The Reaper's Trust

Plan of Attack

Amber's breathing was erratic. She wasn't very used to her emotions fighting her. Anger and sadness at her sister's actions coursed through her like fire in her veins. She was groaning and whimpering, wiping her eyes of tears when she had to.

She had been warped to a sort of study, a cozy room with a desk and a bookcase. It was obvious by the ornate furniture and the lush potted plants that she was still in the Sage's domain. All was pearly and regal, but it did nothing to soothe her pain.

"Why, Violet? Why?" She muttered to the moon, knowing her sister couldn't hear her. She gazed out the window at the star-speckled sky. "How could you do this?"

Amber's whispers were interrupted by a creak from behind. She weakly looked over her shoulder at the door. It opened and the king stepped inside. "Amber," he said calmly. "Are you all right?"

"Of course not," the Frostylian sighed. "My sister is...she's..."

Charles shut the door and approached Amber. He patted her shoulder gently. "I know," he said. "But are you hurt?"

With a sniffle, Amber shook her head. Her body sustained no wounds, but she felt that her mind had been thoroughly maimed.

The king nodded. "That's good. My deepest apologies for what's happened to Violet. It pains me, too."

"Why would you care?"

"I mentored her. I grew close to her. She has talent unlike any other, but she uses it for dark purposes. It hurts to see that happen to someone you care for, I know."

Amber could only agree with a slight nod. She looked outside again, staring deep into the inky sky as the gentle breeze rustled the drapes. She muttered, "It's still not the same. You don't know what it's like to be responsible for a younger sibling. We didn't have a mother and I...I feel like this must be my fault somehow." Fresh tears spilled from Amber's chestnut eyes as she hugged her arms.

A warm smile cracked the king's face. He stepped closer and stood beside Amber by the window. "Actually, I do understand that. I'm the oldest of my siblings as well," he said.

"You are?"

"Yes. My parents, no, my entire kind was killed when I was thirteen. I took on responsibility for the universe then."

Amber shuddered at the thought of so much pressure. Her mind couldn't fathom it. She lowered her head. "I...didn't even know the Sages had parents..."

"A conversation for another time," Charles said. "What I'm saying is that I feel your pain. I can't apologize enough for the fall of your sister's sanity."

The Frostylian flinched. She hated that wording. Surely there was some of her little sister left. She groaned and asked, "Where is she now?"

"I sent her back to her home. I wouldn't hurt her because...I don't want to. And I know you don't, either," Charles sighed. "I was a lot like her once, many years ago. My brothers sealed me away and gave me time to cool off. It worked, and I emerged a better king."

Amber's eyes widened. She stepped back from the Sage, looking up at him. "What are you saying?" She snapped, terrified of where this was going.

"I know you'd hate to have her banished," Charles said. He closed his eyes and produced some scrolls. He set them on the ornate desk. "But it's better than the alternative."

Gasping, Amber recognized the scrolls immediately. "Those are the sealing spells I found! But Violet said they weren't sufficient," she rasped, gazing at them with a raised eyebrow.

Charles smirked. "Violet is very sharp, but she's also rash. She dismissed these too quickly." He unrolled the parchment. "It's true that these are a work in progress, but they are key to a very powerful imprisonment spell I've developed."

Amber held back more tears. "You can't really seal her away, can you? Isn't there something else we can do?" Her voice wobbled in fear.

"Yes, there is. I can kill her."

"What? No!"

The king huffed. "I'm sorry, but it's one or the other. She is corrupted beyond repair now, and there is no other way to stop her. I'd rather give her a chance to heal, but if you don't want that..."

"No! I'd much rather that than kill her! But it still hurts..."

"I understand, but it is time you must act. I've seen your tolerance, and I know it is born only from fear and sorrow." The Sage rolled up the scrolls and gazed out the window. "I didn't bring you here only to sadden you. I'm telling you this because I need your help to cast the spell."