10. An insightful conversation in the park

We arrived just in time at sunset in the dining hall. All the pages were already seated at the table, chatting animatedly. When they saw me, the conversations fell silent. I felt like an outsider, and only Sereina gave me an encouraging smile. Apparently, Cal had already created a sense of unease towards me. Last night, I had the impression that Amir and Trisha were curious, but today they seemed a bit colder.

I sat down on my chair and Socks jumped onto my lap. Cal noticed this with a disapproving sigh but said nothing. Elara appeared, and I ordered chicken again for Socks and asked for bread and cheese for myself.

It had been a long day, and I thought I would be hungrier, but the chilly atmosphere at the table weighed on my stomach more than I had expected.

Slowly, the conversations picked up again, and the pages talked about their day, which had been filled with sword-fighting training and studies. How was I supposed to catch up on all that knowledge? I didn’t even have the slightest clue about Tarcania, hardly any understanding of Tarot, and who knows what else I still needed to learn. Yes, Leonora had mentioned something about training once my equipment was complete, and then there was the announced journey through Tarcania. I felt overwhelmed and drained, lost in my thoughts, and chewed my bread rather listlessly.

As exciting as I had found Tarcania upon my arrival, now I felt a leaden heaviness. I really just wanted to go home, but that was impossible at the moment. I had to accept my situation and fulfil my task here, whatever that was supposed to be. I wouldn’t be going home before that—Leonora had made that perfectly clear. And somehow, I would have to get along with the other pages. I wondered which challenge would be greater.

When I finally finished, everyone but Sereina had already gone.

“Come on, let’s find a quiet place, and I’ll tell you a bit about the kingdoms and the pages, so you understand us a little better.” Sereina stood up and pulled me along. I really didn’t feel like talking, but she was always kind to me, and I didn’t want to make her feel bad. So I went with her.

We walked silently through winding corridors and arcades until we reached a pavilion in a park. It was round, covered in ivy, and looked very enchanting. I was about to head towards it, but Sereina laughed and pulled me away. “No, we definitely wouldn’t find peace there, as it’s a popular meeting spot for couples—even from the town—if they’re brave enough to venture onto the guild’s railing.”

A few minutes later, we came to a small fountain. The water tinkled happily into the stone basin, and next to it was a stone bench. “Here we have some peace, and with the sound of the water, it’s hard to hear what I’m going to tell you. Don’t worry, I’m not going to reveal any secrets, but not everyone needs to know you don’t know much about us yet.” Sereina sat down, and I took a seat beside her. It couldn’t hurt…

“As you’ve probably gathered by now, Tarcania consists of the city of Tarcania, where we are right now, and the four kingdoms. Tarcania technically has a city government, but the real power lies with the Guild and therefore with Leonora as Guild Mistress, along with the Archons and Archonesses. They are the heads of the respective faculties. You’ll surely meet some of them during your training, depending on what Leonora deems necessary. She herself, as Guild Master, is the Archoness of Tarot.

I think you’ll probably also get to know Enar, the Archon of Elements, Meridis, the Archon of Numerology, and Thaela, the Archoness of the History of the Tarocciari.

Then there’s Lysar, the Archon of Astrology, Isera, the Archoness of Nature Magic, Tharon, the Archon of Ceremonial Magic, Myrella, the Archoness of Herbalism, and a few other side areas like Symbolism, Mysticism and so on. But these are fields that aren’t even open to the knights yet—only to the queens and kings of the kingdoms.

By the way, Lysar acts as Leonora’s representative when she is travelling or takes time away for several weeks for her studies. Tarot isn’t knowledge you just acquire overnight. It takes a lot of time to master the cards, to feel them, to experience them and to internalise them. You’ll learn the basic principles quickly, just like the foundations of the other areas, but it requires a long study to truly understand them.”

I sighed — me and my memory for names, and these names were anything but easy to remember. Sereina grinned. “You’ll manage it. Depending on which kingdom we come from, these names can be unusual for us too.”

But before we go to bed, I want to tell you a bit more about the four kingdoms and the pages.

We pages stand at the very bottom of the court hierarchy. Above us are the knights, then the queens and kings. Even though we all have royal blood, we have hardly any privileges in the Guild. The only ones are that we have our own table, are taught directly by the Archons, and after our training, travel through all the kingdoms. As you’ve seen, other talented young women and men are also taught in the Guild. After their basic training, they specialise. We, on the other hand, have to learn much more.

