Weapon of the Vorishka

By Rae Graham

I could hardly contain my excitement when Papa chose me for this mission. The guild’s lost treasure, a great weapon rumored to lay low scores of men in a single breath, had been found at last. The centuries-long quest was drawing to a close and I, Stasya Vorishka, would be the one to complete it. But now, injured and with the entire palace guard on my tail, I’m beginning to wonder if this weapon is truly worth its price.

I muffle a scream as another flaming shaft streaks past, barely missing my shoulder but scorching me nonetheless. When I find the man responsible for those new blaze bolts, I’m feeding him to Amethyst. I force a burst of speed from my aching legs, cursing under my breath as I pelt down the road to my right then weave a maze through back alleys. My pursuers drop off before long, lost in the warren of this filth-encrusted district. I slow, allowing myself a smile. I might be the youngest in the guild, and a girl at that, but there’s still no match for a Vorishka.

Black edges my vision by the time I reach the Rados Harbor. My shoulder throbs, and I can barely draw breath for the pain in my side. I’ll never make it to the rendezvous in this state. There’s only one person nearby I trust.

A dragon call splits the air not far off. Blast! The Winged Watch. There’s no time to ask nicely. Falling against Lana’s door with a loud thud, I pound it with my fists, pain jarring up my arm. Come on. The door opens so suddenly that I topple toward the unsuspecting girl. She pushes back and screams.

I block the closing door with my foot just in time. “No, wait!” Yanking my mask off, I angle to catch the light pouring through the crack. “Lana, it’s me.”

Her eyes go wide. “Stasya?”

Another shriek rings out from above. Lana flinches, yanks me inside, and slams the door. I sink against the wall and try to control my trembling.

She peers out the window. “What did you do this time?” she asks with a sigh.

“Just nicked a trifle. They’re overreacting.”

She snorts, unamused. “You’ve said that before.” Flipping the curtains closed, she faces me. “I don’t think anyone saw you. But with the racket you were making, it won’t take them long to figure it out.”

“I’m sorry, Lana. I didn’t intend to drag you into this.”

She purses her lips. I’ve said that before, too. Her gaze softens as she looks me over. “Those wounds need tending.”

I shuffle to the table while she fetches aloe and bandages. Concentration furrows her brow as she takes in the severity of my burns. “These are quite bad, Stasya. Particularly the one on your side. I’m not sure a basic aloe salve will be enough.”

“Just do your best.”

I hiss as the stinging cold mixture meets my blistered flesh. Thankfully, Lana works quickly and keeps a lighthearted conversation going. “You better not think this lets you off from attending my ballet on Friday. It’s our biggest performance of the year.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. You know that.”

She arches an eyebrow. “And you’ll be on time?”

I laugh. “Don’t push your luck.”

“Very well.” She wraps the last bandage and gives me a fresh shirt. “I’ll get us something to drink, shall I?”

“Vodka for me, thanks.”

She rolls her eyes. “Don’t press your luck.”

Once she leaves the room, I eagerly pull the treasure from my cloak’s hidden pocket. I know I should wait and include the rest of the guild in the unveiling. After what I’ve been through today, I deserve this. Carefully setting the case down, I remove the precious object… and loose a deep groan. Our legendary weapon is a flute? And not a valuable one at that. No gold etching or carvings of any kind. Just a crude wooden instrument.

My head falls forward on the table with a thwack. I risked my life for this? Worst. Mission. Ever.

Lana returns, setting a steaming cup of baked milk in front of me. She nods toward the flute. “This is what got you in so much trouble?”

I manage a weak smile. “Told you they were overreacting.”

Pounding on the door makes us both jump. “Open at the Tzar’s command.”

Lana pulls me to my feet. “Out the back, quick. I’ll stall them.”

“You’re a good friend, Lana.”

“I know. Now go!”

I snatch up the flute, nearly fumbling it in my haste, and dash for the exit only to stop short on the threshold. Three more guards block my escape. Even I must admit there’s no getting around them. Glaring at them, I raise my hands and back slowly into the room. A soft whimper draws my attention to Lana. She’s being forcefully held down by two guards. The rest surround me.

My heart pounds a frantic beat. I stare accusingly at the flute still clutched firmly in my fist, and I’m overcome by a sudden urge to play. That’s madness! But a small desperate part of me wonders if the rumors could be true. What have I got to lose? Lifting it to my lips, I take an uncertain breath and blow a simple tune. A shock explodes from the instrument like an invisible wave, toppling men all around me. I stare at the still humble-looking flute, my brain and body frozen in awe. A weapon worth its price after all.

I turn eagerly to the door, then glance back at Lana. She’s out cold with the rest. I sigh. I can’t leave her to face the punishment that’s sure to come when these guards wake. Thankfully, the aloe has worked much better than hoped. Groaning, I lift her small frame over my good shoulder, clutch the flute in my other hand, and trudge into the night.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

By day a library assistant, by night a writer, Rae Graham weaves fantastical tales for the YA reader filled with heart and hope. If you can catch her without her nose in a book or a pen in hand, she would be more than thrilled to share in an adventure or relax with a chai and chat. She currently lives in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, with her family.

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