Nym's Arc

Chapter 31 of 41

Nym and Drasila needed a place to practice. But nowhere in the castle was safe. The unmaking power could crack stone. Even the flower Nym had raised from death had cost her control for a moment. If a surge broke loose inside these walls, the ceiling could fall. Nym stood in her bedroom that morning, turning the problem over, when a knock came at her door. "Come in," she called. The Queen entered, her son beside her. Queen Tess wore a pale green gown, a circlet resting in her long brown hair. She was the mother who had first named Nym's runes as her mother's marks. Titus followed in his dark green coat, the prince who had brought Nym the green cat and taught her to hold the light through calm. Nym looked from the Queen to Titus and smiled. Titus grinned back. Queen Tess cleared her throat. "There is something I must share with you. Will you meet me in my gown room?" Nym stood and nodded. "Of course, my Queen." Titus leaned close. "Don't worry. She's the better of my parents." Nym laughed. The Queen rolled her eyes at her son, but her mouth twitched. The gown room was long and empty of furniture, the floor swept bare. Racks of dresses lined one wall. Queen Tess ran a hand along the smooth stone. "My husband told me what you and your mother must do. That you must join your power before you face Zarool." She turned. "You cannot practice in the castle. The walls will not hold." Nym's stomach sank. "Then we have nowhere." "You have your father’s kingdom made from magic protected against any darkness," the Queen said. Nym stood taller, she reached for a map the Queen pulled out. “you know where my father is” Nym said steady. The Queen nodded a yes, “I read it as a girl in a book, over a mountain shaped like upside down sharp teeth about a weeks ride a cave entrance stands with a runed arch, only light can awaken it and bring you to the Kingdom of Zeroth”