“Aha, I see,” I interrupted, “that’s why Cal is annoyed. I’m just an ordinary young woman, not from any royal house but from the outside world, and I’m supposed to be the chosen one as well. Leonora seats me at your table and he feels somehow threatened or challenged.” Sereina nodded. “Exactly. Some pages put a lot of stock in their origins and see themselves as better than others. But that’s not the spirit of Tarcania. I’m sure Cal will respect you in time, and the other two, Amir and Trisha, are new here too. They’re still easily influenced and stick to what’s familiar. Don’t blame them.” I shook my head.

“Let me tell you a little about the kingdoms so you can get a small overview,” she continued. “To the east lies Sapiaria with its capital Vindgard. What’s special is that some places are on flying islands. But most of the country is quite mountainous and a cool wind blows constantly. Some peaks are covered with snow and ice all year round. That naturally affects the people. They are very clear-headed, very direct, very honest, very logical, and sometimes a bit arrogant. They are the thinkers of Tarcania, and if you start debating with them, you really need to be well prepared, or else they’ll take you down like a scorpion that strikes fast and precise. It’s not easy to win them over, but you’ve probably noticed that already.”

I grinned but thought to myself that Sapiaria probably wouldn’t be my preferred kingdom. I didn’t like mountains or snow. That was one of the few things about my beloved Falkenstein I didn’t really like, either.

To the south lies Salahara, with the capital Saffirah. It’s hot, dusty, and much of the land is desert or steppe. The people there are very passionate but also quick to anger. They love their freedom and adventure. Sometimes they act faster than they think and get easily excited. But just as quickly, their enthusiasm often fades, and they move on to something new that challenges them and captures their attention for the moment. Many warriors come from Salahara, but also many smiths, metalworker and toolmakers, because fire is their element. You’ve already met Hephon, the blacksmith. He comes from a small village near the capital.

To the west lies Reviria, with the capital Neralis. It’s beautiful there, and most places are by lagoons or rivers. Many of our poets, painters, singers, musicians, and other artists call it home. You can lose track of time in Reviria when you sit by the sea watching the sunset or bathe in one of the spring pools. The people are very friendly, very empathetic, and sometimes that makes me feel a little uncomfortable. I always have the feeling they look into my soul and know more than I want to show. But if you want to find yourself and don’t prefer the rugged mountains of Sapiaria, then Reviria is a perfect place.

I come from the kingdom in the north, Crescendoria, and our capital is named  Dunvara.” Sereina’s eyes began to shine as she spoke of her homeland. “It’s a green land with many forests and small villages surrounded by fertile fields. We are the granary of Tarcania and supply it to a large extent. Some see us only as simple farmers, but they love our breads, the meat of our cattle, and the beautiful flowers that decorate their halls. We are reserved and get to know you first before we open up. But once you have won our hearts, you have the most loyal friends you can imagine. We take our time for what really matters but also let things take their time, because everything has its time.

I think that’s enough for now, Bobbie. If you have questions, you can always come to me. I’m here for you.” Sereina hugged me warmly, and I was sure I had truly found a friend in her.

By now it was dark and cool. We returned quickly to the main building where our paths parted as we went to our bedrooms.

What a day it’s been! I washed quickly before sinking tiredly into bed and felt Socks curl up against my back as I fell asleep.

09: The Cup

The midday hour had already passed when I left Hephon and made my way to the pottery.

Of course, Socks knew this route as well and led me through the alleys of Tarcania to the craftsmen’s district. Except for the tanners, most of the workshops were here. As I passed by, I heard the hammering of shoemakers and coopers, the clatter of looms, the rattling of rope winches, and other sounds I couldn’t quite place. It felt like a journey back in time because many of these crafts were still alive here but I only knew them from history lessons.

The smell of fresh bread wafted up to my nose, and I realised how hungry I was. I still had a little money Marcus had given me and quickly bought a slice of bread thickly spread with an herb paste. The bread was still warm, and the herbs smelled like Southern France, which I loved so much. Would I ever see the soft light of Provence again?

Before I could get too melancholic, I had to hurry to keep Socks in sight, as he wasn’t about to wait for me. Why should he? After all, he was a cat and knew his way around, while I would have easily gotten lost in this maze.

I followed him with long strides; although he was still small, he was pretty fast. I entered the workshop and saw three men sitting at pottery wheels. They were so focused on their work that they didn’t notice me at all. I watched them skillfully shaping cups and carafes from lumps of clay. There was something magical about how vessels seemed to emerge from nothing.

