Desirol rounded on her, sneering. “You’re always the little peacemaker, aren’t you?” He whipped around and scowled at Ira. “I want that knife. If you won’t give it to me, I’ll take it from you.”
A sarcastic laugh accompanied Ira’s walk away from Yaro. “You want it…come get it, Lorsedi’s baby son.”
Esán scrambled to his feet. “Look at the entrance!”
Everyone whipped around. The stone archway, in the process of emerging, solidified, outlining the figure of a man.
“Now what?” Desirol muttered.
“Get behind me,” whispered Esán. “I’ll put up a shield.”
Like a worried sheep dog, Brie herded their friends into place. The shield shimmered and steadied. She could feel its tingling energy and the intensity of Esán’s concentration.
The man advanced down the walkway. In the dimming light at the end of the single path, he paused. “I believe I can be of service.”
Esán let the shield drop. “Corvus, I am so glad to see you!”
Brie hurried to his side. “Corvus, Yaro won’t wake up, and the Mindeco will find its way here any minute and…”
Corvus put his arm around her shoulder and guided her back to the prone body. “I’ll have a look at Yaro first. Then we’ll decide how to deal with your Mindeco.”
Corvus knelt and laid a hand on the tattooed chest. He frowned and shut his eyes. Finally, he looked at Torgin. “Only you can save Yaro, but it will take great courage.”
“What do I have to do?” Torgin wrapped his arms around himself as though it would steady his shaking voice.
“Yaro floats in a place between worlds,” Corvus explained. “In order to live, he must be released. You are his chosen brother, Torgin. You must take Efillaeh and stab it through his heart. If you do not, he will remain as he is for eternity.”
Brie winced as horror flood her friend’s face. On the back of her neck, the Star of Truth tingled its message of rightness. The only way to save Yaro was to do the unthinkable.
Nomed sat at the table in the conference chamber to the right of his mentor, reminiscing about the last time he had joined Wolloh within these walls…the afternoon he had introduced Esán to the Dreelum. The tan and cream tile floors and pale adobe walls, the abstract artwork, the lamps above the table made from the horns of a zeegall from the TheDa Mountains had not changed. Everything else had. So much had happened since that first sun turning.
Wolloh’s good eye blinked. “Change, my dear Seyes, is all we can count on. And there is more to come.”
Nomed leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. Across from him, TheLise sat with elegant calm, her face impassive.
Stebben entered and paused by the door. “They’re right behind me.”
Wolloh indicated the place next to TheLise. “Join us.”
As Stebben complied, Lorsedi ushered Gerolyn ahead of him into the room.
Nomed observed her closely. Can she really negotiate terms for Almiralyn when it’s clear that she loves the Largeen Joram? He shifted his gaze to Lorsedi’s face as he held out a chair for her at the opposite end of the table from Wolloh. The solicitude in his expression said it all. The feelings were reciprocated, so where did that put the RewFaaran leader and his loyalties. This meeting becomes more and more interesting.
TheLise caught his eye. His crooked smile formed, an opposite curve to the eyebrow. A twinkle of laughter flew back at him from beneath half lowered lids. Swallowing a chuckle, he returned his attention to Wolloh.
The High DiMensioner’s good eye gleamed as he looked from one guest to the next until his gaze came to rest on Gerolyn. “I believe you may have information to share before we begin to shape our plans.”
She nodded and rose. “Almiralyn has asked me to act as her emissary. Her concerns rest not only with the safety of Myrrh but also with the safety of her nieces, Arienh and Brielle AsTar, their mother, SparrowLyn AsTar, and the boy, Esán Efre. She asked that I make it clear that the Galactic Guardians of the fourth galaxy selected her as the steward for Evolsefil and Elcaro’s Eye. It will be up to them to make any changes in their stewardship. Also, the Compass of Ostradio must not be used as a bargaining chip. With these stipulations in place, we may begin negotiations. If there are no questions, I have two more concerns to share.”
Wolloh allowed a moment for other members to ask questions. When none were put forward, he continued. “What are your concerns?”
