Chapter 1

 

High atop the waterfall’s edge, Codan looked to the horizon. They’re coming. The rising sun carried no warmth as it peered over the mountains.

Mist drifted up from the roaring drop below, hazing his view of Woodbourne. The stillness of the village did nothing to ease his restless mind. “What would you do, Father?” he whispered into the cooling breeze.

Codan grabbed a fallen branch, swinging it as a weapon. His father had taught him how to handle a sword away from his mother’s fearful gaze, but using one now seemed impossible.

He jumped from stone to stone in the river, reliving his father’s training. Overstepping, his foot slid sideways as he crashed face-first into the icy river. His muscles constricted and his breath lodged in his throat.

He slapped the water hard before rolling onto the bank. “What’s the point?” he muttered.

Rustling in the undergrowth cut through his static-filled thoughts, calling him to his feet.

“Knew I’d find you here,” Katherine said. Emerging from the bushes, her messy auburn hair masking her delicate face. “You should try being less predictable. Not a secret hideout if everyone knows about it.” Her eyes swept over his wet clothes. “Been swimming?”

He dropped to the ground with a shrug. She sat beside him, tucking her dress under herself as her emerald eyes twinkled.

Katherine gently nudged her shoulder against Codan. “Shouldn’t you be sweeping out someone’s outhouse?”

Codan rolled his eyes and sighed. “Twenty-one years and life’s still just chores. I can’t face another one today.”

Katherine chuckled. “Well, you’ll have to face Kassandra for not helping. You really shouldn’t aggravate the village elders.”

He chuckled. “Kassandra’s a gentle soul. She forgives everyone.”

Katherine turned to the technicolor sky. “Beautiful, isn’t it? Makes you wonder what else is out there.” Her distant gaze was thoughtful, but her smile, as ever, remained.

“Yes, but what if something goes wrong today?” Codan said. “They could ruin everything. Again.”

Katherine leaned further into him. “So it’s the Moderatus’ visit you’re worried about.”

He grunted, pulling at the grass.

“I haven’t forgotten, you know,” Katherine said. “I think about them taking my mother every day.” She took a deep breath. “But I know she’s still out there. Somewhere.”

Codan stared at his hands. “I won’t let them take you too, Katherine.”

Katherine averted her gaze, her lips twitching. “I know,” she said softly. Her cheeky smile returned. “But maybe I don’t need saving.” She slid her hair to the side. “For all you know, I could be a stronger Crystallum user than your father.”

Codan laughed. “My father was the size of an oak tree. You’re no bigger than a shrub.” He opened and closed his hand, remembering the cold of his father’s Crystallum shard.

Katherine stuck out her tongue, scrunching her face. “Don’t be mean. I’ve been reading a lot about Crystallum abilities in my grandfather’s study.”

Codan’s heart sank. “You shouldn’t be exploring that stuff. Just look what it did for your mother.” He recoiled, realising he sounded like his mother.

Katherine squeezed her eyes shut as her lips twitched. “I need to tell you something. Please don’t be mad.” She paused, turning to the rushing waters. Her smile faded as she bit her lip, avoiding eye contact. “I think I… I’m leaving Woodbourne.”

Codan paled as the blood drained from his face. “That’s insane. What if—”

Katherine pressed her finger to his lips. “Look.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a polished pebble-shaped blue crystal. The engraved spiral on top sparkled as it caught the light. “I found it amongst my mother’s belongings.” Her expression dropped, sorrow clouding her eyes.

Codan’s shoulders fell as he recognised her stare. The one she reserved for when she thought no one was watching. “Katherine, what’s going on?”

She stepped away, grasping the stone as it glowed through her fingers. “I can use it… I’ve been practising.” Katherine’s soft expression turned cold.

Codan bolted to her side, covering her hands as he looked around. “You can’t do that. Not even here.”

Katherine smiled, holding her gaze on Codan’s hands around hers. “No one will see us up here,” she whispered.

Codan locked eyes with Katherine. His jaw quivered as he searched for lost words.

Her eyes softened, a sadness glazing over them. She pulled away, clutching the crystal against her chest. “The Moderatus. This could be the key to finding my mother.”

“What! It’s been two years. Anything could have—” His voice faltered. “No. You can’t.”

“I’m not asking you to help,” Katherine said. “This might be my only opportunity.” She took a breath, stepping back. “I can already create a barrier that lasts half an hour.”

Codan shook his head. “But it’s different when you’re being attacked.”

Codan glanced towards the village. The statue of his father, Varcas, stood proudly in the centre of the common, watching.

“Look!” Katherine yelled, pointing to the horizon.

