The Magi

A thick fog had settled over Savenridge during the night, blanketing the ground and making it almost impossible to see a foot ahead. For Elijah, Samuel, and Master Roddick, finding an easy path to the elder council was quite difficult. Roddick led the boys mostly by memory.

After a very slow journey, Roddick and the boys arrived in front of a very small stone building. From the outside, it looked plain and not overly impressive, but the inside was a different story. It was shaped like a hexagon. At each corner, a torch was lit so the entire room brilliantly illuminated. What intrigued Elijah the most were the colored banners hanging on the walls. Each was a different color, like the robes and cloaks worn by the people of Savenridge. The banners had the same symbols as the stone tower and Master Roddick’s necklace, representing the four elements.

Six members of the council—all of whom looking to be over fifty—sat behind a large U-shaped table in the center of the room and instructed Elijah and Samuel to stand in front of it. Roddick told them that usually, there were seven members, but one of the elders, named Olivia, would be absent.

“State your name,” said one of the council members, a very tall man with a light brown handle bar mustache. He sat in the middle of the table. The others glanced between him and the two boys.

“Elijah Hawk.”

“And who is this?” he asked of Samuel.

Master Roddick stepped forward and put his hand on Samuel’s shoulder. “This is Samuel Moore,” Roddick stated. “I will explain later, but he has come here with me as well.” The council looked at each other, a murmur rising among them. Samuel looked like he wanted to crawl under a rock.

The councilman with the handle bar mustache said, “Very well then. Mister Hawk, we will address you first. It is the decision of the council to put our trust in Master Roddick’s evaluation of you. However, you must understand the seriousness of your commitment. It is not often the Magi admit someone from the common world. Have you been told the sacrifice you will have to make?”

“Yes, sir.”

The man said, “Each and every Magi across the world will be entrusting you with our knowledge. The survival of our kind can only continue if we remain united, and that begins with keeping our secrets safe. Your oath must contain that promise and commitment not just for this council, but for every member of the Magi community.”

Elijah looked at Roddick and then back at the council. “I understand,” he said.

“Elijah Hawk,” the councilman continued, “please stand.” Elijah stood up, feeling the intense burden to prove himself worthy. As he stood up, the entire council stood as well. “Please respond with ‘I will’ or ‘I will not’. Will you promise to keep the secret of the Magi, working hard to understand the world given to us, protecting all that is good, and using power only when necessary—never for greed or your own selfish ambitions?”

Elijah thought about what he was promising. It was easy to agree to these terms now when he knew nothing and had no power to be tempted with. But with so many people trusting in him, he needed to mean it. As the seconds ticked by, he began to feel the intense silence of the room. All eyes were on him, waiting for his answer. Elijah knew it came down to a choice—a decision to do what was asked despite the unknown. A decision to do what was right regardless of the temptation of power.

“I will,” he said.

Roddick smiled proudly. The council bowed slightly to him and shook the hands of each other as if his promise was their success too.

“Welcome home, Elijah,” the councilman said. “We formally anoint you as a Preliminary Magi-in-training.” Roddick leaned in to shake Elijah’s hand.

“Congratulations,” he whispered. “Go on ahead without me. Miranda can take you to the barracks. I may be a while with Samuel.”

“Is everything going to be okay?” asked Elijah.

“Don’t worry,” said Roddick. “I’ll see you later.”

Elijah stepped out of the stone building and into the snow. The early fog was already dissipating, so he was able to easily find his way back to the house.

When he told Mrs. Roddick about the meeting, she immediately lit up. “Way to go!” she said boisterously. “You’ll be the talk of the town for a while, I figure. It’s not often we get new faces around here unless someone’s being born.”

“What about Samuel?” Elijah asked. “Do you think they’ll let him stay?”

Mrs. Roddick paused for a moment as she picked up after Lizzy, who had just taken off all of her clothes and was currently running naked around the house while Tirzah chased her and pleaded with her to put her clothes back on.

“I don’t know about Samuel,” Mrs. Roddick answered. “I can’t see them sending him back to the academy. But I honestly don’t know.”

Elijah said, “Master Roddick told me I’m supposed to go to the barracks. Would you be willing to take me?”

“Absolutely,” said Mrs. Roddick. “Just let me get a handle on these two and we’ll all take a trip there.”

Mrs. Roddick put on her robes and got the girls ready. With a combined effort, Tirzah and Mrs. Roddick were able to convince Lizzy to get dressed.