“The difficult relationship between Seyes Nomed and Almiralyn. The Guardian is concerned that it will create problems unless it is resolved. She is ready and willing to meet with the DiMensioner.” Gerolyn’s deep green eyes sought out Nomed’s face. “She asked me to tell you, Seyes, that she accepts responsibility for her lack of sensitivity and wishes to apologize to you in person.”
The unexpected statement left him momentarily numb. The occupants of the room blurred. Fighting to steady his jangled nerves, he gripped the table. Sun cycles filled with anger and hurt sent a backwash of emotions pouring through him. He floundered, a small boat capsized in a storm of fury and pain. When the roar in his ears ceased and his vision cleared, he could only stare at his whitened knuckles. The urge to leave the room and all the hurt behind held him rigid a moment longer.
His aching fingers relaxed, and he lowered his hands to his lap. “My relationship with the Guardian of Myrrh will not influence my response to the needs of all of us.” Wolloh’s good hand squeezed his arm. Nomed saw only compassion in his mentor’s expression. He let out a slow breath. “Thank you, Gerolyn, for delivering the message.”
“You are most welcome, Seyes.” Her solemn smile warmed him before her attention shifted to Wolloh and then to Largeen Joram. “This is the other thing, Lorsedi. Corvus asked me to tell you that Desirol is here on DerTah.”
A mask dropped into place, wiping all expression from Lorsedi’s face. “Please explain.” The two words, cold as steel, rolled off his tongue with controlled precision.
“I believe Wolloh or Stebben will provide the most informed explanation.” She took her seat.
At the Nesune Ruins, Torgin looked frantically from one friend to the next and swallowed the bile that threatened to choke him. “I c-c-cannot s-s-stab Y-yaro.”
“It must be your choice, one only you can make.” Corvus’ words, spoken with understanding, helped him to regain a semblance of calm.
Brie went to her knees beside him. “Do you remember when I sat on ReNin RepPosu?”
A picture of the adult Brie on the pink tourmaline throne formed in his memory. He nodded.
“Knowing the future carries with it a huge burden. I knew that when I sat on the throne and always struggle with the information I was given. Esán’s illness has shown him the face of death. Both Ira and Desirol have had their memories stolen and had to fight for their return. These events are turning points…times when we must die to parts of ourselves in order to grow. That’s what this is for you and Yaro.”
He clutched his hands in his lap in an attempt to stop their trembling. “How do you know so much, Brielle?”
“The throne, WoNa, all of you.” Her smile included everyone gathered around the still body.
Although her calm reply helped, the choice continued to unnerve him.
Ira squatted, bringing the cool blue of his eyes level with his. “Remember, Efillaeh is not an ordinary knife. It was created to heal. Corvus would not tell you to do this if it were not the only way. We’ll be right here with you.”
“I know what you say is true.” He gulped down the lump in his throat. “I don’t think I have the courage to do it.”
Esán touched the Pentharian’s tattooed chest. “Torgin, if this were you instead of Yaro, what choice would he make?”
“If it meant saving me, he would do what must be done.” He pressed a hand to his churning stomach.
“How do we know you’re right, Corvus?” Desirol demanded. “You just keep showing up and leaving again.”
Ignoring him
, Ira held out Efillaeh. “Look. The hilt’s glowing. It wouldn’t if this weren’t the right thing to do, Torgin.” He placed the sacred knife in his hand.
Desirol started forward. “You wouldn’t let me see it, and now you hand it to him?”
Torgin gripped the knife. His doubts dissolved. “Stop it, Desirol. This is about life or death.” He slid his leg from beneath Yaro’s head and stood up. “Tell me what to do, Corvus.”
“Please kneel across from me, Torgin. Brie, kneel by Yaro’s head. Ira, place yourself at his feet. Desirol, join me on this side. Esán, please kneel next to Torgin.”
When everyone was in place, Corvus pointed at a spot between two ribs. “You must thrust the knife into his chest here, all the way to the hilt. Don’t withdraw it until I give you a sign. Do you understand?”
Torgin stared at his heart brother’s quiet face. Love for the Pentharian brought tears to his eyes. The knife in his hand pulsed against his palm. “You have come to my rescue so many times. Now it’s my turn,” he whispered and placed Efillaeh’s glowing tip above Yaro’s heart. A throb of fear ripped through his mind. He shoved it away and plunged the small, silver blade between the ribs.
