by Mara Powers
This was a private audience chamber. Today, the king’s maydrian took appointments for arguments to be heard by the king. The entry of the newcomers startled everyone in the room. Palace guardians leapt forward to block his entry.
Jamarish Ka rose from the throne. He was the temple delegate of the High Council, and yet somehow had managed to become the king’s maydrian, as well. It had been King Koraxx’s parting wish for the priest to advise his successor. Most of the Alta opposed his dual role, and yet the high priestess did not. He was imposing, though not as tall as he seemed. Wearing a blue, pleated robe, the edges of which flared at the wind of his movement, he spread his arms in welcome. A gold circlet rested on his baldhead. His skin was flawlessly white, an indication of pure temple lineage.
He bowed at the entrance of the royal prince of Og, the most powerful and opulent kingdom in Eastern Atlantis. “Prince Azai! What, may I ask, is the reason for your visit?” Jamarish Ka’s blue eyes looked tired and sunken.
Azai’s companion was a Nubian named Rayliis from the oldest empire of Sophaiya. It was said she was of royal lineage, and that she and Prince Azai were childhood friends who often dashed around the ten kingdoms looking for adventures. He claimed she was his personal bodyguard, and most believed it. She went to work ushering the petitioners from the room, silently suggesting this was urgent business for the maydrian’s ears only.
Azai stared at Jamarish Ka and waited until the last petitioner left the room. “I come on behalf of my father to inform His Majesty, King Kyliron, our beloved cousin, that his brother’s ship arrived at its rendezvous point this morning,” he shrugged. “Regretfully, Prince Bavendrick was not on board. My father demands Bavendrick be hunted down and brought to justice for insulting my sister, Princess Nazira, by deserting her on her joining day.” Prince Azai’s words were calculated. There was a coldness in his delivery, but his speech lacked the passion which perhaps would have been delivered by the King of Og himself. It was quite obvious he was merely the messenger.
His hair stuck every which way from the goggles resting on his head like a headband. His face was framed by a thin beard and mustache, as was the current style in the courts. Chocolate-colored eyes pierced the room, seeming warm and friendly, yet when he spoke, his voice was strained. He flipped the red cape over his shoulders and folded his arms, waiting for a response.
Jamarish Ka flinched and closed his eyes. “I assure you Prince Bavendrick will be found. This is unfortunate news. King Kyliron will not be pleased.”
“Not be pleased by what?” Kyliron’s voice resounded from a back entrance. He stalked into the room, his eyes fixed broodingly on those assembled. His presence filled the space to the point of feeling crowded. He was adorned with the jewels he often wore. His coppery skin was complemented by an iridescent robe left open to expose the shaven chest of a perfectly formed man.
Kyliron’s manner was indifferent as he slumped into the throne where Jamarish Ka had been. A spark appeared in his dark eyes as he examined his reckless cousin with calm intelligence. “Prince Azai, it’s good to see you again so soon. And how fares my brother, soon to be your brother?”
“Missing, cousin.” Azai fixed his eyes on Kyliron to illustrate the complexity of the situation.
Kyliron folded his hands together and buried his lips behind his fists in disturbed silence.
“He left with the ship, Your Majesty,” Jamarish Ka assured.
Azai took a step forward. “My father knows Prince Bavendrick tried to escape leaving Poseidia before he was brought on board.” His voice was calm, though his words radiated threat. “And everyone knows Bavendrick resisted this betrothal from the start.”
After a considerable silence, Kyliron’s eyes flared and turned red by the gathering of angry tears.
“My father insists he has fled in cowardice,” said Azai flatly. “And he demands justice.”
Kyliron began to tremble. “My brother is not a coward! Nor is he dishonorable as you dare to accuse him. He had accepted his duty, and he resolved to carry it through. He told me himself. He would not lie to me.” His voice shook. “There is one explanation alone. He fell off the ship in the middle of the sea with no one to notice. Did you have the ship searched? I made sure he left. He became Og’s responsibility then! I will be sure your father is held accountable for this.” Tears escaped the king’s red-rimmed eyes, which he immediately wiped away.
