The end at last. Now on to the next. (It is way long.)

It was a few evenings later when Abiram met Sara as she was walking into her house. “Mind if I hang out with you. Father found the letter, and I need to stay away.”

Sara said. “No problem. I am sorry that he is taking in after you. Come on back to the kitchen, I need to get supper heating.” She head back to the kitchen and he followed her. “So he is taking it bad? I read he would, but didn’t think he would take it out on you. Hope you won’t mind chicken and corn.. It just needs a bit of reheating and we can eat.”

He watched as she put the food on to heat. “He seemed to have forgotten where I was going or something. He started ranting that no child of his family was going to go to a page school. That it was purpose to even think it. Then he asked why it would affect me, what did you mean by that. Well I told him that you asked me if I would have a problem with you being close to. He looked at me darkly and said what would you be doing near a mage school? So I told him that Berviel and Amberviel are near each other and share some space. That was one of the things that had me so concerned about going to Berviel but that after a lot of taking the Leaders had agreed the risk was minimal, and the benefits out weighed it. That it was worth going and taking this chance to learn from the best. To show that magic doesn’t make you a better student. Well he blew up. I am not sure what he was yelling other that it was not going to happen. Mother told me to leave, that she would send one of the others after me when it was wise.”

Sara shook her head and started setting out plates and jars of honey, some at the far end of the table with a bowl of salad and a vegetable casserole. At his look she said. “The woken ones liked baked dishes, but seldom get them. So I do my best to have something warm for whoever stops by around meal times.. There is usually a few who do,. They are popping in and out of here all the time as they know I will have sweets set out that they are welcome to.”

Abiram shook his head. “And I was worried about you at a mage school. Thinking it might be too much of an adjustment. I think now that you will find it easer than I will. Thank you for supper, I didn’t mean to invite myself over.”

Sara said, as she set out the food. “It is no trouble at all.  I am still cooking to much for just me. Now it is spicy so you might want to take it easy. As to the woken ones I am used to their comings and goings, they have been dropping in on me for as long as I can remember. I just couldn’t have food waiting for them all that often before.”

He took some food then watched in amazement as she filled her plate, and said. “Well I can tell Zac that I am sure you are not starving yourself. He has been trying to come up with away to see you were eating. There are a lot of peppers here. Nice, reminds me of some of the dishes Melida brings to the feasts.”

Sara said. “I have a free hand here, and so can cook what I like. So there are more spices used. I like flavor, Mother didn’t like to change. One reason she tried to see menus were set in advance was so I didn’t experiment too much. It might not seem like it but going though all those books is work, I have a bigger appetite now than I used to. I think I am using more energy. One of the gnomes said it is because I am getting healthy, and not trying to hide.”

A young troll showed up, making Abiram jump. The troll handed Sara a thick packet. “The latest predictions are in there as well as your reissued offer, and some other papers they want you to look at. Some of the numbers are off in the southern coast area. They are hoping you can see what they missed. Oh good, you put a lot of cheese in this. Thank you. I do like chesses. Oh Tulp will be along in a bit from Viv.”

Sara shook her head. “I will try and make you some cheese bread this weekend Trvor. Now mind you it has been years since I tried to make it, so I have no idea how it will taste. However I have feeling that you will like it no matter how it comes out. There is sweet water in the jug there, if you would poor some, and that other casserole is fairy friendly. Tulp is a cold sea fairy, a bit different from ones you have seen before Abiram.”

Trvor said. “Oh yes. I have heard of your Grandmothers chesses bread from my uncle. I will be most pleased to try it. I am sure anything you make will be lovely. You have a touch with food. You can even make that look somewhat interesting. And mine do not eat meat. But I bet Rvrs would be wild. But his folk daren’t come here. They would scare the others., but you can bet you will meat them at Amberviel. They will be glad to see what you can do with their peppers.”

Abiram blinked, and Sara said. “The Woken ones are as complexes as we are. They have good and evil in every group just as we do. But some of them look scary than others and know the leaders have classified them as evil for the deeds of some of their race and so stay away from town. Trvor’s Father has been tasked with teaching me about the different types of Woken Ones and in return I am to help Trvor understand things he sees on his message runs better. Part of what running messages is to do is teach them more about us, and us more about them. A way to start a free exchange between us. I guess few humans are willing to talk with the Woken Ones, they are scared to, or just don’t realize that it can be done.”

Abiram shook his head. “It is going to be fun being in school with you away from here.”

Sara said. “It is going to be strange. I had no idea what I was in for. I Am not sure even yet. But, well, I have to do it. I can’t hide. That is what this has shown me. If only I had of spoke up sober there would have been that much more time to find the answers. I can’t go back, but I can try not to make the same mistake. I need to learn more so I can understand how to help, how to explain what I see.”

He said. “I know and understand that. I just didn’t see it before. See how much you held back to try and fit in here. To be what you thought was right, when you shouldn’t have. You are doing nothing wrong. You would not have the abilities you do for no reason. I think that the shook is part of Father’s reaction. You were so good at hiding and nether of us thought to look further. The fact that it is a school with a strong magic program doesn’t help, but he will come around.”

Sara said. “No, I sorry but he won’t. He might if he thought there was a chance I would take the views in the Sister Church. But I can’t do it, and said as much in the letter. You need to understand I will not be able to take the vows. I will not be coming back. I will not be able to.” That was the best she could do, as close as she could come to telling him. She felt cowardly but the words just wouldn’t come. She couldn’t tell him she was a mage. She hoped she would be able to before he found out.

Abiram said. “We all have our places. It will be odd to think of you out in the world, but if that is where you can best use your talents then that is where you need to be. Hay Jac, has he recovered yet?”

