“Well… no one except Cailli.”
“The Cailliach has Harmony? Now who is forgetting to mention things?”
“Sorry, as you have said, there's just so much going on here.”
He smiles playfully, “Yea, a lot goes on alright.” His smile reminds me of the perfume he was inadvertently 'wearing' the other night. “Thanks for your help, Sis. I suspect, though, that you could use some rest now. I know I certainly could.”
He's right. I make my way to my own rooms, feeling the weight of the day dragging my mind down to rest. I had intended on questioning my computer regarding its capabilities, but decide to leave that to another time. “Computer, complete a full security scan of yourself, log any anomalies for my review, then shut down until further notice.” I do much the same.
Chapter 13
Arrivals and Invitations
In the morning I wake, yet again, to a knock on my door. I wonder what awaits us today?
“Lady Shi'ahn? I have been told that these items belong to you. A servant I haven’t seen before holds out my dress, spell ring, the dagger Aurora had given me and the crystal the Emperor had presented to me; all those things that I had lost in the crystal trap.
“Thank you!”
“You are quite welcome. I am also to inform you of a luncheon at noon. The Chaos Lord Cas Darius will be in attendance.” He turns and leaves.
My spell ring! It had felt so odd being without it, one of the few easily portable items that Mathair had left me. I feel a warmth as I slip it on my left index finger, even though all the spells are depleted. I run over to William’s rooms.
“William! William?”
“Just a moment… Shi'ahn? Come on in. What’s got you so excited?”
“My ring – my spell ring! A servant just delivered it along with the rest of my belongings I lost in Aurora’s crystal.”
“That must mean that she is awake and recuperated. That is good to know.”
“Are you interested in a little trip to Shiral? We could spend months there before this afternoon’s luncheon. I really need to do a lot of work on my ring, it’s completely depleted.”
“What luncheon?”
“Cas Darius is apparently returning. I can’t imagine why.”
“Really? After escaping as he did with his sister, he’s voluntarily returning? That seems… odd. Well, be that as it may, I don’t really want to spend months back home, but a shorter while would be nice. I could use some time to think about what I have recently learned. Give me a few minutes to get dressed? You might want to consider doing so yourself…”
Oops, I’m still in my nightgown. “I guess I was a bit distracted.” William smiles, I can almost hear his thought, ‘You think?’ I rush back to my rooms; luckily no one is in sight. After dressing I ponder my returned belongings - after having to remove so many spying programs from my computer, I’m not so sure about the knife Aurora had given me. I place it in a drawer and cast a strong shield around it. In a few minutes William joins me, hands me a pouch filled with tasty travel foods and we’re off! My dear brother, he knows how forgetful of my own needs I get when I’m concentrating.
When we arrive William looks around in surprise. “I guess everything seems different after ascending the Staircase…”
“What do you see, William?”
It's hard to explain. Everything here now seems both more complex than before, and yet less impressive than I have become accustomed to in Lumina. It's a strange feeling.”
“Interesting. Listen, I want to get my spell ring taken care of first, before I get caught up in matters of state or any other business. Maybe in a few days we can have a bit of fun?”
I easily see he expected that. “Sure. I think I’ll check in with Puff. See you.” He heads toward the cottage while I walk along the shore, looking for a nice spot for my work. I’ve always liked working on spells near the water; the rhythmic waves on the rocks provide a soothing background perfect for deep concentration.
I begin my meditation dance; I am Song, I am Dance, I'm… Wait, I'm no longer purely of Shiral, there is a whole Universe out there and I am intimately linked with it. I am… Universe Dust.
