“Shi'ahn. Shi'ahn?” The light and music fade from my mind and the Emperor’s face crystallizes in my sight; he looks concerned. As reality returns to my mind I feel my face relax from what must have been a rather curious look of ecstatic bliss. I’m swearing an oath of fealty to my Emperor, that’s why I’m kneeling before the throne. Why does he look confused, didn’t he hear what just happened? From his look I would say not, at least, not all of it, or I would think he would look… happier. Instead he and everyone else appear surprised and somewhat unsure. They must have heard that the jewel reacted positively to me, and I probably exploded in music of my own. Was there anything else? I remember light, burning ultraviolet. The Emperor continues to search my eyes deeply, then finally lifts me to my feet and continues, his voice ringing out more beautifully than any man’s voice I have ever heard, “Shi'ahn’s oath has been judged true.” He returns his gaze to me, and for once I sense no distrust, no negativity whatsoever. He holds out an emerald green crystal. “Shi'ahn, take this crystal as a symbol of your bond to this family. It may be used to communicate with your relatives and as a means of transportation. Welcome to the Imperial House of Lumina.” He then nods toward William.
I step back as William moves forward. My mind fills with the memory of what just happened – it… it was… I haven’t the words. William’s return to my side forces me to concentrate on our surroundings. He takes my arm and leads us out of the throne room.
“Is that it? Where are we going William?” He looks concerned.
“To the feast hall – haven’t you been listening?”
“Listening to what?” He laughs.
“To the Emperor’s own words?” He pauses and I shake my head – I don’t remember the Emperor saying anything about dinner. “Wow, Sis, you’re really out of it. What happened up there?”
“It was amazing… it sang to me!” William’s look of concern takes me by surprise.
“It sang to you? I sure heard your music explode in… well, it was astoundingly beautiful though not like anything you’ve ever projected before; you really outdid yourself there. But you say it sang to you? That I didn’t hear.”
“Did you at least see the light?”
“Yes, I did! I started to fear that it would burn you, it was so bright. The Emperor looked pretty concerned as well, especially when you were so unresponsive after the Jewel had been removed from your brow.”
“I was caught up in the experience… how long was I up there like that?”
“At least a ninebreath. The whole room seemed to hold its breath while we waited to learn if it was a good or bad thing. I wasn’t sure which until the Emperor announced that your oath had been accepted. And let me tell you… I was pretty concerned as I went up to take my oath!”
I suddenly realize that I have been terribly inattentive. “How did it go for you – well, I assume?”
“It wasn’t anything like yours, but yes, it went well. It seemed like… well, I felt as though a key had been turned within my mind, unlocking a door I hadn’t known existed… It was the strangest feeling, and I could almost have sworn I heard the sound of tumblers falling into place…” His voice is filled with whispered awe, then returns to normal. “Well, be that as it may, we are now both confirmed and accepted members of the Imperial House of Lumina. See, I told you everything would turn out alright.”
I have a terrible time concentrating on dinner, my mind is so filled with… music. It’s always filled with music, of course, but this is different; it’s as though everything around me sings with more complexity than usual, as if I’m hearing the song of existence more clearly than ever before.
“I must say, never before have I heard someone wax so eloquent without uttering so much as a single word.” I look up to see Casanova, smiling very warmly.
“Excuse me?”
“Your music, it has far more depth than last evening.”
“Yes, I imagine it would, much like everything here has more depth now.” I glance at my surroundings and almost gasp – even more people are in attendance than last night, but that alone can’t account for the feeling I get as I gaze up into their faces… they vibrate with power on a level I’ve never heard before. This time they do not look away from me… though I wish they would; their gazes are so intense I feel like I’m standing naked before the entire Universe. I wish they would find something else of interest! Casanova’s voice proves to be my lifeline to sanity.
“Tell me, what did it feel like when the gem was touched to your brow?” I can’t help my smile as I think back on the event.
“It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever felt – my soul was suddenly flooded with music, I simply couldn’t contain its mighty song. And then there was light, everywhere, drowning out all other sight.” My voice trails off as I’m caught up in the memory.