The walls were covered with shelves holding finished, fired, and glazed bowls, cups, plates, wine carafes, and jugs. Most were simply coloured in earthy tones, but there were also beautifully decorated pieces with intricate patterns.

I guessed that the oldest man must be the master and addressed him.

I cleared my throat to make myself noticed. “Hello, I’m Bobbie, and Leonora sent me to make my cup here.” The men looked up, and the oldest among them nodded towards the back. Only then did I notice a middle-aged woman sorting vessels to pack them in wood wool and place them in a crate.

“Ah, hello Bobbie, I’m Mira, the master of this workshop,” she greeted me. I felt my face flush.

I considered myself progressive—I had learned to fly myself—and automatically assumed a man would run the workshop. I was so embarrassed and stammered an apology. Mira smiled warmly and said, “You don’t need to feel bad about that; it happens to many because even in Tarcania we’re not yet at the point where it’s normal for women to run a business or even be guild masters. Leonora does a lot for that, but what has settled in minds over many centuries doesn’t change overnight. It seems it’s similar in your homeland.” I nodded sheepishly, and Mira hugged me warmly.

“I expected you earlier because Leonora didn’t give you much time.”
“Yes, the visit to Hephon and choosing my sword took a while,” I replied.

Mira smiled and led me to a potter’s wheel. “Have a seat. Have you ever done pottery before?” I shook my head. I knew my task was to make a cup, but how was I supposed to manage that?

I sighed. I wasn’t the kind of woman to get discouraged quickly. My travels, flying—it hadn’t come easy either. I had to fight for recognition and acceptance. But that was back home, in my world. Even though I was used to adapting quickly to foreign cultures, especially while travelling, this wasn’t just another world like Tarcania. I felt overwhelmed, and this wouldn’t be the last time I’d feel lost in Tarcania.

Mira seemed to sense my thoughts. “Come on, we’ll do this together. Your hands will shape the cup, but I will guide them. But first, you have to knead the clay.” She winked at me, and I felt renewed courage.

I dipped my hands into the water beside the wheel, took the lump of clay between my hands, and began kneading it. It reminded me of my childhood when I baked cookies with my mother at Christmas. I was allowed to help her, and I could remember her slender hands shaping the dough into a ball from the shapeless mass.

It didn’t take long before the clay was soft and pliable. I shaped a smooth ball and placed it in the centre of the potter’s wheel. I sat down, Mira behind me, and I began to turn the wheel using the pedal.

“Good, make sure the speed stays consistent. Find your rhythm and keep it. And by the way, that doesn’t just apply to pottery,” Mira grinned.

I placed my hands around the clay ball, and Mira’s hands enveloped mine. “Press the clay with both hands to centre it. Keep the pressure even as you move the clay up and down. This will create a small, thick column.” I followed her instructions and let her hands guide mine.

“Now press a thumb into the centre of the clay lump to make a hollow. Hold the bottom of the clay with your left hand and pull upwards with your other hand to shape the walls of the cup.” As Mira told me what to do, her hands guided mine, and slowly but surely, a cup began to take shape.

I dipped my hands into the water repeatedly to keep the clay smooth and supple.

Once it reached a comfortable height, we smoothed the rim, and I slowly stopped the wheel.

“You did very well, my dear,” Mira praised me. I smiled, knowing that without her help, the result would have barely resembled a drinking vessel. “Thank you so much for your support,” I replied. “Now we’ll cut the cup from the wheel with a wire and let it dry. Then it will be fired, glazed, and fired again. That will take until tomorrow. Come back at the fourth hour of the afternoon; your cup will be ready then.”

“That’s so fast? I thought all this took several days,” I wondered. Mira nodded. “In Tarcania, we have a special clay… and a bit of magic. You wouldn’t want to face Leonora empty-handed, would you?”

I shook my head. Of course not! I wanted to prove myself worthy and not fail at my first tasks.

I thanked Mira warmly and hugged her. “Where is S… Kelo?” I almost let it slip. I still needed to get used to his public name…

“Kelo?” Mira asked. “Yes, my little black cat.”
“Oh, you mean him. I think I saw him near the kilns at the back. It’s nice and warm there—cats love that.”

I went around and there was Socks, completely relaxed, only his left front paw twitching slightly. He was probably dreaming of chasing mice. I gently stroked his head and he sleepily opened his eyes.
“Are you finally done? I’m hungry, and mealtime is soon. We have to get back to the Guild,” he meowed at me before stretching contentedly.

