Then suddenly, everyone's ears filled up with white noise. Like static on the radio, only Gerald could hear what she said next.

Gerald's hand signaled to the guards next to him to turn around to hide her lips. Everyone else was behind her.

"My brother, I could feel him. He needed it! He wasn’t as lucky as me...or maybe he was luckier than me. In any case, he needed it to survive."
 
Gerald’s pipe dropped out of his mouth. "Wait, what? You have a brother? You know this for certain? Is he's gifted like you?"

Syra smiled, "I have two brothers. One is like me, but I can’t feel that one. Nym, however, I can feel him. Sometimes better than others. If I'm lucky, I can hear him humming music."

Gerald sighed, "So this Nym doesn’t have powers like you? Only the brother you lost?"

"Oh, Nym? He's stronger than I. He was touched by the scary thing in the star," Syra nervously replied.

Gerald looked confused, "I don’t think I can comprehend anything you are saying to me right now. So, I'm going to ask you to do another mind link later. I will reward you with sharing more of my memories and training with you. After you share a few choice memories with me. Free these people of your mute spell and speak none of this to anyone. I assume your brother is not in this world, or we would have heard something by now. A sorcerer of your caliber stands out. Someone far stronger than you would be noticed the second a cleric or mage set eyes on him. Until we have more information, NOT ONE person in this world is to know of your bloodline. We will shelf this matter for now."

Gerald stood and gestured Syra to his side. Handing her the gown she was to wear for tonight's ball. Then cleared his throat judgingly, "Ahem," he then nodded towards the people in the room.

"Oh, right," Syra raised one arm out in front of her. She closed her hand, returning the sound to everyone's ears.

"Fuuuuck! Warn me next time," Sir Edward shouted out across the hall upon the return of his hearing.

A majority of the people just laughed it off. They were used to his outbursts.

Sir Edward was a very outspoken political man. He was a paladin for the Ambient Church. He retired not long before he arrived in the city. Sir Edward was very rugged and covered in battle scars. In fact, this man was the only surviving soldier from the crater incident. Though he was not a Knight under the banner of the kingdom at that point. He had rushed in when the second wave of troops arrived and knew firsthand all the devastation of Syra's Tempest Spell. He was the only man of arms in that storm who genuinely worried about the peasants and farmers, which was why he survived.
 
Despite his grizzly appearance and steely attitude, Syra knew his heart best of all the soldiers stationed here. He was kind of her favorite old man to bug. If one were to ask, she wouldn’t tell that she really liked to go over there because his wife was a famous baker and candy maker. 

Gerald signaled Sir Edward forward and whispered in his ear. Sir Edward hastily saluted Gerald and scurried out the door calling a few of the officers into the war room.

Everyone took note of this but brushed it off as last-minute preparations. The doors to the high palace and access to the cliff-top city would open in less than an hour.

Those present in the hall were all the upper echelons of the Mages Alliance or palace staff. They were all prepared for the political arrangements and the opportunity to strengthen the alliance with the foreign guests attending this event.

The topics in the room were all boring stuff and before party jitters. Everyone wanted their party to be the best. However, these people couldn't afford to let anything distract from the festivities after all they were in honor of the queen that will one day unite the world of Kia.

In the lower city's jam-packed cobblestone streets, citizens of Helidura and refugees from all over eagerly awaited the opening of the gates leading to the cliffside castle and the upper town of Helidura.  Comet darts through hanging banners and shop stalls as the little blackbird searches the city as if looking for someone. the acrobatic little bird decides to take a break next to two guards talking.

"The festival has been going on all week man, I'm really tired." the first guard leans against a city dividing wall.

"Look Trev i get you are tired, However, the banquet tonight kicks off the real reason everyone has gathered. couple that with the fact tomorrow is the Coronation, we need to be ready for anything!" the second guard was an obvious combat vet however he was more relaxed than the blackbird expected. 

