“Take nourishment,” Valcan instructed. He watched Thya drink the soup with relish. “Alkazar has assured me that your strength was absorbed by the employment of your gift, only I am not so easily fooled. Never have I happened upon the symptoms you exhibit as a result of our gifts. I suppose something variant to yourself drained you of strength. I would be obliged if you would enlighten me on what this variant is.”
“If I understood this, I would declare it to you. Alkazar has yet to converse with me upon this subject. I too am anxious to comprehend what occurred. However, enlighten me, Valcan, I woke feeling like I could continue my slumber forever, yet since partaking of this water, I have regained my energy and strength. What is it?”
“An exceptional vegetation belonging to our forest,” he answered. “The flower revives one's strength.” He grinned. “Though I possess the gift of healing I retain an interest in natural medicine. If you maintain this between us, I prefer this employment. I forbid you to continue your studies for at least one tril moon, nor do I allow you the employment of your newly found energy. Complete rest. Is that understood?”
“Certainly,” she replied. “Again, I owe you my gratitude.”
“Tis Alkazar's concern that brought me to you, for I did not retain awareness of your fatigue. Nonetheless, I am your servant, as always, and will appear whenever I am called upon.”
“Valcan, summon Alkazar.”
“Very well, only heed my instruction. I will be upset if I am summoned in the cause of your lack of regard.” He bowed then left.
Kezar came in after Valcan's departure and cleared away the bowl, then made sure her mistress was in resting attire before retiring herself.
The light came, bringing with it glorious sunshine. Thya was forbidden to leave her bed and so spent most of her time deep in thought. A rap on the chamber door both aroused her and announced Alkazar's arrival.
“Enter,” Thya called out.
Alkazar approached her bed. “I was uncertain as to whether you would be in slumber. My apologies for my lateness. I deemed it prudent to rest and bathe prior to my appearance, as I was not fit to visit myself upon you.”
“Oh, Alkazar, absolve me, I had forgotten. Sit, for you are exhausted. Is there much damage?”
“Alas, there is, though there would be a greater extent if it were not for you. Many dwellings were destroyed though they can be rebuilt. The foundations of the Plecky are being developed as we converse. It will not take a long duration for Tsinia to recover from the attack. We have existed through worse.”
Thya shook her head. “I am unclear. You state it is because of me the Dark Force was destroyed, yet how can that be? I do not recall. I cannot comprehend how I aided. Will you explain this to me?”
“I will, only be patient, for I am still uncertain. Until we continue with our sessions I cannot be confident of my judgement.”
“Very well,” replied Thya.
“There is another gift a Ganty could possess, though tis seldom conversed of. The gift is Yepsy. Tis the most powerful of all gifts—the ability to control the forces of nature; Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Spirit. And be capable of directing the weather.” Alkazar stopped then, hoping Thya would deduce what he was trying to tell her.
“You mean the Changlins,” Thya inquired.
“With certainty.” He smiled. “The power of the Changlins could be bestowed to this Ganty.”
Thya swallowed hard. “And you believe I possess this power?”
“Without complete evidence I will not respond. I am aware of your strong connection to the Changlins and have sensed a strange energy around you, dissimilar to others. I have always believed you to be of unique power, only I am uncertain as to what, or why. I have sighted your ability and I am even more convinced of my thesis.
“Why have you not conversed of this sooner?”
“The gift is extraordinary. My generation has not yet witnessed a Ganty who possesses Yepsy. I had my suspicions, only I desired to set them to practice prior to expressing them. I apologise for placing you in that position without your awareness. It was thoughtless and dangerous. Absolve me, my lady?” He took her hand and looked into her eyes.
“You are absolved,” Thya said. “So with Yepsy, I retain the ability to Freice?”
“Among others, certainly.”
This was too much for Thya to take in. She removed her hand from his and played with her hair. Alkazar watched her silently, yet understood her thoughts.
