Jessica resumed her archive routine. Regularly, Meryn would drag her out to eat, rest, and breathe. The Star Student initially tried to complain about her friend's intrusive care. But as she recovered her strength, she reluctantly had to admit it worked. The journal’s pages were almost entirely covered with her neat writing and drawings. Now, most books would be skimmed before being returned. Her gaze drifted along the shelves. “It looks like it’s not here that I’ll find my answers after all.” She heard Meryn's footsteps approaching. As her friend was about to reach the door, Jessica opened it. Meryn raised an eyebrow at the novelty. “Welcome back among the living.” She said with a smile. Jessica rolled her eyes and playfully elbowed her protector.

  After lunch, Jessica returned to the archives. She sorted through her notes, wondering about her next step. Through the heavy door, she heard muffled footsteps approaching. The woman frowned. Meryn is back already? Did I lose my sense of time again? The door opened silently, and a slightly crouched Eleonora entered, a finger on her lips, “shhh,” she whispered. Jessica shook her head in disapproval, but she was smiling. What has the little schemer done this time? She thought.

  The golden-blonde, curly-haired woman walked toward Jessica. The scholar's smile widened when she saw her friend’s barely contained excitement. Jessica spoke first, “What’s the big news, Eleonora?” Then her smile turned slightly wicked. “What’s his name this time?” Eleonora beamed while shushing her with a hand. “It’s not that… I was at the Grandmaster's office and I mmh….” She blushed before continuing, “I heard through the door that the Grandmaster was talking with a messenger.” She grabbed Jessica’s hands and squeezed. “Someone saw and identified Gareth. We know where they are!” Jessica gasped and beamed, then she deflated. “I failed. I don’t know how to help him. There's nothing we can do.”

  Eleonora opened her eyes wide while making large hand movements. “There’s everything we can do!” She squeezed tighter and whispered, “Find him first. Between the College and the healers, we will find a way!” Jessica shook her head. The exhaustion of the previous days was crushing her spirit. Eleonora crossed her arms, “After all Gareth did for you, you don’t want to help him?” Jessica sighed. “Of course, I want to help him. I like Gareth. But I don’t think I can make a difference.” She looked toward the ominous black door of the archives. “Besides, the Grandmaster and Meryn would never let me go.”

  The silence stretched. Eleonora's eyes twinkled, “The Grandmaster doesn’t need to know, and I’ll keep Meryn busy. You have to leave. Now!” Jessica snorted, “It will be so discreet to take my backpack and leave in travel clothes by the main door”. Eleonora came even closer and whispered, “You leave now, as you are. You buy what you need on the way.” She dropped a heavy purse on Jessica's lap. The star student raised an eyebrow. “What’s that?” Her petulant friend giggled. “It’s a gift.” Jessica crossed her arms and locked eyes with Eleonora. She said in a stern voice, “A gift from who?” The golden-blonde woman blushed, she shuffled her feet, and finally whispered, “From the College’s coffers.” Jessica shook her head and chuckled, “You little thief”.

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  She got up and looked at her journal. Her hand caressed the open page, feeling the soft velvet of paper. I love books so much. But I have to try. I have to find Gareth. Then she took a deep breath and looked determined. The purse was stored away. Their last hug was long; both friends shivered in each other's arms, a mix of hope and fear. When they broke the embrace, Eleonora’s eyes were moist. “Come back safe,” she whispered. Jessica gave her a bittersweet smile and whispered back, “I’ll try.” They walked together in the hall, then their path split up. One was going to lie to a friend, the other was going to betray the place she called home.

  Jessica stepped out of the main gate. She walked casually along the road, then instead of stopping at the park, she continued. No one challenged her as she made her way through the city. She slowed down as she passed the city doors and glanced back. Her mouth was a thin line, and then she was out of the walls. She almost felt like she was expelled. I’m crazy, this is a fool’s errand. She took one step back toward the College. No, I have to try. I’ll search for two days, then if I don’t have clues, I’ll come back. She set a brisk pace toward the forest. I would have really liked a stronger direction than “they’ve been seen roaming the wilderness north west”, though.” Her feet already felt uncomfortable. Why do I do this? Why? But she knew the answer: For Gareth!

  The air grew chill as she entered the forest. Gaze set ahead, she focused on her breathing, trying to ignore her already chaffing feet. She froze when she heard a familiar warm voice calling her. “Good morning, Jessica.” She slowly turned toward the man, her face pale. “Grandmaster?”

  Her mentor was sitting on a bench. He casually kicked a backpack that lay on the ground. “I think you’re forgetting something.” Jessica slowly walked and sat next to him. “How did you know?” The wizard pondered, “I didn’t know, but I suspected.” He beamed at her, “So if I can’t stop you, at least I can make sure you stay warm and safe.” He opened the backpack. “I think we start with these.” When she saw the walking shoes, Jessica sighed in relief, “Yes, please.”

  The Grandmaster then took out a large pouch. Jessica's eyes widened, “No, I can’t. That’s all we have left.” She opened the pouch to check her suspicion. It was full of glass spheres, and inside maelstroms of pale pink mist danced. The Grandmaster sighed, “Yes, it’s all we have left. And if you succeed, we can make many more.” The Grandmaster locked eyes with her. “Yes, we try to save Gareth, and remember this is bigger than him, you, or me.” The Grandmaster's expression grew even somber. “So if Gareth is lost, at least bring back Jake.” Jessica felt a knot of emotions. A single tear escaped and flew down her cheek. Strengthening her resolve, she slowly nodded.

  The Grandmaster got up. He held his hand to help her up and said with a smile, “In any case, this journey will make you stronger.” Jessica mirrored his smile. But the Grandmaster’s last word sent a chill down her spine. “Remember, Jessica, those spheres are powerful, but they won’t be any use against Chala and his kind. Sometimes, it’s better to run.” Jessica bowed respectfully, “Thank you, Grandmaster. I will not disappoint you.” She walked toward the unknown.

  The Grandmaster’s eyes trailed her until she disappeared. His warm gaze grew hard. Dropping the smile, he said, "For my star student, you took your sweet time to figure it out and leave." Then his gaze shifted to cold determination. "Go, Jessica, go into the world, and come back to me stronger". Then his gaze wavered, and he finished in a whisper, "Come back safe."