I was consumed by many hectic thoughts as we crossed the town center heading toward the forest, so I wasn’t the first to notice the large gathering of mystics on the edge of the green tree line. Twelve of them. Which if I remembered correctly, was the entire bunch. They were cloaked, hoods up, and the feeling of something eerie, ominous even, was strong. I recognized Gerard and Quale, plus a few others whose names I didn’t know.

Earlier in the day Louis’ brother had informed us that he wouldn’t be around much. The mystics were balls deep in rituals and cleansings for the rise of the king. Brainless dickbags, couldn’t care less about the damage they might be causing.

“What do you want?”

Louis’ power laden voice was directed at the line of cloaked ones.

Quale, still near the middle, Gerard to his left. The majority were nameless, faceless members.

One of them spoke: “You need to train with us, the twins must learn of their mark powers.” There was the slightest hesitation before he continued. “And we have decided that if the quads want to continue residing in the sanctuary, they must join their powers together. Our people demand to know if they’re a threat.”

I bared my teeth. “We don’t have time for this. Plus, you have no jurisdiction over us.”

Quale stepped forward. “If you don’t have the basic instruction, the same as all the others who enter the sanctuary, then you will no longer be welcome here.”

Okay, great, maybe they did have some authority. We stared them down, but they didn’t seem worried.

“In one hour, we’ll meet you in the largest of buildings toward the sea side. It is the only one in yellow, you can’t miss it.” Gerard pointed. All of us could see the building. It towered high and shiny into the air, the color a very pale version of sunflower. “Do not be late. You will still be free to accompany the twins to the prison tomorrow, but today you must train.”

As one they turned and marched away. Only Quale looked back with an expression of unease. I could tell that Louis’ brother wasn’t always cool with what the mystics stood for, but it was his fate to serve the dragon king. It was hard to fight against one’s fate.

I pushed back a few strands of free hair, hooking it behind my ears. “So, not to state the obvious, but clearly the twins and the mystics are all in this together.”