No feeling.... If Raz had arms or legs, he couldn’t feel them. He sat motionless for what seemed like an eternity, his thoughts were too heavy to pull from the black hole that was his body. Tears slowly strolled down his check, leaving paths of wetness behind them. A small knot formed in his gut and pressure built in his head... The room, if it made any noise at all, was lost on his ears. He was alone, not just physically, but emotionally. His eyes were pointed toward his grandfather’s body, but he wasn’t looking at him. Raz saw the face of his mother. “Mom,” the words trickled out of Raz’s mouth. The single tears became an army marching down his cheeks. Thoughts overflowed, Did I tell her I loved her? How is it possible for her not to remember me? This can’t be real... I just want to go back to this morning and start over.

The knot grew and the pressure increased its grasp on his head. Raz, moving for the first time, looked down at the Orb in his hand, the smoke, still pure black, was unmoving. Lifting it up, he looked at it as if it seeing it for the first time, he asked aloud, voice cracking slightly, “What am I supposed to do with you?” The smoke started to swirl ever so slightly, as if letting him know it heard him. He looked at his grandfather’s face, too young to be gone. Looking at his grandfather’s hands, he was amazed at how they were abnormally rugged for a book seller. He then noticed his grandfather’s ring. A ring he never saw him without. It was gold, with a crow’s head engraved on it, and a small red jewel where the eye should be. Raz slowly slid the ring from his grandfather’s hand, it’s not much, he thought, but it was his. He slipped the ring onto his finger, and stood up, looking down on his grandfather’s now lifeless body.

Raz wiped his face with his shirt sleeve and started thinking about what his Grandfather said about Balin. Why did he kill my grandmother and my father? What mistake did his grandfather make that could cause someone to do this? Raz’s body started to come alive, he could feel his hands and feet again. How did he know where to find me? Does he know who I am?!?

Raz stopped, taking deep calming breaths, tears were starting to well up in his eyes, again. His anger was giving him focus. I need answers, he thought.

Trust in the order, they are your family now! His grandfather’s last words echoed through his mind. Reaching down, he raised the blanket his grandfather had been using and placed it over his head, covering the face of the only father he had ever known. Then, turning slowly, he left the warm bedroom housing his grandfather’s body, closing the door gently, as if trying to avoid waking him. Hardly feeling his legs, Raz walked down the hall and down the stairs, into the large empty dining room. The late afternoon light was now almost gone, instead it was now lit by the many candles held by the chandeliers. Even though he had been in this room not thirty minutes prior, it felt like a lifetime ago. And in truth, it had been.

This time yesterday, he had a different life. Student, son, grandson, bookshop worker. Now, what was he? Guardian? Enchanter? Protector? What did they even mean? And, even though it was fleeting, he still had the smallest hope this was all a dream, and that any moment, his mother would be waking him for school, or for work, or for anything except this.

Raz approached the door to the sitting room he and Elaine crashed into earlier upon his arrival here. Wherever here was. The door was almost shut, save for a small crack, just wide enough for him to see into the room. Nyneve stood in front of the fireplace, newly lit and ablaze, bathing the room with flickering orange light. Standing behind her was Elaine, leaning on a long, smooth walking staff, the length of which was wrapped tightly in purple cloth. This interested him less, however, than who Nyneve was speaking with. A small girl, no older than ten or eleven, stood in front of her. She had long blonde hair pulled into a ponytail. She wore bright cream-colored robes, and had a matching strip of cloth wrapped over her eyes. Was this girl blind? Raz thought. He saw a white wooden staff in her hands. He recognized the wood immediately, as birch trees grew in abundance in Woodhaven. She was listening intently to Nyneve.

“It is done then?” Nyneve asked the girl.

“Yes,” the little girl replied. “The mother, and the people of the town, will no longer remember Pelias or his grandson.”

Bowing her head slightly, Nyneve said, “Thank-you.”

The little girl nodded her head, adding, “The boy had gone before I arrived, however. The damage he left was...unfortunate.”

“I understand,” Nyneve replied somberly.

Slowly, the little girl turned her head toward the door from where Raz had been witnessing the exchange. She cocked her head slightly to one side for moment, and said something to Nyneve, too quiet for Raz to make out.

Nyneve nodded, bowed slightly at the waist, and said, “Thank you again, Jules.”

And, without saying a word, the little girl walked slowly backwards, and faded right through the wall, vanishing.

Raz’s jaw dropped open, but he stayed quiet.

Without turning around, Nyneve said, “Please come in Rasputin. There is no need to linger in doorways.”

Raz pushed open the door, and entered the room. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I just didn’t want to interrupt.”

Nyneve smiled warmly back at him, saying “There is no need to apologize, Rasputin. I am glad you are here.”

“My grandpa is dead,” Raz blurted out, suddenly.