I said goodbye to Mira and set off back to the Guild with Socks, which was slowly becoming my home.

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08: Hephon the Blacksmith

I followed Socks through the small forest surrounding the Guild. The path was just wide enough for a cart and a horse to pass. I enjoyed breathing in the spicy air, scented with pine and resin. The birds chirped happily, and now and then there was a crackle in the undergrowth. Perhaps a mouse or a hare we had startled.

Even if it had been a mouse, Socks kept going and didn’t get distracted. He was clearly on a mission – his mission as my guide. I have to admit, I was impressed and proud of my little furry friend for taking his task so seriously.

But I’d be careful not to tell him that, or his ego would surely grow many times his size. Tonight, he would definitely get a little extra treat.

After a while, we heard hammering. It had to be coming from the forge.

Somehow, I had imagined it smaller, tucked between the trees, but it was quite tall and large. The door was blackened with soot, and I pulled it open. Knocking wouldn’t have made sense with all the noise.

I stepped into the room and was hit by a wave of heat. My eyes began to water as the smoke irritated them.

The blacksmith stood by the forge, where a fire was burning, hammering away at a long, narrow piece of metal. Blanks, tools, and finished swords, daggers, and rapiers were lined up to the side. After a few strikes, he looked up and grinned at me.

“Welcome to my fiery hell. I’m Hephon, the Guild’s blacksmith. You must be Bobbie. Leonora told me you were coming. I expected you earlier, but well, now you’re here. You’re supposed to pick your sword, but have you ever held a sword before?”

“I had fencing lessons back home,” I answered proudly, and Hephon laughed loudly.

“Well, you’re just the right one for me. You’ve only ever waved a rapier about, and now you’re getting a sword. Where do you come from anyway? The other pages got their swords weeks ago and have already started training. You’re quite the latecomer. I’m surprised Leonora took you in.”

“I’ve only just arrived in Tarcania; I come from the outside world,” I replied uncertainly, still remembering Cal’s reaction and his mockery. Hephon grew serious. “Outside world, hmm, I see. Well then, it’s an honour to give you your sword. I would forge one for you if we had enough time, but Leonora made it clear we don’t. So you’ll have to choose one. Do you know what to look for?”

I shook my head embarrassedly. Of course, I had no idea what made a good sword; I’d never used one before. Back home in Falkenstein, there were some swords hanging on the walls, but those were more relics of the past and decoration.

“The sword shouldn’t be too light because you need to focus on your movements rather than wildly swinging it about. This way, you concentrate better. It saves energy in the end and allows you to use it more precisely. I’d recommend a one-handed sword or better yet, a short sword, because with that you’re quicker—it’s lighter than a two-hander.

Try out some of my swords. It should feel like an extension of your arm. If you hold it vertically, it shouldn’t be too heavy. A traditional one-hander is between 90 and 130 centimetres long. That’s quite substantial.”

I swallowed nervously, and Hephon noticed my discomfort.

“A short sword is obviously smaller—40 to 80 centimetres. It’s lighter and will be easier for you to handle. The gladius from your world was 50–60 centimetres long, and if what we’ve heard here is true, then the Romans conquered an empire with it.”

“What was good enough for the Romans should be good enough for me,” I smiled confidently. Me, an Amazon with a Roman sword— I liked that idea.

Hephon nodded and showed me his short swords. I tried out a few, swinging them through the air and trying not to make too much of a fool of myself. One of the swords especially caught my eye. It wasn’t too light or too heavy and felt just right. It had a subtle engraving and seemed to call out to me.

“This is the one,” I said. Hephon nodded. “A good choice. The sword is called Valanur, and I’ll also give you a dagger, the scabbard, a belt, and gloves.”

I have to admit, I felt really good as I fastened the belt around my waist and sheathed my short sword and dagger. The gloves were made of soft leather, almost like a second skin.

I thanked Hephon and set off for the pottery. I would deal with the staff later, as I suspected the cup would take more time.

Of course, Socks knew the way as well and marched ahead of me with his tail held high. Somehow, he seemed a bit prouder and bolder in his stride after I had received the weapons. I felt like an Amazon, but I knew my fencing experience wouldn’t fully prepare me for sword training.

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07: My first Task

I woke up when I felt kneading on my back. At first, I didn’t know where I was or what those little pinpricks meant, but then I realised I had whiskers on my face. Socks… right… I’d had a cat since yesterday, and the little fellow was giving me quite a hard headbutt after he’d stopped kneading my back with his claws out.

