The UnFolding Collection Two

by S. K. Randolph

  “I do. We’ll deal with that in a bit. Jordett, what do you consider yourself?”

  “A civilian consultant, unless you prefer otherwise. My allegiance is to The Guardian of Myrrh and to your service, Tinpaca.”

  Mondago picked up a stylus and tapped it in on the tabletop. “I would like you to retain your rank and title. Your military status will be important to the troops. After Tesilend’s report, I will introduce you to the platoon. Please, take a seat, gentlemen.”

  Chairs were shuffled into place and everyone settled but Stee, who chose to remain standing beside the Tinpaca. Tesilend’s report was succinct and clear. When it was complete, he ushered the top ranking man of the four soldiers from DerTah into the tent.

  “Your name, soldier?” Mondago said.

  “Tranwar Dresutt, sir.”

  “You realize that you put yourself and your comrades at risk by coming through that portal unless, of course you are Nissasa’s men and expected to capture it?”

  “Sir, we are loyal to the Largeen Joram. We were captured by Nissasa’s men and staked out in the desert to die.”

  “And yet you are here?”

  “You won’t believe this, sir. I hardly believe it myself. A raven landed beside us and suddenly there was this beautiful woman standing there. She waved her hands in the air and the wind began to howl. Sand started flying around the camp. While Nissasa’s men were occupied with tying things down, she released us and hid us behind a dune near the portal. Then she disappeared.”

  “That’s quite a story, soldier.”

  Jordett smiled. “If I may, sir?”

  Mondago nodded.

  “The woman was Gerolyn AsTar, the Guardian’s emissary to DerTah. She told Almiralyn that she had rescued four soldiers at the portal destination point.”

  “Thank you, Major. Tranwar, what made you decide to use the portal?”

  “We had heard there were Pentharian in the Guardian’s service. When one came through the portal after a soldier we knew to be a traitor, we decided our best bet was to follow him when he entered the gateway with the body. We were outnumbered, sir. At least here, we have a chance to fight for the Largeen Joram.”

  “Thank you, Tranwar Dresutt. Wait outside.” Mondago paused, watched him leave, and turned to Tesilend. “One of his men is in pretty bad shape. Take him to the infirmary and make sure the others have a place to relax and eat. Pick a couple of your men to keep an eye on them and let the rest take a break. I want a full platoon meeting at half after the hour.”

  When he had departed, Mondago picked up a cigar, rolled it between his thumb and finger, and inhaled the scent of it. “Nothing like a good cigar to stimulate one’s thought process.” He returned it to the box on the table. “It appears that Nissasa has control of the portal’s destination point in DerTah. Jordett, I suggest we get acquainted and begin to formulate a plan of action.” He indicated a chair at the table. “Stee, please join us and tell us your version of the confrontation at the portal.”

  Jordett listened closely to Stee and the Tinpaca. Mondago’s intelligent questions gave him insight into the training he had received in RewFaar. Working with him would be an excellent learning experience.

  When Stee had completed his report of what had occurred, Mondago sat back. “I tend to believe these four men are loyal to the Largeen Joram. Thoughts?”

  Jordett responded. “I agree. I also think they may be able to provide valuable information regarding the camp at the destination point. It seems important that we gain and maintain control at both ends of the portal.”

  The emerald Pentharian scooted his chair nearer to the table. “I agree on both counts. I also suggest we consider the situation in Idronatti.”

  Mondago looked at Jordett. “You’re the expert on The City and Thera.”

  Jordett organized his thoughts. “These are the issues as I see them. Wilith Whalend is in line to be the next Premier of Idronatti. His term of office is scheduled to begin in two moon cycles. If his wife is being held on DerTah and if Torgin were to return to The City…” He paused. “I think the problem is self-explanatory. Almiralyn does not intend to send Wilith back to Idronatti. She has also sent word to Wolloh and Lorsedi that Torgin is to remain with them. That leaves the problem of the Five Fathers and regaining control of The City. We are the most logical ones to deal with that situation.”

  Tinpaca Mondago sighed. “I was afraid it would come to this. You realize we have only twenty men, including the four who just arrived. We have traitors to guard as well. Reinforcements would be nice, but I can’t see a way to get them here.”