I am Song, I am Dance, I am Universe Dust. Upon this new chant I rebuild my spells, and as I work, I feel like I truly am a piece of the Universe, and that I can draw upon that link to strengthen my spells. My spells, I suppose I should store different ones, considering my new circumstances. I don't really need transport spells anymore, my new crystal is far superior to anything I can cast myself for transportation. It's always a good idea to have several shield spells completely ready to cast without much thought. This time I incorporate extra power that I collect using the power siphon ring Cailli gave me, they should be my best shields yet. What next? I suppose I could cast some power storage spells – weave into them all the power I can draw from the ring during the casting. Yes, then I could draw upon all that stored power instantly instead of only at the rate the ring can draw power. Yes, I like that. Of course a battle braids spell, you never know when you might need to get all hair out of the way quickly. What else… things change so quickly these days, what might I need to do instantly? Contacting William would be a good one. I cast two mental contact spells, one for reaching William and another for contacting someone I specify at the time of casting.
What else could I need? I don't know. One thing I do know though is that these days I'm not sure I can easily get away for enough time to recast spells into my ring. My recent imprisonment, for example. I wonder if it is possible to create a spell that can automatically recast all the other spells back into my ring after they are exhausted? It would take a lot of power, and time, but I'm here, so why not? It isn't easy… it's almost like a technologists program, written to analyze all the other spells on the ring and draw enough power through the siphon ring and from the Harmony surrounding me to both recreate the other spells and rebuild itself whenever I chose to 'restore' my spells. I shouldn't ever have to fully cast this spell again, just provide it with more power as I add more powerful spells to my ring. It requires roughly four times as much power as all my other spells combined. Power to rebuild my spells and rebuild itself, with enough extra energy to rebuild my spells and itself again, in case there isn't time to draw on more power from my other ring.
There is a joy to this act of spell creation beyond what I have experienced before. I hate to stop, but my work is done. I end my song and the feeling of joyous elation fades away, leaving me weak! I have to crawl to the pouch of food William had given me, how long have I been casting? I hear Gaea’s voice in my mind.
‘I was wondering when you would notice me. You’ve been busy.’
‘Yes, do you know how long I was spell casting?”
‘It has been three days, Shi'ahn, by far the longest you have ever done so without resting. Eat and sleep, Shi'ahn.’ After consuming all that William had provided me, I practically stagger back to the cottage, eat whatever I find and fall into bed.
~~~
I awake to early morning birdsong. A mother tries to teach her chick their call, but it keeps souring the last three notes. I’ve missed birdsong; even imperfectly performed ones are music to my ears. Over and over again the mother sings, the child fails, and then all falls silent except for slow rhythmic gusts of wind. I smile and go out to greet Zah-Ha’Gor.
Soon, once again wearing leather riding clothes and my fire diamonds, Zah-Ha’Gor treats me to another harrowing and wonderfully exhilarating flight. I feel so alive when we fly! We stop occasionally for meals, and curl together for warmth at night. I still find it remarkable that a creature with such impervious scales can manage to arrange her legs into a perfectly comfortable nest for me. I need no blankets when we lie together. It has been too long since we have spent such time with each other. She must feel so as well, for each night she continues to stare at me with those mysterious eyes of hers as I slip from consciousness.
Eventually she returns me to the cottage, and I f
ind William has left me a note:
***
Hi Sis,
I’ve gone back to Lumina. Don’t worry, I’ve already checked in with the provisional government and they’re fine. So is Gaea. Why don’t you return soon as well – You know how quickly things come up here. You wouldn’t want to miss anything!
William
***
It seems that William has indeed taken care of all the necessary political work, and it would be nice to visit without doing any politicking. I concentrate on my most prized crystal, deciding on the front gates as my destination, and I’m there. I look around enjoying the view for a moment, but my rebellious stomach soon grumbles. Ah yes, I had intended on eating lunch when I returned to the cottage. I start out for the kitchens and soon hear a familiar voice.
“Lady Shi'ahn?”
A man with a three-guard escort… “Cas Darius! I had heard you would be here later today.” His smile seems quite friendly… Lydia must not have told him much about our encounter.
“I’m a little early. Do you have any time to spare?”