Codan’s stomach dropped. “They’re early.”

 

Chapter 2

 

Codan clenched his fists as a faint trail of dust rose from the treeline. “We need to hide you.”

An icy breeze permeated his damp clothes as a strange presence brushed against him, almost forming a whisper. He dismissed the sensation, but something wasn’t sitting right. Taking one final look towards the approaching Moderatus, the strange presence brushed against him again.

Codan was so lost in himself he didn’t notice the bushes twitching beside him.

“What’s going on ’ere then?” Lilith leapt from the undergrowth, almost catching Codan off balance. “You two ’aving a lover’s tiff?”

“Sing a different tune, Lilith,” Codan snapped.

Katherine smirked. “Hey, Lil.”

Lilith swept her flowing black hair behind her ears, removing a leaf as she danced over. “Jeez, lighten up. So, what’s on the agenda for today, my fun-loving chimps?”

Codan pointed to the dust trail. “Them.”

“That the Moderatus you told me about, Katherine?”

Katherine nodded as her eyes shifted uneasily to Codan.

“About time something ’appened around ’ere,” Lilith joked.

Codan’s cheeks flushed with warmth. “You’ve never seen what they do!”

Katherine stepped between them. “Go easy on her.”

“She doesn’t get it!” he snapped. “We should have left her in the Wastes where we found her.”

“That’s enough!” Katherine barked. “Look what you’ve done!”

Lilith’s pale blue eyes had glazed over, her expression vacant as her slight body swayed gently.

Katherine sighed. “She’s in one of her trances again. Why did you have to bring up the Wastes? You know it,” she said, rolling her hands in search of the right words, “breaks her.”

“Good!” Codan said. “What if Lilith had seen you using Crystallum? No one can know.”

Katherine looked at the ground sheepishly.

Codan’s jaw dropped into his chest. “She knows?”

“What’s going on ’ere then?” Lilith burst from her trance. “You two ’aving a lover’s tiff?”

Codan kicked the ground. Lilith had lost time again, conveniently resetting herself.

“Not quite, Lil,” Katherine said, “I’ve told Codan about the Crystallum.”

Lilith flashed a devilishly playful grin. “Did you tell him our plan to find your mother?”

“I don’t believe it!” Codan knelt by the raging river and splashed cold water over his face.

Lilith tilted her head. “He won’t take her yet.”

Codan’s pulse jumped. “Who won’t?”

She shook herself, then grinned. “What?” She wrapped her arm around Katherine and smiled as she pulled her close. “Don’t you worry, Codan. I’ve got ’er back.”

Codan scoffed. “And what are you going to do? Talk people to death? Or are you a Crystallum user too?” he said sarcastically.

“Nope,” Lilith laughed. “At least, I don’t remember if I am,” she smirked. Tilting her head skyward, she seemed deep in thought.

“Oh, Lil,” Katherine smiled.

Codan grabbed Katherine by the shoulders. “We don’t have time for this.”

Lilith embraced the pair. “Don’t worry about a thing. You’re my best friends, as far as I recall. I’m not going to let anything bad ’appen to either of you.”

“We’re your only friends,” Codan said, “gods only know why.”

Lilith’s brow tightened. “It’s like fate brought us together. Shame it stole my memories.”

Codan broke free, staring towards the Moderatus. “Katherine, you know what they do. You’ve seen the families ripped apart.”

Lilith stood beside him. “Maybe we should speak with Brother Ralphus?”

“Goo—” Codan cut himself off. Brother Ralphus would know what to do, but if he knew, then his mother would know. And if his mother knew—

“Not a good idea.” Codan tightened his jaw as he eyed Lilith. “He’s… not someone we should involve.”

“Stop looking at me as though I’m crazy.” Lilith’s brow furrowed with offence. “Brother Ralphus is a good man for taking me in. I’m sure it’s not been easy for him these past months. He would help us.”

Katherine sighed. “She’s right. My grandfather could help if I explain—”

“There’s nothing to explain,” Codan snapped. “We’re staying here. We shouldn’t be anywhere near the village when they get here.”

A brief silence settled over them, but Lilith maintained her stare with Codan, a grin slowly forming. “Codan?” she asked. “You scared?” She paused, but didn’t give Codan time to react. “Is that why you don’t want to help? You’re not the best… well, anything, but—”

“Hey!” Codan’s face burned bright red.

“No, it’s all right,” Lilith said softly. “Katherine and I got this. Who in their right mind would mess with a crazy girl, let alone an inexperienced Crystallum user? We don’t need you.” Lilith’s tone sounded almost sarcastic, but there was a truth that stung.