  Jordett pushed his chair back and walked to the tent entrance. He felt the Tinpaca’s eyes on his back and knew he waited for him to speak. After taking the time to develop a concrete plan of action, he retraced his steps and rested his hands on the table. “I believe I may have a solution, sir.”

  The journey down the stairway of Retu Erath had been successfully negotiated. Sparrow arrived in the Cave of Canedari first. She paused inside the double doors, her face solemn.

  Almiralyn watched her changing expressions and smiled to herself.

  Finally, Sparrow sighed. “I faced Standin’s death, my fear for the twins and Allynae, and the changes in my mother. The ancient ones whispered my name, Almiralyn. They told me to open my heart to the potential of serving. Do you know what they meant?”

  Before she could answer, Merrilea strode into Canedari. Her gray-blue eyes overflowed with tears. She gave them a tremulous smile. “I didn’t know what to expect. Voices whispered my name and Esán’s. They told me he is destined for greatness and that my job of caring for him is done. So much happened that I need time to digest it all.”

  Almiralyn put an arm around each woman and smiled. “You have both passed the initiation of Retu Erath. Now, I have something to show you.”

  She led them down the Hall of Priestesses. Zugo met them at the Reading Room door and hurried them into Veersuni.

  When they arrived beside Elcaro’s Eye, the image on its surface held them mesmerized. Three Fire ConDra surrounded a winged horse and a rider with hair the color of fire. Eyes flaming and tongues licking the air, the ConDra chased them across the sky. A shimmering, silver ConDra-like creature rose from the desert floor. The watcher’s gasped and then cheered as the two remaining Fire ConDra fled. Finally, the stallion landed beside a sparkling lake. Folding its star-speckled wings, it raised moonlit eyes to the sky. The rider whispered a series of words and blew in its nostrils. Stars and sky fled back to the heavens, leaving Allynae standing lakeside at Eissua Oasis.

  Sparrow gasped. “That’s Alli! I didn’t know. How did he…” She laughed and shook her head.

  “And you realize,” Almiralyn said, “that the Water ConDra was Brielle. She is the ConDria of the Atrilaasu, a female who shapes the Water ConDra in times of need.”

  “Oh my…” Sparrow gripped the rim of the fountain.

  Merrilea put an arm around her shoulders. “Brielle is a ConDria and Allynae, who hates to shape shift, formed a horse from the night sky. You have quite a family.”

  Sparrow hugged her. “As do you. It’s hard to believe Alli really did that.”

  Almiralyn smiled. “I believe my brother will return to Myrrh a changed man.”

  “Can we see if the fountain will show us Esán?” asked Merrilea.

  “And Ira and Torgin?” Sparrow pleaded.

  Almiralyn waved a hand above the water. A scene rose from its depths and settled. Esán waited for his friend to speak. Compassion filled his eyes. Across from him Ira and a boy they did not know wore shocked expressions.

  “Nissasa has your mother? How?” Ira demanded.

  “His men kidnapped her.” Torgin’s voice was steady but bleak. A gold Pentharian rested a hand on his shoulder.

  “At least Yaro is with him.” Merrilea inched closer to Sparrow.

  The scene blurred and a new one formed. Soldier’s crept across the sands of DerTah. Within their ranks the
Mindeco prowled. Wherever he went, soldiers cringed and moved away. The fountain zoomed in on the ugly, bear-like skull. The single eye filled the bowl. Reflected in its black depth was the glowing silhouette of a boy.

  56

  ConDra’s Fire

  DerTah

  B rie and Wolloh landed on the outskirts of Shu Chenaro and teleported to the Raptor Center. Stebben greeted them with the news that Nissasa’s men had begun a slow, steady approach to the boundary between the ranch and the desert. A flurry of wings and the appearance of two desert hawks brought their conversation to a halt. The hawks landed. Allynae and One Man appeared in their places.

  Brie threw her arms around her father. “You were so amazing, Father. I didn’t know you could shape a winged horse.”

  A laugh shook his chest where her head rested. “I didn’t know you could become a ConDria. Thank you for saving me.”

