Over eighteen years ago.
Josette twiddled her thumbs.
The study within the Brooks manse was an imposing room if not a bit sparse. The polished floor tiles were made of carefully chosen and expertly carved stones, and they echoed the footsteps of any who walked about with haunting clarity. A vase filled with Halone Gerbera decorated each corner of the room, and the room's sofas and finely crafted chairs were arranged throughout the space to allow for conversations, yet distanced just enough to discourage anything more intimate. The dark bookshelves nearly touched the crown molding on the vaulted ceilings, and stood proudly on either side of the massive desk that was the central point of the room. Each shelf was filled with volumes of written history regarding Ishgard’s Thousand Year War and countless more tomes with interpretations and reiterations of the Enchiridion. A large oil painting of the fully armored goddess Halone hung on the wall behind the desk, her portrait gilded in a golden frame.
Lord Brooks had meant for the depiction of the Goddess to draw the eyes of all who entered the room. Lewan had said that it was because of his father’s singular devotion to the Goddess of War that he dedicated this room to Her glory, and also the reason he removed many other decorations once Lady Brooks was no longer present. Josette missed the thick ornate rugs that used to shelter the guests’ feet from the cold tiles, and the rest of the walls seemed barren without the paintings of the rest of the family that used to hang there. But since his wife’s departure, Lord Brooks had dedicated almost all of his waking hours to the duties of the Inquisition, and wanted his house to reflect his unwavering faith.
So it was with much surprise that Josette learned that Lord Brooks’ only daughter, Rissalyn, had come under the tutelage of an arcanist within the Scholasticate. It was well known that the Holy See frowned upon arcanima and summoning magic, for the latter was oft used by heretics. But supposedly there were enough proponents who argued for understanding such magic to better combat it, that pockets of research were being allowed. Anything to further strengthen Ishgard’s defenses against those who would threaten it, Josette could hear Lewan say. But still… none within the city would ever imagine allowing such teachings to their children.
Surely Lysa would have voiced such concerns to her lord if there was any doubt of this new teacher’s credibility and faith. Rissa’s nanny had become fiercely protective of her ward since her mother’s departure, and such a thing as this would not have gone past her notice. Josette felt a small pang of guilt in her heart that as Rissa’s best friend, she herself did not know how this came about. She knew her friend was quite skilled in calculations and numbers--those things that Josette had no taste for--but when did she express interest in studying arcanima? Josette blamed herself for her ignorance; she had not been spending as much time with her best friend lately, especially when Lewan had some reprieve from his duties as a squire.
Rissa would never begrudge me for spending time with her brother. She loves her brother as much as I do.
So when Rissalyn asked Josette to attend one of her lessons with her new teacher, Josette accepted the invitation without hesitation. Despite her apprehensions, she greeted the elder Elezen, Emert Fouinon, with her most pleasant smile and bearing perfect decorum, as any well bred lady should. But as Josette watched them carry out their lesson, she wondered if Halone herself would condone the education that was being dispensed just beneath her austere gaze. I am being silly, she chided herself repeatedly. Rissa’s own father must have approved of this and if it has an Inquisitor’s approval, who am I to doubt? She straightened the cashmere silk of her dress as she shifted in her seat, before turning her nervous attention back to the two other figures in the room.
Rissalyn was seated on the floor, and was intently combing over the details written in the grimoire that was opened in front of her. Josette could tell from her silence that her friend was in intense concentration, she had not moved or said a word in almost a bell since she was set to task.
Sitting on the edge of the desk a few fulms away from Rissa was her teacher, he too with a thick tome held in his hands. He was flipping through the pages back and forth, penning notes now and then.
“I am ready, Master Fouinon.†Rissalyn’s quiet voice seemed loud as any midday bell amidst the silence. Both Josette and Master Fouinon looked up at the girl, the latter closing his own grimoire.
“Do proceed, Rissa.†The Elezen adjusted his glasses.
Josette found herself leaning slightly forward in anticipation, intently watching her friend. Rissa’s violet eyes were narrowed, although her expression remained meek as ever. But her gaze was not upon any particular object in the room, it was staring into the empty air. Her hand began to move, as if of their own accord, and her friend’s pupils darted this way and that as if she saw imaginary shapes spinning in the air.