“That’s ridiculous! You wouldn’t last five minutes without me pointing out your stupidity.”

Lilith grinned. “It’s settled then. You’re with us; gods forbid you leave us girls to get into trouble.” She whipped around to Katherine, then chuckled before skipping back towards the undergrowth. “Come on, lovebugs.”

“What just happened?” Codan asked.

“She’s learning.” Katherine smiled gently. “You don’t have to, you know.”

Katherine ran after Lilith as Codan turned to the dust trail edging closer. “They’ll be here within the hour.”

He looked to his open hand as he curled it tight. “I can’t just sit and watch.”

Codan ran after the girls. “If we’re doing this, we need to move faster,” he grunted, overtaking them. “I expect Ralphus will already be in the common with the other elders.”

 

Chapter 3

 

Dense undergrowth whipped Codan as he raced down the hillside, leaving the girls in his wake. Weaving through the trees, his mind wandered as he ignored the sting of the branches and brambles.

As he reached the village outskirts, a memory flashed: the Moderatus ripping a boy from his family, leaving smoke in their wake.

Codan stopped, squeezing his eyes tight as he failed to clear his mind. He slammed his fist into his chest as he tried to steady his breath.

Waiting for the others to catch up, he struggled to tame his rampaging thoughts. His father’s voice boomed in the back of his mind, distant and unintelligible. I wish you were here to tell me what to do, Father.

Freshly baked bread flooded the air, pulling Codan back into the now as the girls emerged from the undergrowth. His empty stomach growled as it yearned for food.

“Thanks for waiting,” Lilith scoffed.

The dirt-track streets were empty, except for Orin, who was locking up his butcher’s shop. A gust of wind set the sign above him squeaking on its iron hooks. The paint had long since faded, leaving only the ghost of a pig against the sun-bleached grey wood. Orin refused to repair it, never admitting why. But Codan knew. He could still hear his father’s cavernous laugh as he helped Orin paint and hang it; they were inseparable.

“Morning, young blood,” Orin called to Codan. “You look hungry. I promised your father I’d always keep you fed, you know.”

A smile slipped across Codan’s lips. Orin’s calm demeanour always rubbed off on him. “Morning, Orin,” Codan said. “Always hungry when you’re around.” Although his feet itched to get to the common, one thought dominated: breakfast.

“I can’t see how,” Katherine said, staring through the butcher’s window in disgust. “Why anyone would eat animals is beyond me.”

“That’s a shame,” Orin said, reaching into his satchel, “because I have bacon rolls.”

Codan’s eyes bulged as saliva flooded his mouth. Lilith had few manners and didn’t wait for permission before snatching a roll.

“Katherine,” Lilith spat, her mouth full. “I love you, but you can’t not like these. They’re sooo good.” She continued to smack her lips as she devoured every crumb.

“Thanks, Orin,” Codan said, taking a roll. He rolled his eyes at Lilith. “Sorry about her.”

“That’s quite all right.” Orin let his gaze wash over Lilith as curiosity furrowed his brow. He seemed to catch himself, steadying his gaze. “I appreciate a satisfied customer.”

Katherine grunted in protest, arms folded.

“Don’t you worry, lass. I have something for you.” Orin reached into his satchel again. “Here.” With a crooked smile, he gently threw an apple at her. “Tastes better with pig, but no one’s perfect.”

Orin softened his voice as he leaned in closer to Codan. “I smell bad omens. You should head to the common. Your mother will be worrying today. You know how she gets.”

Codan nodded. Orin always left him feeling safe, almost as much as his father had. He wanted to confide in him, but there wasn’t time, and he knew Katherine wouldn’t listen to him anyway. “We’re headed there now. Thanks again for the roll.”

Orin smiled, but as he turned to remove the key from the shop door, a darkness clouded his brow, his fingers twitching nervously. He must be wary of the Moderatus too.

A brief silence fell between Codan and the girls as they walked past the old worn stone and straw buildings. Codan’s mind wandered as he considered whether the moss crawling up the stone were trying to claim them as their own.

The village was insignificant compared to the towns and cities Codan’s father had described to him as a young boy. Still, there were enough people to be self-sufficient, with only additional luxuries needing to be traded.

Codan thought everyone had already made their way to the common, but more than a few curtains twitched as they passed. He didn’t blame them. His mother would have him do the same.

Varcas’ statue at the centre of the common came into view, an old white-haired man—statuesque himself—sitting to the side. His long beard hung over his robe of browns and creams as he appeared deep in thought, leaning into his wooden staff. The sight of Brother Ralphus filled Codan’s stomach with rocks as his pulse quickened. Please make her see sense, he thought.