“Yeah, I’m awake,” I grumbled. I was never an early riser, and talking much in the morning wasn’t really my thing. I preferred to enjoy my first cup of tea in silence and didn’t really want to be disturbed. Socks gave me another bump and jumped elegantly off the bed.

“Come on, get up, you sleepyhead. The bell’s already rung eight times.” I remembered – in an hour, I was supposed to be at Leonora’s. I slipped into my new clothes, splashed cold water on my face, and got ready.

Socks was already standing by the door, wanting his breakfast. But – what else did he actually eat besides cold chicken? He was still too small for mouse hunting. Together, we set off for the dining hall, and I was glad Socks had a good sense of direction. A predator, after all, even if still quite small and cute.

It didn’t take long before we arrived at the dining hall. No one was sitting at the round table, and I wasn’t sure if I should really sit there, but Socks strolled over confidently and looked at me expectantly. And yes, yesterday Sereina had said this table was reserved for the four pages and me.

No sooner had I sat down than the blonde girl from yesterday floated over and asked what I would like to eat. I asked for tea, bread, and cheese. It was worth a try at least. “Tea? What do you mean by that?” she asked uncertainly. “An infusion, just hot water and dried leaves or herbs,” I tried to explain. “Ah, an herbal brew, I see,” she smiled and disappeared. Anything but chamomile tea, I hoped silently.

It wasn’t long before she came back with a steaming cup, a board with slices of bread, and cheese.

“This is for you, and I hope you like Gharbia. It’s an herbal brew made from wild sage, shimmering mint, and dragon herb. Sometimes other herbs are added, but that’s the traditional mix. And I’ve brought some curd for your little friend. What’s his name, by the way?” I remembered Sereina’s warning never to reveal the real name. “Kelo,” I replied spontaneously. Socks looked at me, and I could have sworn he raised an eyebrow. Can cats even do that?

“I haven’t introduced myself yet; I’m Elara,” she said as she placed the little bowl of curd on the floor. Socks immediately dived into his breakfast with delight. “I’m Bobbie,” I answered. “I know,” Elara smiled and vanished again.

Somewhat sceptically, I tried the hot drink, Gharbia. It tasted bitter but also a little sweet, a very special flavour. Well then, if this was what came closest to tea here, I guess I’d have to get used to it.

I hurried through breakfast since the bell had already rung three times. I guessed it was quarter to nine, like back home. It was about time to make my way to Leonora.

Just as I was about to leave, the pages from the four kingdoms entered the dining hall. I really didn’t fancy another confrontation with Cal, so I greeted everyone politely.

“Where are you off to in such a hurry?” Sereina asked, and I replied that I was expected by the Guild Mistress at the ninth bell strike. I saw surprised faces and made my way out.

I had meant to ask Sereina for directions but didn’t want to show Cal that I didn’t know my way around.

Well, there I stood in the corridor where all looked the same. “What are you waiting for?” Socks asked me and confidently walked down one of the corridors.

“You know where Leonora’s room is?” “Of course, who do you take me for?” Socks purred with a certain satisfaction in his voice.

For the life of me, I had no idea how this little street cat knew his way around the Guild, but I didn’t really have a choice, so I trusted him. Having no better idea and seeing no one else to ask, I followed Socks. He’d have to explain eventually, but now I had to hurry.

With the last bell strike, I knocked on the plain wooden door that I recognised. It swung open, and I stepped inside, of course accompanied by Socks.

Leonora was dressed more simply than on my first visit and looked very busy.

“Ah,” Leonora smiled, “you’ve already found your familiar. What’s his name then?” I really shouldn’t reveal anyone’s real name – that included Leonora.

“Kelo. I found him in town yesterday, and he spoke to me. From Sereina, I learned that this is special and that we can only communicate with our familiars this way.”

“Yes, that’s right,” Leonora nodded, “and I’m glad you’ve already learned the first lesson and haven’t revealed his true name to me. If you’re wondering how I know – well, it just is.”

Leonora became serious again. “I’ve also heard about yesterday’s incident with Calvin, and I will speak with him too. But you will find a way to work together. I tolerate no quarrels among my students. It’s neither worthy of a page nor of an chosen one from the outside world. I know he’s not easy, and you still have a lot to learn about Tarcania.”

I swallowed hard and was suddenly reminded of my childhood when my father scolded me over a silly fight with one of the village children. He had used almost the same words: ‘It is not worthy of you, Bobbie, to fight with them.’

