“We are almost to Carnelian. Can I get you anything?”
“You can start by calling me Aphiemi.”
“I do have a habit of speaking formally. It keeps me out of trouble.”
“I understand that,” she said, giggling a bit. It was very true for people in the public eye. “Thanks for your offer, but I had a bite to eat earlier.”
“I am certain Sienna will have fresh tea for us. If not, I will be gravely disappointed.”
She followed Qusam up to the cockpit and found Ryle, alert as usual, in the pilot seat. She grabbed the co-pilot’s chair. “Did you get any rest?”
“A little bit. I napped right here.”
“In the seat?”
“Yeah. We soldiers do it all the time.”
“Whatever works.”
“All right Q, we’ve got Carnelian in sight,” said Ryle. Through the viewport the gorgeous water-covered planet approached. Numerous red-orange patches around the bigger islands signified the carnelian gemstone topping the mountain ranges.
“Head toward the Yaluba Island group in the eastern hemisphere, near the equator. And proceed with caution,” said Qusam.
The Arrow zipped past two Archon orbital stations unnoticed, cut through Carnelian’s atmosphere, and emerged over a vast ocean dotted with several strands of islands. Her first ever visit to this planet, Aphiemi could not pull her gaze away from the view. Chrysolite had beautiful oceans too but not like this. Island chains, many with mountain peaks, some volcanic, went on for hundreds of miles. As the ship flew lower, patches of greenery showed. Her heart hurt that so many majestic places were overrun by the Archon.
By Qusam’s direction, Ryle piloted the ship toward Sienna’s island, a lone, nondescript jungle island, covered with palm trees and thick vegetation, believed by the Archon to be uninhabited except for large serpents and countless birds and insects.
“Does she know we’re coming?” asked Ryle.
“Hopefully,” said Qusam.
The Arrow flew towards the island’s center and lowered over a clump of tall trees.
“I’m getting an odd reading—” said Ryle as they were hit a by an invisible wave, like a gust of strong wind, turning the ship nearly into a roll. Instruments flashed and beeped.
“Whoa!” said Aphiemi as she grabbed on to her seat handles.
Ryle steadied the ship. “Are we under attack? I don’t see anything.”
“I don’t think so,” said Qusam. “Allow me.” He pushed a button on the dash and hummed a tune. “The way should be clear. Take us straight down…here,” he said, pointing down at a spot among the treetops.
“If you say so,” said Ryle. He lowered the Arrow accordingly.
What about those trees? thought Aphiemi. Ryle would not obey if he did not trust the wizard and his wizarding wisdom. The Arrow pushed into the tops of the thick trees and the vegetation appeared to move by itself out of the way just enough for the ship to slide through. Green vegetation crawled past the ship’s windows with a scraping, ruffling sound. Light disappeared and darkness enveloped them as they gently landed. Silence.
“We’re here.” Qusam grabbed his staff, left the cockpit, and sprang for the descending ramp.
“Do I need any weapons?” asked Ryle.
“Mmm, probably not.”
Ryle holstered his pistol and escorted Aphiemi out of the cockpit. “You gonna wait for us?” called out Ryle to Qusam who was already down the ramp.
They met Qusam at the bottom of the ramp in a dark tunnel. Once her eyes adjusted, Aphiemi could make out a thick wall of vegetation not far ahead down the tunnel. Qusam marched ahead with a bounce in his step.
“I haven’t seen you this giddy in a while,” said Ryle.
“I enjoy this place, and Sienna is a nice conversation partner.”
Ryle smirked over at Aphiemi.
“Outside of Chrysolite there are virtually no other good wizards with which to converse,” said Qusam.
They approached the wall of greenery. Qusam tapped his staff against the side wall of the tunnel and sang a soft tune. The wall parted into two doors, swinging open inwardly, revealing an eye-popping, naturally adorned area. Trees and vines lined the perimeter, with the tops of the trees extending up through several holes in the ceiling and blending into the forest. Various exotic birds—multi-colored Lorikeets, Conures, and others—flew down into the room through the holes, landed on tree branches, and fluttered out again. The room’s wall to their right was pure rock with a waterfall splashing through the ceiling into a nook in the solid stone floor.
