Kimaapallon, West Province
The city of Kimaapallon was noisy, dirty, and home to some of the roughest people on the Second Continent. Yet, Belena enjoyed this place more than most because of the inhabitants' brutal honesty. You always knew where you stood with them.
Her destination was the center of the city, where Master Merchant Wayland's Menagerie was located. If you wanted exotic and unusual creatures, he was the merchant to see. It wasn't him she was interested in, thought. Even from this distance, she could feel the pull of earth being manipulated. It was subtle, and only a Master or Mistress of Elements would have felt it.
That was the way of an earth user. It could be minor and invigorating or major and destructive. Belena smiled. Earth could give life or take it. That's what she loved about working earth. That and the fascinating conversations different areas gave her. She dug her toes into the patch of dirt she stood in and let its power seep into her.
The ground was happy to see her again and hoped she would stay and play. She sent her regrets. She didn't have time on this visit. She promised to next trip. With a grin, Belena continued on her way. She kept to the forest until she came to a stream. She crossed back over to the human side and bid the forest good-bye.
It took an hour to reach Wayland's Menagerie. She stood and studied the customers coming and going from the large main building. Four smaller buildings spread out behind it. Inside them were special enclosures filled with rare creatures. She sensed only contentment from them and smiled. It would have been a cause for concern if they were unhappy.
She waited a few more minutes before entering the store. Light from outside shone brightly through the expensive glass windows, illuminating the ornate receiving room.
She took note of all the well-placed flowers. The various shades of orange, pink, and blue highlighted the floral pattern of the furniture. It made a visitor feel welcome.
"Excuse me, Ma'am. May I help you?"
Belena turned to look at the young girl seated behind the counter and nodded. She had lovely dark brown skin and eyes, black hair with green highlights that fell to her waist. It was the girl's serene smile, though, that drew one in.
The girl was the essence of earth. She was impressed with the girl's composure. She inclined her head.
"Yes, you can help me, Tamara Wayland."
Wariness flitted across Tamara's face before smoothing back out to one of polite interest.
Belena was impressed. Unflappable calm was good for an Earth element. She decided to test the girl.
"You aren't surprised that I know your name?"
"I am, but Father has taught me to never reveal it, lest a customer try to drive a hard bargain for something." Tamara paused and looked boldly at Belena. "I don't think you are that kind of visitor."
"Really? Why?"
"Your steps don't sound like a person coming to bargain."
Amused, Belena took a moment to revise her opinion of her soon-to-be pupil. Tamara was already using a small part of her abilities. That was good.
A bell chimed and the left side door opened. Belena and Tamara glanced up. Standing in the doorway was an angry Master Wayland.
Belena sighed. Things were about to become more difficult.
"Father, welcome back." Tamara slid from her seat and came around the counter, skirting by Belena and over to her father.
Master Wayland scowled and Belena gave him an amused grin. She knew what he was thinking. Too bad it wasn't going to turn out the way he hoped.
"Why are you here?"
Belena looked at Tamara who stood passively beside her father taking note of everything the adults said. It didn't bother her to say what she needed to say since it concerned the young girl as well.
"You know why I've come, but I will state it again clearly so that there is no misunderstanding. I've come to get your daughter and take her to the Negrazul Mountains for training."
"No. You will not be taking her. Be gone!" He placed a hand protectively on Tamara's shoulder.
Belena shook her head. She hated it when parents made a scene. It wasn't like he didn't know this day was coming. When she had helped deliver Tamara twelve years ago, she had made it clear to Wayland that his daughter was destined for greater things. She should have known this would happen.
"Do I need to remind you of the oath you took that guarantees your cooperation in this matter?"
He paled but, amazingly enough, did not back down. "I have not forgotten. However, I will not honor it. She is my only child, my heir. I will not be giving her up to you or anyone else."
"Is that your final answer?"
"It is."
"Very well. Master Wayland, I bid you a good day." Belena turned and calmly walked away. Once she was outside, she chuckled. That man was a fool if he thought Earth would bend to his will. She had a few preparations to make for this evening, as well as for the return trip to the mountains. She gave one last look at the Wayland's home and disappeared back into the woods to get ready.
***
Eipaikka, North Province
The bustling streets of Eipaikka would be daunting for most newcomers but not Alea. She had made her way here, lured by the prospect of food and a warm place to sleep. Her last three stops hadn't worked out well. She was tired and hungry and wanted to do something about it.
She hung back in the shadows and watched the crowds for a moment. She was looking for a certain type of person. Her fingers itched with the need to lift a purse. She had to get some money and soon.
She switched location and the new spot had fewer guards patrolling it. After a little bit, she finally spotted a mark. With a casualness that was at odds with the rush of excitement singing in her veins, Alea slipped into the crowd and sidled her way up and behind her target.
The purse dangled enticingly within reach. Time slowed as her focus narrowed. She slid her cutting knife into her left palm. It was now or never. She picked up her pace and was moving past the mark, when she snaked out her hand to cut the purse strings.
Instead, her hand was caught and she stumbled, her surprised gaze flew upward to her scowling captor.
Fear raced through her. If she got caught, the guards would toss her in prison. She was too young for that!
"Got you," the woman muttered.
Alea calmed herself and smiled. "Sorry, Granny, not today."
"What?"
Alea winked and laughed at the woman's shocked expression when Alea's hand turned into water. The woman's grip loosened and Alea spun and darted back into the crowds. She had to get out of town and now!
With her resolve strengthened, she changed direction. She could leave through the south gate. Happy with her plan, she hurried toward her objective and freedom.
***
Telena was not happy. She had arrived in Eipaikka and began searching for her young charge. Over half of the day had been spent as she roamed about trying to locate the girl. She had decided to take a break when she had run into the girl on a side street. She grimaced when she remembered how the young girl had almost robbed her.
Disgusted at her charge's choice of trade, she had planned on dragging the girl to a place more private and giving her an earful. However, the slippery little girl had surprised Telena by using an advanced water ability and eluded her. Now she was on the move and Telena was rushing to stop her from leaving the city.
She reached out with her power and felt for the water that was flowing beneath the city. It answered her call. It was eager to help. She smiled and urged it to rise up and flow into the streets closest to the city's four exits. If her hunch was correct, her soon-to-be apprentice wouldn't be able to resist using the water in her escape. And that's when Telena would catch her. Using the water as her guide, she corrected her course four times before arriving at the south gate.
Of all the gates, this one was the least guarded. She grinned. Her pupil was indeed very smart. She positioned herself beside an empty seller stall. She felt a surge of excitement from the water below and casually stretched. Her quarry had arrived.