Divine Warriors Pt. 1: Books 1-3

Riwenne & the Mechanical Beasts

Book 1

1

Choosing Day

Iwaded forward into the surf, ignoring the cold water rushing into my boots and soaking my stockings. Something had called me here. I squinted against the setting sun and searched the empty ocean for any sign of life.

Riwenne…

I heard my name, but there was no one there. The disembodied voice sounded like the sighing of the wind.

Who's there? I shouted over the pounding waves. What do you want from me?

An enormous wave rose up from the sea, and I took a step back, afraid of being knocked down and dragged away by the tide. But as the wave rushed toward me, the sea foam transformed into flowing hair, and an impossibly tall woman stepped out of the water.

She was inhumanly beautiful, with an ageless face and a dress that rippled like the ocean surface. She smiled down at me, and the expression filled me both with joy and terror. This must be Sawycha, the sea goddess.

I fell to my knees, soaking my dress up to my waist, and clasped my hands above my head. O Divine One! The prayer slipped out before I realized what I was saying. Did you call on me?

The goddess nodded silently. I found myself staring into her eyes. They shifted colors like the restless sea, one moment a warm blue, the next a steely gray. I trembled at the thought of making her angry.

But she said nothing, so I took a deep breath and risked speaking to her again. Please, tell me what you want from me. I'm your humble servant.

Her eyes flashed a brilliant silver, but she said nothing. She lifted her long, slender arm and pointed at the shore behind me.

I struggled to get back to my feet on wet sand, and turned to look.

A mechanical beast stood just above the waterline. The contraption was shaped like a wolf, but it towered over me larger than any animal I'd ever seen, and it was entirely made out of metal. Gears whirred and clanked as the wolf crouched on jointed legs, preparing to jump at me. A menacing growl came from its throat.

I gasped and stumbled backward, but my feet splashed in the water and I realized that I couldn't go any farther. Help me! I said, looking around for the goddess—but a huge wave struck me. I fell face-forward into the water, and the salty brine filled my mouth and lungs.

I sat straight up, my heart pounding from fear of drowning. Water! There was no water. My blanket covered my legs and the feathers inside my mattress poked up into my backside. I blinked into the gray gloom. I was safe in my own room. I'd been fooled by a dream.

Dreams were for children, and I thought I’d grown out of them. But this one felt different.

Riwenne!

I heard my name again, but this time I recognized my roommate Nexita's voice calling to me. She was standing at the door, already dressed with her blue hair neatly braided. She also looked very annoyed.

Outside the window, the sky was turning gray with the approaching light. I'd overslept again. I groaned and forced myself to get up.

My clothes were laid out from the night before: a long, shapeless gray frock with a black sash at the waist. Today was the last day I'd have to wear that hideous thing. I tugged the frock on over my white slip and ran my fingers through my hair.

I rushed to the door and grabbed both of Nexita's hands. I just had the weirdest dream, but I think it was important.

She grimaced and pulled me down the hall. We don't have time to talk right now, Wen. Hurry or we're going to miss breakfast.

I stopped short and opened my mouth to protest. It'll just take a minute—

We don't have a minute! She cut me off with another hard pull. If you don't eat, you'll be cranky all morning, and I can't handle that today.

I gave in and let her drag me downstairs to the dining hall. Nexita knew me better than anyone else. We’d been roommates for five years, but she was more like my sister. I didn’t know what I’d do without her.

We were the last students for breakfast at St. Jenatta’s Secondary School. We both stood on tiptoes and craned our necks to see if any of the tables still had food left. Students on server duty were bustling back and forth to take the empty dishes away, and some of the others were already standing up and leaving. There, in a corner, I spotted a few plates of food that were only half empty. With Nexita in tow, I wove my way through the crowded room.

I plopped down onto the last empty bench and grabbed a maize flatbread with each hand. Not a moment too soon, because the teacher at the table glared at me and nodded to the girl sitting on her left, who was on server duty for the meal.

Breakfast is over, she said coldly. Please take the food away.

The serving girl licked her lips and stood up. But she hesitated long enough for me to grab some more flatbread and a dragonfruit before she picked up the plate. I gave her a grateful smile before she left.

Nexita sighed with relief when I handed her half the food. Thank you, but can you stop making goo-goo eyes at every girl in school? she whispered.

I wasn’t making goo-goo eyes, I was just being friendly. I mean, she’s cute, but she’s not my type. You know I like tall, dark, and mysterious.

The image of the sea goddess flashed into my mind. Sawycha was all three of those, she was a lesbian, and she had taken human lovers before. Could that be what she wanted from me?

Your type is anything in a skirt! Nexita said, interrupting my train of thought.

The teacher rapped the table. Since we are short on time, I suggest less gossip and more eating.

I stuffed most of one flatbread into my mouth and swallowed it dry. Can I at least get some juice?

She scowled. There's no juice left, but you may pour yourself a glass of water. She held up her hand when I tried to reach across the table. Ask someone to pass it to you. Late or not, you still need to use your manners.

A younger boy handed me the water pitcher before I asked. Since the cranky old teacher was glaring at me, I sipped the water politely and forced myself to take smaller bites of the food.

The cute girl finished clearing the dishes away, and the other students around the table started to stand up, but the teacher shook her head. We're not leaving until everyone has finished eating, she said, looking at us pointedly.

Nexita glanced over her shoulder. Almost all of the other tables were empty. At this rate, we'd be the last ones out.