A look of sadness formed on Nyneve’s face, and Elaine bowed her head. “I see...” Nyneve said, her voice drifting off quietly. “I am so very sorry, Rasputin. I know you were very close, and that this loss, compounded with today’s events, have taken their toll on you. Know that you are welcome here, and you are safe. I completely understand if you would prefer to be alone, and, If you wish, I will have Elaine show you to your room. If, however, you want to talk, Elaine and I were about to have tea, and you are welcome to join us.”

Raz thought for a moment. He didn’t want to be alone, and perhaps if he could get some of the questions he had answered, it would distract him, even for a short time. “I think I’ll join you, thanks,” he said.

Nyneve smiled pleasantly and, gesturing towards one of the empty chairs, said, “Good. Please sit down.”

Raz sat down in the chair nearest him. Nyneve turned towards Elaine and said, “Dear, please get another chair for yourself from the dining room, and I will get Rasputin his tea.”

“Yes, grandmother,” Elaine replied. Then, turning to Raz, she said, “I am truly sorry, Raz.” And before Raz could say anything in return, she left through the door to the dining room.

Nyneve walked over to the tea cart on the opposite side of the room, and asked, “How do you take your tea?”

Raz thought for a moment, and replied, “I’m not sure. We… I mean I, really have never been a tea drinker. An overpriced coffee every now and then from one of the shops in town, but I never really tried tea.”

Elaine re-entered the room, carrying a chair from the dining room. She set it down next to the empty chair he assumed would soon be occupied by Nyneve, and sat down.

“Well,” Nyneve said, “How about we start with a little milk, and a little sugar. You can always add more, if you find it too bitter.”

“Yeah, okay,” Raz said.

Nyneve poured two cups of tea, added milk and sugar to both, and returned to the chairs by the fire. She handed one to Raz, and the other to Elaine. “Elaine likes her’s sweet... like her.” She winked at Raz.

“Grandmother,” Elaine said rolling her eyes, and blushing slightly.

Looking at them, Raz realized Elaine and her grandmother were as close as he and his grandfather were. Instead of making him sad though, it brought a smile to his face. It reaffirmed his decision not to be alone right now.

Nyneve brought a saucer and cup of her own, and sat in the open chair, opposite Raz. No one spoke, sitting silently, sipping their tea.

Raz, not wanting the silence to usher in thoughts of his grandfather, broke the silence, saying, “That girl, the one who was just here. Who is she?”

“That, Rasputin, is an excellent question,” Nyneve said. She contemplated for a moment, then she said, “She is not so much a ‘who’, as a ‘what.’ Her name is Jules, and she is a...I guess ‘friend’ is the best way to describe her.”

“Is she, you know, like us?” he asked.

“Like us? No, not exactly,” Nyneve replied. “She is a part of this world, however, just as we are. But she is something...more.”

“She seemed so young,” Raz said.

“Yes, she does seem so, doesn’t she,” Nyneve replied, sipping her tea. “But not everything is as it seems.”

Raz smiled, “My grandpa said that to me all the time.”

“Of course he did. Pelias always saw the world for what it was, not what he thought it should be,” said Nyneve.

Elaine, laughing a little, said, “You say that all the time too, Grandmother.”

“Well, it must be sound advice then!” Nyneve replied happily.

They were all smiling now. Raz was grateful for this. Reminding him of the times he spent talking with his grandpa. Before he was overwhelmed with those thoughts, he asked, “It also looked like she was blind?”

“Not exactly, no,” Nyneve said.

“So she can see?” Raz asked, confused

“Not everyone sees the same way, Rasputin,” Nyneve responded. “I would say she sees, and even go as far as to say she sees more than you and me. Just not with her eyes, however.”

There was so much to process. A little girl, who isn’t a little girl, who can’t see, but sees more? Raz wasn’t sure he would ever get used to everything.

Elaine, seeing the look on Raz’s face, interjected, “Don’t try to figure it all out right now. I’ve lived it for two years, and still get a little weirded out sometimes.”

“The little girl,” Raz started.

“Jules,” Nyneve interjected. “Her name is Jules.”

“Yes. Jules,” Raz continued. “If you don’t mind me asking, what were you talking about before? When she told you ‘it is done.’ What did she do, exactly?”

“Well, after the events of this morning, it was decided that it was best that you and your grandfather were wiped from the minds of the residents of Woodhaven. Jules, having the ability to manipulate how mortals see the world, was uniquely suited for this task. This was not a selfish act strictly to hide you, but it was a way to protect them from Balin, should he decide to start asking about the two of you. I don’t believe he would, however.”

“Why not?” Raz asked.

“Because they are people,” Nyneve said. “And to Balin, people are beneath him. The very idea they would have something to offer, is laughable to him. He underestimates them, to his detriment, I might add.”

“That, and he is a right prick, too,“ Elaine chimed in.