“Hello, children.” Ralphus’ face brightened as he stirred.

Lilith ran to him. “Hi, Brother Ralphus.”

“I’d ask where you two disappeared to this morning, but I see you are safe with Codan.” Ralphus smiled.

“Yeah. Sorry. I saw Katherine sneaking off to her boyfriend and just had to follow.”

Katherine grumbled in protest as her eyes darted between Codan and her hands. “Lil’, stop. For the millionth time.”

Ralphus grinned. “No harm done, as long as you all had fun playing.”

“Oh, we’re a bit old for ’playing’. We’re plotting a rescue mission,” Lilith said excitedly.

Ralphus chuckled, wiping a tear from his eye. “Bless you, child. And who would you be rescuing today, the hedgehogs or the birds?”

Katherine stiffened, visibly holding her breath. “My mother.” She spoke with such conviction that her grandfather almost fell over.

Catching himself with his staff, Ralphus regained his balance. His eyes, however, glazed over, consumed by shadow. His jaw wobbled as his lips formed silent words. He finally found his voice, but it trembled, uneasy. “Does this have anything to do with the Moderatus, perchance?”

“Yes, sir,” Codan said. “It would appear Lilith’s craziness has rubbed off.” Codan searched Ralphus’ face for any signs of discouragement but found only furrows of deep thought.

“I’m not crazy,” Lilith huffed. She turned to face Ralphus. “The Moderatus can ’elp Katherine, right?”

Ralphus raised an eyebrow. “I fear this is too complicated to discuss now.”

“Grandfather,” Katherine interrupted.

“This is not the time, nor place,” Ralphus snapped. “We should discuss this after the Moderatus’ visit.”

Relief washed over Codan, thankful Ralphus wasn’t going to entertain the thought.

“That’s the thing,” Katherine said, “I’m planning on getting their attention. I need them to take me to be trained.”

“Trained? Crystallum?” Ralphus’ eyes bulged as he looked Katherine up and down. His shaking pupils put Codan on edge.

“She’s good,” Lilith said. “I’ve been helping her practise.”

Ralphus squirmed before driving his wooden staff into the ground, creating momentum to stand. “I’m sorry, my child. I fear it would only lead to death. I suggest you stay away for their visit. Only a small group are coming to collect some things this time. Nothing more.”

Codan’s stomach lurched. “Why do we allow them to just take from us so easily?”

“Calm yourself, my boy,” Ralphus said. “Look. Here comes your mother. She’s been chewing the ears off Kassandra again.”

The warning bell rang out across the village, and the rest of the villagers packed into the common as Codan’s mother rushed over, Kassandra following close behind. “Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick. Why are your clothes damp? The Moderatus are coming. Keep your head down.”

Codan held his mother’s gaze. His jaw slackened and his lips twitched. He knew he should warn her—about Katherine, about the Crystallum—but the words lodged in his throat. Silent, he glanced at Katherine.

“Stop mauling the boy, Athena,” Ralphus said.

Kassandra stood beside Codan’s mother, smiling to everyone as she rested her hand on Ralphus’ shoulder. “Codan, I missed you this morning.”

Codan shrank into himself, unable to make eye contact. “Sorry, Kassandra. It won’t happen again.”

She smiled, notably holding back a chuckle. “Oh, I’m sure it will.” Her forgiveness and acceptance were second to none, which only fuelled Codan’s burning cheeks.

Codan’s mother clung tightly to his arm. “He’ll be doing double time every day next week to make up for it.” Her words softened as she looked around. “But for now, I want him out of sight.”

He knew that if his mother had her way, he’d be hidden away long into his grey years.

Ralphus leaned into Kassandra, whispering something that forced her to raise an uneasy eyebrow.

Ralphus pointed his staff towards the bakery. “The children should go and wait in there.”

“But—” Lilith was cut off.

“Go,” Ralphus said, “the back door is always open. Stay there until we come get you.”

That was all Codan needed. “Come on,” he said, tugging on Katherine’s arm. She wouldn’t budge. “Please, I just want to keep you safe.” She turned to him, a deep sorrow in her eyes. Her smile slowly returned as she held his gaze. “I know you do.” She gripped his hand tightly as Codan wasted no time in leading her away from the growing crowd.

Lilith and Ralphus exchanged tempered words before she followed. “Well, that could ’ave gone better.”

Codan turned back to his mother. Her eyes were wide and her face was as white as a sheet. He couldn’t be more grateful she missed the conversation about Crystallum; gods know she would have locked him away for good.

As the thunder of hooves rumbled underfoot, Codan slammed the bakery door behind them. “They’re here.”