“Well, I was just on my way to the kitchens to grab something to eat, I haven’t had… breakfast yet.”
“What a coincidence, neither have I. May I join you?” I pause, it wouldn’t seem right to drag him into a kitchen. A guard speaks up.
“If you would follow me, there are some very nice small dining rooms nearby.” Darius and I smile at each other and fall in step behind his guard-turned-guide.
“You look very different today, Shi'ahn. Have you been out riding?”
“Oh, sorry, yes. I just got back.” I hear a very quiet sniff, then surprise in his voice.
“Dragon riding?”
“Ah… yes… as I said, I just got back. I haven’t had the chance to freshen up yet.”
“No need to apologize, I just hadn’t expected to smell such a refreshing scent here. Are there truly dragons in Lumina?”
“I don’t know, I just returned from my homeworld.”
He smiles appreciatively, “Very nice fire diamonds, an unusually large collection… did your dragon give them to you?”
“Yes, Zah-Ha’Gor likes me to wear them when we fly together.”
Darius smiles even more, “A full belt and necklace… You know, I’m not sure about the dragons on your world, but most that I know of only give fire diamonds to those that they have… claimed. It isn’t a sign of ownership, nor of… hand fasting, but somewhere in-between. Such relationships are rare but highly regarded, among my people, at least. By the look of that collection, your dragon is making a rather strong statement.”
“No one has mentioned that to me before, perhaps that is not the custom here?”
“Perhaps not. I actually haven’t heard of your family consorting with dragons.”
“Really? I wonder why? Are they rare in the Universe?”
His expression turns rueful, “Rare, yes. Yet far more so in this realm than in mine, I understand.” The serious look then leaves his eyes and his warm smile returns. “I’m glad they aren’t so rare here as I had thought – the look becomes you, Shi'ahn.”
We reach a small dining room before I manage to respond. Two of Darius’s guards take up posts outside the room, one within. “So tell me, Darius, what are you doing here? Why have you returned to this place?” His smile disappears.
“Lydia is to be put on trial in our royal court of the Magni Dominar for her acts against the Lady Alma. We have been given permission to invite those of your realm who were involved with any part of that or the other abduction to testify, and additional guards if requested. We have sworn to protect the safety of any who accept as long as you are in our holdings or our presence.”
“You’re inviting us to…” I lower my voice, which had been far too filled with awe. “You’re inviting us to your royal court? Really?” He looks surprised yet pleased.
“If you are willing to accept, yes. There is some risk, of course, but as I said we have and will swear to protect you to the best of our abilities.”
“It sounds fascinating! But… I don’t understand, Darius. Why would you want any of us to testify – how could that possibly aid your Sister?”
“Trials in our realm are somewhat different than in yours. We have other concerns, care about different issues than your people. This is a complex situation, and therefore the more fully it is understood, the better chance Lydia has of escaping execution. And there is also the issue of her having already paid somewhat for her crime.”
“Execution! But why?”
“One of the charges is of high treason.”
“And you think our testimonies will help prove her innocent?”
He smiles, “I wouldn’t say innocent, but certainly not guilty of treason. So will you come?”
I want to say yes, but in truth… “I think I had better check with others, first.”
He smiles playfully, “Have to ask the parents?”
My smile drops away. “I would if I had any, but I haven’t seen Mathair since I was five. I’ve never even met my father.” He looks puzzled.
“Then how did you end up here?”
“We, my brother William and I, stumbled upon a gateway that sent us here. No one has claimed us, but Cailli vouched for us and claims we are her descendants. It’s all very frustrating and maddening, really.”
“Maybe what you need to do is get away for a while. Really, really far away.”
His smile is nice, then he leans forward and drops his voice. “I spoke with my sister before coming here. She wished me to tell you that she regrets her actions when the two of you met before. She wouldn’t give me any details of the situation, but she truly seems unhappy with herself over it.”
My mind fills with sorrow over the incident. “Not as much as I regret mine.” I’m shocked out of my thoughts by a most familiar voice.
