Thya sensed that her questions were making him uncomfortable, only she was enjoying herself too much to stop. “Siren is very attractive. I cannot understand how falling in love with her can be such a trying task, especially for a man like… Sorry, a Tsinian like yourself.”
“I am a man, my lady, in every sense of the word.”
There was something dangerous gleaming in his eyes, which urged Thya to push harder. “So declare to me, Alkazar. Why could you not love Siren?”
“I will unite with her as tis my duty. Despite this, I will never love her. She does not contain enough spirit.”
Thya laughed at this. “So you want spice in your life?” she teased.
“I desire a Tsinian, who can support herself and not hide behind her husband's shadow. One that exhibits brains, as well as beauty.”
His hypnotic eyes pierced her soul. It was too much for Thya to cope with. “Just because you will wed out of duty, do not expect me to do the same,” she told him.
An awkward silence followed, then came a welcome knock on the door. As if summoned by magic, Kezar appeared and waited for instruction.
“Bring your mistress a glass of Tamin juice,” Alkazar ordered. “I fear she has drunk much wine.”
“Nonsense,” Thya retorted. “This is my first glass.”
Kezar left at his request.
“Tis not wise to drink alcohol when we are in session,” he explained. “Tamin juice stimulates the brain.”
“Well, I hope it tastes nice.” Thya teased. She sighed. “If I must go through with this ridiculous charade, then at least reveal something about this so called power I am supposed to possess.”
“Do you doubt it, Princess?”
“Of course I do. If it was true, why have I not sighted anything by now? You're wrong about me, and the sooner you realise this the better for us all.”
“We will soon sight.” He smiled. “And in answer to your inquiry, Thya, our powers, or gifts, as I prefer to name them, are unobtainable in your era.”
“So if, let's state, I have this gift. When I return home I will be powerless?”
“Tis correct. This is why you have not seen any sign of it before.”
“How far do your gifts reach? Tsinia? Senx?”
Alkazar thought about the question for a moment. “Your planet is named Earth, your land is England. Enumac is the name we present to our world though we do not consider Enumac a planet. We are of another dimension to you. Enumac is the name of the lands as far as we can reach. Each land is occupied and labelled by a different race. We Tsinians, and, unfortunately, the Senxs, belong to a race called Bora. I am certain there is more of our kind beyond the Outlands, only that is yet to be explored.” Resting his hand on his hip, he glared at Thya. “I refuse to remark another word on this. Tis Pertius' task.”
Thya had a lot to think about. Even so, her head was paining too much and she couldn't take it all in.
Kezar arrived with refreshments.
The Tamin juice was sweet and cold, like thick sorbet.
“Umm, this is delicious. What is it?” she asked.
“A concoction of mine. A mixture of forest berries and other ingredients, which I will not disclose. I require all my students to drink it prior to a session. Kezar, leave us.”
Alkazar waited until the door closed before continuing. “I am aware of your discomfort. I can sight by the colour of your eyes that your head pains you. Come, sit beside me. I have a remedy which will cure your ills.”
Thya did as he asked and waited for his next instruction.
“Tilt your head back, not too far. That is sufficient. Close your eyes and breathe deeply, relax.”
Thya's head rested upon Alkazar's chest. His fingers pressed on either side of her temples, massaging gently. Warmth emitted from his fingertips and already the pain was subsiding.
“That feels so good.” She sighed. “You have healing hands.”
“Nay, Thya, that is Valcan's gift. Part of your training is learning to relax, and fortunately, I have experience in that activity. You are tense. I am aware of your stress. What you have discovered and sighted may seem unreal to you. I am responsive to your ordeal. Regardless, in order to get through this, you are to control your emotions.”
“Umm,” she replied, hardly listening to what he was saying.
His hands lowered down to the top of her neck. His massage continued; lower still, down to her shoulders. The rubbing and pressing deepened, becoming more intense.
Thya was feeling good. So relaxed that she thought she might fall asleep.
