Sorce: Birth of Echo (Preview) Pg. 1

I

“That’s it then?” I say, sitting on my bed watching Laurie walk to the door.

She’s wearing one of her regular outfits; a white shirt, the collar cut into a v, black jeans that hug her legs, a pair of blue sneakers, and her auburn hair tied in a loose ponytail. “Yeah, that’s it I guess…” Laurie says. “Am I allowed to talk to you?” I ask. “Charlie, look, I know this isn’t going to be easy for you, but I think you should distance yourself for a minute.” Laurie says. “You’re the only person I know here.” I say. “You have Mat. And Zach.” Laurie says. “We haven’t seen each other in over a year. We’re not in the same caste.” I say. “Maybe, you should fix that.” Laurie says, turning to the door and cracking it open slowly. The sound of people rushes in, the students who haven’t fully moved into their dorms during the early move-in times were getting ready for the semester. Laurie turns back to look at me. “Don’t take this personally, please. I’ll miss you.” Laurie says, closing the door behind her. Laurie and I were dating for 3 years, 5 months, and 24 days. Now, we’ve been broken up for ten minutes. She couldn’t have picked a better time, a day before the semester at Sirrus starts. Laurie and I decided to go to Sirrus together to pursue a career in the Sorce caste. Laurie always wanted to make a difference in the world, always talked about the travesties happening in our city, New Shelltar, or other countries around the world. I never really cared about the world the way she did, but I did like the idea of being a famous Sorce Master, or is it Master of Sorce? I’m not sure. I want to do the right thing… and I also want the glory. Saving people from natural disasters, criminals, or monsters. I wanted to make my mark on history in some way, she wanted it more for the altruism of it. So, we both decided we’d join the Sorces; A caste of people who specialized in raw sorce manipulation. Sorce: The power or essence or ability used to influence/manipulate events, outcomes, course of nature, or otherworldly aspects. Whether illusions, elements, animals, spirits, minds, or creatures, sorce is present and can be controlled through different means. At least that’s how the textbooks describe it. I remember that much, but nothing else. At the age of 20, any citizen is able to join a school of their choosing to pursue a career as a Sorce, Artí, or Fencer. Before then, you spend the first 18 years in Fundamental Academics. For two years Laurie and some of her friends studied the basics of their respective castes. My closest two friends did the same. I, on the other hand, picked up a book or two but spent most of my time enjoying a two-year long break, and my girlfriend Laurie. We went on several vacations and adventures over those two years, I fell in love with her tenacity, willingness to fight whoever or whatever, the way she was unapologetically herself. That’s how she was on the outside, but I knew a softer, kinder, more self-conscious side of her. I loved her, more than I think I let her know at the time. Maybe she couldn’t see that, or maybe I didn’t show it, I don’t know I’ll ever find out now.