It took over a month for them to get back to the island. The leaves on the trees were mostly gone by the time they arrived. Ruth was pleased with how the shore town was coming. They still didn’t have a proper name for it, and it was merely a couple buildings, but progress was progress. New structures on the island mirrored those on the shore, a beacon of civilization at long last had made its mark on the island.

  Ruth grew nervous as she fluttered to the island. The Godshards had gathered around one of the buildings. They wanted to give Elias some space, so he had the first proper bed. Megan walked out of the room, tears in her eyes. Yet she and the other Godshard’s faces lit up at Ruth’s entrance.

  Megan gave a small grin. Barely hiding her worry in her motherly demeanor,“I’m glad you made it back,” she signed.

  “We were worried you’d be too late,” signed Jolene, her fiery red hair trailing behind her as she followed Megan out of the room.

  “How’s he doing?” signed Ruth.

  Megan beckoned to the room, her gestures slow as she signed. “See for yourself. He’s waiting for you.”

  Ruth nodded and she went inside. She could feel Elias fading. His soulfire felt weak and diminished. The building was little better than a glorified bedroom, but Elias had never been picky. It was good enough, a bed was propped up against the back wooden wall, and a desk held a stack of parchments and scrolls. Some of the sheets had spilled onto the ground, pooling by the desk and the bed alike. A single candle dimly lit the room with its yellow light.

  Elias was curled up on the bed. His brown skin was much paler than normal and he was bundled in thick warm blankets. Yet he still shivered terribly. His hair was as white as snow and thin. He looked up to see Ruth and smiled. He tried to move his arms to sign but he couldn’t control his shivering enough to do it. His glowing eyes brightened. I’m sorry, Ruth, we have to go with this.

  Ruth knelt by his side, her glowing eyes shone in reply. It’s okay. You’ve always been so accommodating to me. Ever since we first met. I’m honored to return the favor.

  Elias gave a shaky grin. You’ve grown so much since then. It’s been an honor to guide you on this path. Elias' breaths began to shorten. Ruth gently grasped his hand. Continue your studies, finish your great work on uniting both your worlds. My only regret is the trouble that will come with my death. Darkness shall come from within and without, which you will inherit and must face. You must take my place as leader of the island. They’ll need you for what’s to come.

  Ruth shook her head, her eyes wide. What? I’m not ready for that! I have obligations in the Golden Wood, I can’t stay here all year. I still have much to learn.

  Elias’ face softened. Have courage, you are ready. I can see it in your eyes. Don’t be afraid, Ruth. Trust in yourself and in those around you. You will lay the foundation, where all your worlds shall flourish. Farewell, my friend.

  Ruth shook her head frantically as Elias’ glowing eyes faded. Elias! Wait! Don’t leave me, I’m not ready! Please!

  Elias stilled. A glowing flash of blue light shot out his lifeless body, carving a sapphire hole in the roof of the building, knocking Ruth to the ground. It reminded Ruth of when a Shard entered her. With its most recent host dead, the Shard was free to go out into the world once more. Ruth wept, ignoring the others as they entered the room. They got on their knees, taking off their hats and lowering their hoods. Sheba helped Ruth sit up, holding her close as they grieved together.

  ………………………..

  Ruth had never seen so many people in her life!

  Such was Elias’ legacy that hundreds had gathered on the shore. A venerable sea of olive-skinned men and women in togas and dresses. They came from all over, and from every walk of life. Plebeians, tribunes, particians and legionnaires. The latter most insisted they help bury him, with all of the honors they’d give one of their own.

  A sizable delegation came all the way from Primus, a group of senators and one of the two consuls were determined to attend. They rode on great maxime horses and unicorns, beasts of greater strength, intelligence and stamina, such was their desire to get to the island on time. The host of people nearly overwhelmed Septentrio. Lea and the other innkeepers were swamped with guests. It took the firm hand of the legionnaires to keep everything from devolving into chaos.