Alkazar slipped the silk straps off her shoulder. His fingertips caressed her skin, causing ripples of delight to run through her body.
How far was he willing to go he asked himself? His actions and her responses aroused him. His hands wandered further down the front of Thya's neck, as if guided by her will. He could not release his touch, even if he wanted to; her skin was irresistible. His hands were upon her heaving breasts when he paused.
“Umm… don't stop,” she breathed.
As if her words sent a shock through his hands, he removed them. She opened her eyes wide.
“I fear you are too relaxed,” he told her. “I cannot have my students falling asleep on me.”
There was an awkward silence. Alkazar was upset with himself for taking things so far. Thya was finding it difficult to compose herself.
“You are fit to begin,” he announced.
Sitting up, she tried to concentrate. He walked around to face her. She tried her hardest to give him her fullest attention; her mind kept drifting back to the feel of his touch. She imagined him leaning down to kiss her mouth….
“Do you understand?” Alkazar repeated, a little louder.
Thya quickly became alert. “I am sorry. What did you remark?”
“Thya, if you will not concentrate you are wasting our session.”
“I am sorry, Alkazar, I will try harder.” She smiled.
He was angrier with himself than her, feeling he was to blame for her lack of concentration. “Perhaps some fresh air will awaken you,” he suggested. “We will continue outside, on the balcony.” His hand pointed to the glass doors at the side of the room.
The cool air refreshed her, and she was soon wide-awake. Alkazar brought a seat out from the room and asked her to sit.
“As I was trying to convey to you, the gift you possess is named Flite. You have the ability to move objects with your mind. All Ganties possess this gift and tis my pleasured duty to tutor you in the employment of your talents. To move an object, you are required to reach the Owto, a place between conscious and unconscious.”
“Sort of like a trance?” she inquired.
“Similar to a hypnotic state,” he answered. “You ought to be aware of things around you, pay attention to conversations yet be able to detach yourself from reality so you can concentrate on what you desire. It is rather like splitting your mind in two.”
“Sounds hard.”
Alkazar laughed. “It can be. It depends on how receptive you are. Let us attempt?”
“Sure, what have I got to lose?”
“Start by relaxing your body. Close your mind and relax in the chair, feel your body loosen. When you think you cannot go further, push your body deeper.” He saw Thya push her back into the chair. “Employ only your thoughts. Do not employ your physical being.” Thya relaxed once again. “Better. Melt into the chair. Become one with the wood. Breathe deeply. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. That's it, keep breathing deeper. Good. You ought to feel as though you are drifting.” Thya nodded slightly. “I require you to imagine space as you understand it to be; darkness all around you, apart from the stars and planets surrounding your view. You are alone, moving through space, drifting. Detach your mind and focus on the darkness—on the silence. Concentrate, Thya.” He paused for a moment. “The stars and planets are fading and there is naught but utter darkness. Still you move through the blackness.”
>
Thya was coming to the crucial part. Alkazar moved closer. He lifted one of her eyelids and saw her pupil was stationary and her breathing steady. Both were good signs. Just for a moment, he felt the urge to lean in and kiss her but pushed the thought aside. He scolded himself. He was supposed to be teaching her how to concentrate, yet struggled with his own.
“Continue moving through the darkness,” he continued. “Soon you will come to a suspended door. Tis grey in colour. When you arrive, grasp the handle until I instruct you to—”
“I sight the door,” Thya called out.
Alkazar was stunned; it normally took three or four sessions before a student even saw it. He choked back his excitement, keeping his voice calm. “Continue to grasp the handle. When I command you to unlock it, I want you to open your eyes. Are you prepared?”
“I am,” she answered.
“Unlock.”
Thya opened her eyes, blinked twice, and then smiled at him. “So how did I do?”
Alkazar wasn't surprised she did not reach the Owto; they rarely did on their first arrival at the door. However, he was surprised by how far she had gone.