Shock left him trembling. The impulse to withdraw the knife almost overwhelmed him. Then Efillaeh began to vibrate. Crackling electricity encapsulated Yaro’s body. Tingling current shot up Torgin’s arms to the center of his chest. Hair on the back of his neck stood on end. Energy pulsed through every inch of his body. The amethysts in the knife’s gold hilt blazed the color of rubies, staining his hands and Yaro’s chest deep carmine.
Across from him the Statues of Sinnttee grew to ten times their normal size. Water from their bowls cascaded into the marble basin at their feet and flowed from each end into a channel that traced the outer edge of the circle surrounding the HeLew od Metis. One by one, the petals sprung to life, their images vibrant with color. A shaft of light from the central crystal shot upward and formed a rainbowed arc that culminated at the spot where Efillaeh entered Yaro’s heart.
Thunder quaking and zigzags of blue-white light flashing through the temple blinded Torgin. The ruins, his friends, the statues, all ceased to exist, replaced by the spectacular, vastness of space. Stars and moons, suns and galaxies sped across the boundless, universal canvas. The magnificent diorama tipped and went dark.
Like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon, Torgin struggled to attune to the world around him. A held breath rushed from his lungs. Memory tossed him back to the present and the body of his heart brother impaled by his hand on the sacred knife. His eyes flew to Corvus’ face.
The man held his gaze. “Remove it now.”
He lowered his eyes and withdrew the blade, blood-free and shining. Corvus took Efillaeh from his shaking hands and passed it to Ira. On Yaro’s chest, a tiny wound healed without a trace. Again he looked at Corvus. “Why isn’t he waking up? Did I do it wrong?” His anxious gaze scanned the Pentharian’s face.
No one in the group breathed. All eyes were glued to Yaro’s prone form. Torgin sent Brie a pleading look.
She started to shake her head then gasped.
Strong fingers wrapped around Torgin’s wrist and squeezed. Eyelids fluttered. Lizard-gold eyes opened. “My heart brother,” Yaro whispered, “I thank you.”
43
ConDra’s Fire
Myrrh
K ieel perched on Voer’s shoulder, hidden from view in thick trees and ground cover not far from the RewFaaran camp. Through a narrow tunnel formed by ancient tree trunks, the tents created a haunting montage in the flickering glow of several campfires. He had sent Stee and Reana to keep watch from the tall sunflowers camouflaging the Tropal Portal leading to The Borderlands. Ashor and Mumshu hid at the edge of the trees, ready to signal if anyone stirred.
“We don’t have much time,” Kieel said close to the Pentharian’s ear. “Are you sure Tinpaca Mondago will cooperate?”
Voer brought a golden eye in line with Kieel. “If he doesn’t, I’ll put him to sleep.”
Ashor zipped into view and landed on the Pentharian’s palm. “It’s all clear. The guard patrolling the perimeter is on the far side of camp. The circuit takes about a quarter turn of the chronometer.” He didn’t wait for a reply but whizzed out of sight between the trees.
Kieel soared upward, Voer shifted to a dragonfly, and they darted through the woods to the top of a tent across from the Tinpaca’s. Nothing stirred. The only sound was an occasional snore. The dragonfly shot into the tent and reappeared. Kieel followed him inside and kept watch by the entrance.
On a cot at the back of the tent, Mondago slept the light sleep of a trained soldier. Voer materialized beside him, placed an arm across his chest, and a tattooed hand over his mouth. Mondago’s eyes flew open, flashed astonishment, and darted to his weapon, where it rested atop the table. He struggled to rise. The strength of Voer’s forearm kept him prone.
The Pentharian whispered next to his ear, “I am Voer. I have important information for you, information that will save your life. Can I trust you to be quiet and listen?”
Mondago tried to speak, then nodded.
“One false move and I will silence you. Understood? One wrong move…” Voer warned again and straightened.
Mondago threw back his blanket, swung his legs over the side of his cot, and slowly came to his feet. “I’ve heard rumors that Pentharian were abroad in Myrrh. I didn’t believe it,” he said in an undertone.