They all walked to the outskirts of the city center where the river ran. Then, they followed the river over the slushy snow and crossed a large cobblestone bridge toward the barracks. The barracks arena was nestled in the southwestern hills of Savenridge, just on the edge of the forest. More than a hundred stone steps led to the front of the oval arena. Elijah was winded when he entered the doors of the barracks.

The inside looked similar to the council room. The same colored banners, embroidered with the elements, were hung here as well, and several blazing torches scaled the walls.

Elijah’s favorite part of the room was the giant oval fire pit stretching almost as long as the room itself. Many iron rods were set out to poke the embers while they smoldered. Many chairs and benches rested just a few feet from the pit so students, currently absent due to the holidays, could visit while warming themselves by the fire.

Elijah also admired the stained glass windows on the walls depicting images of the elements and what he assumed were Magi characters. On one side of the oval room, behind the fire pit, was a staircase leading up to another floor and down underground. It was lined with dark purple carpet.

About that time, a short, bald man ascended the staircase, followed by a very handsome-looking family. When they arrived on the main floor, the bald man ran to greet Mrs. Roddick.

“Hello there, Miranda. All’s well I presume?”

“We’re managing. Thank you. Frank, this is Elijah. He will be needing a room after the recess,” said Mrs. Roddick.

“If course,” the bald man said. He faced Elijah. “I’m Frank Button, the supervisor here at the training barracks.” Mr. Button and Elijah shook hands. “We’ll get you all set up for the second term, eh? I have a room vacated just this last term.”

Mrs. Roddick turned to the family. “Well, hello Alice. John.”

“Oh my! Where are my manners,” Mr. Button said, turning fire engine red. “Elijah, this is John and Alice Maybury and their son and daughter, John, Jr. and Hannah. They are in training too. We were just discussing their progress. Hannah’s in her first year as you will be. John’s in his third.”

Elijah shook hands with each of the family, but something very unpleasant happened when he tried to shake Hannah’s hand. At first, he felt like his stomach spun and wound its way up into his throat. The palms of his hands became suddenly sweaty, and his knees were so wobbly they couldn’t quite hold him so he tripped, nearly knocking the entire family over. Elijah gathered himself and managed to blurt out something to Hannah that was supposed to sound like “Nice to meet you,” but ended up sounding like “Naha-ha cement achem.” It was quite possibly the most embarrassing moment of his life.

Mr. Button continued talking to Mrs. Roddick and the Mayburys, but Elijah wasn’t paying attention. He was stealing a few glances at Hannah when he thought the coast was clear. He couldn’t help it.

Elijah had had his fair share of crushes before, but there was something different about this girl. She was majestic-looking. Eloquent. Her face and smile were kind and warm. Even though she looked to be only twelve or thirteen, there was something very adult about her. It was as though she knew something about life other children her age didn’t. Elijah noticed her eyes never wavered from the person talking. She listened to the conversation with a polite smile on her face. To top it all off, she was beautiful! She had a thin face and fair skin. She was tiny, but not frail. Her hair was light brown, and her eyes were bright green and lively.

Elijah was in the middle of stealing another glance when he noticed everyone had stopped talking. Hannah was looking at him. He met her gaze for a moment until he realized everyone was looking at him. Elijah’s eyes darted from person to person wondering why they were staring.

“Elijah?” Mrs. Roddick asked, looking amused.

“Yeah?” Elijah said panicked.

“Mr. Button asked if you had been assigned a mentor yet,” she said grabbing for Lizzy’s arm.

Elijah felt mortified. “Oh. No, I don’t think so. Master Roddick said I needed to talk to an elder before I do anything.”

“About what?” asked Mr. Button.

“I’m not sure,” he said, feeling like a complete idiot.

“Hm,” said Mr. Button, scratching his bald head.

Mr. Maybury said, “If you want, Miranda, we can take him to see Arthur. He lives around our area, and you seem to have your hands full at the moment.” Mr. Maybury looked at Mrs. Roddick’s two girls who were frolicking around the oval room, making very loud bird noises.

“That would be fine. Thank you,” said Mrs. Roddick. “I’ll tell Glen when he returns. Are you okay going with the Mayburys, Elijah?”

Elijah’s heart sank. He was still embarrassed from making a complete fool of himself, but he knew he didn’t have much of a choice. “Yes,” he said, trying hard not to make eye contact.