Jacob said. “He wasn’t yelling by the time I left, but he is still mad. I don’t know that he will get over it. Just what did you tell him? He says you are dead to him if you go through with it.”

Sara said. “If you are still hungry the plate are there, help your self. II expect that. I know he can not accept my choice. However it is the only one I can make. I am leaving., I can not join the church, here or with the others. I want to, I so wish it could be. But I am not what he wants me to be. And that is what I told him, why he is so mad. Hi Tulp, welcome. How are things on the coast? Come now don’t let my brothers scare you away. I don’t want the casserole to go to waste.”

The boys blinked as the little fairy set a package and letter down in front of Sara. “It is all right, but there is a storm forming up a few miles out that is going to make it imposable to fish tomorrow some they are grumpy. I am going to eat. Just didn’t want to irrupt and had to give you these. The package is from Miss Geen, and there are directions with it. Some of our goods that could travel sent in return for the lovely cookies and mushrooms you sent them. They were most welcome. I think there is a list of other things she would like and what they are willing to pay. We don’t mind carrying goods as well as letters. Might be we can make trade better than your trucks have been able to. There are only so many places it is safe for your roads to be. But we are not as limited.”

Sara nodded. “But it will take time to get set up. It is going to take time for people to adjust and for payments to be worked out. You need some form of payment for carrying the messages, even if it is fun. At the very least there should be places set you where you can get food and drink freely in each town. But that will take time to work out.”

Jacob was shaking his head. “Just what goes on here? You sound as if you expect them. I thought they were just carrying the storm messages,. That package is bigger than you are. I think I will have some of that chicken. Supper at home was not the best tonight. Mr. Istcon did get dad quieted down a bit, and was talking to him more when I left. Explain why the leaders fell Abiram needs to go to Beviel. Basically convincing them that they pushed you into go Am,, which is the only thing that is going to get him to accept you going at this point. He really lost it after you left. He heard them tell you to or you would be in trouble for walking out as well as your choice of schools. But hopefully it will all be washed away. We are to stay here until Mr. Istcon comes for us.”

Tulp said. “The size doesn’t matter much, well there is a limit but not much is going to reach it. We are willing to carry type of message it is just the researchers were the first to listen to the offer. It is good for us, it helps us develop control. And I don’t think our magic is agents your teachings but I get all confused about them. There are none of your church were I live so I don’t know how it works. They are in talks though. So hopefully they can get it set up regular like. Then we will get to know more of you and you more of us. We shouldn’t be so strange to each other. After all we need each other. But the older ones on both sides are to scared of each other. So it is up to us young ones to see it change. This is good. That is one thing we can not do, bake I mean. We don’t have stoves like yours.  We do some cooking, but it is more like soups and that, or spit roasting. Something I don’t see you all doing. We can’t work the metal to make a stove. Metal doesn’t get along with our magic and well the mountain trolls would have the strength but not the skill. I mean they can pound out plates or weapons, but they just are not crafters. They are not suited to detail work they need things big to be able to handle them.”

Abiram said. “What did you do that you were sent away as well? Watch that there are some hot peppers in there. Sounds like we might have a new type of post office in a few years, the leaders will have to decide what fits and what doesn’t. However by and large they have taken the view that the magic of your kind is a part of your being and therefore like you not of the dark, but yet not of light either. Each agreement with you must be judged on its own.”

Sara said. “I never know who will show up, but I usually have a few guests at meal times, and you boys are not the only ones who like the sweets I leave out. Most of my divers come in the evenings and they pick up messages in the morning most times. I think Jack barged with them so there is one here to see that I am eating, but I can’t be sure.”

Jacob said. “Well I said that I didn’t see what he was so upset about. That I would think it was good thing to have two of his children get scholarships to the top school in the nation. That the twins only made something like ten offers a year, and most of those were just for a year. Not the six years you both had. It didn’t go over well. Even when I told him that no I would accept it if offered as they didn’t have a good programming department. I want Whitehall. Turns out he doesn’t like Whitehall, fears that being on the cost will contaminate me.”

Sara said. “That is. Well One of the thoughts about Toxic is that the poisons of the dead cities are behind it,. There are more ruins on the coast because of the floods, and the way the sea raised. With me having it that makes him more afraid of it. More causes of anything that might have to do with it. He would never say that was it, even if he wasn’t writing me out, but it fits. I mean he has gone out of his way to see we stay away from any of the thing thought to possibly be behind it. However there was only one time that siblings had it, so it is highly unlikely that any of you could get it. If it is even still possible to get it. There have been no new cases since the ones the year I got sick.”

Jacob said. “I didn’t know. That would explain his reaction.”

Abiram said. “Well at least you have giving him plenty of notice.”

Sara said. “Let me get this out the way. Trvor will you set out the cakes?”

The young troll jumped up and picked up the remains of the dishes at that end of the table as well. “Just the cakes, or you want a few cookies set out as well?” Jacob and Abiram looked at each other wondering what was going on.

Sara said. “Just the cake, if he wants a cookie he can very well get his own. We will have a gnome coming in a bit and then I am going to disappear into my office with him. The Woken ones feel there are some things I need to start learning now and so I have lessons with some of them. Abiram, go ahead and look at it that is why I left it sitting there after I opened it. Just know that the dates are far from sure. Jac that is the seclude for the storms we are working on and the contract from Ambervail you are welcome to look it over as well.”

Abiram said. “So that would be why you take the sweets with you into the office each night, and why you run off.”

Sara said. “Well I do work on the predictions in the evenings as well, in between lessons. But yes, that is why I seem to run out some nights. A couple of the teachers prefer not to be seen.”

Jacob said. “A couple? Just how many are there? Wow is a good offer. It would be hard for anyone to pass up.”

