by Kay L. Ling
“You’d think she’d have a few pictures of something cheerful,” Arenia said. “Look, here’s one of her obelisk, so this must be the most recent book.” She handed the book to Tyla.
“If the obelisk hadn’t helped her overcome her restraining collar, she would have considered it a worthless pile of stones, and she wouldn’t have recorded this image,” Tyla said, closing the book. “I’ll keep these in the office.”
“I doubt we’ll find anything useful, but we should go through them again, just to be sure,” Arenia said.
After the excitement of the wedding, it was hard to return to everyday pursuits. Tyla set new goals for herself and the staff. She and a few other gem users started meeting daily with Marrid to learn spells, and Olissa put Elantoth’s officers on a more intensive training schedule. Over the next few weeks, Tyla joined them when she had time, partly to monitor their progress, and partly to work on her own physical combat skills.
She remained in contact with Pentar, but they didn’t speak daily. They had begun to have disagreements over when and how to fight The Emanicus, and the subject was driving a wedge between them. She had shared the idea of seizing a mine to draw Outcasts out of the O.D., but Pentar didn’t want to try that. Instead, he created a storm over the O.D. complete with hail and snow so the Outcasts’ corrustone buildings would begin to crumble and their roofs would leak. Unfortunately, the storm didn’t last long enough to have the desired effect of rendering the O.D. uninhabitable. After several hours, Outcast gem masters managed to dispel it, which was embarrassing, considering Pentar’s gem masters had needed to relocate Aberell’s storm. Woodspirit News and Views praised the Outcast gem master’s cleverness.
Tyla thought the Outcasts would ward the sky over the O.D. after that, but they must have assumed Pentar wouldn’t create another storm. They didn’t anticipate his next attack—swarms of stinging insects. A number of Nopes fled and wound up in Aberell’s dungeon, but Outcast gem masters stayed to work on a solution. Two days later, the sky cleared, after having been black with insects.
Pythanium stopped bringing messages to the fortresses. Instead, they delivered messages directly to the public in busy parts of the city. Sometimes, they interrupted gatherings in Tree Home communities. There was no telling where and when one would appear.
Ertz contacted Tyla one day from Aberell Fortress to say he and Mag had taken his boat upriver to visit family. They hadn’t seen a single pleasure boat or raft, only commercial boats. Folks avoided river travel since they couldn’t escape inside a tree. Outside Aberell City, bands of Outcasts hid along the roads, ambushing travelers. Woodspirits had no choice but to travel by road, and gnome farmers and merchants couldn’t Walk With the Wind since they needed to transport goods by cart.
Breghlin clans who planned to fight for The Emanicus had been stockpiling food and necessities, stealing what they needed, and now Outcasts were doing the same.
Mierek’s Commander Darrath seized an Outcast-run mine, but someone informed The Emanicus, and they retaliated with a long-distance attack, raising the temperature to an unbearable level so miners couldn’t work. A few days later, Outcasts stole carts and animals, and set out to take back the mine. Darrath’s officers intercepted them, and a gem power battle ensued with heavy losses on both sides. The surviving Outcasts turned invisible and escaped into the woods. Woodspirit News and Views and other publications sympathetic to The Emanicus declared this an Emanicus victory.
Tyla threw down the Aberell City News and leaned back in her desk chair. “I shouldn’t read the news. It makes me too upset.”
Marrid nodded sympathetically. “Darrath shouldn’t have attacked the Outcasts in a forest. The open land around the mine would have made a much better battleground.”
“What was he thinking? Loud Mouth has more sense,” Tyla grumbled.
“I think I resent that,” Loud Mouth said from inside his open cage.
“Next time there’s a battle, I wish they would fight at a zanna point. We couldn’t do anything to help, but at least we could watch,” Tyla said. Hearing footsteps in the passageway, she looked to see who was coming. It was Olissa, and she looked upset.
“NE3 is back with news,” Olissa announced. “The Emanicus destroyed another breghlin community—flattened the communal house, killed crops, and gave everyone oozing sores, even the youngones.”