“Very good. Only you have to concentrate harder. Relate to me, what colour was the door?”
“Umm… A light grey—with black marks.”
“You have done well. We will discontinue for the moment. You ought to rest, as you will be tired. I will request that Pertius does not announce himself.”
“Thanks, Alkazar. I do not think I can take any of his talk of doom and gloom.”
Alkazar laughed. “Pertius has much to instruct you about your legacy, the past, and of your future. It does not have to be as doomed as you remark. I am confident that once you have conversed you will find a sudden interest to learn all.”
“If you state so,” she replied casually.
“Rest if you can. However, I declare that after our session your mind will be wandering.” He turned to leave, pausing at the door. “Understand this, Thya. If you ever require me as a friend, or as a tutor, you have only to summon and I will attend you. This I vow. For the present, farewell.” He bowed then left.
Alkazar was correct in his statement. No matter how she tried to relax, she found it impossible. She could not sleep, and when sitting, her mind would not concentrate. It was as if she was awake for the first time in her life. Even though she could not focus on one thought, her mind was clearer than ever before. Thya felt the need for fresh air and exploration of her new awakenings.
***
Alkazar eventually found Pertius in the dwelling of Nimas. Their speech halted when they noticed him standing by the door.
“Enter, Alkazar, welcome friend,” Nimas greeted. “How does our princess fair?”
“Praise to the Changlins,” Alkazar answered, before entering.
Nimas motioned for Alkazar to sit beside him, and then poured him some wine.
Pertius cleared his throat. “I have been conversing with Nimas, planning my session for our lady. There is much to educate and little duration.”
“I agree, Pertius, which is why I am present. I understand the requirement for our lady's tutor, only she does not fare well.”
“How so?” Pertius asked, a note of concern etched in his voice.
“A slight ache.” Alkazar waved his hand dismissively. “Tis not my concern though. If you would reflect on her situation for a moment, what she has learnt, what has been revealed to her. I compel you to sympathise with the emotions our lady is experiencing. I am without doubt that if pushed any further… well, friends, you understand my meaning.”
Pertius attempted to speak. “I recognise this only—”
Alkazar broke in. “Also, I will declare, it was not wise to converse with her on a subject she knew naught about, and at a period unsuitable."
“I am of the same opinion,” Nimas agreed.
“It was wrong of me,” Pertius admitted. “Only I was in haste to encounter and educate our lady. I did not consider the consequences. You apprehend the urgency? We cannot delay the introduction.”
“With certainty,” Alkazar replied. “Only, would a short delay cost so much? I assure you, Pertius, she is an apt pupil and will gain an understanding quickly.”
Pertius stiffened. “Am I to understand that you had session with her yet refuse my own. I strongly disagree with this.” He looked to Nimas for support.
Nimas frowned. “Surely you overreact, Alkazar. She is sound enough to partake in session with you, how can she not attend session with Pertius? Nay, I have sighted her myself, and she appears in control. Although I agree that what has been displayed to her, I, myself, would feel astray and confused. Alas, I concur with Pertius, she urgently requires tutor in both the arts and the code. What duration is Darthorn willing to linger? Already I sense his impatience. To stall further could be peril, and Omad will not permit the encounter until our lady is skilled in both our crafts. Nay, a delay could be serious. Send for Valcan, if his opinion states a postponement, then so be it. Is this agreed?”
“Agreed,” they chorused.
Pertius left in search of Valcan.
Nimas studied Alkazar. “You desire to converse with me on a matter of some importance.”
Alkazar forced a small smile. “As always, naught can pass you, wise one. I am correct in my statement, our lady requires rest. I believe Valcan will agree with me, despite this, I did escalate a small touch.”
“A small touch.” Nimas smiled. “So declare to me. Did your session progress well?”
“I am amazed by her development, how quickly our lady is modifying to her surroundings. Her appearance and speech are maturing at an astounding rate. There is something strange, yet wonderful about her. I cannot comprehend exactly what it is.”