I said nothing. What else could I say? Cal and I would probably never be best friends, but I would have to make an effort and keep my composure.

“If that’s settled then, let’s get to the main reason for this conversation. You need basic equipment. Getting it is your task to complete within the next three days. After that your training begins – at least the first part. You will go to the Guild blacksmith and choose your sword. Then you will get a staff, craft a cup from clay, and earn at least one silver coin. How you manage that is up to you. The sword is my gift to you and a concession because you come from the outside world.”

“But how am I supposed to do that? I don’t know anyone here except Sereina, Marcus, and the other pages. And what happens if I fail?”

Leonora looked at me sternly.

“Why are you already wasting your energy and thoughts on failure when you haven’t even started? Am I mistaken about you? I thought you were a fighter. Now go. The blacksmith is waiting for you.” With that, she turned back to her papers. I was dismissed.

I left the room, and Socks followed me. Once I closed the door behind me, I took a deep breath. I felt anger, fury, and a certain helplessness rising inside me.
I wasn’t seven years old anymore, but in that moment, I felt just like I was. I was stranded in Tarcania, didn’t know how to get home, and all the excitement from yesterday afternoon had vanished. I felt hot and cold at the same time, and I wanted to scream as loud as I could – which surely wouldn’t have been worthy of me. But it probably would have helped.

For me, there seemed to be only one way — forward, and not to fail.

Socks rubbed his little head against my leg and purred. I picked him up, and he tolerated me pressing my head against his.

“Come on, let’s find the blacksmith so you can get your sword,” Socks encouraged me. “I know where to find him.”
“How do you even know your way around the Guild?” I asked him. He grinned – if a cat can actually grin – and said amusedly, “I’m a true Tarcanian cat. We don’t just have a seventh sense, but quite a few other abilities as well. That would take too long to explain now; let yourself be surprised. But for now, trust me. And now let me down again. That’s enough physical contact for me.”

I let Socks slide down to the floor and followed him.

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06: The Pages of the Kingdoms

Sereina led me through winding corridors to the dining hall. Socks was still sitting on my shoulder, looking around curiously. He seemed very intrigued, and the word “dining hall” definitely caught his attention.

When we arrived, people were sitting at the rectangular tables who, in my world, would have been Europeans, Middle Easterners, Asians, and Southern Europeans. Sereina took me to the only round table in the room, around which five chairs were arranged. She sat down and nodded at me, indicating I should sit too.

Alright, a round table, while all the others were rectangular — that was clearly something special. But I trusted Sereina, pulled the chair next to her towards me, and sat down.

No sooner had we sat down than a beautiful young blonde girl appeared and asked what we would like to eat. Sereina ordered chicken for herself and salad for her turtle, which she pulled out of her bag. I joined in, since chicken would at least be something Socks could eat too.

The blonde girl disappeared, and it wasn’t long before she returned with the food and the usual watered-down wine. How I would have given anything for some tea! But I sighed and took a sip. Somehow, I felt like I was in a constant, mild buzz — but that wasn’t surprising. This must have been how people in the Middle Ages felt… weak beer or diluted wine at best.

At least, the chicken was thoroughly cooked and tasted quite decent, even though it lacked a bit of salt. But that way I could share some with Socks, and he purred contentedly as he ate the little pieces from my hand.

We hadn’t been sitting long when a young blond man about our age came over and sat down with us. “I’m Calvin from Sapiaria,” he introduced himself, “but everyone calls me Cal.” There was something dangerous, predatory about him that I couldn’t place, but also a certain coldness and aloofness. I smiled and introduced myself as Bobbie from Falkenstein. “Falkenstein? Where’s that supposed to be?” Cal raised an eyebrow and scrutinised me. I can’t even say how uncomfortable that made me feel…

But before I could answer, two more people came over to our round table. They seemed much friendlier than Cal.

“Hello, I’m Amir from Salahara,” introduced the dark-eyed stranger. He had black, curly hair and dark eyes. If I weren’t in Tarcania, I would have guessed he was from Egypt or Syria. Even his clothing was that of an Oriental, and that look… he held me captive.

Thank the gods, though, the young woman introduced herself and broke the spell of the moment. “I’m Trisha from Reviria,” she said. She had pale blonde hair and eyes so blue I’d never seen anything like them before. She wore flowing blue robes that only emphasised her angelic appearance.

Both sat down with us at the table, and the blonde girl appeared again to take their orders.