In the center of the room, a many-branched tree covered in green leaves ran from under the floor up through the ceiling. Beetles and centipedes crawled on the trunk, and a brown and yellow-spotted python slithered around the trunk and through the branches. Aphiemi recoiled.
“You see insects and serpents. Sienna sees life,” said Qusam.
“I’m not the biggest fan of bugs either,” said Ryle.
“They won’t bother you. Everything on that tree clings to it. They adore that tree.”
A few drips from the waterfall splashed onto Aphiemi as she crept past, keeping her distance from the tree. A red-colored, five-toed sea sloth leapt from the waterfall and landed on her shoulder. She gasped.
“Don’t move,” said Ryle, pulling out his blaster.
“Put your gun away.” Qusam gently moved his staff over to the sloth, and the little critter climbed onto it. He lowered the staff down toward the waterfall’s floor exit and the sloth jumped back into the falls and disappeared.
“Let me guess, those are harmless too?” said Ryle.
“Actually, that could have killed her.”
“What?” said Aphiemi.
“Only if you provoke them,” said Qusam.
Aphiemi glared at Ryle.
An ivory-colored door on the room’s far side opened. “Qusam! My favorite wizard.” Sienna wore a white robe with heavy red and pink streaks, resembling roses combined with vines. Her shoulder-length brown hair was half-conquered by grey. A freshly-polished orange carnelian gemstone hung from her neck in a silver necklace. “My apologies for the gust of wind. Most of my human visitors are not friendly.”
“Completely understandable,” said Qusam with a wide smile. He approached her and without hesitation wrapped his arms around her. She returned the hug with eagerness. “I’m so glad you’re still safe,” he said.
Ryle elbowed Aphiemi, to which she returned a strained glare. Ryle seemed to be more in tune with Qusam’s romantic prospects than with their own relationship.
Sienna approached Aphiemi. “You must be Ambassador Waswin.”
“Yes, how did you know? Oh, I forgot, this one here has probably told you about me.”
“He is my primary outside contact and storyteller,” said Sienna. “No one else is brave enough to visit me here.” She turned to Ryle. “Except for, of course, our brave special forces soldier, Commander Gelibor.”
Qusam interjected, “That’s Colonel Gelibor now.”
“Oh, a promotion? You must be doing something right.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Madame,” said Ryle, holding out his hand.
“I wish I could say I’m glad you’re here,” said Sienna, withholding her hand.
“Sienna...,” said Qusam.
“Unless Qusam is picking up tea, his visits always bode danger,” said Sienna. With both her hands she took Ryle’s hand warmly.
“Has anything happened recently?” asked Qusam.
“Despite all my efforts, I’m convinced the Archon is finally on to me. Their bothersome ships have passed over my island more than usual lately. None have landed, but by now the Qesem must be aware of my presence. The purple ones are afoot on the bigger islands.”
“That is worrisome,” said Qusam.
“Before we get too solemn, let us have tea, shall we?” said Sienna as she led them into the next room. They went down a few steps into a spacious room with maroon velvet
carpet covering the floor. Three grey plush chairs rested in the center surrounding a round table. A grey-colored patch of the carpet encircled the chairs, giving them an air of importance. Hanging sculptures of trees, with artificial lights shining from the branch tips, lit the room from above.
Sienna went to the corner and brought back a tray holding three steaming cups of yub tea. “Please take.”
Qusam and Ryle snatched up their cups. “What about you?” said Qusam.
“Already had my fill today,” said Sienna.
Aphiemi took a cup. On previous tries yub tea had not been her favorite drink, but she was willing to give it another chance. She took a sip—much better this time. The tanginess combined with a fruity flavor and the soothing steam was just right.
“The tea loses some of its punch on the trip to Chrysolite,” said Sienna.
“It’s very good. Thank you,” said Aphiemi.
Ryle took a big gulp. “I think it’s delicious either way.”
“Thank you, Colonel.”
“Call me Ryle.”
“Okay, Ryle. Have a seat everyone.” Sienna motioned to the three chairs.
“I’ll stand. I’ve been sitting for a while,” said Ryle.