My mind wandered while I ate. Today was the biggest day of my life. I had to make sure I didn’t screw up anything else.

Finally, we managed to eat the rest of our food, and were allowed to stand up. We lined up behind the teacher and followed her out.

By now, the rest of the school was deserted. The shoe room had nothing but empty shelves. I slipped on my flats and hurried to follow the others.

Our shoes clicked as we hurried down the cobbled street to the corner, then climbed up the rickety stairs of the cable car stop. We made it to the top of the small tower, where only a few groups of stragglers waited. The rest of the neighborhood had already left.

My eye caught a brightly-colored bulletin pasted on another building. A picture of Amena, my favorite singer, with her bright yellow hair and huge smile. She was wearing her signature copper five-pointed star with the word 'Freedom' written in big letters. The rest of the announcement was too small for me to read.

I tugged on Nexita's arm and pointed. Look, there's Amena's concert! When is she gonna be here?

Nexita pushed her glasses up higher on her nose and squinted, then shook her head. I can't make out the date, and we don't have time. Here comes the car.

With barely a squeak of its well-oiled gears, the half-full cable car came sliding down the suspended cable. The lamps hanging around the outside were still lit, making the brass fixtures of the vehicle glow in the darkness. The car glided to a stop in front of our platform with a hiss of steam from the engine.

I shot one last hopeful glance at the bulletin, but I still couldn’t see. I'd have to read it later. We'd both followed Amena during the Star Search competition for months, when she competed against dozens of other singers. Now she was on her victory concert tour through all the cities. I had to make sure Nexita and I both got tickets to finally see her in person.

Nexita grabbed my hand and squeezed us through to a couple of empty seats in the back. She sat down with a sigh of relief. We can't be late now, she said. I have no idea what would happen if we weren't there for our own Choosing. Would they send us down to the mainland?

I shrugged. Don't worry about it. Besides, we still have to get through the dawn ceremony. We're late to that all the time.

She elbowed me sharply in the ribs. We're not outside this time! she said. We'll be inside the temple. Lots of people will notice us, including how messy your hair is, Wen. Here, turn around and let me braid it for you.

I turned obediently in my seat and braced myself by holding onto the back of the seat in front of me. Nexita didn't have the patience to be gentle, and I winced as she yanked a comb through the tangles, stinging my scalp. I stared out the window to distract myself and gritted my teeth against the pain.

Buildings rushed by underneath the cable car. The city's streets were narrow and crowded with traffic during most of the day. The fastest way to get anywhere was on a car, suspended above the city on a network of cables. I could dimly see the street in the gray light of predawn, but there were no people bustling below us now. Everyone was on their way to Damon Temple for the morning ritual.

We rarely got inside the temple, and my excitement mounted the closer we got. Space was at a premium in the floating capital city, with even the enormous temple able to hold a fraction of the residents, so only a few sat inside while most people prayed in the square. We only went inside on a few special occasions, like our commencement from nursery school to primary, and later to secondary.

That reminded me of my dream that morning, and what I hoped it meant. I whirled around in my seat, pulling the half-finished braid out of Nexita's hands.

Wen! She grabbed my head and firmly pushed me around again so she could reach my hair. Hold still.

I tried to hold my head still. If she was almost done, I might as well let her finish. But I have to tell you about my dream last night, Nex. I have a good feeling about it.

She tied off the end of the braid and finally let me go. I shifted in my seat to face her and described the whole dream in detail.

Nexita was frowning in disgust before I'd finished. That sounds really freaky. Why would you tell me all that when we're about to face The Choosing?

I shook my head. That's not why I told you. I mean, yeah, the wolf thing was scary. But I think the point of it was, Sawycha was trying to tell me something. If a goddess is trying to contact me, doesn't that mean I'm about to become a priestess?

That sounds like wishful thinking to me, she said with a shake of her head. You've been obsessed with Sawycha forever, so it's no surprise that she'd show up in your dream. And don’t let anyone else hear you talking about that. Most of us haven’t had a dream in years. It’s childish to care so much about a dream, which isn’t even real.

I shook my head again. I couldn't let anything destroy my hope this morning. I'm just saying that I've got a really good feeling about today. We're both going to make it, Nex. I promise you.

The cable car lurched to a stop at its final destination—the street across from the temple complex. I bounced to my feet and offered her a hand up.

Nexita sighed and took my hand with a reassuring squeeze. Well, we're going to find out soon enough.

Usually when we were running late, we stayed at the back of the crowd and couldn’t see anything past the sea of heads. But today we met with the headmaster from St. Jenatta’s to check in. He pushed us through the crowd and up the wide steps into the temple itself.

He stopped inside the door and pointed to the rows where we were supposed to sit. Only a few seats left, he said in a low voice. Find a place quietly, but first I have something for you.

The headmaster reached into a satchel and pulled out several small objects wrapped in plain white tissue paper. Students' names were written on each packet. With only a few left, he quickly found one for each of us. Hold onto this, but don't open it until you're told to, he said sternly.

Through the thin paper, I could feel a hard, lumpy shape. Nexita and I looked at each other, but she looked just as confused as me. I slipped mine in my pocket and hurried to sit.

Damon Temple, the heart of Lyndamon City, was an impressive sight. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at. The walls were made of pure white marble, carved with sun glyphs and icons of the sun goddess, Chysa, shining with gold gilt. Huge glass windows stretched up to the vaulted ceiling. Luxurious fabrics draped over the rows of seats where all the fifteen-year-olds sat. We waited for the priestesses to appear.