Josette gasped as a shaft of light pierced through the floor in front of Rissa, as if it was cutting through the ground from underneath. She could only watch breathlessly as the thin white beam then grew into a bright column to overtake her vision. Still, in the distance, Josette could see Rissa continuing to trace more configurations.
When the white glare faded from her eyes, a creature surrounded in light stood in the room. Its black eyes blinked curiously as it looked about, and its furry blue tail swayed excitedly. It was a creature like she had never seen before; its coat seemed to be made of the clearest blue summer sky.
“Very well done, Rissa!†Master Fouinon clasped his hands together. “How quickly you learned those calculations to summon a carbuncle! And with such precision!†The Elezen leaned over to glance at her grimoire, as if to scrutinize her work.
Rissalyn and the blue carbuncle seemed to be staring at each other wordlessly, its reflection bright against her glasses. The creature made no noise, nor did it seem affectionate, but it seemed lively and eager as it turned and hopped from one stone tile to the other. Wherever it went, that shimmering glow that emanated from its furry coat accompanied him, lending a gentle illumination to an otherwise dimly lit study.
Josette could only stare at the scene, her mouth agape. Her first instinct was to look at the door, to make sure that it was locked. Summoning was forbidden, was it not…? Josette was suddenly not sure. Was Master Fouinon allowed to teach such things to other Ishgardian residents? The Elezen seemed most curious about his studies with an eccentric and almost aloof personality, much like Rissa. But certainly someone from the Scholasticate would abide by the rules with more care than his student who was merely in her teens.
The older girl could only fidget her seat, ringing her fingers. Did Lord Brooks truly approve of all this? Josette was now old enough to observe that since the loss of his wife, the Inquisitor had been more willing to allow his daughter to spend her time as she wished, as long as she was out of his way. Not that Rissalyn was the type of girl to ask for her father’s attentions, but since he was away from home on most occasions, it was only proper that his daughter’s education was attended to with some diligence. Just how aware was he of his own daughter’s interests?
Even still, Master Fouinon and Rissalyn only kept their lessons to her father’s study, which was strategically located in the back of the estate. The servants were strictly instructed not to interrupt them, and Lysa enforced this without fail and even locked the doors for the duration. All the curtains were drawn to further secure their privacy, and only the flickering candles of the candelabra and the majestic painting stood witness to the practice of arcanima .
Josette fought a shiver as she was unsure of what to do. Then she paused.
Rissa had extended a hand to the blue carbuncle, her expression still bland. The creature tilted its head and hopped forward, sniffing at her upturned palm. Finding nothing here, it nudged her knuckles with its nose to turn her hand over. When Rissa allowed it, the carbuncle slid its head beneath her palm. The girl’s violet eyes widened at the sudden gesture, her lips parting with delight. The carbuncle stretched beneath her hand, and Rissa took the opportunity to run her fingers through its fur over the length of its back to the tip of its voluminous tail.
Josette too, somehow found herself smiling. The carbuncle… despite being a summoned creature, it was an enchanting thing. And it wasn’t some disgusting multi-legged crawly thing that Rissa always seemed to find fascinating. For the first time, her friend seemed somewhat taken in by something that could be considered adorable. Certainly the Holy See would not see such creatures as a threat...
“You seem to have a gift for this, little lady.†Master Fouinon adjusted his spectacles again, his expression beaming with both astonishment and pride. “To successfully summon on your first try! I knew you were talented, after learning the first two spells with such ease...â€
“That was amazing, Rissa.†Josette finally peeled herself off of her chair, approaching the two. She kept a cautionary distance between herself and the carbuncle, but she could not help give it a curious glance or two as she smiled at her friend. “I had no idea your studies have come so far.â€
“I was not sure she would be able to do it on her first try,†Master Fouinon observed as he stroked his chin. “And the carbuncle has taken to her rather quickly as well! I have seen these things run about unchecked in the hands of an poorly learned caster.â€
“Can I summon other things?†Rissa looked up at the Elezen, her expression bright. It was a break from her usual subdued visage and it made Josette take notice of it. The question should have alarmed her, and yet the excitement that she saw renewed in her friend’s eyes--that light that had been absence since her mother’s departure--it too made Josette glance to Master Fouinon in anticipation.
The Elezen let out a laugh, although Josette thought she saw him glance at the door for an instant. “Ah… not so fast, dear pupil. I still need to convince the rest of the Scholasticate and my superiors that further studies should certainly be sanctioned. But you bring me hope that my research can educate and empower those who are willing to learn.â€
Rissa said nothing, disappointment clear in her slumped frame. Josette maintained her silence as Master Fouinon gathered his belongings, gave instructions of further studies for his student, and then left the premise. The carbuncle also disappeared with a flash of light, leaving the two girls alone in the dark study.