“Alright then,” said Mr. Button. “I’ll see you in a few days then, eh Elijah?” Elijah nodded once more, refusing to open his mouth again if he didn’t have to.

The Mayburys were a very friendly family and took an immediate interest in Elijah, which made him feel better. They asked Elijah all about where he came from and what he was doing in Savenridge. Elijah told them about Saint Phillip’s Academy and how Master Roddick offered to bring him here. Elijah had the entire family hanging on his every word, however, when he told them about Chancellor Hawthorne and his Thorn Stick.

“That’s awful!” exclaimed Hannah. “Did it hurt?”

“A little,” Elijah said. Then he turned red. “Actually it hurt a lot. I was lucky I was only hit once, but that was enough.”

“Well,” Mr. Maybury interjected, “you won’t find Thorn Sticks around here.” John, Jr. and Hannah agreed.

The morning fog had completely lifted by the time they crossed the river again. The Mayburys led him deeper into the valley toward the northern countryside of Savenridge. It was much less crowded than the southern entrance, where the Roddicks lived, with just a few houses sprinkled about. And the farther north they traveled, the fewer houses they encountered.

“Here we are,” said Mr. Maybury when they finally arrived.

The Maybury house was quite impressive. Large trimmed bushes surrounded the front of the house except for a small entrance where there was a stone gateway. A simple garden was planted in the yard and a bouquet of flowers hung just below the second story window. “Why don’t you come in and get warm, Elijah,” Mr. Maybury said. “Then, we’ll take you to Arthur’s house. He lives just a little northeast of us.”

“Thank you,” said Elijah.

“Are you hungry?” asked Mrs. Maybury.

“I’m okay,” he said.

“Well then, have a seat and warm yourself up by the fire,” she said.

The inside was just as nice as the outside. There were numerous rooms. Both Hannah and John, Jr. had their own, plus there was an extra room for guests, and a small library. Fine oil paintings hung from the walls—many of them pictures of the family. The rooms were neat and tidy, and the living area was large with lots of comfortable-looking seats around a big fireplace. Elijah wasn’t sure how money worked with the Magi, but the Mayburys were obviously well off.

Soon, Mr. Maybury took Elijah northeast to Arthur’s house. He knocked on the door of a tiny stone house with a straw roof.

Arthur was very old. He had a trimmed white beard that turned gray the closer to his head it got. The top of his head was bald, but the hair he lacked on his head he made up for in his ears. He had very youthful-looking eyes, blue in color, that were kind and full of wisdom, yet sneaky. He looked as though he had something up his sleeve.

“Ah, well hello. Good day, John,” said Arthur, aggressively shaking Mr. Maybury’s hand. “What can I do for you?”

“Good day to you too, Arthur. This is Elijah. He is new to Savenridge. The council has just made him a Preliminary student. From what I’ve heard, though, this young man has quite a remarkable mind, but he could use an elder to explain some things.”

As Mr. Maybury talked about Elijah, Arthur grunted and nodded and occasionally rubbed his beard. He stared at Elijah, sizing him up, and although he wasn’t quite sure he saw it, Elijah could swear Arthur winked at him kindly.

“Would you be willing to share your knowledge with him?” asked Mr. Maybury.

“If he’s willing to listen to an old geezer like me ramble on and on, I sure as heck won’t turn him away,” said Arthur. “I could use the company, too.”

“Thank you,” said Mr. Maybury. He turned to Elijah. “I’ll let the Roddicks know you’re here. It was good to meet you, Elijah.” Mr. Maybury left Elijah with Arthur.

“Come on in,” said Arthur. “I have a pretty good fire going now. Go find the warmest spot to sit—and then move over so I can sit there.”

Elijah looked around the tiny room as Arthur closed the door. There weren’t many things in the house, but it still seemed extremely cluttered. There were piles here and there of coats and clothes, books and papers. Nothing seemed to have a place. Next to the fire sat two old, worn-out chairs. Elijah sat down on one as Arthur went into the kitchen.

“I was just warming up some cider. Would you like some?” he called.

“That would be great,” said Elijah. “Thank you.”

Arthur came in moments later with two mugs steaming profusely. He walked with the slightest limp on his right side.

“Careful now, it’s hot,” Arthur warned. Elijah handled the mug carefully as Arthur sat down in the other chair. He breathed out a heavy sigh as if he had just finished a long journey. He cradled his mug and brought it close to his whiskers, taking in the aromas and warming his hands.

