Chapter 208: Island Full of Crystal Fanatics

Chapter 208: Island Full of Crystal Fanatics

Despite the urging of Piers, Kasen, and Instructor Ignatius, Tori remained awake the rest of the night, taking turns with her instructor to heal Kasen. She had a few prolonged moments of rest, but by dawn, she was still awake, and Kasens wound had not yet fully healed over.

Instructor Ignatius estimated it wouldnt be fully healed until that afternoon, as the wound itself was rather deep and the blood loss also hindered healing. All Tori could do was force her brother to eat various soups and chowders to try to regain his strength and increase his blood. Time was the big factor, but a healthy individual healed faster.

Tori, come and eat. Piers called from just outside the door to the bedroom, breaking Toris concentration. Kasen turned his head towards it and frowned.

Why did you bring him?

He was with me planning Axtons surprise birthday party when I got the call, Tori replied. The rooms windows were all open now that the morning sunlight could provide light. Ilyana and the others took SIG One to the Three Queens, so Piers arranged for the transport here.

Good. Hes useful.

Tori rolled her eyes, but quickly refocused the last of her gathered energy into the crystal. A decent layer of flesh rejuvenation had been facilitated with her efforts, but the wound was far from healed over. At the very least, while a lot of blood had been lost, nothing major had been hit nor did the arrow go all the way through.

Kasen had also left part of the arrow in until he got to a safe location to try to minimize bleeding, but it still took some time to get proper medical attention and hed been active the entire time. It was irresponsible, but knowing her brother, he wouldnt have been moving around while injured without a reason.

Tori couldnt help but want to know what happened in order to understand in full, as well as to assess the overall situation and calm herself.

I will take over. Instructor Ignatius tied his hair back and placed a small tray of additional heliotropes on the side of the bed for use. Well take turns.

Thank you, Instructor. When youre tired, we can switch, Tori said. She stood up and stretched a bit before taking a deep breath. Instructor Ignatius took her place on the seat beside the bed and picked up the crystal.

Tori watched him for a moment, then glanced at her brother. Kasen had closed his eyes and rested back against his pillows, appearing to focus on resting. Satisfied that her brother was cooperating, Tori left the room and followed Piers outside, where part of the main worktable had been cleared to place delivered food boxes.

The two other crystal masters and the two men who accompanied her brother on to the island greeted her and she gave them small nods, but didnt respond otherwise. Now that she wasnt putting all her attention on Kasen's wound, her thoughts returned to the Old Sulfae and shapes shed drawn on his hands.

Nothing was out of the ordinary from what she could remember. It followed her usual safety talisman engravings, so it was better fit for a crystal than a charm. She didnt usually use sacred geometry in charms unless it was for something overly complex. The way charms were written mimicked sacred patterns, so it wasnt really needed.

Tori sat down on a chair and didnt make a move to get any food from the food boxes that had been brought over from the mainland.

Instead, she stared blankly ahead of her as she dissected the charm in her head.

Piers opened a small heating box with Toris name on it and picked up a warmed plate with several small, flour tortilla wrapped burritos. Whenever Tori was busy and had to eat, she tended to eat something that could be handheld, like a sandwich, some chips, or a burrito. Since she usually went to Anahata Island for work, whenever food was sent for her there, it was something that didnt require utensils.

Tori. She heard her name called and blinked. She drew her head back and found a corner of the burrito just in front of her mouth. She gave Piers a little nod and leaned forward to take a bite.

She chewed her food slowly before swallowing. Master Holloway, may I borrow a pencil and a piece of paper?

From where he was seated across the table, Master Holloway nearly shot up and nodded to show he was paying attention and not dumbfounded by the first prince hand feeding the Countess of Cosora. Of course, my lady!

Tori took another bite of the burrito Piers held before raising her arms to unlatch her necklace. Masters, do you know anything about this crystal?

Master Hansen reached into her pocket to take out and put on her glasses before walking over. Tori placed her watermoon crystal on the table and Master Hansen picked it up. Her brows rose.

Quite a high vibration. I dont think Ive held a crystal with such a vibration before. Ted, look at this. I think its energy matches with air.

Air? Tori looked up as Master Holloway placed a small stack of papers and two pencils in front of her before taking the crystal from the other crystal master.

The color of a crystal is usually telling of what elemental energy it resonates with. Aquamarine is a good example and ties with water. Terra crystal is brown and green and ties with earth. While rather pale, your crystal is blue.

White mixed with blue often ties to air, such as the base crystal in comcrys, Master Holloway added. He squinted and lifted the crystal up. Its not completely opaque. It feels like it would be tied to air.

