Page 17 of The Starlight Savior

Judith shook her head slightly.

“We will cause no harm to anyone in this village if you comply. We swear their safety in exchange for joining us,” continued the leader.

“I have no reason to comply with magic-wielders who invade innocent people’s homes.” She pointed to the Bensons who still knelt across the road. Instead of looking down though, they were looking at her and Judith. Even in the distance, the undeniable fear was shown in every part of their bodies. Shaking arms, rigid torso, widened eyes.

Yet it wasn’t just towards the warlocks and witches, it was towards Saige too.

Another magic-wielder stepped forward, their body smaller than the rest. They took off their helmet to reveal a woman. Her black hair was braided at the top of her head. Her face was absent of all wrinkles, but Saige could sense she was much older than presented.

“You’re not in the position to deny the Head General of the Etrane army,” the woman said, her voice soft and quiet. “Or some of the most powerful magic-wielders in Opela. Inevitably, you’ll want our help, and that is what we offer you. With us, you will be safe. Your compliance will not only ensure your village’s safety, but all of Opela. You must have trust.

“Etrane is not a violent kingdom, but a just one. We have always avoided the spill of blood unless directly threatened.” The witch pointed to the family across from them. “That was only because we weren’t sure what house we’d find you in. You were better hidden than we expected. We’re all grateful that you came out. Saved us a lot of time.” She chuckled softly, as if sharing a joke.

“What do you want with me?” Saige rose to her feet. Trusting a kingdom of magic-wielders she knew nothing about was unthinkable, but she couldn’t ignore her curiosity. Why were they searching every home for her, and how did they know her father…their true family name?

The woman looked to her general. He gave her a curt nod, urging her to move forward. “Since the mist, countless wielders have tried their hand at defeating it. Every one of them came up short, sometimes even being swallowed. Never to be seen again. But our days have become more limited. Queen Anya of Tiranos continues to threaten war. The mist moves forward, pushing against your borders. Although I’m sure your king has disclosed nothing of the sort.”

She was right, although Saige wouldn’t give the witch the satisfaction of her fear.

“What does that have to do with me?” she pressed. “And my father? How do you know anything about me?”

“We believe you may be able to help us, and in exchange, we will help you.”

Saige let out a bitter laugh. “I can’t help you. I know nothing of your magic or wars. Brevil has remained separate for a reason.”

“And is Brevil your true home, Saige? A place where you must hide every part of yourself? Where your life may suddenly be cut short?” The woman’s smile was sad, but knowing, her silver gaze swimming with emotion. “Having magic doesn’t make you a monster.”

Saige’s body stilled. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Did you know,” the general began, “that sometimes particularly adept individuals can sense when powerful magic is used? Like a compass, pointing straight towards the source. We’ve been sensing a large usage of magic in this village, in this exact location. Something different than what we may possess in Etrane. Something useful. It couldn’t have been this mortal.” The man pointed to Judith, her head raised, eyes burning holes into Saige’s body. “So it must be you.”

“We need your help,” the witch continued. “Whether you believe it or not, you may be of use in stopping the mist. That can be determined if you come with us. We guarantee safety and peace that isn’t accessible here. An opportunity to be trained. To find your purpose. Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted?”

Saige stepped back as if someone had punched her in the gut. Her face twisted, mouth suddenly dry.

What they were looking for, it couldn’t be in her. Could it? She didn’t have the words to describe what magic she had. Light, pain, inconvenience. Yet they sent a whole army to investigate it, searching every house in proximity.

“Do I have a choice?” she choked out finally.

The woman simply shook her head.

“And if I refuse?”

“Then you may be visited by Tiranos next. An army led by Queen Anya herself. But I promise, they won’t come peacefully. We believe you’re an important asset to us. To Opela.”

Saige looked around, from the group of powerful magic-wielders to the villagers watching her from outside their homes. She had told herself she would do anything to protect the people she loved. Judith, Althea, Baron, and Hadeon. Even if it meant leaving them behind.

Saige took a step forward.

“Don’t do it,” Judith choked out. “Please, Saige. Don’t go!”

Saige shook her head. “I-I’ll be okay. Thank you for…everything you’ve done.”

“Saige,” Judith murmured weakly.

She couldn’t bear to look at her caregiver. If she did, she knew it would be an unspoken goodbye. It was absurd what she was walking into. She didn’t know much of Etrane or their magic. They swore they’d protect her though. Train her. If she went with them, she’d be protecting her companions and Opela. Isn’t that all she ever wanted? Safety for the people she loved?

This was how she’d achieve it. Despite the pain tugging at her.