Excerpt: Azure Skies Above

“I took the quest.”

“I know.”

“Should I have?”

Alena paused before answering. She surveyed the room – a small, tidy space with walls made out of stone. The house had been built right into the Wall itself, and was said to be one of the safest places to live in the entire City. Of course, there was no real surprise there. The fully trained mages were treated second only to royalty in the Great Walled City (not that there were kings in the City anymore – but many politicians had taken that niche quite comfortably).

“Yes, I suppose,” Alena told him, sipping at her tea. “I can’t say it was the best decision – but certainly not the worst.” Alletto began to say something, but she held up a paw. “No dear, I did not give the Committee the idea. It was all Olivano’s idea, see. The quest which you have taken is… difficult. Many have attempted it, only for it to end in disaster – no, not death – they merely ended up destroying a city or two, thus causing the quest to be canceled out of fear of further damage.” She paused to take another sip. Something about her voice was incredibly soothing. It was level and calm, as though there was nothing in the world to be afraid of. His voice, unfortunately, was something Alletto had taken after his father in.

“What… what will happen?” Alletto asked cautiously. His mother shrugged.

“No one knows, dear. Every traveler that has set out on this quest has had a different story to tell. There is only one thing that is certain.” She leaned in farther. “Do not anger the Guardians, or your path is already doomed.”

“Guardians?” Alletto asked.

Alena shook her head before he could continue. “Not now. It is not for me to say. But,” she added, getting up from the table, “do not forget.”

Alletto sighed. “Mom?” he asked quietly.

“Hmm?”

“Do you think I’ll be able to visit? During the quest, I mean.”

Alena’s eyes left his face and traveled to the window at the south end of the room. Alletto knew exactly what she was thinking of. Ten years ago, his father probably asked the same question – and he hadn’t been back once.

“Alletto…” Alena murmured. “Promise me something.”

“Yes?” he whispered.

Alena set her teacup back down on the table and walked over to his side, an aura of sorrow hanging around her. “Come back soon, Alletto,” she told him, placing her paws over his. Then, so quiet Alletto wasn't sure if he imagined it or not, she added “You’re all I have left.”