“There are other things that can be summoned,†the younger girl said quietly. “Master Fouinon says that he has learned of a realm of untapped energy and creatures that no one even knows of. One only needs to figure out a way to open a portal to summon them.â€
Josette had been parting the heavy drapes, letting the orange glow of the sunset wash into the room. She frowned as she turned to Rissa, who was still seated on the cold tile floor. The girl’s shadows were lengthening behind her.
“You heard Master Fouinon,†Josette warned sternly. “Do not take this summoning arts lightly. One dances too closely toward charges of heresy when dabbling in such things. If it was not for your father--â€
Josette stopped herself when she saw Rissalyn’s face lose all the elation it held before. It was in that moment that she resolved to holding her tongue on the matter, at least not voicing her doubts to Rissa. It was clearly something that her friend was excited about, and Josette did not want to put a damper on it if she could help it. Perhaps she would ask Lewan for his council. Certainly, her brother would have some thoughts on this. Tying the drapes with a thick woven cord, she approached her friend and kneeled in front of her. She reached out and closed her hands around that of the younger girl.
“I am glad you invited me today,†Josette said quietly, bowing her head slightly to level her gaze with her friend’s. “I feel like we have not spent time in forever, and that is my fault. I am glad you trusted me enough to let me see what has captivated your attention so all this time.â€
Rissa squeezed Josette’s hand back. “I am glad you were here.â€
Josette beamed and pulled her friend in for an embrace. “I am certain your studies will go well, you are the smartest person I know when it comes to these... mathematical… things.†When Rissa squirmed within her arms, Josette rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean,†she waved vaguely with one hand.
“These things have names. They are intricate configurations and--†Rissa began to protest, although her words were laced with mirth.
“Things!†Josette exclaimed as she reached around her friend, her fingers wiggling into spaces she knew Rissa to be ticklish.
Soon the two figures fell over onto the floor in a heap and sounds of squeals and giggles filled the hollowed halls.
Now.
Josette Reeves stared into the air, as equations from the parchment seemed to leap off the page and take flight. But the letters and the numbers would unravel like a ball of yarn undone, into a long thin serpent as it swam through the air, spinning into new shapes. It would form a circle that then grew into a sphere, cut in half by a triangle that then expanded into a pyramid. Then it would all unravel again to spell out a new modified calculation from before. All the while, her gloved hand continued to write upon the pages of the thick tome on the desk in front of her.
“Is the rack ready for a new subject?†she said without turning around.
Aurelieaux, a Duskwight alchemist from Ul’dah and her newest assistant appointed by the Marquis, sounded nonplussed. “Have you come up with a new formula already?†He stiffened when she paused in her work to turn around and face him.
“I may have not been precise enough in my calculations of an Elezen’s blood volume. There are small variables I had not accounted for.†She noted the empty bucket next to the Duskwight’s booted feet. The large laboratory apron that covered most of his torso was covered with crimson stains. “I will correct for these variables with the next batch of heretics.â€
The Elezen gave a long sigh in response, wiping his forehead with the sleeve of his wrist. “But must the rack be pristinely cleaned after each subject? Bloodstains are not the easiest things to eliminate. Surely, the heretics need not the cleanest--â€
“I will not permit any other variables to exist.†Josette cut him off sharply. “The Dravanian influence is thought to run through their veins. No other blood--not even miniscule amounts--can be allowed to affect the experiment. You know what is at stake.â€
“Of course, Miss Reeves.†Aurelieaux straightened, his voice sobering. He dipped his head in acquiescence and picked up the bucket again, the coarse brush and bottle of terebinth rattling within. “I have not forgotten the purpose for which I was brought here to assist you. I shan’t object any further.†He nodded firmly. “Nothing must stand in the way of finding a cure to the Dravanian curse.â€
Josette said nothing as she watched him round the corner, disappearing from her sight. Her gaze began to grow distant as the ghost of a memory came to her unbidden.
“Do you know what I ask? Do you know what is at stake?â€
“I would do anything for you. Tell me.â€
She spun back around, her expression blank once more as she turned her attention back to her notes. But there was a smallest furrow to her brow.