“You state you require evidence,” Thya asked. “What evidence?”
“Tis necessary to be in session, only Valcan has deemed you unfit to regress.”
“And if I announce to you that I am fit and able, who will you abide by?”
“Very well, only if you tire, I will conclude the session and will not be accountable for your condition. You are a stubborn Tsinian, Thya,” he scolded, and then grinned at her.
She felt the same sexual desires building up, only knowing how important the session was, she pushed them aside and concentrated on reaching the Owto.
“Have you not gazed out of a window and longed for the rain to diminish? Desired for it to cease?”
“Certainly,” replied Thya.
“I require you to do similar, only you will demand that it rains only outside this window. You will desire this more than you have desired anything, is this understood?”
Thya nodded.
Alkazar walked over to the small arched window and looked out. The sky was clear, not a storm cloud in sight.
“Concentrate, Thya,” he instructed. “Vision a bright, searing morn. The heat is beating down and you feel discomforted. What you require is rain. Rivers of cool rain. You desire this more than anything.”
A few drops of rain pattered onto the marble, window ledge. Alkazar could not believe what he was seeing. “Demand it to rain,” he called with excitement, “tis your command.”
The clouds opened and the water came down in force.
“Amazing,” he whispered, spellbound by the sight. The rain gushed just outside the window. On either side of it the ground was dry, as though there was an invisible force field.
Eventually, he dragged his eyes away from the window and back to Thya. For just a moment, he was sure her eyes had turned white. He blinked. When he looked again they were her normal colour. Tis just my imagination, he told himself.
“Thya, come sight what you created.”
On the call of her name, Thya came back to reality. She attempted to get off the bed, only she was too weak.
“Tis what I warned you about,” he scolded.
Thya frowned and lifted her arms out to Alkazar. He helped her to the window and she gazed at the soggy ground. Still the rain fell.
“Did I really do that?”
Alkazar laughed.
She held onto him tightly as they watched. A chill crept over her, a fear of the power she witnessed. She felt safe in his arms, as if nothing could harm her, and more importantly, she couldn't do harm.
Although Alkazar was eager to learn more of her power, he would not probe further until he deemed her fit and well. This did not stop him spending every waking moment with her, at least until Valcan put an end to his visits. Alkazar had seen how drained she became and was prepared to wait until he was certain she could cope with the sessions. Three tril moons passed before they continued.
Over the next weeks, Thya and Alkazar learnt and tested her power, though in secrecy. It was difficult for Thya to take command of it at first. However, with Alkazar's patience and talent as a tutor, she eventually mastered her gift.
While Thya pushed herself to the limits, Alkazar noticed that twice when he had brought her to the Owto, he had lost connection with her and had a hard time bringing her back. He didn't know why it happened and this scared him. He needed to find out where she went, how far she had gone and most importantly why.
Things were quiet in Senx and Alkazar felt there was no hurry to learn of Thya's strange behaviour, th
ough he was continually surprised by how far her talents reached.
The more time they spent together the closer they became. Kezar sensed the electricity between them and watched the flirting between Alkazar and her mistress with interest. She felt a twinge of sorrow for them. It was obvious they ought to be together, only it could never be.
Between her studies of the code and her gift, Thya took the time to explore Tsinia further, especially when she felt the need for solitude.
Thya had walked for miles through her land. On one such walk she came to a place she had not yet visited. In front of her stood a mountain of rock, and at first sight, it seemed like a dead end. However, looking closer, she noticed a small crack large enough for her to slip through. She worried if going further meant leaving the borders, only curiosity got the better of her. Although the crack was narrow, she squeezed through and was astounded by what awaited her.
Moss-covered rocks enclosed a perfect crystal blue lake. Not a dwelling could be sighted. At last, a place where she could be alone. She breathed a sigh of satisfaction and made her way down to the water. It was a humid afternoon and she felt the sudden need for a swim. She checked to make sure no one was about and then undressed.