“Shi'ahn? What are you doing here?”
“I saw your note and decided to come back – and discovered I was hungry. I ran into Cas Darius on my way to the kitchens. Cas Darius, this is my brother William.” They eye each other a bit warily, though they nod cordially. Then William smiles sheepishly.
“I suppose I seem a bit… icky, to you. I’ve only just taken the path, and I haven’t worked on shielding my presence at all yet.”
“Deadish would be a better descriptive.”
“Really? Do we all seem like that to you?”
“Everyone but Shi'ahn here. She seems quite vibrant. I’d ask if you’re sure you are related, but I imagine that would be considered an insult here.”
“Perhaps it’s the dragon scent that makes me so ‘vibrant.’ I glance to William and add, “I haven’t managed to bathe since riding.” He sniffs the air and smiles.
“You smell fine to me, but you might want to do something about that before the luncheon – I understand it is to be somewhat formal.”
“In that case I should be going.”
Once I reach my rooms I concentrate on the image of Cailli within my jewel, and feel her notice me.
‘Yes?’
‘I need to ask you a question.’ I’m engulfed in shimmering light.
“What question must you ask, child?”
“We are about to be invited to visit Chaos, to testify in Cas Lydia’s trial and I was wondering… would it be safe for me to visit there before… before I…” She smiles kindly.
“Child, for you this is the best way to make your first foray into that realm. You might want to consider wearing those nice riding clothes for the trip – unwashed and with the fire diamonds. Dragons and all things related to them are highly regarded back near the Rim. You might also consider consulting your dragon before leaving. Do you have any more questions?”
“Yes… is there anything else I should know, anything that would help me improve our relations there?”
“Like anywhere, treat all with respect. Honorable behavior is usually returned. In Chaos, honor is especially important, for without it their
society would fall to pieces. Keep an open mind and try to enjoy yourself. And don’t be afraid to try new foods – Uisnach will not try to poison you, you will be under their protection. Live a little, Shi'ahn; but not too much.” For a moment the memory of Casanova dangling in her grasp fills my mind, then Cailli’s voice takes on a very serious tone. “Do not allow yourselves to become separated from Uisnach. They will be swearing to protect you and for honor’s sake they must; but no one else will have that restriction. She gazes deeply into my eyes, as if trying to burn her words into my mind… then I’m back in my rooms.
~~~
Well, I guess that’s it then… I have permission to go. I undress and place a stasis spell on my riding clothes – it may be useful to preserve their scent. Then it’s a bath for me, and another dress choosing. I have to wonder if Helen is continuing to supply my clothing, a seemingly perfect dress is hanging right at the front of the wardrobe. It isn’t overly revealing, but flatters my figure perfectly. Next order of business, my computer.
“Computer?”
“Yes, Shi'ahn.”
“Run a complete security scan of yourself and report your findings.” I hear an almost startling burst of harmonies, nothing disharmonious.
“Scan complete. Firewall logs show thousands of attempts to remotely reconnect me to the network, but your filters appear to be holding strong. I have concluded that those trying to gain access do not possess knowledge of your unusual power.”
“You have concluded correctly. Computer, I wish to try an experiment with you. You are going to feel a connection attempt from the ring I wear on my right index finger. I will accompany the attempt with a burst of my harmony so that you will know that it’s me. Respond through the connection when you hear my voice.” I will a power-seeking tendril to reach out toward my computer; it's instantly obvious that this is not the kind of connection the ring is intended to make; the tendril repeatedly fails to attach. It makes sense, I suppose, a computer is not a source of power, it uses power. There is one place, though, deep within, that projects a spark of power, of Harmony. It's just a speck, but… I try to connect the ring to it, but the ring can't sense it. I want this connection! Maybe, I alter the harmony speck ever so slightly, so that it seeks the power tendril. They connect!
Between Darkness and Light Trilogy Page 17