The younger guard Trev sighs, " i get it Tanir, a lot of nations do not want Syra to make it to her speech the day after her coronation. Spies are everyhere. Until tonight at the ball, no one outside the palace to knows her face. I don't get why the banquet has to be a masquerade, the unveiling of Syras's face will conclude the night yes. but this makes our jobs so much harder, the whole damn city is invited! how am i supposed to protect a girl I've never seen before and to do so short staffed and with little sleep?"

Before the next one spoke Comet left the bricks he perched on above the guards, heading for a commotion across the wall in helidura's Market. 

In the Market place, several men argued about the price of swords at a blacksmith's stand. As the argument got heated, the men suddenly stopped to look at one of their favorite merchants as he approached the empty stall next to them. This is when Comet Decides to land on a Lantern post and watch the show. after all these big men looked scared of someone so small Approaching slowly yet out of nowhere. 

The merchant suddenly had everyone on their best behavior, which was impressive for a little boy around eight years old. Jacob was wearing rags stained in dirt and charcoal as he led a young silver Drake, as small as a sheepdog, with emerald eyes as it pulled his cute little wheel barrel-sized cart. 

"Gentlemen, you know the prices of steel have gone up; besides, these blades are hand-forged, not cast from molds. You can't compare these prices with the foreign blades sold across the way. Most of those will break in a long battle," Jacob scolded in a stern voice to the older men. 

He cleared his throat and put on his cute salesman voice, "Now, if you want to enchant those blades after you buy them, I'm glad to help. Or maybe you'd like me to bless an enchantment you may already have." 

The men quickly dispersed, knowing the child merchant was correct. Besides, they could not afford his services either. Few people could afford the price of Jacob's enchantments. 

At that time, a beautiful white-haired middle-aged woman walked over, carrying a plate of baked goods and candies. Comet who had been watching jacob intently snapped out of his daze when he smelled the candies.

Jacob smiled brightly. "Jenna, I just finished your work order. It's in my cart. Just lay that stone back in your oven and wear this necklace. You'll be able to control your temperatures better, and the spell will prevent burning now. It was hard to figure out the dynamics of the last enchantments; however, I fixed them. I want a little bit more time to finish the trinket your husband ordered." 

"Thank you, Jacob, Except we need the trinket for Syra's gifting tomorrow night." Jenna looked somewhat stressed yet maintained a smile. Having seen the bird she realised she needed to watch what she said.

comet picked up on it right away. he knew exactly what she was thinking and gave a very deep birdy sigh. he was new at this and his cover was blown. 

"I can have it done now if I had a mana stone. My mana needs time to replenish after enchanting the city walls this morning. I don't know what is going on, but I appreciate the payment I received. It was worth setting up my shop this late. I have two tonics left. Maybe, I can work on it tonight. I wanted to go meet Syra, though. I even buy my first outfit."

"Tell me where you live, and I will get you a mana stone." Jenna had been trying to figure that out for a while. Everyone knew Jacob was homeless, but even the guards he talked to every day had no clue where he lived.

"ok, ok, you win; I'll shut down the shop and come over to work on it if I can use your husband's training room again. Wouldn't it be easier to get the stone to me there?" Jacob eagerly wanted to dodge that question. after a pause the boy sighed deeply.

Jenna frowned, "Ok, well, I have some things to do down here today. hmmm, take this token to the guard's lift. They will let you bypass the main gate. However, I need you to buy another outfit to wear while you work up there. It's not like before lots of people are in the upper city. We don't want them to assume we are keeping a slave." She looked at Jacobs rags and thought about burning them at the first opportunity.

Comet decides to follow Jacob, having noticed his stalker the small boy signals comet to land. Jenna heads deeper into the market as the three little ones drag their cart towards the upper city gates and the Guards entrance. as if on queue a magical display fell around them as they neared the gates.  

The bells in the towers chimed beautiful harmonies. Horns and trumpets sounded just after; as the melody filled the air, so did beautiful light shows that danced through the city, kicking off Syra's birthday festivities for the public. 

Gerald went to the balcony overlooking the market. He tapped his staff like a microphone as it made a corresponding sound throughout the city. 

"FRIENDS, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR GATHERING HERE TODAY......." Gerald began his speech.