  She hugged him harder and turned in his arms so she could see One Man. “Thank you both for rescuing WoNa.”

  Wolloh cleared his throat. “If you have finished admiring each other, we have another crisis brewing.” Quickly, he told them Voer’s news.

  “Nissasa has Torgin’s mother?” Brie wished she had heard it wrong.

  “He does. We must decide at once what is to be done. Stebben, please make sure all is clear. Gentlemen and Brie, shield your minds. No telepathy.”

  Stebben slipped from the center and returned within minutes. He led them through the barn and between several outbuildings. The arena loomed ahead of them on the left and to the right, the ranch house. He sprinted ahead, crouched behind a group of taccus trees, and waved them forward. Before they could move, a group of RewFaaran soldiers marched briskly around the corner of the arena and headed toward the barn. Pressing into what shade they could find, they remained rooted to the spot.

  When the men had moved beyond hearing, Wolloh took Brie by the hand. “You and I will stroll to the house. One Man and Allynae, go with Stebben. We’re too big a group to remain undetected. I don’t want your presence discovered.”

  As the others slipped away, Wolloh looked down at her. “I believe an illusion is in order.” He touched her forehead.

  A soft breeze whispered around her. “What did you do?”

  “Anyone who sees you will see someone who resembles your great-aunt.” He drew her arm through his. “Shall we?” They walked casually into the brightness of morning. “Thank you for humoring an old man, my dear. A walk before the sun rises too high in the sky always invigorates me.”

  She smiled up at the disfigured face. “I love walking in the morning. And you are not old, Wolloh.”

  He opened a door to the inner garden and gave her an elegant bow. “Beauty before age, my dear.”

  Laughing, she stepped into the cool interior and waited for him to follow. Once inside the house, they made their way through quiet halls to his study, where her father and One Man waited. Stebben had gone to inform the others of their safe arrival.

  Wolloh picked up his cane and stroked the crystal. The illusion faded and left Brie smiling at her father.

  Allynae returned her smile. “Nice trick, Wolloh.”

  “Esán?” One Man asked.

  Wolloh leaned on his cane. “You must be reunited before we tackle the problems at hand. Allynae, I believe you should see Ira as well. Lorsedi’s men have been alerted regarding Nissasa’s troops, so we have some time. Of course, we don’t want to keep Torgin waiting too long. Needless to say, he’s struggling.”

  Brie couldn’t imagine how she would feel if Nissasa had kidnapped her mother.

  Esán waited impatiently in the small room off the library. He could hardly believe his father was in DerTah and at the ranch. A series of quick vignettes played out in his mind—learning that One Man was his father in the Cave of Canedari on Myrrh, One Man’s arrival in the clearing around Nemttachenn Tower when Nomed had threatened to hit him, the discovery that his father and Seyes Nomed were half-brothers, the vortex that carried him away from the father he had only just met…

  A panel in the wall opening ushered the man of his memories into the room. Two long strides closed the gap between them. “I knew you would come for me, Father. Welcome to DerTah.”

  One Man hugged him and then held him at arm’s length. “You look good. Your hair is growing back, you have some color in your cheeks, and I even believe you’re taller. The desert must agree with you.”

  “WoNa told me it is Thera that makes me ill. You rescued her?”

  “She’s safe with her people in a place not even the Sebborr know about.” He pulled up a chair.

  Esán drew up a second one and sat down opposite him. “I can’t believe you’re really here.”

  One Man studied him for a long moment. “I was afraid for a while that I might have lost you.” A comfortable silence settled between them as they basked in the pleasure of being together. Finally, he sighed. “We had better make this time count. The Unfolding is not over, and our time together will be limited.”

  Esán leaned forward and rested his forearms on his knees. “Tell me everything, Father. How did you rescue WoNa? How is Almiralyn? Have you seen Zugo? Is Evolsefil still safe in Nemttachenn Tower?”

  Allynae and Brie talked non-stop until Wolloh appeared with Ira in tow. Before the High DiMensioner departed, he tapped the crystal knob on his cane. In the center of the room, Ira’s male form faded and identical red-haired twins stared at one another.