Sara said. “Well it started out with one who would come after you all had left, and that one comes every night after you all are gone. However it was decide I needed other lessons. So I know have three sets each night. There are some things that they feel they can teach me better than the school can, and some only they can teach me. As for the offer, well I guess they really like the fact that I found something they didn’t see.”

An old gnome said. “Well said child, well said. But it is more that they can see a bit of what you will do, as well as what you have done. They are good souls, and care that you have what you need. Ah cake, thank you that does look lovely, and tea. You spoil me, lass.” Sara started to rise, but the gnome said. “Boys, one of you go open the front door, have him come on back.” Abiram stood and went to the door. “I would have him hear this bit as well. And he should see the offer you have, it will ease his mind. Not much can be done about your Father, but he will not take his anger out on the boys now.”

Sara said. “That makes good hearing Eldest. If you say Mr. Istcon should read the offer, then I will see he has it.”

Mir. Istcon said, assumedly. “It is a new experience to be welcomed before I can knock, and then be told that I am wanted in the kitchen by a gnome.”

Sara said. “I imagine it must be. I have never been told I am wanted some place by them, they just come to me when they think I need something. Would you care for some cake? Also would you mind looking over this contract for me? I want to be sure I did not miss anything before fully committing myself to the school. I know it is a bit of an overstep where I am not a member of the church now, but I do hope you won’t mind.” The gnome nodded at her slightly, Abiram raised an eyebrow.

Mr. Istcon said. “Giving your guests I am sure there is nothing hidden, but yes I will look them over for you and a piece of cake would be welcome. Abiram I think I have your father convinced that is at the leaders’ wish that you are going to attend Berviel, and as long as he thinks that he should be all right with it. I don’t think any of use knew how bad it would go over or we would have stepped in before it did so. We truly do think it best for you to go there. Thank you Sara.”

Sara said. “I think my leavening made it worse than it would have been. He would not be happy with Ab going to Beviel, but might have been a bit less upset if he didn’t also have me to deal with. I betrayed him. He had come to see that I might go, but only to the Sister church. So when he learned I no longer intend to take the vows. Well it was to much. As I could not face him and say it he took it out on those who were there. I am sorry, it was a cowardly thing to do, but I just couldn’t say it. Saying it makes it real, and well I wasn’t ready then. I do not know if it would help for me to go to a different school, but if you feel it will, I do have offers I can take.”

Abiram said. “You take to much blame on your self. You are not going to change schools over his reaction any more than I am. That offer is to good to pass up.”

Mr. Iston said. “This is an amazing offer, and I must confess that had any of the boys come to me with I would be hard pressed to advise them against taking it. Even though it is a mage school, meaning they would have extra steps to take before they could go to the alter if they still whished to. I thought Abiram’s offer was unheard of. You both must have sailed though your tests. I am sure you will make us all proud to have a hand in you education.”

Sara blushed. “I will never forget where my foundation was formed. I will always do what I can to help you, help the church, even though I can not be a part of it. I hope none will have reason to ever be ashamed of me. Even though I can not be what I should. It is far from an easy thing for me to do, but it is what I must do.”

Mr. Istcon smiled. “I know you struggled with it, and I am sorry to see you go, but you would not be happy if you stayed. It is better for us that you go then stay only to resent doing so. Leaving before taking vows is far better than breaking vows you shouldn’t have taken.”

The gnome nodded. “Well send young man. It will be a few more years tell the child fully understands, but hearing you say it will help. Now then I want you all here for this lesson. It is time you know a bit more about us, and how we act in the world. That will help you determine if what we do to move packages and ourselves breaks your laws against magic, as you must soon face that question. We do use the light just not in the same way your human mages do. Some things are a part of who we are, some we must learn though study, and that is the case for you humans as well. Know that what I say here is the truth only. All questions on this subject will be answered honestly. That is a binding. If you need to know what a woken one says is true ask them. If they say yes then it has to be, likewise if they say it is it must be. It is a cures but on us by one of the Powers that Walk. Remember that for there will be a time you need to know it. Now then let us begin.” The next two hours passed in quickly. The others were amazed to find he would indeed answer questions as he went, and seemed pleased when they asked him something.

He nodded. “The lad folks are getting worried about them, and you have a busy day. If you have need of my advices sir just set a cup with honeyed tea on your window and you of the young ones will let me know. If you just want to know you the young ones are getting on just leave some cookies out and the ones who come will be able to get you news. As long as you feel such dosen’t violet your rules. We do are best to respect your ways, we like have you as neighbors, and hope you fid us equally decent.”

Mr. Istcon said. “You have done better by us than we have by you. I hope we do better now. We have been wrong in not talking to you and your kin more. It is unkind to ignore you. You are a part of the world we now live in, and should not be ignored because we find it hard to deal with the changes. Thank you. This evening has helped me, and I hope to talk more with you sir. If it is wished would you mind talking to the leadership at our meeting? I think it would be helpful.”

The gnome said. “If it is agreeable to the others just place the tea and I will come, but I do not wish to imposes should they not wish me there. And know that none of the kin enter your meetings, though we do your church services and schools. We wish to understand you better, though I can see where you might think we spy, truly we try not to be in on confidential conversations. Have a lovely evening, Trvor your father said you should stay for the math lesson then come home.”

Trvor groaned. “He would, and no doubt I will be drilled on it. Very well Eldest.”

The gnome said. “Good lad, and you need the study.” He left in a blink.

Abiram said. “Math lesson? Why math, I mean you look at a problem and know the answer.”

Sara nodded. “But working on this has shown me that I need to know how that answer is found as well. I mean sometimes there is more than one answer and know how it is found. I lost you. Will it do to just say that some of the classes are to teach me what I didn’t learn in reading the books I never read?”

Mr. Istcon laughed. “That sounds good to me, and Sara make sure that we have an address so we can get you any copies that are not done when you leave. I don’t want you to think you have to stop asking because time is short.”