The altar stood on a dais in front of an enormous window that faced east. I watched the sky lighten from lavender to peach on the horizon. As the light grew stronger, so did my excitement, and I tried not to bounce in my seat. Everyone else was solemn. How could they stay calm?

Music swelled from the steam-powered organ at the northern wall. I stood up with the rest of the worshippers and bowed my head respectfully as the priestesses filed out onto the dais. They all moved gracefully with slow, even steps, clad in their long flowing robes with their hair hanging loose down their backs. A blazing red sun was embroidered on the front of each robe. Novices in their white robes came out first, all of them teenagers, followed by the red-robed junior priestesses. Then were the seniors, old women in dark gray robes that matched their graying hair.

I held my breath in anticipation of the head priestess: Mother Lyda herself, the leader of the entire Central Province. Everyone turned to the aisle for her entrance. I craned my neck to catch a glimpse of her. She stood out in her multicolored robes that were bleached white at her neck, flowed down into red and finally ended in black at her feet. She was in her late forties, but she still seemed young, with smooth skin and beautiful dark red hair that hung in heavy curls past her waist.

Watching her glide up the steps to the altar, I wondered how she felt at my age. On her Choosing Day, did the gods tell her that someday she would rule in their name?

Lyda went behind the altar and turned to face us, then lifted her arms in front of the eastern window. The growing light framed her perfectly. The organ music ended. The head priestess, flanked by eight black-robed high priestesses, began a low, droning chant in mysterious Old Ursan that only they understood.

At the climax, Lyda reached down to the altar and picked up a clear crystal the size of her fist, and lifted it over her head. The first sun's rays hit the crystal and split apart in the prism, sending little rainbows dancing all over the temple.

When Lyda lowered the crystal again, it glowed with its own golden light: she'd channeled the energy of the sun into it, creating a sunstone. She beckoned to a man standing in the front row of the crowd.

When he stepped up onto the dais, I recognized Minister Rennu, the head of the Ministry of Research and Development, by his icy blue hair. He accepted a square of cloth from a priestess attendant and held it open for Lyda to hand him the sunstone—protection for his hands, because sunstones burned with heat. The magic in the crystal could power any engine by heating the water to create steam. Rennu bowed his head and went back to his place.

When the exchange was completed between the most powerful woman and man in the city, the dawn ritual went on. Other priestesses held up smaller crystals to the window to create more sunstones. The organ started up again, and we lifted our voices in the morning prayer.

O Beautiful Chysa, shine your guiding light

Onto our daily work and devotion

Brilliant Chysa, the highest of the gods,

We ask for your blessing and guidance

So many voices, echoing up to the temple's high ceilings. Outside, more people sang the prayer. The swell of emotion took away my nervousness about what would come after.

All too soon, the ritual came to an end. Most of the priestesses turned and glided out again. The elite in the front rows emptied out, except for the few leaders who stayed behind for our Choosing. Behind us, the crowd in the courtyard was also leaving, going off to their jobs for the day. Our teachers would be leading the rest of the students back to our school, where classes would go on as usual.

For a moment, I felt a pang of longing. As much as I hated school, it would be so much easier to go back and sit through a dry history lesson than to face the ceremony ahead of us. But there was no turning back now. Today was Choosing Day, and every fifteen-year-old in the city would be assigned to their new apprenticeships. We were growing up.

To my surprise, I realized that more people were coming into the temple, and not all of them were the head of a ministry or a business. They looked like ordinary men and women, mostly middle-aged, and they were eyeing us curiously.

I nudged Nexita and pointed to them. What do you think they're doing? Did you know we were going to have an audience?

Nexita shrugged. I don't know. It's really weird.

The ordinary people weren't allowed to sit in any of the seats, so they lined up standing in the back of the temple, hovering behind the students. It was uncomfortable to have them staring at the back of my head. I kept twisting around, trying to figure out what was going on.

Nexita tapped my shoulder. Pay attention, it's starting! she said in my ear.

I turned back and tried to focus. Mother Lyda was standing up to speak again.

2

The Trial

The imposing head priestess raised one hand for attention, pausing while the echoing chamber calmed down. Thank you for coming here today, she said in a rich voice that filled the space. It is always a grand occasion to celebrate the future citizens of the Arqan Empire. We welcome the new young adults on their day of Choosing, along with those leaders who will train them in their next stage, and the people who were blessed by the gods to give them life.

I glanced at Nexita, then we both turned and stared at the people behind us. Those are our parents! I whispered excitedly.

No way, Nexita whispered back, but she was scanning the crowd just like me. Do you think they know who we are? Will we get to talk to them?

By tradition, the gods were the ones who gave us life and the only family that deserved our loyalty. All children were raised in the schools by the teachers, taught to praise Chysa as our Divine Mother. But when we learned the facts of life, everyone got curious about who their biological parents might be. Maybe some people could figure out who their kids were.

We scanned through the crowd for some sign of recognition among the adults. I met a nearby man's seeking gaze and his face lit up hopefully when he saw me, but he didn't look like me at all. At least, I hoped my nose wasn't anything like his giant honker! After a long stare, he turned away again.

As he turned, a glint of metal reflected the sunlight and caught my eye. He had a brooch pinned to his jacket, shaped like a dragonfly, the sign of House Chysaja. Actually, everyone standing behind us had dragonflies. I glanced at the next row over and saw all albatrosses, Sawycha's herald. They belonged to House Sawyrama.