  “Oh,” Brie whispered, “That’s what…”

  “We forgot,” Ari finished and threw her arms around her sister. “I have missed you so much!”

  Brie’s eyes filled with tears. “I can’t tell you how lonely I’ve been.”

  Ari squeezed her hand and pulled her down on a small sofa. “You don’t need to. I know.”

  Allynae saluted Wolloh as the panel closed behind him and sat down to watch his daughters express their delight at being together again. Their animated faces made him smile but also brought home the fact that he had been in their lives a very short time. Although they were as alike as two dojanberries on a bush, subtle changes were defining them as individuals. Ari’s deep voice held a note of maturity he had not heard previously. Brie’s sounded melodic, no matter what she said. It was the depth in her words that impressed him. My little girls are growing up. How I wish…

  He realized they were looking at him. With one simultaneous movement, they threw their arms around him. His joy skyrocketed. His laughter joined with theirs. “How I wish I had been with you all your lives!”

  A twin raised her head from his shoulder. “What’s important is that you’re here now.” Brie’s melodious words teased a tear from his eye. She planted a kiss on his wet cheek.

  Ari squirmed and pulled them to a group of chairs. “Tell us everything. What’s happening on Myrrh?”

  “How’re Aunt Mira and Mother?” Brie sat down beside him.

  He filled them in, and a thoughtful silence settled over the study. He looked at his girls’ serious faces. They have so much to bear for ones so young .

  Brie tugged at a stray curl. “Isn’t The Unfolding amazing? I mean…look at Seyes Nomed. Only recently he wanted to destroy Myrrh and Aunt Mira. Now he’s helping to protect it and her. And then there’s Torgin…he’s changed so much.”

  Ari gave her an impatient look. “Hey, I want to know about WoNa’s rescue.”

  Noting the contrast between his daughters, Allynae chuckled. He began the story, and Brie completed it.

  “I wish you had seen him, Ari! The winged horse was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen…all stars and midnight sky and huge wings and—”

  “Change now, Father. I want to see.” Ari pulled him to his feet.

  He put his arms around her and rested his cheek on her soft curls. “I’m not sure I can shape it again.” A sigh rustled her hair. “Now is not the time anyway.”

  Sad eyes look up at him. “I guess I need to become Ira, don’t I? Torgin needs our help,
and I bet he’s tired of waiting.”

  Brie joined them. “Wolloh believes Ari and I are safer when she’s a boy.”

  He held them close, savoring the moment and the feeling of family.

  A final hug and Ari walked to the center of the room. She closed her eyes, then opened them. Ira frowned at Allynae. “I know you, right?”

  Allynae grinned. “I know your mother. She sends her love.”

  “Oh, well, ah…thanks. Torgin’s this way.”

  Allynae followed his daughters through the panel. A wave of pride washed over him. The Unfolding will achieve its fullness, and balance will be restored to the Inner Universe—with their help.

  Wolloh left Allynae and the twins to catch up and made his way to Roween Rattori’s suite. Clearing his thoughts, he rapped lightly on the door.

  An older woman answered and curtsied. “LaChett Rattori will receive you in her sitting room. This way please.” She led him through a set of double doors. “The High DiMensioner od DerTah, Ma’am.” Bowing her way past him, she scurried away.

  Nissasa’s mother stood at the center of the room. Her angular face held neither warmth nor welcome. “You realize, Wolloh, that I am departing under duress. If you had not ordered it, I would not be leaving Lorsedi’s side.”

  Wolloh bowed. “I understand your desire to remain, but as I have already explained…your safety must be my priority. Sebborr gather along the border. They are vicious fighters, Roween. In Trinuge you will be out of harm’s way. Lorsedi will then be free to concentrate on the matters at hand.”

  She pursed her lips in a pronounced pout. “I don’t know why Lorsedi wastes his time with a DerTahan quarrel. And what of Nissasa?”

  “Lorsedi is an honorable friend. I appreciate his willingness to help. As for Nissasa, I understand he is dealing with personal affairs and will return when he can.”

  A mind touch tingled and withdrew. She smiled and moved toward him. “I imagine TheLise is ready to go. Will you escort me to her rooms?”