“So—” Arthur uttered. “So, here we are. I remember when I was in your place. Not so very long ago.” He laughed. “At least not long ago to me.”

Elijah grinned. Arthur took a very slow sip of his cider. He looked at Elijah for a silent moment before he spoke. He nodded and rubbed his beard. “Tell me Elijah, do you know anything about our history?”

“No. I don’t think so,” Elijah answered.

“I see,” Arthur said thoughtfully. “I suppose before anything else, you should know where the Magi come from. Without knowledge of our past, the present direction seems pretty reckless, don’t you think?”

Elijah dug into his chair. He had always enjoyed history. His mother always had a knack for telling history stories like bedtime stories.

“Our story began three thousand years ago. We’re not sure exactly where; we’re not sure exactly when, but we do know during our first years, the world was a very scary place. People stole from each other without remorse; they cheated; they lied; they even killed each other for money or food, or for no reason at all. Evil people controlled the cities and terrorized others because no one would stand up to them. No one knew who to trust. Life seemed very hopeless.

“However,” Arthur continued, “there were some—a very small group—who didn’t accept this life of fear. They started a new way of thinking—a new philosophy. Do you know what a philosophy is?”

“A belief?” Elijah said.

“Very good,” said Arthur. “What made the Magi different was not what they were able to do—because at first they didn’t have any power. It was what they believed that made them different. They made a decision that they would look for the good in the world even when the world around them was evil. That was all. They only promised to look for good. Sounds simple doesn’t it?”

Elijah nodded. He tried to imagine what it was like for the Magi back then.

“They soon discovered,” Arthur continued, “that finding good was easier when they understood the world.”

“Understood the world?” Elijah repeated.

“Yes. The early Magi wanted to discover what made the world work. To escape the chaos in the cities, they began to observe nature, and it was there they found safety. They found consistency. They began looking for patterns and truths. They became so aware of the world, in fact, they learned how to move and control parts of it. The more they learned and understood the world, the more they were able to control.

“Before long, the Magi grew very powerful, both physically and mentally. Some learned to manipulate the waters. Some were able to alter the winds. There were some still that could move the earth, and still a few who could manipulate natural electricity and fire. We know these today as the four elements. There is a fifth group, the rarest and most dangerous, who found they could manipulate the minds of man, but I’ll get to that later.

“With their powers, the Magi worked to create peace and harmony with the world. They used their abilities to teach lessons to the common people about the difference between good and evil. They showed the wonder of the world through the elements. Sometimes these lessons worked, and sometimes they were shoved aside as cheap magic tricks or sorcery. However, the Magi continued their attempts at teaching their wisdom.

“For hundreds of years they grew in numbers and influence, and they were highly respected by the common people. They made sure to keep their power a secret, only sharing it with the strongest minds—minds that would use the newly found power for good. Eventually, the Magi were able to eliminate most of the evil by remaining united.”

“How did the Magi know what was good?” Elijah asked.

Arthur smiled. “I can see what John was talking about. You do have a remarkable mind! And your question is exactly the point. In order to protect the good, you have to know what it is. In order to keep away evil, you have to know what evil is. Sometimes it’s obvious. Sometimes, however, it’s much harder to identify. That’s precisely why the Magi still continue to spend so much time learning to understand the world. It’s necessary to understand what it is you’re protecting before you can protect it.” Arthur paused for a minute. “Have I lost you?”

“I don’t think so,” Elijah said. “But if they protected the common people from evil, why are the Magi not around anymore? I mean, around in public. Wouldn’t people want to be protected?”

“I’m almost there. You see, most Magi were humble, but there were some who fell prey to the temptation of power and would abuse it—manipulating the elements for selfish reasons. They would destroy instead of protect. They worshiped the power that came with our knowledge, and instead of using it to protect the good, they used it to show off their power. At first, these cases were very rare and were usually stopped quickly by the elders, but everything changed about a thousand years ago.

“There was a young boy during the 12th century born into a Magi family. His name was Maliphist. He was one of the brightest Magi ever to walk the earth. It was said he was a member of the fifth group of control, a mind mentalist—someone who could read and manipulate the minds of man. He was also able to understand and manipulate the natural world like no other before him. While he was being educated, teachers would marvel at his powers. Many praised Maliphist himself instead of the world his powers and knowledge came from.

