Taika peered into Cessna Anke's silver-framed mirror. Inside it was a young woman clothed in a long navy blue dress. Her large grey eyes stared out from a round, solemn face, beneath thick eyebrows. The skin was a pale, sallow colour and the hair was dark and wavy and hung over her shoulders. The woman was a stranger to Taika, as she rarely saw her own reflection.

The mirror had only been brought in the day before. It was a gift to her roommate, Cessna, and had been given by Cessna's admirer, Blayk Ayami. He was a handsome scholar with a gift of Animation. It meant he could draw things and they would come to life. As far as Taika knew, he was the only Animator in Elkari Hollow. He suited Cessna well. She had a gift of foresight and though it came rarely, it was always accurate

She herself was learning invisibility from her father. It was coming to her slowly, but it wasn't too difficult. Her lessons had been in the morning. That day she had already taken lessons in charm writing, chemistry, history, and of course her personal gift, invisibility. However, the afternoons were dull, especially as Annika and Cessna had their classes then. Ryana was free, but then she spent most of her time with other students, closer to her own age.

Taika picked up the book she had finished reading, Arts of Invisibility. It was written by Aitor Rhys, the current senior professor of magical gifts. He was the supposedly the best trainer in the college, but Taika was sure Hideake was just as good. She took a lamp and left her room, locking it before she went. She made her way downstairs to the library, one of the biggest rooms in the college, which lay in the middle of the second floor. It wasn't just a place for books, it was almost a formal meeting room. Students would come to study and professors and doctors would come to discuss issues and new discoveries.

Erian Sayre was talking to Doctor Eirlen when Taika went to return her book. They were talking quietly and Doctor Eirlen looked very concerned. Doctor Eirlen was the senior apothecary and one of the most important people, after Hideake. He nodded politely at Taika after he had finished speaking to Erian.

“Good afternoon, Taika. Do you know if your father has returned yet?” he asked.

“No, I have not seen him since this morning.”

She didn't even know where her father went most of the time, never mind if he was in the college or not. He was best known for tracking down Angran magicians, so it was probably what he did every day. Hideake only referred to it as 'important business'.

“What was he asking you about?” Taika asked the librarian casually. She was always curious to know if anything major had happened. Every now and then Elkari Hollow would be involved in helping Dagdan casualties from Angran-Dagdan wars, someone would create a powerful new potion or curse, or there would be a threat from a Angran clan.

Erian moved closer to Taika and said quietly, “Don't tell anyone about this, but Doctor Eirlen wants information on the Saiki witches.” The name made Taika's stomach turn over. “They're becoming stronger again.” Erian told her. “The doctors need to make sure it doesn't get as bad as it was fifteen years ago.”

Taika nodded quickly and left. She almost ran down the corridor and into the apothecary shop. It was the only place that led to the stables. The only way to get outside. The stables were situated on the other side of the hill next to the main building. There was no way Hideake would let people make obvious paths through the forest, so a tunnel had been built through the hill.

Even though there were wall torches every few metres, Taika was glad she had a lamp. All the warriors were training and the only person who would be in the stables was probably the animal expert, Doctor Corvus. The residents of Elkari Hollow weren't encouraged to spend time outside, because it risked exposure to the college.

The relief of being in the open air was amazing. Elkari Hollow was often so confined. Taika couldn't remember ever being anywhere else. The year before, she had teleported with Hideake to Dwail Glade, a Dagdan centre in the south of Moraik. It was the only other place she had been. Taika sat on the slope of the hill and watched the horses graze in the clearing.

Not one day passed when she didn't think about her real mother. It didn't help that the Saiki witches were one of the biggest threats to Elkari Hollow. They were despised and feared by everyone she knew. And Elmterra had been the worst of them all.

Taika had a sudden desire to be out of Elkari Hollow, and even out of Moraik. She knew plenty about the other kelevan, Cyneric, Zalazea, Eizoyt and Cyneric. They were places where people could come and go as they pleased, without any fear of being seen. All comings and goings, in and out of Elkari Hollow, had to be recorded in the front entrance. It was fine for people who lived in Dagdan villages elsewhere, but Taika was not even allowed out of the area.

“What are you doing here?” came a surprised voice from the stables. It was Akiro Hideake. He came towards her and sat down beside her.

“I could ask you the same thing.” answered Taika. “Where have you been?”

Her father shrugged. “Business as usual. I came out here to think things over. There's some suspicious things going on to the west of Annaki.”

“To do with the the Saiki witches?” said Taika boldly.

“Yes, most likely.” Hideake frowned at her. “Don't concern yourself about it, okay?”

“I'm fine.”

“So why have I found you sitting here?”

“I just wanted some fresh air. I have very little to do these days. Except the training, I suppose.”

They were quiet for a few minutes. Then Hideake said, “You could do with a change of scene. And some more experience. You must be about sixteen now, I think. Taika, would you like to travel?”

Taika's eyes brightened. “Yes, I would like that a lot! Do you think I could?”

“I have an old friend who lives in Cyneric. I can arrange for you to stay with him for a while and he can tell you what to see. Cyneric is much safer than Moraik. Unless, of course, someone suspects you of being Angran.”

“What if they did?”

“You need a new identity. Pretend that you have been adopted by my friend, Merldore, and his wife. You must give a different name if anyone asks. Taika is obviously a Moraiken name. Choose a different name and get used to being called it.”

“I would like to see Cyneric then. Could I go to Zalazea too?”

“Zalazea's a bit harder to travel around.” Hideake replied. “It's a huge place and the cities are far apart. The climate is very different to here too. But you may visit it if you wish.”

“When shall I leave?”

“Maybe after a week or so. I will contact Merldore and you will prepare for the journey. But make sure you stay safe, yes?”

“I will, don't worry.”

“I do worry. There are two things I constantly worry about. Firstly, that some clan of Angran witches will discover Elkari Hollow. Secondly, that something bad will happen to you.”

The next few days were very busy for Taika. She had to pack suitable clothes, food, water and money into a shoulder bag, which was supposed to last her until Cyneric. Hideake gave her a map and some potions which would help her if she got into any trouble. One would light a fire, another would melt metal and another would heal her if she hurt herself.

As well as that, she continued her training in invisibility with her father. Travelling was supposed to help her power, since she would need to use it while walking through Moraik. Hideake would take her as far as Kalyan and she would have to cross the rest of Moraik by herself.

Taika was pleasantly surprised at all the people who said they would miss her. She had known many of the senior professors and doctors since she very young and they were like her family. The evening before she left, Cessna took her into the lounge and they sat down with Karl Alvar, Kaiser Rhys, Cassian Nielli and Annika and Ryana Mirek.

“We haven't all been together for a while.” said Cassian. “And since it's you aren't going to be here for ages, we thought it would be nice to spend an evening together.”

“Yeah, we even ordered cranberry juice and blackberries!” Kaiser grabbed a handful of blackberries from the bowl and threw one at Karl.

“Don't waste them.” Karl picked up the blackberry and put it in his mouth. “I love these.”

“Thanks.” Taika smiled. “I've really enjoyed growing up with you all. You are like brothers and sisters to me.”

“That's so sweet, Taika!” Annika exclaimed. “We're like a family.”

“Same here actually.” said Kaiser. “I'm an only child like Taika, but I grew with all of you.”

“Well, here's to Taika!” Cassian raised his glass. “Now to be known as Sindri.”

“To Sindri!” They all cried.