As soon as her foot entered the cool water she felt refreshed, and so dived into the lake, hoping the rest of her body would be given vigour. It was if the water cast a spell, for her cares were immediately forgotten. She swam contently, up and down the lake, gliding on the surface. Her thoughts left her; all the memories of the past weeks forgotten.
Alkazar, too, felt the need for solitude and had unknowingly followed Thya's path. It was not the first time he had been to the lake. He swam in the waters many a time when he needed to relax his thoughts, only he was startled to hear a sweet voice singing. He was curious to discover who it was that interrupted his solitude.
He approached quietly. The melody enchanted him and he became more anxious to hear it better than to discover who was singing. He crouched behind a rock. Instead of peering over, he sat, eyes closed, content to listen to the voice. When the song ended, he opened his eyes, surprised. It was as if he had been hypnotised. He felt drowsy, yet comforted. His curiosity stirred within and he peered over the top of the rock, stifling a gasp.
Thya's naked form glided through the water. It was then, at that very moment, when he realised they would become one.
Feeling an urgent need to talk to her, he was about to stand up and call to her, but common sense took over. He continued to watch until she stepped out and dressed.
He crept away some distance and then walked towards the lake, whistling loudly.
Thya heard his whistle and hurried to dress. So surprised that someone was about, she decided to meet with them.
“My lady, pardon the intrusion I was not aware of your presence,” Alkazar greeted.
“I presumed I was alone. I required solitude.”
“Then absolve me for my intrusion, I will depart.”
“Nay, stay. I am quite satisfied. In fact, I am gladdened by your presence.”
She smiled at him. Alkazar struggled to control the thoughts racing through his mind.
“I was led to believe there was not a location in Tsinia that was without eyes,” she said.
“Tis so,” he answered. “Few hold awareness of this location. Few would journey out of our borders. I come when I require solitude, for tis tranquil.”
“I agree with your findings. I feel relaxed. Only I will remember in future to be more cautious. “She blushed. “It did not occur to me others could travel. I was too carefree.”
Alkazar did his best to hide his embarrassment. “As I remarked, few are aware of this location. Do not allow this to interfere with your leisure. The spring contains healing properties. It does well to bathe in it.”
“I believed as much,” Thya said. “It was as though I was somewhere else. I believe I could have floated out of my being I was so relaxed.”
Alkazar laughed. “Tis an ingredient in one of Valcan's many remedies.”
“Ah, so that is his secret,” she laughed. “I will defiantly be more aware of where I select to swim.”
“I bestow my service to you, Thya. If you desire to return, I will accompany you and retain watch so that your swim will not be disturbed.”
“That is gratuitous of you, Alkazar. I will hold you to that.”
They talked some more, and though Alkazar did not want the afternoon to end, the sky was colouring and Thya suggested they return.
Since the embarrassing defeat of the Dark Force's invisible energy, Darthorn preferred to stay away from the eye. In fact, it had been a long time since he'd set foot inside the cavern. He decided to take Tsinia without the aid of the Dark Force. The fact he had tried numerous times before did not seem to concern him. Darthorn was certain his plan would succeed, and that this time, he would be victorious. He'd been planning his assault for a month and was confident it would have the desired result.
He was a great warlord and would not be defeated. He possessed the power of the Darkeye, and retained the greatest army in all Enunac, so why could he not eliminate this one particular Bora? She made him look weak and powerless. His kinsmen would lose respect if he did not free himself from her. No, she would not be triumphant this time. Darthorn would show her how forceful a warlord he could be. He would not sight defeat.
Yet even with his army prepared and ready for action, Darthorn felt the need for the Darkeye's guidance. He wanted to vision his victory before it happened. To gloat on what would be before it became. Be warned of any unexpected or misguided actions by his interfering enemies.
The Darkeye acknowledged its master by glowing brightly. Darthorn placed both hands on the crystal. The vision, at first blurry, became clearer, only it concerned Darthorn greatly. Where were his soldiers? Where were the chained Tsinians?