Sara said. “I will come to the office and let you know formally when I have a date, but I will be starting with the second summer set of classes. That way I will have time to get to know the school before it is full of people. Jack said that will help me to get used to be at a school so full of magic.”

Abiram said. “Jack is the healing student we met at the tests. He was raised in the church, But his father threw him out over his choice to Berviel, but I think he still half thought to come back, before his gifts woke. Still I understand he put off changing to Amberviel for a bit. Likely not ready to admit what he knew.”

“Is there a chance your father knew Jack”

Abiram said “No.”

But Sara said. “Yes.” Abiram looked at her. “Well of him at least. I mean I think his family was important and we do have relatives in Einstein. He would have been missed.”

Abiram said. “I never thought of that, but that could be. If he is ready to hear me I will try again to tell him I will not be leaving the church. I will take the vow before the alter. I will wed when in school, but it will be a lady of the church taken before the alter of light. In the traditions of our laws.”

Mr. Istcon said. “That should help him adjust some. Well Sara we have kept you over long as it is. You have a good night.”

Sara said. “And you as well.” Barley keeping from saying may the light lead you. It was so hard to get used to not doing as she had grown up doing. She walked them to the door then made her way into the office and the work that was waiting her there.

It was another week before Sara had the date she would be leaving, that is of course deepened on the storms. It was hoped the movers would get here before the storm do on the first and then they could leave on the eighth, and making it without having to stop for the weather. If they had the timing right. They would know better next week. But well at least it would be around the eighth of July that she would be going. That was enough to make the official announcement on. But when she reached town her father was heading to the office so she went to the library. Think that it would be best to wait.

She was reading a journal written by one of the early leaders. Telling herself it might have something to do with the storms. In realty she didn’t think it would, the others hadn’t. But it was interesting to learn more about the early years. She had already asked for copies of most of the journals, but this one had been hidden for some reason, tucked in behind a bunch of ledgers. So it was a surprise when she turned a page and found herself looking at a list of storm preparations and ordnances. She read a few and the jumped up and went to the counter. “Excuse ,me but can you copy these three pages for me right away. The leaders need to see this. I think they will likely want a copy of the whole book, and I do.. Better make one for the program as well. In fact can you make me a second set of copies of these pages so I can get them sent out to them tonight. I think it will be of big help.”

The man said. “I will get those pages done now and then start on the book, and see how much I can get done for you to send them. Do you mind me asking what they are? This writing is hard on my eyes.”

Sara said. “It looks to be the missing list of storm rules, and steps they took to brace for the second set of storms after the town was established. However I only read the first bit of it.”

“It is? Isis you want to make six copies of these three pages, your copies come out better than mine. This is high priority. Sara it would be best you take them over. You are likely to be able to get them right into their hands. If you are sure you don’t mind. That way they can ask you if the have trouble with the writing. It is a bit cramped. Ah thank you Isis, and if you don’t mind we need the rest of the book done as well.. We will need at least three copies of it, but just one need to be made right away.” The girl nodded and went back to the copiers, looking glad to be relished from what ever she had been doing before.

Sara took the copies. “I don’t mind I was planning on going over there in a bit. I will see it gets in there hands, and not toped at the front desk.”

He said. “Good, Oliver at least will be pleased.” Sara nodded and left.

She walked in to the office and up to the clerk. “I have some papers that I need to hand deliver to Mr. Wlaters, and I need to speak to Mr. Istcon.”

The clerk didn’t look up. “The leaders are in a meeting you can leave it with me or wait.”

Sara said. “If they are all together then I should take the papers to them now. It relates to the storms, and there is a copy for each of them.”

“Storm stuff. Well maybe. What sort of stuff?”

Sara said. “A list of perpetrations and rules dating from around the time the town was facing the start of the second wave of big storms.”

The clerk said. “They would want that. They are in the red room. Do you need directions?” He had never once looked up from his tablet and seen who he was talking to.

Sara shook her head, for he should not let her back there alone. “Yes, I know the way, if you are sure it us all right for me to go back?”

He said. “Yes, go on.”

Sara shook her head but walked on down the hall way and knocked on the door to the conference room then opened it. “Sorry to interrupt you gentlemen.” She stopped as she saw her father was there as well, but then went on. “We found a journal that had been tucked out of site. The entrees date from around the time the second wave of major storms started. In it I found a list of guidelines and rules I thought you would want right away. I have copies here of those pages and said tat you would likely want a copy of the rest of the book. I didn’t read past the first bit of the list so do not know how much help the rest of the book will be.” She offered the copies.

Mr. Orchard said. “It us more than we have found. We are sure that what is in the records was changed but we do not know when or why. This may help us to know what was changed. You said the book was out of sight?”

Sara nodded. “Yes sir. It was up against the back of a shelf behind the ledgers. I have no idea why it was there, but the ledgers are now being gone though. A few pages of notes had been found before I left, but so far they were related to the ledge page. Still everyone is a bit upset that we dismissed them. At the very least, as Mr. Whityer pointed out, what was bought during the storms might help us know what sorts of things we will need more of.”

“Not that I mind, but just how did you get back here?”

Sara said. “I told the clerk that I need to hand deliver the papers and once he knew it was storm data he told me to what room you were in and that I could go on back. He never looked at me. I did ask if he was sure it was alright for me to come back, and he still failed to look up, just told me to go on back. I am sorry, but I did fell these papers were important, and he clearly didn’t seem inclined to move.” She bit her lip and looked at them. “Well as I am here I might as well just say it. I will be leaving around the eighth of July, depending on the weather. The school I am attending is sending people to help me get to the school. They will be coming in with the researches around the first, but if the predations are close to right there will be a storm shortly after that so it will be a few days before we can go. I have a copy of the latest predictions here, but it is not public yet Those in charge want to wait a bit and test it before putting it out. However they think it is as good as it is going to get until we have more data.” She avoided looking at her father as she handed Mr. Istcon the list.