William’s voice cuts through my consciousness, “Shi'ahn, are you alright?” My vision clears again only to see Casanova’s face near mine, his eyes gazing deeply into mine as his fingers gently cradle my chin.
“Such a beatific smile… as though it echoes throughout your soul.”
William’s hand pulls me toward him, out of Casanova’s grasp.
“I said, are you all right, Shi'ahn? Is this what happened to you up at the throne?” His expression is terribly concerned.
“I’m sorry, William – the memory seems to overshadow all else when I think of it. It was so beautiful, so… welcoming. We are truly home, William.” His familiar smile returns to his relaxing face.
“That’s what I’ve been telling you ever since I got my eyes on those first books in my rooms.”
I turn back to Casanova. “What is that Jewel to have such an effect on my mind?”
“Well, it is said that the… Guardian, created the Emperor’s great crystal from the very light of the Spire itself. That she created it while she was within the Spire, where a metaphysical reality exists that only she can reach. Others claim that it is the heart of a star that attempted to form near the Spire. Both, of course, are merely rumors. What I know is that the gem is used to intensify our link to this realm. It is touched to each of us soon after birth so that it will recognize us, and so that we can begin to learn what we must in order to prepare ourselves for our first steps upon the path. The Emperor’s link to the gem is far greater than anyone else’s, aside from the Guardian, of course. It allows him to greatly increase his control of reality here in Lumina, where such control is exceedingly difficult.”
Alma’s voice barges into our conversation, “Which reminds me… how is it, Shi'ahn, that you had so little trouble manipulating the matter in here last night? You claim to have never been here before, you certainly have not ascended the Path of Enlightenment, and now you claim that everything seems to have more depth than it did yesterday. How could you possibly have had any control over your surroundings then?”
“I… I don’t know.” I feel like I’m about to melt under her stare, then I hear a voice clearing behind me.
“Lady Shi'ahn? The Emperor has instructed me to escort you to the court sculptress.”
“The what?”
“The Emperor likes to keep sculptures of each of the Imperial family in his private office. Please come with me; I will return to collect William in due time.”
~~~
What about my dinner? I suppose there's nothing for it; I grab some bread and allow myself to be led through yet more long corridors. I have to wonder at the size of this place, it must be huge. Finally my guide stops in front of an unusual intricately carved door, scores of faces look out from it. It feels like… like they watch me. I wonder if they could react if they chose?
A voice rings out from within, “Come, Shi'ahn, please join me.”
I glance quickly toward the servant who shrugs and smiles nervously.
The door swings open with an odd sigh, like women’s voices saying, ‘Ah,’ in satisfied recognition.
I enter what is obviously an artist’s workshop. A woman of
indeterminate age stands to greet me. “Thank you for coming, Shi'ahn, please sit down.” She leads me to a stool, then begins carefully feeling my face. She must sense my surprise, for she laughs kindly. “No, I am not blind, Shi'ahn. The hands often catch details that the eyes do not see. Your homeworld has a blue sun, does it not?
“How did you know that?”
“It’s all in the hands, child; all in the hands. There, that should do it.” She moves behind a table and lifts a large clump of odd-looking clay onto it. “Well now, let’s begin.”
I’m not used to sitting perfectly still for long… I must fidget, for she sighs. “Shi'ahn, you need to focus your thoughts on something. Why don’t you think about the moment the Emperor’s Gem touched your brow – that should hold your attention for a few moments.” I eagerly recall the memory, grateful, really, for the chance to review it for a while undisturbed. Just before the light completely blurs my vision, the sculptress blinks oddly and her eyes seem to turn whitish with swirls of color, like opals.
“Shi'ahn? Shi'ahn, you can relax now, I’m done. Shi'ahn?” Hands clasp my shoulders and give me a slight shake.
“What? I’m sorry, did I do something wrong?”
“No, child, you’re fine – your sculpture is complete. Care to see?” She turns it toward me and I inhale in surprise. Does anyone have a smile so… rapturous?
“I don’t really look like that, do I?”