Cal spoke up: “Amir from Salahara, Trisha from Reviria, I’m from Sapiaria — and where are you both from?” He turned to Sereina and me.

“I’m Sereina from Crescendora, the northern kingdom, and this is Bobbie from Falkenstein.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard that already, but where exactly is this Falkenstein?” Cal asked. “We’re sitting at the round table, and everyone knows only pages from the different kingdoms personally chosen by Leonora sit here. With you, Sereina, every kingdom is represented. So what’s this Bobbie doing at our table?”

I have to say, I was stunned. I’d never heard of these four kingdoms before or that Leonora only accepted four students. What was this about?

But Sereina stood up for me. “Five chairs. Five students, Cal. You have the special honour not only of dining with the chosen ones from the four kingdoms but also with Bobbie, who comes from the outside world.”

Cal laughed loudly. “From the outside world? Sereina, do you really believe in these childish fairy tales? Well, what else can you expect from the Crescendorian people?”

Sereina looked as if someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over her head, and that made me angry. I jumped up, my voice trembling with rage because Sereina was my friend — at least, that’s how I saw her.

“Who the hell do you think you are, you arrogant snob? You know nothing about me or where I come from. You come from Sapiaria. What does that even mean? No matter where you’re from, you have no manners, no decency, and if you’re the best your kingdom has to offer and they send you here to be one of Leonora’s students, then I don’t want to imagine how narrow-minded and stubborn the people in that land must be.”

Everyone stared at me, including Cal, and for a few moments there was silence. Socks purred in my ear, “Well roared, lioness, I knew why I chose you. You have fire.” I nearly grinned at that remark, but it would have spoiled my moment. So I sat back down and fixed my gaze on Cal.

Cal’s eyes flashed with anger. “Five chairs, five students, so it shall be, no matter where you come from. I don’t doubt Leonora, but you will have to prove yourself worthy, Bobbie from Falkenstein.” He practically spat my name out, and I wanted to respond, but Sereina held my arm and pressed it down. “It’s okay,” she whispered to me, “I’ll explain everything to you, but for now hold back. PLEASE.” I took a deep breath and did her the favour.

Amir and Trisha watched everything silently without saying a word or taking sides. I’m sure they had their thoughts, but they didn’t show at all what they were thinking. When the blonde girl brought their food, they ate quietly, but I noticed they were still watching me and Cal.

Well, they probably didn’t want to rush things or bet on the wrong horse too quickly. But I didn’t care. I only felt sorry for Sereina, who had been so badly insulted by Cal for standing up for me. She really didn’t deserve that.

The rest of the meal passed very quietly without further incidents. When I finished, I stood up and nodded to Sereina, Amir, and Trisha; Cal, that arrogant bloke, I ignored. Socks jumped onto my shoulder and we left the dining hall.

This was going to be interesting if we were really all going to be taught personally by Leonora. I was 23 and thought I had already left school behind me. At least it was about Tarot, but deep down I wanted to experience adventures and discover new cultures.

I remembered those days back in 1922 in Egypt. Howard Carter — whom my father had supported anonymously — had discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb, and I had been able to take a look inside.

That had sparked a fire within me. I just wanted to know more — about people, their lives, their wishes, their longings, their dreams, what moves them in life and beyond. And that was exactly what I wanted to discover in Tarcania if I was stuck here anyway.

Somehow my feet found their way to my room, and I washed my face with cold water from the basin. After getting ready for bed, all I wanted was to lie down. But Socks was already there, right in the middle of the blanket.

I would have to find a way to work around him somehow. Cats… With a smile, I crawled under the covers and fell asleep — hoping to wake up in time so I wouldn’t give Cal another reason for mockery and scorn.

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05: How I met Socks

I left the Guild and strolled down the winding alleys. Wherever I find myself, my first step is always toward the market, for it is there that life pulses strongest – and why should Tarcania be any different?

I love diving into the colours and scents when travelling, even if the aromas are sometimes less than pleasing or the sights a bit challenging for European eyes. I remember the Arabic souks with their butchers and camel heads hanging from hooks. The clearer the eyes, the fresher the meat – that’s what my guide once explained, though I’ve never felt the need to try everything. Although refusing offered food is generally seen as rude, citing religious reasons is usually accepted—and that’s often how I managed to avoid camel, beetles, and other unidentifiable dishes.