Tyla was speechless. The Emanicus had sunk to a new low.
“Things like this may be happening throughout the Amulet, for all we know,” Olissa went on. “The census maps show every clan, and The Emanicus is bent on recruiting breghlin.”
That was a disturbing thought. Unlike gnomes, breghlin couldn’t hide inside trees, and even if they could, they still wouldn’t be safe. When S had been in power, she had burned huge tracts of forest, forcing gnomes from their homes.
“Amulet gnomes and breghlin need to work together, and they had better start now,” Olissa said. “I’d like to take a few officers to NE3’s region. After we help gnome clans set up wards, I’ll ask them to ward breghlin clans that refuse to fight for The Emanicus. Maybe then breghlin will have the courage to oppose The Emanicus.”
“It’s a good idea, but who will defend Elantoth while you’re away?” Tyla asked.
“You have Marrid who’s like an army of one,” Olissa said. “And you have the militias. Many members have gem powers, and thanks to Elias and Gliaphon, they have gems.”
That was true enough, but Tyla had come to rely on Olissa, and it seemed risky to let her leave, especially if she took trained officers with her.
“Marrid, how long can you stay?” Tyla asked.
“As long as you need me. Don’t worry about that.”
“And you have me,” Loud Mouth said. “I’ll make surveillance flights as often as you like.”
“There haven’t been any shadow attacks lately,” Olissa said. “The Emanicus may want to take over all the fortresses, but it seems they’ve temporarily lost interest in ours.”
“Mierek is the prize,” Marrid said. “Begging your pardon, but Elantoth would be last on their list.”
“We might be last on their list, but if S regains her powers, she might consider it fitting revenge to reclaim Elantoth.”
“If you ask me, she’s had her fill of this place. She’d want a prestigious fortress like Mierek.”
“I agree,” Olissa said. “Her idea of revenge on Elantoth would more likely be reducing the fortress to rubble.”
“Well, that’s a pleasant thought,” Tyla said gloomily.
The spell book, who never understood sarcasm, said sharply, “Pleasant? It is an alarming thought!”
“I doubt she’d really do that, so don’t worry,” Tyla told the book.
“You do not know her as I do,” it replied.
“You have my permission to go,” Tyla told Olissa reluctantly. “When will you leave?”
“In a day or two, after I finalize who’s going with me.”
“Don’t be gone any longer than necessary. You may think we’re of little importance, but the others haven’t had cold spells or shadow attacks. Maybe that’s because we’re the test site, but maybe it’s because The Emanicus considers us dangerous for reasons we don’t understand.”
Chapter 53
It took Tyla a few days to get used to the idea that Olissa was gone. The brusque gem master sometimes wore on Tyla’s nerves, offering unasked for advice and questioning her judgment, but Tyla respected her. Elantoth officers continued to drill on their own, and they also visited local clans to train militia members.
Tyla fingered her rizumen pendant thoughtfully. She had sent Olissa with one of the three pendants so they could stay in touch, and while she hadn’t expected Olissa to check in daily, it had been five days, and Tyla still hadn’t heard from her. Raenihel had used one of the pendants during the Amulet Mission, or Tyla might have thought they didn’t work over such long distances. If Olissa didn’t check in soon, Tyla would try to reach her.
&n
bsp; Bored and restless, Tyla had contacted Elias yesterday. His perpetually cheerful attitude always lifted her spirits. She learned that Franklin and Bounder were staying with Elias while Jules spent a few days with Lana in the Fair Lands. Not that he needed looking after, Elias had assured her, but it was nice to have company.
Tyla went down to the kitchen. She hadn’t felt like eating breakfast, so she’d had a mug of raaka and let it go at that, but now her stomach was growling, and lunch was a couple hours away. The Anns were making Loud Mouth’s favorite food—seed rolls. Much to Tyla’s surprise, Loud Mouth was there, having returned early from a surveillance run.
“Loud Mouth!” Tyla cried in a reprimanding tone.
He stopped pecking seeds and looked at her. “What? I needed some sustenance after my flight. Flying is hard work, you know.” He flapped his wings for emphasis.