Mr. Istcon said. “Thank you Sara and we will keep this quite until they are sure of it. We will be sad to see you go. I am glad there is a bit of an overlap, you can help those staying here get settled a bit and show them around the library. If you would, it will help us out. We don’t mind having them here but was a bit worried about how to help them adjust.”

Mr. Whityer “The researches are coming from Berviel, so you are going there as well?”

Sara said. “No sir. I am going to Amberviel, but I did make sure that Abiram didn’t feel having me there would be a problem for him before I committed to the school. I didn’t want to get in his way. I had other offers that would work, even if the other programs were a bit behind. I made sure that those coming know that magic is not permitted on city land, and that even though the guest houses are not sanctified there can be no lasting spells done in them. None of those staying here are mages, but there will be some with the party when it first gets here. They are will to arrange lodging else where should you feel they need to.”

“We expected there to be mages with the group, it is not a problem. It must have taxed them to find people who would stay here without a mage knowing the houses would have none of the things they are used to.”

“Getting an offer from any of the top five schools is a big deal. To have two of ours going to the first school explains why there is such interest in our schools. So how long is your scholarship? It is going to be a big change being out there. I know you would not have made the choice lightly.”

Sara said, hoping she sounded sure of herself. “In truth sir both of my top choices were mage schools. I knew that if I left, I had do so fully. However it was the hardest choice I have made. I did not wish it. I wanted more than anything to be able to stay. But when it came down to it I couldn’t. I have to use what I have been given in a way that will befit everyone and I just can’t do that and stay in the background as a lady of church must do. I am therefore not fit to take the vows, for I cannot do so without lying to myself. Once I admitted that it was clear to me what I had to do. I wish it hadn’t been so. I am sorry for the pain I have caused, but the lives I may be able to help save must be considered as well.” This time she was looking at her father as she spoke, and clearly saw the anger in his face. Nothing she said was going to matter to him.

He said. “Lives you save? And what gives you the power over life? You should know better! I do not know who you are.”

Sara said. “I have no power over life, but with warning of storms it could just be that less will die. More so if we can find the cause of the killer storms and stop them before hand. I must do what I can to help I can not sit back and wait to be asked. It is for those reasons I will not take the vows and because that means I must live in the world I felt it was best that I attend a mage school. You need not fear, I know what my choice means and will never darken your door. I am sorry I had to do this to you. I never wanted this, but it would be wrong to run and hide from it. I could not live with the guilt.” He turned away from her. Sara shook her head, it had been pointless, but at least maybe he would stop taking it on the others now. “I am a bit embarrassed by what the offer end up being. But it is a full ride, nine years, but extended biased on grades. That includes books, an apartment, living expenses and spending allowance.”

Mr. Wityler said. “Yet you don’t want it. Child I can see it hurts you to go, but it is better you do so then stay and wish you had. You are breaking no vows and will incur no ban in leavening. Even as a mage there is no more ban on you than as any.”

Sara said. “Thank you sir that is more than I have a right to ask. I will let you get back to what it was I interrupted.” Sara left and returned to the library. The rest of the days passed far to fast. The list was right about the next two storms and so it was published,, but with a four day window given for each storm and lots of reminders that it could change with out warning.

Then came the day when Sara returned from the library to find vans in the road around her house. She stopped for a bit wondering just when she had started to think of the guest house as hers. Shaking her head a bit she smiled and walked on to the house. As she got nearer she heard voices. “Welcome, we didn’t think you would want to be cooking after travel all day so you will find some food in the refrigerators that just needs to be heated a bit. Sara should be here in a bit and she, I am sure, will be willing to answer any questions that come up after we are gone. Now I do hope you are not offending that there are clothes in the closets. We know our ways differ here and wanted to be sure any visitors had what they needed to not feel so out of place.”

Another said. “We are not insulted in the least. It is very thoughtful of you to provide clothes in keeping to your mode of dress. Not all would bother making sure they had the right type of clothing before coming. We did not expect to be so welcomed here. I am sure we are a disruption, and again we thank you for allowing us access to your records, and town. I just hope we do not prove to be to disruptive. You will let us know of we do become a problem wont you?

Mr. Istcon said. “Having met you all now I am sure that have you all here will not be an issue. You have done much to ease our concerns just by showing the care you have. But I give you my word I will come talk to you about any problems that come about over your stay. Not that I think there will be many.”

Sara came around and saw why he was so sure. The people had taken care to dress in clothes that not even the most conservative member would find fault with. That would have eased many minds. Mr. Istcon saw her before she could think of how to say she was there. “There you are Sara. I thought you would be here before long.”

Sara said. “I am sorry I wasn’t here sooner. I didn’t think you all would be in today, or I would have been.”

One of the leaders said. “Was there anything in those books? No one I have talked to can remember anything, but they are all now looking though any journals they have from back then. Thanks to the ones working in the archives we have found there is a three year gap in them. That is there are three yeas that we seem to have absolutely nothing from, and no idea why.”

Sara said. “We found a bunch more books from just after the gap, but so far all I have is a brief paragraph about how poor the corn did the year before. I am not sure how they even had any corn crop though as this was during the third wave of the storms, and in the other waves there was no corn planted after the second year of the waves, as the storms were to harsh after that point. I have set that book aside to look into more, and will see if I can find others in the same hand. But I don’t think I will find the answer.”

Mr. Whityer said. “Not to worry I have all ready left orders that anything about those years that is found will be copied and sent to you, as with any new records from the time of founding or dealing with any other towns founding, and all early dealings with the Woken Ones. If there is anything else you want to make sure you get a copy of just let one us know. It is the least we can do.”

