#vortex chapter 1

The warm leaves that spread across the grounds of Kilyan Tor hinted at the cold to follow. Servants hurried across the grounds, their eyes not daring to glance up at the beauty around them lest it distract them from their work. They were constructing a large white pavilion in the centre of the square, where the browning trees had been cleared many years ago.

Between the trees and the servants darted children; while a few well dressed individuals strolled by at a leisurely pace.

At the South-East corner of the square, a forgotten fountain hid behind overgrown trees and bushes. Sitting against the stone base of the mottled fountain, the young girl sat with her knees propped up to support her leather-bound pad.

She had her head tilted and slightly forward, lips parted deep in concentration. Her left hand held a large feather quill, dipped in fresh ink. The stolen bottle lay beside her.

She had on a light blue dress, her red hair pulled back into two braids that met at the back of her head with a large blue bow. Her parents' choice, she'd insisted to anyone who had complimented her on it.

From within the shadows, a voice whispered her name. "Marin."

The girl looked around. "Who said that?"

What she saw next was a sight so beautiful, she decided that she must have been dreaming. A creature made of darkness stepped into the light. Illuminating it from within that endless darkness there were countless shimmering stars.

Marin stood in awe.

"Do not be afraid. We don't have long." As the creature spoke, it peered at her with eyes like galaxies. The rest of its face was shining stardust that flickered with each word.

"Who are you?"

"I am the Infinite. I am you, and everything you see around you." It paused, before moving closer. "There is a danger coming. The Ender will break through. I should have enough power to expel it once it gets here, but please, Marin, help."

"Help who?" Marin was scared. The creature was beautiful and soothing, and she felt safe around it. But its words were darker than anything she'd ever heard, and she didn't even know what half of it meant.

"The spirits of this world. When the Ender breaks through, they will awaken to fight it. But they will be weak." The creature made a shuddering sound, and some of its lights died out. "Our time is up. When the Ender comes, you'll know."