They're grouped by their Houses, I said to Nexita.

She frowned. But we don't know what House we belong to yet. How long until they tell us?

The Houses were the only way of tracing our parentage. Our mother's House was recorded when we were born. Usually, people didn't bother wearing their House pins, except at festivals. But we had to know where we belonged, because it was taboo to take a lover from the same House. Forbidden romances in the same House were a popular subject in romance novels, the kind we had to hide from our teachers.

Your House will be your guide into the larger community, and being a loyal member to your House is another responsibility of adulthood, Mother Lyda's voice echoed across the chamber, interrupting my thoughts.

I snapped my head up to watch the priestess and nudged Nexita to pay attention, too. We couldn't miss learning what House we belonged to.

Each of you has a package given to you by your teachers, Mother Lyda continued. Now is the time to open them and reveal who you are.

The echoing temple chamber was suddenly filled by the sound of tearing paper and muffled exclamations of surprise. Metal brooches glinted all around us.

I swallowed my nervousness and reached into my pocket. Through the thin paper, I felt for the outline of the lumpy shape of the metal. That curve could be a wing. My heart beat faster. Maybe the bird in my dream last night had truly been a sign! But I hesitated, and glanced over at Nexita. This could confirm our long-time hope that we were secretly related.

Okay, sister. She grinned at me and held up her unopened package. On three?

I nodded.

One, two, three, she counted, and ripped it open.

I tore the paper at the same moment. A dragonfly lay in my hand. I frowned. Had I misremembered the dream somehow? I'd never felt a strong connection to Chysa, the sun goddess. The ball of fire in the sky always seemed so distant.

Nexita held up a tortoise. Chelynitsa, she said, the House of the earth goddess. She saw my dragonfly and her face fell. I guess we aren't related, after all.

I threw my arm around her shoulders. You'll always be my sister, no matter what House we belong to. Besides, this is less important than where we get assigned. I'm sure we'll end up as priestesses in the same temple. That's what my dream had meant last night. I was more sure now that I knew it had nothing to do with my House.

Mother Lyda droned on for a while longer about the duties required of all young adults and the rules regulating our behavior. I struggled to pay attention, but it was nothing I hadn't heard before. The entire past year of school had been spent preparing us for this moment, and I could recite the rules by heart.

At last, the Mother stepped to the side of the dais and raised her arms. The sound of clanking gears echoed in the high chamber. I craned my neck to see what was happening.

The great stone altar slid back, revealing a hole in the dais with a staircase leading down into the floor. My eyes widened. Buildings in the floating city had no basements. Beneath the street level, there was nothing but sewers and the Synthetic Ethereal Apparatus that kept us all in the air. Only certified engineers were allowed down below. Was there something else under the temple?

Nexita also leaned forward to get a better look. Wow. I know this whole ceremony is supposed to be a surprise, but how'd they manage to keep that a secret? You think we'd have heard something about a hidden passage under the temple before now.

Lyda lowered her arms and stared out at us again. One by one, you will enter the proving chamber to be tested. The gods themselves shall decide your path to your chosen profession.

Nexita and I exchanged a look. We took exams in school all the time, but she scored near the top of our class, while I struggled to get a passing grade. Thankfully, this seemed like a different kind of test, but the unknown made me more nervous. I'd never spoken to a god before. How would they judge me?

Suddenly, things moved too fast. Students began lining up and walking down the stairs into that mysterious passage. There were a few hundred ahead of us, but there was barely a pause between each one as they filed in, so the line moved fast.

Nexita helped me pin my dragonfly brooch on the front of my frock, and I did the same for her. Then we stood up and followed the rest of our row toward the front of the chamber.

We stayed together, holding hands, until we got to the front of a line. An elderly priestess held up her hand to stop us.

One at a time, the priestess said in a bored tone. She glanced down at five openings at the bottom of the stairs, then at our brooches. Chysaja, you're in the first door. Chelynitsa to four.

I gave Nexita's hand one final squeeze before letting her go. I'll find you, I promised. We'll be together again soon.

She gave me a brave smile and stepped through her opening. I turned and went my own way.

The opening was an arch in the wall. It was dark at first, but when I stepped inside, lights flickered on in the ceiling. Sunstones gave off a warm glow almost as bright as natural sunlight. Plain walls of gray stone that had been carved into the foundation of the temple. The passage turned sharply to the left ahead, so I could not see where it led.

I took a deep breath and walked farther in. As soon as I turned the corner, the walls blocked out the sounds of the crowded chamber I'd left. I glanced back over my shoulder to see if someone else was following behind me, but to my horror, the wall had closed behind me.

I whirled around and ran my hands over the stone, looking for some way to open it again. The walls joined seamlessly, yet I'd walked through this spot only a moment before. How had they moved so fast with no sound? This had to be some kind of illusion. I poked and prodded every inch of the walls, but I didn't find a way back through.

Panic washed over me. I was trapped down here! I sucked at the air desperately, but it already smelled stale to me. Who knows how long I had before it ran out?

No. I had to pull myself together. There was still the hallway ahead of me, and maybe this was all part of the test. Nexita was in here somewhere, facing this exact same terror. I had to get out and find her again.

I straightened up and forced my breathing to slow. The stone passage stayed open as I walked toward it. The hallway twisted back to the right, then opened up into a fork. I would have to choose which way to go.

Nexita's entrance had been to the right of mine, so I went down the right side of the fork. A few steps later, there was another branch in the tunnel, this one with three choices. Again, I chose the right, but when I got closer, I heard a noise.

