Emberly: The Hidden City

Your first glance at Silvahora will be of little consequence. Nestled between two nearly impassable, towering mountains the town sits quiet and unassuming. The main square is nothing more than a small plain fountain, surrounded by modest two-story shops. The first floor bustling with business while the families live above. If you looked closely, between the bakery and butcher shop there is a small worn in dirt path.

The path winds around the forest along the edge of town. It curves down the valley passing several dozen family farms. It seems to abruptly end at the base of an ancient oak tree. Here the Tree of Memories stands tall with ribbons tied to every branch, a sacred place for Silvahora.

The untrained eye would expect the memories tied with ribbons to be most important. While the Memory Tree actually houses the entirety of Silvahora's magical knowledge and is only accessible by those of the original Silvahorian bloodlines. Inside you are likely to find the Librarian Sivak, a tiny, lanky man with wise gray eyes, and flecks of silver dancing in his charcoal beard.

"Mornin, Miss Lilly. Does your Ma know you're here?" Sivak asks while rolling up his current project and placing it on the teetering pile of scrolls on the desk.

"Yes, yes she does!" exclaims a young girl with bouncing amber curls and forest green eyes. " See! She even sent me with some meat pies and lemonades!"

Lilly sets the oversized basket of food on the only table not covered with scrolls.

"Ma said its time. That I had to stay until Stephen or my Da come for me." Lilly tells him as she sets the food out. "That I needn't know grown-up things n you know why. But I think it's cause the Council will be here today."

"I always told'em you were smarter than the other kids. Eat up while this food is hot!" Sivak smirks as he hands her a fork.

With full bellies, the pair retreat to the oversized, cloud-like armchairs in front of the brick fireplace. The smell of the burning fire and musty old scrolls almost lull Lilly to sleep. Always wanting answers she sleepily asked, "Why don't..... my Ma want me around when the Council comes?"

Sivak looked up from his scroll, peering at her over his glasses. "What do you know .....about the council?"

Lilly gently sits up and tucks her knees under her chin. Gazing thoughtfully into the crackling fire, she takes a moment before replying.

"Well -um, they come every five years to round up all the kids. Especially the girls. They are taken to the town square and tested to see how strong their magic is. "

Sivak nods as he rolls up the scroll. " That's right. The older and more powerful ones are taken to Escurades City. Once there, they are put through extremely rigorous training to serve the council. Enough of this." He looks up expectantly at the chair next to Lilly, " Your brother will be here shortly."

Suddenly, a young fiery looking child in a burgundy cloak flops into the armchair next to Lilly. Asking for a drink, he sits for a moment trying to catch his breath. The lemonade is gone in one gulp. He wipes his mouth on the sleeve of his tunic.

"Ma said we are to stay here until Da comes back from Emberly." Stephen turns to Sivak, "Is that ok sir?"

"Yes, mm, yes... Are you hungry Stephen? Your Ma sent meat pies earlier." Sivak says as he fills a plate for the child. " While you eat I'll find us some reading materials for the evening," He mumbles absentmindedly as he heads to the towering shelves.