Tori furrowed her brows and turned her head back to Instructor Ignatius bungalow. Kasen was clear about feeling air move around him to redirect the arrows.

Yeah...Im pretty sure its air, too, Tori said. The base crystal in comcry were a blue and white agate and were also used in things like speakers. Tori had worked with them for Piers Harvest Festival dinners light show.

Instructor Ignatius had explained that the crystal released energy to make sound when activated. Sound was just energy made by vibrations. She used that as a basis to control volume.

The air crystal she used also fell into the category with its slight blue tint, but it had its limitations on how much air it could move and what speed. The output of crystals depended on the crystal.

The watermoon crystal resonating with air made sense, as it explained the air Kasen felt moving around him and his improved hearing. But what about his improved eyesight? What about his fatigue? She had written enhanced senses and the like, but would an air-resonating crystal have that effect? Did it have anything to do with being able to sense heartbeats?

She had many more questions than answers.

Tori swallowed the mouthful of burrito. Like Axton and Andy, Tori had given her brother a black tourmaline talisman, which was traditionally used by warriors in battle to help with their fatigue. If Kasen were wearing his, could what she wrote on him also strengthened the black tourmaline on his person?

One more bite. Piers urged her from the side and Tori took a bite, finishing off one burrito, before hunching over the table and drawing out the charm shed written on Kasens palms before he left.

It was generic. A single, rough Metatron cube with Old Sulfae in each of the interconnected circles overlapping the cube. The central circle was to increase the speed and amount of energy gathered, and then amplified when exerted by at least three fold.

Her brothers rest flew from her mind as curiosity overwhelmed her. She slid off her chair and ran back into the bedroom.

Kasey!

Hmmm? Her brother didnt open his eyes and remained still in bed.

You said you felt an increase of gathered energy, yes?

Yes, and when I released it, the energy was stronger than expected. I noticed this early on.

Tori nodded eagerly and then frowned. How early?

Before I left Soleil. I was preparing some charms and could feel the increased energy.

Her eyes narrowed. Is that why you took those high-risk positions?

Her brother didnt answer at once. She saw his throat move as he swallowed. Tori, Im very tired and sleepy. Didnt you say that resting will increase my speed of recovery? I should rest more.

Dont throw that in my face-

Tori. Piers put his hand on her shoulder. Senior needs to rest.

Were you wearing your safety talisman? Tori demanded over her shoulder as Piers turned her around to lead her back out.

I never take it off.

Why did you take so many risks! Youre not invincible with the charm-!

He was not running into a shower of arrows, Piers told her as he led her out into another room. Tori couldnt help but scowl as she was ushered out. Piers closed the door behind them, allowing Instructor Ignatius quiet to focus on healing.

Tori lifted her clawed hands. I have so many questions.

You are very curious.

I need to get as much information on a situation in order to make the best possible plan of action, Tori said, almost stomping her feet with impatience. Her eyes went wide and snapped her head out the window, which faced the courtyard. She could see the two heads of the other two men eating on a bench and narrowed her eyes.

Piers followed her predatory gaze. Allow them to eat. They accompanied Senior here.

Will they tell me what happened?

They will do what I tell them.

It really is nice having powerful friends. She let out a small hum and drifted outside. She nibbled on another burrito and listened to the crystal masters possible theories on her watermoon crystal. Tori kept one eye on the two men and as soon as they finished eating, stood up.

As they saw her approaching, they rose from their seats and gave her a small bow of their heads. Countess.

I have questions. She got straight to the point. Piers.

Come inside and give me your mission report, Piers said in a low, stoic voice. He turned around and walked back into Instructor Ignatius living area. Tori followed behind him and moved aside what appeared to be laundry fresh from being hung out in a pile on a wooden chair to sit down.

Piers stood beside the chair, as Instructor Ignatius had piles of clutter everywhere else. Tori didnt think a crystal fanatic like Instructor Ignatius would have some random clutter that wasnt crystal, but he did.

At least the laundry is clean. Tori pursed her lips and looked at the two men who stood across from them. Piers gave them a small nod, signaling them to begin.

Your Highness, my lady, Mission Red Barn has been successfully completed-

Introduce yourselves. Piers cut them off and the two men froze. They glanced at each other and then at Toris expectant face. Piers lifted his eyes as the corners of his lips tugged down. She has been cleared.

That seemed to have been the confirmation they were waiting for and Tori didnt question it. My lady, I am Mission Agent Woodhouse and along with Mission Agent Guevera, I led Mission Red Barn. This is Mission Agent Vanderboer, the vice-leader under Agent Guevera.