Tyla folded her arms. “Have you fortified yourself sufficiently to deliver your report?”
He cocked his head, considering. “Hmmmm.”
“Ooops,” Tina Ann said, dropping seeds on the floor. She gave Tyla a crooked grin. “I be awful clumsy today.”
Loud Mouth hastily ate the seeds. “I saw no unusual activity. Breghlin are planting the field outside Elantoth, and it looks like they should be done by the end of the day. I passed over all the major roads and a few of the smaller trails. The only cart I saw was Franklin’s. He and Bounder were heading home. I talked to them for a few minutes.”
“Jules must have returned from the Fair Lands,” Tyla said.
“Yes. And he came back with more Fair Lands gems. Ones for strength, confidence, and courage.”
“There be a fresh pot of raaka,” Maggie Ann told Tyla.
“Thanks. I came for something to eat, and those freshly-baked rolls smell wonderful.”
“Help yerself. The second batch be done ‘fore long, so there be plenty,” Maggie Ann assured her.
“I’ll take one for Lant. He’s on duty in the Pedestal Room, and neither of us had breakfast. Loud Mouth, find something to do other than bother the kitchen staff,” Tyla said as she left.
Lant was studying one of the wall maps when Tyla came in.
“This is a nice surprise!”
“Me or the rolls?” Tyla asked with a grin.
“Both. Have a seat. I was checking this map to see if it has zanna marks, but of course it doesn’t.” He came over and sat down with her. “Remember how Ertz used to steal these from the kitchen when he was invisible?”
Tyla laughed. “Yes. Tina Ann saw one drifting through the air and blamed it on a ghost, then discovered the ‘ghost’ was Ertz. I miss him. He went back because Pentar needed him, but I don’t think Pentar is taking his advice—or anyone else’s.”
Lant nodded sympathetically. He’d heard quite a bit lately about Tyla’s disagreements with Pentar.
They were just finishing their rolls when the gem on Mierek’s pedestal lit.
“Good thing you’re here,” Lant said. “Mierek seldom contacts us, so it’s bound to be something important.”
Tyla hurried to the pedestal and touched the gem.
This is Officer Premly. Commander Darrath asked me to contact all the fortresses. Outcasts have robbed several shops, including a gem shop, and set fire to the buildings. A couple shop owners are dead, and several patrons are badly injured. We’ve had thefts and minor disturbances lately, but nothing on this scale, so we think this is the start of something bigger. Every fortress should be on high alert. Elantoth isn’t at risk, I suppose. You’re out there in the wilderness, but Commander Darrath said to warn you, anyway. Having delivered the message, he broke the connection.
“What is it?” Lant asked.
“Mierek City is in flames. There’s been a major Outcast attack. Darrath and his officers are going to the scene now.”
“Does your zannamap have a symbol on Mierek City? You could see what’s happening.”
“Mierek should have one if Aberell does.”
Lant took out his pocket watch. “My duty is over in half an hour. I’ll come to the library when I’m done.”
Tyla left. She seldom used telepathy, but she was anxious to find Marrid. Marrid, where are you?
Outside. Is something wrong?
Mierek City is under attack. Meet me in the library.
When Marrid arrived, Tyla had unrolled the map but hadn’t activated it. “There’s a zanna mark in Mierek City. The question is, will it show us the area we need to see?”
“Let’s find out,” Marrid said.
With a shiver of anticipation, Tyla touched the mark. The paper faded and a scene appeared, but it was not the business district, it was the center of the city. Tyla recognized many of the government buildings from newssheet illustrations.
Smoke darkened the sky. Carts on the street were traveling much faster than normal. Gnomes and woodspirits were running down walkways. Tyla could almost feel their panic. “Judging by the smoke, the business district is that way,” she said, pointing.
“I wonder how sophisticated the spell is. I’m going to try something.” Marrid placed her palms inches above the scene and drew her hands back toward her body. Tyla felt a moment of vertigo as land and buildings raced toward her. When the scene stopped moving, she was looking at a different part of the city. Now she saw flames—and Outcasts. They stood on a street corner, watching the buildings burn.