Sara said. “Thank you sir, I well. Thank you.”

One of the others said. “You saved us a good deal of trouble lass, it is a small enough repayment to send you a few copies. We would be in right mess if you hadn’t been so willing to share what you were finding. Not everyone wound in your place. Well folks we will leave you to get settled. Now let us know if you need anything. Sara, do you mind show them around tomorrow?”

Sara said. “I will be happy to sir.” He nodded and left.

Mr. Istcon said. “Thank you Sara,. Now folks if you just wait until we are out of site then you will be more than welcome to unload your vans in a manner you are used to. this area in not sanctified. Just do try not to leave any lasting traces of magic use behind. It can make some of us ill. Sara this is Mr. Whiticer, and I will leave it to him to make the rest of the interdictions. Now remember to make sure you get a list of books you still need copied turned in. If you don’t have at least fifteen Olvler is going to be upset.”

Sara shook her head. “I feel like I have already asked for more than I have earned. I don’t know what to say. I didn’t expect.”

He nodded. “That is why we put in the order for, and why I am telling you to add books. I know you wouldn’t if someone didn’t insist you do so. You ask for far fewer than we were expecting you to. Truly we are coming out on the better end of the agreement. Now you have a nice evening.”

He left and Mr. Whiticer said. “So you are Sara. It is nice to be able to put a name with a face at last. So tell me did those last figures get to you and more important did you see what was wrong? I know full well there is a mistake in them. That answer is just not possible.”

Sara said. “I got them, and found a few things. But they made the numbers worse. It is not looking good. If some way can not be found to stop the storms by the time the next wave it looks to me like we are going to have to seek help.”

Mr. Whiticer said. “Some are saying we should not wait, so if we can show them something that says we can it will help. None of us who have looked at the records of those years want to have the Powers look at us again if we do not need to. The changes they make when watching us are not easy. What did he mean by the magic making people ill?”

Sara said. “There are some who can feel magic. Some it just tickles others though it causes pain. They react to the storms as well, but do not feel the Woken Ones most of the time. There were some experiments done in the early years of the church. I have a few records of them, but I think most of them are in the church’s archives, and therefore out of reach.”

“Interesting I had not heard of nonmages who were aware of spells.. But then any such would have been drawn to this type of community and with you being so private it is not a wonder.”

Sara said. “The first storm hit when we were in school and from what I saw in the others then it looked like the light, the magic, inflamed the channels in those who are, or will be, sensitive to it. It is safe now if you want to use a spell.”

Jack said. “Good, and your town is a lot more welcoming than Einstein was. I can’t see them even putting clothes is the guest houses little own tell visitors the can cast a spell in them. How have you been, really? I know what your letters said, but I know it has to have been hard.”

Sara said. “The clothes are a standard part of the guest house. All the house here have some kept in them, and the house are all built on unblessed ground as they are meant to be used by outsiders who may have to cast a spell now and then. However if it is a big spell, or something that might leave traces, it is best to take that path there into the trees a ways. I think you will be able to feel when you are off the lands the town has.”

One of them said. “I felt it when we cam on them. There is a different sort of charge to the air here. Supper should be ready, will you join us Sara, they left plenty.”

Sara said. “Thank you, but I have a roast waiting on me that I had best go tend to and I promised my brothers I would have warm muffins waiting on them tonight. I doubt if they will let me off the hook because you got here a day early.”

Jack said. “So they come by then?”

Sara nodded. “Someone drops by each evening. They say it is because they know I will have something descent to eat waiting on them. To here Jacob go on you would think my mother and sisters do not know how to bake a thing. Father would stop them if he could, but as they come though the woods there is nothing he can do that wouldn’t cause more problems. Father has declared that Zac and I are not related to him, but as Grandfather refuses to disown us there is not much he can do about Abiram or Jacob coming over to see me or them hanging out with Zac.”

Jack nodded and said. “I was wondering about Zac, I mean I thought he was going before the Church Sunday.”

Sara nodded. “He did, but the leaders said he was breaking no vows and was not banned. When, if, he comes back to visit his family he will have to stay in guest house as he will be a practicing mage then, but for now he is able to stay with his family. Which I bet is not helping my Fathers temper any.”

Jack said. “I bet not. I had better let you get to your supper.”

Sara said. “Come on over when you are done unloading. You can tell me if the muffins are any good and get a look at all the books there are to be moved, I fear I have way to many as it is, and likely a few more will be added. That path there will bring you to the kitchen door.” He nodded and Sara went to her waiting supper.

Sara was just putting the last muffin tin in the oven when she felt someone coming up the path, she looked up, and saw they were still out of site so opened the door as she slid the tin in. It was getting easer to do things like that. To use the magic to do things, but she still felt a bit odd about doing anything when others could see. Keeping the tea water hot or the bread from rising to fast, those were things that her grandmother had done and no one thought about. But still her grandmother had made it clear that such things were set up when there was no else around. It was going to be hard to break the habit of hiding. Not looking up she said. “Come on in, I just put the last set of muffins in, but the fist ones should be cool enough to try.”

Jack said. “So how did you know we were here? I know full well you couldn’t of heard us coming.”

Sara turned then, and checked the tree line. “I felt someone on the path. I am still not to good at tell people apart or how many there are, but can now tell when someone is coming up to the doors of the house.”

The lady with him said. “I felt no shields are alarms that would tell you.”

Jack said. “Dr. Blone is one of the mage teachers, she came along because she wanted to see what the area looked like, magically and physically, as well as so you wouldn’t be the only female in the van on the way back. Mr. Bull, the one who was in the plaid, is the other one going back with us. The rest there are not mages. Three men and three women. I hope that is not to many.”