Josette twiddled her thumbs.
The study within the Brooks manse was an imposing room if not a bit sparse. The polished floor tiles were made of carefully chosen and expertly carved stones, and they echoed the footsteps of any who walked about with haunting clarity. A vase filled with Halone Gerbera decorated each corner of the room, and the room's sofas and finely crafted chairs were arranged throughout the space to allow for conversations, yet distanced just enough to discourage anything more intimate. The dark bookshelves nearly touched the crown molding on the vaulted ceilings, and stood proudly on either side of the massive desk that was the central point of the room. Each shelf was filled with volumes of written history regarding Ishgard’s Thousand Year War and countless more tomes with interpretations and reiterations of the Enchiridion. A large oil painting of the fully armored goddess Halone hung on the wall behind the desk, her portrait gilded in a golden frame.
Lord Brooks had meant for the depiction of the Goddess to draw the eyes of all who entered the room. Lewan had said that it was because of his father’s singular devotion to the Goddess of War that he dedicated this room to Her glory, and also the reason he removed many other decorations once Lady Brooks was no longer present. Josette missed the thick ornate rugs that used to shelter the guests’ feet from the cold tiles, and the rest of the walls seemed barren without the paintings of the rest of the family that used to hang there. But since his wife’s departure, Lord Brooks had dedicated almost all of his waking hours to the duties of the Inquisition, and wanted his house to reflect his unwavering faith.
So it was with much surprise that Josette learned that Lord Brooks’ only daughter, Rissalyn, had come under the tutelage of an arcanist within the Scholasticate. It was well known that the Holy See frowned upon arcanima and summoning magic, for the latter was oft used by heretics. But supposedly there were enough proponents who argued for understanding such magic to better combat it, that pockets of research were being allowed. Anything to further strengthen Ishgard’s defenses against those who would threaten it, Josette could hear Lewan say. But still… none within the city would ever imagine allowing such teachings to their children.
Surely Lysa would have voiced such concerns to her lord if there was any doubt of this new teacher’s credibility and faith. Rissa’s nanny had become fiercely protective of her ward since her mother’s departure, and such a thing as this would not have gone past her notice. Josette felt a small pang of guilt in her heart that as Rissa’s best friend, she herself did not know how this came about. She knew her friend was quite skilled in calculations and numbers--those things that Josette had no taste for--but when did she express interest in studying arcanima? Josette blamed herself for her ignorance; she had not been spending as much time with her best friend lately, especially when Lewan had some reprieve from his duties as a squire.
Rissa would never begrudge me for spending time with her brother. She loves her brother as much as I do.
So when Rissalyn asked Josette to attend one of her lessons with her new teacher, Josette accepted the invitation without hesitation. Despite her apprehensions, she greeted the elder Elezen, Emert Fouinon, with her most pleasant smile and bearing perfect decorum, as any well bred lady should. But as Josette watched them carry out their lesson, she wondered if Halone herself would condone the education that was being dispensed just beneath her austere gaze. I am being silly, she chided herself repeatedly. Rissa’s own father must have approved of this and if it has an Inquisitor’s approval, who am I to doubt? She straightened the cashmere silk of her dress as she shifted in her seat, before turning her nervous attention back to the two other figures in the room.
Rissalyn was seated on the floor, and was intently combing over the details written in the grimoire that was opened in front of her. Josette could tell from her silence that her friend was in intense concentration, she had not moved or said a word in almost a bell since she was set to task.
Sitting on the edge of the desk a few fulms away from Rissa was her teacher, he too with a thick tome held in his hands. He was flipping through the pages back and forth, penning notes now and then.
“I am ready, Master Fouinon.†Rissalyn’s quiet voice seemed loud as any midday bell amidst the silence. Both Josette and Master Fouinon looked up at the girl, the latter closing his own grimoire.
“Do proceed, Rissa.†The Elezen adjusted his glasses.
Josette found herself leaning slightly forward in anticipation, intently watching her friend. Rissa’s violet eyes were narrowed, although her expression remained meek as ever. But her gaze was not upon any particular object in the room, it was staring into the empty air. Her hand began to move, as if of their own accord, and her friend’s pupils darted this way and that as if she saw imaginary shapes spinning in the air.
Josette gasped as a shaft of light pierced through the floor in front of Rissa, as if it was cutting through the ground from underneath. She could only watch breathlessly as the thin white beam then grew into a bright column to overtake her vision. Still, in the distance, Josette could see Rissa continuing to trace more configurations.
