One

“Anya! Don’t play in the yard when there are soldiers around!” My mother scolded, snatching me up and back into the house. “If anybody saw you…” She took a deep breath, pulling the little toy I’d synthesized out of my hands and placing it on a table. “You must stay away from the military men, do you understand?”

I nodded silently, staring at my toy longingly.

A quick knock came on the door. “Open up! This is the military!” The pounding stopped as quickly as it had started, and my mother pushed me into the corner.

“Be still, she whispered, going to the door and cracking it open. The doorway was empty.

There was a soft swishing sound as the curtain of beads on the back door clicked together and a young man stepped down as he entered. “Excuse my colleague,” he said as my mother turned in the stunned silence. “He still lacks the finesse needed for his job.” He turned to look at me. “So you must be the child-mage.”

“Sir?” My mother took a step forwards.

I closed my mouth in a thin line. Child-mage? My hands closed into fists and I felt myself shrinking into the folds of my dress.

“What’s your name?”

“Anya-“

“I didn’t ask you, ma’am,” said the man. He knelt down in front of me, taking my hand. “You’re trembling,” he commented. “Don’t be afraid. I’m not going to hurt you. My name is Black. Skylar Black.”

“My name is Anya,” I whispered, glancing up at my mother. “My name is Anya,” I repeated, my voice growing louder, “and I’m six years old.”

“Is that so?” Black touched my face. “And you can do synthesis.”

“Yes,” said my mother, her voice ragged. “Are you going to take her away from me? My only child?”

Black glanced over his shoulder at my mother. “The law states-”

“I know what the law states!”

“You will be silent,” Black said sternly, his face grave, then continued. “The law states that all gifted children with a high potential for mage’s work shall be raised and trained by the State to become mages for military service.” He stood, keeping one hand on my shoulder and pulling me gently between himself and my mother. “Your daughter clearly falls under this jurisdiction. Whether you resist or not, she will leave with me. It’s up to you what happens after that.”

“What are you saying?” My mother spat.

“Should you resist, your daughter will be placed in a group of children in Circle City, to be taught in a classroom and brought up by soldiers. But if you decide to let her come with me freely, she will be raised by an Elite Mage, such as myself, cared for and taught more advanced technique. The work would be hard, of course, but she would have the potential to become an Elite Mage. I should remind you that the penalty for resistance is death.”

My mother blanched. “You’re a monster.”

“Don’t make it so emotional,” Black said sternly, his grip tightening on my shoulder. “I find it makes it harder for the children to lose attachment to their parents and grow accustomed to the military lifestyle.”

“You just take her?” My mother asked. “Don’t I get to say goodbye?”

“No.”

She sighed. “What paperwork is there for me to sign?”

“I will fill out all the necessary paperwork at base camp,” Black told her. “It doesn’t matter where the children come from. Your daughter will know everything needed.” He took my hand. “Come along.”

“You’ll make sure whoever she’s set up with cares for her?” My mother asked anxiously.

Black smiled, holding aside the curtain for me. “I’ll personally take care of her,” He said. “Come along, then,” He said, taking my hand.

I followed him silently, taking one glance back at my mother. And that was how I left with Black.