Chapter 19: The Colours of Magic

Chapter 19

Dawn rose to a sleeping castle.  After the strange and late events of the night before everyone chose to sleep in because such a strange night could only lead to an equally strange day.

Rhea was the first to wake because strangeness or not, Aya never slept in.  Rhea marveled at the quiet of the castle while she walked through one of the gardens, humming absentmindedly to Aya.

The garden was beautiful and the last streaks of pink sunrise were just fading away.  Dew had gathered and the morning air was crisp and cool, a sign that fall was drifting towards winter.  

After the last few days of danger and purpose Rhea was glad for the quiet and solitude.  It was comforting and reminded her of the days when she was alone but for Jason, and then, Aya.  

By the time Rhea returned inside the castle was showing signs of life.  It was lit and she could hear the staff talking quietly as they tip toed through the halls.  

Rhea followed her nose to the kitchen to find something to eat since she didn't know how long it would be until breakfast, or even where it would be served, if it was served.  The kitchen staff were happy to give her a bread roll stuffed with nuts and raisins, a cup of tea, and to chat as they worked.  

The fires were banked and the kitchen was warm, that was partly why Rhea ended up chatting with the kitchen staff about anything from bread recipes to the ended war for the better part of two hours.  She would have remained there quite happily all morning if Jason hadn’t come to fetch her when he woke.  The morning by then was well under way and everyone was awake and tending to their duties.  That meant Rhea no longer had the luxury of of gossiping for she had duties of her own to tend to.  

Her first duty was to mix another healing potion, to this one Rhea added a vial of white strength.  Then she went to see if Duana was awake.  

Leaving Aya with Jason, Rhea entered Duana’s room.  As it was, Duana was not awake.  Not wanting to wake her, sleep being the best form of healing, Rhea put the vial of white and gold on the bedside table with a note reading; “drink.”  Then she returned to her own room to take inventory of all her healing supplies.  

As Rhea worked she talked to Jason, “I want to stay in the castle for a few weeks before returning home.  Would that be ok?” she asked.

“I don’t mind, but I’m surprised that you want to, I would’ve thought you’d want to be back on the water as soon as possible,” Jason replied.

“There’s more I can do to help here than I originally thought.  So many of the soldiers need healing and I can’t just go when there’s healing to be done.  Also I promised Duana I’d stay,” Rhea explained.

“Ah, of course, I should have guessed you wouldn’t leave when there’s healing to be done.  But why does Duana want you to stay?”  Jason asked.  

“Seraphina,” Rhea replied.

Jason nodded his understanding, from the story he’d been told it was clear that the relationship between Duana and Seraphina went far beyond complicated.

Someone knocked on the door, startling both Rea and Jason.  Jason opened the door to a message runner waiting.

“Her Majesty requests your presence at the tower, miss,” he said to Rhea.

“I’ll be right up,” Rhea replied, “you’ll watch Aya?” she asked Jason.

“Of course.”

“I will escort you to the tower,” the message runner announced and started walking.  Rhea hurried after him.  They walked in silence down the now busy hallways.  Rhea didn’t bother to mention that she knew the way, he was obviously set on escorting her.

It took ten minutes to get to the tower.  When they arrived the message runner knocked sharply on the door and announced Rhea before leaving.  

“Sorry, I hope you weren’t busy,” Seraphina said.

“It’s no trouble,” Rhea replied courteously.  “Were you wondering how today’s going to go?”

“Yes.”  

“Well, I can wake Duana up anytime.  How long it takes depends on whether or not she needs a circle to transport.  If she does it will still only take about 15 minutes, would you like me to wake Duana now?”  Rhea asked.

Seraphina thought about it for a few minutes before nodding, “yes please.”

“Is there somewhere specific you want us to go?”  Rhea asked.

“The East Courtyard, Duana knows the way,” Seraphina replied.

“The East Courtyard in, 20 minutes?”  Rhea proposed.  

“That sounds good,” Seraphina agreed.