Azai paused, unsure what to say. His cousin’s words seemed just as unreasonable as his father’s.
Kyliron pounded his fists on the arms of the throne. “Your father planned this, didn’t he! This is his revenge for the death of your brother, isn’t it! This betrothal was not enough for you as an apology? I have angered the Watchers for your father! And now this?”
Azai flinched, visibly disturbed. “Cousin, don’t be foolish, my father believes Bavendrick ran away. He does not think the prince is dead. You are the only one who has suggested that.” He made sign to the Watchers, and muttered under his breath. “You do not insult the Watchers, cousin. You are the insult.”
“What was that you just said?” Kyliron narrowed his eyes.
“Let’s not squabble, Your Majesty, Your Highness.” Jamarish Ka interjected.
“This is not a squabble!” shouted Kyliron, his voice turned to ice. “My brother is dead! Can’t you see? I sent him away and he was not safe!” He glared at Azai. “You tell your father I will hear no more of it. Your brother is dead, and now so is mine. I’d say it makes us even. Any more words about it could tempt me toward retaliation.”
Azai bowed, and gave his cousin a searching look. Knowing better than to say anything else, he headed for the entrance. “I will show myself out, Your Majesty.”
“No, no, cousin,” Kyliron reached out feebly. His demeanor flipped dramatically. “I have nothing against you. Please, be my guest in the palace. I have always felt comfort in your company.”
“You must forgive me, Your Majesty.” Azai studied the high king even more carefully. He continued, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “But I must refuse your generous offer. My family prepared a joining feast for Ka-Ma-Sharri. I must return to help my sister face her shame, and grieve the loss of her betrothed.” Prince Azai was the most diplomatic choice for his father to send. Of all the royal family of Og, Azai was the most tolerable. He bowed once more, gathered Rayliis with a glance, and walked quickly out of the chamber, shooting one last look of pity and concern at his royal cousin.
After many moments in uncomfortable silence, Kyliron looked at Jamarish Ka through bleary eyes. “And what of my betrothed? Has there been any news?”
“This is why I summoned you, Your Majesty. I was contacted by the Grid-tuner I sent to the node where the temple entourage was attacked.” Jamarish Ka spoke steadily, studying the king’s fragile mood. “I believe the Queen Impending has been discovered. Are you ready to meet her?”
Kyliron shook his head, and blinked the tears out of his eyes, which streaked down his handsome features. He used his sleeve to wipe them away. “No. I am not prepared to meet her. Jamarish, I have begun to fear myself. I wished for my brother and my betrothed to perish. What have I done?”
“Nothing here is of your doing, Your Majesty.”
“You think not?” His eyes lit on fire. “I wished for both of them to die. Look at what happened! What am I becoming?”
“These were merely coincidences.” Jamarish Ka reached out a hand to touch the king’s shoulder. Kyliron pulled away roughly.
The king’s maydrian looked disapprovingly as he continued. “You don’t know if your brother is dead, Your Majesty. And you can most certainly still save your betrothed.”
The king’s voice shook as he spoke. “He was taken by the elements. Just like our mother. Mark my words, Jamarish Ka. He was taken by the ocean.”
“But, Your Majesty . . .”
“Just leave me! If I have to listen to your voice any longer, my head will explode!”
PRINCE AZAI MADE
a quick exit with Rayliis in stride. He stared straight ahead, brooding as they retraced their steps back to the courtyard where they had left their vehicles.
Azai muttered toward Rayliis. “Of course, I didn’t mention that this wouldn’t have happened if he had allowed us to transport Bavendrick our way. I don’t understand what he has against vimana.” He shook his head dismally. “He has brought this on himself. And my father is no better.”
Rayliis answered quietly. “Your family does hold on to the ancient technologies jealously. The high king, I am sure, wishes to possess his own vimana. It is always futile to argue with pride.”