From the right passage, I heard mechanical gears clanking and grinding. To my left, I caught a whiff of tantalizing pastries. I hesitated. Would Nexita be distracted by the food if she could smell it? No, she had more self-control than me. But if she was looking for me, too, the pastries would be the first place she'd go. Oh, great, now I was second-guessing myself. I'd never get through this horrible test.

But then, from the center opening, I heard the faint sound of someone crying. I took off running.

The sobbing led me through several more twists and turns, then ended abruptly as I stepped into a room. There was a bundle of rags on the floor. I knelt down to pick it up, and found myself holding my childhood doll.

I smiled at her faded face, touching the button eyes that I'd sewn back on many times. But how had she gotten here? I looked up with a flash of anger. Someone must have put her down here on purpose. We weren't supposed to bring any personal belongings to our new homes, but they'd stolen her from my old room and left her for me to find as a painful reminder.

I stood up and scanned the walls for some kind of spy hole. What kind of sick joke is this? I demanded. The priestesses or someone else was watching me, I was sure of it. Do I have to leave her behind to prove that I'm all grown up now? That's the stupidest test I've ever heard of, and I'm not playing any games. I want to find my friend.

Part of the wall slid away soundlessly, opening a new door for me. So there was some kind of mechanical trickery behind the labyrinth, and someone was watching to control it. I stuffed the doll into my pocket and marched out of the room.

But instead of Nexita, there was an enormous room filled with elaborate machinery. I jumped back, afraid of getting caught in the cogs. But nothing moved. I smiled to myself at my own nervousness, and entered the room.

I searched for another door and found one at the far end. But when I turned the handle, the door wouldn't budge. It felt like there was something heavy blocking it.

My eyes drifted up to the top of the door. There was something blocking the door, alright—a huge metal bar that was somehow connected to the rest of the machine. That made no sense. This entire thing was made just to open a single door?

I walked slowly around the machinery, looking for some kind of button or lever. It seemed very complicated. But I was never very good at figuring out how things worked, so without an obvious control, I had no idea how to approach the strange contraption.

This was hopeless. If only I had Nexita or someone else to help me. She always knew what to do in situations like this. Bile started to rise in my throat and I fought it back down. I was going to stay calm and figure out a way to handle the problem.

There had to be another way. After making a full circle around the machine and finding nothing, I went back to the open doorway I'd come in.

And walked smack into something solid. My feet slipped out from under me and I fell to the floor.

Whoa! Are you okay?

The most handsome boy I'd ever seen was bending over me, holding out his hand. He was tall, with short blue-black curls framing his round face, and the plain black jacket showed off his broad shoulders. But the most striking feature was his piercing blue eyes, like the color of the sky on a clear day. I could fall into that endless blue.

His eyes narrowed with concern. You look dazed. Did you hit your head?

I shook my head quickly. I'm sorry, you just surprised me. I didn't think I would see anyone else in here.

I reached for his hand, but his touch was strangely hot on my skin. I let him pull me up but took my hand back quickly, looking down and pretending to dust myself off to hide my embarrassment. If he was a girl, he would have been perfect.

It was my fault, sorry, he said, taking a step back. I was staring up at that machine and I didn't see you. Everything looks so big and strange up here. Is that thing part of the test?

I looked back over my shoulder at the baffling machine. I have no idea. I think it's blocking the door, but I can't figure out how to turn it on. I was going back to find another way.

The boy stepped around me. Let me take a look at it, and maybe I can figure it out.

Sure. I moved out of the way, then snuck a sidelong glance at him again. He was scanning the workings as if he knew what he was doing. I was lucky that he showed up—almost like he'd answered my silent cry for help. Would the gods judge me harshly for relying on someone else?

I peered closer at his clothes, but I didn't recognize the school uniform at all. It was a rougher cloth than any I'd ever seen and covered in worn patches. Who are you, anyway? I don't think you go to my school. That didn’t bode well for me. Probably by now my schoolmates had already made it through, and I was straggling behind everyone else. It was possible to fail so miserably at the Choosing that no ministry would take you at all. Please tell me that wasn't what was happening to me now!

He flinched like I'd insulted him. Sorry, I forgot my manners. My name's Deryt.

I'm Riwenne, I responded, taking a step closer. Can you see how this thing works?

Deryt pointed at a spot in the machine. It looks like some of the gears slipped out of alignment. Do you think you could help me fix it?

I climbed up into the machine with him, and he showed me how to adjust the gears so their teeth lined up and they turned together. I was nervous to put my fingers in, afraid that they would get crushed. But Deryt reassured me that nothing would move until the machine was turned on. As much as I hated the work, I forced myself to keep going. There was no way I was failing this test.

By the time we were finished, both of us had hands black with grease. Deryt pulled a couple rags out of his pocket and offered one to me.

As we wiped our hands clean, I glanced down to the brooch pinned to his chest. It was some kind of lizard, with bugged-out eyes and a curly tail. Which House is that? I said, pointing to it. I've never seen that one before.

Tamaran, he muttered quietly. That didn't sound familiar, either. He fidgeted with the greasy rag. It's not from around here.

I took a second look at him and realized why he seemed so different from everyone else: his uniform was worn, his skin was tanned and leathery from being out in the sun all day, and he had the defined muscles of someone used to hard work. I'd never seen a mud dweller up close before. You're from… the mainland? I said, trying to be polite.

