Dawn came, Harlan was still sitting in the same chair. Snoring softly. He woke quickly, hearing shuffling steps on the stone floor. Someone opened the door, trying to slam it against the wall. It stopped just short of it. A furious Raven entered the room. He pointed an angry finger at Harlan. "You did it now. I bet you're happy." Harlan stretched and yawned. "Ah, the knight in shiny armor is here. Do you want to take it outside and teach me some manners?"
Raven walked forward. "Maybe I should. What you did was cruel." Harlan sighed, "What I did was necessary." He got up and patted the old man's shoulder. "Not that I expect an old bird to understand." The warrior moved his body, cracking his back and his neck. "Where is she? I need to talk to her." The old healer crossed his arms. "No, you've done enough, leave." Harlan squeezed his shoulder and locked eyes with him. "Something is coming, Raven, and we must prepare. Or there will be a wave of death like never before." He then went to look at the rising sun through the small square window. "Now get me Stella."
***
They were sitting in front of a frugal breakfast. Stella sat straight, her red eyes betraying the aftermath of the previous evening. "You wanted to talk to me, Harlan? I hope it's not bad news," she said with a mocking, tired smile. Harlan gave a low exhale, not exactly a chuckle, "When did a seer ever bring good news?" The old healer looked at him seriously. Since he remained silent, she prompted, "So, how bad?" The seer winced and said, "Have you ever heard the story of Alios and Gareon's last stand?"
Stella froze, a piece of bread forgotten between her plate and her mouth. "Alios and Gareon?" She whispered. The warrior took a deep breath, "I closed portals that contained tentacle anomalies. I spoke with a hunter, and he thinks this is the sign that history is repeating itself." The old woman sighed in relief, "So this is just a hypothesis." Harlan winced and added, "And I've seen it."
It started raining. The grey veil could be seen through the small windows. The soft lullaby of raindrops echoed softly through the room from outside. A chill crawled through the walls.
Stella was pondering Harlan's words. "Another master anomaly? So soon?" Harlan looked down, "I'm not sure, I think I saw more than one." A plate was set aside. Hunger could wait. "So you're casually announcing the end of the world?" She had a nervous laugh, "Congratulations, you just ascended to the highest tier of Seers." Harlan looked at her, then scoffed. She chuckled. And soon they were both laughing loudly, their bodies shaking from it.
Eventually, they stopped and enjoyed the relaxed feeling for a few moments before returning to business. Stella asked, "So what do we do?" Harlan glanced at her, then said, " You prepare the healers. I'm not sure where it will happen, but I have an idea of the region. They should be in the towns nearby to be ready when it happens." She nodded, "That will leave the rest of the land without healers." The warrior shook his hand, "Don't send everyone, just increased presence. We need supplies too, to heal fighters and civilians. Work with authorities to have buildings and beds for the wounded. Prepare to dispose of the dead. The grim work." Stella's eyes narrowed, "Should I feel honored you think I'm so young that I have never seen a battle?" Harlan smiled and continued, "I'll gather fighters, there are some strong ones. Together we might prevail." Then he locked eyes with the mother. "Strong protectors, like Gareth, like me… like Chala."
Stella looked like she was about to say something. Finally, she slowly nodded. Her eyes were burning with cold fury. "Agreed, you gather fighters who are willing to protect the world." Then she drummed her fingers on the table. "When does it happen?" Harlan almost blushed. "I'm not sure, the visions are not completely set, they waver." Then he straightened up and added, "But it's soon. Before the year's end." The healer nodded. "We have work to do then. Do you need something before you go?" The one-armed fighter grinned, "I'd like one last glass of milk, please." The woman rolled her eyes, then smiled and shook her head slightly. "Harlan, you fool." She signaled to a nearby healer, "Bring us two glasses of milk." Then she looked at the warrior and whispered, "Good for the bones!"
***
Harlan stepped outside the temple. He was about to go down the stairs when light, hurried steps caught up with him. Gwen's soft hands grabbed his. "Leaving without saying goodbye?" The warrior smiled, "You wanted your farewell vision?" The young healer cocked her head, "Yes, but it's not about you and me. Tell me where Jessica is." The seer shook his head. "It doesn't work like that." Gwen bumped his shoulder, "You could try." Harlan locked eyes with her. "I don't know her, it will be difficult." The healer opened her eyes wide, "You'll see her in my mind, you've done it before." The one-armed man sighed, "People often dislike what a seer tells them." Gwen's smile was laced with pain. "I just want the truth."
They walked together to a small stone bench. They sat on it, and Harlan offered his hand. Gwen held it with both of hers. They locked eyes. Gwen looked fascinated as the seer's eyes slowly glazed over. It looked like watching through a window in winter. When frost is creeping over the glass. She felt dizzy, as if the frost had entered her too. She tried to relax and keep her mind open. Just find her, please. Then the eyes returned to their normal light grey state. Gwen leaned forward expectantly. The seer sighed and hesitated. "The truth, Harlan," said the woman firmly. The man pondered his next words a while longer before saying, "She will be at the College of Magic soon." Gwen beamed with happiness, then came the second part. "She is changed, you might not recognize her."