“A glow?” Nimas queried.
“You sight it also?”
“Nay, I sight not light. Nonetheless, I feel, as do all that sight her, a power, or force if you will, surrounding her. I am confident that once you educate the princess in her gifts you will find the answers you seek.”
“I, too, am assured of this. Never has a student progressed so far in one session. The next will find our lady in the Owto. This I am convinced of.”
Nimas's eyes lit up. “Wonderful tidings, and so rapidly. You did not exaggerate, Alkazar.”
“I possess an understanding, yet I do not comprehend why. I believe Thya to be more powerful than first thought. I even speculated she would reach the Owto on her first attempt, which of course is unexpected. Somehow, deep in her soul, she carries a will stronger than her own. I confess I have never encountered a Tsinian surrounded by so much energy. I am of the opinion that she is a very unique Ganty.”
Alkazar did not mention that it was the meaning of this strange energy that scared him.
“I do not disagree with your thoughts, Alkazar. We all sense the power, and you, my friend, retain the task of unleashing that hidden force. Only, I will express my view on a worry I hold.”
Alkazar leaned in closer.
“I am not blind; neither are those that surround you. The princess favours you, this is obvious. She calls upon your counsel above all others. I am gratified that she places enough trust in you to confide. Despite this, others have conversed with me on their concern. Do not allow forgetfulness of your loyalties. Thya is a princess, and rightful heir of Tsinia, and you, Alkazar, are betrothed to Siren. Become a confidante; attend her council. Only I forewarn you. Do not tread further, for tis forbidden.”
Alkazar looked shamefully to the floor. Were his feelings so obvious? He had embarrassed himself and shamed Siren's name. He would right the wrong before word spread further.
“If I have faltered, Nimas, tis because of her beauty. Our lady possesses a lure to all. To exhibit my honour, I will converse with Siren's generation and prepare for our union.” Although he spoke with confidence, his insides were churning.
“Tis well, Alkazar. The princess does not require an added distraction to an already difficult
fate. Praise to the Changlins.”
Alkazar bowed then left. He needed to go over the conversation, let the words sink in. He had landed himself in a dangerous situation.
***
Back on Senx, Darthorn received the news of Thya's unfortunate recovery.
“So she survived,” Darthorn uttered. “It grieves me much, though why was I informed of her ill health by Omad when Jakar observed her walking unaided around her precious land? Why the delay I wonder?”
“Why indeed,” Kovon answered.
The messenger looked startled by Kovon's sudden appearance. Only Darthorn sensed his son's entrance. The messenger knew his exit and left quickly, leaving father and son alone.
“Does it not trouble you, Father? Tis but Thya's word for the delay. The peasants are feeble, they are eager for peace and for the alliance; they long to sign without haste. So why do you suppose Thya has demanded a postponement?”
Darthorn turned to face his son.
Kovon continued. “I declare that she has refused to encounter with you. Indeed, I am convinced that she has not accepted the title freely, if at all.”
“Indeed,” questioned Darthorn. “How so?”
“I sense concern amongst the villagers, and Jakar spoke of a disagreement at their festival. I imagine you will discover me just, in my opinion.”
Darthorn called for a messenger.
“Despatch word to Tsinia,” he instructed. “Darthorn agrees that the delay is just and that he desires their princess a speedy recovery. He requests to encounter with her in five tril moons.”
The messenger departed with his order.
“A delay could cost dearly,” Kovon protested.
“Nay, allow her space. Suppose she refuses to aid her kinsmen, I become victorious and will at last rule Tsinia. If she agrees to the union, then you will encounter your betrothed. Either method is to my advantage.” He smiled, content.
“I disagree,” Kovon argued.
“Tis my command,” Darthorn growled fiercely. “Dare you quarrel with the Lord of Senx? Detain your anger and wrath for when you receive your title, until then, remain silent.”
Kovon turned and stormed out of the hall.
***
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