“Oh,” said Sienna. She hummed a melody. After a second, a hole opened up in the floor and a fourth plush chair rose up and completed the four-seat arrangement. They all took a seat.
“So, what doom and gloom have you brought me?” asked Sienna.
Qusam took a gulp of tea and then set the cup on the table. “I’ve come for answers to two primary concerns. One is...Dr. Zermal.”
Sienna let out a disgusted sigh. “Ugh, must we discuss him?”
“And the other...Miss Waswin, uh, Aphiemi, would you mind?” He motioned to her.
She set her tea down and lifted her diamond up by its necklace. The jewel shimmered and sparkled in the dim lighting.
Sienna’s face went pale. “You brought that here?”
Not a good sign. Aphiemi dropped the diamond back down into her blouse as if it needed instant protection.
“Well, I…you see…,” stammered Qusam.
“Are you trying to get me killed?” said Sienna.
“Of course not,” said Qusam.
“Madame Sienna,” cut in Ryle. “The war has escalated. We need all the information we can get in order to turn the tide, or at least to keep hope alive.”
“Hope can be a foolish thing. And just call me Sienna.”
“Okay, Sienna. If you haven’t heard, on Onyx another of the ancient Lights of Zoain has been lit! We must keep the momentum going.”
“Interesting,” said Sienna. “That is very interesting.”
It was not the response Aphiemi expected to news like that. It’s more than just interesting, even for her.
Sienna leaned back in her chair, got more comfortable, and cleared her throat. “Aqtal has been obsessed with the diamonds ever since Cyelle’s Sword popped up again due to someone who shall remain nameless but is sitting in this room.”
Qusam shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
“Aqtal discovered the diamonds amplify and twist light like nothing else, and he is gathering as many as he can from around the system,” said Sienna.
“That’s what I surmised as well,” said Qusam.
“From all the planets?” asked Aphiemi.
“Yes, probably all of them,” said Sienna. “When the other planets were first colonized, the King of Ochuroma gifted each colony a generous set of diamonds to take with them as a sign of blessing and good fortune. Over time, because of wars, greed, etc., many of the diamonds were buried underground to keep hidden.”
“I didn’t know that,” said Aphiemi.
“Aqtal is especially lustful after the original diamonds of King Mautor’s personal collection, one of which hangs around your neck, my lady,” Sienna said. “Their origin is shrouded in mystery, but none can doubt their powers.”
“I read some of the stories about them, but I had only partial fragments. Another reason I am here,” said Qusam.
“Once we’re finished here you can lose yourself in my library, one of your favorite pastimes,” said Sienna.
Ryle said, “But Aph’s diamond came from the Sword of Cyelle. I have first-hand knowledge of that.”
“Cyelle’s Sword was under Mautor’s safekeeping throughout his life, so he considered it part of his own collection,” said Sienna.
“Sienna,” said Aphiemi. “Do I have anything to be worried about? I mean, if I want to keep this diamond?”
“The diamond itself...probably not. It largely depends on the owner and the condition of his or her heart. But I would be afraid of the enemy hunting for it.”
“Hmmm...,” said Aphiemi, mulling it over.
“With your permission, I should like to meditate on it.”
“Of course.”
Sienna glanced back in Qusam’s direction. “What do you want to know about Togh?”
“Oh, yes, Zermal,” said Qusam. “Basically, everything you know. Within reason.”
Sienna bit her lip, as if not wanting to waste her breath describing him. “I knew him in his younger days. He was an eager young scientist who had ambitions of being a great soldier and even a wizard. He was not cut out to be a soldier, so he turned his focus to wizarding. The dark version captured his attention.”
Aphiemi picked up her tea and drank, its flavor soothing as she listened eagerly. She was aware of Zermal’s political dossier but knew little of his wizarding activities.
“Togh advanced through the levels of dark wizardry for a while, but then the accident occurred. He had been conducting all kinds of experiments with technology, weapons, magic, you name it. An explosion crippled him and damaged his voice box. He could not sing anymore and even had trouble speaking. After recovering, he created for himself an artificial, electronic voice box. From what I heard, he fell into a deep depression and retreated from society for a time. Then he resurfaced and began working for Aqtal personally. Aqtal found his situation...intriguing.”