Specialized mission agents are handpicked from experienced first tier knights and recommended by Marquises, Piers told her. Her eyes squinted.

And Kasey is one of them?

Agent Guevera specializes in information and logistics, my lady, Agent Vanderboer replied.

I recommended him to my father just before he graduated.

Tori and three other sets of eyes looked at him as if the answer were obvious. Someone has to do it, Tori said. She turned back to Instructor Ignatius with an excited look. Instructor, give me your hand. Ill keep it simple with an energy gathering and release increase.

Unable to stop them, Piers stood to the side, defeated, and watched as Tori grasped Instructor Ignatius right hand and held up his palm so she could write on it.

Benedict, how does it feel? Master Holloway stood to the side with a pencil and paper to take notes.

Instructor Ignatius shook his head. Nothing is different. Are you grounding?

I am grounding, yes. And Im channeling energy through the crystal and on to your hand as I write, Tori said, her eyes on his large palm as she carefully drew out the symbols. Do you feel any energy?

No. Instructor Ignatius stood still, as if afraid that his slightest movement would ruin the experiment. I dont feel any energy, only the pressure of the crystal tip against my skin.

It could be that the energy transferred is small. My lady, was it the same for Lord Kasen? Master Hansen asked.

He said nothing felt out of the ordinary when I wrote on his palms, Tori reported. She began to write out Old Sulfae in tiny script. After she finished, she pulled her hands away. Do you feel anything now? Without grounding.

Once more, Instructor Ignatius shook his head. No.

Now ground. Tori kept her eyes on the man. She wasnt sure want to expect and her intense gaze went from his hands to his face and back, waiting for any physical changes. She also focused her senses to see if she could feel any increased energy.

Her hand tightened around her small crystal. She could feel a wisp of energy beneath Instructor Ignatius and as soon as it appeared, it immediately strengthened.

She heard someone gasp and snapped her head up.

Did you feel that? Master Hansen almost whispered.

Instructor Ignatius inhaled a heavy, sharp breath as his eyes went wide. He quickly stopped grounding and looked down at his hands. Palms feel warm. Comfortable and the heat doesnt increase. It is a steady warmth and I could feel it go through my body.

Toris heart skipped a beat. Master Holloway frantically wrote down everything as Instructor Ignatius described what he was doing and what he was feeling with every action. The four of them huddled together, pointing out different things and handing random crystals to Instructor Ignatius.

My lady? A hesitant voice called from behind her and Tori lifted her head, looking around to see who was calling to her. One of the agents had stood up and looked back towards the room where Kasen was and looked a bit pained. Shouldnt one of you be healing Agent Guevera?

Tori sucked in a sharp breath. Oh, thats right.... She grimaced with guilt. I forgot about that.

Benedict, this is a good opportunity, Master Hansen said. The energy gathered and released may help you lengthen the duration of using the heliotropes.

Tori gasped and nodded. Yes! Usually, we run out of energy after a few minutes of continuous use as healing with a heliotrope consumes a lot of energy.

Instructor Ignatius looked just as excited as she was and whirled around to rush back into the room. The other two crystal masters followed and Tori was about to rush in with them, when Piers stopped her. She tilted her head up, but he spoke before she could ask him why he stopped her.

Your comcry has been flashing. He looked over the top of her head and she turned around to follow his gaze.

She took a deep breath. Im going to figure out how to make this ring or vibrate.... She marched over to the worktable where her comcry was next to her empty burrito plate. It was still glowing and she opened it and slid her finger across as the watchtower at the mouth of the bay called her. This is Tori.

My lady, we were asked to contact you upon the arrival of Anlar Naval Transport Vessel Marlin. They have entered the bay, a womans voice told her.

Tori turned her head out towards the water. There were several dots on the horizon and on the water that were ships. Understood. I will await their arrival on Embarkation Island. She ended the call and looked at Piers. Master Ramos has returned. I have to go and wait for them.

Piers nodded and Tori let out a tired sigh. She looked towards the bedroom with a longing expression. Senior Kasen will rest better with less people looming over him.

I just want to see if it works as well as I hope.... She inched towards the door.

Tori.

She wrinkled her nose. She glanced at Piers and then back to the door. Im just going to check! She darted towards the door before Piers could stop her. She stumbled into the bedroom and saw her brother frowning as two people stood behind Instructor Ignatius on a stool, looming over him.

Her brothers eyes met hers. They joked about this island full of crystal fanatics. I didnt think it was this bad.