“Indeed,” said Nyneve nodding and taking Raz by surprise at her candor.

“Who is he?” Raz asked. Hoping that since they were talking so freely, he may get some answers.

Elaine turned and looked at her grandmother, but Nyneve did not return her glance. Instead, saying “Balin was Pelias’ first apprentice.”

“His apprentice?” Raz asked. “Like, a ‘magic user in training’?”

“How much do you know of our order, Rasputin?” Nyneve asked.

“Almost nothing,” Raz replied. “Grandpa didn’t have...he didn’t have much time, and told me only some of who you… I mean, we are. I know we are related to Merlin, or at least that is what he told me.” He looked up at Nyneve, looking for confirmation.

“Correct,” she said. “And we - Elaine and I, I mean - are from the line of Percival. One of the original Knights of the Round, and guardian of the orb of water.” Rising from her chair, and placing her cup on the table next to them, she walked over to the corner of the room and returned with a dark wooden staff that Raz hadn’t noticed leaning against the wall. It was as tall as she was, curved slightly, and elegant. A glass orb held in the top. As she drew it closer, he noticed what looked like water swirling around inside of it.

Sitting she said, “The Orb of Water houses the one of the original elements from the formation of the world. It is what gives me my power, and in time, Elaine her’s.”

“In time?” Raz asked, looking at Elaine. “You mean, she doesn’t have magical abilities? But, I saw her open that portal that brought us here.”

“Elaine is what we call in the order, a ‘protector,’” Nyneve said, “As well as my apprentice.”

Nyneve paused, allowing Raz to catch up, her bright green eyes meeting his.

“A protector?” Raz asked.

“Each Orb is looked after by two order members. The Guardian is paired with an orb, and given control over all aspects of the element it houses. The Guardian takes on an apprentice known as a ‘Protector’. The Protector’s job is to both learn from The Guardian and also help protect the orb in their charge.” She paused, taking a sip of her tea, then continued, “They are given special martial training, and learn to use magical tools provided by the order. The portal she used was created by me, and put into a form she can carry and use.”

“Martial training?” Raz asked. “Like, martial arts?”

“Yeah,” Elaine chimed in, laughing. “But not like any karate movie you’ve ever seen!”

Nyneve gave her a frowning look.

“Sorry,” Elaine said sheepishly.

“They are not, however, able to use magics themselves.” Nyneve continued, “Not until the time comes when the guardian they serve deems they are ready. Then, the guardian’s power is transferred to the orb, and then paired with the protector. The protector becomes the guardian, and takes on a new apprentice. The cycle then continues.”

“What happens to the guardian after they transfer their power?” Raz asked.

“They get to rest,” she said simply. “They can advise, if they wish. Many do.”

“What happens if they, you know, die?” Raz asked.

“Like I said, they get to rest,” she replied. “Death is not the end of our journey, Rasputin. It is just the beginning.”

“Oh,” Raz said. “But, when my Grandpa died, he transferred his power to the orb, and gave it to me. What does that mean?”

“It means,” Nyneve replied, “that you and the orb are now paired, and that you are both guardian of the orb of Merlin...and its protector. It is incredibly unusual for one so young to be given such power. I cannot even think of a time it has happened. And, even more unusual, is that you have no apprentice. No protector. It was always your grandfather’s wish for you to become his apprentice. To learn from him and eventually, one day long from now, to succeed him. But it appears the universe had a different plan for you. I, for one, am looking forward to finding out what that is.”

“You and me both,” Raz replied, partly to her but also partly to himself. “Because right now, I would rather the universe just forgot about me.”

Nyneve smiled at this, but said nothing, instead, she took a sip of her tea and stared off into the fire. For a few minutes, none of them spoke. The only sound was the occasional clinking of tea cup on saucer.

“So, what happens to me now?” asked Raz.

“For now, you will stay with us. Our home is your’s now, Raz, for as long as you would like to call it so. Tonight, arrangements will be made for your grandfather. After which, we can sit down and discuss how best to ready you for your future.”

“What about Balin?” Raz asked, slight venom in his voice. “How can we stop him?”

Nyneve set her tea down, and looked Raz right in the eyes. Her warm demeanor diminishing slightly, replaced by a look of intensity. “Rasputin,” she said. I know you want revenge, but if I were to allow you to go after him now, I would be sentencing you to death - something I am not sure you would object to, either. There is so much for you to learn. Balin has powers we have never seen. Let us get through laying your grandfather to rest, and then we will discuss the best way to ensure you are ready to take up your destiny, agreed?”

“Agreed,” Raz said, reluctantly.

“Good!” she replied, her normal warm smile returning, but in such a way that Raz knew the discussion had ended. “Now, if you would like to join us for dinner, head to the dining room and I will make you a plate. After dinner, please join us for a small ceremony saying goodbye to your grandfather.”