Qusam finished his tea. “Is this when his brand of magic emerged?”
Sienna nodded. “Jishara—the name itself evokes ancient evil mysteries. Zermal sunk into the pit of despair, and he brought despair out with him. His own voice was shattered, so he sought to corrupt the voices of others.”
“And Aqtal didn’t mind?” said Ryle.
“That’s a good question,” said Sienna. “From what I have gathered, Zermal’s brand of magic speeds up a wizard’s progress, making them more powerful even faster.”
“Hmmm,” murmured Ryle. “More power and faster.”
“What’s on your mind, Colonel, I mean, Ryle?” said Sienna.
“This is confidential, but if Qusam trusts you then I can share it.”
“He trusts me, sometimes,” she said, smirking at Qusam.
Ryle continued, “I believe my younger brother has been training with Zermal.”
“Which brother?”
“Jez.”
Sienna closed her eyes. “That is disturbing to hear. However, it sheds light on some things.”
“Such as?” asked Qusam.
“In my spying trips off the island, I heard reference to a Gelibor being used by Aqtal for a special project. I assumed it meant Rez.”
“Definitely not Rez. In fact, he just escaped Chrysolite custody and is likely searching for Jez as we speak,” said Ryle. “You said Jishara actually speeds up a wizard’s progress?”
“Upon surface appearance, yes,” said Sienna. “Though a disciple of Zermal believes himself to be more powerful, and even feels it, it does not play out well unless you have the strongest will imaginable. A will of iron, capable of protecting your mind from collapse.”
“That doesn’t sound like Jez,” said Ryle.
“For some reason, Aqtal is allowing Jez to advance under Zermal’s tutelage,” said Qusam.
Ryle rubbed his chin stubble, now even scruffier than the day before.
“Jez has never been a singer. Not musical in the slightest. He couldn’t be a...regular wizard for lack of a better term. What is it about Zermal’s magic that makes it so different? Qusam told us it blends music and technology.”
“If you consider what the Qesem spit out as ‘music.’ Zermal takes music and twists it into dark noise, then squishes it through time and space into the molecules of technology, resulting in a mysterious nexus of energy that can be quite alluring,” said Sienna.
To Aphiemi, this was all a bit overwhelming. In her studies and experience, she never explored the finer points of wizarding. It rarely came up during her education or among her friends. If wizarding was mentioned it was generally scorned. “But I’ve seen wizards use technology. Doesn’t Izil use an electronic staff?”
“Izil—how is he and Neyla? I have not seen them in far too long,” said Sienna.
“They are well,” said Qusam. “I have them working on a project of my own.”
“To answer your question, Aphiemi, the use of technology is fine. The misuse is the problem. Just as with music,” said Sienna.
“I see,” said Aphiemi, even though she didn’t completely “see” it.
“Shouldn’t Zermal have a group of followers of some sort?” said Ryle. “I’ve never encountered one I’m aware of. Has he had other protégés?”
“Based on what I know, he has had apprentices…and most of them, if not all, have died under mysterious circumstances,” said Sienna.
Ryle’s eyes went wide. Aphiemi shot a glance at him. Qusam shifted in his seat, putting his head down. Gloominess held the room for a minute until Ryle broke the silence. “One more thing, Sienna. On my last trip to Topaz, I got wind of a movement among the people out in the countryside.”
Sienna’s eyes perked up. “Do tell.”
“Thousands of people are gathering together, without wizard involvement, and singing. Apparently this hasn’t happened there in ages.”
“That hasn’t happened anywhere in ages, not even on Chrysolite,” said Qusam.
“Indeed. Quite fascinating,” said Sienna. “When I was a child, I witnessed similar gatherings. Shows you my age, I guess.”
Aphiemi grinned at the remark.
Sienna continued. “People from my town and the adjoining villages gathered outside and sang. My mother, a wizard herself, would drag me out to the meetings when I would have rather been doing other things. There may have been other wizards there, but I don’t remember. What I do remember is the joy I experienced and the sheer wonder of it all. The voices of the people, in harmony, rising up around me. While I was resistant to my mother’s urgings to explore wizardry, the gatherings won me over.”
The Topaz Operation Page 13