Lord Kasen, dont talk, Master Holloway said in a stern voice, silencing Kasen at once. Benedict must concentrate.

Tori suppressed her questions as the air in the room felt colder with Kasens irritated expression. Im...going to go pick up Master Ramos.... She gave her brother a sheepish look. Please be patient. Ill make you something good.

She whirled around and rushed back outside. Piers had his arms crossed and tilted his head to the side. Is he upset?

Yes, but hell take it for the sake of knowledge. I hope. Lets go to Embarkation Island! Tori marched towards the dock and Piers motioned one hand to summon the two agents.

You may report back to Horizon. Senior will remain here until he is healed, Piers said as he walked ahead of them and behind Tori.

The two agents waited with them at the dock for the transport ship to come. It dropped off Piers, Tori, and two knights at Embarkation Island before heading towards the mainland with the two agents. Piers secured a seat for them in the waiting area and Tori went to buy some snacks and then joined him.

In a few hours, Kasens wound should be healed over. Ill call Sebby and tell him, Tori said as she bit into a fried dough stick that had been dusted with sugar. She let out a tired sigh. Its been a long night.

You need to sleep. I will call Master later, Piers told her.

Im fine. Its just one night. Ill take a nap after Master Ramos returns. Even as she said it, she yawned.

Do you want to take a nap here?

She furrowed her brows and sneered. In the holding center?

I will allow you to sleep against my shoulder, Piers said. He wiped his hands on a napkin and then scooted a bit closer to her.

Tori looked at his shoulder and then at him with a bit of disgust. You think your shoulder is comfortable? Youre taller than me and the angle will make my neck ache.

Do you want to lay on the bench and rest your head here? He patted his thighs.

Toris lips drew into a tight line and gave him a deadpan expression. Im not putting my head anywhere near there in public.

You did it at the cabin and were able to sleep comfortably.

Youre the one who moved me because my legs werent working! Tori flushed. Not to mention that I was exhausted, so I couldnt help but fall asleep.

Piers looked down at his thighs. What if you-

Ill take a nap later, Tori cut him off before he could suggest something even more ridiculous. Her eyes darted around. There were other people waiting and they werent exactly low profile individuals.

Then can I-

No, you cant take a nap on my lap either. She rolled her eyes and scooted further away on the bench.

Piers lowered his eyes and almost seemed to pout. She heard him mumble under his breath. I didnt sleep last night because of you....

Tori bit her lips and shut her eyes, silently praying that no one would recognize them. After we greet Master, well go back to the tents and sleep. We should pick up Alexander, as well.

Piers nodded and Tori looked towards the entrance of the bay. Naval transport vessels for different marches had a thick band of color around the top of the ship lined with a thick strip of white. Surs was a burgundy color while Anlars was azure.

She spotted the transport ship and went to ask where it would be docking, then took Piers to wait nearby.

Master Ramos was one of the first people off the ship. Despite sounding irritated and tired on his calls, he appeared refreshed just stepping off the boat and on to the island.

My pupil! He called out to Tori affectionately and she rushed to greet him.

Master! Welcome home!

If I had to spend another day on that wretched ship.... He scowled and took another deep breath, as if the air of the delta would calm him. Its good to be back.

I have guides waiting to bring the staff you brought with you to the research island, Tori told him. Do you want to go there or back to Anahata?

Does it need to be said? He laughed as Tori took his arm. To Anahata! The imperial knights who had been escorting Tori and Piers took Master Ramos main bag and followed them to the transport dock.

Ive ordered your meal and it should arrive soon, Tori told him. Until then, you should rest.

The old man nodded and let out a thoughtful hum. What are Benedict the human and the others doing?

Theyre experimenting with one of my crystals, Tori said. She leaned in closer and lowered her voice. Master, theres something strange about the watermoon crystal I received. I drew out a safety talisman charm on Kasey as a joke, but he said that it increased his ability to gather energy and amplified its strength in use.

Master Ramos furrowed his brows. Youre sure its the charm you drew?

Tori nodded. We just did some tests on Instructor Ignatius-

You tested it on Benedict!? Master Ramos nearly pulled away as he choked in shock. He frowned and gave her a disapproving look. Countess Victoria de Guevera! You dared to experiment on a person?

Toris brows shot up and she shrank back. Master....

Piers lifted his head and nodded, satisfied with Master Ramos scolding.

Why did you not wait for me? Master Ramos demanded as his wrinkled face flushed. I am the highest ranked master on the island. If anyone shouldve been used to test the crystal, it shouldve been me!