  Ruth and the other Godshards were grateful for their help. Ruth was in a daze, it didn’t seem real, the last words of Elias echoed in her head. Compounded by the crush of people arriving by the shore, Ruth didn’t feel like herself. It was too much for Ruth to handle. Whenever she looked into the crowd, she saw a spiral of emotions and essences. Too many faces and bodies to read. Every face told Ruth a different story and it was a sensory overload!

  Worse than that was some of the Godshards were expecting her to make a speech. They were already looking to her as a leader, even before Elias had been buried.

  Word was slowly spreading outside their group as well. Ruth was grateful for Sheba, who politely redirected people from talking to her. Most of the people of Primus didn’t know Benelim Sign Language, and she was not in the mood for arguments and bigotry. Not today, ideally not ever, but that was beside the point. The legionnaires were hard at work digging the grave on a patch of soft grass near the shore. Their work was professional as it was quick, and the hole would be ready by midday.

  Fiona oversaw their work with the other druids. Ruth and Sheba stood beside them, keeping watch of Elias’ body, lest someone try and pull off something insidious. Much to both their chagrin, a man in a purple toga and a golden wreath sought to speak to them. He was flanked by legionnaires, their mail hauberks and tower shields reflected off the rising sun. Sheba sighed and she moved to cut them off.

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  Ruth was supremely annoyed when he wouldn’t back down. Yet something gave her pause. His soul showed . . . potential. More than that, the micro expressions showed something more earnest, more down to earth. A genuine desire to be with the people perhaps? He had much to learn, but perhaps she could humor him. She strode up to Sheba’s side. She bowed politely to the man. Sheba blinked for a moment and played along.

  The man spoke to Ruth. She read his lips but he was talking too fast to get every word. “Clodius Decimus” That must be his name. She could see his head tilt and he turned to Sheba. His reaction completely changed, and it sickened her. He looked down on her like a child, like someone who was dumb or incapable. He put on a broad smile, he meant it to be calming but all it did was anger her. Sheba was courteous to translate what he was saying.

  He was Clodius Decimus. The Consul of War, and a member of the Twelve Founding Families of Primus. Ruth didn’t know what a lot of that meant, but she didn’t care. Sheba said he was offering his condolences. Elias had assisted the legions of Primus in several battles against Maelim and even a rampaging Leviathan attack. That would explain why the legionnaires respected Elias so.

  Clodius’ face softened and she could only imagine what imbecilic drivel he was spouting. Sheba told her that Clodius was offering assistance for managing the island. They could help build a proper settlement. Ruth could read between the lines. He didn’t believe she could handle it. Primus wanted to take over, which of course would make their sacred haven subject to Primus’ will. She knew Elias would have never wanted it. Suddenly, the idea of leading the Godshards didn’t seem so bad. There were worse things.

  Ruth pushed past Sheba. It was satisfying how tall she had become, for she towered over Clodius and her angry gaze peered into him. The legionnaires were spooked and their hands shot to their scabbards. A gesture from Clodius’ arm stopped them from doing something stupid. How wise of him. Ruth spared a curt glance to Sheba, and she knew what to do.

  “I am not some little girl,” signed Ruth. Her glowing eyes brightened. She made sure her signs were firm and impactful as she did them. “I am just as intelligent and capable as anyone else. Do you think I am a fool? That I don’t know what your republic is trying to do? We decline your assistance, and if you truly wish to honor the legacy of Elias and Adam, you will trouble us no further on this matter!”

  Sheba dutifully translated everything to Cradlen, and predictably, Clodius’ arms came up disarmingly. Ruth’s eyes narrowed. Despite his ableist idiocy, she could see the good intentions deep down. There was true regret in his micro expressions. The potential was there. Her foresight was telling her to remember this man, as much as she didn’t want him around. Clodius’ answer was translated back by Sheba. Apparently this was a pressing issue in the Senate of Primus at present, spurned by Elias’ death. Ruth’s heart sank, this could get ugly quickly. Clodius offered to do what he could to ensure their independence remained intact.