“Do you doubt my skills?” I pale and she laughs kindly, “No, no, child, you haven’t insulted me. Yes, you do look like that when you think of your oath taking. I’d say it’s a pretty good sign. Now I need to clean up a bit and get ready for William’s sitting. You look like you could use some rest.”
Feeling dazed, I walk out and am met by the servant who brought me here. The trip to my rooms seems to take far too little time. Conversely, it seems to take far too long for me to get bathed and dressed for bed; why am I so tired?
***
The Emperor enters the sculptress’s workshop after William has been escorted back to his rooms. She looks up in surprise. “I was just about to test them, to make sure they are valid representations.”
“By all means, do continue.” She turns toward the bust of Shi'ahn first.
“Who are you?”
“I am the weaver and the binder… the peacemaker. I am the child of fire and light; daughter of the old Universe and Mother of the renewed.” The Emperor looks at the sculptress momentarily, then takes over the questioning himself.
“What is your purpose?”
“To give of myself so that others may survive the coming darkness.”
“Why would you do that – what do you expect in return?”
“It is what I am for… I expect nothing in return, but… I do hope to know love, before death overtakes me.” The Emperor entirely ignores the pain in her voice and continues.
“Who are your parents?”
Another voice suddenly booms out, old but very powerful, the Cailliach’s voice.
“That is quite enough of that! She is not for you; you’ll have to wait for your answers – just like everyone else.” The bust of Shi'ahn is suddenly no more than dust on the table and floor. The Emperor and sculptress look at each other in shock. After several long moments he asks, “Has anything like this ever happened before?”
“No, Your Majesty.” The Emperor’s eyes flick to the remaining bust.
The sculptress turns to her latest work, “Who are you?”
There is an almost imperceptible pause, then, “I am William.” She turns to the Emperor, her gaze clearly asking if he wishes to question it further, but he shakes his head.
“Re-sculpt her.”
“I will try… but that one was special. I bade her think of her oath taking, of the moment you touched Croi'Solas to her brow. She radiated… something, I couldn’t really tell what kind of power it was, but I harnessed what I could and imbued the sculpture with it as I worked. I cannot recreate that without her presence.”
“Do your best.” He turns and leaves.
Chapter 5
Rescue Operations
I awake to an urgent knocking on my door; and hear a familiar servant’s voice outside. “Lady Shi'ahn, may I enter?”
“Yes, Joanna, of course.”
“Thank you, my lady. There is an urgent family meeting to take place in half an hour. Apparently Count Novanus is missing! You are to meet in the family conference room.”
“Joanna, I’m afraid I don’t know where that is.”
“I will return for you in twenty-five minutes. I’ll have the kitchens deliver a small breakfast.”
“Thank you. I'll make a note not to panic when they arrive.” I catch a small smile on her lips as she turns to leave. Well, twenty-five minutes leaves time for a short bath. I do so quickly, dress in as modest of clothes as I have available to me, and find a rather large breakfast waiting in the entryway. I don’t have time to eat nearly enough to fill my neglected stomach, so much like at home; I grab a belt pouch and put some fruit, dried fruit and biscuits into it for a snack. I only have a few moments to finish an omelet, a few kippers and some toast before Joanna returns.
Far fewer people gather than had been in attendance at dinner the other nights… and apparently very few are expected; the only table in the room is really rather small. As we approach it, everyone forms into rough family groupings. It’s a bit uncomfortable, since William and I have no acknowledging parents; but all seem to assume that we are descendants of Nebulaea, so we sit near her daughter, Aurora. It should be noted, however, that she does not look herself. She no longer gives off the feeling of awe, but rather despair. Her clothes are far different from the other night, she now wears a sturdy, serviceable gown.
The Emperor enters and begins speaking immediately, “Before I authorize official action, I would hear the evidence that leads some to believe that Novanus is endangered.”
Aurora answers, “He had contacted me, asking for assistance – he was under attack by forces he did not recognize. Before I could bring him back our contact was broken.”
“Is there any further proof?”
Aurora adds, “I have since tried to reach him through every means available to me, but he responds to nothing.”
