“Baby steps, Shyla,” Ximen said. “Moving grains of sand is like rolling marbles. If you try to roll too many at once, you’ll lose control. Only with practice can you roll large quantities.”

“Magic is the real reason we’re called the Invisible Sword,” Jayden said.

“Really? I thought it was because we can use it to make people think we’re invisible, and because we stay out of sight.”

“That’s a part of it as well, but magic is invisible and it’s a weapon that we wield like a sword. Hence, an invisible sword. We call people who can use the magic wielders. When the organization first formed, only wielders were members of the Invisible Sword. However, in the five hundred thousand sun jumps since, there have been fewer and fewer people born with the potential to wield magic.” Jayden swept out a hand. “Sand responds to our magic like people do. We push our will at someone and suggest a person falls asleep. You start with one person but eventually you can work up to putting many people to sleep.” Jayden turned around, gazing at their three sets of boot prints that trailed back to the temple. “I’m going to concentrate on a patch of sand and suggest it cover one of the prints.”

Shyla stared at their tracks. The movement was subtle, as if a slight breeze blew over just that narrow patch. The boot print slowly filled in and disappeared, leaving behind smooth, untouched sand. Impressive.

“Why does the sand respond?” she asked. “It’s not alive. It doesn’t have a consciousness like a person.”

Jayden bent over, scooped up a handful, and held it close to her. Piled in his palm, the mound of individual grains reflected various hues of pink, red, orange, tan, and purple.

“Our ancestors are part of this sand,” Jayden said. “As it slowly and inexorably buried their cities and forests, as it filled their lakes and oceans, the sand consumed them as well. Over many circuits the sand is blown away, exposing the skeletons to the abrasive wind. Over time, the bones are reduced to the size of sand grains. This sand remembers who it used to be.”

Not sure she believed that was the real reason, Shyla had to admit the sand followed orders. “What command did you use to move it?” she asked him.

“Cover.”

“I use smooth,” Ximen said. He swept his hand out with his palm facing down. Two boot prints faded away.

“It doesn’t really matter what word you use. It’s your intention behind the command,” Jayden said. “Now you try it.”

Shyla considered. When she stepped in the sand, the grains compressed under her boots and were pushed out to the sides. She focused on one of her prints, gathered her will and thought, Return.

The print started to lose its sharp edges, then it stopped.

“You need more force,” Jayden said. “Try again.”