“Right, as always. So now the great mystery begins. Where is Prince Bavendrick? Perhaps my father is defying the Watchers by attempting to steer his betrothal to my sister. Though the joining would strengthen Eastern and Western Atlantis, my sister is not of the dreamclans. Bavendrick was correct to resist this betrothal. His generation is supposed to join with dreamclan mates.”
A small group of citizens gathered around to gawk at the two flowcraft. Both were etched with ancient Keylontic codes, the magic symbols balancing them with nature.
Each flowcraft had one seat, which curved to head height. The rider was meant to be sealed by a bubble of glass to shield them from all elements, yet both had been retracted to a rounded windshield for their trip from Og, since they had only skimmed the ocean, rather than submerging. Azai preferred to feel the occasional splash of water when he traveled that way at top speed.
Sensing their approach, both vehicles sprang into action, scaring the wits out of those who had gathered to study the ancient relics. Azai’s pace quickened as he donned his gloves and goggles. His last steps built momentum to spring himself into the seat. He acknowledged Rayliis with a salute, and leaned forward in the craft to direct himself back down the silver path. They scaled over the great orichalcum wall of the inner circle of the city, and downward toward the water. Hovering slowly over the inner water ring, Azai and Rayliis directed their crafts to keep pace.
“Back to Og, Your Highness?”
He smiled and shook his head slowly. “My father suspected our royal cousin would be unreasonable, so he ordered me to track down Bavendrick myself once I delivered the news. He knows this is a better task for me than comforting my intolerable sister. I can’t say I blame my cousin Bavendrick for running. He was always the most sensible among us.”
Rayliis nodded knowingly as he continued.
“I think we should begin with the woman he claims to be in love with. What was her name again? The one who was cast from the courts in shame?”
“Vinesia Shanel, Your Highness.”
He beamed a half-cocked smile at his friend and bodyguard. She knew him well enough to anticipate his every move. Without another word, he leaned forward in his seat. The Flowcraft picked up speed along the water ring and took flight, capturing the attention of pedestrians as they passed. Once airborne, they banked in sync, and headed toward the Outlands.
THE STREETS WERE filled with citizens who prepared for their respective gatherings, contemplating their previous nights. The eclipse the night before had marked the height of the three-day festival. The third day, known as Ka-Ma-Sha, marked the parting of the celestial lovers once more to their separate horizons. At moonrise, all citizens of Atlantis would gather for their traditional Ka-Ma-Sha feast. It was considered unheard of for anyone to abstain from dining with friends or family on these days. Whereas the first night was about inner union and the second was about divine union, the third night represented community.
Lukias guided the carriage to a stop, and tossed a hurried glance at his sister. Brigitte noticed a pier stretching across the water toward the Ring of Learning, its entrance marked by a nodeyard. Her eyes were open to Dreamtime, though she could not see as deeply as her brother. Blue tendrils of mist hovered in and out of formations, and pointed off in different directions as they traveled. The blue patterns did not seem random, like other wisps of color in Dreamtime. They almost seemed as if they were signs left by someone to convey a message. As her brother directed the carriage along the trail he was following, Brigitte wondered if these were what guided him.
Across from Allondriss in the hover-carriage, the priest and priestess occasionally shot concerned looks at one another. Stixxus and his team of fury warriors escorted them in formation. Lukias directed the carriage to a parking alcove where many carriages were clustered, bearing ornate flags and décor.
Allondriss parted the curtains. “This is the Cartel District, mistress,” she said to Brigitte quietly.
Lukias was in one of his trances.
They all climbed out of the carriage. Stixxus and Allondriss remained with Brigitte while the other furies stayed in step with Lukias and the temple clergy. A stone archway marked the entrance to the cartel docks. Without a word, Lukias headed for the nodeyard. The yellow-robed priest took out his gauge and began measuring the node.
Brigitte’s eyes softened to the crystal’s surface. Unlike the first one they encountered, this one was attached to the rest of the Grid. As she connected with the node she could feel her essence stretching into the crystalline network covering all of Atlantis. But the nodes only offered a small glimpse of its vastness.