Sara said. “No, it is less then what I understand the education board wants to send after the school year starts. No, there is no shield or alarm to trip. I just, well it is an extension of the same sense I use to know what time it is. I think it is what is called world sensing, but it does quite fit with what is in the books I have. There is a bit yet before the others will be here if you want to come see my books. Now there is a shield on the office.” She led them down the hall and to the office, they stopped at the door and looked.

Jack said. “How did you make that shield? Mr. Whiticer is going to be drooling over your collection. How did you manage to find so many?”

Dr. Blone said. “Yes how did you make that shield? It is not what I was expecting to find.”

Sara said. “The shield is not all mine, so that might be some of the oddness to it. The, well I can show you, or I think I can. The fairy tells me you know how to watch when I build it.. The books, well my uncle called around when I was taking the tests and added to my collection. That side there is not yet sorted. I think I about have it done and more shows up. I am not sure why they are sending to him and not to you.”

“It’s not all yours? A fairy told you? There’s a fairy in here? But fairies don’t talk.”

Sara pointed at the fairy on the bookcase. “They, the woken ones, like to help with the sorting. I would not get as much done as I have if they didn’t help. As they are here so much they helped with the shield on the room, and have promised to clean up after it for me. Fairies have no problems with talking, we just can’t hear them normally.” She sorted though her books. “Here it is. See here, it is that there voices are out of the range of our ears can generally hear. However they wanted me to hear them, and do to the changes that Toxic made it was just a little thing to make happen so they did so. As well as make it even easer for me to see them.”

She shook het head. “And I was worried about putting you in forest cottage for fear they might scare you. Some thing tells me we are likely to be seeing a lot more of Elder kin once you get moved in.”

The gnome said. “Yes there will be a lot of us coming and going wherever Sara is. My kin like her, she listens to us, lets us share what we know., and is not afraid to use what we teach her, So would visit her even had she not offered to help explain her kin to the young ones Chances are you will see changes around her place as you do out there. Sara do your guest your first two teachers are letting you have the night off, and no they wont double up tomorrow to make up for it. They said you are doing just fine and missing one night won’t hurt. Also the young ones are going to start the boxing when you are out. There is no need for you to give up time in the archives to get it packed. They can do it with ease.”

Sara said. “Thank you sir, and give them my thanks. I was going to ask if you thought a few might be willing to help here. I don’t want to give up my hunt in the archives until it is time to go. There will of course be food left for them.”

The gnome said. “Oh they know where you keep the food for them Bright One, now go on the others are coming now and are worried you won’t have the muffins after all. That and Isaac has been yelling again.”

Sara shook her head. “I wish it would get easer on the boys after we leave, but it won’t. He is going to keep it up every chance he gets unless they agree to end all unnecessary contact, which they refuse to do. I had best go that last batch should be about ready to come out.”

The gnome nodded. “They, those two there, are going to have questions about what teachers, once they get over the shock. Feel free to tell them all you want to. If there is something we don’t want shared we will tell you, otherwise share what we teach you as you see fit child. Yes I know, but they needed to hear me say it. They like to treat the fact that we tutor students as secret. I will be back later, as my lessons can not be so easily set aside. Not with the storm coming.” He winked out.

The lady shook her head. “Do they do that often? Pop in say something startling and then leave?”

Sara said. “Not often to where others can hear them, but then most around here would be to scared to listen to them so they might start doing it more often. Feel free to look around, but I really must go get those muffins out.”

Dr. Blone shook her head. “It is going to be fun having you around.. I am glad you decide you could come. Though I take it that do so has caused a few problems.”

Sara said, as she started back to the hallway. “It has not been as bad as I thought it would be. My father is upset, but his response is limited by my grandfather. The most he is able to do to me is ignore me, and so he has taken to lecturing the others more.” She reached the kitchen and headed to the stove.

Jack said. “I take it he didn’t tell them that you were dead then? I mean you said your brothers would be by, and the ones who were here didn’t seem to be treating you like an outsider.”

Sara said. “I understand he did try to, but Grandfather is the head of the family still,, for all Father has the family house, and so he learned he could not do it. Therefore there has been a bit more yelling than normal around the house lately. Which means that those that can find other place to be during the day. I think it will get better once Zac and I have left town.”

Dr. Blone said. “Are you regretting your choice? I can’t imagine what it would be like.”

Sara said. “I made the only choice I could. I am not happy at how it is, but Well It is what it is. I can’t be who my father needs me to be.”

Jacob said. “Ah good Muffins. I was worried that you would have.  Whoops sorry sis I didn’t see you had guests.”

Sara laughed. “It is Fine Jac, those there are just out of the oven, so are a bit to hot to handle, but the next ones over should be warm yet. This is Dr. Blone, and next to her is Jack. Jack is the one I met at the testing, he came so there would be someone I knew, and Dr. Blone was kind enough to come so I wouldn’t be the only female in the van. They just got a look at my books.”

Jacob shook his head. “So it is time then? I can’t believe you are going, but you will be better off out there than here hiding books.”

Zac said. “Maybe things will get better at your house once we are gone. No I am not going with them, but will be leavening the first of the week Father is taking me as far as Kreatc, and the truck from Yesvan will meet us there.”

Sara said. “Given the storm that is do we will leave around the same time, most likely. Come on, there are more than enough muffins. I am getting better about the meals, but still make way to much baked goods. I just hope I can find a few at Amberviel you like homemade breads and sweets. There are going to be times I just need to bake, even with having the cafeteria there.”

Abiram said. “I don’t think you will have any trouble with that. I expect you will have a regular gang around you by the time I show up. Just be careful, some of them might have other things in mind. Yes I know you can take care of your self, but it is going to be different there than here.”

