Polaris by Beth Bowland

mayor of your town. He wanted to become one of the council members and made demands on them, saying he would tell everything he knew about them and reveal game secrets.”
    “Really?” said Aaron asked. “What happened?”
    “They let him tell whatever he wanted to some degree, and no one believed him. The townspeople thought him to be crazy. Now he is just a wanderer and will remain that way until he finds someone to take his place. Not sure why he causes so much trouble. He lives quite well. His home is not far from ours.”
    “What is the role of the wanderer?” Aaron asked.
    Zion giggled. “It’s not actually a true role. He wanders and wanders about, neither here nor there. The members of the council are fully aware of his whereabouts at all times, although he doesn’t seem to realize this. At times they may use him to get the game going.”
    “Earlier he took me inside the meteorite, and I was in some sort of spaceship,” Aaron said.
    Zion gasped.
    “He took you inside?” D1 asked.
    Aaron nodded. “Yes, we went down a hallway that had faces on the walls and went inside a closet, but that was all that I could see, until the sirens went off and he rushed me back out.”
    “Interesting,” D1 answered. “I wonder what Kessler is up to. He is what you’d refer to as a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Although he is tracked, you are not.”
    “Take heed of my words, soldier,” Zimmare said. “Even if you remember how to return to that place—don’t. It’s quite dangerous, and the members of the council are not to be played with. They can be quite ruthless from what I’ve heard.”
    “Why do you help them if they’re so dangerous?” Aaron asked.
    “Well, there are certain perks that come to us and our communities when we assist,” D1 answered. “On Earth it is probably comparable to what you would call seasonal help.”
    Aaron gave him a side-eye stare. “You mean like to get extra money for Christmas presents?”
    Zion nodded. “Yes, you could call it that, or we get other little oddlings that we enjoy.”
    D1 and Zimmare chuckled.
    “What sort of oddlings?” Aaron asked.
    “Oh, nothing to worry yourself about now, lad,” D1 answered. “What about that clue, Zimmare?”
    “Yes, of course.” Zimmare answered. “Although the Piscean fish face both ways, your answer lies within the tie that binds.”
    “Huh?” Aaron said. “What does that mean?”
    “Oh my,” Zion squealed. “That is a good one.”
    Aaron looked at Zion. “Do you know what it means?”
    Zion shrugged. “Maybe, maybe not. But we’re not permitted to tell.”
    “Afraid so, old chap,” D1 replied. “We’re to oversee, not participate. We, too, must follow the rules.”
    Aaron huffed. “Yeah, the rules … ” He paused. “Just how often do you play these games?”
    D1 shrugged. “Oh, it depends on the council members. There have been times when multiple games have been played simultaneously.”
    “So,” Aaron began. “There could be another game going on right now.”
    “Possibly,” Zion answered. “But we’re not at liberty to say.”
    “I mean there could be someone else I could talk to about the game,” Aaron said. “They could even help me.”
    “No.” D1 said. “There is no way for you to find out either who is playing or where the match is being played.
    “You’re on your own.” Zimmare walked over and opened the window. “But you know how to reach me. I’m always but a thought away.” As he spoke the silver aura returned and surrounded him. When it went away, he was once again the falcon wearing the tiny diamond medallion.
    “Goodbye, brother!” Zion shouted as Zimmare flew out the window and she closed it behind him.
    Aaron slumped back against the chair. “So, I have some falcons, carpet, some liquid to make me invisible, and you guys.”
    D1 chuckled. “Don’t sound so defeated.”
    Zion nodded. “Doubt not who you have on your side, my little cutie.”
    Aaron forced a smile.