Deryt nodded. I've never been to the capital before. I only found out last week that I'd been chosen to transfer up here. I know it's a blessing from the gods, but I don't really know what I'm doing.

I laughed nervously. I don't know what I'm doing, either. The gods are supposed to judge us here, but I haven't seen any sign from them. I gestured up to the machine. At least you understand this thing. You must be very smart, to come up to our Choosing.

He shrugged. I do well on exams, I guess. He nodded at me. You grew up around here?

St. Jenatta's, I said, then laughed again at his blank look. That's the name of my school. It’s in the neighborhood. We did study mechanics, but I guess the lessons never really clicked with me. My friend's better at this kind of thing.

He smiled and reached for a series of levers. I guess the only thing left to do is turn it on. He pulled one confidently and took a step back.

But nothing happened. He tried a second lever, and a third, without any luck. He frowned and ran a hand through his hair. It's like there's nothing to power this thing.

I pointed to the silent boiler on the far side of the room. Shouldn't there be steam coming out of that?

Deryt smacked his forehead. Of course! He rummaged through his pockets and came up empty. Do you have a flint or something to start a fire with?

Now this part I understood. I turned and started walking for the nearest wall. Fire is an inefficient and messy way to heat the water, I called back over my shoulder. That's why we have these.

I unlatched the glass cover on a lighting fixture. The grease rag let me grab hold of the sunstone and pop it out of the sockets without the heat burning my fingers. These are pretty small, but they can work together to get the reaction we need. For a boiler that size, four should do the trick.

Deryt watched with wide eyes as I collected several stones and placed them in a compartment at the bottom of the boiler. I didn't realize they were all over the place in here. He shook his head. How much money does the temple have to just leave these stones in the open where anyone can take them?

I shot him a questioning look. Money? The temple can just make as many as they need. But everyone uses these for light. They're all over the city.

He walked over and stared as the pressure gauge on the boiler began to rise. They heat the water so fast, he murmured in awe. On the mainland, sunstones are precious. Most of them are reserved for the factories. Any machines that we have on the farms, we have to heat the water with fire, which takes a lot of work. You're always hauling the fuel, watching the fire to keep it from going out, venting the smoke… He sighed. Sometimes, it's less trouble to just do something the old-fashioned way instead of fussing with a gadget. In the capital, you have it easy.

That sounded wrong. Of course people on the mainland had to work harder than those of us up in the floating capital, but that was because of the division of labor. People who were good with their minds worked in the capital to create new ideas, and people who were good with their hands made those ideas reality in the factories and farms on the mainland. Everyone was placed according to their strengths and their work was valued equally. So why would we have more money than them?

I threw my shoulders back and tried to remember my lessons from school to correct him. Up here, fire is a luxury, I began. Fuel like wood and coal is expensive in the city because it has to shipped in. Wood is too precious to burn, except for special occasions. It's not easier, just different—

I'd rather have things work without chopping logs all day, Deryt interrupted me. Don't say what it's like until you've tried it.

Why did he have to be so rude? I took a step back from him and folded my arms. You don't know what it's like up here yet, either. And you have your wish now—all the sunstones you can get your hands on. I glanced at the pressure gauge. Steam was building inside the boiler. Looks like the machine should work now.

I walked back to the controls and reached for a lever at random, but Deryt put his hand out to stop me.

Let me do it. It should be the one on the left, he said flatly.

I stepped back and let him take over the controls. Soon enough, the gears were turning, pulling the metal bar away from the top of the door.

Deryt strode over to the door and held it open for me. After you.

Thank you, I said, and walked past with my head held high.

3

Chosen

We walked into another chamber filled with students. Minister Rennu and several other adults wearing brown uniforms from the Ministry of Technological Research and Development stood at the head of the room, and they turned to look at us expectantly.

An older woman with a clipboard came hurrying over to us. Deryt Tamaran? she addressed him first. We've been expecting you.

Deryt faced her warily. Are you sure?

The woman nodded. The Ministry was very impressed with the designs you submitted last year, and it's clear the gods agree with our choice. You can wait with the other students here. We'll be leaving for your new home soon.

Deryt walked after her, still with a scowl on his face, and he glanced over the other students at R&D with suspicion, as if one of them could say something to deny his Choosing. I didn't mind seeing him leave.

The woman turned to me next and looked at my House pin. Chysaja… She scanned her clipboard. I'm sorry, what's your given name?

Riwenne, I told her with a frown. How could she already have a list of new apprentices before everyone had finished their tests? I don't know if I'm supposed to be here. That boy was trying to help me find my friend, but she wouldn't be here, either.

The woman skimmed her list again. Ah, here you are. We make an effort to identify likely apprentices based on your work in school. Of course, the gods have the final decision. She gestured to the other apprentices with her pen. You can wait over there.

That had to be wrong. I did terrible in school, but especially in math. I folded my arms. This is a mistake. I'm not cut out to be an inventor or whatever.

The woman raised one eyebrow as if she doubted my ability to do anything. Do you think you know better than the gods? Your test is over. Once you have progressed in your training, the Ministry will evaluate your strengths and place you somewhere appropriate. She turned and walked away before I could argue more.

I turned and looked at the new apprentices for the first time. This was a big group, over fifty kids, and everyone else seemed happy to be there. The inventors were important, creating new gadgets to serve the empire. Their Ministry was second only to the Temple itself.

Wait, there was a familiar head of blue hair! With a joyful cry, I rushed forward and flung my arms around Nexita.

