“The bakery is that way.” The boy didn’t bother to look up from the shoes he polished, merely gestured up the street before I finished the shop’s name. I followed his directions, and, rounding the last corner, I whistled softly. Samina hadn’t even tried for plausible deniability.

“What can I say? He likes to play with words.” I brushed my hand over the harsh metal of the table, not raising my gaze to meet the inspectors. There was no good in doing that.

Water wrapped around Riz, flowing and sending him tumbling. His arms failed until one hand broke the surface. A hand which swiftly dropped again to strike the sea with the glove he still wore.

Riz stared at the gloves. That the casters had trapped magician them he didn’t doubt. Casters too precious to leave the shores instead sent those they had trained with artifacts bearing their powers. The sent the Magikers.

The gloves lay draped over the quarter deck’s rail. Work gloves, though none the crew would use. Riz didn’t know why his mind focused on them. Better than the cries of rage or pain, or the smoke.

Moonglow lit the courtyard. Tarinne lifted her gaze as heavy bootfalls echoed off the stone walls. Pavel, back again. Back as he had returned every night for seasons. Back to ask the same question again.

Hadwyn watched the pair enter the keep. “It’s been a week. Can we pretend it’s just beginning?” Fianna flopped onto her seat and slid down until she barely remained on the thing.

Wednesday has come around again and I’m happy to present this week’s flash fiction. As if the myriad of fingers pointed my direction weren’t enough accusation, Tobias ensured it remained abundantly clear I had ordered the ghosts by blurting out as much. I crossed my arms and glowered at Tobias. Would that my displeasure could…

“People die hunting that gemstone.” The drawer closed with the same amount of finality as Halline shoved it closed in exasperation at her aunt’s warning. Rounding, she pressed the armload of tunics and trousers to her chest. A poor shield, but the best she had.