“He first used his powers for good and the people adored his abilities. But Maliphist soon grew arrogant. He wanted to show everyone, especially those who criticized him, that he was more powerful. His actions started small, like making rain constantly fall on one person or chasing the town’s soldiers with small bolts of lightning. However, his deeds quickly escalated. He destroyed small towns and villages. He ferociously killed anyone who challenged his authority.

Before long, word of his might spread all over the world, and he began teaching his own philosophy. He taught that power was meant to be taken from the world by those who knew how. He believed the common people who did not have the gift to manipulate the elements were not meant to be part of the world. So, they should be destroyed, leaving the Magi to rule the world.

“Maliphist continued using his power on greater and greater scales. It is legend that he once leveled an entire city just for show by using all four elemental powers at once. Nothing, not even a speck of brick, was left of it.

“In a desperate attempt to stop the terror, Magi from all over the world began pouring into the highlands and hills, away from the common people, to battle Maliphist and his followers. A decade of wars between the Magi and the Maliphists was the result.

“There were many times it looked like the Magi faced their end, but after years of spilled blood, news spread of Maliphist’s death. While this was certainly cause for celebration, the Magi faced a grim reality. They were almost all killed off. And the ones who remained were divided. Many were loyal to the old Magi teachings of goodness, protection, and wisdom, but others were drawn to the teachings of Maliphist.

“Even though Maliphist was dead, the common people were understandably fearful of the Magi. Rulers began to purge the city of the Magi, wiping them from the course of history. To avoid annihilation, the remaining Magi scattered all around the world, building their own cities and villages in secret, away from the common people. The Maliphists did the same. Many of these cities are still in existence today.” Arthur grinned at Elijah. “You look confused.”

Elijah hadn’t even noticed he was making a face. He was completely absorbed in the story, but it was true. He did have a question.

“If the Maliphists wanted to destroy the common people, why didn’t they do it?”

“If Maliphist, the man, was still alive,” Arthur answered, “they may have. Even though his followers were powerful too, they did not have nearly the power Maliphist had. They would not have been powerful enough to survive an attack by thousands of common people.”

“What about the Magi?” asked Elijah. “Couldn’t they have defended themselves from the common people?”

“It’s possible. But remember, we believe our powers are only to be used to protect. So those who were loyal to our teachings would most likely have chosen to flee instead of fight.”

“So why are you still in hiding?” asked Elijah. “People aren’t still trying to hunt you guys—I mean us, are they?”

“There have been close calls here and there,” Arthur explained. “We have had to be careful because our power isn’t understood anymore. Can you imagine if we waltzed into a city and began to use our powers? It’d be fun to see the look on everyone’s face, but I’m afraid the effects would be disastrous. Centuries ago, some Magi began to mingle with the common people again, but when the people discovered their abilities, those Magi were killed for practicing witchcraft. Since then, most Magi have been content to keep to ourselves, only practicing our power to prevent the Maliphists from destroying the world. We are protecting common people now, even though they don’t know it.”

Elijah thought about Master Roddick at Saint Phillip’s Academy. He pictured Magi all over the world who spent their lives keeping the common people safe, never getting any recognition, even though their life was constantly threatened. He suddenly felt a sense of debt to the Magi. Who knows how many times his life was saved from a Maliphist attack?

Arthur stood up. “I would like some more cider. How about you?”

Elijah was still deep in thought. “Sure. Thank you.”

When they finished their second mug of cider and chatted some about Elijah’s life and what it was like to live in Savenridge, Elijah said goodbye to Arthur. He retraced his steps back to the Maybury house.

Mr. Maybury was already dressed in his dark green cloak when Elijah arrived, and soon they headed toward the Roddick’s house at the southern entrance just as darkness covered Savenridge.

Elijah didn’t notice anything at first, but Mr. Maybury seemed to be captivated by a commotion at the southern gates. Many of the Magi, dressed in their cloaks and carrying torches, congregated at the tall wooden doors. Mr. Maybury picked up his pace, which made Elijah uncomfortable.

“What’s going on?” Elijah asked.

“I’m not sure, but it doesn’t look good,” said Mr. Maybury. They arrived near the gate and Elijah spotted Master Roddick in the crowd of people. He came over.

“What is it?” asked Mr. Maybury.

“Maliphists,” answered Roddick. “There’s just a few of them, and they warned their arrival, so they don’t mean immediate harm. At least, we don’t think they do.”

