Another century passed like the blink of an eye.

  Ruth’s age had finally caught up to her. She needed a cane, and it felt amusing to her to use the same one Sheba did. She rose out of her bed, stretching her arms. They were terribly sore, even after all this time. The wounds wrought by The Butcher and The Scythe never fully healed and made themselves known more and more. Ruth put on her headdress, still elegant and well kept after all this time. She crept out of her chambers, it was an important day today after all.

  More newcomers had arrived at the island, a pair of brothers, perhaps the first known Godshard siblings. Her foresight told her that these two would be important, and she would not be found wanting.

  The sun was rising in the sky by the time Ruth entered the courtyard. She was getting slower, year by year. It couldn’t be helped. Several Godshards were waiting outside. Anna was there, patient and stoic, and by her side were the two brothers. They looked no older than twelve winters, and their eyes were bright and full of life.

  One of them was more bashful and had a hard time looking at Ruth. His eyes glowed much brighter, and Ruth already knew he was going to be as powerful as her one day. A fifth Godshard at her level, how exciting.

  While the other was clearly not as powerful, at least according to the eyes, he made up for it with his attitude. He stood up straighter and had an eager grin on his face. He had an aura of confidence. It reminded Ruth of Sheba, and that made her smile. Ruth puffed herself up, she had to be an example after all. These Godshards looked up to her.

  “Good morning, Ruth,” signed Anna.

  Ruth gave a graceful smile as she signed back. “Good morning.” Ruth’s arms took longer to sign than ever, and she was grateful for their patience.

  Anna gestured to the two boys. “These are the two newcomers.”

  On cue, the more confident brother stood forward, gently corralling his brother to stand with him. The two of them bowed, and Ruth was pleased that they knew Benelim Sign Language. “Greetings, Ruth, I’m David,” the confident one signed.

  The other brother barely looked Ruth in the eye, and his signs were less confident, his arms nearly shaking. “I’m Solomon.”

  Ruth bowed in turn. “Nice to meet you both!” she signed. “Shall we go for a walk?”

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  David and Solomon eagerly obliged, and the three of them deigned to walk around the town, and watch the sun rise. The two brothers gawked at everything with wide-eyed wonder, from the beautiful Benelim flowers to the polished white marble. These were sights Ruth was used to, but she always found enjoyment from the reaction of a fresh set of eyes. Ruth couldn’t wait to show them the library and the statues of the Godshards inside.

  Ruth kept an eye on them, She could read much with her Soulsight, and it filled her with hope. These two were ambitious, and they had big plans. Ruth could see they would take the proverbial hawk to new heights, and spread the teachings of the Godshards to the ends of the earth. Expand the knowledge and insight of the Godshards far beyond what she could ever know.

  Yet there were the seeds of conflict, too. Their intentions were true, but their methods could be flawed. A division could arise from their plans if they aren’t careful, one that could fracture the long standing unity of the Godshards. Then again, the teachings of Adam were robust and flexible, and their drive and passion reminded Ruth of herself. She wondered if this was what Elias felt when she arrived at the island all those years ago.

  How like a cycle it seemed, one that would go to the end of time.

  “Did you two become Godshards at the same time?” signed Ruth.

  David shook his head. “I became one three days after I was born,” he signed.

  Solomon nodded in agreement before signing. “And I didn’t until I turned seven, just like you.”

  Ruth grinned. “How fascinating.”

  “We’re big fans of you and you work!” signed David. “Your partnership with Sheba has been a big inspiration for us.”

  “I’m glad!” signed Ruth.

  “The two of you made quite the team!” signed Solomon. “Sheba was great with her words, and you were great with your power. The two of you changed the world.”

  Ruth blushed at the complement before signing. “Thank you. We merely followed the teachings of Adam.”

  “Imagine if all Godshards had such a partnership,” signed David. His gestures were slower, perhaps he was nervous, it certainly showed in the micro expressions. He was being extra careful he said the right thing. “If two Godshards could change the world together, imagine twenty, or two-hundred! Godshards playing to their strengths and working where they already want to!”

  Ruth grinned. “That sounds like an excellent idea.” She paused and stopped. David and Solomon stopped in turn. Ruth’s glowing eyes flickered.“If I may give some advice, however. The teachings of Adam believe that life is an ever expanding process. That nothing we know is ever set in stone. Be mindful not to be too rigid. Perhaps not every Godshard wants such a partnership, nor could they be.”

  “Don’t worry!” signed David. “We would never force any Godshard to do what they wouldn’t want to.”

  Ruth nodded. She couldn’t tell for sure what the future held, her foresight would only go so much further. That was when Ruth remembered the most important teaching of Adam:

  Life is what you make it.

  As Ruth looked upon these two brothers, seeing the passion and drive within them, something told her that everything would be alright.