  Ruth rolled her eyes, it was something, she supposed. Although, why Clodius had to do this in the first place annoyed her. What irritated Ruth even further was that this was being brought up now, and not after Elias had been buried. Ruth could tell Sheba agreed and calmly told Clodius to discuss this later. Mercifully, he nodded and walked away. Sheba rolled her eyes and she signed, “What an idiot.” Ruth smirked, she couldn’t argue with that, not until she knew for sure if her foresight was correct.

  With the hole finally dug, a troop of six legionnaires carried Elias’ body into the grave. A score of legionnaires flanked each side, saluting as Elias was laid to rest. Fiona strode forward, singing songs of Terra, in the hope She’d bless the grave and keep it safe. Ruth didn’t understand the words, but the veneration amongst the crowd was palpable. It once again showed Ruth the potential of unity. The Benelim would approve and humanity yet held some of the old ways.

  Several people took the floor to speak, Sheba translating the words for much of it, since only a couple of the people lined up knew Benelim Sign Language.

  Megan and Sheba offered to speak on Ruth’s behalf, as well as the other Godshards. Ruth was struck in awe by Sheba’s charisma and spirit. She had the crowd smiling and laughing, they were in the palm of her hand! Elias always said that there was more to a Shard than size, and Sheba proved it. Never had Ruth seen a Shard so outgoing, and the world was better for it. Megan wasn’t quite as good as Sheba, but her motherly aura made up for it, and her stories of Elias were incredible. She vaguely remembered some of the other original disciples of Adam from her youngest days and was all but singing their praises.

  Several senators spoke, conveying honeyed words of praise for the Godshards, while trying to subtly invoke support for the elections in the next few years. The crowd rolled their eyes, yet kept the heckling to a minimum in honor of the occasion. Ruth couldn’t stand their body language. Politicians had the worst micro expressions Ruth decided. Between the Soulsight and her own abilities, their secret desires and goals might as well be put on a giant sign. It was disgusting and transparent. These people only cared about themselves, and their real concerns were whether or not they could convince others that wasn’t true long enough to be elected.

  Only Clodius gave her a vibe that didn’t make her want to vomit. To the crowd’s credit, they were just as embittered as Ruth was. Mercifully after Clodius, the next speakers ended up far more endearing to Ruth: the centurions.

  One named Iacobius spoke fondly of Elias and how he saved his life and those of his detachment. Another named Alfredus spoke of his courage and how he led the attack that broke the Maelim forces. His bravery caused those ravagers to flee and saved thousands of innocent lives. The stories reminded Ruth of the tales Mother told her of the greatest of the Benelim like High King Ioannis. Yet another piece of common ground. Their body language and micro expressions were remarkably similar to Clodius, perhaps Clodius had served in the legions before becoming a senator?

  Ruth was amazed with the number of speeches and kind words spoken of her mentor. It was quite remarkable the range of a Godshard’s legacy. A warrior, a hero, a peacekeeper, a friend. All wrapped up in one person’s life. Ruth looked out among the crowd, all the faces, all the people touched by Elias. It made Ruth wonder what her legacy would be. Would she be able to carry the torch? The pressure felt insurmountable. Ruth turned to Sheba, who smiled warmly back at her. At least she could take comfort in the fact she wouldn’t have to do it alone.

  Once the speeches were finished, Sheba insisted Ruth do something for the funeral, if only so the assembled host of people knew who she was and what she represented. With a shaky breath, Ruth got to her feet. The legionnaires were preparing to bury the grave but with a grand, almost theatrical gesture of her arms made them step away. She took a deep breath and started gesturing, performing signs for a spell. The crowd sprang back when the hole filled itself with dirt, sealing the grave for good, far quicker than anyone could have done.

  The crowd was befuddled by the display but applauded all the same. Ruth frowned, it wasn’t enough. Sheba patted Ruth on the back and shrugged. How did Elias do it?