His enemy, Thya, slept upon a bed in a chamber Darthorn presumed was her own. Her eyes widened with horror. Her face expressed such terror it actually startled him. She gasped for breath, and a smile appeared on his. It was over in a matter of moments. Thya's lifeless body lay limp across the bed. Her arms dangled over the edge and her eyes remained open, showing her final moments of immense terror. She was dead. There was not doubt in his mind. Only where was the onslaught? It was as though an invisible hand had smothered her face, causing her to suffocate. The vision faded, and the Darkeye was once again a harmless black crystal.
“Is this a vision of the future or what could be?” he asked, hoping the Darkeye would answer his question. Deep in his soul, he knew where he could get the answer he yearned only could he risk calling upon the Dark Force? His enemy was dead, taken without a struggle. Oh, if only it were that effortless. No, there was only one way to find out, so he uttered the sacred words.
***
Kovon had been interrogating Jakar on Thya's movements, learning nothing new. She seemed to spend her time between meditation, sessions, and solitude. How exciting, Kovon thought sarcastically. He was secretly eager to meet with her again. She infuriated him and yet it was a pleasant sensation. Never had a Bora, and a female one at that, talked down to him. Thya was not afraid. She had the courage to stand up to him and Kovon relished their next rendezvous.
His father was at last content and satisfied with the planned onslaught. The great army of Senx was set for battle. All Darthorn had to do was to give the order. Kovon had given himself the authority to lead them into battle; his thirst for action left him dry. He was keen to see Thya again, the contemplation of her on bended knees, bound and enslaved and begging for his mercy, appealed to him. Someone as ravishing as her at his beck and call was a fantasy, and he was impatient to act it out.
After dismissing the exhausted Jakar, Kovon went in search of his father. He was desperate to know when Darthorn planned to strike his blow upon Tsinia.
Kovon searched most of the chambers and found them to be empty. It then occurred to him that he might find his father in the cavern seeking
advice from the Darkeye. Knowing he could not enter the cavern he stood outside. He was about to call into Darthorn when he heard his father answering another. He understood the warlord was consulting the Dark Force, whose voice was audible to its master only. With no desire to learn the dark ways, he was about to walk off when he heard his father speak his name. His interest awoken, he leaned in closer.
“You vow that her existence will be removed? There is no doubt of this?”
Kovon did not hear the reply.
“Much could go awry. Why ought I accept what you have displayed? That is certain? Was that not a vision of what could occur? I understand. I will consider your proposition, only tis such a great sacrifice. You cannot demand my pronouncement this instant. He is my only son!”
Darthorn's words hit Kovon like a jagged spear piercing his stomach.
“She is, only,” Darthorn continued. “This is understood, certainly. Nevertheless, is there not another direction? Why Kovon? He is the only heir of Senx. Tis true. I have consumed my existence attempting to control Tsinia and the power of the Changlins. I will do whatever is requested. However, do not demand this of me, I beseech you. When I cease to exist, who will be present to reign over Senx?” There was a long pause. “I did not envision this. A new Genesis, and I would be the father of a new race of Boras, half Tsinian and half Senx. I will become the sovereign and master of all. How soon after the demise of Kovon will Thya's breath be seized? Tis good, and you do not foresee any alteration. Thya will be dead—this is a certainty?” Darthorn paused again. “Very well, it will be as you requested,” he announced. “Tis a small sacrifice. The soul of Kovon for the demise of Thya and possession of the power of the Changlins. Finally, I will possess Tsinia,” Darthorn declared.
Kovon's legs buckled beneath him. He fell to the cold stone ground, stunned by his father's agreement with the Dark Force. Surely he was mistaken. His father would never agree to this. Only he had heard the deadly pact for himself. Kovon stood up, his weakness diminished as vengeance flowed through his veins.
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