TBC: Chapter Sixteen

The morning mist covered the abundant greens along the ground of the Ceiabré Forest. Elder Master Nyhra, the hood of her cloak pulled low over her, slowly made her way through the thick trees. The bottom hem of her cloak darkened as it absorbed the dew from the surrounding plants and grass. She paused when she reached a white-barked tree that grew amid the surrounding brown.

She looked ahead to a separate grove. A small clearing of yellow flana flowers led directly to the edge of a red, violet, and blue-blossomed grove. Once she reached the grove, she smiled softly. Her expression softened as she stroked a blue blossom fluttering at the end of a low-hanging tree branch

"There are many who have never ventured into this area of the forest," a voice said softly from behind her.

Nyhra turned to face her mother. "I was unsure if you would come."

Affera lowered the hood of her black cloak, looking like a much younger version of herself than when she had when she appeared before Gyan in the domusé. Her long hair remained white, however, and her gold eyes shone brightly. The symbol of the priestesses on her forehead glimmered in golden light. "If you summon me, I will always come. Now, what is it that you wish to know?"

Nyhra cleared her throat. "Several things. The prophecy that recently appeared in the Libran—who is it regarding?"

"I cannot reveal that. If discovered and handled inappropriately, it may ensure that the prophecy is fulfilled."

Nyhra exhaled in irritation. "What good is a warning if it is to be vague?"

Affera spoke calmly, her eyes glowing softly. "You know that there is synchronicity underlying all events. Malik will learn of who the prophecy concerns if he is meant to. The unfolding cannot be interfered with by me."

"Yes, I know the rules," Nyhra said in a slightly resentful tone. "That's the excuse you used when you refused to save my father."

"It was not an excuse. There was nothing I could do for your father. I did not see his death until only moments before it happened," Affera responded patiently. "He made his choice, Nyhra. He became seduced by power—jealousy consumed him, and he chose to betray the Order.

"As a warrior of light, this was more than just a betrayal of his family. You know he would not have listened. The voice of heart remains cloaked when the head is full of noise."

Nyhra looked away.

"Nyhra, you must settle this resentment within your own heart, once and for all. Even if I had known I was to become a priestess, my will would have not been able to override your father's desire, even then. No matter how you interpret the situation, we possess a limited perception when it concerns the emotion and intuition that guides others. As a Seyn, you may see one's future, but you are not able to dictate that future for them."

Affera reached her hand out to her daughter. Her voice lowered. "I would have done all I could. You must know this. I loved him. It is time that you yield to the truth."

Nyhra sighed and accepted her mother's embrace. "Sometimes, I think seeing the future of others is a curse more than a gift."

"You must believe it is a means to help. Otherwise, it will always feel like a curse."

"What do the priestesses prophesy for Master Gyan? If his actions were not vital to the future of the Alliance, you would not be visiting him."

"So, he has told you of his dreams," Affera said as she released Nyhra.

Nyhra nodded. "And of your visit at the domusé. His future is unrevealed to me, so I am curious to know what you have seen."

"His future is unrevealed to all at this time. Even as a priestess, I have not seen specifics…only possibility."

"What are they?"

"Prophecies are only revealed when there is a reason to convey them. You would act to protect him, Affera, if what I unveiled led to something that you do not wish for him."

"Are you pressuring Gyan to do something he does not want to?"

"No. I only reminding him—unlocking buried knowledge a little at a time so that he remembers his purpose when events align. I am playing my part in an agreement he made before his incarnation. He is still free to choose the role he plays in his journey. I cannot reveal it to you yet, but in time you will see that his choices may lead to a path directly tied to your heritage."

Nyhra watched her mother's face closely. "Aderes's future is veiled to me as well. Have you visited him?"

Affera shook her head. "Aderes is too busy with the obsession of his desires. He has the voice of others to guide him, so he does not need me for that. His choices will decide his fate as well."

"I have never heard of more than one warrior from the same group having a hidden future."

"It is rare," Affera replied. "However, the paths of those that remain unknown to a Seyn are tied to a broader destination that often concerns multitudes. Their destiny is often tied to more than one line of fate."

"Then, let us hope Master Gyan and Master Aderes use the call of their heart and the teachings of the Order to guide their way."

Affera nodded her agreement and took Nyhra's hand. Her eyes brightened as a golden light filled her gaze. "Know that I am never far. My love will always remain."

A flash of longing flooded Nyhra's eyes. "Nán," she whispered. Nyhra reached out to cover her mother's hand with her own just before Affera disappeared in an aura of twinkling golden light.

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