Jack said. “I will watch her for you, don’t worry. My first move when we get back is to introduce your to a few very strong ladies that will help her get used to dealing with boys that are used to getting more than they should. I know it will be hard, but I am sure she will be fine.”

Sara shook her head and took a muffin. “Look guys, I know it is going to be a change, but I also know I will not be alone. I know it is not like here, that the boys out there expect certain things. That it is going to be a bit rough on me to get used to the idea of what a relationship looks like there. But I also know I won’t be going it alone. If the fairies don’t I am sure Jack’s friends will point it out if I am being to encouraging to a boy. You shouldn’t discount the Woken Ones’ teachings just because their customs are difernt. They have been observing us since the waking. Yes some things puzzle them, but they still can help me as I help them understand.”

Abiram shook his head. “It may be foolish, but I am still going to worry, and so are you. I mean I know you are still think you should go to that other school and not be so close to me. That you are going to cause me problems.. It is the same thing.”

Sara just shook her head. “If you though my collection was big, wait tell you see the archives tomorrow, and yes you can. Just don’t cast any spells in town and they won’t care. Mr. Istcon meant I was to all of you around, not just the six that are staying here.”

Jack shook his head. “I will beg off, no offence but I am more interested in the forest.”

Zac said. “Then let me be your guide. There are a couple of plants we use that I want to show you and see if you know what they are. It might be we have a few cures here that are new to you.”

Sara said. “Jack thank you. I know it can’t be easy for you to be here.”

Jack said. “It is a bit more than I thought it would be, but I am glad I can be here. It is not half as hard on me as it is on you.”

Sara said. “I still find myself looking for the habit when I go to get dressed, and waiting for someone to tell me to go home and put on something descent. It is odd to be here and yet not. It is strange to enter the library and walk to the left not the right.”

Jack nodded. “I can understand that. I wanted to turn up the lane to my Father’s house after my time in the clinic, they let me keep working in it for the month that was left. It was so hard not to, and worse to see him turn away from me.”

Sara nodded. “My dad is out in the filed so I don’t run into him. But my mother and the sister just younger than me go out of their way to ignore me should I happen to anywhere they are. Luckily nether of them like books much, and I have no need to go to the market often so there has not been to many times. But it can year you up. Of course my Mother told me I wasn’t family anymore before I ever knew I was leavening, so I knew what was coming.”

Jacob looked at her. “What? When? I mean I knew Father was upset, but I didn’t know she was. She has never said a word.”

Jack said. “She wouldn’t, it is not her place, The man makes those calls, she just supports him.”

Sara said. “It was not a big deal, and was done when we were alone. She was just letting me know what she thought and giving me a chance to prove her wrong.”

Jack nodded. “Mine did something like that, and convinced me that I had to do what my heart said, not what he did.”

Zac said. “I think that happens more often than not, after all it is Mothers who know the kids the best. Not that mine need to say anything, after all I was clear for long time that I would not be joining the church when the time came. I still don’t know why everyone was so shocked when it came down to it.”

Jacob said. “I think it was the mage school that shocked them, not that you are leaving. So how did you know you were a healer?”

Zac said. “I fixed Sara’s leg when she fell. It was two, or three years after she came back. Uncle Isaac made us take her with us all the time and that day we were mad and left her below and climbed a tree. She tried to follow us, but slipped. I got to her first that time and felt the injury. It was just instinct. There were other such times as well, with others.”

Jack said. “You have a rare gift there, few have the ability to heal by instinct. Most do wake in the presence of an illness, but few can do anything with it, they just feel they should. Mine woke with my mage talent. I woke up one day and I was seeing strange lights everywhere. Sure I was sick I went to the infirmary, only to walk in on a healing and pass out from the overload. For my instinct was telling me to grab the lights, but I had no idea I was or what they were. Don’t worry it is not something you will wake up with.”

Jacob nodded. “I was just wondering how you knew. Sara do you mind if I make of with a basket of muffins? I will return the basket.”

Sara said. “You know full well I don’t. Why don’t you go and ask for the cabin outright? I am sure they will let you have it, and that way you could make permanent changes to make it more useable. I am sure Mr. Righter would agree that you will need a lab once you are though school, and therefore nothing you do would be wasted as you can use it then.” Jacob blinked. “That way see you can have a way to get food for it after I leave.”

He said. “I have actually, they are going to let me know after the meeting tomorrow, but said they didn’t think it would be a problem. Though we are going to miss your cookies. I am not going to like you not being here. You had better expect to make me a bunch of muffins when I come to visit.”

Sara laughed. “I will cook up a bunch of cookies this weekend, they can be frozen and kept that way. Also cookies do mail. I don’t think the muffins would, but I can try. If you get the cabin so I can send them there. However you have to take Grandfather some, as well as the odd letter. Think you can do that?”

Jacob nodded. “You bet, and if I don’t get the cabin you can send the letters to Walt, and he will pass them to me. All right I will let you all talk.” He too the basket and left, it was not to long tell the others left as well.

The next few days were busy what with the storm and getting ready to leave. The researchers were over joined with the archives and promised to finish the organizing that Sara had started as they went though the records she had had time to get to. All to soon it was time to go.

Sara took a last look around and then head over to the van. Jack opened the door for her and said “I think we have everything. So are you ready?”

Sara shook her head. “As ready as I can be, I am not sure about this. I know I am doing what I must, but it still fells wrong.”

He nodded. “You will get used to it in time, I did. But there is still that bit of me that pause each time I go to do something that can be noticed. That part of me that has to check. I think I am still waiting for the sign that I have belong to the dark or something.”

Sara nodded. “Expecting someone to jump out and denounce you, even though you have all ready done so.” She got in and so did he, shutting the door after him. The van started moving and she watched her home disappear behind her.

 THE END!!!!!!!!!!!!