“Where are they?” Elijah asked.

“On the other side of the doors. They’ll be coming through any minute.” Elijah stood watching the closed doors in horror. He wasn’t even sure what to expect. Just a couple of days ago if he had been told Maliphists were coming, it would have meant nothing to him. Now, just a short while later, it struck terror in his heart. He waited with his eyes glued to the doors.

The wooden door opened and four men on horseback rode into the city. The crowd of Magi made a semi-circle, barricading the riders, but they didn’t seem interested in going any further.

The riders were dressed much more eloquently than anyone in town. They had on light armor, leather gloves, and boots. They also wore silver and black robes. The front rider slowly guided his horse toward the people. He scanned the audience.

“What business do you have here?” asked a Magi in the crowd, raising his torch so he could see the rider.

The rider didn’t answer as he continued looking at the people. “We have a proposition!” the rider finally stated. “As you know, we have something very valuable to you! We have had him for over ten years! Phinneas Rose!” Elijah could hear grumbling and outrage at this remark. Many people looked horrified when the rider spoke the name as if he brought up a painful memory. “Furthermore,” the rider continued, “we have acquired someone else of your kind, not too long ago. He is of no consequence to us, but we know he is valuable to this pathetic community!”

People began to turn around and murmur to one another in curiosity. The three other riders were holding up their torches and looking through the crowd as well. Elijah was confused how four men could bring such fear to an entire city. It was clear these men were powerful and they knew it.

“Along with Phinneas,” the rider continued, “rotting away in the depths of our prisons, is one of your marshals named Stan Hawk!” Elijah’s eyes widened with shock. Then, the rider made eye contact with Elijah.

Elijah’s body shook ferociously. He had seen these eyes before. Two fierce, yellow eyes. Eyes he had not been able to get out of his head for months. The same eyes that chased him through his parents’ house months ago. The same eyes that belonged to his family’s murderer. Elijah felt himself lunge toward the rider, but something held him back.

“Easy there kiddo,” whispered Roddick, who was wrapping his arms around Elijah to keep him from moving. “Now’s not the time.” Elijah started to cry, but this was a different cry. It was angry. It was wild. He would give anything at this very moment to be let loose. To tear the rider off his horse. But his thoughts were interrupted.

“What’s your proposition?” someone from the crowd shouted. The rider broke eye contact with Elijah for the moment.

“We propose a trade. We will give you our prisoners, and in return, you give us him!”

The rider pointed directly at Elijah.

Elijah could feel Roddick and Maybury grip his arms. He wasn’t sure if this was for protection or to make sure he didn’t try to charge the rider again.

At that moment, a hush fell over the crowd as an elderly woman marched swiftly toward the Maliphists. Her presence was intensely felt, and the crowd respectfully parted to make a path for her. She fearlessly walked toward the towering horse, stopped about ten feet from it, and pulled off her hood.

“Young man,” the old woman said. “I am Olivia Rose.” She talked softly but sternly. The crowd was silent. “My husband Phinneas, the man you have kept from me for many years, the man you have tortured and beaten, is very dear to me—more than anyone else. I want nothing more than to have him back. I wish to speak with him, to hold him again.” Her voice suddenly strengthened and became defiant. “But if you think for one second we are going to give up a child—one of our own—to you and your slime, then your idiocy is greater than we have ever given it credit. Get out of our city!”

The rider paused for a moment and then chuckled. “Old woman, we came here offering you two respectable members of your community—your own husband even—for a worthless boy. And you refuse?”

“Go back to the hole you call a city,” said Olivia.

The rider stiffened. “Very well. You shall be without your prisoners. But let it be known, we will not be without him!” He once again pointed to Elijah. “You had your chance to deal. Now, we will come for him, and you will be given nothing.” He looked at Elijah. “I’ll see you again very soon. Be on guard.”

The four Maliphists rode off and left the Magi of Savenridge to ponder what just happened.

Olivia turned around and walked away briskly. She threw a quick look at Elijah and gave him the slightest nod.

As everyone turned to leave, many people patted Elijah in comfort, but no one spoke to him. Elijah looked up at Roddick, who smiled comfortingly back. There wasn’t much else to say.

Just yesterday, Elijah walked into Savenridge a complete stranger to everyone, but in just one day, as Mrs. Roddick had predicted, the entire town knew who he was.