You made it! she said, hugging me back. When I came through those doors and found out this was R&D, I thought there was no way I'd find you. But you're here!

I pulled back with a shake of my head. Something went wrong with my test. I don't belong here. They must have made a mistake with you, too. You wrote down the temple as your first choice, right? The gods are supposed to answer our prayers, and there's no way they'd reject someone as devoted as you.

Nexita's smile faded a little. Research was my second choice, and they have a lot more spaces. She took my hand. But at least we ended up together.

No, we're getting out of here, I insisted. Did you run into anyone else in your test? I think that's how mine went wrong. This boy was headed here and I followed him. Without meaning to, my gaze flickered to Deryt.

Nexita saw where I was looking, and her smile widened again. Really? You got distracted by a boy? She shook her head, clicking her tongue at me. I guess you can like whoever you want. And he is your type.

I turned my back on Deryt, fast. I'm not interested in him at all! He asked for my help and I was just being nice. He fixed this complicated machine, but he didn't know how to use sunstones to power it, so I showed him. End of story.

She nodded slowly. Uh-huh, you were just being nice. We're not supposed to get help on the test and you know it. I had to repair a machine all by myself. She glanced over her shoulder at Minister Rennu. I guess that means I belong here after all.

I refused to believe that. I was going to drag her over to the rude woman with the clipboard and find out how we could re-take the test—but another door banged open.

Mother Lyda herself glided into the room, flanked by several senior priestesses. She marched up to Minister Rennu, who bowed his head. One of my novices ended up in here, she said, her voice still loud enough to fill the room. Where is Riwenne Chysaja?

The minister turned to the woman with the clipboard, who pointed at me. The head priestess beckoned. I froze in place, unable to speak. This was the moment I'd dreamed of, so why did it feel so wrong?

Nexita gave me a regretful look. Looks like they're coming to take you after all. Congratulations. I knew you'd make it. She gestured for me to go on.

That's what was wrong—no one had called Nexita. I gripped her hand tighter. I can't go without you. We were supposed to stay together, right? Sisters?

My best friend, the one person who had stayed by my side for years, smiled again and squeezed my hand back. Forever, she promised. But I knew her too well, and I could see the pain in her eyes. She already thought we'd lost each other.

I wasn't going down without a fight. I pulled her along with me up to face the high priestess. I'm Riwenne, I said with a lift of my chin. And this is Nexita. Where I go, she goes.

Mother Lyda fixed me with her gaze. I was surprised to realize that despite her imposing presence, she was actually as short as me. But her icy stare made me want to sink into the floor. She gestured to the clipboard woman without looking at her. Was there anything in the test results to suggest that the other girl is in the wrong place?

The woman shrank back and handed her clipboard to Minister Rennu.

Rennu glanced at the list and shook her head. No, Your Excellency, she belongs with me.

The head priestess spread her hands. You see, I cannot take her away from her assigned place. Either you come with me alone, or you can find your own place. Your choice. Without another word, she turned and walked toward the door.

Nexita pulled her hand out of mine and gestured desperately. Go, she said with a shake of her head. You earned it. I think I'll be alright.

I hurried to follow the head priestess and struggled not to cry. Once we got our assignments, there was no way to change them. If either of us refused our apprenticeship or failed in our training at some point in the next five years, we'd have to find an untrained position somewhere. There were a few in the capital like waste collection, but most people ended up moving down to cities and towns on the mainland. If all mainlanders were as rude as Deryt, I couldn't stand that.

I tried to be happy for her. Nexita was smart, and she had a knack for figuring out how things worked, so she'd probably do really well in Research and Development. She might even be happier than she would serving as a priestess. But I worried about her, because as much as I needed my friend, she needed me more. I was the only person she could talk to. She'd be facing her new apprenticeship all alone.

I glanced back a final time at the doorway. Nexita was standing there alone, her arms wrapped around herself. I gave her a last reassuring smile before the door swung closed behind me.

Mother Lyda didn't even look back to check if I was following her. She strode down a long hallway. It felt like we were still underground somewhere, because the air hung heavy and damp. Was there a tunnel connecting the R&D building with the temple? They were across the temple square from each other, but that was still a long distance.

Finally, she stopped and pointed at an open door.

I stood there awkwardly. I was still in shock at leaving my friend behind. But after a moment, I realized she meant for me to go in first. I ducked my head respectfully and hurried in.

This room was much smaller. There was one young junior priestess standing with four girls, none of whom I recognized from my school. They all turned and stared at me.

This is the last one, Kerli, Lyda told the junior priestess. You may take them to the dormitories now.

Kerli bowed low. Yes, Your Excellency. She held the bow until Lyda had left the room again.

Kerli nodded to all of us and led us away without any explanation. I had no idea where we were in the temple, but after only a short distance, we emerged through a side door into the open air.

I'd never been anywhere but the temple sanctuary before. The rest of the complex was built around a central courtyard behind the sanctuary. The other buildings were less decorated, but I still noticed signs of luxury around us: polished hardwood floors, large glass windows, gleaming copper doorknobs and banisters. I followed the other new novices into a small dining room, where a lavish spread of fresh fruit and pastries greeted us.

We didn't waste any time sitting down and loading up our plates with goodies. I had my mouth full before I thought to introduce myself. I swallowed a bite and was about to speak up when someone else came in.