Voer didn’t waste time. “You’re in danger. Cantruto is here as a spy for the Largeen Joram’s oldest son. Tonight, he and two other soldiers are planning to execute you. They’re on their way here now.”
“How do I know I can trust you?”
Voer’s blue tail twitched. “Do you have a choice?”
A movement on the far side of the camp alerted Kieel to the need for speed. He landed on Voer’s shoulder. “Trouble headed this way.”
Mondago showed a moment of surprise at his appearance, and then he was all business. “I’ve known Cantruto was up to something.” As he spoke, he bundled clothes and a pack under his blankets. “Are you willing to help?”
“I am here to do so.” A dragonfly landed on his palm. “And so is Stee.” It vanished and an emerald green Pentharian appeared.
Mondago’s eyes widened, but he maintained his soldier’s stoic demeanor.
“We have serum to knock out our prey,” Stee said. “Far better than killing if you want information.”
The Tinpaca looked from one Pentharian to the other. “Serum sounds good. Can you manage not to be seen? I’d prefer to keep your presence between us.”
“This can be done,” Voer said.
Reana darted into the tent and hovered. “Almost here.”
Voer held out his palm. Kieel landed on it beside his granddaughter. “Take Reana back to the woods. One of us will come for you when this is over.”
Wanting to stay but unwilling to put Reana at risk, Kieel grabbed her hand and hurried her away through the night.
Almiralyn traversed the Meosian Central Square on her way back to her quarters. Grateful for the lateness of the hour and the quiet of the caverns, she replayed each word of her conversation with One Man. A turn down a dimly lit tunnel brought her to her entryway. Once inside, she paused and did a quick inventory of her thoughts. Feelings of guilt nagged her into the paced pattern that often helped her to settle her active mind. How did I miss the signs of abuse? They were all there…the bruises, the angry outbursts, and the stubborn refusal to change his behavior. Davin… She retraced her steps. What had turned her usual sensitivity to frustration? She searched her memory. Nothing came to mind but the death of a kitten. She fingered the woven pattern of her braid and pivoted to pace back to her bed. That does not excuse my lack of awareness.
The entry bell chiming interrupted her persistent pacing. “Who’s there?”
Jordett stuck his head in the room. “Better come with me. I have something of interest to show you.” He didn’t w
ait for a reply but strode away down the tunnel.
She followed, her mind ticking off possibilities as she walked. Jordett motioned her into the cave that had been set up as an artist’s studio. Sparrow worked with total absorption on a large canvas.
Almiralyn hurried to her side. The painting—a black panther in mid air, with Esán clinging to its back—brought her up short. Its target stopped the breath in her throat. How had a Mindeco from RewFaar found the children on DerTah?
Merrilea entered the cave and gasped. “What on Thera is that thing?”
Allynae appeared behind her. “That isn’t what I think it is, is it?”
Almiralyn said, “It’s a Mindeco. Someone find One Man…”
“I’m here, Almiralyn.” He walked briskly to Allynae’s side, his eyes fastened on the painting.
“What is a Mindeco, Almiralyn?” Merrilea slipped her hand into Jordett’s.
“It’s one of the most malevolent creatures in this solar system. Although it can assume various forms, it prefers to steal a body to manifest as a Human. The victim’s mind retains its memories and the body remains alive, but the victim’s humanity, that which defines it as a sentient being, dies in the first moments of takeover.”
Sparrow wiped her hands on her shirt and hugged herself. “What happens when the Mindeco sheds the body?”
“Decomposition is immediate.”
Jordett frowned. “Where did it come from?”
“Legend has it that in ancient times, tribes on RewFaar conjured up the Mindeco to serve them as slaves. Those tribes faded out of existence. However, the Mindeco remained, hidden in the Trutore Mountains. Only a Human who is more vile in intent and purpose may gain control of one.”
Allynae studied the painting. “Who control’s this one?”
“I feel certain it’s controlled by Nissasa. If it captures the children, we face a calamity beyond anything any of us can imagine.” Almiralyn fought to control her escalating alarm.
One Man cleared his throat. “It’s time Alli and I headed to DerTah. The Tabagie told us that only the fathers of the children can save them. I’m not prepared to wait any longer.”
The UnFolding Collection Two Page 35