When the white glare faded from her eyes, a creature surrounded in light stood in the room. Its black eyes blinked curiously as it looked about, and its furry blue tail swayed excitedly. It was a creature like she had never seen before; its coat seemed to be made of the clearest blue summer sky.
“Very well done, Rissa!†Master Fouinon clasped his hands together. “How quickly you learned those calculations to summon a carbuncle! And with such precision!†The Elezen leaned over to glance at her grimoire, as if to scrutinize her work.
Rissalyn and the blue carbuncle seemed to be staring at each other wordlessly, its reflection bright against her glasses. The creature made no noise, nor did it seem affectionate, but it seemed lively and eager as it turned and hopped from one stone tile to the other. Wherever it went, that shimmering glow that emanated from its furry coat accompanied him, lending a gentle illumination to an otherwise dimly lit study.
Josette could only stare at the scene, her mouth agape. Her first instinct was to look at the door, to make sure that it was locked. Summoning was forbidden, was it not…? Josette was suddenly not sure. Was Master Fouinon allowed to teach such things to other Ishgardian residents? The Elezen seemed most curious about his studies with an eccentric and almost aloof personality, much like Rissa. But certainly someone from the Scholasticate would abide by the rules with more care than his student who was merely in her teens.
The older girl could only fidget her seat, ringing her fingers. Did Lord Brooks truly approve of all this? Josette was now old enough to observe that since the loss of his wife, the Inquisitor had been more willing to allow his daughter to spend her time as she wished, as long as she was out of his way. Not that Rissalyn was the type of girl to ask for her father’s attentions, but since he was away from home on most occasions, it was only proper that his daughter’s education was attended to with some diligence. Just how aware was he of his own daughter’s interests?
Even still, Master Fouinon and Rissalyn only kept their lessons to her father’s study, which was strategically located in the back of the estate. The servants were strictly instructed not to interrupt them, and Lysa enforced this without fail and even locked the doors for the duration. All the curtains were drawn to further secure their privacy, and only the flickering candles of the candelabra and the majestic painting stood witness to the practice of arcanima .
Josette fought a shiver as she was unsure of what to do. Then she paused.
Rissa had extended a hand to the blue carbuncle, her expression still bland. The creature tilted its head and hopped forward, sniffing at her upturned palm. Finding nothing here, it nudged her knuckles with its nose to turn her hand over. When Rissa allowed it, the carbuncle slid its head beneath her palm. The girl’s violet eyes widened at the sudden gesture, her lips parting with delight. The carbuncle stretched beneath her hand, and Rissa took the opportunity to run her fingers through its fur over the length of its back to the tip of its voluminous tail.
Josette too, somehow found herself smiling. The carbuncle… despite being a summoned creature, it was an enchanting thing. And it wasn’t some disgusting multi-legged crawly thing that Rissa always seemed to find fascinating. For the first time, her friend seemed somewhat taken in by something that could be considered adorable. Certainly the Holy See would not see such creatures as a threat...
“You seem to have a gift for this, little lady.†Master Fouinon adjusted his spectacles again, his expression beaming with both astonishment and pride. “To successfully summon on your first try! I knew you were talented, after learning the first two spells with such ease...â€
“That was amazing, Rissa.†Josette finally peeled herself off of her chair, approaching the two. She kept a cautionary distance between herself and the carbuncle, but she could not help give it a curious glance or two as she smiled at her friend. “I had no idea your studies have come so far.â€
“I was not sure she would be able to do it on her first try,†Master Fouinon observed as he stroked his chin. “And the carbuncle has taken to her rather quickly as well! I have seen these things run about unchecked in the hands of an poorly learned caster.â€
“Can I summon other things?†Rissa looked up at the Elezen, her expression bright. It was a break from her usual subdued visage and it made Josette take notice of it. The question should have alarmed her, and yet the excitement that she saw renewed in her friend’s eyes--that light that had been absence since her mother’s departure--it too made Josette glance to Master Fouinon in anticipation.
The Elezen let out a laugh, although Josette thought she saw him glance at the door for an instant. “Ah… not so fast, dear pupil. I still need to convince the rest of the Scholasticate and my superiors that further studies should certainly be sanctioned. But you bring me hope that my research can educate and empower those who are willing to learn.â€
Rissa said nothing, disappointment clear in her slumped frame. Josette maintained her silence as Master Fouinon gathered his belongings, gave instructions of further studies for his student, and then left the premise. The carbuncle also disappeared with a flash of light, leaving the two girls alone in the dark study.