“That also is not decisive proof of his disappearance, he could merely be… occupied.”
It seems good proof to me, it’s almost as though the Emperor… doesn’t trust Aurora? Or perhaps he dislikes Novanus; I could understand that.
Gwenllian clears her throat tentatively, “We had a meeting scheduled this morning… he is never late, for anything. I too have been unable to reach him.” The Emperor turns a somewhat displeased gaze toward her. She withstands his scrutiny unflinchingly.
“I see. Alone, neither of these incidences would merit my concern, but together, and coming as they do from two entirely different sources, they do. Aurora, join efforts with others of your choosing and seek your brother through your crystal; perhaps the additional minds can break through whatever has been blocking your attempts.” Without pause, Aurora stands.
“Celeste, accompany me.” She pauses and looks thoughtfully my way, “Shi'ahn, please join us.” We leave the meeting room immediately while the Emperor continues giving out assignments. I don’t hear him name William before his voice fades in the distance. Aurora leads us down many corridors, to some remote segment of the citadel. The room she takes us into is odd, there are three very comfortable looking chairs facing each other in the middle of what looks like a warding circle. There are no other objects in the room, which appears to be… padded? It doesn’t look like padding, it looks like very plain white walls, but the acoustics are all wrong, fuzzy, almost dead. Celeste explains.
“This is what you might call a risky communications room. It contains nothing that can be used as a weapon of opportunity, nor anything that can assist in locating us. I nod, but don’t really understand. Aurora’s voice cuts through my thoughts.
�
�Are you armed, Shi'ahn?”
“What? No!” She sighs in unsurprised disappointment and steps out of the room for a moment. When she returns she holds out a dagger. “You should get used to carrying at least one blade – they may seem archaic, but they do not rely on anything but their own physical presence to be effective. You never know what will or will not work out in the vastness of the cosmos, but as long as the three physical dimensions are in force, a blade is a blade.” I move to strap it to my belt, but she stops me.
“There would be little purpose in using this room if you blatantly display a weapon – hide it beneath your skirts.” She looks over to Celeste, “We should disguise ourselves.” Suddenly their appearances alter! Aurora's hair turns black and she must invoke something similar to my battle braids spell, for it twists itself into braids that lie tightly against her scalp. Her facial structure looses its exotic form and becomes plain. She shrinks as well, becoming only as tall as I am. I look to Celeste and see similar changes, although she now has rather mousy light brown hair. Neither of them looks special at all. Aurora turns to me, “You should be fine, as no one knows of you yet. We, however, are well known, and as such are at a distinct disadvantage if something should go wrong during our attempt.” I want to ask her how they did that, but she gestures for us to sit.
I was right, the chairs are very comfortable. I look up and Aurora holds a beautiful violet crystal for us to see, then holds out her other hand below it.
“Each of you take my hand and gaze into the crystal. Share my vision of Novanus, concentrate on it, try to make it come to life.” She catches my eye then. “Normally this is much easier and requires only the crystal holder to envision the person in their mind to be effective, but I have tried that already to no avail. Something or someone very powerful is blocking access to him, and we must find a way to break through that barrier. Now open your mind to mine and concentrate.”
Her vision of Novanus is quite different from mine! Where I see him as an overbearing exaggerated annoyance, she sees a man wracked with the pain of recent loss. She remembers the boy she knew with an infectious smile that she could not resist. He is a man now, the most powerful sorcerer who walks among the currently awakened family, highly advanced in all the disciplines of this place, and more. He has walked among this family for a very long time… He and Aurora have seen many generations come and go; and yet they are ageless. He is a fierce man, he does nothing half-heartedly… including love. He is shattered by the death of his only son; they had been extremely close for a very long time. Aurora sees… her brother. I have a difficult time accepting her vision of him, so diametrically opposed to my own, but then, I don’t really know him, and she does. Her brother; she loves him deeply, much like I love William. If it was William who was missing… I would tear the world apart to find him. I must accept her vision as true.
Between Darkness and Light Trilogy Page 6