A senior priestess with deep smile lines around her eyes sat down at the head of the table. My name is Sister Idele, but please, just call me Idele, she said with a smile. I'll be responsible for watching over you for the next five years of your training. Feel free to come to me with any questions or concerns. There will be more girls coming later today, so we'll have some hustle and bustle as everyone arrives and gets settled. But first I want to welcome you to our lovely temple.

I glanced around at the other girls. How many more were coming?

One girl was watching Sister Idele instead of eating. She sat up as if she belonged at the table, with her head held high. Long, dark hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall at midnight, and when she moved, it shimmered with purple highlights. She raised her hand. Excuse me, Sister, but when will we get our room assignments? Do we have to wait for everyone to get here?

Good question, Kyra, Idele said, smiling at the girl as if she already knew her. We like to let novices choose their own roommates, so if you meet someone you get along with, you can pair up as early as you like. She pulled out a list. Let’s all get to know each other. What are your names?

Vynala, said the green-haired girl on the left of Kyra, and Ytta, said the red-haired girl to the right.

I raised my hand. I'm Riwenne. I needed to know if there was any chance of getting Nexita here before the rooms were all assigned. How are novices chosen? I didn't see any sign of the gods in the test. I'm still not sure how I ended up in Research and Development when I barely know which end of the wrench to hold.

Kyra shot me a look that I couldn't read.

That is difficult to answer without giving away the secrets of the Choosing. Idele's smile turned sympathetic toward me. Let me put it this way. The most important requirement for a priestess is the ability to use magic, and this manifests in the labyrinth as an influence over the test itself. So, while most new apprentices are directed toward the ministry that best fits them, novice priestesses can end up anywhere.

The round-faced trans girl on my left, with honey-colored hair and big glasses, nudged my arm and smiled. The same thing happened to me. Oh, and I'm Salki, she added to Idele, who noted her on the list. I missed breakfast this morning, and all I could think about was how hungry I felt, so I ended up with the Bakers. She held up a bandaged hand. And I always burn myself on kitchen duty!

All of us laughed, except for Kyra. She turned away, but I couldn't tell if she was being haughty or just shy.

If my type was tall, dark, and mysterious, she fit two out of the three. I couldn't help staring at how silky and smooth her hair was. How did she wear it down without it constantly flying away and looking messy?

I couldn't let her stay out of the conversation, so I leaned across the table. Where did you go in your test?

Kyra gave me a measuring stare, then looked down at her plate. I went back to the temple sanctuary. But I already knew I was going to be a priestess.

Idele cleared her throat to capture our attention. Most girls don't know how to use magic until they're trained, but some start showing the ability when they're young. Kyra has been coming to us to study magic for several years.

I gaped at Kyra for a moment until I realized what I was doing and snapped my mouth shut again. But it was hard not to be awed. She was only fifteen and she already knew how to use magic? Did that mean she was stronger or more devoted to the gods than us?

Salki leaned around me to catch Idele's eye. When do we get to learn magic?

Idele laughed. I love your eagerness! She leaned back in her chair and folded her hands over her middle. How about I explain your daily schedule? There were four eager nods. We rise before first light and start the day off with a fast to prepare for the dawn ceremony.

My eyes dropped down to my plate of food. It was going to be hard not eating anything first thing in the morning.

Idele saw the disappointed looks and nodded. I know, as growing girls, it won't be easy. But you'll find that many of our rituals require an empty stomach. We make up for it with hearty food afterward. She nodded to the spread on our table. "Then after breakfast, you'll have a mix of chores and lessons for most of the day. You'll have a few hours of free time in the afternoon. There's a private ceremony at sunset, and then usually after the evening meal, you'll have quiet study time in your rooms.

The lessons cover all of your responsibilities as a priestess, not just magic, she said with a twinkle in her eye. You need strong familiarity with all of the sacred texts, how to perform every ritual and prayer for the gods, and the history of the temple and our empire. As the leaders of our nation, you will develop discipline and learn how to guide the people. You'll also study practical matters that we need to keep the temple running. She shot a wry look at Salki. Like preparing food in the kitchens. She turned her smile to me. And keeping our machines running.

Salki sighed loudly. Why can't we just get people from the other ministries to do that?

They help us when we need it, but the temple tries to be self-sufficient.

Across the table, Vynala perked up for the first time. I think that sounds like a good idea. I mean, if we're the leaders, we need to set the best example for everyone else, right?

I'm so glad you understand. Idele gave the girl a smile of approval. She pushed back her chair, her gray robe falling in perfect folds around her as she stood up. Now, I'd like to show you girls to your rooms before the others get here.

We stood up, and Vynala stacked up our dirty plates before the priestess asked.

I hurried to catch up to our guide before she left the room. I actually have one more question?

Idele turned back. Yes, dear?

Um. I glanced around at the other girls, suddenly embarrassed. But I hadn't gotten the answer I needed earlier, so I had to ask again. Since we didn't actually speak with the gods during our test… is there another chance to talk to them? Maybe the sunset ceremony was private because that's when the priestesses received direct messages from the gods.

The senior priestess's patient smile faded a little, suddenly sad. Oh, my dear, she said softly. She rested a hand on my shoulder. We don't actually hear their voices directly. They're with you in the way that they always have been, in your heart.

She turned back and started leading the other girls out of the room. I was too stunned to move.

That didn't sound right at all. The priestesses were the leaders of our people because they had a direct link to the gods. If we could channel their power, then surely we could speak to them. How else would we know what to do with all of that magic if the gods weren't guiding us?

I shook myself, and hurried to follow the others into the dorms, but I kept my head down