3 Essence in the Air

Lyzbeth Heredis

'Tis home time.

So far, it was not a bad day. I mean, the lessons were not that bad. Sure, it is more facts than practicality, but I can appreciate that I am learning a lot for one day. Also, the people there were really fun, especially Romain.

I remember to take that bike from the Acacia tree. Maybe that kid won't ask for more money. Anyway, the bus will take in this bike. The bus is big enough to house a hundred people. Why not a single bike?

"Hey, what's up?"

I look to my side, and 'tis only Romain. I guess he's my first friend at this school. I cannot help but feel awkward about him. I'm never used to having such a person around.

"Nothing much," I say in reply. "I'm just waiting for a bus to come."

"Can't you use your bike to ride home?"

"No, 'tis not mine. I just picked it up from a random kid this morning. He's probably going to kill me after he complained of not receiving enough for my rental of his bike."

"A kid that is already a business man? Now, that's something you don't see every day. It must have been a rough morning."

"Yeah, it is."

I find that I have no more words to say. I'm just not used to having boys around me in my life. I'm such an awkward potato, and I don't even know why.

"So, where is Simulare Nature School?" he asks to break our awkward silence.

"Oh, 'tis in the Kingdom of Cassida."

"So, you're a Cassidan?"

"No, not really. I'm a Scirese, but I decided to take a few years of classes there."

"You like to explore the world."

"Yeah, I do."

Once again, I have nothing much to say. When will this bus come? I need to break this awkwardness. I know he's trying to be friendly, but I just feel awkward around him.

"You come from a family of scholars?" I ask awkwardly.

"Ummmmm, yes. My father works for the House of Filia, and sometimes, I act as a squire for my father."

"Court life must be fun."

"It's not. It's just full of intrigue. I prefer studying than being at court. At least I get to learn more here, and poke fun around that Latin angry face."

Angry face, what a funny description of Sir Magister. I'm not necessarily annoyed with him. Maybe 'tis just the way of a Scirese instructor. Still, I cannot help but laugh at his humor. He would be a good court jester if he chooses that life, but I think he's more of a scholar.

"You're one funny man," I chuckle. "This is so much better than having a curtain rod fall on my head."

I see his face widen with shock. "No, way! Did that happen this morning?"

"Sure did. That was my morning alarm clock. My dog-rabbit pulled off such a disaster this morning. She's probably more concerned about me being late than me."

"You know, when I'm at court, I wake up to crazier moments. The king sometimes likes to annoy his court by mischievously playing an out-of-tuned trumpet all over the palace."

"I'd say, he's the craziest king in Medeis."

"Maybe, he is."

Just when our conversation is starting to be a lot less awkward, the bus finally arrives. The good bus conductor puts my bike in the storage beneath the bus and helps me up. I guess not all Scirese are cold and calculating. The bus is packed with people, however. 'Tis home time, and everyone's on their way home. Romain and I had to take separate seats. I paid my fare to the conductor and I need only wait a few minutes in order for me to get home.

Even from a far off distance, I cannot help but look at the spark of his copper brass hair. He's just so kind. I can't even think of anyone that's been that good to me. After a passing minute, the bus took another stop to pick up more passengers. The other people have no choice but to stand. This place is just so packed up, but we need not trouble ourselves. We only sit here a few minutes and then drop ourselves off.

Quite oddly, there is a lady that stepped in the bus. She's wearing a black cloak over her black dress. Is she off to a funeral or something? She seems so solemn. Still, there is something off about her. She brings a gloomy atmosphere around the bus. The wind seemed to blow colder and the birds just stopped singing. This is strange.

Just when I thought things couldn't be much stranger, the lady suddenly took a stand beside Romain. I mean, it doesn't count as suspicious, but there are so many places within the bus where she could stand.

I thought she was just being weird and gloomy, but there is more to that.

"Ribbons and lace, take us at my place!" the lady recited.

What just happened? They just disappeared within a flash. She and Romain just suddenly disappeared. That was no normal speech! It was an incantation! She is a practitioner. How come nobody in the bus has noticed? It was as if Romain and the lady had never been there at all. The question is, what is she? She is no enchantress. That's for sure. I don't see any selfless act for that incantation. Is she perhaps a sorceress?

In my two years of training at Lucerna, never have they prepared me for an actual fight with a sorcerer. I do not even know what to do. Should I go after her and rescue Romain? I know for certain that I would have to face burning if I am caught. Should I just go and forget what happened?

I stood my ground. People around me started looking at me. They must think it quite odd for such a person as me to walk around the bus without asking it to stop. I have to do this. I know my duty. I feel the lingering essence of the incantation in the air. There is a strong feeling that it burns within that incantation. 'Tis such a flame that only burns out of willpower.

I am a protector of the Kingdom of Scire. I have protected people from harm at night when they do not know who I am. Enchanters, Sorcerers, Mediators, and Warriors may have an unending rivalry with each other, but when they involve a normal being, a mortal, into our rivalry, this is no longer tolerable!

I focus on the essence I still feel. It is a gloom in my heart, but I know that with this, I will find Romain. I close my eyes and only let my heart feel the essence.

"Haunting essence of ghosts, take me to one taken and lost," I recite solemnly.