Suddenly she noticed a face watching her; a hologram trapped in its surface, the same face that watched her from the first node. Chills covered her body. The woman’s bloody hand reached for her. Her mouth was open in terror, fixed in an eternal scream of pain.
Brigitte began to feel the pain. She wanted to run, but instead her feet carried her closer. The entity tried to reach out, but remained trapped in the crystal. Almost as if caught in a magic spell that usurped all control of her body, Brigitte approached the node, her hand lifting to touch its surface. The entity’s two-dimensional hand escaped the crystal, and Brigitte felt a jolt as their fingers touched. An icy-cold stab crept up her arm and into her heart. A scream was trapped in her throat. She was paralyzed with fear.
“Brigitte!” Her brother’s voice shocked her into awareness. The entity’s hand recoiled back into the node. Lukias stepped between her and the crystal. “You must stay away from the nodes. This creature has attached itself to your fear. Banish your fear and it will have no hold on you.”
“What is it?” she sobbed, feeling as though poison were spreading through her body.
“When those temple clergy were murdered, a part of them remained. They are an imprint of that one moment of terror. I think isolating that node from the Grid kept them trapped there. Otherwise they would be in the Grid. But this one managed to attach to you. I think you may have set it loose in the Grid.”
The dreamseer priestess stepped closer, examining Brigitte with concern.
“You say you have no idea how that node was isolated?” Lukias directed his attention to the priestess.
She lowered her voice while tossing a wary glance at the yellow-robed priest. “That’s the claim of the Grid-tuners, at least.”
A tingle ran up and down Brigitte’s body. She knew there were eyes on her. She peeled away from her brother. A slow, casual turn revealed their audience. Hidden in shallow Dreamtime, they surrounded the nodeyard and watched intently. It was the same group they had seen before. In unison, they lifted crystals to their lips and began humming. She could feel the resonance on a higher frequency. It pulled at her soul. She could not resist. All sensation began to drain away. She lifted her hands to make sure they were still attached to her body. At that moment, the spell was completed. Brigitte’s body crumpled to the ground, and her dreambody was yanked away by the resonance they created. As an apparition, she drifted closer to one of them, a woman. Sounds and colors swirled into Dreamtime.
The woman bowed to Brigitte. “Welcome to Atlantis, dweller of the Dreamvale.” Her catlike eyes wavered telepathically. “It is we who disconnected the node from the Grid. The Temple Sect do not know how this was accomplished. They cannot be trusted.”
“How did you force me i
nto dreambody?” Brigitte looked around in confusion.
“We have many skills. But we are in need of your assistance. We would ask you to help us capture the creature who murdered the Temple Sect victims. We captured her once last night, but she has escaped.”
“Why do you ask me? My brother is on the same trail. He will find her.”
“What will you do with her once you find her? Your brother can find her, but you are marked by it. She is hunting you. We summoned you into dreambody because you are accompanied by Temple Sect clergy. We had no choice but to approach you without their knowing. We need to trap this creature. If the Temple Sect take her, we will never know the answers we seek. Right now they think the attack of this entity in the node is why you have passed out. We must keep it this way, and you must lead her to us. If you stay in the blue dream, the creature will not be able to see you.”
Brigitte looked around at the ribbons of blue essence around them.
“One can only see this frequency after consuming the blue-dream elixir. It is a secret only we possess.”
Brigitte began to evaluate her position anew.
HIGH SUN APPROACHED. Citizens slowly gathered for illumination rituals at the entrance to the nodeyard, but the furies blocked their path.
“We must let them enter,” the Grid-tuner priest said to Lukias and the dreamseer priestess. “We need devoted citizens to attend illumination rituals. The power of Atlantis depends on their mindlight donations.”
Still cradling his sister, Lukias looked up at the priest in shock. “You would endanger all of these people? The entity that attacked my sister is still in there.”
“It looks as though it has entered her. She must be brought to a temple healing center.” The priest’s voice pitched into urgency. “We must let the citizens practice illumination rituals. We have almost reached high sun. The resonance will soon begin.”