“There are other things that can be summoned,†the younger girl said quietly. “Master Fouinon says that he has learned of a realm of untapped energy and creatures that no one even knows of. One only needs to figure out a way to open a portal to summon them.â€
Josette had been parting the heavy drapes, letting the orange glow of the sunset wash into the room. She frowned as she turned to Rissa, who was still seated on the cold tile floor. The girl’s shadows were lengthening behind her.
“You heard Master Fouinon,†Josette warned sternly. “Do not take this summoning arts lightly. One dances too closely toward charges of heresy when dabbling in such things. If it was not for your father--â€
Josette stopped herself when she saw Rissalyn’s face lose all the elation it held before. It was in that moment that she resolved to holding her tongue on the matter, at least not voicing her doubts to Rissa. It was clearly something that her friend was excited about, and Josette did not want to put a damper on it if she could help it. Perhaps she would ask Lewan for his council. Certainly, her brother would have some thoughts on this. Tying the drapes with a thick woven cord, she approached her friend and kneeled in front of her. She reached out and closed her hands around that of the younger girl.
“I am glad you invited me today,†Josette said quietly, bowing her head slightly to level her gaze with her friend’s. “I feel like we have not spent time in forever, and that is my fault. I am glad you trusted me enough to let me see what has captivated your attention so all this time.â€
Rissa squeezed Josette’s hand back. “I am glad you were here.â€
Josette beamed and pulled her friend in for an embrace. “I am certain your studies will go well, you are the smartest person I know when it comes to these... mathematical… things.†When Rissa squirmed within her arms, Josette rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean,†she waved vaguely with one hand.
“These things have names. They are intricate configurations and--†Rissa began to protest, although her words were laced with mirth.
“Things!†Josette exclaimed as she reached around her friend, her fingers wiggling into spaces she knew Rissa to be ticklish.
Soon the two figures fell over onto the floor in a heap and sounds of squeals and giggles filled the hollowed halls.
Now.
Josette Reeves stared into the air, as equations from the parchment seemed to leap off the page and take flight. But the letters and the numbers would unravel like a ball of yarn undone, into a long thin serpent as it swam through the air, spinning into new shapes. It would form a circle that then grew into a sphere, cut in half by a triangle that then expanded into a pyramid. Then it would all unravel again to spell out a new modified calculation from before. All the while, her gloved hand continued to write upon the pages of the thick tome on the desk in front of her.
“Is the rack ready for a new subject?†she said without turning around.
Aurelieaux, a Duskwight alchemist from Ul’dah and her newest assistant appointed by the Marquis, sounded nonplussed. “Have you come up with a new formula already?†He stiffened when she paused in her work to turn around and face him.
“I may have not been precise enough in my calculations of an Elezen’s blood volume. There are small variables I had not accounted for.†She noted the empty bucket next to the Duskwight’s booted feet. The large laboratory apron that covered most of his torso was covered with crimson stains. “I will correct for these variables with the next batch of heretics.â€
The Elezen gave a long sigh in response, wiping his forehead with the sleeve of his wrist. “But must the rack be pristinely cleaned after each subject? Bloodstains are not the easiest things to eliminate. Surely, the heretics need not the cleanest--â€
“I will not permit any other variables to exist.†Josette cut him off sharply. “The Dravanian influence is thought to run through their veins. No other blood--not even miniscule amounts--can be allowed to affect the experiment. You know what is at stake.â€
“Of course, Miss Reeves.†Aurelieaux straightened, his voice sobering. He dipped his head in acquiescence and picked up the bucket again, the coarse brush and bottle of terebinth rattling within. “I have not forgotten the purpose for which I was brought here to assist you. I shan’t object any further.†He nodded firmly. “Nothing must stand in the way of finding a cure to the Dravanian curse.â€
Josette said nothing as she watched him round the corner, disappearing from her sight. Her gaze began to grow distant as the ghost of a memory came to her unbidden.
“Do you know what I ask? Do you know what is at stake?â€
“I would do anything for you. Tell me.â€
She spun back around, her expression blank once more as she turned her attention back to her notes. But there was a smallest furrow to her brow.
