Episode #1 - "Torn": Star Chasers (Volume 1) by Emily Asimov Page B

fist. The heel ground at his wrist and forearm sending deep pain throughout. Ty was spun about by strong hands, only the carefully focused power of his mind kept his arm from breaking, and immediately his eyes met those of Phaylio. Phaylio’s countenance was surprisingly reserved, though his eyes spoke volumes.
         “Ty, is this what it seems?”
         Ty’s mouth opened but no words came out—almost as if someone of the first power kept the words from his tongue. Triist stepped between Ty and the others, but Ty could see that she too was no longer in full control of herself.
         Phaylio pushed her aside. “How could you off all... Do you know what you have done? Not only to yourself but to that poor man lying cold over there... You are marked, Ty, and you must leave, at once!”
         Phaylio turned and walked away, his head drooping and his face bearing the weight of his many years. He seemed diminished. Triist grabbed Phaylio by the hand and bade him to stop, but he cast her hands away. Triist went back to help Ty to his feet as everyone began to turn their backs on him.
         “You don’t understand...” she started to say. “It wasn’t...”
         “I did it,” admitted Aehrone, stepping out of the shadows. “I did it,” he repeated. “I have marked us all.”
         Phaylio gasped as he turned around, eyes wide with shock. “You?” he asked, pointing at Aehrone. “You did this? Do you know what this means?”
         Aehrone rose up tall on heavy feet, breathing harshly, “Yes, I do... Is there no way I can make amends?”
         “There is not,” stated Phaylio.
         Phaylio came back over and offered Ty a hand, seeing Triist was having trouble helping him up. Ty had pain in his legs and arms. Even though his wrist felt broken, he did not attempt to mend it. He had dared to use his powers one too many times in the presence of others, it would be his undoing. He watched as those around him turned from outrage to dismay. None berated Aehrone for his deed, nor did anyone acknowledge his presence. With the help of Phaylio and Triist, Ty also walked away. He would return in the morning to find a proper resting place for Rhyess.

Chapter 6
     
     
     
     
     
    Life works in cycles that begin again and again; so despite heavy minds and hearts, the day started fresh. A mild southeast breeze swept through the village in small swelling puffs. The sky was obscured in a burden of heavy clouds and not clear until just shy of the noon hour. Ty and Shilastar took a walk that morning; she carried the news to Ttuirre, and Ty tagged along.
         Shilastar maintained an especially slow gait, for which Ty was thankful. All the exercise was trimming his rounded belly and slimming his legs. Shilastar noted the change, as she did each time he visited. She liked it. Ty had a good base frame, he just needed to work it better and not let it set to ruin. She gave herself a mental reminder to have Erant give Ty a talk.
         Shilastar stopped at her customary halfway point, resting more out of habit and because Ty looked as if he could use a reprieve, even though he wasn’t sweating as profusely as he had the last time they had journeyed. She did a little dance as the sun came out bright and bold over head, peeking out from behind scattering clouds.
         “Ty?” began Shilastar, checking to see if he was listening to her or not, “I know you plan to leave. I can see the longing in your eyes to be away... Yet, I have a question I would like to ask. Would you do me one last favor, Ty?”
         “Last favor, what are you talking about?” inquired Ty, not understanding the direction of her question.
         “Would you stay if I asked you to?” asked Shilastar. Seeing Ty’s confusion, she added, “For an extra week, I mean.”
         Ty stopped stretching his legs and stood still. “Why?”
         “When I was in Ttuirre the other day, before I gathered