In Tarcania, the market that weaved through the narrow alleys burst with colour and life. It was really fun to snack the dried peaches, crack the roasted pistachios, or simply take a break with a glass of spiced wine. There were also many fruits I didn’t recognise. It was clear I looked like a stranger, and now and then a merchant would offer me a small taste. My favourite was a fruit with a purple rind and white flesh – sweet, juicy, yet with a hint of tartness. I’ve forgotten the name but never the taste. The closest I found later was dragon fruit, which I tried in Mexico.

I still had Marcus’s coins, but I absolutely had to find a way to earn money myself. I hoped the guild would support me in that. I made a mental note to ask Sereina when I returned.

Of course, I was also drawn to the different Tarot decks. There were so many varieties, yet the core idea was always the same. It was probably for the best that I had so little money, or I would have returned to the Guild with at least three or four new decks. One in particular caught my eye – the Fool, my favourite card, was a woman, and instead of a dog, she had a cat as her companion.

Back home in Falkenstein, we had dogs, of course, but also cats that lived in the granary, keeping the mice in check. I loved their independence, though they were half-wild and sadly not the sort you could cuddle. I always regretted that a bit, but I admired their grace and self-assurance.

I let myself drift through the streets and alleys of Tarcania, slowly getting used to the thought of staying here for a while. I probably had no other choice, if Leonora’s words were to be believed, so why worry too much about something I couldn’t change?

The market stalls became fewer as I moved further down into the city. Instead, there were more houses and taverns. I saw women washing clothes in tubs, and children playing with hoops, balls, or small dolls sewn from scraps of fabric. The whole city had a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere. I really felt comfortable in Tarcania, and bit by bit, my usual sense of adventure started kicking in again.

The afternoon was slowly giving way to early evening, and I remembered that I had planned to meet Sereina in the dining hall at sunset. But then, as I passed a narrow alley, I heard a pitiful meowing. I couldn’t just walk on. The Tarot image of the female Fool with her cat came back to mind.

I turned into the alley, and there, sitting right in the middle of the path as if waiting for me, was a small black kitten. He looked at me with such soulful eyes that I couldn’t resist picking up this little bundle of fur. I have to admit, he was irresistibly cute, but he smelled like the gutter. And he meowed so pitifully, as if he hadn’t eaten in days.

It took less than a heartbeat for the little fellow to enchant me. I fell in love. I looked around, but there was no one in sight – no mother cat or other kittens. I glanced into the courtyards and asked a woman who was hanging up laundry if she happened to know where the little guy belonged. She just laughed and said he belonged to no one – a street cat, like so many others.

I looked into his eyes and asked, more to myself than to him, “What are we going to do with you, little one?” And then I heard a voice in my head: “Feed me, what else? I’ve chosen you, and now you’re responsible for me.”

Tarcania continued to surprise me constantly, and that wouldn’t change until the day I left. Alright then, I could apparently communicate telepathically with at least one animal here. Why not? This could get interesting.

“So, you’ve chosen me. And what’s your name?”
“You have to give me a name, for I am your soul companion, your familiar, and you are responsible for me,” the little cat purred.

Well, he was black, with white paws. “How about Socks?” In that typically feline way, he replied, “As good as any other name. So be it. Now, my stomach’s growling. What’s for dinner?”

Hunting mice was out of the question – he was far too small for that, and now that he was apparently my familiar, I had to take care of him. I had hoped he might be as low-maintenance as our farm cats back home, but that hope was soon to be proven wrong.

Socks climbed onto my shoulder, and so, with my new friend, I made my way back to the Guild. Along the way, I started to worry a bit. I had no idea how Leonora or Sereina would react to Socks.

Just before sunset, I returned, and Sereina was already waiting for me. When she saw Socks on my shoulder, she grinned. “You’ve already found your familiar – that was quick. Some of us have special animals, but most people don’t. The fact that you have a cat, even such a young one, shows that you really are the chosen one.” I sighed, resigning myself to fate.

“Don’t worry about Leonora. She knows, and she has a familiar herself, as do I. Mine is a tortoise. There’s one thing you must remember: never, under any circumstances, reveal the true name of your familiar to anyone. That name is for you alone. Never speak it aloud, because you never know who might be listening. This is really important.” Sereina grew very serious, and I took her words to heart, promising to follow this rule.

“And only you can hear your familiar’s voice. If he has called you, then you truly belong together. Was that the case?” I nodded. “If it makes things easier, you can give him a second, public name. That often simplifies things,” she added with a grin.

“Now come on, you two – dinner is waiting.”