The Tyzee

Sharisa sat at the pond's edge, her long legs folded underneath her slim form and her eyes intent on a brightly colored dragonfly as it hovered over the crystal clear water. Her mind seemed to fill then, a presence she had come wearily accustomed to the last few years, and waited silently.

"Yes, Master. I'm sorry, I'll pay attention." A hint of sarcasm hung from her words, but the Master did not seem to notice.

Good. Now, watch carefully. Sharisa took her eyes off the dragonfly, but the Master's words again came through her mind. No, no. Watch the dragonfly. Sharisa sighed as her eyes returned gratefully to the elegant insect, and, after watching for a time, she was surprised to see the water below it begin to whirlpool. As she watched, the whirlpool grew larger, its center almost touching the bottom of the pond as it descended. And then, just as quickly as it had come, the whirlpool stopped.

The water all around the empty depression rushed in to fill its place, sending a spout of water into the air that engulfed the dragonfly, pulling it down into the pond's depths. Sharisa jumped to her feet with a shout, brushing back her short, brown hair from her face before pointing an accusing finger at the Master.

"You killed him! Why would you do that, he never harmed you!" He gave her an amused smirk before replying.

Easy, my child. That is today's lesson, illusion. The Master held out a fist, and slowly opened it to reveal the dragonfly, sitting peacefully on his palm. He raised his hand higher, and the dragonfly took flight, disappearing off into the woods. Sharisa clapped her hands together in delight and sat back down next to the Master, intent on his strong yet aging face.

"Show me again, please?" The Master smiled and nodded his head, his long silver hair swaying slightly in the breeze.

A scream erupted from deep within the forest, and the Master grabbed his bow before jumping to his feet. Looking out into the forest, Sharisa felt a cold fear begin to take hold of her, and watched silently as the Master closed his eyes, concentrating on some unknown magic. A slow hum began to come from him, and Sharisa started to step back. She had never seen this type of magic before. The Master's body began to sway somewhat, moving with the slight breeze as the hum grew steadily louder.

The humming stopped short as another scream came from the forest, this one noticeably closer and accompanied by an explosion of light that shot into the air. The Master's eyes fluttered open and he quickly moved toward Sharisa.

The village is under attack. Sharisa gasped, and clutched the Master's arm.

"But by-"

The wood fell silent, and Sharisa suddenly wanted her mother there to keep her safe more than anything. A shadow from the corner of her eye made her stop, and she turned towards its source. A second look proved nothing but just that, shadows, but she was sure she'd seen it. They were not safe; they were in grave danger. Sharisa began to speak, a small intake of breath that was barely noticeable, but the Master cut her off with a wave of his bow hand before she uttered a word.

This is not the time, pupil. You know that as well as I. She shook her head, insisting, but again was cut off. Finally, Sharisa nodded her head in submission, tears beginning to well up in her bright green eyes. His hard gaze softened then, and gave her a look that said he apologized, that he knew. Be calm now, child. The Tyzee are upon us. The Master got into a low crouch and, with a nod of his head to have her follow and a slim finger to his lips, went on through the coming dusk of the wood.