“It worked,” Marrid said. “I didn’t dare hope.”
“I don’t see any fortress troops. They should be here by now.”
“Let’s look for them. Put your hands over the scene and move them according to which way you want to go.”
Tyla tried it, and the scene shifted. If she didn’t go too fast, she didn’t get the dizzying sensation. After checking several streets, she found fortress officers heading toward a group of Outcasts. Tyla leaned over the scene. Her mouth opened in astonishment. No! It couldn’t be! “I-I know one of the Outcasts.”
“You do?”
“The one in the green tunic is Old Squint Eye.”
“What a curious name.”
“It isn’t his real name, of course, but everyone calls him that for obvious reasons.”
Marrid brought the scene closer to study him. “He’s badly deformed. How do you know him?”
“He ran a gem shop in Aberell’s O.D. After The Emanicus takeover, he and the gem services shop owner, Morty Venik, disappeared. I wouldn’t be surprised to find Morty is with him.”
“They must be important members of the organization. It’s a long way to Mierek City.”
A large group of Outcasts came around the corner and joined Old Squint Eye and the others.
“Our side is outnumbered,” Tyla said worriedly, moving the scene to get a broader view.
Two Outcasts raised their hands, and fireballs raced toward the oncoming officers. Tyla tensed, but the fireballs turned into plumes of steam before reaching them. When the steam dissipated, the officers started forward again.
An Outcast raised his hands. Shimmering metal objects shot toward Darrath’s officers but dropped to the ground short of their targets as if hitting an invisible barrier.
“They’re using personal shields,” Tyla said excitedly.
“Shields will protect them from physical attacks, but not negative energy gems,” Marrid said.
“Let’s hope they don’t—”
The officers froze in place.
“Or immobility gems,” Marrid said, frowning. “Only the most sophisticated shields stop that kind of attack.”
“Can they break the immobility?”
“Only if they’ve infused an immobility gem, and even then, it’s not easy. If they can, they’d better do it quickly.”
The Outcast mob raced forward with physical weapons—knives, flails, and clubs. Any weapon, however crude, could kill an unmoving opponent.
“They should have counterattacked while they could,” Tyla moaned. “Why didn’t they fight back?”
“T
hey were too busy fending off the Outcasts’ attacks. It looks easy from here, but when you’re in the middle of a battle . . . .”
Tyla barely heard her. “Come on, come on! You have to break free!”
A couple officers moved, and seconds later, the rest broke free.
The air between the opposing forces shimmered like a heat wave. The Outcasts flew backward as if batted out of the way by an enormous unseen hand.
“Good,” Marrid said. “Follow up with another energy blast.”
The air shimmered again, and the Outcasts who had been scrambling to their feet flew backward like leaves driven by the wind. Outcast gem users must be incapable of making a personal shield, and Nopes definitely had no way to withstand this kind of attack. Darrath’s forces were outnumbered, but they were winning, at least for the moment.
Lant burst into the room. “Mierek Fortress is under attack!”
Tyla looked up in alarm. “What?”
Lant crossed the room, face pale. “After most of the officers left to fight the Outcasts, The Emanicus sent a shadow attack, and it got through the wards. Things might have gone no differently even if all the officers had been there. We barely stopped the last attack, and we had Marrid.”
Marrid placed her hands over the scene and pushed sideways. The scene moved at a dizzying speed, and Mierek Fortress came into view. “Gems preserve us. What is that?”
Tyla stared in horror. The fortress walls were covered in writhing black vines.
Chapter 54
“If you hadn’t stopped the shadow, that would have happened to us?” Tyla asked when she found her voice.
“I think so. What’s happening inside, Lant, do you know?”
“When the officers couldn’t stop the shadow, they came back inside, and a foul, green mist that smelled like rotting meat started seeping through the walls. It was making them sleepy and slow-witted, so they went down to the Pedestal Room and locked themselves in.”
“The mist won’t get in there?” Marrid asked.
“If it follows normal air currents, it shouldn’t.”