“Actually, if it is all the same to you, I think I would rather just go to my room for a bit.. I’m not all that hungry,” Raz said. “If that’s okay?”

“Of course it is, dear,” Nyneve said. “Elaine, please show Rasputin to his room.”

“Yes, grandmother,” Elaine said.

They all stood to leave. Raz turned to Nyneve, and said, “Thank you for the tea, and...you know…”

Nyneve walked over to him, placing both hands on his shoulders, and said, “You are most welcome.” Then, taking Raz by surprise, she gave him a hug. Releasing him, and warmly touching his cheek, she said, “We will see you in about an hour, then.”

“Follow me,” Elaine told him, as she walked through the sitting room door and into the dining room.

Raz followed her through the dining room, and into the foyer. When he started heading up the stairs, towards the room where his grandfather’s body lay, Elaine stopped him, saying “No, Raz, this way.” She started walking around the staircase, to a door behind it. “This is your room,” she said, pointing toward the door. “I hope you don’t mind, but after we arrived, and before my grandmother sent Jules to...you know...erase you from Woodhaven and all, I used a portal and snuck back and grabbed a few of the things from your room at your house...to help make you feel at home.”

Raz stared, dumbfounded. “Umm...thanks,” Raz replied. He opened his mouth to say more, but couldn’t muster the energy to do so. It was all too much to take in.

“See you in an hour. Please try to get some rest,” Elaine replied thoughtfully, and turned and walked away.

Raz opened the door, and walked into a small bedroom. The same blue walls as all the other rooms. One tall thin window on the wall opposite the door, had a small single bed centered under it. An oil lamp on a table next to the bed was the only light in the room. And there, on the bed, were his clothes and bedding, as well as his old laptop from his room back home in Woodhaven. A room he knew he would probably never see again.

Raz laid down on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. “I still expect to wake up any moment now,” he said aloud to no one. Unfortunately, this was a wish that was not granted. After about an hour of staring at the same spot on the ceiling, there was a soft knock on his door. Rising slowly, he made his way over to the door. Opening it , he saw Elaine standing there, wrapped in a long black hooded robe.

“Its time,” she said. “Are you ready?”

“No, not really,” he replied. “But I expect I never will be, so lead on.”

They walked through the foyer, and out through the front door of the house. Nyneve was waiting for them, staff in hand; a small flame emanating from the top, lighting their way. They walked silently through the yard, until they came upon a small pond, where Raz could now see, wrapped in cloth robes, surrounded by wildflowers, and on a small wooden raft, lay his grandfather’s now lifeless body. He looks asleep, Raz thought, tempted to check for a pulse rather than accept he was gone. He hoped he wasn’t going to be expected to say anything, as he was still too numb inside. He was grateful that Nyneve must have anticipated this, since she began to speak.

“May the earth accept your soul, and do well with your energy. Rest dear friend till our energies are together again,” she said.

Then she nodded to Elaine, who walked forward, and, using the staff she was carrying, pushed the little raft carrying his grandfather out towards the center of the small pond. Raz watched as it slowly floated away from them, not sure what would happen next. He glanced towards Nyneve, noticing as he did, that there were tears welling up in her eyes. Then without looking at Raz, she said quietly, “Goodbye old friend.” She raised her staff slightly, the flame atop flickered and a small spark shot out, arching over the pond, and landing directly on the small raft. Flames erupted around his grandfather. For a few minutes, the three of them stood silently, watching the amber light from the raft, the only light in the darkness in front of them, grow slowly smaller and smaller, until the little raft and Pelias’ remains sunk below the surface, and were gone.

They walked back to the house in silence. The small flame from Nyneve’s staff still lighting their way, until they came upon the large front door. As they entered the large foyer, Nyneve turned to Raz and said, “If you would like to talk, I am happy to sit with you, but I suspect you would rather be alone right now.” This was less of a question, and more of a statement. And Raz was grateful she understood.

“I think I’ll just go to bed,” he said quietly and not looking at them.

“Then Rasputin,” Nyneve said, “Rest and find peace tonight, and we can talk more when you are ready.”

“Thanks,” he said.

As he opened the door to his room, he heard Elaine say quietly after him, “Goodnight.” Raz couldn’t answer, and instead closed the door.

Raz walked over to the bed, reached into his pocket, and removed the orb his grandfather had given him, placing it on the bedside table. He looked at it for a moment, its black smoke swirling around within. He was amazed that, although it was perfectly round, and not held by anything, it did not roll off the flat table. It simply held its place precisely where Raz had set it. Pushing the things Elaine brought from his room in Woodhaven onto the floor, as he was too tired to do anything else, he lay his head down on the pillow, and before he could begin to contemplate all of the events of the day, he was fast asleep.

Next Chapter: Chapter 6 - Visions